Mirabelle, Alfred St, Circular Quay

Mirabelle, Alfred St, Circular Quay

Friday 5 October, 2007

The last time I dined at Mirabelle I thought the food was fantastic and I really enjoyed the light, airy atmosphere and buzz from the foyer of the AMP building that doesn't stop. This time they stepped it up a notch with brilliant staff. Honestly, service can make or break a place and Mirabelle has got it right. There are several Sydney restaurants that could take a leaf out of Mirabelle's book here. Something that you may not know is.....Mirabelle has joined the Sydney restaurant scene by the same smart cookies who run Bambini Trust in Elizabeth Street.

My lunch buddies today, the Divas of Cuisine, aptly named by a great bunch of girlfriends who seriously enjoy their food and wanted a fun name to go by, arrived for lunch on this warm October day. Is it summer already? We entered the marble foyer and it's the red lounge seats that jump out at you - thank god for bright colours! I love the plush lounge seats at Mirabelle and the quirky way they arrange the tables.

Our friendly waiter welcomed us and ensured we had drinks orders taken immediately. The menus and specials looked incredibly tempting however as it was so warm we all gravitated towards the fish. The fish special was way too hard to refuse - Yellow fin tuna with a mango/ citrus sauce and Grilled barramundi with fresh asparagus. To compliment this we decided to share a bowl of shoestring fries. Well, if truth be told, we all ordered the fish and were then about to order a side when our gorgeous waiter jumped in with let me guess.....side of fries?

The bread rolls that arrived at the table were too large and crusty and they demand fresh butter. Unfortunately, Mirabelle only supply oil on the tables. We had to ask for butter which they happily obliged however I would have expected the butter to be on the table or at least the offer made.

The fish was extraordinary - I absolutely loved every mouthful. It was cooked to perfection and the citrus sauce gave it an edge. My lunch buddies were equally in awe of the barramundi. We were having so much fun at Mirabelle that we didn't want to leave so just had to check out the dessert menu. Without hesitation we opted for one warm rhubbard crumble with vanilla bean ice cream and several spoons. Delightful.

Mirabelle is worth a visit.

Mirabelle - Shop 1, 33 Alfred Street, Circular Quay - (02) 9252 3553

http://www.mirabelle.com.au/