<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Secret Foodies</title>
	<atom:link href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au</link>
	<description>Sydney&#039;s Underground Food Critics</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 08:16:30 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Mr Cooper&#8217;s</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/mr-coopers/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/mr-coopers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 07:52:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[courtyard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mr Cooper's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paddington]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine bar]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Mr Cooper Le Fizz / gin &#38; tonic cocktail
Lemon curd with blueberry ice, meringue and shortbread
&#160;
&#160;
Gippsland brie with lavish crisps and pear paste
&#160;
&#160;
Duck for 2 - duck breast, braised leg with mushrooms, duck fat potato gratin, baby carrots and beetroot
&#160;
&#160;
Chicken and pork terrine with chicken liver parfait and grape relish
&#160;
&#160;
Smoked haddock croquettes with basil tartare [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_78861.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2660" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_78861.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7892.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2659" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7892.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2650" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7907.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2650" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7907.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mr Cooper Le Fizz / gin &amp; tonic cocktail</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2655" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7970.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2655" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7970.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lemon curd with blueberry ice, meringue and shortbread</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2654" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7968.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2654 " title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7968.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Gippsland brie with lavish crisps and pear paste</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2653" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7955.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2653 " title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7955.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Duck for 2 - duck breast, braised leg with mushrooms, duck fat potato gratin, baby carrots and beetroot</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2652" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7943.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2652" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7943.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chicken and pork terrine with chicken liver parfait and grape relish</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2651" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7925.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2651 " title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7925.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Smoked haddock croquettes with basil tartare sauce, chicken and snail pies with pea puree</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7932.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7932.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7923.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7923.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7985.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7985.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_8020.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="Secret-Foodies-Old-Oz-Mod-Oz-Mr-Coopers-Restaurant-and-Wine-Bar-Paddington-Sydney" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_8020.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/mr-coopers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dinner with the Godfather</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/dinner-with-the-godfather/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/dinner-with-the-godfather/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 08:32:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola Li</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caffe Sicilia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crown St]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surry Hills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2573</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Last week, we made our foodies an offer they couldn&#8217;t refuse – &#8216;Dinner with the Godfather&#8216;. The setting at Caffe Sicilia was eerily reminiscent of Louis’ Restaurant in the scene where Michael Corleone takes out Sollozzo and McKlucksy. Fortunately for us, on this occasion everybody made it out alive. Mafia references aside, we enjoyed a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (20)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7335.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></p>
<p>Last week, we made our foodies an offer they couldn&#8217;t refuse – &#8216;<strong>Dinner with the Godfather</strong>&#8216;. The setting at <strong><a href="http://www.caffesicilia.com.au/">Caffe Sicilia</a></strong> was eerily reminiscent of Louis’ Restaurant in the scene where Michael Corleone takes out Sollozzo and McKlucksy. Fortunately for us, on this occasion everybody made it out alive. Mafia references aside, we enjoyed a complete feast, indulging in five courses of authentic Sicilian delicacies.</p>
<div id="attachment_2609" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2609" title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (1)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GG.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="515" /><p class="wp-caption-text">An uncanny resemblance...</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (17)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7353.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (10)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7424.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (15)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7371.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></p>
<p>An <em><strong>Aperol spritzer</strong></em> was presented on arrival, a refreshing apretif to tickle the tastebuds and prepare us for what was to come. Lovely and aromatic herbed bread awaited us at the tables, accompanied by a fragrant olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The feast began, and first course kicked off with a pumpkin and <em><strong>Sicilian pecorino flan served with honey and walnuts</strong></em>. The crust-less tart was presented next to a subtle sweet pumpkin puree, which went perfectly with the combination of honey and walnuts.</p>
<div id="attachment_2594" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img class=" wp-image-2594" title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (16)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7360.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Aperol spritz</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2589" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img class=" wp-image-2589" title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (21)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7330.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Herbed bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar</p></div>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (14)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7393.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Pumpkin and Sicilian pecorino flan served with honey and walnuts </p></div>
<p>Next to arrive was my personal favourite, the <em><strong>San Daniele wrapped prawns on a bed of confit garlic and balsamic reduction</strong></em>. Big juicy prawns tasted sweet inside the salty prosciutto, complemented by the smooth and subtle confit garlic. The balsamic reduction added a touch of piquancy, rounding out the flavours in the dish.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img class=" " title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (13)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7402.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">San Daniele wrapped prawns on a bed of confit garlic and balsamic reduction</p></div>
<p><strong style="font-style: italic;">Lobster ravioli dressed in a light thyme and seafood bisque and cherry tomatoes</strong> followed its crustacean cousins. Chewy parcels filled with generous chunks of lobster were served with a sweet tomato puree and light bisque.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (8)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7441.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lobster ravioli dressed in a light thyme and seafood bisque and cherry tomatoes</p></div>
<p>The final savoury course delivered a <em><strong>seared fanned 30 day aged sirloin steak with a burnt rosemary and green peppercorn oil served with Lyonnaise potatoes</strong></em>. The dry aged steak was cooked rare, seared lightly on the outside to seal in juices, the centre of each slice was pink and soft. The rosemary and peppercorn oil added subtle fragrant accents to the flavour of the beef.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (6)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7460.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Seared fanned 30 day aged sirloin steak with a burnt rosemary and green peppercorn oil served with Lyonnaise potatoes</p></div>
