Reviews


Caffe Sicilia, Surry Hills

Restaurants, Italian, Family Dining, Hip and Trendy, Romantic and Intimate

Overall 7.3  48

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     


The gleaming surfaces in this beautifully decked out Crown Street newbie scream ‘great train journey’ to me. So climb aboard for a luxury trip to 1940s Sicily.

First stop: house-made breads, amazing olives and a marvelously simple Crudo of Tuna ($15) that celebrates fish. After an in-depth explanation of Sicily’s wine renaissance from conductor (and Restaurant Manager) Fabio Nistrio, he produces a 2009 Cantele-Teresa Manara Chardonnay ($14/glass) from Puglia. It suits the aforementioned tuna and a rather endearing bowl of Italian Style Three Bean Soup with Mussels ($15) and soft house-made croutons too.

Beautiful women abound, the curvaceous Sophia Loren tops the menu, and our equally delightful Latvian waitress (Italian is her fourth language) steers me to a cracking bowl of hand-twisted Maccheroni Della Nonna ($24). Fabio gently warns that the tasty polpetti (meatballs) contained within the decadent sauce are pinkish inside.

Don’t pay this any mind, just stuff pork belly, mince, little nuggets of salsicce (Italian pork sausage) and glorious pasta your teeth will enjoy, into your gob. Tasty yet simplistic Spatchcock ($24) braised with onions, carrot, thyme and tomato is also worth ordering, but do leave room for pastries! You know, it’s the way the filled-to-order Ricotta Cannolo ($6) shatter that really matters. Fiendishly hard to disembark!

blogRead the full review on my blog

Jul 16, 2011

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Big Brekky, Petersham

Cafes

Overall 6  53

4 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  4     


There’s no denying the popularity of this inner west breakfast specialist; so if you dine on the weekend, you should come prepared for a wait. The locals come for heaving plates of good produce, like the signature Big Brekky ($18). Perched like a mountain on Sonoma bread are scrambled eggs, whole cherry tomatoes, an undercooked slab of potato gratin, tasty mango chutney, bacon, and chicken and rocket chipolatas that are so good I suspect they come from local standout AC Butchery. A plate of Corn Fritters ($16.50) is also abundant. The fritters themselves are bursting with juicy sweet kernels of corn, but could have benefited from seasoning – in fact both plates could have. An errant coffee order eventually resulted (after questioning) in a Campos Latte ($3.30) that tasted burnt. Juices, like a vibrant Carrot, Mint and Ginger ($6) fared much better. Venturing back on another occasion to try the sweeter offerings was similarly hit-and-miss. An over-sweet plate of French Toast with Banana, Caramel Sauce and Caramel Pecans ($14) came dotted with large, sugary clumps. Further investigation revealed they disguised pecans. Do us a favour: if an element doesn’t work in the kitchen, don’t put it on the plate.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 21, 2011

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Revolver, Annandale

Cafes, Modern Australian, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch

Overall 8.5  74

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     


Until I find a better place to while away the hours of a lazy afternoon, I’m going to keep returning to this Annandale gem. Besides, I got order envy when I saw a sizzling skillet of Revolver Big Brekkie ($16) delivered to a neighbouring table.

However, today’s Lime Marinated Tofu Salad ($15.50) was littered with interest, from hunks of sweet pumpkin baked in the skin, to cashews and well-cooked oyster mushrooms, it was so compelling I finished all the leaves. A Grilled Chicken Salad ($15.50) was equally engaging. Why is it that whenever I add pickled beetroot to a salad at home I get something resembling a slaughterhouse, whereas here, mixed with free-range chook, Cypriot haloumi, candied walnuts, baby spinach and lemon tahini dressing, it looks and tastes mighty fine?

If the last golden rays of sunshine are inspiring you to stay put, investigate the cakes made by owner Rod Jones’ Ma. You can expect your Melting Moment ($3.50) to be just that, an epically good instant of softly crumbling biscuit and glorious, sweet cream. An equally excellent Iced Coffee ($5.50) will wash the last dusty fragments down, leaving you with just the compelling desire for another. Never fear, they come in chocolate too.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 13, 2011

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Helm Bar & Bistro, Darling Harbour

Bars, Modern Australian, Good For Groups, Hip and Trendy, Romantic and Intimate

Overall 5  51

3.8 Below Average

Drinks  4      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  4     


With the school holidays in full swing, the Darling Harbour precinct was packed with families! The beer garden bistro on the lower level of Helm Bar seems just the spot to combine a spot of ‘please-everybody’ lunch with a visit to one of the neighbouring attractions, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and the National Maritime Museum are all within cooee.

