My weekend mantra: eat, drink and be merry!
Sydney really is a foodie’s dream. With its perfect combo of so-hot-right-now new openings and old-faithfuls that still buzz away busily and feel like an old friend, it can be hard to keep up. So here’s my easy guide for where to eat, drink and stay for a five-star city getaway.
Where to drink… at a bar that also does seriously good food
When a venue name has ‘Wine Bar’ in it and the sommelier is ex-Rockpool Bar and Grill, you kinda know the vino is going to be amazing.
Dig a little deeper beyond the name, and discover the Head Chef and Manager are both ex- Guillaume, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Friday night drinks and dinner spot.
Open only two weeks at the time of our visit, Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay, is already buzzing like a neighbourhood favourite.
The only way this winning spot will stay under the radar is the Instagram crowds’ inability to snap away in the very dark and moody space. Think of it as a blessing as you devour dishes like Smoked Mackeral Pâté (just the right amount of salty), Steak Tartare with Radishes and Potato Chips, Brussel Sprouts with Carrot, Garlic and Buttermilk (good enough to turn you vegetarian) and of course the Beef Short Rib with Potato, Horseradish and Red Wine (good enough to ensure you won’t turn vegetarian). Just save room for the famous Portuguese Tarts.
Where to eat… a long lunch with a view
A weekend in Sydney needs a landmark sighting or two and a celebrity chef. So it doesn’t get much better than Bennelong, operated under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Peter Gilmore and situated inside the Sydney Opera House with view of the habour including that famous bridge.
While the main restaurant itself is pretty damn fabulous, it’s hard to fault the Cured and Cultured Bar. Perched on stools at the counter, you’ll have front row seats to the chefs hard work. With a focus on raw and cold produce, the flavours are clean and fresh. I won’t give away their secrets but the simple sounding egglant dish is life-changing, and best enjoyed with a glass of 2011 Tyrell’s Semillon from the Hunter Valley.
Other must order dishes include the Salad of Roasted Organic Carrots with Sherry Caramel, Almonds and Sheep Milk’s Feta (trust me), Raw Claw Yabbies served with Lemon Jam, Cultured Cream and Buckwheat Pikelets (I can guarantee you’ve never had a mouthful like that one before) and of course, the famous Cherry Jam Lamington.
Where to stay… that’s totes insta-worthy
With fairy lights, a free mini-bar, Taylor Swift puns, happy hour and a killer soundtrack, it does’t get better than Ovolo Woolloomooloo. And bonus points for its location for foodies: right on the famous wharf (hello China Doll and Otto) and just a 10 minute stroll to the bar and restaurant scene at Potts Point.
Read my full review of the Ovolo Woolloomooloo here.
Where to eat… an easy dinner
Speaking of Potts Point, lobster fans should be sure not to miss Waterman Lobster Co. Situated in a very Melbourne feeling laneway, grab a seat outside and start with a beverage. The cocktails look pretty impressive but it’s hard to go past a glass of 2011 Harkham Waterman’s Barrel Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley and made exclusively for Waterman’s.
The hardest choice you have here is whether to go for the ‘Maine Style’ (mayo and celery) or ‘Connecticut Style’ (warm butter) Lobster Roll. The Sydney Rock Oysters and Kingfish Tartare with Seaweed and Radish also hit the spot.
Where to eat… a virtuous breakfast
After all of that wining and dining, Potts Point is your best friend again, this time for a healthy breakfast. With a name like The Farm Wholefoods , you can be sure of superfoods galore and the green goodness of my Avocado Gluten Free Toast, green tea and green juice ticks all the #cleaneating goals.
Nic was a guest of Destination New South Wales