Everything Malaysia, Darlinghurst (6 Nov 2018)

129 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

A bit of everything buffet

When I read 'Everything Malaysia' I immediately think of all the classics like satay, char kway teow, laksa, chicken rice, har mee, assam laksa, ayam goreng, hor fun and beef rendang which I love to order. But upon arrival to this simple eatery there's a selection of 12 bain-marie options, 6 of which are vegetarian/vegan. They do have a beef rendang although with bones and I didn't try. The tempura crab uses the fake crab sticks. I also didn't try the sweet chilli fish. The lamb curry had nice flavour although was mostly bone and rubbery cartilage which unfortunately made it pretty inedible. Chicken curry at least had some meat but very boney as well. In the end I actually preferred the vegetarian options with the flavoursome spicy eggplant being my favourite along with the vegetarian curry to enjoy with the rice. $8.80 will get you a one plate with the lot, and $10.80 for an all you can eat option which is pretty reasonable for a feed although keep in mind the choices are limited and they seem to be using the cheaper cuts for the meat so expect lots of bones to contend with. It's early days and there's some bain-marie spots which aren't being used so I'm hoping they'll extend the daily menu to some fried chicken ayam goreng and a noodle dish like char kway teow. On the self serve table of sauces there was some fresh sambal belacan for those who want to give their dish some extra authentic flavour. Service was friendly although with only one person serving at the time did make the process a little slow.

Lankan Filling Station: Sri Lankan, Darlinghurst (3 Aug 2018)

58 Riley St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
http://lankanfillingstation.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/lankanfillingstation/

Hopping on Sri Lankan cuisine

It's my first time trying Sri Lankan cuisine, or is it Sri Lankan inspired cuisine as the Sri Lankan diners next to me were saying it's more a fusion/modern take on Sri Lankan food. I'm no expert so have no reference point to compare but they highly recommended me venturing out to Pendle Hill where many Sri Lankan eateries exist including an unusually named Sydney Marina as one of their main foodie tips. 1 plain & 1 egg hopper set with green pol sambol & kata sambol ($18 on menu, $16 on bill) seems best eaten by hand. The sambols adding a tasty hit to pieces of hopper you tear off. Fairly crispy around the edges and a thinnish sponge crumpet like centre. Hot butter cuttlefish - Turmeric battered cuttlefish stir-fried with shallots, red onion & chilli ($18) was recommended by Helen Yee of Grab Your Fork and a favourite of mine now. Lots of flavours hitting the palate with enough challenging chilli heat for me to satisfy and entertain the tastebuds. There's an enjoyable slight batter crunch around the pieces of cuttlefish to add some texture. Steamed Lankan Rice ($6, not charged) comes in a colour I wasn't expecting but goes well with the cuttlefish although would match better with a saucy curry. Acharu - Slightly pickled & slightly sweet pineapple, carrot, onion & cauliflower ($8, was served complimentary) had the right amount of pickle and crunch. Bookings can't be made for under 6 people so a long 38 min wait isn't fun as a solo luncher, especially when you see a couple of diners who arrived long after me being invited in and seated first to make you feel forgotten. It's early days but a fairer and clearer queuing system by service would go a long way in my books. Solo dining seems a challenge here and the bill will add up quickly so I'd recommend at least 2-4 people to share a few dishes. 

The Owl House: A Small Restaurant & Bar, Darlinghurst (9 July 2018)

97 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
http://www.theowlhouse.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/theowlhousesydney/
https://www.instagram.com/theowlhouse/

Small bar with a big heart

Eight good years for this true local gem ends this week before they move on to new pastures up the road on Victoria St where Tigerbakers used to be. Owner and Sommelier Amir Halpert is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and it's always a true pleasure when I get to chat with him. As my final week drink choice the 'The Bushfire' ($20) with Botanic Australis bushfire gin by Mt Uncle Distillery, orange peel and bitters caught my eye on a cold Winters night. The description of “A Fair Dinkum smokin' gin Old Fashioned” was most appropriate. Loved this drink with the right smokiness and plenty of botanical love. Thanks so much Amir for your kind shout. I look forward to checking out the new Owl House which will eventually be open for breakfast, lunch and dinners and a bar that I hope will retain the lovely cosy bar intimacy many have appreciated and loved at The Owl House.