The last Birdman in the Bistro for the year. I’ve been lucky to dine at some fine Sydney restaurants this year. In 2023 Mediaweek is looking to throw the net a little wider with interstate and international food on the menu. Enjoy your Christmas lunch…and a summer break if you are lucky enough to get one. I’ll be back in February, quite possibly more overweight than usual!
On the Corporate Expense account for a VIP client
Kiln – Surry Hills
It is super cool on the 18th floor of the new Ace Hotel and Kiln delivers incredible food and style. The menu is contemporary Australian with incredibly fresh produce and an unusual mix of Italian, Japanese, and Asian flavours. The dry aged rib eye with ponzu is a standout along with the southern calamari, salmoriglio, and the marron. Also, the desserts were also weird and wonderful.
The dish you must try: Arnott’s Jatz cracker with smoked butter and anchovy
Lana – Hinchcliff House CBD
A fresh feast unfolds with incredible produce and delicious delights. Some small incredible starters such as scallops, umeboshi, and grapes to a whole coral trout with tamarind and tomatoes.
The dish you must try: Stone axe wagyu with seaweed and salsa verde.
Fun team lunch
Clove Lane – Randwick
A great neighbourhood place with excellent food and a super friendly relaxed vibe. The falafel with pickled red cabbage, guindillas and tahini yogurt is delicious.
The dish you must try: Roast pasture-fed sirloin with young garlic, mushroom, and red wine jus.
Ester – Chippendale
A brilliant mix of eclectic food and I love the wood-fired oven dishes. Some of the sides really shine such as the roast cauliflower with almonds and mint.
The dish you must try: Moreton Bay bugs with salt & pepper sauce.
Cheap & cheerful lunch with the crew & I’m paying for myself
Doyles on the Beach – Watsons Bay
The beachside cafe stll captures some of its classic charm
What a classic, and a little bit retro, however the food and the location you cannot beat. Could not go past the calamari, BBQ prawns, and sharing the awesome seafood platter.
Loam – Ace Hotel Surry Hills
The Ace Hotel is a great addition to the Sydney dining scene. Loam has some awesome veggie dishes (can’t believe I said that) plus the Loam burger and steak are excellent (Rangers Valley black onyx bavette MBS 5+ with chimichurri, crunchy onions, and red wine.)
Brekkie Favourites
Navy Bear – Rushcutters Bay
I’m a big fan of the Bird & Bear waterside café group normally in sailing clubs. This one is in the RANSA in Rushcutters Bay. Brekkie favourites with great smashed avo, eggs any style…however it’s the location that is the winner here.
101 Kissa
Great coffee and fresh cold-pressed juices with some Japanese/Asian fusion breakfast creations. I had a great lobster/prawn roll and it was delicious. Next time I’m going back for the signature French toast that I must try.
Pick of the day: Kiln on the rooftop at the Ace Hotel – fresh WA marron, desert lime & long pepper.