Overview
Few dishes in the history of fast food, nay, mankind, have been as divisive as the humble Filet-O-Fish. Tracing its roots back to 1962, the seafood-centric McDonald's burger was actually born from an Ohio McDonald's that saw meaty hamburger sales drop on Fridays due to the local customers abstaining from meat. Now, the combo of breaded fish, tartar sauce and pasteurised cheese remains one of the most polarising burgers of all. Nobody can stop the march of progress, so why not sample a luxurious Greek spin on it this summer?
You can do just that at Homer Rogue Taverna, the new seasonal home of, frankly, a much nicer-sounding version of the burger. Homer's take on the dish — the Filletto Fish — is a mini gyro made with Blue Eye Trevalla that's battered in-house using the venue's own ouzo batter, skordalia, pickled cucumber and dill. They come served individually, but you might want to grab a few.
Homer Rogue Taverna opened earlier this year in Cronulla. It's a deliberately laidback — and pared-back — affair, with a raw contemporary fitout that juxtaposes exposed brick and concrete, chicken wire glass and graffitied walls with elegant mid-century furniture, terrazzo flooring and a rocaro granite chef's counter that frames the stainless steel open kitchen.
The 100-seat venue is primarily open for walk-ins — a spot, says co-owner Harry Kapoulas, "where you're welcome whether you're still in your thongs after a day at the beach, enjoying a family meal or celebrating a special occasion". No matter the occasion, you'll be able to order the Filetto Fish alongside the rest of the unconventional menu. There are no starters or mains here, but instead a generous lineup of dishes designed to be shared as they're ready.
Trent van der Jagt
Homer Rogue Taverna can be found at 3 Surf Road, Cronulla. Visit the website for more information or to make a booking.
Images by Trent van der Jagt