92 Pitt St, Redfern NSW 2016
https://bartjr.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/bart.jr.redfern/
Where the grown ups play
This place was buzzing on a Saturday night. Looks like a great addition to the bar and dining scene in Redfern. Love the name of the cocktail 'The Career Change' with Montenegro, Aperol, Ginger Beer, Lime ($16 on menu, $14 on bill) and had lovely flavours the Mrs was happy with. We'd happily order this one again. I ordered a classic Hanky Panky ($16) off the menu which the bartenders did a good job of. One of my favourites these days when I'm craving something different to my usual Negroni. The Ocean Trout Tartare - nori crisp, wasabi mayo, pickled daikon, white onion, shiso, sesame ($22 on menu, $19 on bill) is gluten free and had plenty of tasty flavours. Be warned there's a decent hit of wasabi too. Service was friendly and professional and good to discover the chef from the Morris in Paddington is working here. I love her style of food. Definitely hope to return when I get a chance to try more of the menu and their cocktails.
2 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.barpatron.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/barpatronbyrockpool/
New tequila kids on the block
It's all about the Patrón Tequila in this new tequila bar. Patrón Classic Margarita - Silver Patron shaken with orange citronage, lime & sherbet ($20) was very nice. Served in an Old Fashioned glass with plenty of ice cubes can have its challenges when trying to drink it so I'll probably opt for the champagne coupe glass without ice cubes next time. Have yet to try the food but menu looks good and surprisingly quite reasonable in price considering the decor, view and level of service. The barrel tequila flight of 5 for $50 is on my wishlist and for those cashed up I'm sure the Millionaire's Margarita for $100 will be on the cards.
11 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.jadetemple.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/jadetemplesydney/
Cantonese is the new Rockpool
Always good to see Chef Neil Perry at the kitchen pass on its first day of opening. Loving the decor and friendly professional service as you'd expect from such a fine looking restaurant. Freshly shucked oysters with ginger and black bean dressing ($4.50) from Merimbula had a nice flavour combo and made for a great starter. Prawn har goa ($12, 4 pieces) seemed to be made well but would have preferred more noticeable texture of the prawn. Scallop and prawn siu mai ($12, 4 pieces) had the scallop chopped up inside although I tend to prefer when they sit a whole one on top. Fried chicken wings with sweet sour sauce ($9.50, 2 pieces half serve) was the stand out for me. That crispy egg batter on the chicken so good and meat nice and juicy. Great chilli sauce served on the side without having to ask for it gets a tick of approval.
Leaving a bit of room for dessert I had to try the Fried vanilla and date ice cream with maple sauce ($14). Pleasant crunch on the coating and pleasing yummy flavours. For those that enjoy their cocktails on the boozy side I'd recommend the Jade Emperor - Vodka, Chartreuse, Amaretto, Dry Vermouth ($20) with well balanced flavours or the Luck Dragon - 1988 Armagnac, Leather Aged Curacao, Apricot Brandy, Lemon, Lime, Dark Cocoa ($22). Apparently the yum cha will be available from 31 July. For a romantic date night be sure to request Table 88 on the balcony, previously named Table 50 and perhaps order that $280 per kg live lobster as a special treat. There's a large screen that hides the kitchen now but I'd rather see glimpses of the chef and kitchen theatre which adds more character to the dining experience.
