Bistrode CBD (Sydney)

We started our Friday night early at Bistrode CBD, the restaurant upstairs of the popular Hotel CBD bar. A favourite among the business diners, the modern dining room wasn’t full for the night.

The $39 Spring feast menu available for September was great value. Portion size was decent and the quality was consistently good. The zucchini flower tart was light and flavourful, and the pork & veal sausage had real chucks of meat within. We ordered the special pate as an addition entrée – rich, smooth and again generous. It was a satisfying meal.

Details:
Bistrode CBD
Level 1, 52 King St 
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.merivale.com/#/cbd/bistrodecbd

Lavender Blue Cafe (McMahons Point)

(As of January 2012, we believe this cafe is closed)

It was a beautiful Sunday and after some early bushwalking around the lower North Shore we were craving for a decent brunch. Attracted by the open windows and relaxed atmosphere, we entered into the Lavender Blue café at McMahons Point.

Breakfast was available all day on Sunday. The portion size was generous and the eggs were cooked well. While it seems to be not as popular as the nearby cafés, Lavender Blue certainly seems a nice place for Sunday brunch.

Details:
Lavender Blue Cafe
165 Blues Point Rd 
McMahons Point NSW 2060
http://mylavenderblue.com.au/

Arisun (Sydney)

I was secretly craving for fried chicken. Knowing we are catching up with another friend who also favour deep fried goodness, I have chosen Arisun Korean Restaurant at the edge of Haymarket.

Consistent with its reputation the fried chicken was excellent. Served in a large basket and enough for 4 people, it was drenched in savory soy sauce and yet still crunchy on the outside. For a cool evening the sausage hotpot was a very comforting dish with a mix of meat and vegetables.

The service was rather aloof but nevertheless the restaurant was great for large group gatherings.

Details:
Arisun Restaurant
1 Dixon St 
Haymarket NSW 2000