Australian

Muse Restaurant & Cafe, Hunter Valley

Posted by D on 16 July, 2011 in Australian, Hunter Valley | 4 comments

Ah, the Hunter Valley. Only a two hour drive north from Sydney and a perfect destination for a quick weekend away with friends. It might be frowned upon when you’re back in the city, but this is the wine region and there is absolutely nothing wrong with starting on the alcoholic beverages right after breakfast as you head out door knocking across several choice cellar doors. And so in planning our weekend away, we sought out a place for dinner that would be befitting of capping off a day of wine and cheese tasting. Some quick internet research by a member of the group and

District Dining

Posted by D on 23 May, 2011 in Australian, Contemporary, Sydney | 11 comments

Another brainchild of Warren Turnbull of Assiette fame, District Dining has brought fine dining quality at a price for the masses. Gone are the crisp ironed white table clothes, the fine china and the silverware changed at each course – instead District Dining has a warm wooden interior with marble top tables and large blackboards advertising the daily specials which all add to the contemporary tone.

When we enter dining room on a busy Saturday night, the place is buzzing. Conversations are flying everywhere and we strain our heads over the crowd to find our dining companions. One thing I’m struck by

Pier Restaurant

Posted by D on 20 March, 2010 in Australian, Contemporary, Sydney | 13 comments

Ask me what my favourite seafood restaurant with fine dining in Sydney is and my answer would definitely be Pier Restaurant at Rose Bay. I first visited here as a poverty stricken university student when a single meal here could have easily paid for over a week’s worth of university cafeteria sandwiches. Many years on, I still remember the meal I had there. So when a high school friend announced a quick visit to Sydney and Pier pipped as the place for our catch up, I didn’t have a moment’s hesitation in saying yes at the chance to re-visit.

Rockpool

Posted by D on 6 December, 2009 in Australian, Sydney | 8 comments

Say the name Neil Perry, and the ears of anybody who knows anything about food prick up. Over the years this chef has firmly cemented himself into a position of one of Australia’s most influential chefs. He is responsible for a spattering of award winning restaurants around Sydney including Rockpool, Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, as well as Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne.

Last month, celebrating a special occasion, I was surprised with a dinner at the original Rockpool which was first opened in the Rocks in 1989. The entrance to the restaurant is understated to say the least. Keep looking

Darley’s Restaurant

Posted by D on 29 September, 2009 in Australian, Sydney | 0 comments

Time for some much needed relaxation! So we spent last weekend away at the beautiful Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains. We chose the ‘Hats off to Hugh’ package which was made to celebrate Lilianfel’s in-house restaurant receiving a coveted two Chef’s Hat this year in the Good Food Awards.  The package includes an overnight stay, full breakfast the next day and a three course meal at Darley’s.

After checking in and unwinding with a spa treatment, we headed to Darley’s which is located right next door to the hotel. The restaurant and