The world adores matt hayward

Gertrude St, being the funky artery between Brunswick St and the skank of Smith St has a few hidden jewels like the Ume Bar and Ladros. But fuck me dead, I had no idea that I only had to walk to the end of the street to have great fish instead of going to Barclay St’s Claypots.

Yes the same crew have a far bigger restaurant in Collingwood, with an even better selection of fish (including Coral Rainbow Trout) and tapas. Although your’e more distanced from the kitchen and can’t drool over your meal being prepared, it’s a lot less congested and relaxed than Barclay St.

For entree we had Balmain Bugs. Interesting flavours and not as messy as it sounds. Don’t ask me what a Balmain Bug actually is. But it looks like a huge beetle or something and has fleshy meat like a prawn but with richer flavour.

One cute thing they do is bring out a massive paella cooking tray full of tapas dishes, so you can pick and choose, instead of reading them from the menu. This time we wen’t the Cajun Flathead and god damn was it succulent and with just the right hint of spice. In fact the first bite was so tender it was almost like a chicken breast.

In short if you love your fish and uncrammed restaurants, this really hits the spot!