venues but for
gastronomic creativity in Sydney, Surry Hills
boasts some of the city's most inventive and
accessible dining experiences. A stroll through
the inner-city suburb's Melbourne-like lanes
yields exciting treasures at every turn from
the rustic chic of the Latin American-inspired
Porteño and the strong Italian vibe at Vini and
121BCCantina&EnotecatoMarque,named
Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of
the Year for 2012.
Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines.
offers an experience more akin to theatre than
a night at your local Chinese. The atmosphere
is effortlessly warm and `cool' a paradox, I
know, but worth mentioning as it's extremely
rare to feel so comfortable and welcome
despite the obviously hip foodie vibe.
seated at the dimly lit bar overlooking
the kitchen, then have our coats and
drinks orders taken by ever-smiling Mikey
(assistant manager and sommelier). A feeling
of familiarity and belonging starts to creep
into our consciousness it feels as though
we've arrived at an age-old friend's house for
a dinner party.
preparation unfolding in the kitchen in
front of us and followed up by the clear
explanation of menu options. It's almost
like a scene out of The Big Chill, but with an
updated soundtrack.
unmistakable pride and joy they really love
what they do, and it shows. Waitress Paloma
and Handy the kitchen hand (yes, that's his
moniker) round out the quintet of players,
all of whom are perfectly synchronised to
the movements of each other in a display of
natural choreography.
·Steamedpork&prawnwontonswith
greenpepper&Sichuanpepper
Served with pickled yam bean,
shiso&pickledmustardgreens