<p>After a bit of seat shuffling to help to mix up our rather large group, we settled down with dessert - <em><strong>Sicilian chocolate cheesecake with a sweet orange glaze</strong></em>. The light cake sandwiched a layer of cream and nuts and was topped with a healthy coating of chocolate. The orange glaze added a citrus zing to the chocolate and cream flavours. It was a little dry though and lacked the spunk and flavour Sicilia&#8217;s pastries usually offer. A glass of Frangelico and lime was the perfect digestif, the fragrant hazelnut aroma of the liqueur with the tartness of fresh lime ended our meals on a divine note.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 430px"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (5)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7476.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="629" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Sicilian chocolate cheesecake with a sweet orange glaze</p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: left;">Caffe Sicilia is an authentic Sicilian restaurant with quality food and friendly (to say the least!) service. Ladies, watch out for those cheeky Italian waiters and the naughty desserts in the deli counter. But enough about what I think, let’s hear what our foodies had to say&#8230;</p>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (4)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7483.jpg" alt="" width="389" height="582" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (18)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7347.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (9)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7428.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (11)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7413.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (2)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7502.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img title="Caffe-Sicilia-Surry-Hills-Sydney-Secret-Foodies-Dinner-with-the-Godfather (7)" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_7455.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.caffesicilia.com.au/"><strong>Caffe Sicilia</strong></a></p>
<p>628 Crown Street<br />
Surry Hills, Sydney<br />
NSW 2010</p>
<p>(02) 9699 8787<br />
<a href="http://www.caffesicilia.com.au/"> www.caffesicilia.com.au</a></p>
<p>Did you know we do corporate and private events at Secret Foodies? A little jealous of our event? Shoot us an email to find out how you can host your own &#8216;Dinner with the Godfather&#8217; for your friend or colleagues.  <a href="mailto:msdarlinghurst@secretfoodies.com.au">msdarlinghurst@secretfoodies.com.au</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/dinner-with-the-godfather/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>18</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dutch Spring</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/lower-north/dutch-spring/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/lower-north/dutch-spring/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola Li</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inner West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Broadway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dutch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Essen Restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[German]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sydney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultimo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2532</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
With dreadful winter weather upon us Secret Foodies could not have whisked us away to springtime in Holland sooner. Northern European restaurant and beer café Essen was our secret destination.
With heavy rain pounding the windows outside, our guests were warmed up with a ‘Dutch Quick Buck’. No, we’re not being rude. It was the name [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2544" title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-1" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-1.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a></p>
<p>With dreadful winter weather upon us Secret Foodies could not have whisked us away to springtime in Holland sooner. Northern European restaurant and beer café <strong><a title="Essen Restaurant " href="http://www.essenrestaurant.com.au/" target="_blank">Essen</a></strong> was our secret destination.</p>
<p>With heavy rain pounding the windows outside, our guests were warmed up with a ‘Dutch Quick Buck’. No, we’re not being rude. It was the name of the cocktail on arrival made with <strong>Ketel One Vodka</strong>, the renowned Dutch spirit.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-2.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-2" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-2.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ketel One &#39;Dutch Quick Buck&#39; cocktail</p></div>
<p>Not many Aussies would know what to expect from Dutch cuisine, I know I didn’t. To be honest, if you asked me to point out the Netherlands on a map of the world, I wouldn’t have a clue. Enter <strong>Geert Restbeer</strong>, the Netherlands-born head chef and owner of Essen. Moving to Sydney fifteen years ago as sous chef for the Intercontinental, he opened Essen six years ago. He has been serving up wholesome northern European food in Ultimo ever since.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-4.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-4" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-4.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Head chef and owner, Geert Restbeer</p></div>
<p>Knowing he was serving ‘foodies’ for the night Geert developed an authentic Dutch menu. With a selection of traditional Dutch ingredients he didn’t Aussie-fy the experience and plated dishes exactly as they would back home.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-3.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-3" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-3.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Croquette appetisers with dijon sauce</p></div>
<p>The first course featured an iconic Dutch ingredient – picked herring. Some may be deterred by the concept of pickled fish but the combination of salty flavours of the herring with the sweetness of the homemade pickled beets was delicious. A dab of the creamy Dutch mayonnaise sauce made the dish.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-6.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-6" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-6.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">North Sea herring in white bread with homemade pickled beets</p></div>
<p>The main course featured a braised veal blade slow cooked to perfection, incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth. To accompany the veal was a side of fried pickled cauliflower and Dutch cream potato mash blended with soft goats cheese, for a modern twist to the otherwise traditional staple.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-10.jpg"><img class=" " title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-10" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-10.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Braised veal blade with Dutch cream potato mash and soft goats cheese, served with pickled and fried cauliflower</p></div>
<p>Dessert was a unique concoction of dried yoghurt and ricotta. The delicate and creamy cheese was complemented by a sweet and tart rhubarb and strawberry compote.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-11.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-11" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-11.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">24hr dried yoghurt and ricotta served with rhubarb and strawberry compote</p></div>
<p>Melbourne brewers <strong><a title="East Ninth Brewing " href="http://e9thbrewing.com/" target="_blank">East Ninth Brewing</a></strong> provided drinks to accompany the menu: a refreshing <strong>Fog City</strong> cloudy apple cider for the entrée and <strong>Doss Blockos</strong> pale ale for the main. I think I’ve found my new favourite cider!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-9" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-9.jpg" alt="" width="260" /><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-7" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-7.jpg" alt="" width="260" /></p>
<p>The upstairs area was warm and homely, with exposed stone walls and kitsch Dutch memorabilia decorating the space. My standout dish of the night for me was the pickled herring.</p>
