Kables, George Street, Sydney

Kables, George Street, Sydney
Wednesday 31 October, 2007



After my disappointment at the Summit yesterday - it was off to Kables for the last day of Good Food Month. I had enjoyed lunch at Kables last Good Food Month and was keen to return.

"Throughout Good Food Month, restaurants featured in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide will provide a $35 lunch menu which includes a main meal and coffee, and your choice of a glass of Brown Brothers wine, James Squire beer or a 500ml bottle of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water. Bookings are recommended. Monday to Friday, noon – 2pm."

My lunch buddy & I arrived at the Four Seasons with high expectations. Walking up the staircase we were warmly greeted and shown to a lovely table by the window. The dining room wasn't full but they had strategically positioned the diners apart to give people a sense of privacy. The service was impeccable and we were delivered water and generous bread basket with sides of butter and salt.

The Good Food Month offer was Pan-Roast Duck Breast, Brandied Cherries and Liquorice. After devouring the variety of bread we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The duck was so tender and prepared in slices with a larger piece positioned on green vegetables. We loved it.

As we made our way through the meals the Maitre'd stopped by to enquire about our meals. He was discreet and respectful. There's alot to like about Kables as the description states,

"Kable's, the Hotel's premier restaurant, offers a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. It enjoys a substantial reputation, in a city known for its exciting dining. Accessed from the lobby's sweeping grand staircase, Kable's offers a cosmopolitan Australian menu in an elegant, contemporary setting of dark-stained parquet and rich carpeting. It seats 120, with private dining rooms available for 10 to 50 guests, and a chef's table in the kitchen with seats for up to 16 guests."



Kables, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney - 199 George St, Sydney - T: 9250 3226

http://www.fourseasons.com/sydney

Summit, Australia Square, Sydney

Summit, Australia Square, Sydney
Tuesday 30 October, 2007

OK - here's the thing....the Summit offers one of the best views across Sydney Harbour. So, why on earth wouldn't they showcase it????? My lunch buddy and I arrived today to take advantage of one of the last days of Good Food Month. I had previously dined here back in 2005 and felt the service let the entire experience down.

Upon exiting the lifts we were whisked to a table in the near empty restaurant looking out South East i.e. we couldn't see the harbour. The greeter was wearing a far too tight black dress and was merely going through the motions - she couldn't have cared less if we were having a good day or planned to enjoy our lunch and this was paramount in the way she delivered these lines.

Our waiter promptly arrived with menus and enquired if we wanted drinks....sparkling water, tap water. When we settled on tap water he dissapeared. It became obvious straight away that the Summit doesn't offer any complimentary starters/ extras e.g. bread, butter, salt. So we sat there looking at the view wondering if we would make it from South East to North in less than 60 mins.

The Summit is positioned as, "A famous icon on the Sydney Restaurant scene, find Summit Restaurant and Orbit Lounge Bar in the heart of Sydney CBD on level 47, Australia Square. Sydney's best 360 degree view, a revolving panorama of city skyline, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sparkling harbour waters and back to Sydney Opera House in 105 minutes. Sydney's premier dining experience for lunch and dinner, an exciting menu presents only the best Australian ingredients and seafood and finest international wines. Owned and operated by acclaimed international chef and restaurateur Michael Moore, Summit Restaurant is absolutely the best Sydney Restaurant experience."

We noticed immediately that our menus did not contain any mention of Good Food Month. This was surprising given they are listed in the Good Food Month guide. We asked our waiter when he returned and he looked around nervously and dissapeared again. A short time he returned with the 2006 Good Food Month promotional flyer. This listed the lunch special as tasmanian salmon.

We knew that the lunch special for 2007 was, 'Seared ocean trout, feta and spinach rotolo, tomato passata and crushed sweet herb pesto' and a glass of Brown Brother wine plus coffee/ tea for $35pp. We had come specifically to enjoy this so when we ordered we requested the Good Food Month special and this is what we received. I don't think the waiter even realised they were still using the 2006 flyers as he certainly didn't acknowledge it.

With prompt delivery of our meals we still hadn't made it around to the Harbour by the time we had finished. This was dissapointing. We couldn't quite grasp why they weren't using the side of the dining space that commanded the Harbour views. Our meals were very lean and light - the ocean trout was lovely and the highlight for me was crushed sweet herb pesto. It wouldn't have been fabulous with some crusty bread.

It didn't take long to finish our meals and we were still hungry. Rather than order one of their $18 desserts we decided to stop off at the newly opened Lindt Cafe for some $4 ice cream - divine.

Summit Restaurant - L47/ 247 George Street, Sydney - (02) 92479777

http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/

Pyrmonts, Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

Pyrmonts, Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

Sunday 28 October, 2007

Tonight my Canberra buddies and I were off to see Miss Saigon at Star City. Looking for a place to dine afterwards we opted for Pyrmont's -

"With magnificent harbour and city views, this brasserie-style steak & seafood restaurant is a fun and relaxed venue for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re after a light snack, a deluxe seafood platter or a sizzling steak, Pyrmont’s has something to suit all appetites. "

The last time I visited Pyrmont's I absolutely trashed the place. I'm pleased to report it has improved a little. We arrived after Miss Saigon and were welcomed through to a table near the window. Our drinks orders were taken promptly and we were left to read through the menu...steak or seafood.

