Cocktails
Let’s Meat at LP’s Quality Meats
LET’S MEEEEAT! So it seems we were all feeling a little peckish for meat and so the journey begins at LP’s Quality Meats in Chippendale. To enjoy your experience here I’d suggest to wear something super comfy for example wear fat pants or perhaps bring a pair and put it in your handbag because if you don’t you don’t you’ll be walking like a model who has a twisted stomach or something.
It’s a meat post!
We arrived 10 minutes after the restaurant had opened and already there were hungry peeps huddled up around the bar thinking about what they should for dinner. Whilst making those tough discussions it was wise to order an alcoholic beverage and soak in the the LP vibes.
The early hungry birds that get the worms
What’s for dinner folks?
Of all possible poultries to sample we opt for the chicken liver pâté ($16), which I thought would be a great starting point. To our surprise we had complimentary sea salt butter, marinated olives, gigantic green jalapeño looking all innocent next to the English mustard.
Chicken Liver Pate got me saying OOHhhh & Ahhhh.
Oddly enough I was shocked to have enjoyed the house-made sour dough with the chicken liver pâté together. The bread was soft and spongy with the heavenly spread of pâté.
House-Made Sour Dough Bread
On the face of it, the pâté looked tasty with its blushing pink colour and smooth honey coating with sprinkles of black pepper. It certainly was flavourful and wasn’t overpowering or thick in texture rather light and smooth. We all agreed that it wasn’t short on chicken liver flavour. It was a real winner for the table!
Can’t have it in any other way…
Wasn’t sure if I could finish what I had started because I could feel my soul in a ball of fire as soon as I took a tiny bite out of the green jalapeño that was at least 10cm tall, YIKES! I was on Struggle Street as the chilli range went from moderately to extremely hot, call the fire brigades guys!
Life is like a jar of jalapeños, you never knew which one is going to burn your tongue.
Didn’t want to be a party pooper and not order the gin ($18). It was a great introduction to explore this classic drink and with its acquired subtle sweet tangy taste, I sure wouldn’t mind going for another round.
Forgive me for I have ginned.
In between our starter we noticed a few undercover visitors headed towards the kitchen and gathered around the smoking machine where the meat dreams come true.
Look who we have here…is it the LP Meat Gods?
The beef tongue ($18) had awakened my tastebuds as I never knew that part of the beef with smoked beef fat vinaigrette could be so well married. This was by far the best warm starter dish to order if you fancy a twist.
Beef Tongue with Smoked Beef Fat Vinaigrette ($18)
It may look slightly frightening for some as it looked raw but flavour-wise, we all enjoyed it, especially with the bathed chopped Spanish onions and fresh parsley in the vinaigrette added that extra oomph to it.
Now that’s a really thin beef tongue slice.
I was excused for one moment whilst the Toronto Maple ($18) spun me right round, baby right round like I had entered the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy had somehow got swirled into the mystic clouds. The drink had strong notes of alcohol which I felt it had cleansed my insides so thoroughly that I could only take tiny sips at a time. On a fun note if you’re looking for something wicked on a Friday night then this is the go to.
That Toronto Maple sure made my head spin.
The smoked beef short rib ($48) deserves a special place in my heart and I think it’s important for people who like meat are made aware this badass of a rib exists. You want to know more, don’t you? Well you gotta continue reading…so scroll down!
Smoked Beef Short Rib ($48 -Left) & Smoked Sausage ($14-Right)
Hallelujah in my mouth was the smoked beef rib! I felt like I had a connection with that thick juicy piece of tender meat and it may sound like I was overreacting but surely you can agree with me if you were there to witness and taste it yourself. I was in disbelief that the rib was so tender and completely balanced with smoky flavours all around that I didn’t need the English mustard, tomato sauce or chimichurri. I couldn’t and wouldn’t stop when I had my first bite; however the only problem for us was we demanded more of it but bear in mind the price tag, so we had to end it here.
Let us meat again, pretty please?!
Time is a funny thing because when we had ordered the bread roll ($2 p.p), we had thought of a clever idea and built our own beef rib burger without any extras required. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to provide proof of this as I was in a bit of a sticky situation, but imagine having two of your favourite things – meat & carbs put together and then VOILA! You know you want it…haha.
You see me bread rolling…you’re hating.
Finally for the smoked sausage ($14) the texture and smell were promising, as was the enticing glossy smoky look. Without being overpowering with spices it was a taste we’d all enjoyed as the texture was neither too firm nor soft and tasted gourmet.
You’re looking smoking hot LP sausage!
