Berta Restaurant (Sydney)

Leaving work on time at 5:30pm gave me an advantage to get into the popular Berta restaurant with a table. Hidden among the laneways in Sydney, this wine bar / restaurant does not take bookings and fill up very quickly – creating a lively atmosphere.

The dishes were designed for sharing. Highlight for me was the trout entrée with such clean flavours. The shredded beef with parsley and peas with parmesan crust was comforting and worked well with the side dishes of carrot and sweet potatoes.

I will return for a meal after work along the bar any day only on a quiet day.

Details:
Berta Restaurant
17-19 Alberta Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://berta.com.au/

Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant (Sydney)

The perennial family favourite, Fook Yuen has been at its Chatswood address for over 20 years. They have never failed us, from the family yum cha to taking out an overseas visitor.

Fresh seafood is always the order of the day and do refer to the slide show on the flat panel TVs for guidance. Last night we went for the live coral trout cooked over 2 courses – stir fry fillet with snow peas and a hotpot ‘stew’ of the bones and head with tofu and mushrooms. Along with steamed whole scallops with XO sauce that’s plenty for 3 people.

Details:
Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant
7 Help St
Chatswood New South Wales 2067

Felix Bar & Bistro, Ivy (Sydney)

The recently opened Felix Bistro gave me another reason to visit the Ivy complex. The buzzing dining room and warm service were a great start. But hey, we were here from Chef Lauren’s food (especially I enjoyed my experience at Ash St Cellar right opposite).

The classic French dishes ticked all the boxes. Steak Tartare was the best I have had this year (versus Glass and Ad Lib). Brown butter sauce worked well with the firm Skate fillets which were cooked perfectly. Lemon pudding was light and tangy, rounding up a meal of flavourful and rich dishes.

Details: 
Felix Bistro & Bar 
Ivy 
Ash St, Sydney NSW 2000 
http://www.merivale.com/#/ivy/felix 

Marque Friday lunch (Sydney)

The power of social networking allowed me to enjoy the Friday prix fixe lunch at Marque restaurant again this year. For $45, it is the best 3-course lunch one can get in Sydney.

The food was simply awesome. Entrée with cured bonito, along with crunchy vegetables and pork floss, gave us a pretty picture to start the meal. The Pimientos de Padron peppers gave the wagyu steak the right level of kick to the senses. And the basil sorbet gave the chocolate dessert a fragrant layer of surprises.

Pity the next available booking is 6 months away.

Details:
Marque Restaurant
4/5 355 Crown Street
Surry Hills 2010
www.marquerestaurant.com.au

MUMU Grill (Sydney)

MUMU Grill has filled the vacancy of ‘modern steakhouse’ in Sydney’s lower north shore. The use of sustainable ingredients gives us more reasons to visit often.

The steaks never disappoint and are all fairly priced. They are all cooked with a different touch. The aged sirloin was given the extra boost of flavours from the crust with Kimel coffee beans from Papua New Guinea and Szechwan pepper. And make sure you order all the trimmings on the side – onion rings were our favourite of the night.

The dessert platter was the perfect way to end the meal.

Details:
MUMU Grill
70 Alexander St, Crows Nest
http://www.mumugrill.com.au