I couldn't go past a steak - the choices were endless but I opted for the 130g rib eye with pumpkin and porcini mushrooms. Then, you are asked which sauce - peppercorn, bearnaise, red wine jus etc and also how you would like the steak prepared. Medium rare please. My Canberra buddies ordered the beer battered fish & chips, salt & pepper calamari, mixed vegetables and chat potatoes. What a feast!

It had honestly felt like we had just placed our order when the meals arrived. It was a little disconcerting however the food was very good. Looking around the dining space it seemed everyone was ordered the seafood platter - is there something we don't know about???

After doing some digging I discovered that,

"Led by Head Chef, Matthew Newman, Pyrmont’s offers diners an exciting contemporary menu of fresh seasonal seafood and mouth-watering steaks that are grilled to perfection. The speciality of the house is the chef’s sumptuous ‘Seafood Platter for Two’, which includes an array of hot and cold seasonal seafood with crisp salads, fruits, french fries and a selection of sauces. Whether it’s something light for lunch, pre-theatre dinner or a three-course meal, diners are invited to indulge in the tantalising tastes and spectacular harbour views at Pyrmont’s."

Interestingly, most of the public reviews of Pyrmont's are average. My steak was cooked well, there was generous serve of pumpkin and mushrooms and an even more generous serve of bearnaise. My Canberra buddies really enjoyed their food too and I was pleasantly surprised by the service - it was friendly and efficient. I still feel it is very over priced for what it offers.

Pyrmonts - L1 Star City, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont - 1800 700 700

http://www.starcity.com.au

Danks St Depot, Danks St, Waterloo

Danks St Depot, Danks St, Waterloo

Saturday 27 October, 2007

It's been almost 2 years since I've visited Danks St Depot and I was looking forward to going back. Danks St has changed significantly since this time with the introduction of several new cafes - e.g Cafe Sopra, bakeries, grocers etc - it's a happening little street.

This morning we arrived for a breakfast and were surprised at how many tables were free. There was a time when you could be waiting for over 20 mins for tables...not any more. There are cafes galore in this neck of the woods. One thing hasn't changed - they still cram too many tables along the wall - meaning it can be challenge to get in and out.

We were on a mission to have the garlic bread. In fact, I'd been dreaming about it for a week! If they didn't offer it any more I would have been disappointed. Thankfully, our waitress said she would check for us and didn't think it would be a problem. Yes! A short time later she returned with the good news.

The breakfast menu hasn't changed all that much - it is lean but very hard to decide. I couldn't go past the basil & goats cheese omelet and my breakfast buddy ordered the same. This is heavenly but there are other very tempting items on the menu including the creamed eggs with truffle oil, WA sardines, BBQ asparagus and poached eggs etc.

When the garlic bread arrived it turned a few heads at the neighbouring tables. One couple asked for the menu back to see what it was and another just lent across and asked. We had to explain it isn't on the menu but it worth asking for. It was a buttery, garlic sensation and I could have eaten so much more.

Thankfully the eggs arrived and we were distracted by the explosion of goats cheese in the centre - yum! We found the service shoddy today but the food was just perfect.

Danks Street Depot - Danks Street, Waterloo - (02) 96982201

http://www.2danksstreet.com.au/

Saffron Thai, Cnr George & Grosvenor Sts, Sydney

Saffron Thai, Cnr George & Grosvenor Sts, Sydney

Wednesday 24 October, 2007

The last time I visited Saffron Thai we thoroughly enjoyed the food however were frustrated with the service. Today's experience was very similar.

We arrived for lunch without a reservation...it was Wednesday...and watched the staff fumble around as they tried to reconcile the booked tables with the available tables. Moments later we were invited to take our pick. The turnover of staff here is high and there doesn't appear to be any consistency at all. Aside from the fact the staff are impeccably dressed and polite, they just don't know how to take orders efficiently during the lunchtime rush.

My lunch buddy and I have a standard order that we share:

- Duck pancakes with shallots
- Green chicken curry
- Pad thai with prawns

We had specifically asked for the pancakes to come first with the other dishes to follow later on. Our waitress has even repeated this back us to confirm. Not surprisingly the meals all arrived at once and we didn't have enough room on the table for everything. They had only bought us one small bowl of rice (you are usually served two) so we had to ask for another - this took another 10 mins.

The green chicken curry is delicious and served in a deep bowl with a generous amount of chicken. Spooned over steamed rice it was really good and so spicy that it guaranteed to clear your sinuses after one mouthful. Finally, the pad thai arrived and it was also good, especially with the curry sauce on top.

The back room at The Brooklyn is devoted to Saffron Thai and it is far nicer to sit here and enjoy your food than within the packed pub. This is great food at reasonable prices - what a shame the service hasn't improved.

Saffron Thai, Brooklyn Hotel - Cnr George & Grosvenor Sts, Sydney - (02) 9247 6744

http://www.brooklynhotel.com.au/

Garden Bar, Establishment, George St, Sydney

Garden Bar, Establishment, George St, Sydney
Tuesday 23 October, 2007

Tonight was a celebration and bubbles were required. So, we took ourselves off to Establishment after work. After a few drinks we noticed that there were a few randompeople dancing around the bar. What the?!@

Little did we know it was Rumba Night at Establishment.

