Stepping into Fuel by Night in Brookvale, you’re met with an ambience that’s as unpretentious as it is welcoming – a stark contrast to the daytime persona of “Fuel”, the café beloved by many for its exceptional coffee and satisfying bites.
This nocturnal transformation is nothing short of a culinary revelation, offering an experience that transcends the need for flashy decor or a prime location. It’s here, in this modest setting near a bustling main road, that I found myself enveloped in a world of Israeli-inspired cuisine, where every dish serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of Mediterranean flavours.
Fuel by Night’s concept is simple yet profoundly effective: a set menu designed for sharing, embodying the spirit of communal dining at its finest. At $70 a person, the price is a mere token for the culinary journey that awaits.
The brains behind this venture, Shak and Jess, along with the culinary prowess of chef Maor Sahar have crafted a menu that dazzles with freshness, quality, and ingenuity. The result? A dining experience that feels akin to stepping into a vibrant Tel Aviv bar, complete with the kind of authentic atmosphere that’s been dearly missed.
The evening kicked off with an assortment of bagels and mezze – an introduction that set the tone for the feast to follow. But these were no ordinary bagels; they were fluffy, chewy delights that paired magnificently with a selection of dips, olives, and pickles.
What followed was a parade of dishes that each, in their own right, captured the essence of Israeli cuisine. The rocket, lettuce, drunk pear, and candy pistachio salad was a refreshing start, leading us to the heartier flavours of labneh, smokey eggplant, hummus, and pan-fried chicken liver meatballs. But it was the kofta that truly stole my heart, a dish so exquisitely prepared that it left me pondering whether I’d ever tasted better.
We paired our meal with a pomegranate gin and a grapefruit tequila. Need I say more, other than heavenly? As for the desserts, the Crack Pie, with its seductive combination of halva and mascarpone cream, was a revelation. Paired with mint tea that somehow tasted more vibrant than any I’ve encountered; it was a fitting conclusion to a meal that was as much an exploration of flavours as it was a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.
Fuel by Night’s ability to cater to both omnivores and vegans, not to mention its family-friendly early hours, makes it a place where everyone can find something to relish. Yet, it’s in the company of friends, discussing the nuances of each dish against the backdrop of carefully curated music and a lively atmosphere, that the experience truly comes to life.
In essence, Fuel by Night stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, proving that true gastronomic delight often lies in the most unexpected of places. It’s a reminder that food, at its best, is not just about sustenance but about the stories it tells, the connections it fosters, and the worlds it has the power to transport us to, even if just for an evening.
About the author
Faye James is an avid foodie and recipe developer, the author of cookbooks The Menopause Diet (2023), The 10:10 Diet (2019, and The Long Life Plan (2018) and is a food, beauty and health journalist with over 20 years of experience.
Follow Faye on Instagram @fayecelinejames