Simon Food Favourites: Champagne

28 October 2013

Bullion Bar @ The Mint Pop-Up Launch, CBD Sydney (26 Sept 2013)

10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au/our-venues/The-Sydney-Mint-Café/8

Cheers to liquid gold

“Step back in time at the Bullion Bar pop-up at The Mint on Macquarie Street. The historic and stylish space creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a drink and sample canapés by award-winning chef, Brad Jones.”

Thanks to Angela Thompson from Trippas White Group for inviting me to the launch of Bullion Bar @ The Mint. Well-presented and tasty canapes were offered to guests including an abundance of champagne in a Veuve Clicquot themed setting along with Parisian-inspired tunes. The old bank vault was converted into an intimate area suitable for private functions. The pop-up bar will be open from 2 October, Wednesday to Friday nights, between 3 pm – 9 pm. During Good Food Month there's a $55 ticketed event every Wednesday 5–7 pm that includes 2 glasses of Veuve Clicquot and canapes.

Bullion Bar Menu

Bowl of Sicilian olives $6
Bowl of smoked & roasted nuts $6
Beetroot cured ocean trout, horseradish cream, edible flowers $16
Citrus poached prawns, avocado mousse cocktail, gem lettuce, smoked paprika $18
Orange & thyme scented chicken liver pate, cornichon, apple & fig compote, petit baguette $16
Duck, onion & date pastille, lemon yoghurt & sumac dip $18
Pulled pork sliders (3), apple coleslaw $15
The Bullion cheese plate, quince paste, walnuts & bread $24

Beverage List
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut – $22 glass, $100 bottle, two glasses $40
Veuve Clicquot Rose NV – $25 glass, $125 bottle, two glasses $45
Veuve Clicquot Vintage GB – $25 glass, $125 bottle, two glasses $45
2011 Cape Mentelle Georgiana Sauvignon Blanc, $9 glass, $42 bottle
2011 Cape Mentelle Marmaduke Shiraz – $9 glass, $42 bottle
2012 Domaine Chandon Chardonnay – $10.50 glass, $54 bottle
2012 Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir – $12 glass, $60 bottle
2012 Domaine Chandon Pinot noir Rose – $11 glass, $52 bottle
Corona $8 each, Special Bucket of 4 Coronas $26
James Squire ‘One Fifty Lashes’ Pale Ale $8
James Squire Orchard Crush Apple Cider (500ml) $10
Santa Vittoria Sparkling Mineral Water (600ml) $6
Santa Vittoria Sparkling Mineral Water (1ltr) $11
Orange Juice $4
Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Pop Art Cloudy Lemonade, Pop Art LLB $4

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Cosy and intimate space to enjoy a glass of champers or two, Nice canapés

CONS: Only available for a limited time although there's a possibility the bar will be extended beyond October — I hope so anyway.

MUST TRY: A glass of Veuve of course

VERDICT: A nice intimate bar with an outside balcony area best appreciated on a sunny afternoon

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30 October 2011

Sydney Sunrise Global Champagne Day 2011, The American Club, CBD Sydney (28 Oct 2011)

Level 14, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.theamericanclub.com.au

Bubbles of global happiness

Thanks to the bubbly and effervescent Champagne Jayne for inviting me along to her Sydney Champagne Day celebration which was both educational and fun. A selection of quality champagnes were on offer to take guests through a palate journey of appreciation guided by hosts Jayne Powell and Ed Carr (sparkling winemaker). The final champagne tasting of Armand de Brignac was apparently awarded World's No. 1 champagne by FINE Champagne Magazine. With a spare AUD $550 you'd be able to pick up a bottle from Champagne Gallery. There were some champagnes I preferred over others but I tried them all too quickly due to arriving a bit late to take notice of which ones they were. The event was held on Level 14 of the The American Club which boasted fantastic views over the Royal Botanic Gardens and towards Sydney harbour. To come back and enjoy a drink at the bar you'd actually have to be a member which isn't cheap at $845.25/year, although if you're between 21 and 28 you get it for $556.50. I think most of their business is through corporate events and weddings which the space seems well-suited for.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Quality champagnes to celebrate Champagne Day, Venue space has great views over Sydney Harbour

CONS: There's no signage outside the building to let you know where The American Club is so you have to make sure you take notice of the address

MUST TRY: Celebrating Champagne Day next year

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