Food Wine Sleep

If you are like me, nothing makes me happier than going to a quality cosy BYO with a bottle that is a bit special (not ridiculous $20ish at The Wine Society) which would most likely cost an arm and a leg at restaurant prices, does anyone have any recommendations- something along the lines of Mrs Tops in Neutral Bay- delicious French food, warm competent service or for more cosy Italian family style,  I like The Italian in Hall street Bondi, I’m looking for  a place with quality food and service , cloth on the tables and on your lap.

Cheers
Mo

Our magical night commenced with Parisian Pastry Chef Fabien Berteau taking us through the Valrhona Tasting Chocolate Journey. We discovered everything about chocolates origin, the intricate stages of preparing the cocoa plant and how to properly taste great chocolate. Then came the best part, getting behind the kitchen and making our own Black Forrest Dessert!

This was followed by Executive Chef Andrew McKee showing us a gigantic fresh Kingfish and the organic produce Park Hyatt provides their guests.

We then had an intimate dinner in the beautiful Harbour Kitchen Restaurant looking out to the sparkling Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Chef Andrew McKee created culinary masterpieces for us and the perfectly paired wine was just divine!

Pastry Chef Fabien taught us about the wonderful world of chocolate.  Having the opportunity to make my own dessert with him in the kitchen  was so much fun!

~Valrhona Tasting Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Andrew McKee ~ (more…)

People often ask how I hear about new places and the answer is I eat out about 5 nights a week. When you’re a single girl living in the eastern suburbs eating out can often be cheaper than buying groceries and cooking for one!

So in the spirit of dining out on a budget, here’s 5 of my favourite cheap eats in Sydney’s eastern suburbs:

(in no particular oder)

1. Bamboo Dumpling Bar, Surry Hills, Potts Point & Balmain

Everyone loves a good dumpling. Bamboo dumpling bar has 3 locations, Surry Hills, Potts Point and Balmain. My favourite venue is Surry Hills because it’s attached to a pub and you can drink beer and eat dumplings any time after 12pm, perfect for a Saturday arvo!

2. Jimmy’s Recipe, Sydney CBD

This little gem is located in the CBD right next to the Arthouse on Pitt St. You can get a prawn and vegetable laksa for $7…bibs are optional!

3. Miss Chu, Darlinghurst

Known as the ‘Queen of Rice Paper Rolls’ Miss Chu has quickly established a reputation around for fresh, tasty, cheap vietnamese.  Located just off William St on Burton St it may look like a hole in the wall but don’t let the miss matched milk crates fool you. This food is tasty and for around $15 you’ll walk away well satisfied.

4. Sticky Bar, Surry Hills

Half the fun of this place is finding it! Turn off Crown St, up a shady looking laneway, come to a door with a sign on it, text the password to the mobile number given. A guy will come down and let you in. Go up 4 flights of stairs and you’ve arrived! Trust me, on Wednesday nights they do a $15 roast + glass wine and it’s worth the effort.

(more…)