La Mint Restaurant (Sydney)

I always thought a workday lunch at Darlinghurst is too much of a stretch given the distance. In fact, it is just a stroll across Hyde Park as close as other restaurants in CBD. The group went to La Mint, a Vietnamese-French restaurant, which is not your typical fusion restaurant.

The menu fully reflects the French influence in Vietnamese cuisine. I had the signature Pavé de Porc. The slow cook pork belly was tender and gelatinous, complimented by the well balanced sweet sauce. Make sure you have plenty of steamed rice to absorb the sauce.

Details:
La Mint Restaurant
62-64 Riley Street
EAST SYDNEY NSW 2010
http://www.lamint.com.au/index.html

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

Assiette

Taking advantage of the proximity of my office to the 2-hat Assiette restaurant, I went there for their Friday lunch offer. For $35, I got to select 1 of 2 dishes over 3 courses. It is genuinely good value.

While portion size was on the small side, the taste and presentation did not disappoint. The pumpkin soup entrée was earthy with a right touch of spiciness. Wagyu beef was cooked medium rare and melt in your mouth. Apple tarte tatin balanced the meal very well. While lunch was over within an hour, service did not feel rushed at all.

Details:
Assiette
48 Albion Street
Surry Hills, Sydney
http://www.restaurantassiette.com.au/