<p>But enough about what I think, lets hear what our foodies thought…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2551" title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-8" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-8.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-14.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-14" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-14.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-12.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-12" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-12.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-13.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-13" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-13.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2548" title="secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-5" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/secret-foodies-dutch-spring-dinner-essen-beer-cafe-and-restaurant-ultimo-broadway-5.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="720" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Essen Restaurant and Beer Cafe</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">133-135 Broadway</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Ultimo, Sydney</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> NSW 2007</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">T: 02 9211 3805</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.essenrestaurant.com.au/">www.essenrestaurant.com.au</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/lower-north/dutch-spring/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>La Vucciria</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/la-vucciria/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/la-vucciria/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:40:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[La Vuccuria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paddington]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sicilian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2486</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Waves of déjà vu from a previous Secret Foodies filled my mind as yet again we host a secret dinner party at 160 Flinders St, Paddington. Those who dined at Morgan McGlone&#8217;s French Bistro, Flinders Inn would barely recognise the space. The mood has shifted from white tablecloths to dark walls, sexy lighting and a large open [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2488" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-1.jpg" alt="" width="508" height="411" /></a></p>
<p>Waves of déjà vu from a previous Secret Foodies filled my mind as yet again we host a secret dinner party at 160 Flinders St, Paddington. Those who dined at Morgan McGlone&#8217;s French Bistro, <a title="Flinders Inn" href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/all-restaurants/flinders-inn-2/" target="_blank">Flinders Inn</a> would barely recognise the space. The mood has shifted from white tablecloths to dark walls, sexy lighting and a large open window peeking out on to the busy street.</p>
<div id="attachment_2489" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 500px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2489" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-2.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="461" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Aperol Spritz</p></div>
<p>Sicilian born Fabio Alacqua has brought a little piece of Sicily to Sydney with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and a style of authentic cooking inspired by the centuries old food market, La Vucciria in Palermo. Having trained in Barcelona, Fabio had worked in top restaurants near his hometown of Milazzo before coming abroad.</p>
<p>What brings him to Sydney? It’s a beautiful tale of boy meets girl. A Sicilian chef meets a Sydney fashionista (and now wife Stephanie). It was Fabio’s dream to open his own restaurant in Australia and so together, they did. They opened a restaurant, and then had a baby. Not part of the plan managing two babies at once but who said life was simple?</p>
<div id="attachment_2490" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 558px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-3.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2490" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-3.jpg" alt="" width="548" height="364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Arancini</p></div>
<p>So many people would go past this restaurant every day and if it weren’t for a basket of chili’s out front you’d probably blink and miss it. For those curious enough to make a booking or walk in I suggest you time your arrival. Staying true to Italian tradition 5-7pm is aperitivo hour (the equivalent of our happy hour but with better food than beer nuts).</p>
<p>We start our evening with an <a title="Aperol Spritz" href="http://eatdrinkplay.com/competitions/jurassic-lounge-aperol-spritz-competition/" target="_blank">Aperol Spritz</a>, an aperitif originating from Italy’s north, made with Aperol and a splash of prosecco. There are tapas on the bar for guests to nibble before we take our seats. It is an unexpected busy night and our (very Italian) bartender is rushed off his feet.</p>
<div id="attachment_2493" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 558px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-6.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2493" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-6.jpg" alt="" width="548" height="364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Veal carpaccio with rocket</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2494" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 558px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-7.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2494" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-7.jpg" alt="" width="548" height="364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crunchy prawns and calamari</p></div>
<p>The theme of tonights dinner is focused on street food you would find in the markets of La Vucciria. Dishes are designed to be shared amongst friends so grab a small group and embrace the Italian way.</p>
<p>We are spoilt with choice and volume at this dinner and practically try everything on the menu from arancini to eggplant involtini and two different types of fresh homemade pasta. Sicilian diets are seafood rich with tuna meatballs and stuffed grilled garfish on tonights menu. The veal carpaccio and slow-roasted grass-fed lamb satisfies our meat eaters and everyone seems pleased with dessert, especially the baked Amaretto figs with lemon ricotta cream.</p>
<div id="attachment_2496" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-9.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2496" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-9.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pasta alla norma (with salted ricotta and eggplant)</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2497" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-10.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2497" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-10.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="391" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fresh homemade pasta with prawns, pistachio pesto and tomato</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2498" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-11.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2498" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-11.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Slow-roasted grass-fed lamb with pumpkin</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2499" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-12.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2499" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-12.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Stuffed grilled garfish</p></div>
<p>The wine list offers both Italian and Australian wines but we stay true to the Italian experience with this evenings dinner. A dry white from Tuscany, <em>Rocca della Macia</em> is light and fresh with a slight hint of almond in the aftertaste while the <em>Nero D&#8217;avola</em>, a rich red hailing from Sicily and full-bodied.</p>
<div id="attachment_2500" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 440px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-13.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2500" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-13.jpg" alt="" width="430" height="538" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Frangelico with lime</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2501" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 444px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-14.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2501" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-14.jpg" alt="" width="434" height="614" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tiramisu</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2502" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-15.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2502" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-15.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Baked Amaretto figs with a lemon ricotta cream</p></div>
<p>La Vucciria and friendly neighbourhood restaurant with good food and warm hospitality at a reasonable price. Perfect for small groups and starting your night with a few spritzers and tapas before dinner. I&#8217;ve added it to my recommendations list of authentic Italian. But enough about what I think, let&#8217;s hear what our foodies had to say.</p>
<p>xxMs Darlinghurst</p>
<div id="attachment_2503" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 563px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-16.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2503" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-16.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chef/Owner Fabio Alacqua</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2506" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-19.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-20.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2505" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-20.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="368" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-17.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2508" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/La-Vuccuria-Paddington-Sydney-Sicily-Italian-17.jpg" alt="" width="542" height="415" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a title="La Vuccuria" href="http://www.lavucciria.com.au/" target="_blank">La Vuccuria</a></strong></p>
