One serious contender is Palette.   Opening it’s doors just this year, management doesn’t seem to be sure if it wants to be a wine bar, a loungey café or a restaurant, fortunately it fails at neither.

We stumbled into the place 3pm on a Sunday seeking the restorative powers of an afternoon breakfast and taking our cues from the impossibly cool table of skinny-jeans out the front, ordered the Spanish omlette.  Enough for two, the mushroom and tomato – dense, aromatic breakfast was immensely satisfying and paired with the genuinely friendly service, I thought I had stumbled upon some great secret.

But then I started hearing about the “Jondee Black Angus” steaks.   Locals spoke about them with the fervour of recent converts. $27 of magic with a dollop of hollandaise. 

This kind of enthusiasm warranted further investigation, could it be my new favourite breakfast haunt was about to become an evening dining favourite too?

So, on the promise of $5 beers, 2 for 1 cocktails and $5 tapas before 7:30pm, a crowd of us assembled on Tuesday night to check this out once and for all.

The owner, Margot, was ready for us. She had “Up the Arse” cocktails lined up across the bar with beer and margaritas coming in a steady flow.

Almost the entire party went for the steak but in the name of journalistic research I made the effort to peruse the eclectic Mod Oz menu.  With some truly creative features on the tapas menu (Mexican risotto balls, beetroot and dill dip, fish balls and tempura whiting, pate and figs to name a few) I gave a few a whirl. For $5, it couldn’t hurt to try.

Interwebz reviews praise the beetroot risotto and a dining companion was noted to be licking the plate clean of his pumpkin fetta pasta. So, that speaks for itself.

A pair of latecomers were treated to a hastily rustled up tasting plate, with rare beef that melted in the mouth and antipasto treats a-plenty.

The attentive service offered by Margot and her staff made the experience a very homely one. The strange interior betrays how great the place actually is but was made up for by the music that pumped and created the atmosphere that might have otherwise been lacking.

Prices are what you would expect for the area, but that’s only if you miss happy hour and the early-bird $5 tapas deal which would make for a cheap and cheerful entrée…. Because there’s no way you can come here and  not order that steak.

Palette Restaurant & Bar
346 Victoria street
Darlinghurst,
(02) 9332 3823
Open Tue-Fri 5pm-11:30pm;
Weekends 9am-11:30pm

Article By Estelle Pigott

Two Flat Whites recently visited Brisbane hotspot Jade Buddha and the Shadow Lounge.

Perched on prime inner-city real estate, on a deck overhanging the Brisbane river with views of the glowing Storey Bridge, Jade Buddha restaurant is still a restauraunt that gets a lot of air time amongst the cool set in Brisneyland.   However, a quick Google search reveals the interwebz has not taken kindly to this restaurant.  It has has copped a serious bashing in the review stakes,  so unique in its relentlessly scathing remarks,  you would wonder why anyone goes there at all. But the locals are loyal in the sunshine state and Two Flat Whites was not going to be deterred!

The entrance has a ritzy asiatic feel but then you move out and through to the before mentioned deck,  which has quite a different, mod-Oz bistro atmosphere.   But I suppose there’s nothing wrong with that once you have a cocktail in the hand. They are a bit pricey but I did grow rather fond of their infusion cocktail, the Karma Sutra.

This mixed bag of various Asian cuisines gives an interesting selection of fusion dishes. The steaks comes recommended but we went for a lot of tasting starters and salads. The serves were hearty, certainly not what you would expect from a trendy new spot but they were a little over-priced and average to taste.

So its probably not the finest dining experience on offer in this fantastic town, but I suggest in a big group of friends on a summer evening, it could be a pleasant experience.

Where the restaurant lacks the strong atmosphere, dash upstairs to the Shadow Lounge bar, that has trendy ambience perfected.

The Shadow Lounge’s stunning interior gives a moody, oriental flair and was well complimented by the too-cool tunes they were pumping rather loudly. The staff are friendly and the manager was very helpful in suggesting other hotspots in Brisbane to kick on to. But for a chillled drink, there’s no need to go anywhere else.

