Cafe on the Korner, Darlinghurst (21 June 2017)

Shop 2/303a Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

New kids on the Korner

Three days in and these guys are slowly getting used to the new premise but they're not new at the hospitality game with The Old Mill Cafe in Waterloo already under their belt. Cappuccino using Di Pacci coffee was enjoyable with a medium body flavour although a bit light on the froth. Bacon and Egg Roll ($9.50 with coffee) came in a nice toasted Turkish bread, tasty bacon and the egg cooked just right for me without being overly gooey which I find becomes too messy when trying to eat it. There's plans of art on the walls for downstairs where there's a decent amount of seating. Order at the counter before sitting as there's no table service as yet but they'll bring your order to you when ready. Service was friendly and down-to-earth and happy to have a chat whilst still being attentive to customer orders. Menu prices seem reasonable for the area and those pancakes are next on my wishlist.  Six coffees on the loyalty card will get you a free one seems like pretty good value these days.

Eat Fuh: Vietnamese, Marrickville (18 June 2017)

274 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
https://www.facebook.com/eatfuheatfuh/
https://www.instagram.com/eatfuh/

Pho lunching in Marrickville

First time visit to this very popular Vietnamese restaurant. I wish I could have sat down to have my pho but it was a takeaway lunch for the Mrs this time around who was in need of a pho fix. Chicken Pho ($14) and Rare Beef Pho ($14) both had well flavoured broths and were a pretty generous portion for the regular size. The slices of rare beef were very good. Keep in mind if getting takeaway you have to be careful of the broth possibly spilling a little bit and if you're getting the rare beef the blood will colour your noodles — and be sure to reheat the broth so it cooks the beef. Good to see they provide a little container of hoison and chilli sauce and a slice of lemon with the takeaway. Hope to revisit to try their spring rolls.

Dear Sainte Éloise, Wine + Kitchen, Potts Point (2 June 2017)

5/29 Orwell Street, Potts Point NSW 2011
http://www.dearsainteeloise.com
https://www.instagram.com/dearsainteeloise/

New wine bar in Potts Point

Waterman's Lobster Co is out and the team from Love Tilly Devine have now opened a cosy little wine bar called Dear Sainte Eloise. Sydney Rock Oysters from Wapengo Lake ($4) come with an interesting fermented horseradish which works well in moderation. Oysters are shucked to order with noticeable brine. Would have loved a slice of lemon as well to mix things up on the palate. The lovely sommelier Jasmin Natterer recommended the Envinate, 2014 'Taganan' Vinos Atlanticos Blanco, Canary Islands, Spain to stand up to the richness of flavours and I agree. Thanks for the suggestion and complimentary glass which seems to be only available by the bottle. Smoked mussels on toast ($14) comes on a highly charred bread for extra flavour and those plump mussels so good with the tasty broth that's best mopped up with some extra Bread ($4). Burrata with charred bread and mint ($20) is a generous amount of burrata which I think can be shared between two. I found the extra bread helpful in finishing. Background music is well chosen, decor is nice, seating neighbourly and cosy, and service was friendly and helpful. The passion for good wine is evident. The limited menu will certainly tempt a small group to want to order everything to try.