<p>160 Flinders Street<br />
Paddington, Sydney<br />
NSW 2021</p>
<p>T: 02 8068 5598</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">http://www.lavucciria.com.au/</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/la-vucciria/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>17</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pig &amp; Swig</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/pig-swig/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/pig-swig/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:24:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guerilla Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Batlow Cider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guerrilla dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pig on Spit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pop-up dining]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2470</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
There was pig. There was cider. We had sunshine and the balmiest night Sydney has seen in months. Secret Foodies hit Bondi Beach last Saturday for a good old fashioned backyard barbie. A few months ago I met up with our friends Sam and Rich from Batlow Cider at their office on Hall St. Out [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6138.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-10" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6138.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There was pig. There was cider. We had sunshine and the balmiest night Sydney has seen in months. Secret Foodies hit Bondi Beach last Saturday for a good old fashioned backyard barbie. A few months ago I met up with our friends Sam and Rich from Batlow Cider at their office on Hall St. Out the back was a sun drenched yard with striking tress casting shadows on overgrown grass. We HAD to do a Secret Foodies here.</p>
<p>It was a risky call. The weather has been less than pleasant of late and another outdoor event was at the mercy of Mother Nature. Fortunately, our weather prayers and chants were answered with nothing but sunshine.</p>
<p>We love Batlow Cider at Secret Foodies so the beverage choice was easy, as was the location once we mowed the lawns. So, what goes well with apple cider? Pig of course! We had close to 70 guests arrive at the secret location and a whole pig on the spit fired up and cooking away for 4 hours before the &#8216;ceremonial carving&#8217;.</p>
<p>Many cases of Batlow Cider and some Nudie Juice later it was time for dessert. As if the pig wasn&#8217;t exciting enough, a small fight almost erupted over the last mini tub of Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s Chocolate Chip Cooking Dough. As for myself, I&#8217;m more of a Chocolate Fudge Brownie kinda gal.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_5964.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-1" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_5964.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_5999.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2473" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-3" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_5999.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6111.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2475" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-4" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6111.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6182.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2477" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-5" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6182.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6158.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2476" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-5" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6158.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6188.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2478" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-6" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6188.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6234.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2480" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-9" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6234.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6106.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2481" title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-8" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6106.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6030.jpg"><img title="secret-foodies-pig-swig-batlow-apple-cider-2" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6030.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="630" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Did you know we do corporate and private events at Secret Foodies? A little jealous of our Pig &amp; Swig event? Shoot us an email to find out how you can host your own Pig&amp; Swig Secret Foodies for your friend or colleagues. msdarlinghurst@secretfoodies.com.au</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/pig-swig/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Secret Spanish Fiesta</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/secret-spanish-fiesta/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/secret-spanish-fiesta/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:28:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guerilla Dining]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2451</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Secret Foodies teamed up with Biznaga Travel Company in February to bring a piece of Spain to the heart of Redfern. Complete with a giant paella, flamingo dancers and delicious tapas for all it was a fun night out for foodies in the know. Taking over the minimalist Boutwell Draper Art Gallery we converted the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Secret Foodies teamed up with <a title="Biznaga Travel Company" href="http://www.biznaga.com/" target="_blank">Biznaga Travel Company</a> in February to bring a piece of Spain to the heart of Redfern. Complete with a giant paella, flamingo dancers and delicious tapas for all it was a fun night out for foodies in the know. Taking over the minimalist <a title="Boutwell Draper Gallery" href="http://www.boutwelldrapergallery.com.au/" target="_blank">Boutwell Draper Art Gallery</a> we converted the space into a one night only Spanish Fiesta. The Spanish Acquisition were there to educate us on Spanish Wine and our friends at ExtraVirgin Fine Foods provided a delectable array of Spanish cuisine. Here&#8217;s some of our favourite shots of the evening&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2453" title="Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-9" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-9.jpg" alt="" width="528" height="354" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2455" title="Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-2" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-2.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="326" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2458" title="Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-7" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-7.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="325" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2460" title="Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-3" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-3.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="375" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-10.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2464" title="Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-10" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Secret-Foodies-Spanish-Fiesta-Boutwell-Draper-Art-gallery-Biznaga-10.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="300" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/guerilla-dining-2/secret-spanish-fiesta/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Roosevelt</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/roosevelt/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/roosevelt/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:03:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cocktails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Degustation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Potts Point]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sydney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Roosevelt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2408</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Eau De Vie is the place where Sydney-siders in the know go for a carefully crafted cocktail. A special bottle of champagne opened by sabre before your eyes. It’s where bartenders become scientists and performers each night for a thirsty crowd. It’s all about the drinks, not so much the food. It’s the perfect place [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2413" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-1.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="372" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a title="Eau De Vie" href="http://eaudevie.com.au/Sydney/" target="_blank">Eau De Vie</a></strong> is the place where Sydney-siders in the know go for a carefully crafted cocktail. A special bottle of champagne opened by sabre before your eyes. It’s where bartenders become scientists and performers each night for a thirsty crowd. It’s all about the drinks, not so much the food. It’s the perfect place to start or finish your night. So, what do you do in between?</p>
