Potts Point is becoming one of the new hot spots around Sydney for foodies. Bustling with trendy little bars with gourmet offerings, upmarket dumpling houses and environmentally-friendly cafes, it’s almost becoming quite a challenge to keep up with the number of little places that are opening up. I was therefore rather intrigued when I was invited to check out one of these new places, Buns & Balls, mid-week.

Okay, get your heads out of the gutter. This tongue-in-cheek establishment sits right on the bustling Bayswater Road central to Kings Cross, complete with an astro-turfed beer garden, luxurious outdoor and indoor seating, and simply a relaxed, funky, “kick back your heels and we’ll figure it out for you” vibe.

I was here this evening with a group of other bloggers and the trusty Lara Croft. She has had more than her share of dude food over the years, and was more than ready, like me, to take on the challenge of tonight.

Drinks to start? You have a choice of two for the juice cocktails: Watermelon, lime and vodka or Pineapple, ginger beer, vodka and bitters. Both are freshly squeezed, and come with or without alcohol. You know, it’s hump day – alcoholic, please.

We were brought out a selection from the general menu, starting with Crispy Tofu Gourmet Meatballs.

Growing up in an Asian family, I’m more than familiar with tofu and found these non-offensive – crunchy, and good with the accompanying spicy sauce. The insides was a chopped hard tofu mixture, and I think this menu item would be popular with non-carnivores.

The Beef & Pork meatballs had been coated lavishly in tomato sauce with a good shaving of Parmesan. These were also good, but probably not my favourite.

My favourite (and my friend’s) was hands-down the Barramundi Croquette. Crispy fish balls, falling open to reveal soft, fresh and delicate fish meat, onto which you could slather a nice amount of the creamy tartare. These were a winner.

Onto the burgers, a creation from the man who brought us the original Oporto burger. I had high expectations for the Grilled Chicken Burger, and wasn’t disappointed:

Marinated and char-grilled chicken, cheese, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, mayo and BB’s Chilli Sauce. The bun’s a combination between buttery brioche and bread, making it light and easy to eat.

If you want something a little more full-on, the traditional Char-Grilled Beef may be your thing. Wagyu beef, cheese, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, mayo and BB’s Burger Sauce. It’s a hearty, American-style burger that’s not for the faint.

A combination of Sweet Potato Fries? Why ever not. Well-seasoned, and the combination of different types of potato provides a nice contrast but unfortunately means it’s incredibly moreish and you keep reaching…

And some Spicy Louisiana Wings as as well, with blue-cheese sauce? Well, if you insist! It’s messy, delicious and the tender chicken wings are perfectly cooked; made for gnawing away at with sticky fingers.

I was slightly straining at this point, not used to so much of this kind of food in a long while, but dessert was yet to come! We had the Doughnut Bites, which came with a Belgian chocolate dipping sauce.

But my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the Ice Cream Sandwiches, which never fails to bring out the child in anyone. Icy, creamy traditional vanilla ice cream sandwiched in-between soft, buttery choc-chip cookies – I was happy and content.

I greatly enjoyed the relaxed vibe at Buns & Balls, and from what I’ve heard they have an RnB DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s friendly, chilled and a place to catch up and lounge around, or a quick pre-dinner destination if you’re looking to visit the nightlife around the area. With $10 burgers and a big variety of tasty drinks, you’re spoilt for choice.

Buns & Balls
33 Bayswater Road,
Potts Point NSW 2011
www.bunsandballs.com.au