Jade Buddha & Shadow Lounge
1 Eagle St, Eagle St Pier, Brisbane
Ph: +61 7 3221 2888
Web: www.jadebuddha.com.au

Sydney’s Quay restaurant is the 27th best restaurant in the world and Australia’s finest. The restaurant, which debuted at No.46 last year, leaped 19 places to its new ranking on the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, announced in London overnight.

Tetsuya’s was the only other Australian restaurant to make the top 50, dropping to No.38. But two other restaurants – Marque of Sydney and Attica of Melbourne – were also picked at No.67 and No.73 respectively in the top 100, with Marque being honoured with the Restaurant Breakthrough Award. Greg Doyle’s Pier, which debuted in the top 100 at No. 94 last year, did not make it into the list this year.

Famed Spanish restaurant elBulli lost its crown after four years at the top, beaten to the number one spot by rising star Noma in Copenhagen.

The S.Pellegrino World’s Top 10 for 2010 is below. Click here to see the Top 100

1 Noma -Denmark (▲2) +45 3296 3297 noma.dk

2 El Bulli -Spain (▼1) + 34 972 150 457 elbulli.com

3 The Fat Duck -UK (▼1) +44 (0) 1628 580 333 thefatduck.co.uk

4 El Celler de Can Roca -Spain (▲1)+34 972 22 21 57 cellercanroca.com

5 Mugaritz -Spain (▼1) +34 943 522 455 mugaritz.comx

6 Osteria Francescana -Italy (▲7) +39 (0)59 210 118 osteriafrancescana.it

7 Alinea -USA (▲3) +1 312-867-0110 alinea-restaurant.com

8 Daniel -USA (▲33) +1 212 288 0033 danielnyc.com

9 Arzak -Spain (▼1) +34 943 78456 arzak.es

10 Per Se -United States (▼4) +1212 823 9335 perseny.com

The attentive service was simply superb. Our waitress was magnificent. As you turned your attentions around the restaurant you notice very simple décor, colours very easy on the eyes and dinner music setting the scene. Its show piece is a bar stacked to the rafters smack bang in the middle of the room with its old wooden Venetian style.

With a wide selection of traditional meals on offer, pastas, pizzas, seafood and risotto which all looked absolutely delicious and tasty, I began with the Crumbed Bocconcini; deep-fried crumbed bocconcini served with radicchio and a creamy gorgonzola sauce. This cheese is described by its Italian name which means small mouthfuls and that is exactly what you want to do while engulfing this mouth watering dish. For the main, I tried the Penne Boscaiolla sautéed bacon, mushrooms, and shallots in a white wine cream sauce which was equally as tantalizing.

The desserts from what I have heard are worth the wait, the menu offers Tiramisu, Gelato, Crème Brulee and much much more. There is an extensive wine list and they even make a mean cocktail; try the Toblarone, you will not be disappointed.

Cicciolina Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is not just a restaurant, but a dining experience. I will be back very soon.

Article written by Liam Gibbs.

What: Cicciolina Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
Where: 224 King Street, Newtown 2042
How: Ph: 02 9516 1166
When: Open 7 nights – 5:30pm till late

Tomodachi is the Japanese word for friend. The restaurant boasts a warm atmosphere, a place where friends come together to share a meal and good times, happy together like the fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The staff greet you with a smile, are attentive and help create the relaxed and welcoming vibe.

The restaurant has one of the freshest and expansive sushi trains, so if you are after a quick meal before your film, it caters for you. The kitchen is an open plan, you are able to watch the chefs create there masterpieces. The aroma of the spices and sounds of the sizzling hotplates adds to the buzz. The décor is bright, simple yet elegant with dashes of red and white, wooden tables, wooden benches and Japanese style decorations.