<p>Owner Sven Almenning has teamed up with Graham Ette of Etiquette Catering to present <strong><a title="The Roosevelt" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRooseveltSydney" target="_blank">The Roosevelt</a></strong>. You’ll find it in Potts Point, a suburb most know for expensive properties, hot new restaurants, bars and home to Sydney’s ‘in crowd’. Few would believe it was once a hub for shady exploits and Sydney’s notorious underworld characters of the 1940s.</p>
<p>In recent years the art deco style building was a French restaurant called Après. Very civilized considering it first opened as The Roosevelt Club and was owned by Sydney gangland figure Abe Saffron. Also known as “the boss of the Cross” and “a Mr Big of Australian crime” Saffron was a heavy weight crook in the Kings Cross red-light district. He was in the business of black-market alcohol and made a lucrative trade at The Roosevelt.</p>
<div id="attachment_2414" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 570px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-3.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2414" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-3.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="372" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Our Garden salad</p></div>
<p>The bar seems fairly legit these days but it still carries the old world charm of the 40s. Enter the main bar and you’ll find small antique tables scattered to the left, a drinks cart in the middle and a shiny new bar to the right. It’s all about table service at The Roosevelt, so sit back and wait to be served. It’s a shame there are no seats at the bar, often the best part of a night is watching the experts at work.</p>
<p>When our Secret Foodies guests arrive anticipation mounts as they sip their cocktails. Questions start flying. Where are we eating? Where are the tables? A few guests have already had a drink in the new bar but no one has seen the restaurant.</p>
<div id="attachment_2415" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 570px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-4.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2415" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-4.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="372" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bondi Beach</p></div>
<p>It’s time for dinner. A door opens next to the bar and guests enter the dining room. There’s room for up to 36 people over two long communal tables. The first course is sitting in crystal bowls set in the long ice filled grooves of the polished black marble tables. A salad of shaved fennel, carrot, celery, citrus wedges and tomato cloud sounds fairly straightforward. Look a little closer, nothing is, as it seems at The Roosevelt, expect the unexpected.</p>
<p>Each of the five courses has been thoughtfully matched with a unique cocktail. The salad is paired with a refreshing watermelon and tomato nitro punch with chili, Ketel One Citroen, St Germaine and lemon juice.</p>
<div id="attachment_2417" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 570px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-6.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2417" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-6.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tropical North</p></div>
<p>Dinner at The Roosevelt is an interactive experience. Yes they have amazing cocktails and intriguing food. It’s the two combined that makes this place unique.</p>
<p>Since the rise of Heston Blumenthal a lot of restaurants have tried their hand at molecular gastronomy. Some have succeeded and others should have stuck to the KISS approach. There is nothing simple at The Roosevelt but by no means is this experience stupid.</p>
<div id="attachment_2418" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-7.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2418" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-7.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="319" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Roosevelt BBQ</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2419" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-8.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="323" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2420" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-9.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="354" /></a></p>
<p>The current degustation menu is all about summer with dishes such as the <em>Bondi Beach</em> combining calamari with apple, ginger, nashi and pineapple paired with champagne cocktail. The <em>Tropical North</em> starts boiling in the kitchen and continues to your table with scampi cooked in a kaffir broth with seaweed, served in a young coconut.</p>
<p>You won’t find wine on this menu it’s all about cocktails. But surely the <em>wagyu beef with banana leaf bundel, desiree potato and natural jue</em> would taste great with a bold red wine? Not in this restaurant. Here you’ll try the Roosevelt Red made of house sweet vermouth, Johnnie Walker Gold Label and pine smoke. It will challenge your taste buds.</p>
<div id="attachment_2422" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 532px"><img class=" wp-image-2422" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-12.jpg" alt="" width="522" height="420" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Pavlova</p></div>
<p>Graham and the team have a knack for taking classic dishes and turning them upside down. The Roosevelt’s version of pavlova is far from traditional but it’s the matching <em>pavlova shake </em>that will be most memorable. With Ron Zacapa, palm nectar, banana liqueur, cream and scorched meringue it is the ultimate drinkable dessert. If only it was as easy to recreate at your next bbq.</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 409px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-11.jpg"><img title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-11.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="600" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pavlova Shake</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-13.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2423" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-13.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="600" /></a></p>
<p>The Roosevelt is like your favourite art gallery. You go there to see new exhibitions every few months. The menu changes with the seasons and like a particular artist you may like that season’s menu so much you go back again and again while it lasts.  Generally though it’s not the type of place you’d go once a week. It’s perfect for birthdays, corporate functions and celebrations. I imagine before long the private dining room will be booked with groups every Saturday night for the next six months. I suggest you get in early.</p>
<p>But enough about what I think, let’s hear what our foodies have to say…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2424" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney2.jpg" alt="" width="544" height="600" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2416" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-5.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="332" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2425" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 570px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-10.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2425" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Roosevelt-Potts-Point-Sydney-10.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="393" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sven and Graham</p></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a title="The Roosevelt" href="http://www.theroosevelt.com.au/" target="_blank">The Roosevelt</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">32 Orwell St , Potts Point</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For booking phone 044263226 or email phoebe@eaudevie.com.au</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.theroosevelt.com.au/">http://www.theroosevelt.com.au/</a> or <a title="The Roosevelt Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRooseveltSydney" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/TheRooseveltSydney</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Open Mon-Sun 5pm-12am</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/roosevelt/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>26</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Centennial Dining</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/cooking-under-the-stars/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/cooking-under-the-stars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:28:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centennial Park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dwight Peters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret Foodies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sydney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Woollahara]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
