Roundabout
In Bayside
Outback Steakhouse:
23-48 Bell Blvd., Bayside, 819-0908
Cuisine:
Australian-influenced steakhouse
Hours: Monday-Thursday
4-10:30 p.m.; Friday 4-11:30 p.m.; Saturday 2:30-11:30 p.m.; Sunday 2-10:30 p.m.
Major Credit Cards:
accepted
Parking: The Bay Terrace
shopping center parking
Tired of your everyday world?
Looking to add a fun touch of the unusual
to your family dinner?
Then head to Outback in Bayside.
From the ostrich that greets you at the
door to the alligator holding his own mug of Foster’s (it’s Australian for beer,
or haven’t you heard), Outback steakhouse is designed to take the ordinary out of
your day.
Warning here: the wait for a table can be
long, but the food that awaits is worth the time. Booths and family round tables are
available, all surrounded by hints of Australia and reminders of the house specialty: The
Bloomin’ Onion ($5.99). Deep fried but not at all greasy, the onion flowers out for
hand-picking of pieces, dipping, and sharing by at least two people (this bloomin’
appetizer is big!) Also enjoy the Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp ($7.99), which were large,
butterflied, and actually coated in a batter that included coconuts (adding a lightly
sweet contrast to the shrimp).
There is a lot to be recommended on the
menu . . . the Ayers Rock Strip steak (a 14-ounce New York Strip for $17.99) was prepared
well and was more than I could finish. My knowledgeable waiter, Greg, pointed out that the
steamed vegetables had a bit of butter before I ordered them, just in case I would be
concerned. . . and butter or no, they are delicious as are the baked sweet potatoes
(complete with butter and brown sugar). Also always delicious is the Chicken On The Barbie
(seasoned and grilled breast served with BBQ sauce and fresh vegetables, $10.99), prepared
simply but full of flavor, and you can even add on a lobster tail ($7.99 extra) if the
mood strikes you.
For dessert, their Cheesecake Olivia (New
York style with a choice of raspberry, chocolate or caramel sauce, $4.99) will leave you
feeling guilty for days and the Cinnamon Oblivion (Vanilla ice cream covered in cinnamon
apples and pecans topped with caramel sauce, $4.99) is simply annihilating.
If you wander in on your own, a seat at the
bar will introduce you to whatever usual you would like or try their Wallaby Darned
($4.95, "down under frozen wonder with peaches, DeKuyer Peachtree schnapps,
champagne, Smirnoff vodka & secret mixers) or the Gold Coast ‘Rita ($4.95,
"Cuervo Gold makes these ritas bonzer, frozen or on the rocks. Also available with
Ocean Spray cranberries or succulent strawberries").
Making either specialty drink a "Down
Under" adds a shot of its primary liquor. And to go with your new found thirst
quencher, the bartender can bring you your own convenient bar table to bridge the rounded
bar rail and let you enjoy the menu’s full-table or curb-side items.
As for the curbside "Take Away"
service . . . you don’t even have to leave your car. Just call in the order, and
they’ll bring it out to you when you arrive, so you can be on your way . . . . or
roundabout.
–Tamara Hartman |
