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Showing posts from October, 2019

Al Taglio Pizzeria

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Usually, I research the hell out of a place before ever visiting - my motto, in a city like Sydney which is filled to the brim with wonderful eateries, is that life is too short for mediocre meals out. I happened upon Al Taglio. My lovely friend is of the "let's explore and see where our feet take us" persuasion, and I had to pretend I was ok with that approach so as not to appear absolutely bonkers. I am so glad I took a chance, because Al Taglio is one of these wonderful seredipitous finds. Its windows proundly display a number of reviews and accolades, including, rather impressively, a claim to be one of the best 10 pizza restaurants in the world. The world, ladies and gentlemen. While I have no way of authenticating its claim, I will say that the place is packed full of Italian-speakers who appear to be on first-name basis with the pizza master Enrico Sgarbossa, and I can confirm that the pizza is really, really lovely. Antipasto for two, $20 The antipasto p

Glass Brasserie

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Get excited, ladies and gentlemen, for I am about to reveal one of Sydney's best value and fun Sunday brunch options. The Glass Brasserie at the Hilton is hosting Sunday brunch with Luke (Luke being their head chef, Luke Mangan), bringing you 5 share courses and 2 hours of free-flowing Aperol spritz and rose, by tyhe sun-drenched windows looking directly out at the gorgeous facade of Queen Victoria Building. Can you even imagine a more perfect catch-up with friends? We begin with salmon rillettes with pickled cucumber on plump little crumpets. Having been used to the bee-hive-like crumpets at the supermarket (not that those aren't delightful - they absolutely are), I am so impressed with these pancake-like crumpets. They are more satisfying than pancakes, for they have a gorgeous chew. The salmon rillettes come in a generous serving jar, and has the consistency of mousse. The cucumber pickle is a nice, tart, pick-me up that rounds out this dish. Up next, we have zucch

Bella Brutta

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I have heard so much about Bella Brutta's clam pizzas that they quickly shot to the top of my list of must-try casual diners in Sydney. Occupying a prime spot in the most bustling part of Newtown, the first thing you notice when you step inside Bella Brutta is a smell of burning - but don't worry, what you are really smelling is their highly impressive, wood-fired pizza oven, signalling that the pizza is definitely going to be good. Cucumber, melon But first, starters. Knowing the heavy, oily goodness that will soon come, we opt to get our vegies in first. The starter menu rotates regularly, dictated by seasonality. The cucumber and melon salad is simple, but the crunchy, sweet freshness is just what I'm after. Cheese and courgette flower I have a confession to make. I really didn't like this dish - and I rarely say such a thing! It is little dough-balls filled with runny cheese (I want to say burrata), topped with delicate courgette flower. The problem with

Sokyo

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Sokyo is tucked at the back of the Star Casino, and represents one of the top Japanese-fusion restaurants Sydney has to offer. It is hatted, and it combines the freshest Japanese ingredients with modern Australian techniques.  Oysters, $6 each Oysters are great as they are, but even better with Sokyo's sauce (plum wine and lime granita, spicy ponzu), which gently lifts the flavours with salt and citrus without overwhelming the natural deliciousness of the oysters. Seared Scallop, $21 The scallops, being quite a delicate flesh, is only gently seared - only enough to bring out a pleasant smokiness. It is paired with nori, cucumber, radish and lime gel, so you have a combination of tender and crunchy. Miso Kingfish, $22 This is a delicious dish indeed - the kingfish is made into ceviche in miso, and paired with green chilli and a dome of crispy fried potato. A clear theme is emerging: at Sokyo, they certainly like to play with texture, and it definitely works. Cu

Tamaleria and Mexican Deli

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If we're talking about Mexican food in Sydney, this is where it's at. Located on the high street of Dulwich Hill, this little family-run eatery is as no-frills as it gets. A simple counter, a couple of choices on a giant blackboard, an enormous fridge filled with with frozen tamales, a shelf piled high with Mexican sauces, and a couple of tables with crates for seating huddled together towards the back - there, I have just listed everything that greets you as you enter this restaurant. My first reaction was utter confusion - what does one get? How much to get? Does one sit down? Is it even table service? Luckily, I had some friends who had already been to this gem of an establishment to guide me. The answers to my questions above are, in order: you can't really go wrong; get a bit of everything and share; yes, after you have ordered and paid; no, but they will bring your food to you. Tacos, $16 There are three flavours on offer: a pulled pork and two types of chic

Saint Peter

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Saint Peter calls itself a "fish eatery". Somewhat surprisingly, it is nestled among the uber-trendy clothing and design shops along Oxford Street, Paddington. The decor is dark and cozy, not a sliver of nautical to be seen. Despite not looking like a typical fish place, Saint Peter has pretty much sat comfortably on the list of Sydney's best restaurants since it opened. The menu requires explanation by the extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. Fish plays a central role in every dish, including lots of fish species I had never heard of before (not that I pretend to be a big connoisseur). Wish a menu that changes daily, based on what the chef could find at the markets, you can never quite do enough prep work beforehand - so you might as well leave your fate to the wonderful staff. Calamari, $28 I dare say we are all familiar with the golden, crunchy, almost-junk-food-like caalamari that one gets from a fish and chips shop. Saint Peter chooses to cook the calam