You would have thought planning an outdoor event in Sydney at the start of February would be a relatively safe bet. Think again, Mother Nature has an ulterior motive this year ripping us off with non-stop rain. We had romantic intentions of hosting a unique event under the twinkling stars on a balmy summer evening. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2382" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-6.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p>You would have thought planning an outdoor event in Sydney at the start of February would be a relatively safe bet. Think again, Mother Nature has an ulterior motive this year ripping us off with non-stop rain. We had romantic intentions of hosting a unique event under the twinkling stars on a balmy summer evening. We’d dine by candle light in the middle of Centennial Park’s perfectly manicured grass and enjoy some of Sydney’s finest food.</p>
<p>At least one part of our master plan came to fruition. The food at <a title="Centennial Dining" href="http://www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au/our-venues/Centennial-Parklands-Dining/4" target="_blank">Centennial Dining</a> is worth battling a soaked umbrella and wet toes. Enter via the Woollahara Gates on Oxford St and take the long road veering right until you reach the floor to ceiling glass walled restaurant. For those brave enough to follow my instructions there was champagne on arrival and the lure of warm hospitality.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2377" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-1.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p>Staying true to our theme ‘Cooking Under the Stars’, the chefs were set up outside, yes they were under umbrellas and yes, we’re sure high up in the cloudy sky there were some stars. Standing in the dining room, looking out across the beautiful green park, prawns lined up on the BBQ, a drink in hand I thought, this is going to be a good night. After all, at least I wasn’t out running, leaping and stretching in the rain like half of Sydney’s crazy fitness junkies.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2391" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-15.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></p>
<div id="attachment_2378" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2378" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-2.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Yamba prawns and mango salsa</p></div>
<p>Head Chef Dwight Peters joined Centennial Dining just over two months ago and is here to stir things up. With a focus on locally sourced produce he aspires to educate diners on the concept of ‘paddock to plate’ and strengthen the relationship between supplier and diner. Dwight has been cooking since the age of six and worked with his mother and brother, both chefs, on cruise ships for years before working in five star hotels. Now with children of his own he enjoys foodie road trips to the fish markets and regional farms to teach his kids.</p>
<p>We had our own mini lesson with Dwight elaborating on the evening’s menu. To start, we had an amuse bouche of <em>Yamba prawns and mango salsa</em>. Perfectly cooked on the BBQ before our eyes and plated so delicately this was a great start before moving on to the entree. The <em>Jasmine and miso cured kingfish, pea flowers, watermelon, ponzu dressing</em> was almost too pretty to eat. I’m glad I did though, the sashimi style kingfish was very fresh and the watermelon really worked although I’d never tried the two together until that night.</p>
<div id="attachment_2379" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-3.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2379" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-3.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Jasmine and miso cured kingfish, pea flowers, watermelon, ponzu dressing</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2385" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class=" wp-image-2385" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-9.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Grange beef tenderloin, charred eggplant, cep and rosemary jus</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2381" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-5.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2380" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-4.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2384" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-8.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2384" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-8.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">mushroom gnocchi</p></div>
<p style="text-align: left;">For mains we had the <em>Grange beef tenderloin, charred eggplant, cep and rosemary jus. </em>This was a highlight dish of the evening with enticing presentation and strong flavours. My beef was cooked just right and I made sure I got every drop of the rosemary jus with the roast potatoes. For those non meat eaters, a <em>mushroom gnocchi</em> was on offer.</p>
<div id="attachment_2386" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-10.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2386  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-10.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">young coconut panna cotta, tuille and raspberry sorbet</p></div>
<p>For dessert we had <em>young coconut panna cotta, tuille and raspberry sorbet</em>. I only wish the panna cotta was bigger as I absolutely loved it. Can I have the recipe please chef? Even those who don’t normally love dessert enjoyed this dish, though most were unsure whether to eat the flower or leave it as decoration. As with all good restaurants, if it’s on the plate it’s edible.</p>
<p>Centennial Dining is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. It’s available for hire any night for a truly inspiring evening. I’ll be back, rain or shine.</p>
<p>But enough about what I think, let’s hear what our foodies have to say…</p>
<p>xxMs Darlinghurst</p>
<div id="attachment_2387" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-11.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-2387  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-11.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Head Chef Dwight Peters</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2388" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-12.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Restaurants-Sydney-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2392" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Restaurants-Sydney-1.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="388" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-14.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2390" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-14.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a></p>
<p><a title="Centennial Dining" href="http://www.cpdining.com.au" target="_blank"><strong>Centennial Parklands Dining</strong></a></p>
<p>Grand Drive, Centennial Park</p>
<p>02 9380 9350</p>
<p>Open 7 days, 8am &#8211; 4pm</p>
<p>Available for private bookings 7 days/evenings</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.cpdining.com.au/">http://www.cpdining.com.au</a></strong></p>
<div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Centennial-Park-Dining-Sydney-Restaurant-14.jpg"><br />
</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/east/cooking-under-the-stars/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>17</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Not Bread Alone</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/north-shore/food-love/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/north-shore/food-love/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[North Shore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breakfast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cafe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crows Nest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lunch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Not Bread Alone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2341</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
The best way to kick off a new year is to remember the things that matter most in life. Time to take a moment and enjoy friends, family and even the company of strangers. Not Bread Alone in Crows Nest has been sharing the foodie love for over 11 years serving loyal customers for breakfast, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></p>
<p>The best way to kick off a new year is to remember the things that matter most in life. Time to take a moment and enjoy friends, family and even the company of strangers. <a title="Not Bread Alone" href="http://www.notbreadalone.com.au/">Not Bread Alone</a> in Crows Nest has been sharing the foodie love for over 11 years serving loyal customers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tucked off Pacific Highway I’m sure hundreds of people have driven past this restaurant, many more would have dined here. The leafy trees shade the outdoor tables and this particularly balmy night called for alfresco dining.</p>
<p>Owner, Barbara Lloyd could easily be everyone’s adopted aunty. The one whose house you love to visit because you know you’ll get spoilt with home cooked treats, delicious wholesome meals and if you’re lucky a goodie bag for the road. Barbara’s mother owned gourmet cafes decades ago and food was always a way expressing your love for one another. Those beliefs have been passed on and shine through at Not Bread Alone.</p>
<p>Our first Secret Foodies event of the year is all about sharing. The entrees certainly brought people together as did a glass of 2011 Forest Hill “Highbury Hill” Chardonnay. Seafood platters with sautéed prawns, whitebait fritters, salt and pepper squid, grilled fish and mussels were laid one each table. Then antipasto plates with smoked salmon, leg ham, Danish feta, roast vegetables and dip. Try the assorted breads including bruschetta, garlic and pesto bread. They go really well with the antipasto.</p>
