Fix St James: Wine Bar & Restaurant, CBD Sydney (1 Sept 2011)

111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.fixstjames.com.au

Good food and wine fix

I've passed this restaurant 1000s of times over the years and never thought to go in but when Tony Hollingsworth mentioned to me at the Vivo Cafe Bloggers Event that he's a big fan of the steaks at Fix St James it was time to put on my wish list. Mustering a group of four including Richard Elliot we were set to join the 'business lunch' crowd. The Complimentary bread was very tasty and the name alone of the Piadina 'Pete's Famous Falafel' ($8) was enough to make me want to try it. Good flavours came through and made for a nice starter to share. The Scallop with cauliflower sformato & bacon dressing ($5.50) had good flavours and I wondered if a bit of bacon crumble on top would have worked in its favour too.

The LLB lunch special of $24 was tempting as advertised on their pedestrian blackboard sign but what possibly might be their signature dish of Coorong Angus Skirt Steak Tagliata ($33) instead got my attention. The kitchen seems to love playing games when serving this dish. Covered with an abundance of fresh rocket when served it looks more like a salad for vegetarians. It's one way the chef gets you to eat your greens and thankfully it was a much nicer rocket than your average variety that's was enjoyable to eat with the grated cheese. The steak underneath is cooked medium rare and tender as hoped. Duck fat potatoes are included which perhaps could have been a bit crunchier for my liking but were still nice and filling. A glass of Thierry Puzelat ‘le P’tit Tannique’ Gamay 2010 ($12) was a nice match. The Esk Valley Suckling Rack ($34) came with perfect crackling as hoped and the dish had good flavour. For the green lovers the Shooting broccoli with anchovy ($11) was well-flavoured although perhaps a bit on the oily side for those watching their figure. These guys certainly know how to cook dishes that excite the palate with wines that I'm sure will satisfy. It's definitley not the cheapest spot in town for an everyday lunch unless you're a lawyer with an expense account fit for entertaining.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Quality dishes and ingredients, Efficient service if you let them know you're time limited, Nice decor, Buzzing atmosphere

CONS: Some menu items are quite pricey but seemed worth it, Outside seating is located on a busy street so wouldn't be particularly relaxing

MUST TRY: Coorong Angus Skirt Steak Tagliata, Returning to try other dishes on the menu

DAMAGE: Bill $181.50 for four people (Gold Entertainment Card discount available)

—

Complimentary bread — tasty

Piadina 'Pete's Famous Falafel' ($8) — good flavour, nice as a starter or snack

WORTH TRYING :-)

Scallop with cauliflower sformato & bacon dressing ($5.50) — good flavours, a bit of bacon crumble on top would have been great perhaps

Coorong Angus Skirt Steak Tagliata ($33)

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Would have liked the duck fat potatoes to be a bit crunchier

Esk Valley Suckling Rack with white beans, sprouts and pumpkin ($34) — good flavour, crispy crackling

Shooting broccoli with anchovy ($11) — good flavour, a bit oily though

Thierry Puzelat ‘le P’tit Tannique’ Gamay, Loire Valley France 2010 ($12)

WORTH TRYING :-)

Menu

Bill $181.50 for four people, minus $66 (2 main meals) for using two Gold Entertainment Cards

View Larger Map