Papi Chulo, Manly

Merivale's at it again with Coogee Pavillion opening. And I'm still here after all the hype has died finally going to Papi Chulo. 

The name that needs no introduction, Papi Chulo is Merivale's joint up at Manly, having taken over the space formerly owned by Manly Pavillion. 

This is a carnivore's dream. Slow roasted barbecue smoked meats in a Latin American style pimped up with a bit of Asian (thanks in no small part to Merivale's culinary mastermind Dan Hong) is what's happening here. It's a light and cheerful place decked out with sprawling windows, an open kitchen and of course the waterside views.

Freshly shucked oysters 3.5 ea

Oysters come joyfully filled with brine and chilled over ice. A squeeze of lemon and I'm already at my happy place.

DIY kingfish ceviche tostada, pineapple, jalapeno, lettuce hearts, corn tostada 21

The kingfish tostada is brilliant here featuring a zesty vinaigrette, superbly fresh kingfish cubes and a wicked jalapeno kick, corn chips and lettuce cups. 

Ranger's Valley wagyu brisket 34

Now for the item everyone's been raving about: their wagyu brisket and boy is it delicious, all 300 grams of it. It's utterly fall apart and wonderfully tender and rich with flavour. 

Suffolk lamb ribs with Papi's BBQ sauce

Mind you, Papi Chulo isn't the healthiest of places. Take their glossy smoked lamb ribs for instances which are just as divine.

Potatoes and gravy 17

And their take on potatoes and gravy which is all sorts of creative thanks to their glistening bone marrow, soft roasted garlic cloves, onions, beef drippings and creme fraiche to bring it all together. 

Curly fires 9

If that wasn't enough for the both of us, we also get a serve of their curly fries. Carb up baby.

Roast cauliflower, romesco, parmesan, brown butter crumbs 16

My favourite of the day, however, oddly didn't contain any meat. They've roasted that cauliflower down so it's tinged with little gnarly bits topped with nutty and sweet red romesco, crispy butter crumbs and a heap of shaved parmesan. So insanely delicious.

El Mani 8

We cap off this feast with a swig of their caramel, vanilla, peanut butter and chocolate milk shake. I mean how can you say no to that?

I'm not the biggest fan of summer but if that means feasting on slow roasted meats and cracking open a bottle of cold cider while watching the ferries dock in right here at Papi Chulo, I'm going to welcome it with open arms.

Posted in: bbq, bone marrow, lamb, Ribs