<div id="attachment_2344" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 558px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2344   " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-1.jpg" alt="" width="548" height="364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">seafood platter</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2345" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2345  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-2.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="271" /><p class="wp-caption-text">antipasto plate</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-3.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-2.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-1.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-13.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-12.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-11.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-10.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-9.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-8.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-7.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-6.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-5.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-4.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-3.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-2.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-1.jpg"></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2346" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2346  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-3.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">assorted breads</p></div>
<p>For mains we had barramundi with sweet potato, baby bok choy and a sweet chilli and coriander butter. My favourite main dish was the perfectly cooked eye fillet steak with sautéed mushrooms and a red wine jus. Another favourite was the baked chicken breast wrapped in proscuitto and pesto with a red capsicum sauce. For the pasta lovers the roast pumpkin risotto with mushrooms and spinach hit the spot. Barbara buys all of her fruit and vegetables fresh from the markets daily. The watercress and orange salad and mixed steamed vegetables made it obvious. The Smith &amp; Hooper Cab/Merlot Wrattonbully SA 2005 went particularly well with the steak and risotto.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-3.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-2.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-1.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-13.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-12.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-11.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-10.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-9.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-8.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-7.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-6.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-5.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-4.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-3.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-2.jpg"></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2347" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 419px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2347" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-4.jpg" alt="" width="409" height="553" /><p class="wp-caption-text">eye fillet steak </p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-3.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-2.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-1.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-13.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-12.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-11.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-10.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-9.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-8.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-7.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-6.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-5.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-4.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-3.jpg"></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2348" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2348  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-5.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="342" /><p class="wp-caption-text">baked chicken breast</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2349" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2349  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-6.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="260" /><p class="wp-caption-text">barramundi with sweet potato</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2351" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2351  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-8.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="378" /><p class="wp-caption-text">roast pumpkin risotto </p></div>
<div id="attachment_2350" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2350  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-7.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">mixed steamed vegetables</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2352" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 529px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2352  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-9.jpg" alt="" width="519" height="406" /><p class="wp-caption-text">watercress and orange salad </p></div>
<p>One of the best parts of dining at Not Bread Alone is the dessert menu. Just as most of us thought we couldn’t fit in another bite the dessert platters arrived. Crepes with fresh strawberries and maple syrup, fresh raspberry crème brulee with tuille and rhubarb and apple crumbles served in individual dishes. My favourite dessert was the chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce. A glass of the 2005 Yulumba late harvest Viognier Wrattonbully desert wine was a great match.</p>
<div id="attachment_2353" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2353  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-10.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">fresh raspberry crème brulee </p></div>
<div id="attachment_2354" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2354  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-11.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">rhubarb and apple crumbles </p></div>
<div id="attachment_2355" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2355  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-12.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce</p></div>
<div id="attachment_2356" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 561px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2356  " title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-13.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="457" /><p class="wp-caption-text">crepes with fresh strawberries</p></div>
<p>To finish our night Barbara offered her own blend of coffee roasted on site. What’s in it? She won’t tell, top secret. We’re not the only ones who like to keep hush hush.</p>
<p>At Not Bread Alone you’ll find honest Australian fare with comforting portions at a decent price. There’s no pretension and it’s certainly not fine dining. It’s your local neighborhood restaurant that consistently serves good food.</p>
<p>But enough about what I think, let’s hear what our foodies have to say…</p>
<div id="attachment_2358" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 378px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2358" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-1.jpg" alt="" width="368" height="553" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Barbara Lloyd, Owner</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2359" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-2.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Break-Alone-Restaurant-cafe-crows-nest-1.jpg"><img title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Not-Bread-Alone-Secret-Foodies-Crows-Nest-3.jpg" alt="" width="409" height="614" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a title="Not Bread Alone" href="http://www.notbreadalone.com.au/" target="_blank">Not Bread Alone</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Shop 2, 376 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">02 9966 9788</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Breakfast Mon-Sun 7.30am-5pm</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lunch Mon-Sun 11am-5pm</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dinner Mon-Sat 6-11pm</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>http://www.notbreadalone.com.au/</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/north-shore/food-love/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ormeggio at the Spit</title>
		<link>http://secretfoodies.com.au/all-restaurants/ormeggio-at-the-spit/</link>
		<comments>http://secretfoodies.com.au/all-restaurants/ormeggio-at-the-spit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:09:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms Darlinghurst</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[All Restaurants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Shore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alessandro Pavoni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hat restaurant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mosman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ocean views]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ormeggio at the Spit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret Foodies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://secretfoodies.com.au/?p=2305</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
