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The Barking Frog

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

The Barking Frog. Not sure what the name means? How about the bar king frog? Nope - I still don't get it either. Nevertheless, this bar-cum-restaurant, which is housed in a tall, thin, two-storey building on a corner just north of the Corso, has a sophisticated air and a Parisian feel. It would be easy to imagine artistic types huddling in a corner, cigarette in hand, drinking coffee and struggling over their latest poetic masterpiece were it not for the tanned and toned beach types that cluster at every table. Well, that and the indoor smoking ban. Still, with live music acts regularly livening up the lounge bar, The Barking Frog has many attractions: a laid-back vibe that attracts a sophisticated crowd, a somewhat adventurous menu, a prime location directly opposite Manly beach and enough charm to make it worth a visit.

The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days and dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday. It's known for brekkie and the adventurous will appreciate unusual options such as black sticky rice with coconut and mango; and haloumi, pea and mint fritters with crispy bacon, rocket, and spicy tomato and onion jam. Late-risers might take advantage of the scrambled free range eggs with toast, oven-dried tomatoes and bacon which is served all day. For lunch choose from tortilla wraps, salads such as the crispy minced pork and peanut salad with cassava chips and witlof, and an enticing chef's selection. Dinner consists of a variety of innovative tapas dishes along with a selection of more substantial options, each boasting its own wine match. Try the Brazilian seafood stew of fish, mussels and prawns with tomato, chilli and coconut. To cleanse your palate, finish up with the almond milk jelly with poached apricots, figs and rosewater syrup.

Shelley Hepworth, January 2008