"Learn to salsa in style with DJ Willie Sabor and friends, and then Rumba the night away. The night will kick off with a salsa class 8.00pm, and then DJ Willie Sabor hits the decks with special guest DJ’s, and gets the party started and it will be a party to remember! For your fix of hip shaking salsa in a tropical paradise, be at Establishment from 7.30pm and feel what is taking Sydney dance by storm!"

As we enjoyed a few more drinks more people arrived and the dancing continued. We were having such a great time that we decided to order dinner:

- Salt & pepper calamari
- Pad Thai
- Thai beef salad
- Green chicken curry

With another bottle of wine ordered we settled back and watched the crowds arrive. We were amazed at the turnout and how everyone was embraced from beginners through to the professionals (or rather.....wannabe professionals).

After ordering and paying at the bar our buzzer lit up. We collected our cutlery and napkins from the rear kitchen and bought all our dishes back to the table. What a feast! As we enjoyed every mouthful we continued to watch the activity around us and by this stage the entire rear half of Establishment was alive with latin beats and sweaty dancers.

Our meals were perfect and we couldn't help but feel guilty tucking into our food as everyone was being so energetic around us. The highlight? The Thai beef salad - the lemongrass, coriander and chilli provided a wonderful flavour to the tender beef slices.

If you would like to learn Rumba in a fun atmosphere after a few drinks - try Establishment on a Tuesday night.

Garden Bar, Establishment - 252 George St, Sydney - (02) 92403000

http://www.merivale.com/whatson.html?eventid=196

Delante, Waters Rd, Neutral Bay

Delante, Waters Rd, Neutral Bay

Saturday 20 October, 2007

I was first introduced to Delante back in March by an avid fan who dines their regularly. I was promised the best breakfast ever and as I've been out of town and still feeling a little jet lagged it wouldn't have taken an awful lot to impress me. However, this morning I was wowed.

We sat outside on this gorgeous day protected by the shade of the awning and overhanging trees. Within moments we were welcomed by the staff and had our coffee orders taken. That's the mark of a great cafe - take care of drinks orders first and leave us to ponder the menu.

With our coffees on the table we ordered. I let my breakfast buddy order for me and they chose a winner - Blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs with potato rosti, spinach leaves in balsamic and a side of sausage & bacon. Watch out! I knew we were going for a big breakfast but this seemed enormous.

To say the scrambled eggs were good would be an understatement - each mouthful was spectacular. The thin slices of crab cooked amongst the eggs was incredibly more-ish. The side of potato rosti, sausage and bacon held its own too - especially the sausages - small, chicken chipolates that had a gorgeous sweetness to them.

As hungry as I was I could only manage half this serving. So, my breakfast buddy got to enjoy it. Lucky devil!

Delante - Shop 1/12 Waters Rd, Neutral Bay - (02) 9953 1789

Steph's flickr photos of Dubai

Dubai is an amazing place - full of construction, sand, diverse cultures and unbelievable resorts. We were fortunate enough to stay at the Madinat Jumeirah which comprises several hotels - Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam alongside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab.

Within Madinet Jumeirah the transport of choice are abras - kind of like Venetian gondolas however to go a greater distance e.g. Burj Al Arab you can take golf buggy's on special tracks.

Al Qasr Arboretum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Al Qasr Arboretum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Wednesday 17 October, 2007

Imagine having breakfast every morning under the biggest chandeliers, with the largest food selection or dining outside looking out to the waterway and Burj Al Arab. This was our reality every morning at Al Qasr.

For us it was too hot to dine outside - at 9am it was already 30 degrees - so we chose the comfort of the palatial interior. It was actually a little overwhelming dining under such huge chandeliers you felt like you should be wearing a ball gown and not shorts and thongs.

On arrival you are met with well dressed staff who greet you perfectly and direct you to a table. A short time later another staff member arrives with fresh tea or coffee and returns at regular intervals to ensure your cup is never empty.

There are several stations - fresh fruit, yoghurt, smoothies made to order, choose your own cereals with toppings and fresh juices. I'd be happy with this alone but when you are confronted with about 10 more stations you can't help but have a larger than normal breakfast.

Next up a selection of hot breakfast with everything you can imagine plus a complete suite of Japanese breakfast offerings. Then there is the egg station where the chefs will make your eggs to order or prepare an omlette with your choice of toppings. This was an experience as I watched several guests try to bamboozle the chefs with their intricate orders e.g. two egg whites beaten and cooked with a pinch of salt, discard the yolks and fry up some bacon with no fat on the side. Oh please......I just loved to have an omlette cooked up - simple and no fuss.

After this was the pastry and bread section. Freshly baked breads, french butter, pastries, croissants, muffins, pain au chocolate etc. What a selection. Fortunately we were staying here for a week so were able to enjoy some different delicacies each day.

Al Qasr Arboretum - Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai - +971 4 3668888

http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/al_qasr/arboretum/

Khaymat Al Bahar, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Khaymat Al Bahar, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Tuesday 16 October, 2007

Located on the grounds of Madinat Jumeirah, Khaymat Al Bahar is a Persian restaurant offering a buffet style feast. The translation is 'Tent of the beach' which captures the decor perfectly. The restaurant is set up with small tented rooms decorated with tea lit lanterns - it is stunning.

A reflection of Bedouin structure, Khaymat Al Bahar serves the beach and pool during the day and into the night. As the sun sets the lanterns take centre stage and sparkle. We were greeted and escorted into the body of the restaurant past the open plan kitchens and through to our table.
There was no explanation of what we do and as we weren't provided with menus we decided to jump up and review the buffet.