The daily specials represent the best value, Saturday’s Prawntastic ($25) delivers a kilo of prawns. The hot and sweaty work of peeling them necessitated a bottle of Blue Pyrenees Luna NV ($43), I suspect the branded shade umbrellas influenced our selection! The Seafood Stand for Two ($70) is hugely popular, though I’d prefer to see it carried like an expensive lunch rather than a bucket! The straight-up Wagyu Beef Burger ($12) will win fans with a two-inch patty, melted cheese and a rasher of bacon, I’m a pickles girl myself.

The fireworks came with a slightly risky pot of Australian Black Mussels in Blue Cheese and White Wine ($19.50). Apparently the combination is common in Belgium, but it’s the first time I’ve tried it here. It’s a knockout! While they do come with fries, I strongly recommend Garlic Bread ($6) to do the crazy-good sauce justice.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 13, 2011

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Eathouse Diner, The, Redfern

Restaurants, American, Licensed, Serves Dinner, Serves Lunch

Overall 7.1  25

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     


Baseball caps at jaunty angles, skinny-leg jeans, a smattering of tattoos and that’s just the customers! Despite attracting the instinctively hip, this organically kitsch diner decked out in turquoise and red puts out a come-as-you-are vibe. Even with packed tables, the perky and personable staff give the impression they’d rather you put your feet up, down a few compelling cocktails, and stay a while.

A Golden Cobra sticker leads me to a fruity and rich Espresso Martini ($14.50). It’s tasty, but eclipsed by great balance (and even greater Tequila) in a Pine Mint Margarita ($14.50). Throw down an Oyster Shot with Chilli Salsa ($3.50) before moving on to the generous Duck Liver Pate ($18) with sweet’n’sour onions and charred Sonoma bread. You know it’s good when it’s been on the menu since day one.

For pleasing Caribbean comfort, try the Jerk Spatchcock with Bean’n’Rice ($27). The Caramel Pork Hock ($22) with hazelnuts, watercress and apple is definitely chewy but being somewhat carb-focused, to me it’s more a sharing dish. If I had a gripe it’d be hiding blobs of dulce de leche in the (excellent) Banana Split ($9), poor caramel-obsessed me had to eat whole thing!

blogRead the full review on my blog

Mar 13, 2011

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ultravixen


Profile

Member since 2005

I'm Female

My birthday is on 9th Aug 1974

My home town is Sydney

My blog or website http://missdissent.livejournal.com/

You'll often catch me at The Sydney Hellfire Club, but when I'm not tied up there, I write Eat & Drink for The Alternative Media Group & blog about food.

Last updated on 5th Jan 2011





Reviews

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Displaying: 1 - 10 of 81 reviews



Caffe Sicilia, Surry Hills

Restaurants, Italian, Family Dining, Hip and Trendy, Romantic and Intimate

Overall 7.3  48

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     


The gleaming surfaces in this beautifully decked out Crown Street newbie scream ‘great train journey’ to me. So climb aboard for a luxury trip to 1940s Sicily.

First stop: house-made breads, amazing olives and a marvelously simple Crudo of Tuna ($15) that celebrates fish. After an in-depth explanation of Sicily’s wine renaissance from conductor (and Restaurant Manager) Fabio Nistrio, he produces a 2009 Cantele-Teresa Manara Chardonnay ($14/glass) from Puglia. It suits the aforementioned tuna and a rather endearing bowl of Italian Style Three Bean Soup with Mussels ($15) and soft house-made croutons too.

Beautiful women abound, the curvaceous Sophia Loren tops the menu, and our equally delightful Latvian waitress (Italian is her fourth language) steers me to a cracking bowl of hand-twisted Maccheroni Della Nonna ($24). Fabio gently warns that the tasty polpetti (meatballs) contained within the decadent sauce are pinkish inside.

