Post Seafood Brasserie, Martin Place, Sydney

Post Seafood Brasserie, Martin Place, Sydney
Saturday 25 August, 2007

A reunion is defined in Dictionary.com as,

1. the act of uniting again.
2. the state of being united again.
3. a gathering of relatives, friends, or associates at regular intervals or after separation: a family reunion.

Tonight old friends came together from all over Sydney and interstate to celebrate over drinks and dinner. My new friend, Andrea, Lobby Bar Manager at the Westin Hotel had organised an exclusive area for us to meet beforehand. This was welcomed as the Lobby Bar was packed with hotel guests and also 700 people attending the Starlight Foundation Ball. With champagne corks popping at regular intervals we enjoyed several hours of stories and laughter in our roped off area.

For dinner we had arranged a special deal with Post Seafood Brasserie. Located down the escalators from the Westin lobby is GPO - a thriving area with restaurants/ cafes and bars including Prime and Crystal Bar. Post is described as, "open in design and offering an amazing light filled view of the interior of the historical building with rich upholstered banquettes, glowing light, crisp linen, friendly service and attention to detail. Post has created a menu that is inspired by classic bistro dining. The extensive menu draws on flavours from around the world using the best locally sourced produce."

The GPO had organised a 2 course = $60pp deal for our group including sourdough bread and three sides including green beans with olive tepanade, large hand cut fries and green salads. We only had to pay for our drinks on top. When our group arrived for dinner the Restaurant Manager indicated they could do 3 courses for $60 pp and we could order off the a la carte menu and not the limited group menu. Once we were seated he returned flustered and indicated it was in fact 2 courses for $60pp but we could still order from the a la carte menu. OK then.

As we were seated down one end of the large dining space away from the other guests it took a while to have our drinks/ food orders taken. Given the near empty restaurant this was frustrating at times but luckily the group did not appear to notice. We ordered wine and then two large slices of sour dough were delivered per person with delightfully creamy butter.

Only a handful of people wanted an entree and main - the majority went for main and dessert. Interestingly, Post and Prime have the same owner and share the same kitchen and even though Post is known for their seafood hardly anyone opted for this. Many of us opted for beef or lamb.

I decided to order a main and dessert - Post prime fillet steak with mash, Café de Paris butter and a full flavoured jus and Bailey's souffle. The steak was perfectly cooked to order with an enormous dollop of the creamiest mash alongside it. Accompanied by all the sides (mentioned above) there was no chance of anyone going hungry. The souffle looked fantastic but was very disappointing - I didn't like the pairing of the Bailey's cooked in a souffle and should have ordered the incredibly decadent chocolate tart that many of my dinner buddies went for. You live and learn.

The service, whilst pleasant, was ad hoc. For a Saturday night with only 25% of the restaurant full we were at times in a service void e.g. the entree plates were left on the table for 20 minutes before anyone cleared them. However, when we were served proactively the service was attentive and considerate e.g. every one was asked before the wine was poured.

Overall, the reunion was a huge success and there was talk of it becoming an annual event.

Post Seafood Brasserie - GPO, Lower Ground Floor, 1 Martin Place, Sydney

http://www.gposydney.com/index.asp