Golden Century, Sussex Street, Haymarket

Golden Century, Sussex Street, Haymarket
Tuesday 28 November, 2006

Sydney is a great place to be - we've had the pick of concerts lately - U2, Kylie, Billy Joel and now Elton John. Tonight I was surprising my dinner buddies with dinner and Elton John in concert (an early Christmas present).

It was all a big secret and this had driven them mad for weeks - they desperately wanted to know where they were going, what the dress code was, what time should they order a taxi, would it be a late night etc. I, of course, had great delight in not giving anything away.

To kick off the evening we enjoyed a meal at Golden Century. As regular readers know, this is one of my favourite Sydney restaurants but as my dinner buddies are not so keen on spicy food we ordered:

- San chow bow
- Spring rolls
- Shrimp with scrambled egg
- Shredded duck with Chinese mushrooms
- Grandmother's beancurd (mild)
- Fried rice

For a Tuesday night Golden Century was absolutely packed - we had booked a table upstairs (this is definitely the best place to dine) and there were several large banquet tables around us.

I love watching the sight of the staff arriving at tables with live fish, pippies, lobster in plastic bags for approval. This can be alarming the first time you see it but it is standard in good Asian restaurants.

The staff are in abundance at Golden Century and keep watch over their tables with pride. The downside? The toilets are filthy & there are only 3 female toilets for a restaurant that seats over 300 people.

How was Elton John? What a performer...he came on stage at 8pm and did not walk off until well after 11pm. There was no interval, change of costume or support act. His piano playing was on fire.

Golden Century - 393 Sussex Street, Haymarket - (02) 9212 3901

http://www.goldencentury.com.au/