THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED South Food + Wine Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED South Food + Wine Bar Restaurant Review:

Aussie chef Luke Mangan’s first foray in the U.S. is a chic little restaurant and wine bar in the South of Market district. The space is a tidy, contemporary box, with striking woven lanterns that spread lit geometry across the ceiling. Flat, smoke-colored ostrich banquettes, curved white chairs and a long, clean-lined communal table compose the space; a short wine bar and sexy-auntie drapery add living-room-like intimacy. The food is modern Australian, with a playful emphasis on boutique wines from Oz and New Zealand---around 20 by the glass are served from the two-page list that ranges from complex Pinots to fruity, sparkling shiraz. Nutty, weighty dukkah with bread begins the meal, and novel appetizers include a “bushman’s plate” of hummus, olives doused in rosemary, salmon sashimi atop crisp flatbread, deep-fried mussels with heavy aïoli, and lamb merguez sausage: a pile of divergent flavors to say the least. We enjoy the petite, unique crab meat omelet, topped with enoki mushrooms, resting in a gentle pool of miso broth. Though portions are fashionably moderate, entrées are surprisingly heavy, including fancy fish ‘n’ chips, and involved arrangements of Australian beef or dusky New Zealand lamb. Bold combinations include a crisp, pan-roasted barramundi dressed with salsa verde on crushed harissa potatoes. Service is reliable and smooth. Licorice fans should not miss the famous parfait for dessert.