The menu offers something for everyone. The Teriyaki Chicken was cooked to perfection, a little crunchy on the outside and succulent on the inside, while the sauce made my tastebuds stand to attention like an army of samurai warriors going into battle. On offer are traditional Japanese pancakes, all the regular Japanese delights and to top of the meal, why not try the rice wine or my favourite; the sweet and fruity plum wine.

Tomodachi offers wonderful film deals with the local cinema, caters for the romantic couple, family, group party or a quick bite. So why not drop by before your next shopping adventure or flick.

Broadway
Level two, food court
Shop 220, 2 Bay Street
Broadway Shopping Centre NSW 2007
Ph: 02 9281 6000

Rhodes
Shop 74, 1 Rider Boulevard
Rhodes NSW 2138
(Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre)
Ph: 02 9736 1764

Article written by Liam Gibbs

A modern Balmain restaurant with hearty servings of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, Kazbah displays an open seating plan, plenty of natural light and once inside you feel the true Moroccan culture encompass your entire body. A feast for the eyes as well as your stomach, and if this becomes a little too much, you can always pick up a crayon and create your own masterpiece on your butcher paper covered table top.

Kazbah is open for dinner and breakfast on weekends. Be prepared for a short wait, but you will not be disappointed as Kazbah offers a breakfast with a difference. Whether you have had a big night, out with friends or a quiet read of the morning newspapers, my suggestion is to try the tagine, where spicy diced lamb is deliciously mixed with fetta, spinach, capsicum, sucuk, caramelised onion, tomato and eggs still cooking by the time it reaches its destination, your table.

The dinner menu has plenty to offer, including Chicken Stuffed with Halloumi, Sucuk and Green Olives, Chickpea Fritter, Asparagus with a Capsicum Sauce, Pan-Fried Duck Breast with Falafel, Honey Baked Quince and Sweet Potato Chips or the Char-Grilled Quail topped with Pomegranate Sauce. There are dips, a variety of entrees, scrumptious desserts and the coffee is pretty damn good too.

The service staff were attentive without being intrusive and the prices are quite reasonable. Kazbah is a complete dining experience with great decor, wonderful food and an exciting atmosphere.

Kazbah on Darling
379 Darling Street, Balmain
Phone: 02 9555 7067

Opening Hours:
Breakfast - Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays – 9:00am – 3:00pm
Lunch - Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays- 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner - Wednesday to Saturday – 6:30pm – Late

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Walking through the gates you seem to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and you enter a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Open spaces, gardens and trees swaying in the breeze. The friendly staff greets you at the door with class and professionalism. In fact, you will not find a more efficient group of staff to see to your every need.

Tetsuya’s have won plenty of awards, including being named in most circles as Australia’s best restaurant for close to a decade. It has also been listed as the fifth best restaurant in the world over the last two years. Tetsuya Wakuda was born in Japan. He is mostly a self taught chef through hard work and a real passion for cooking. He made the trek to Australia and learnt his trade with Tony Bilson, the ‘Godfather of Australian cuisine’.

Tetsuya’s renowned degustation set menu changes frequently. Tetsuya Wakuda enjoyed experimenting with food from an early age, often catching hundreds of fish, taking them back to his restaurant in Japan. He would eat half of them and then give the remainder to the staff. This flair has continued with his top class menu today.

Why not try chilled cold corn soup with saffron and vanilla ice cream, delicious scampi, Tetsuya’s signature dish the confit of Petuna ocean trout served with konbu and fennel, followed by terrine of Queensland spanner crab with an avocado soup. Then grilled fillet of barramundi with braised baby fennel and finally twice cooked de-boned spatchcock with foie gras and gobo and wagyu beef with lime and wasabi.

Tetsuya’s offers one of Sydney’s most remarkable wine lists, and will match the ten course meal with some of the best wines in the country. It is not a cheap meal and will set you back $200 to $400. However, this is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Bookings are essential, as there is up to a six month waiting list.