Fortunately there was a chef in the kitchen and he kindly walked us through the kitchen and explained the different dishes. He even encouraged us to try the two soups - mixed bean soup and chicken & lentil soup - on offer before we tucked into the lebanese breads and selection of dips - hummus, baba ghannouj, spicy tahini etc. Too many dishes to pick from!

After enjoying a variety of entrees we walked around the kitchen to decide what next. There were several meat dishes, tabouli, cous cous and then the chef in the centre was cooking a few dishes to order:

• Spiced prawns in tomato and onion sauce
• Fried potatoes
• Beef sliced off the bone

We were overwhelmed by the choices and piled up our plates so that we could try everything. The food was delightful - the meat tender, salad fresh and tangy and rice soft. Our eyes were bigger than our bellies and we couldn't finish our plates. It was so disappointing as we desperately wanted to finish everything too.

There was no way we could have eaten dessert but after settling back and enjoying our wine in this stunning atmosphere we started to feel like something sweet. We all wanted backlava but the kitchen didn't have any on hand. Not to worry our intrepid waiter told us to sit tight and he managed to secure some from another Persian restaurant in the Madinat Jumeirah complex....helps when you have 40 or so restaurants to draw on! This was a lovely touch and we were delivered a huge plate of divine backlava that we felt obliged to eat.

Khaymat Al Bahar - Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai - +971 4 3668888

http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/al_qasr/khaymat_al_bahar/

Verre, Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai

Verre, Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai

Monday 15 October, 2007\

Dubai Creek? Doesn't sound too glamorous does it? I was as surprised as you are reading this that Gordon Ramsey would choose to house his first international restaurant on a creek.

Gordon and I go way back.....I've admired his empire and have had the good(?) fortune of dining at his signature London restaurant, Gordon Ramsey at Claridges plus meeting the man himself in Sydney at Aria. The verdict........I was more impressed meeting him than dining at Claridges.

As Gordon himself has been quoted as saying,....“ Verre was my first restaurant outside the UK and represents a huge challenge – but a thoroughly enjoyable one. There is a real buzz about Dubai, and I am proud to be a part of it. In my mind, Dubai is one of the most vibrant cities around.”

Vibrant? Well, the first word that springs to mind is construction. The amount of construction here is phenomenal and every hotel is represented. Verre is located within the Hilton Dubai Creek on the other side of Dubai to Jumeirah so you will have to experience the amazing motorways to get there if you are not staying in the business district.

All my email correspondence with Verre beforehand was impressive - the courteous manner, confirmation details and welcoming tone. On arrival we were treated like royalty, the decor is minimal, subtle with hints of colour and the staff are impeccably dressed. As we reviewed the menu we were completely floored by the variety and descriptions - everything sounded just delicious.

For entree we ordered:

• Wild quail and forest mushroom tart with thyme jus
• Roasted sea scallops with caramelised pork belly,watermelon, five spices and ginger emulsion x 2

For mains we ordered:

• Pan-fried halibut with Scottish lobster and herb risotto,baby leeks and shellfish cream
• Roasted wild sea bass with crab couscous,grilled asparagus and sauce vierge
• Red label chicken “en vessie” with confit leg, lettuce farcie creamed cabbage and a thyme bouillon

After ordering we received a selection of sour dough and brown rolls and two bowls of fois gras plus french butter. I could have eaten this all evening. The sommelier visited the table and helped us select a moderately priced white - he was very good and offered a variety of suggestions. To say the food was good is an understatement - it was outstanding. We were in awe of the presentation and every mouthful was heavenly.

In between our mains and desserts we received complimentary shot glass to cleanse our palette - this consisted of mango pieces in a coconut cream foam and sauce - absolutely magic. For desserts we ordered:

• Cold chocolate fondant with milk ice cream
• Assiette of Verre desserts chosen by the chef
• Pistachio soufflé with bitter chocolate and honeycomb ice cream

This was sheer excellence and I would highly recommend it. I cannot fault anything, the staff anticipated our every need, were discreet but on top of everything and very polite. The food was just outstanding and we left wanting more and wanting to return the next night! The only downside is the location. The journey from Jumeirah took us an hour to get there in bumper to bumper traffic - it was not fun but the journey home was quick.

Verre - Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road, Dubai - +971 4 2271111

http://www.gordonramsay.com/dubai/

Arabian Adventures Dessert Safari, Dubai

Arabian Adventures Desert Safari, Dubai

Sunday 14 October, 2007

When we were planning this holiday to Dubai I was continually informed that we must do the following three things:

- Desert Safari

- Big Bus Tour

- Visit Burj Al Arab

I'm pleased to share that I ticked all of these things off my list during my stay and the highlight was definitely the Desert Safari. Arabian Adventures is one of the largest tour companies in Dubai - it is owned by Emirates and promoted in all of the Emirates owned hotels. There are about 40 tour companies offering similar tours and I've heard some horror stories however we had a wonderful evening and Arabian Adventures were a great tour company.

We were picked up from our hotel at 3.15pm. The white jeep was huge and our driver, Fisell, was very engaging and informative. The jeeps seat 6 people and our party of 3 shared with a family from Scotland. We all had a great time together. The journey out to the sand dunes took approx. 40 minutes and we arrived at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, deep into the heart of the desert. Once we arrived the convey of 35 jeeps pulled in and started to let down their tyres while we played in the sand dunes and took lots of photos.

