Outback Steakhouse, Parklea

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Hard wood booths and tables spaced out in what looked like an oversized ranch dinning hall, TV's mounted in various corners of the room eternally highlighting one or another sports activity, a well stocked bar at one end, odd bits of photographs and artwork, all of this and more welcomes you as you enter the dimly lit premises of the Outback steak house in Parklea. This was my first visit to this restaurant and the first impressions warranted no complaints.



We were greeted by a friendly staff member who's American accent aptly suited the surroundings we were in. He politely introduced himself and guided us to the table reserved for us. After sliding into our booth we placed an order to quench our thirst. As the time was not right for an alcoholic beverage I inquired into the possibility of whipping up a mock-tail for me. Once the go ahead was given, I requested my list of add-ons. Though I was not expecting a top quality mock-tail coming out of the bar in this ranch style establishment, the drink with no name pleasantly surprised me. I indulged in the tasty creation while studying the menu.



A bloke's choice of meat is truly the essence of a stake house and this was true to Outback as well. A wide range of mouthwatering meaty dishes are offered on the menu. While we contemplated on choice, a plate of cheesy chips passed by our booth leaving its mouthwatering aromas lingering behind , Then we saw that all too famous blooming onion ($9.95). We resisted the temptation of ordering these popular dishes with calories galore and opted to go for the main meal straight-away.


The two choices of meat at our table were the Sirloin and the Lamb rack. All mains came with a choice of two sides. The sauce for your beef is of your own choice. After placing the order we scanned the surrounds. The patrons were everyday families in their comfortable attire with one or two couples seated in dark, corner booths.The overall look of the place was family friendly and clean.



First to arrive at our table was a rustic home baked bread, pleasantly presented on a wooden board. Take care not to stuff yourself with the complimentary bread and the spread of butter as the mains themselves are quite large in potion when eaten together with the two side orders of your choice.



Our mains arrived quite quickly warm and mouthwateringly good looking. The full lamb rack ($35.95) had five or six potions of lamb on the bone and was cooked just as I requested, leaving that peachy pink intact. The red wine sauce that accompanied the dish was an absolute delight. My choice of sides, the soup of the day and the vegetables without question complimented and completed the meal.


Unfortunately, the same ratings could not be given to the Outback Special Sirloin steak ($29.95) that came a tad over done to our liking. The beef lacked the juiciness and the flavour that it should have had. Pouring the mushroom sauce over the steak in desperation, brought some kind of flavour to the plate but surely being a steakhouse they should have been able to do their steaks much better than that.

Based on my personal experience I would not recommend the steak at this steakhouse., but there are plenty of other tasty options to indulge in like the lobster tail that was ordered just for the sake of ordering. This dish was indeed a hit. The perfectly cooked mountain of lobster flesh was indeed a heavenly treat when dipped in the warm melted butter pot that accompanied the dish. If I had not stuffed myself with the lamb rack and the complementary bread I would have disregarded how many calories I was taking in and indulged in the entire plate of Lobster tail. Maybe next time.

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