The PARKROYAL Parramatta has relaunched their Saturday night Seafood Buffet from 6pm to 9pm at TABLE:30, to the delight of many seafood lovers.
Located in the heart of Parramatta's 'Eat Street', it wasn't the food that was the first thing I loved about the Seafood Buffet at TABLE:30 - it was the FREE parking!
Anyone heading out to Parramatta on a Saturday night knows what a struggle it can be to find a parking space, and once you do, you have the joy of paying for the privilege! Having my parking included as part of the Seafood Buffet package was a lovely bonus.
Situated on the first floor of the hotel, the restaurant is positioned like a mezzanine overlooking the hotel lobby and BAR:30.
The bar has talented live music playing from 6pm at a pleasant tempo and volume for chatting with fellow diners, and provides a nice serenading ambience while enjoying your meal.
As expected from a 4.5 star hotel, the staff is welcoming, friendly and attentive to every need throughout your dining experience.
The buffet offers the highest quality fresh local seafood including oysters, blue swimmer crab, and cooked king prawns.
There are a range of sauces, dressings and wedges of lemon to accompany your seafood selection which also includes Thai fish cakes, New Zealand Mussels and my ultimate favourite - Balmain Bugs.
You can tell this seafood has been sourced fresh that day as these juicy, succulent morsels of crustacean were an indulgent delight. My second favourite item was the BBQ Calamari with Capsicum and Oregano.
The great soft texture and delicious flavour combination with hints of garlic had me going back for seconds. The Whole Poached Trout, presented like an art sculpture on a platter with Salmon and a range of other smoked fish, is a sight to behold.
The array of choices doesn’t stop with the Seafood, there is also an assortment of salads and hot dishes that you’ll need to leave room for.
Caesar salad lovers will appreciate the deconstruction of this dish to be built to your own liking – with more bacon or cheese, with or without croutons or dressing, you can create this however you prefer.
The Potato salad was excellent however the Moroccan Cous Cous needed a bit more spice and was a little dry for my liking.
Having said that, there are a range of dressings available, so it’s possible the chefs are intentionally leaving this up to you to suit your own taste.
One of the pleasant surprises on the salad bar was dolmades. Their flavour was much milder than the traditional Greek offering, but I loved them just the same.
For those whose dining partners are not seafood lovers, there are plenty of alternatives to satisfy their appetite.
The delectable Antipasto and cheese platters are fresh and plentiful. While the Slow Cooked Beef Scotch Fillet and Chicken Cacciatore are full of exquisite flavour and can be paired perfectly with the seasonal steamed vegetables, roasted garlic potatoes or buttered rice.
The real showpiece of this buffet is the dessert bar. Not only are the range of desserts on offer just as extensive as the seafood, but you can have some interactive fun with the chefs as they create desserts made to order at the live cooking station.
From light crepes to rich chocolate pudding or crisp flaky strudel, you can choose your topping like berries or orange glaze and accompaniments like double cream or vanilla anglaise.
Our Chef, Kashi demonstrated his wealth of experience in working in many of our city’s top hotels, by skilfully preparing our desserts to order.
He is also pleased for guests to make suggestions to the dessert station menu and happily welcomed my idea of chocolate or butterscotch toppings or fillings for the crepes.
With so much quality food on offer the TABLE:30 Seafood Buffet is undoubtedly great value for money, but you’ll need to bring your appetite.
I skipped lunch to build a hearty enthusiasm for all that was on offer, but still struggled to find enough room to try everything on the menu.
A clever option might be to take advantage of PARKROYAL Parramatta’s Seafood Season package including the Seafood Buffet for two at TABLE:30, overnight accommodation, overnight parking and a late checkout.
That way, after you’ve eaten beyond your fill, it’s just a short stroll to your room to loosen your belt and sleep off all that lovely food.
NOTE: Free Parking is subject to availability
TABLE:30 - PARKROYAL Parramatta
Parramatta Parkroyal Hotel
30 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150
(02) 9689 3333
