It only took the gang at Gertrude Street’s already-iconic Poodle to knock up a takeaway solution when lockdown round one hit. It was called Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca, a concept that head chef Josh Fry had been toying with for a while which would be best described as Italian Maccas. And now, coming into a lockdown we don’t need to assign a number to, Fry and the gang are bringing it back for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, once again operating from the Poodle kitchen.
First things first, yes, that meatball sub is making a triumphant return like a big, bready phoenix rising through a cloud of finely shredded parmesan, but it’s not the only thing that Rocco’s die-hards should be ordering this weekend.
A lesser-known menu item from last year were Fry’s pizza pockets; they were available seldomly and rarely featured the same filling—this time, chef is bringing a touch of the Poodle charm and stuffing that pocket with Chook Foot Cacciatore, pine mushroom, provolone and truffle.
Further highlights include the picante bologna sandwich, a nod to the namesake which features fried boloney (deli meat) pickles, Calabrian chilli and provolone in between two Maccas-like buns. While on the list of sides, the bone marrow garlic bread will round out your meal alongside fine wine, beers and their signature spritz for you to take right away.
They’re keeping it simple this time around and taking pick-up orders via walk-in or the Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca website. Find Rocco’s where you’d find Poodle. 81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Looking for a stiff drink post-lockdown? Poodle should be on the top of that list.