“Tonight Secret Foodies is at a place starting with O. You&#8217;ll find it at D&#8217;Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman. See you there at 7pm. xxMsD”
After the sixth person walked into Orso and asked for Secret Foodies I’m sure the restaurant owner was ready to start throwing plates. There is only one hated restaurant at The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-13.jpg"></a><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-10.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2317" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-10.jpg" alt="" width="529" height="406" /></a></span></p>
<p>“Tonight Secret Foodies is at a place starting with O. You&#8217;ll find it at D&#8217;Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman. See you there at 7pm. xxMsD”</p>
<p>After the sixth person walked into Orso and asked for Secret Foodies I’m sure the restaurant owner was ready to start throwing plates. There is only one hated restaurant at The Spit in Mosman, I’m sure, but apparently it’s not the only one starting with O.</p>
<p>Thankfully everyone made it across the road to <a title="Ormeggio at the Spit" href="http://www.ormeggio.com.au/" target="_blank">Ormeggio at the Spit</a> where Secret Foodies’ Italy By The Ocean dinner was waiting to erupt. I’ll admit this Italian restaurant is not the easiest place to find. Miss the sharp turn off to the car park and you’ll find yourself driving over the bridge and on route to Manly. You’ll also have to saunter past a showroom full of luxury boats only to be met by more beautiful boats bobbing next to your dinner table. I want a boat.</p>
<p>Back to Ormeggio…</p>
<p>It’s not the sunniest day in Sydney but despite trickles of rain every window is open facing the ocean. A cool breeze flows through the restaurant and we’re handed Bellini’s. Inside the restaurant is simple with white table clothes, wooden chairs and warm lighting. Who needs OTT fit outs when you have enviable views? Likewise, why be distracted when the food satisfies your attention?</p>
<div id="attachment_2308" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2308" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-1.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="399" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">smoked salmon espuma, pork head terrine, crispy bread</p></div>
<p>Alessandro Pavoni is from the Lombardy region of Italy and for a more regional dining experience you must try his latest restaurant Spiedo in the CBD Westfield. (See Secret Foodies review). At Ormeggio you’ll find a more modern approach with inspiration for many regions of Italy.</p>
<p>A clear bowl of <em>smoked salmon espuma</em> is placed on the table next to small squares of <em>pork head terrine</em> and crispy bread. The espuma looks like taramasala and I expect a thick consistency but it’s light as mousse with salted capers on top. The terrine is delicious but I don’t see it on the menu. This special starter should be a feature.</p>
<div id="attachment_2309" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2309" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-2.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">tiramisu di baccala, Ling fish, Dutch cream potato spuma and crispy polenta</p></div>
<p>My favourite dish of the evening is the <em>tiramisu di baccala</em>, Ling fish, Dutch cream potato spuma and crispy polenta. It is the least attractive dish of the night and other creations by Alessandro are ‘prettier’ but not as flavorsome. The texture is soft and creamy with crunchy pieces of polenta on the bottom. Have with a cold glass of Collezione Pinot Grigio 2010 and you’ll be in heaven.</p>
<div id="attachment_2310" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2310" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-3.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">organic grass fed wagyu beef battuta with burnt enoki, crispy amaranth and oyster mayonnaise</p></div>
<p>The <em>organic grass fed wagyu beef battuta with burnt enoki, crispy amaranth and oyster mayonnaise</em> is light but hard to finish. A smaller portion would have sufficed. I also can’t drink a whole glass of the Fattoria di Calappiano Lungarno 2009 which is rather heavy and not for my palate.</p>
<div id="attachment_2311" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2311" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-4.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">ravioli filled with romanesco broccoli, anchovies and capers</p></div>
<p>The ravioli filled with romanesco broccoli, anchovies and capers should be savored. There is a lot of flavour with sweetness from the cheese and the right amount of salt from the capers. It’s matched with my second favourite bottle of the evening the Borgo Cipressi Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2010. At $8 a bottle it’s the sort of wine you could drink all night or buy a few cases for unexpected visitors.</p>
<p>My tastes are rather rich though in food and wine, as I love the heaviness of the smoked biodynamic veal rump served with vegetable ash, spring onion, bone marrow and thyme oil. I also love the $80 bottle of Sensi “Sabbiato” Bolgheri 2009, a beautiful red I WISH I had cases of just laying around the house for unexpected visitors.</p>
<div id="attachment_2312" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2312" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-5.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">amedei chocolate and coffee ‘Barbajada’ caramel gelato, almond and mint crumble with tokay reduction</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-4.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Our wines for the evening are courtesy of Angelica and Scott from <a title="Direct Wine Cellars" href="http://directwinecellars.com.au/" target="_blank">Direct Wine Cellars</a>. Young, ardent Italian wine importers with a beautiful story of how they ‘fell’ into this business after a chance encounter with a wine maker in Tuscany. It’s a romantic story and it’s obvious they are passionate about the wine they sell.</p>
<p>They don’t disappoint with a beautiful sticky to finish. The Sensi Vin Santo Del Chianti 2004 is sweet without being too sweet and overpowering like some dessert wines. Much like the <em>egg on the nest</em>, an artistic dessert. It looks like a boiled egg but taste like light, fluffy bliss and the fairy floss is fun fun fun.</p>
<div id="attachment_2313" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 550px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2313" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-6.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">passionfruit and raspberry jellies to finish</p></div>
<p>You’ll walk away from Ormeggio comfortably full without the heaviness Italian food sometimes imposes. I love Ormeggio for the picturesque views, attentive staff and beautiful food. It’s so good you could almost expect it to be a little pretentious and slightly intimidating, perhaps reserved for ‘special occasions’. Instead you’ll find an inviting space, accessible to those who appreciate fine food. It’s also child friendly (there’s a cute baby next to us sipping vino…I mean, eating mashed pumpkin). Add it to your list Italian Food Lovers!</p>
<p>But enough about what I think, let’s hear what our foodies have to say…</p>
<div id="attachment_2314" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 567px"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-7.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2314" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-7.jpg" alt="" width="557" height="447" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Alessandro Pavoni</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-6.jpg"></a></p>
<div id="attachment_2318" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 464px"><img class="size-full wp-image-2318" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-11.jpg" alt="" width="454" height="461" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Angelica from Direct Wine Cellars</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-8.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2316" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-9.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="350" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2319" title="SONY DSC" src="http://secretfoodies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Secret-Foodies-Ormeggio-At-The-Spit-Mosman-Alessandro-Pavoni-12.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a title="Ormeggio at the Spit" href="http://www.ormeggio.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">Ormeggio at the Spit</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">D&#8217;Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman 2088</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">(02) 9969 4088</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">http://www.ormeggio.com.au/</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Direct Wine Cellars" href="http://directwinecellars.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong>Direct Wine Cellars</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">http://directwinecellars.com.au/</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">(02) 4773 4400</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://secretfoodies.com.au/all-restaurants/ormeggio-at-the-spit/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

