Deck Bar and Dining

Jessica Rayner
10th Oct 2015
$10-$25

With summer most certainly on it’s way, everyone’s thoughts are on long, sunny days at the beach followed by long, foody and boozy evenings at the bar.

Formerly Deck23, Deck Bar and Dining in Dee Why has always been one of the top spots for such wining, dining and dancing and now, with their menu and space re-launch, they’re set to be a go-to destination this summer.

From the moment you step inside Deck, you feel like you’re on holiday. Whether it’s the funky salsa music in the background, the tropical looking cocktails being drunk all around or just the crazy colourful interior, it feels totally acceptable to don on a pair of shades and whip out your thongs as you walk in.

The new menu matches the exotic atmosphere. Inspired by the vibrant flavours of the America’s, the foodie offerings are a bit of a mixed bag but there are some really delicious options. For Sunday breakfast, the Insta-addicts will no doubt be ordering the Young Coconut Fruit Salsa, a fruity combination of lychee, pineapple, mango and passionfruit all served in the trendiest of vessels, a coconut.

At lunch and dinner, the menu broadens out and suddenly it becomes much harder to choose what you’d like. My two favourites by far were the empanadas that were full of flavour and surprisingly filling and the Chimmi Churri Brisket sandwiches were just incredible. Chipotle marinated and twice cooked, the meat was tender and tasty and it was great fun watching new chef, Michael Acevedo, whip up the dish with such delight on his face.

Poached from Mona Vale Hotel, the new chef is responsible for bringing new life to the menu. ‘I have taken classic Latin American recipes and had fun with them, giving them a Western twist to create a fun, fusion dish’ he said.

Their cocktail menu has also had a bit of a re-vamp and includes some spirits that even the most dedicated mixologist may not have worked with before. We got to sample the Passionfruit and Vanilla Pisco Sour, a softer take on the classic cocktail (though just as lethal!).

I also love what they’ve done with the interior, creating a funky and fun space that’s the perfect spot to party on the weekends with a few cozy corners to hide away in. Personally, I’d be happy sitting in one of their egg chairs by the balcony and watching the sun go down with a Pisco Sour in hand. To create the space, they’ve commissioned local artists to put their stamp on the many walls and the final product is quite striking.

With a promise of live music on the weekends, plenty of foodie options and a good few cocktails, Deck Bar and Dining will no doubt be very popular this summer.

deckdeewhybeach.com.au