Zilver Bondi, Westfield Bondi Junction (17 Sept 2016)

Level 6, Westfield Bondi Junction
500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
http://www.zilverbondi.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/zilverbondi/

Salt & Pepper Lobster Love

When my awesome brother @plus1guest wants to take the family out for a Salt and Pepper Lobster treat it's happy days. But in the true traditional of how my family works it also comes with my dad doing a mini research trip of at least 5 restaurants in advance to check the price of the live lobsters, the state of the tanks and the ease of parking — and I think he sometimes even enquires whether there's a Seniors Discount available just in case. It's also a drawcard if they can do a good crispy shredded beef and we take into account past experiences as well. So after the countless emails, suggestions and change of minds we finally decide on Zilver Bondi.

For our table of five (minus the 2 kids which thankfully are being looked after by a very kind friend) we choose a 2.008 kg Salt and Pepper Lobster ($477.90, $238/kg). We've found 2 kg+ is a good size to provide decent chunks of meat in the tail. They've done us proud here and we're happy. The 2014 Rock Bare The Clare Riesling ($40) seems to have been a good choice to enjoy with the lobster with some nice buttery notes and not being overly sweet. Steamed oysters with soy sauce, ginger, shallots ($8.50 each) are huge. Maybe a little too large as they're bigger than a mouthful to try and eat but flavours were good. We've had the Peking Style Shredded Beef ($24.80) here before and happy again with it. Nice amount of crispy batter without being to thick and a tasty sauce. Stir fried scallops and vegetables with xo sauce ($42.80) have plump scallops in a tasty sauce that goes well with the Zilver special fried rice with crab meat, fried scallop, crab roe and egg ($24.80). We had to get nicely made Steamed BBQ Pork Buns ($8) for the Mrs as this is one of her favourite yum cha dishes. Fruit platter ($18) ended up being served complimentary and we had to get a Deep fried ice cream with caramel sauce ($9.80) for some nostalgic dining.

Bishop Sessa: 2 hours of Oysters and Riesling at Shuck-fest, Surry Hills (29 Jan 2013)

527 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

http://www.bishopsessa.com.au

A shucking good time

I love my oysters so bought a ticket straight away once I found out about Shuck-fest ($69) at Bishop Sessa. Thanks to Sara from Belly Rumbles for the heads up about the event. Two hours of eating a variety of oysters freshly shucked and washed down with plenty of riesling was oyster heaven. In 2002 I once did my own Oysterfest at home and ordered 25 dozen shucked oysters (minimum order) from Salty Seas in St Helens, Tasmania. They were couriered overnight and were enjoyed with friends over a weekend but having them just freshly shucked is always a better way to enjoy their flavour and brine. I believe 120 dozen oysters were on hand for the 30 or so booked in guests and Jason Hoy from Summer of Riesling was available to answer any questions about his favourite drop.

Once seated oysters were brought around and glasses of riesling topped up regularly. I love oysters so much that I could have easily eaten a dozen in seconds so when you're taking only one at a time it can get a little frustrating. Thankfully there were plenty of oysters to be had over the two hours which Will Brunker and Paul Cooper did a great job at shucking. Erez Gordon was also on hand organising the plates of oysters for service to take around. I enjoyed all the fresh oysters but the Pambula Sydney Rock Oysters and Coffs Harbour Pacific Oysters were my favourite. The cooked oyster slider worked well and the unusual oyster with chorizo and grape also seemed to work as a flavour combo. The biggest oyster challenge to open and eat were the giant Georges Bay oysters. They were cut up and wrapped with a watermelon carpaccio but I found them a little messy to eat and was more than happy with the normal sized oysters.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Great event for oyster lovers, Plenty of oysters and riesling

CONS: Having only one oyster at a time can be frustrating when you love them so much

MUST TRY: Visiting to try the Sip, Shuck n Slide oyster deal for $20

VERDICT: Great event to appreciate a variety of oysters freshly shucked but I would have preferred if a plate of oysters were left at the table so I could eat a few at a time

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Plenty of riesling

Cheers to riesling

Wine glasses topped up regularly — so glad I didn't drive

Erez Gordon and Paul Cooper — a recipe for a fun event

Will Brunker and Paul Cooper shucking under the pump

Will Brunker showing off the giant Georges Bay oysters

Port Stephens Sydney Rock Oyster

Port Hastings Sydney Rock Oysters

Pambula Sydney Rock Oysters
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Oyster slider

Cooked oyster with chorizo and grape

Clyde River Sydney Rock Oyster

Coffs Harbour Pacific Oysters
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Georges Bay oyster with watermelon carpaccio

Georges Bay oyster — massive

Upstairs event area

Bowl brought around for shells

Leaving a bowl on each table for shells might have been a good idea

Oyster and riesling tweets by Sara (Belly Rumbles) and Amanda (Chewtown)

Jason Hoy from Summer of Riesling

Lots of different rieslings on offer

Always love the sight of a well-stocked bar

Downstairs restaurant and bar area

Upstairs toilet very close for comfort due to limited space — you've been warned

$20 for 6 oysters and a glass of riesling sounds like a great deal

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