After a short break and plenty of water - it was at least 35 degrees - we got back into the jeeps for the sand dune experience. Here's the thing.........if you sit up front with the driver you will hardly feel a thing, if you want a bit more of an experience take the middle seats and if you want the all out bumpy ride where you hit your head repeatedly and squeal with delight take the back seat! Not surprisingly, we took the back seat. it was great fun and I think our driver let us off lightly.

After 30 minutes of this we pulled into a camel farm. The camels were resting and we were fortunate to watch a stunning desert sunset. The sun was a brilliant orange colour and we watched it disappear behind the sand dunes. A little further on we arrived at a traditional Bedouin encampment. More camels were there to greet us and we could take camel rides through the desert if we wished.

We walked inside and secured our positions for the Arabian feast and floor show. There were Persian mats lining the ground (sand) and cushions to sit on alongside low rise tables. The encampment was set out in stations e.g. drinks, entrees, mains, henna tattoos, aromatic shisha and sweets. It was difficult to know where to start however once we saw the henna tattoo artists we were in!

I sat down on the firmly placed cushions and indicated I would like a butterfly design. With little English the artist motioned for me to throw my leg across her lap. It took less than a minute and my henna tattoo was complete. The only instructions given were not to touch it for 30 minutes while it dried and it should last one week. Let me assure you, it is now over a week later and it still looks like I had it done yesterday.

We settled down to enjoy a feast of grilled meat, fresh salads and delectable Arabian sweets, while being entertained by a bewitching belly dancer. This was a very energetic performance and we were encouraged to join in and learn how to belly dance. Not sure about the timing of this directly after dinner but everyone was captivating by the dancer and her stunning costumes.

To round off your evening, we toasted with more wine and participated in the aromatic shisha. What a night! Around 9.30pm we were welcomed back to the jeeps for our journey back to the hotel.

I can highly recommend this experience.

Arabian Adventures Desert Safari - Dubai - +971 4 303 4888

http://www.arabian-adventures.com

Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Saturday 13 October, 2007



There is only one word I can use to describe this place - TACKY! Located in the 27th floor of the magnificent Burj Al Arab this restaurant sits out in the semi circle structure overlooking the ocean. Our experience here was incredibly disappointing.

The security required to even enter the premises gave Australian customs a run for their money. It's phenomenal. Here's a snippet of the email I received from the restaurant manager prior to our arrival,

This reservation is being held on a guaranteed basis and will be kept as such unless cancelled 24 hours prior to arrival. However the payment is required on the same day of your reservation. In the event of a non-arrival in the restaurant or a cancellation being received on the same day, a charge of AED 150.00 per person will be charged to your credit card.

Your confirmation number is MUN10131340545. Kindly mention your name or the confirmation number upon arrival at our welcome center to ensure a smooth access to the hotel. For enquiries +971 4 301 7600.

Please note the following regulations in Al Muntaha Restaurant:

• The dress code in the restaurant is smart casual. Gentlemen are requested to wear a shirt with collar, trousers (no jeans) and closed shoes (no trainers) or UAE national dress.
• The view at night time is limited due to the restaurant’s location facing towards the sea. Requests for a window table will be noted, however, tables at the window will not be confirmed, but provided subject to availability.
• Use of mobile phones in our restaurants is restricted; please switch your phones to silent mode while dining.
• Due to the high demand of the restaurant we will be holding your booking for a period of 30 minutes from the reservation time onwards.
• Kindly note that you are allowed to take pictures only in the lobby. Photography is not permitted in any of our restaurants in order to protect the privacy of our guests.
• According to law in Dubai, children below 21yrs old are not permitted in the bar.
• Please refrain from smoking cigars or pipes in all areas of the restaurant.
• Kindly bring this confirmation letter along with you to ensure smooth access to the hotel and restaurant.
• Kindly note that we request guests to consume 2 courses during each meal period, either a starter and a main course or a main course and a dessert; however the main course is compulsory.

This was before we had even arrived! We took a golf buggy from our villa in Madinat Jumeirah to a check point. Then we waited for another buddy to transport us the remainder of the 10 minute journey. This buddy was stopped at the main driveway leading out to the Burj where security came to collect our confirmation details. This took a few minutes as the gentleman dressed in a dark suit reviewed the letter, then looked us up & down and then the buggy. It was very orchestrated and we wandered what we would encounter once we reached the hotel.


We were waved through and the journey out to the Burj was breath-taking - all 321 metres of the hotel is magnificent. We pulled up at the entrance and beautifully dressed doorman escorted us off the buggy and welcomed us to Burj Al Arab. Once we entered through glass doors female staff greeted us with silver trays of dates - the local specialty.

The first thing that strikes you in the foyer is the gold - it's dripping with gold and you really don't know where to look! But then you realise the core of the hotel is hollow & you can look directly up the centre - it's brilliant white, blue and gold. From the foyer you can take escalators to the main reception past the cascading water features.

We had no idea where we were going and asked a staff member who directed us to the rear lifts. There are 10 lifts to pick from and the journey to the 27th floor was seamless. The entrance to Al Muntaha is futuristic and you feel like you are walking through a massive computer chip. Then you hit the terrible dark blue carpet with round coloured spots, the different shade of blue furniture and the ceiling of bright fluorescent coloured. It was in poor taste.

