The Butcher’s Apprentice

When the opportunity arose, the popular Wahroonga cafe The Butcher’s Block took over the old fruit shop next door. Anthony Karnasiotis and dad George have used it to create a night-time offering.

Interior design has again been done by Giant Design Consultants and follows the same theme as the converted butcher’s shop next door. But the Apprentice is more refined than rustic, slightly darker and moodier than the bright cafe. The food is more refined, too. Still casual, but thoughtful.

Dishes include lamb cutlets with tangerine, sage, thyme and rosemary brush; pork cheek with five spice, rainbow chard, watermelon rind and orange-blossom floss; and tea-smoked salmon belly with beetroot lime meringue – all presented with delicate flower and berry finishes.

The wine list by Ben Wainwright includes cleverly named cocktails (The Old Fashioned T-bone, The Apprentice Slept In), beers with a local leaning, and an international wine offering.