Don’t pay this any mind, just stuff pork belly, mince, little nuggets of salsicce (Italian pork sausage) and glorious pasta your teeth will enjoy, into your gob. Tasty yet simplistic Spatchcock ($24) braised with onions, carrot, thyme and tomato is also worth ordering, but do leave room for pastries! You know, it’s the way the filled-to-order Ricotta Cannolo ($6) shatter that really matters. Fiendishly hard to disembark!

blogRead the full review on my blog

Jul 16, 2011

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Big Brekky, Petersham

Cafes

Overall 6  53

4 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  4     


There’s no denying the popularity of this inner west breakfast specialist; so if you dine on the weekend, you should come prepared for a wait. The locals come for heaving plates of good produce, like the signature Big Brekky ($18). Perched like a mountain on Sonoma bread are scrambled eggs, whole cherry tomatoes, an undercooked slab of potato gratin, tasty mango chutney, bacon, and chicken and rocket chipolatas that are so good I suspect they come from local standout AC Butchery. A plate of Corn Fritters ($16.50) is also abundant. The fritters themselves are bursting with juicy sweet kernels of corn, but could have benefited from seasoning – in fact both plates could have. An errant coffee order eventually resulted (after questioning) in a Campos Latte ($3.30) that tasted burnt. Juices, like a vibrant Carrot, Mint and Ginger ($6) fared much better. Venturing back on another occasion to try the sweeter offerings was similarly hit-and-miss. An over-sweet plate of French Toast with Banana, Caramel Sauce and Caramel Pecans ($14) came dotted with large, sugary clumps. Further investigation revealed they disguised pecans. Do us a favour: if an element doesn’t work in the kitchen, don’t put it on the plate.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 21, 2011

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Revolver, Annandale

Cafes, Modern Australian, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch

Overall 8.5  74

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     


Until I find a better place to while away the hours of a lazy afternoon, I’m going to keep returning to this Annandale gem. Besides, I got order envy when I saw a sizzling skillet of Revolver Big Brekkie ($16) delivered to a neighbouring table.

However, today’s Lime Marinated Tofu Salad ($15.50) was littered with interest, from hunks of sweet pumpkin baked in the skin, to cashews and well-cooked oyster mushrooms, it was so compelling I finished all the leaves. A Grilled Chicken Salad ($15.50) was equally engaging. Why is it that whenever I add pickled beetroot to a salad at home I get something resembling a slaughterhouse, whereas here, mixed with free-range chook, Cypriot haloumi, candied walnuts, baby spinach and lemon tahini dressing, it looks and tastes mighty fine?

If the last golden rays of sunshine are inspiring you to stay put, investigate the cakes made by owner Rod Jones’ Ma. You can expect your Melting Moment ($3.50) to be just that, an epically good instant of softly crumbling biscuit and glorious, sweet cream. An equally excellent Iced Coffee ($5.50) will wash the last dusty fragments down, leaving you with just the compelling desire for another. Never fear, they come in chocolate too.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 13, 2011

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Helm Bar & Bistro, Darling Harbour

Bars, Modern Australian, Good For Groups, Hip and Trendy, Romantic and Intimate

Overall 5  51

3.8 Below Average

Drinks  4      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  4     


With the school holidays in full swing, the Darling Harbour precinct was packed with families! The beer garden bistro on the lower level of Helm Bar seems just the spot to combine a spot of ‘please-everybody’ lunch with a visit to one of the neighbouring attractions, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and the National Maritime Museum are all within cooee.

The daily specials represent the best value, Saturday’s Prawntastic ($25) delivers a kilo of prawns. The hot and sweaty work of peeling them necessitated a bottle of Blue Pyrenees Luna NV ($43), I suspect the branded shade umbrellas influenced our selection! The Seafood Stand for Two ($70) is hugely popular, though I’d prefer to see it carried like an expensive lunch rather than a bucket! The straight-up Wagyu Beef Burger ($12) will win fans with a two-inch patty, melted cheese and a rasher of bacon, I’m a pickles girl myself.

