151 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.firegrillsydney.com/
https://www.instagram.com/firegrillsydney/
Firing up a new grill in the CBD
Visited this new spacious restaurant during their soft opening week so dining was contained to upstairs while downstairs was still being finalised. Events manager Kim Daniela Antunovic, who I'm suspecting might have been in the 2001 movie Fluffer, patrolled the floor for diner feedback. Decor was nice matched with professional friendly service. I did find the table felt ergonomically a bit too high for the seat level, which gave me that tea party sense as you need to raise your hands upward to rest them on the table.
Oysters natural - 3 freshly opened oysters with Fire Ice, Red Wine Mignonette and Lime Pearls ($15) were from Nambucca. Actually preshucked this time around before service but hopefully in the future can be shucked to order to retain more of the flavoursome brine flavour. Not sure what the 'fire ice' or 'lime pearls' refers to? I couldn't spot on the plate but it's early days so perhaps will appear on the dish when fully opened?
Flank, Riverina, Grain Fed Australian NSW ($22, 300g) add on Alaskan King Crab Legs ($22), choice of sauce chimichurri. Cooked medium rare as ordered, nice flavour, tasty alaskan king crab meat but you're paying a premium price for the amount of the next level surf n turf add on. The puree and roasted onions underneath were good inclusions. A better steak knife would be nice though. Vanilla Panna Cotta, pomegranate and lavender honey ($16) had a great wobble factor and I enjoyed the flavours. The pomegranate helps equalise the sweetness in the dessert. My preference would be for a few more raspberries over the pretty flowers.
7 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.instagram.com/marysnewtown/
https://www.instagram.com/marysunderground/
Vegan burger game changer
From first impressions it’s looking like one great step forward for vegan burgers in Sydney at the new Mary’s Underground. I was very impressed with Chicken Burger 'Vegan Option' with Fries ($18). After unwrapping, it visually brought back memories of their famous chicken burger. Clever use of the cauliflower that's been spiced up and deep fried for some pleasant crunch factor. Comes in a pillow soft bun that molds easily around the ingredients but manages to hold its structure well. Fantastic melty cheese which I wouldn't be able to pick it being vegan. Apparently sourced from Greece. Sauce is tasty good and there’s lettuce and a slice of tomato hidden inside. A very enjoyable and tasty eat and would happily order again. Fries are crispy and well-salted. A win for the vegans and great work by the guys who are famous for their burgers and fried.
Also tried the Mary's Burger ‘Vegan Option’ with Fries ($18) by luck as it came out accidentally instead of my chicken burger. It’s their own vegan pattie creation instead of resorting to one of the existing processed ones on the market. They achieved a nice grill crust with a rich and meaty texture making it quite filling for a vegan pattie and visually looked like a meat pattie. I liked how it's using real ingredients rather than processed ingredients. Bun was pillow soft bun but struggled a little under the heaviness and sauciness of the contents so best to eat this one in a timely manner. Good melty cheese and tasty special sauce. Fries tried with the bottled chilli sauce on the table which gives a good hit for the tastebuds. I reckon they could even sell these vegan patties retail for cooking at home, that's my hope anyway.
Service is friendly and the outdoor seating is a lovely spot to sit on a nice day. Inside is dark and moody and toilets are located downstairs in the dungeon level. Drinks are available including ‘The Fucktini’ with ‘Ketel One, Kahlua, Coffee & Fuck’. Sounds like a good Friday drink for after work to celebrate TGIF.
