I couldn't decide between Delicatessen and Press. Both are closely located, Delicatessen has an exceptional Zomato rating and the menu reads nicely albeit more standard. Press on the other hand has a grill and advertises a section for offal. I am quite selective with my offal but moreso than the average person and finding a place that can execute the nose-to-tail concept (or more parts of it) it quite difficult.
I do admit that the various offals come from different animals, but at least they are trying. Pig blood (as morcilla or black pudding), fried lambs brains, grilled ox tongue and beef heart steak or skewer would have to be my choice selection if asked.
- Kumamoto oysters 6 for $24 - oysters that filled the shell, meaty texture and strong brine flavour. Really good;
- Tea-smoked salmon belly, soba noodles, cucumber, sesame $19 - it was a toss up between this and the woodgrilled squid. This was a cold noodle dish with lovely salted salmon chunks with the skin adding more flavour and texture. The soba sauce was a little weak and could have used more sesame;
- House-made pappardelle, blue swimmer crab, tomato, chilli $34 - it's such a luxury not having to pick out crab meat from the shell. The sauce was unusually sweet as though honey had been added. The pasta quality was top;
- Press* mixed-grill $38 - this is the dish that interested in my Press* the most. Morcilla (strong, rich flavour), lamb brains (a bit plain, not as creamy as I expected), grilled calf's tongue (unexpectedly soft and luscious with grilled flavour), medium-rare minute steak (should have asked for rare but forgot but nicely flavour), honey-roasted sweetbreads (I'm not too sure which this was as the fried spheres were introduced to me as onions and tasted like sweet versions of this. The texture seemed more an onion than a sweetbread too), onion, remoulade & poached egg (nice although seemed an odd addition to the plate);
- Chestnut & apricot souffle with armagnac ice cream $17 - a sweet, warm and aerated souffle with a nutty icecream that resisted the urge to melt.
The food was very good although I may choose more selectively next time. It's difficult because the mixed-grill presents a nice portion of each of the offals which is great if you want variety and aren't able to share it easily. Ideally I'd try to find to rally some troops for the roast suckling Berkshire pig feasting menu...
The waitress Amber was very pleasant and kept a good eye. Be happy with your work as it is so rare I tip in Australia.