R is for Really Good Food

Sydney-siders such as myself were dismayed when Tetsuya Wakuda’s restaurant fell from its place as one of the world’s top 50 best restaurants. And, although still in the top 100, holding on at a very respectable number 58 on the list, this consistent SMH Good Food Guide winner has also found itself minus a coveted chef’s hat in 2011 and 2012.

Are the judges being a touch harsh on this inspired French-Japanese fusion experience? The people of Sydney don’t seem to think so as in 2011 Tetsuya’s won the SMH Good Food Guide People's Choice Award. I decided to settle my mind once and for all and find out for myself, it was the right thing to do (I’m good like that).

Tetsuya’s is tucked away on Kent Street, protected from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city. I was surprised at first by the simplicity of the restaurant as I entered, but this was quickly quelled as I was seated by one of the windows with an unspoiled view of the tranquil Japanese garden around which the dining area is set.

Before I get to the cuisine, let me just say, Tetsuya’s is an experience like few other dining experiences on offer in Australia. Reminiscent of fine dining somewhere such as Dubai, the service is second to none, leaving you relaxed and feeling completely and utterly spoiled. My waiter presented me with an option to simply dine with a run through beforehand or to choose to travel on a gastronomic journey with each dish and wine explained in detail as I made my way through all ten courses, well eleven for those who cannot resist champagne and oysters to cleanse the palate.

The courses ranged from comfortable, such as the breast of duck with eggplant and almond, to daring - certainly my first time trying a savoury custard with sea urchin - although each of which was perfectly executed in presentation and flavour. The attention to detail was evident yet the complexity was not overwhelming in that even the most unique dishes were made easy for any diner to enjoy. Of course the pièce de résistance and my favourite on the night, was the signature confit of petuna ocean trout with shaved fennel and unpasteurised ocean trout caviar. The fish is cooked in a way that allows it to simply melt in your mouth and delicate combination of flavours make this dish a winner in my book and left me more than satisfied. Even after seeing the bill at the end of the evening I felt that this was a degustation worth every cent of the $210 price tag.

For those who appreciate a nice drop, the matching wines and a carefully selected sake (at an extra $95) are in perfectly harmony with each dish, with my only complaint being that the several wines made exclusively for the restaurant leave you wishing you could get your hands on a bottle to take home!

Tetsuya’s is most definitely worth a visit. At the end of my evening, stuffed and I’ll admit a little tipsy, I could clearly see why Tetsuya’s is a favourite of Sydney foodies and in my mind still the Sydney restaurant to dine if you are seeking world class service and a menu that will leave you longing for more.

To make a reservation or view a sample menu visit the Tetsuya’s website. 

If you would like to discover more of the world’s top 100 restaurants visit the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants website.

E is for the End of an Era

Today’s post is a tribute to Betty’s soup kitchen, which after more than 15 years has sadly closed its doors. Betty’s has been an Oxford Street institution for so long and fed many a hungry Sydney-sider over the years. A sign of the times and a reminder to us all to get out and visit our small businesses and restaurants, these local haunts have so much to offer and really need our support to stay in business so I set a challenge to everyone reading this to visit your favourite hangout this week and support Sydney’s small businesses.

D is for Dining

The Crave Sydney International Food Festival is coming up which makes October a great time of year to get out and taste all that Sydney has to offer. Throughout the festival restaurants that are home to some of Sydney's best chefs are offering great deals, keep an eye on the Loving Sydney's Special page as I will do my best to keep these updated or check out the Crave Sydney website for details.

On the 1st to the 2nd of October you can choose to see a wide range of chefs and cuisines in one location at the Festival's World Chef Showcase, a steep $310 for a full day ticket but well worth it for a devoted foodie. If you want to be involved but don't want to part with that much cash however, why not visit the Night Noodle Markets which will be held in Hyde Park North from the 10th to 14th of October and the 17th to 21st of October from 5pm to 9pm. Find out all you will need to know about both events on the Festival's website.

Separately, but still on the subject of incredible dining, I must mention a Surry Hills restaurant I happened upon last weekend. The Nepalese Kitchen at 481 Crown Street offers cheap and delicious Nepalese cuisine in a gorgeous atmosphere. Why not try their signature goat dish, a truly authentic tomato based curry that will leave you wanting for more, and there is plenty more to choose from not in the least including the best momos outside of Kathmandu.

The Nepalese Kitchen is BYO and open from 6pm to 11pm daily. I would recommend booking ahead by calling 02 9319 4264 to avoid disappointment.

C is for Chinatown

Sydney has by far the best Chinatown in the country. Dixon Street is guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds with a huge range of restaurants to choose from and plenty of places to pick up a dumpling on the run.

Be sure to check out Market City and Paddy’s Markets with everything from Bananas to Boomerangs for sale at a great price and to recover pay a visit to the Chinese Garden in Darling Harbour a stunning Chinese sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Better yet, why not plan your day in the city to align with the Expo of Chinese Tea from the 14th to the 16th of October at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

For more details on upcoming events in Sydney’s Chinatown visit http://www.chinatown.com.au/eng/.

Discovering Breakfast in Coogee

I'll admit i'm a breakfast in Bondi kinda girl... And why not - with the markets, surfing and skating comps to entertain, and backpacker prices it makes for a perfect Sunday morning out.. 

But today I decided to try something different and head further south to Coogee beach for my Sunday ritual. And I was pleasantly surprised. Parking was easy, the atmosphere was relaxed and the sun was out - thank you for a sunny day at last! I quickly discovered that the prices are not so backpacker along the cafe strip on Coogee Bay Road but it is still a popular spot with barely a spare table at the six or so cafes to choose from. We settled on Tropicana Cafe as they serve Campos coffee and I chose the breakfast bruschetta. The service was great and I had my delicious brekky in no time. The bruschetta was awesome, basically scrambled eggs on sourdough with a basil, tomato and persian fetta salad - yum! Followed up with the obligatory stroll along the beach, although not too much was going on.

All in all I think I will definitely be heading back to Coogee soon, but at $18 for a breaky I don't think i'm converted, my breakfast still belongs in Bondi.

Rain, Rain....

Welcome to my first post for my new blog, the subject of which is very dear to my heart, my home town - Sydney. Living in Sydney or just popping in for a visit, Loving Sydney will keep you up to date with what's on and what can't be missed each week in Sydney...

This glorious long weekend in Sydney-town has also been a decidedly wet one with the much awaited Jazz Festival in Darling Harbour more of a rain dance then a weekend of soul.. Still did get out to check out Vivid Sydney in Circular Quay and was seriously impressed! The lights were above and beyond this year with amazing effects and pyrotechnics to boot. 

While out on the town enjoying all that the City of Sydney's lighting show has to offer I stumbled upon a restaurant I had been meaning to taste out for years.... The Italian Village restaurant did not disappoint.. I had a really delightful meal with an air dried beef entree and a to-die-for cannelloni for a main. Of course being run by Dockside Group - who brought Sydney other such gems as Ice Cube and Star Room - I expected no less. The service was excellent and it was surprisingly affordable for two courses and coffee. I definitely recommend you check out Italian Village's latest specials (such as a $29 lunch - love)!

I hope you enjoyed my first post and if you are out this weekend in Sydney I hope you are having a blast despite the precipitation.