March 2023 has been a massive month for Sparrow. It’s only fitting we close March with his latest fine dining listings to suit all budgets in Birdman in the Bistro.
On the Corporate Expense account for a VIP client
Aalia – Martin Place CBD
What a beautiful space that flows from the open MLC area outside. The relatively new restaurant scored two hats within months of opening. The food does not disappoint, adventurous dishes from the Middle East and North Africa. The service was also first class which enhanced a brilliant dining experience.
The dish you must try: Dry-aged wagyu rib eye 5+ Rangers Valley with North African mustard.
Aalia
Arturo’s – Wooloomooloo
The delicious Mediterranean menu matches the incredible view and delivers some of my favourite dishes. Hard to go past the kingfish crudo & vannella burrata. Plus I’m a fan of the lobster roll with chives & smoked salmon pearls.
The dish you must try: 12-hour braised lamb shoulder with oregano, garlic & lemon.
Fun team lunch
RedBird Chinese – Redfern
WOW, this place is an incredible addition to the local dining scene. The owner and chef trained at Billy Kwong and the excellent front of house make this place my new favourite Chinese in Sydney. So many dishes I can rave about include the pork and scallop wontons with chilli oil and the caramelised pork belly.
The dish you must try: Prawn toast is divine the best in town.
Born by Tapavino – Barangaroo
A hip Spanish eatery that is uncomplicated and delivers on flavours across the entire menu. I was a fan of the charcuterie particularly the jamon serrano plus the churros.
The dish you must try: Char-grilled chicken supreme smoked tomato crème & wilted spinach.
Brekkie Favourites
Burnt Orange – Mosman
A charming historic place with a stunning harbor view and a delicious breakfast menu. It covers all the favourites such as egg benny, hot cakes, breakfast bruschetta or the full classic breakfast with the lot.
Oh Boy – Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Another brilliant location for breakfast overlooking the Boy Charlton pool operated by the Bird & Bear Group. The smashed avo and the Oh Boys bacon & egg roll with a fresh OJ are my go-to dishes.
Oh Boy
Cheap & cheerful lunch with the crew & I’m paying for myself
Brew Dog – South Everleigh
The no-nonsense Scottish brewery with heaps of craft beers on tap dishing up the classic BrewDog burgers, world-famous wings, pizza, and parmies. Plus, I love the cool locomotive workshop interiors that complement the BrewDog ethos.
Jimmy Falafel – CBD Wynard
Back at Jimmy’s for a fun sharing lunch of middle eastern delights. All the usual dishes such as the original pita, baba ganoush, tabouli & falafel. From the grill added the calamari and lamb kafta & merquez.
Pick of the month: Redbird Chinese – the prawn toast is really the best in town
Read other Birdman in the Bistro columns here.
Main image: Sparrow at Jimmy’s Falafel.