The fireworks came with a slightly risky pot of Australian Black Mussels in Blue Cheese and White Wine ($19.50). Apparently the combination is common in Belgium, but it’s the first time I’ve tried it here. It’s a knockout! While they do come with fries, I strongly recommend Garlic Bread ($6) to do the crazy-good sauce justice.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 13, 2011

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Eathouse Diner, The, Redfern

Restaurants, American, Licensed, Serves Dinner, Serves Lunch

Overall 7.1  25

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     


Baseball caps at jaunty angles, skinny-leg jeans, a smattering of tattoos and that’s just the customers! Despite attracting the instinctively hip, this organically kitsch diner decked out in turquoise and red puts out a come-as-you-are vibe. Even with packed tables, the perky and personable staff give the impression they’d rather you put your feet up, down a few compelling cocktails, and stay a while.

A Golden Cobra sticker leads me to a fruity and rich Espresso Martini ($14.50). It’s tasty, but eclipsed by great balance (and even greater Tequila) in a Pine Mint Margarita ($14.50). Throw down an Oyster Shot with Chilli Salsa ($3.50) before moving on to the generous Duck Liver Pate ($18) with sweet’n’sour onions and charred Sonoma bread. You know it’s good when it’s been on the menu since day one.

For pleasing Caribbean comfort, try the Jerk Spatchcock with Bean’n’Rice ($27). The Caramel Pork Hock ($22) with hazelnuts, watercress and apple is definitely chewy but being somewhat carb-focused, to me it’s more a sharing dish. If I had a gripe it’d be hiding blobs of dulce de leche in the (excellent) Banana Split ($9), poor caramel-obsessed me had to eat whole thing!

blogRead the full review on my blog

Mar 13, 2011

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Deus Cafe, Camperdown

Cafes, Licensed

Overall 6.3  70

6.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  5     


At night the broad communal tables of this hip daytime café house a mix of locals and families of the ill. They’ve wandered down between visiting hours at the neighbouring Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, for convenience, familiarity and comfort. A plate of Lamb Back Strap, Potato Gratin, Peas and Broad Beans ($30) provides this in spades, juxtaposing bright green peas with a big manly jus, and knitting it all together with one of the best gratins in town.

Equally good is a more lady-like plate of Pork Medallions ($28) set on a fine white onion puree with shaved asparagus spears. Serves seem predicated on eating three courses with rooms for sides like a Rocket, Pear and Fennel Salad with Pecorino and Hazelnuts ($10), which could have benefitted from a splash more vinegar on the day I dined.

For an entrée I’d skip a paltry serve of four Scallops with Pernod Eschallot Butter ($18) in favour of a more satisfying board of Charcuterie with Terrine ($18) crowned by excellent truffled salami and rabbit rillettes. Accompany your meal by wine selected from a small but interesting list of suitable, easy-drinking companions, like a 2008 Flametree Chardonnay ($42/bottle). Restored and replete, it’s time to venture back into the fray.

blogRead the full review on my blog

Mar 13, 2011

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Churras The Brazillian Barbecue, Darlinghurst

Restaurants, Brazilian, Serves Dinner, Serves Takeaway

Overall 7  43

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     


“You’re new to Brazilian? Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” echoes from a neighbouring table. And take care of you is exactly the Brazilian passadores do, their skin glistening as they man the churrasco before a back-lit image of Christ the Redeemer.

The formula has been refined over the last year – no more stop/go, just a steady stream of skewers in a carefully orchestrated samba that avoids repetition. Rodizio ($39.50/head) includes a range of sides. The standouts are the black beans and the super-sweet ripe bananas but the farofa helps the fat go down. As well as now allowing you to dine downstairs with a view of the always-entertaining Oxford Street, they’ve also added few new entries to the barbeque procession, so keep your eyes peeled for golden hunks of haloumi, and beef with Gorgonzola sauce.