Our table was decorated with brilliant white, silver and blue plates that were removed when the bread basket arrived with a choice of salted or unsalted butter. There were several staff around but we still felt that the entire experience did not come close to a 7 star experience.

The menu was surprisingly plain for a signature restaurant and the wine list was outrageously expensive - there would have been at least a 600% mark up on each wine. We met the sommelier and chose our wine and he had the audacity to suggest a wine 3 times more expensive - this was disgraceful and the service continued to go downhill....fast.

We had decided to go with a main & dessert and after ordering our meals were delivered a complimentary amuse bouche - warm salmon soup and chilled broccoli soup. These were OK - nothing flash. Our mains arrived and looked impressive:

- New Zealand loin of venison
- Australian tender strips of lamb
- Australian filleted barramundi

One of my dinner buddies has requested their lamb medium and it was bright pink when it reached the table so she sent it back. This was handled well but meant the rest of us were left with our meals. Our mains were delicious however we all felt let down as we were expecting so much more. The service was patchy and unprofessional - we often had to ask for items twice and when an ant scurried across the table, well, let's just say this was the icing on the cake.

It took a while for our desserts to arrive however they looked delightful. We ordered the:

- Orange tart with chocolate fondant
- Apple tart with vanilla bean ice cream
- Selection of cheeses with apples & figs

The food was lovely at Al Muntaha however the service was dismal. For a 7 star hotel we were expecting an amazing experience at their signature restaurant. The decor was tacky but the hotel has to be seen to be believed.

Al Muntaha - Burj al Arab, Dubai - 971 4 3017600

http://www.burj-al-arab.com/dining/al_mahara/

The Meat Company, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

The Meat Company, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Friday 12 October, 2007

Known as the Meat & Wine Co every where else, this meat lovers paradise is called The Meat Company in Dubai. Why? It's a dry city (sort of). Located within the Madinat Jumeirah complex, the Meat Co is situated on the sea front of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This restaurant offers one of the most spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and in particular the famous landmark of the Burj Al Arab Hotel - if you are sitting outside.

We were still a little jet lagged so wanted to dine somewhere close by. We caught an abra - kind of like a Venetian gondola from our villa to the souk - what a great way to get around. The souk is an Arabian bazaar of shops, market stalls and food and we decided to dine at the Meat Co on recommendation.

Known for their steaks, the Meat Co describe them as, "The success of our product lies in the preparation of our meat. Preparing and serving succulent steaks that make your mouth water and keep you coming back for more, is what The Meat Co does best. Only the finest South African A Grade and Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) is selected, wet-aged to perfection, and then expertly prepared and basted in The Meat Co’s “unique trade secret basting” - to produce a succulent, tender cut that is full of flavour every time."

We arrived without a reservation on Friday night - bad move. I had actually emailed them from Australia to make a reservation but I had never heard back from them so was prepared to use the old line....we have a reservation under the name of_____. Walking up the entrance we were bowled over by the amount of people out and about. Then is become clear that the reason was because Ramadan had ended and it was EID - the festival to celebrate the end of fasting.

Thankfully we could secure a table inside as long as we were done by 9pm - OK then. This actually suited us fine as we were getting very tired anyway. On entry you walk down a few stairs and see the open kitchen in all its glory. The bar is framed with a green glass and then a large see through wine cellar that is impressive. The furniture is dark brown wood and the chairs are chocolate coloured leather - it's warm & invited with bright coloured artwork dotted throughout. We were seated in a corner which didn't disguise the buzz of the place. Staff moved quickly around the tables and had a real sense of purpose.

We ordered Salt & pepper calamari to share upfront - tender pieces of deep-fried calamari scored and marinated with spices, served on a bed of sliced cucumber, topped with mixed peppers. This was nice and between 3 of us meant we scored about 3 pieces each.

For mains we had to order the steak - the super aged meat. We all ordered the 300g Certified Australian Angus Beef rib eye with their renowned house basting, served with chips. To compliment this we also ordered a rocket & aged parmesan salad - rocket leaves tossed with balsamic and olive oil dressing, semi dried tomatoes and shaved parmesan.

The steaks arrived with much fanfare and it was very obvious that if you weren't a meat lover this place would be wasted on you! For our first night in Dubai this was a lovely introduction. The Meat Co is a relaxed, informal place with the focus on good, hearty steaks.

The Meat Company - Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai - +971 4 368 6040

http://www.themeatco.com/dubai/madinat_jumeirah/

SeLAh, Loftus St, Circular Quay

SeLAh, Loftus St, Circular Quay

Monday 8 October, 2007

After receiving several recommendations for SeLAh I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try it during Good Food Month. My lunch buddy today is leaving at the end of this week to take up a very exciting job offer so this was a celebration.

SeLAh - a Hebrew word meaning pause or rest is located on the bus thoroughfare - Loftus St. We arrived at midday and were welcomed inside. I was immediately struck by the exposed sandstone wall opposite the bold red wall with contemporary art work. The dining space was small but it worked. We were given a choice of tables and opted for the table along the red wall. Within moments another staff member came by to welcome us and provide us with menus, including the Let's do Lunch offering.

Let's do Lunch is an annual event every October and I love it. It allows you to try different restaurants with a capped $35 price tag. This includes a main meal and glass of wine/ beer/ soft drink. SeLAh's lunchtime deal included:

• Barramundi fillet with crispy chorizo, black mussel, fennel and sauce vierge
• Brown Brothers Viognier

and to compliment this we also ordered hand-cut chips.