Tetsuya’s Restaurant
529 Kent Street, Sydney
Ph: 02 9267 2900

Article written by Liam Gibbs

The name La Boheme comes from ‘life in Bohemia’, the main part of the Czech Republic. The owners, all Czech born, have spent over a decade working their way through Europe and Australia. They have worked in hospitality over this time gaining much experience in different areas. Romana & Pavel opened the Prague Restaurant, Potts Point in 2004 before moving onto La Boheme in 2007. All four owners have a very hands on philosophy to running a business working both in the kitchen and on the floor to make your experience the best it can be.

The Czech’s are renowned for their scrumptious meats, potatoes and fine beer. If you are looking for a feast, this is the place to eat. The menu is extensive with Pan Fried Chilli and Garlic King Prawns & Lemon Aioli; Beef Stroganoff with Basmati Rice; Triple Wood Smoked Kassler Rib with Spinach Leaves & Potato Dumplings and my favourite, the Bavarian Feast Platter with the Chef’s selection of Duck, Schnitzel, Ribs, Sausages with Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage and Mixed Dumplings.

They have a wonderful wine list with a fine selection from the best Australian wines and bottles around the world. However, if you want to gain the full Czech experience, you can’t go past the beers. A huge array of brews from all parts of the globe, including the best the Czech’s have to offer. La Boheme is a fantastic place to go for a special occasion, birthday party or a quick lunch.

Article written by Chris Ellis.

La Boheme Restaurant and Café
332 Darling Street
Balmain, NSW 2041
Ph: 02 9810 0829

These little gems are our little restaurants, situated throughout many suburbs of Sydney. They are almost always off the beaten track & if you blink, you could rightly miss them. The locals always support these restaurants & part of there charm is the homely spirit in each & every one.

We ventured to Lakemba last weekend to one of these little gems, “Jasmins Restaurant”. Now if you are looking for authentic Lebanese cuisine then this is the place to go. Generally, Lebanese food is regarded as one of the world’s healthiest cuisines because of the use of minimally processed vegetarian recipes, in addition to an abundance of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and nuts. It also includes copious amounts of garlic and olive oil, often seasoned by lemon juice.

We chose the meat plate (pictured), it was outstanding with a little of everything ranging from Taboulie, Baba Gannouj, Falafel, Kebbeh Naieh, Charcoal chicken, Chawarma, bread & pickles. The meal set us back about $12.00 each. The atmosphere was laid back. The service was first class.

Jasmins is a family run restaurant & seats about 30 people. The walls are filled with Lebanese art & the colours emphasis the character of the place. Owner Abdul Ghazal & Manager Abraham Ghazal host a delicious, well run little restaurant that is certainly one of Sydney’s little gems.

Jasmins Restaurant
30B Haldon Street, Lakemba
Ph: 02 9740 3589
Email: GuzzGuzz88 {at} hotmail(.)com

Article written by Paul Hardwick

Next to the church where the markets are held every Saturday is Our Place, the café that’s fast becoming a regular haunt for many in Balmain and regular visitors to the area. This café has a real comfy feel. It may be the natural colours of brown, green & reds, the artwork on the walls, the old fashioned heater & aircon, the open kitchen, wooden décor, the old log in the corner or even the friendly & helpful staff. Relax, you can take your time, you’re not made to feel rushed.

The menu is scrumptious. You have your all day breakfast, with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, sausages & toast. The lunch & dinner menus are filled with plenty of variety. Try the Salmon with salad, barramundi, duck, steaks, crepes, pancakes & don’t forget the freshly squeezed juices. The prices are reasonable & the service is top notch. They also cater for functions with a trendy upstairs courtyard. On Sunday’s from 7pm you can check out the live music.

After you’re done, what better way to work off that delicious meal than with a stroll down to the foreshore for a walk through one of the many parks or head up along Darling Street for a spot of shopping. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat during the week or somewhere to hang out on the weekends, you can’t beat Balmain. And why not give Our Place a go!

Article written by Gary Brookes

Our Place on Darling
225 Darling Street, Balmain
Ph: 02 9810 4677
Email: opod {at} bigpond.net(.)au
Open 7 days