Review: Checking out the menu at Pape'ete, City Diggers, Wollongong

You probably wouldn't have thought it would be served up as a served as a main menu item at a modern eatery, well not outside Hawaii.

For the newly launched Pape'ete restaurant the nod to Polynesian cuisine is a roaring success. The newly renovated restaurant and bar at City Diggers in Wollongong boasts a unique take on the flavours of the South Pacific.

The Food

Not being massive Spam lovers we weren't sure what to expect when we were served up a 'House-made Spam Roll'.

The mini brioche bun, delicious fried house spam, melted cheese and herb aioli was a surprise for the senses, paired perfectly with a Sauvignon Blanc from Locke and Key.

The Spam roll was followed by Soft Shell Crab Tacos.

This sounded like a much safer option and the tongue tingling spicy sauce made it an excellent dish.

My dining partner enjoyed the duck spring rolls, which were perfect fried and stuffed and we both had a nibble on The Grazing Board, complete with cooked meat, olives and cheeses.

My dining companion and I were too full and satisfied to delve into the desserts but the bar menu includes desserts like the delightful sounding Orange crepes complete with triple sec custard and toast coconut and chocolate sauce or a more simple fruit salad, complete with some more triple sec.

The Wine List

The theme of the new bar is to support as much local produce, alongside local liquor merchants where possible.

With a spectacular range of craft brews from Five Barrel Brewing, rums from Brix Distillers, and Gins from a local favourite Headlands Distillery.

The Ambience

Tastefully decorated, with vibrant greens and brass finishes, the new bar is inviting and calming.

What the launch press said

Wollongong Golf Club and City Diggers chief executive Leigh Hingston said he was a little nervous when food and beverage manager Simon Everett first pitched the idea of using spam in the menu, but was impressed with the result.