I also recommend tender chicken hearts, tasty pork neck, beef rib and the amazing mushrooms. Salty food makes cocktails necessary, so throw down a Passionfruit Caipirinha ($14) or a fresh lime Caipiroska ($12). Freshly sliced berries make the Strawberry Caipirinha ($14) a form of sweet relief. Wrap up with tiny balls of condensed milk – Beijinho ($2) - so good they must be illegal.

blogRead the full review on my blog

Mar 13, 2011

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Braza Leichhardt, Leichhardt

Restaurants, Brazilian, Steak House, Vegetarian, Fine Dining

Overall 7.5  209

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  7     


The maddening aromas of charcoal and meat captivate me every time I drive past. It’s taken me a while though, because Brazilian places are often a festival of meat without much else going on. I will now eat humble pie. The sides here are amazing – from intensely garlicky Couve (kale) to the Salada Dois of beetroot, blue cheese, Brazil nuts and orange segments, to the palm hearts and heirloom tomatoes of the Salada Tres – you need to request them all. They’re free with the Traditional Churrasco ($42/head) – it’s the same price for everyone, yes, even if you’re vegetarian/pescatarian.

The rotating skewers come out according to a detailed whiteboard, ensuring each wave of diners gets the full shebang. Pace yourself – beyond a butcher’s shop of meat (the best being the Picanha or rump cap) there’s also grilled prawns, moist fresh Basa wrapped in banana leaves, cheese bread, polenta fingers, banana, cassava and tasty poultry. The only thing more exciting is the drinks! Amongst pages of cocktails you’ll find the quaffable creamy coconut and vodka Batida ($13) milkshake. Indulge in a flight of Caipirinhas ($36/3 x 240ml), or sample pleasant pear and lemon sours in the Luciana ($15), named, according to our personable and handsome Brazilian waiter, for a waitress with a pear-shaped bottom.

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 12, 2011

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Let's Eat, Marrickville

Restaurants, Thai, BYO, Food Delivery, Serves Dinner

Overall 7.8  43

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  9     


This small and unassuming Marrickville restaurant boasts food that’s anything but. The chef, Polawat Danphasukul, has Thai mover-and-shaker Spice I Am in his pedigree. Here he manages to demonstrate that Thai authenticity doesn’t need to equate to a challenging dining experience. Guided by another Spice I Am graduate Phannisa Sricharoen (who warms the floor with her bright smile), I begin with an all-natural blended ice beverage – Lime Refresh ($4). My palate invigorated, I advance to superbly tender Grilled Pork Skewers ($5.90/4) – apparently overnight marination is the secret!

Swayed by the exciting house specialities I proceed through Nam Khao Tod ($13.90), a texturally enjoyable crispy rice salad amped by sausage and coconut; and tenderly stewed beef shin in a vibrant green house-made curry paste called Neu Pad Cha ($15.90). Pea-sized baby Thai eggplants burst on your tongue beside their larger siblings. The juicy lime-green beans in the Pad Prik King with Crispy Pork Belly ($15.90) are equally amazing; suggesting daily market visits by someone with an eye for excellent produce. This is further confirmed by a wonderful seasonal dessert of Sticky Rice with Mango ($7.50), balanced so beautifully I’ve craved it ever since. Under-priced, over-delivers – Marrickville’s suburban gem (with whispers of a second store)!

blogRead the full review on my blog


Mar 12, 2011

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Bar Mattino, Chippendale

Cafes, Modern Australian, BYO, Licensed

Overall 8.2  35

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  8     


In an area of town under-serviced by cafés, two of the most popular entries sit opposite one another, each with a staunchly loyal following. The service here has particular warmth, and the serves are definitely bigger. So you might want to bring a friend if you decide to take on the brimming Mattino Antipasto Plate ($20). Ever-changing daily specials help win lunchtime regulars – Pan Fried Mahi Mahi with Aioli, Salad and Hand-Cut Chips ($23) provides a large and filling plate of Friday lunch indulgence. A more achievable Salad of Serrano Ham, Figs, Bocconcini and Balsamic ($22) shows off Chef Sebastian Tyson’s eye for good produce.

Clever half-and-half options like Half Soup and Sandwich ($10) allow for indecisiveness and are kind on the pocket; with selections like a Reuben Sandwich with hearty Char-Grilled Tomato Soup. You’ll even find some modern British comfort food like a Chip Butty with Fried Egg ($12) on thick toast and a breakfast of Welsh Rarebit with Asparagus ($14). The coffee’s handled better on this side of Meagher Street; but Vittoria is far from my favourite roast, so I take mine in a subtler Coffee Frappe ($5), or abandon it completely with a creamy Vanilla Milkshake ($6).

blogRead the full review on my blog

Mar 12, 2011

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