Ruby & Rach at Strattons Hotel

Having your coleslaw, hotdogs and burgers stolen overnight doesn’t equate to a good day in the kitchen, but Chef Tony Gibson certainly took it in his stride. He’s just moved his New York style delicatessen Ruby & Rach into temporary gigs at Strattons Hotel. I suspect though, if this is the quality of lunch on a difficult day, in three months we’ll all be begging him to stay! The namesake sangers – Reuben ($16) and Rachel ($16) – are made respectively, on house-smoked and pickled corned wagyu and pastrami. I’ve earmarked them for a return visit, because I had to have Tongue ($12)! Who could pass up thin layers of pickled tongue piled upon lightly toasted rye with peas pudding and piccalilli? If you’re doubtful, wrap your laughing gear around a smaller serve in Half’n’Half ($11). It’s basically your choice of sanger with a cure-all bowl of Jewish Penicillin ($9) a.k.a. chicken soup – I do love a matzo ball! Round it out with shared Poutine ($12) (the Canuck’s fancier version of chips and gravy) and a Mountain Goat Steam Ale ($5.90/schooner). It’s one of two craft brews on-tap in the er…  shall we say, ‘unrenovated’ bar downstairs. On second thoughts just head straight on up to the white tablecloths…

Ruby & Rach at Strattons Hotel
249 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9264 5636 strattonshotel.com.au
Pub Bistro $