We were impressed by the attentiveness of the staff and also the complimentary items that arrived shortly afterwards:

• Fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Celeraic volute with truffle oil

When our main meals arrived we were in awe of the presentation. The Barrumundi fillet was piled on top of the chopped fennel and chorizo and surrounded by mussels in sauce vierge. It looked and tasted divine. The fish fell apart and melted in your mouth.

The service was outstanding and for my first Let's Do Lunch outing in 2007 this was a winner.

SeLAh - 12 Loftus St, Circular Quay - (02)

http://www.selah.com.au/1.html

High Tea Party, Stamford Plaza, Double Bay

High Tea Party, Stamford Plaza, Double Bay
Sunday 7 October, 2007

What a fantastic afternoon! The High Tea Party is an annual event hosted at the Stamford Plaza, Double Bay raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The idea is 'a day of indulgence shared with friends'.....and it definitely was.

There were 8 of us booked in for the High Tea Party today. We all met in the foyer at 12.30pm and after signing in and collecting our very trendy black with silver writing wrist bands climbed the stairs to receive our Henkell Trocken sparkling wine. As we stood around sharing lots of laughs and stories we reviewed the booklet outlining all the seminars, workshops, interactive experiences and boutique markets - the list of things to do was endless....

• Westfield Bondi Junction Style sessions
• Silkwood Cosmetic Seminars
• Triumph Lingerie Fashion Parades
• Elixer Health Club workshops

plus lots of interactive experiences from LUSH, T2, Thomas Sabo, Blackberry, Ocean Spray, Benefit and Equal. Where do you start?

We had booked in for a 2pm sitting for High Tea in the lounge so had plenty of time to wander through the Expo beforehand. On Level 2 there was also a courtyard cafe serving complimentary Toby's Estate coffee and serving the most gorgeous pink cupcakes. It was so girlie and fun.

When 2pm arrived we waited in a queue with about 80 other women to be seated in the chandelier filled lounge room. When our table was ready we were welcomed inside and served High Tea.

Traditional scones, jam and King Island cream

Afternoon tea sandwiches:

• Tasmanian smoked salmon with baby capers and dill salsa
• Rare roast beef with capsicum spread and chives
• Free range eggs and seeded mustard mayonnaise
• Cucumber stack, cream cheese and black pepper

Assorted sweeties:

• Equal baked ricotta & kahlua cheese cake
• Equal citrus & strawberry tartlet
• Traditional English Fruit cake
• Linzer torte
• Belgian chocolate brownie

T2 Sydney breakfast and afternoon tea blends and bubbles by Henkell Trocken. While this was all happening there was a gorgeous fashion parade by Myer.

This is a great day out with friends, family - well, anyone that enjoys a good time. The entry fee included everything plus a great gift bag on the way out.

We'll definitely be back next year!

High Tea Party - Stamford Plaza, 33 Cross St, Double Bay - 1300 301 391

http://www.thehighteaparty.com.au/

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/

Orient Hotel, George St, The Rocks

Orient Hotel, George St, The Rocks

Thursday 4 October, 2007

I've never been to the Orient Hotel before. I've walked past it a thousand times and I didn't realise it had a small beer garden out the back. Today, my lunch buddy recommended it as we wandered down into The Rocks on this warm & windy day. We were looking for a pub meal and The Orient was able to accommodate.

The Orient has been around since 1844 so is an institution. Little did I know there were several floors of bars, restaurants etc on offer. As their promotional material states:

"Our street level Public Bar is a relaxed gathering place by day with great Aussie bar food, icy-cold beer and friendly staff. Walk through to the sandstone courtyard and find the perfect spot to take time out with a cool drink. By night, the Orient party's, with live bands in the Public Bar every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Check our Gig Guide for more info on who’s rocking the Rocks.

Our stylish Restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is the local’s choice for a business lunch or relaxed dinner date, with a menu of modern Australian dishes and international favourites. Go to the Restaurant page to have a look at our Menus. Also on the first floor is our Atrium Bistro with classic pub food in a relaxed setting. Check out the menu at our Bistro page.
On the top floor of the Orient you’ll find our newly refurbished Rooftop Nightclub, where top DJs play hot party music every Friday & Saturday night, 10pm til 3am. The room is also available for private functions."

We walked in from the corner entrance on George & Argyle St. It's a little dark but as you weave through the public bar to the beer garden you reach a small slice of sunlight. If they could eradicate the pigeons it would be sensational. The outdoor area houses several trees that the beer garden has been built around and there are laminated menus on each table. It's your traditional pub far with old favourites like burgers, calamari, Caesar salad, fish & chips, steak sandwich and bangers & mash.

To order you just return inside to the bar and order. You are competing with the pub goers so be prepared to wait (unless you get there early). There were only 2 staff working the bar which was surprising. After ordering and paying you are handed a table number and directed to a side stand to collect napkins and cutlery. The service wasn't warm or friendly they were merely going through the motions.. The beer garden filled up quickly and were lucky to secure one of the few tables in the shade.

We both ordered the Orient Beef Burger w/bacon, cheese, onion, tomato & chips. This was very reasonable at $12.50. I was impressed at how quickly the meals arrived and they were huge. The burgers were packed full with fillings and they were easier to eat by separating them in two. It also made them last longer. The fries were OK and would have been a lot better with some sauce on the side.

