Artistry Garden: French & Japanese, CBD Sydney (18 Feb 2020)

Raphael Place, One Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000
https://artistrygarden.com/
https://www.instagram.com/artistry.garden/

Michelin Star dining in CBD

Taking up residence in a nice leafy courtyard, Artistry Garden is well positioned to attract the corporate crowd from the Governor Philip & Macquarie Tower above. Caffeine fixes are led by head barista @adengillelandbarista (ex-Four Ate Five, Surry Hills and ex-Soma, Ultimo) equipped with Modbar espresso machines. He's a passionate soul when it comes to coffee and interesting to note their dine in ceramic cups match the volume of their takeaway cups for consistency. Cappuccino ($3.80) using Single O 'Killerbee' blend is made well to my liking with the right ratio of milk served in the smallish cup to allow for a decent flavour hit. Pastries are from Sonoma Bakery so look out for the guilty pleasure Morning Bun temptation.

In the kitchen Michelin Star Executive Chef Masahiko Yomoda aka @indomitable_chef brings his love of French and Japanese cuisine to the menu. Sydney rock oyster from Merimbula with shiso ponzu, nigori sake jelly ($29, half doz) are presented well and I'm told shucked to order. The nigori sake jelly is something quite different but my preference is still the natural with a slice of lemon and the well balanced shiso ponzu mignonette. An affordable quick lunch menu toastie of top-side roast beef, dijon mustard, manchego, onion, pickled red cabbage ($16.50) is a tasty combo. Buttered for that extra flavour and crunch with each bite. The side of pickled vegetables helps contrast to the richness of the toastie. Josper grilled marinated pineapple, coconut ice cream, Valrhona chocolate ($18) is set to win a few dessert hearts. Sophisticated flavours and textures working well. If the pineapple was sliced before serving would help negate the need for a knife to eat the dish.

For an after work wind down treat I'd recommend the Negroni, Barrel Aged with House Blend of Gin and Vermouths, Campari, Aged in a Cinnamon Smoked Cask ($22) by bartender @timdae. Thnx @kesgram for the drink. So far one of my favourite well balanced negronis of the year, and the single ice cube is always a good start. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner it's still early days for the venue and hopefully the weather will remain kind to take advantage of the al fresco vibes but there's always the cosy air con restaurant inside to retreat to for dining supported by the friendly and professional service.

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.