The Pacific Club, Bondi Beach (22 Sept 2018)

182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
https://www.thepacificclub.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/thepacificclubbondibeach/

Bondi's new bistro looking good

It's always a promising sign for me when oysters are served shucked to order with all their natural brine. Oysters ($4.50) from Pambula are well presented and achieve my happy place. I also tried the 'The Nut Cracker' cocktail with Macadamia oil washed Tanqueray, Herbs de Provence Vermouth, lemon myrtle ($19). Quite nice, a bit different,  a bit unusual. Would love to see more Aussie artisan gins on their menu besides the usual suspects since the food menu and chef seem to be focussing on native ingredients as a theme. Decor is looking great including the opalescent toilet floor tiles and the fiery coals in the kitchen makes for a wonderful centrepiece. Service friendly and a menu that deserves a revisit I think. Especially anything that's cooked on those coals.

Coogee Pavilion, Coogee (11 July 2018)

169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034
https://merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilion
https://www.instagram.com/coogeepavilion/

Kid and Adult Friendly

I love how you can still feel like an adult in this very kid friendly venue. Sydney Rock Oysters ($4 each) from Merimbula are shucked to order and retain some nice flavoured brine. Margherita pizza with tomato and mozzarella ($12.50 kids menu) has a nice soft and tasty base and is demolished by Miss 6 year old. There's plenty of seating and a kids play area that's always filled with loud screams of joy. Handy location right next to the beach. There's free street parking in the area but highly popular on weekends. One of my spiritual homes when I'm on daddy daycare duty and in need of a casual eat with the kids. The free wifi is handy as well.

Dear Sainte Éloise, Wine + Kitchen, Potts Point (2 June 2017)

5/29 Orwell Street, Potts Point NSW 2011
http://www.dearsainteeloise.com
https://www.instagram.com/dearsainteeloise/

New wine bar in Potts Point

Waterman's Lobster Co is out and the team from Love Tilly Devine have now opened a cosy little wine bar called Dear Sainte Eloise. Sydney Rock Oysters from Wapengo Lake ($4) come with an interesting fermented horseradish which works well in moderation. Oysters are shucked to order with noticeable brine. Would have loved a slice of lemon as well to mix things up on the palate. The lovely sommelier Jasmin Natterer recommended the Envinate, 2014 'Taganan' Vinos Atlanticos Blanco, Canary Islands, Spain to stand up to the richness of flavours and I agree. Thanks for the suggestion and complimentary glass which seems to be only available by the bottle. Smoked mussels on toast ($14) comes on a highly charred bread for extra flavour and those plump mussels so good with the tasty broth that's best mopped up with some extra Bread ($4). Burrata with charred bread and mint ($20) is a generous amount of burrata which I think can be shared between two. I found the extra bread helpful in finishing. Background music is well chosen, decor is nice, seating neighbourly and cosy, and service was friendly and helpful. The passion for good wine is evident. The limited menu will certainly tempt a small group to want to order everything to try.