For a relaxed lunchtime feed The Orient is a cheap & cheerful option.

Orient Hotel - 89 George St, The Rocks - (02) 9251 1255

http://www.orienthotel.com.au/

Relish Noodle Star, Military Road, Neutral Bay

Relish Noodle Star, Military Road, Neutral Bay
Wednesday 3 October, 2007

This has to be my all time favourite Chinese dish and I've been searching for a local place to satisfy my cravings. I was first introduced to Ma Po Tofu in 2005 in China - I didn't really know what it was and described it as a chilli soup with tofu. How things have changed.....

When I returned to China in 2006 I learnt that this dish actually goes by several different names (how helpful)....Granmother's beancurd, Ma Po Tofu or just plain spicy tofu. The interesting thing is back home i.e. here in Sydney this dish is a rarity, however if you ask for it they will deliver.

My quest to find a great local offering has taken my across Sydney:

• Golden Century, Sussex St
• Golden Century - Entertainment Quarter
• Eastwood Garden Peking
• Yee King, Sussex St

But finding somewhere closer to home has proved difficult until now. Located on Military Rd just opposite Big Bear shopping centre, Relish Noodle Star looks really tacky. It's a no frills place with no decor, ambiance or care factor. They rely on their food, low prices and there's a steady stream of customers to keep them in business.

Upon entry you are met with ugly tables and basic chairs and there is a counter at the rear where you can order. There are coloured pictures of their menu offerings - your typical Chinese fare and lo and behold - there's a picture of Ma Po Tofu. How on earth could I go past it?

The staff barely acknowledge your presence but again, it's all about the food. Once you order and pay take a seat and wait. No more than 15 mins later a fresh batch of Ma Po Tofu is delivered to the table - again there's no acknowledgement or words shared.

So, what is Ma Po Tofu? It's basically a whole lot of chilli, pork, and silken tofu - click here for the recipe courtesy of the Food Network.

The taste? Well, I had requested extra hot so it was riddled with fresh chilli that lit my mouth up like a Christmas tree and I enjoyed every mouthful. Each serve comes with steamed rice which is perfect for soaking up the chilli sauce.

This is a cheap & cheerful option for dinner.

Relish Noodle Star - 55 Military Road, Neutral Bay - 9904 5454

ARIA, Macquarie St, Circular Quay

ARIA, Macquarie St, Circular Quay

Monday 1 October, 2007


Tonight, the celebrations continued. We had tickets to see Josh Grobin and were looking for a pre-theatre restaurant. Surprisingly, most of the restaurants surrounding the Opera House were closed - on a long weekend???? Surely, the tourist dollar would have been out in force? Anyway, I tried 3 restaurants before finding out that ARIA was open - thank god.

ARIA offer a wonderful pre-theatre menu that is well priced for a highly awarded restaurant that commands one of the best views in Sydney. Between 5.30 - 7pm each night they offer one course for $40, two courses for $65 and three courses for $80. The entrees are listed as:

PACIFIC OYSTERS - six, freshly shucked with mignonette dressing
CONSOMME - peking duck consommé with duck dumplings, shaved abalone and
mushrooms
GOATCURD - cigar of goat curd with a salad of pickled beetroot, apple and hazelnuts
SCALLOPS - pan fried with a sweet corn puree, cauliflower beignet and a caper and
sultana dressing
HIRAMASA KINGFISH - tartare with crème fraiche and buckwheat blinis
KUROBUTA SWEET PORK BELLY - double cooked and served with pear salad with cider dressing.


The mains offered are:

FENNEL - pot roasted, with globe artichoke, borlotti beans and green olives
YELLOW BELLIED FLOUNDER - roasted on the bone, polenta agnolotti and beurre noisette
JEWFISH - crisp skin fillet with calamari and garlic pippies
GLENLOTH CHICKEN BREAST - roasted with gnocchi, treviso, mushrooms and jus gras
VEAL - blanquette of veal with green asparagus, braised morels and celery hearts
BEEF - chargrilled scotch fillet with a gratin of potato, sautéed mushrooms and
Montpellier butter

How do you decide between these????? After several read throughs of the menu I couldn't go past the Hiramisa Kingfish for entree and the Beef for main while my dinner buddy opted for the Scallops for entree and Jewfish for main. After we ordered a complimentary starter arrived - a vegetable consomme with croutons and also freshly baked bread rolls - soy & linseed or white with fresh butter.

The staff at ARIA are impeccable - they are discreet and move effortlessly around the floor keeping track of each guest - glasses are never left unfilled and plates are cleared promptly. It's wonderful to experience great service - more Sydney restaurants could learn a thing or two from this crew.

Our meals were lovely and light and as we had come early we had more then enough time to order dessert. The kingfish was beautifully prepared and just melted in your mouth with a generous serve of creme fraiche. The beef was cooked to order and perfectly matched with the gratin & mushrooms.

As we pondered dessert you couldn't help but admire the spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This really is one of the most stunning views of Sydney. I ordered the CHOCOLATE - chocolate mousse, raspberries, hazelnuts, vanilla ice cream and my dinner buddy ordered the ICECREAM - Pedro Ximenez ice cream, marinated raisins, blood orange.

ARIA is an experience.

ARIA - 1 Macquarie St East Circular Quay - (02) 9252 2555

http://www.ariarestaurant.com/