Crave Sydney Night Noodle Market

We paid a visit to the annual Crave Sydney Noodle Market on an unusually warm evening. It was packed with the after-hour crowd when we arrived. Struggled to get a table, we started the evening off with my favourite pork belly with rice from La Mint. We also sampled a variety of dishes from Pad Thai, fish cakes to mini pan cakes. You will find the big queues at the familiar names such as Din Tai Fung and Mamak despite paying a premium for the food. It is worth going once a year given the atmosphere (I suppose?)

Details:
Crave Sydney Night Noodle Markets
Hyde Park North
For 2013, October 3-5, 8-12, 15-19; 5-10pm
http://cravesydney.com/content/night-noodle-markets/gjoc54

Pilu at Freshwater (Sydney)

I was treated to a Sunday lunch by my partner at Pilu at Freshwater (thanks babe). The weather was stunning that day and we had a lovely view from the table, accompanied by equally great service.

The food was fantastic throughout starting from the crispy bread with truffle honey ricotta. Speghetti with sea urchin was full of flavours from the sea. The highlight was the roasted suckling pig – soft, succulent meat with perfect crackling. We barely had room for our pistachio frangipane and mandarin tortino pannacotta desserts.

Details:
Pilu at Freshwater
"On the beach”
 Moore Road
Freshwater NSW 2096
http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/

Ventuno (Sydney)

It was the boss’ shout at a work dinner with overseas guests and he took us to Ventuno Pizzeria Birreria Enoteca at Walsh Bay. The dining room may be a bit too dark for business.

We ordered plenty of anti-pasti to start with and I particularly enjoyed the mozzarella with tomato. For main course I had the fazzoletti pasta (or the ‘handkerchief’ – think extra-large size ravioli) with a sausage and pumpkin filling and burnt butter sauce. The sweetness of the pumpkin worked very well with the sausage. Despite the generous serving I polished the 3 handkerchiefs in no time.

Details:
Ventuno Pizzeria Birreria Enoteca
21 Hickson Road
Walsh Bay NSW 2000
http://www.ventuno.com.au