I Don't Eat, I Devour

Strongly recommended by a friend of the same name who discovered it by chance, Lucinda Wine Bar is the little sister of the highly regarded Dier Makr (where I'd failed to make a booking due to its popularity on this trip). The concept is fun: instead of a wine list, you tell the staff what you like, they bring you whatever they have opened, you taste a few and settle on your pick of the glass. The food list is ever-rotating and curated, and extremely well-priced.  Resolutely refusing to take bookings, going to Lucinda is something of a romantic affair: either you are the right person at the right time, or you are not. There is something serendipitous about the whole thing, including the artsy, beautiful, slightly unconventional clientele it appears to attract.  Bread with schmaltz, $5 Schmaltz, I learned, is rendered chicken or goose fat. Silkier and more decadent than butter, it is surprisingly light and non-greasy in consistency, with a lovely saltiness that is perfect with ...

The Strand Arcade must be one of Sydney's most beautiful locations - it's like Holly Golightly's Tiffany's: nothing could ever go wrong there. The Restaurant Pendolino is situated at one far end of the Arcade on the second floor. No matter the time or the weather, it is perpetually enveloped in a gently-shimmering, moody darkness. It is not a place for loud and boisterous celebrations, for every conversation seems to take place in a lowly-buzzing semi-whisper. What the Restaurant Pendolino provides, in its discreet, quiet way, is a slice of the old world.   Signature Tasting Plate The delightful mouthfuls are hard to describe in a way that does them justice, but I will try my best. The little roll closest to the diner contains a whipped salmon mousse that is so light it is like eating air. The tartine is but a mouthful, but beautifully balanced in both texture and flavour. The lavoche is so light and thin it is but a whisper, complimenting the basil and cashew pesto; an...

In addition to wines for which the region is famous, the hunter Valley also boasts of restaurants that have made waves in the culinary scene - the wonderfully creative, impressive Exp comes to mind - but if we are to think of the grand-doyenne of the Hunter dining scene, a great portion of people will likely think of Muse. As it turned out, in the immediate aftermath of easing covid restrictions to not-quite-pre-covid levels, Muse required very advanced booking in order not to miss out. That's why we ended up visiting its little sibling, Muse Kitchen.  Located at the Keith Tulloch winery, Muse Kitchen is a cozier, more casual eatery than Muse. It has a bustling, homey feel, and boasts a three course menu featuring a variety of produce from which to make a selection. The menu, however, remains small and classic, changing with the seasons.  Kingfish tartar A fish tartar, to me, is sashimi amped up. Served in a fried coriander dressing and with tomatoes, the king fish is ever so ...

You can't talk about venerable modern Italian fine dining restaurants in Sydney without mentioning Otto. Situated along the same Wharf that brings you famed eateries such as Aki's Indian, China Doll and Manta, it attracts a very well-heeled, wealthy-retiree type of crowd on the weekend with its relaxed vibes and fine dining service. Zucchini Flowers, $31 per serve (a serve = 2 flowers) The zucchini flowers at Otto come encased in the most delicate, tempura-like batter, and is filled with ricotta and pecorino. A delicate romesco sauce provides the flavour hit to this otherwise extremely mild dish. I could taste the freshness of the produce, though it was not quite as exciting as one had hoped - mainly due to the fact that the very mild flavours failed to give the requisite pop. Spaghetti, $55 The pasta at Otto come in two sizes: entree and main. Pictured is the main serving size.  Spaghetti is served with Western Australian blue swimmer crab, chilli, garlic, and fini...

I tend to overlook the bustling strip in Pyrmont along Harris Street, but every time I go I enjoy myself. Gallon, which looks unassuming and cosy from the street, is actually a large eatery with a front and a back bar, and a garden area. You book by calling the owner on his mobile - and his voice is one of the kindest I have heard in a while. We're off to a good start. Primarily a wine bar, Gallon's wine list is very good, and the pour generous. There is a great variety of Australian and Europeans varieties, though the cocktail list is small. Bowl of Potatoes: $9, sweet chili & sour cream $2 The rustically named "bowl of potatoes" is a winner. Baby kipfler potatoes are squashed mercilessly, flash fried, and tossed in a delicious mix of garlic, parsley and salt. It is crunchy and satisfyingly salty. Napalese Momo Dumplings, $18.50 You know how you know dumplings are the greatest? The fact that so many cultures have their own version. In Napal, dumplin...