Bars | The Bucket List
If you’ve not seen The Bucket List right there on Bondi Beach, then you have a problem… and you need to get that checked out. Located in the old Nick’s Seafood Bondi restaurant, it’s now bright and open, with the sun streaming in as easily as the people do. Inside, the distressed stools seem to say, “Chill out, order a beer.”
In fact, the place is pretty well known for the artwork on display, with works from local artists Gerry Wedd (Mambo) and James Brown (Mash), famous for Motel Mexicola (a Bucket List sister venue), one of the world’s most Instagrammed venues. The service is fast and friendly – these people mean business but they’re not going to sap the joy of serving you professionally.
After you’ve done some people-watching and admired the amazing scenery outside, settle in for some starters (from $4.00, and includes gluten free options). Among them are the Al Pastor Pork Crackling taco ($8.00) - a zesty fill of pineapple, tomatillo salsa & radish. If you’re into something more interesting, try the Pastrami of Tuna ($19.00) from the specials menu. Filled with fennel, basil and served on charred focaccia, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that ‘pastrami’ and ‘tuna’ were terms too weird to be seen together - but it’s pretty good. Although it looks humungous, it’s surprisingly light. If this came in full-blown sandwich size you would cram that sucker home for lunch.
The mains also come in gluten free options. Try the Slow Roast Local Pork ($25.00) - a tomato-based dish that is perfect for those with a big appetite (the polenta is delicious!). Feel like seafood for your seaside meal? Order the Grilled Barramundi ($28.00). Gluten-free and cooked to perfection, the fish is served with braised eggplant, olives and sultanas – a little taste of Morocco, perhaps?
For dessert, try the Banana and Caramel Banoffee Tart ($13.00), and you’ll probably be glad that it didn’t come in pie size (very sweet and easy to indulge!).
Wash all the food down with the wide range of drinks available, from $9.00 beers -like Coronas or Singhas - or party-time cocktails including the rum-based Go Down a Waterfall on a Raft ($16.00 for a glass or $28.00 for a jug), or a $9.00 glass of the 2012 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ($45 per bottle).
Feel free to take a long hard look at the drinks menu between 17 and 28 April, because The Bucket List, along with Hyundai Australia, are supporting the Plan B Anti-Drink Driving Campaign. Offering a free shuttle service from the restaurant and 5 locations between North Bondi and Bondi Junction (North Bondi Bus Depot, Seven Ways North Bondi, Bondi Junction Train Station / Bus Depot, Waverley Council Chambers & CNR off Fletcher Street & Bondi Road), you won’t have to worry about how you’ll be getting home during the Easter/Anzac Day period.
The Bucket List Co-Owner Andy Ruwald said, “We thought this was a great opportunity to team up with Hyundai and the community by offering a safe transport option for our patrons during this busy holiday period.” This service runs from the 17th – 28th April during opening hours.
By Erica Enruiqez
