Having survived the terrible twos, the tempestuous teens and now sailing past the terrific twenty-firsts, it was time for my mother's group to get together after a four-year hiatus. A lot happens in a few short years - births, deaths, career changes, moving interstate (and then back again). A change in our love of food? I think not.
Food brings people together, to enjoy each other's company, share each other's stories. The organiser for our get together chose
Rashays at Top Ryde and it was the perfect place upstairs overlooking the piazza below. It's a deceptively large restaurant. As the five of us strolled through Rashays, past the welcoming orange balloons and the open kitchen, the restaurant widens out into a light-filled spacious area.
Photo: Faye
We perused their
extensive menu while catching up on each others' lives. On the starters and salads page were listed such gems as halloumi bruschetta, grilled chicken and avocado salad and a share plate of crumbed chicken tenders, salt and pepper squid and tempura prawns. The main menu covered a selection of burgers, smoked and flame-grilled beef ribs, New York cut with Rashays own mushroom sauce, spicy chicken strips, schnitzel parmigiana, seafood basket with salt and pepper squid, tempura flathead with prawns and crispy chips, Atlantic salmon; as well as a variety of pasta dishes. There were also a selection of pizzas including tandoori chicken, beef pepperoni or the classic margherita. Their dessert menu was extensive with twelve items listed with the likes of waffle bombs, crepes with Nutella, brownie with crushed Oreos, as well as a cheesecake topped with a Mars bar. Dream on, dessert fiends.
Image: Rashays facebook
Our meals didn't take long to arrive after ordering. One friend ordered the chicken crepe with caramelised onions, herb mix and Rashays own creamy mushroom sauce. She said it was delicious. Another ordered the vegetarian dish of spinach and basil pesto fettuccine with onion, garlic, chilli and napolitana sauce topped with kalamata olives and feta cheese. She nodded her approval.
Photo: Faye
Another friend ordered the fish and chips with a delectable creamy tartare sauce. On previous visits, she had eaten beef or chicken dishes but chose seafood for this occasion. She was not disappointed.
Photo: Faye
Two of us were looking for something healthy and appetising so we chose the chicken and avocado salad. The variety of textures on the plate from the deliciously moist chicken, crunchy pita strips, grated carrot, onion and capsicum all brought together with a tasty honey mustard dressing.
Photo: Faye
We all agreed our lunch was fabulous and decided we must catch up sooner rather than later. Rashays is one of the latest restaurants at Top Ryde Shopping Centre and has steadily built a loyal customer base. Rashays restaurants are located throughout New South Wales. My friend commented that this is her go-to place to meet friends. She has one friend who is in a wheelchair and finds that Rashays is
ideal for disabled people to navigate through this restaurant.
Photo: Faye
Rashays has
$10 lunches Monday to Friday and they also have a loyalty reward system. Pay $10 to be a member and enjoy
10% every time you dine, exclusive daily deals and much more.
