DuckFat

Newstead

DuckFat brings a fresh take on French cuisine to Newstead's Haven precinct, from the owners of La Belle Vie Bistro in Bardon.

Occupying a sleek contemporary high-ceilinged space, DuckFat has added a touch of elegance and warmth with mood lighting, pink cherry blossoms adorning the ceiling and French artworks on walls. There's also a cosy plant-lined courtyard out back and a streetside al fresco terrace where pooches are welcome to join their owners.

The food menu is on par with what you'd find in a Parisian brasserie, albeit with a contemporary twist, featuring snacks/starters such as Camembert rôti (camembert baked in a wooden box with rosemary-infused honey); charcuterie board; and baguette with French butter.

In addition, small plates include oysters with shallots and vinegar: cured salmon gravlax with rocket salad & lemon; beef tartare; and courgette (zucchini tagliatelle marinated in olive oil & Provençal herbs, goat cheese mousse).

For entree, there's a choice of French onion soup; foie gras with fig jam & toast; escargots (snails stuffed with garlic and parsley butter) and pan-fried scallops with butternut puree, crispy prosciutto and pumpkin seed oil.

The french pizza is well worth ordering, especially for those looking for a quick casual bite and a drink) and it comes with toppings like Classique (crème fraîche, onions & lardons); Three Cheese (crème fraîche, Roquefort, Abondance, mozzarella) and Provençal (puff pastry, seeded Dijon mustard, thinly sliced tomato, Provençal pesto).

Mains include Moules Frites (mussels and french fries); Bourgignon (slow cooked beef cheek bourguignon style, lardons, carrots, mushrooms & pickled onion); duck with honey sauce and roast potatoes; and French style ravioli filled with French cheese & parsley in a creamy truffle infused sauce.

There's also a selection of fresh delicious salads including Niçoise, Parisienne (lettuce, Emmental cheese, ham, croutons, Dijon mustard vinaigretten); Grenobloise (lettuce, Roquefort cheese, walnuts, lardons, walnut oil); and Océane (lettuce, house cured salmon, Mediterranean octopus, citrus segments, balsamic dressing).

For dessert there's lemon meringue tarte or Crème Brûlée whilst those who prefer a liquid dessert can enjoy a Crème Brûlée Espresso Martini from the artisan French-flavoured cocktail list.

For something more traditional, DuckFat offers a selection Aperitifs and carefully curated list of French wines and champagne, while beer drinkers can choose from a French beer (La Verte, Brasserie du Mont Blanc), Heineken Lager or a handful of locally brewed craft beers