Xanthi (Sydney)

Overseas guest is the perfect reason for a gathering over food. To satisfy the big meat eaters, I have chosen Xanthi inside Westfield Sydney for some Greek fare.

The famous spit roast pork was nice and tender, even when it has gone cold well into the meal. And the crackling was gone within seconds. The other meat dishes such as lamb skaras and roast duck with quince were also fantastic. Surprise of the night was the truffle mousaka which was sufficiently creamy without being too heavy – and not watery when you cut into it like other places.

Details:
Xanthi
Westfield Sydney, Level 6
Corner Pitt Street Mall & Market Street
Sydney 2000
http://www.xanthi.com.au/

Uccello (Sydney)

Winding down from a tough week, we finally found the appetite (and time) for a relaxing meal at Uccello on the top of the Ivy complex in Sydney.

Our Italian feast kicked off with a platter of cured meats from different regions of Italy, followed by squid ink tagliolini pasta. We then share the roasted whole leg of goat with potatoes and peas. While the goat meat was slightly tough, the potatoes absorbed the roast juices totally blew us away. Our desserts of lemon meringue tart and spiced cake with poached pear wrapped up the meal beautifully.

Details:
Uccello
Ivy, Level 4
330 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://merivale.com.au/uccello/

Rengaya (North Sydney)

I walked past Rengaya Yakiniku opposite North Sydney station often after work and was confronted by the fantastic grilling smell. Finally we were able to get in on a Friday night without booking.

The restaurant offered premium grade Blackmore Wagyu beef with perfect marbling. We ordered the sampling platter which allowed us to try the various textures from different cuts. Needless to say, they were melt-in-your-mouth after a couple of minutes on the hot grill. The Japanese dessert with green tea brulee and mocha was also excellent.

The bill did not come cheap but we expected it given the quality.

Rengaya
73 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
http://www.yakiniku.com.au/rengaya/

Steersons Steakhouse (Sydney)

An urge for steaks on a Thursday night brought us to Steersons Steakhouse for an impromptu visit. I like the high ceiling dining room at Bridge Street despite its age, with wear and tear now noticeable.

We ordered our steaks almost immediately after being seated (we were hungry). My pasture fed rib on bone was well seared and cooked to medium as ordered. There was also a generous serving of potato puree. However, we thought the side dishes were rather small given the price tag.

Details:
Steersons Steakhouse @ Bridge Street
7 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.steersons.com.au/

Bon Bon Fine Chocolate Cafe (Sydney)

Needing a hot chocolate fix on a cold night, we ventured to the Bon Bon Chocolate Café on Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall. The café is actually downstairs from the beautiful chocolate shop at the Strand Arcade, and a very comfortable place to take a break.

The hot chocolate was nice, thick and really satisfying. We also had the double waffle which came with a generous serving of ice-cream and shaved chocolate.

Details:
Bon Bon Chocolate Café
Shop 33, Strand Arcade,
Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.bonbon.com.au/cafe.html