A highlight at LP Quality Meats was everything on their menu are all hand made in- house, which means what you pay for is what you get. The MUST HAVE I’d recommend include chicken liver pate, beef tongue and smoked beef short rib. Everything on their menu is for sharing and it would be best to go with no more or less than 4 hungry humans, just so you can try a bit of everything. To the LP Meat Gods out there, please take me with you on your journey to the meat land as I really enjoyed all the dishes we ordered.
Watched the LP Boys Work Work Work Work
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Bacon All The Rules at Cuckoo Callay Festival
It must be true love that I am not a vegetarian because of bacon. No one else can break my heart like bacon can. I admit all my problems go away when there’s bacon right in front of me. So if you need a bacon fix maybe it’s time to bacon-ing your way to Cuckoo Callay. For 12 weeks they’ve created something astonishing for Newtown that no café has ever done in Sydney. It’s called BACON FESTIVAL. It’s for real, BACON FESTIVAL exists and you don’t want to go bacon your own heart if you missed out. If you totally HEART BACON like I do, you properly wondered off and I bet you are open to seduction as soon as you see that glossy piece of juicy bacon. I know it’s the sweet smells and varied pinkish colours, but that doesn’t mean you are not in control.
Pigging it out at Cuckoo Callay
And the Bacon Festival goes like this…
What a Croque of Bacon ($19) that tried to control me with its loooooooooooonnng strips of bacon and basil. Then when I closely looked into the vintage cheddar croquettes I was drunk by its diced pieces of bourbon bacon, pea puree and two poached eggs with that gooey sunrise yolk. If you want to know how to make a bacon lover smile, then this is it my friends. A dusting of breadcrumbs on the croquettes really makes this dish sing. It’s the crispy croquettes center filling that opens new flavours as the effects of bourbon bacon is deeply aromatic.
What a Croque of Bacon ($19)
What about that sexy long bacon strip? Well…there was a silent treatment at our table, so I’m not too sure what everybody was thinking, but for me, I was so high I didn’t recognise the fire that was burning in people’s eyes when I snatched the larger strip. Obviously full of flavour so that was pretty damn tasty!
You so fine bacon stripe! And oozy egg yolk inward shot.
Next up I may have ordered Shake ‘n’ Bacon ($9)! Super AMAZING and totally worth building up my calcium intake. Teehee. Can’t go wrong with bacon plus maple syrup, although the sweet syrup was glued at the bottom making a sudden burst of intense sugariness. Overall there’s so much DELICIOUSNESS hidden in this mason jar.
Shake ‘n’ Bacon ($9)
Can’t go wrong with awesome maple-caramelized bacon, right? I think this bacon milkshake is shouting “drink me!”.
Bacon sprinkles on me Shake ‘n’ Bacon *SCREAMS*
Rules for a happy relationship with bacon is getting the Bacon All the Rules ($24) dish. This is one engaging plate that is only suitable for happy pigs and inner oinkers to run wild. Every component on this dish is lip smacking and appealing to not share with your partner in crime. We start off with Black Forest Smokehouse maple bacon and bourbon bacon that floated happily atop. Next we dissected that fatty chunk of bacon steak that was really appetising that I had to go for seconds. OH! And whoever came up with bacon sausage is uber insane, yet one hell of a genius. You know you want it before anyone else can get it. It tasted absolutely perfect that there was no flaws about this sausage at all. I loved the bite-size pieces of bacon inside the sausage and saltiness was just right. All that bacon madness is also served with bacon-crumbed poached eggs with sourdough. This is one dish on the menu that you won’t go home hungry or disappointed. If you’re looking for a jam-packed bacon session, then this is it!
Bacon All the Rules ($24)
Need to wash all that bacon down? Why not give this Bloody Bacon Cuckootail ($14) a go! It’s insanely mixed with tomato juice, tabasco, salt, pepper and a shot of vodka. I was so out of breath when I sipped this cocktail. The level of spiciness is somewhat high for a person who does not often eat much spices. I spy with my eyes I see a strip of bacon and slices of pickles.
Bloody Bacon Cuckootail ($14)
Only one thing can make a hot dog on a summer afternoon better and that’s if it’s stuffed with maple glazed bacon sausage with gruyere cheese sauce, tomato and quince relish, crackling and dill mustard pickles. Ya I’m describing the Bacon Dawg ($16)!!! I was prepared but I think I didn’t prepare enough for this dawg. The thing about this is it did quite fit together. It was a little overwhelming with the sprinkles of crackle and relish as well as the dill mustard. Totes superior brunch eats.
Bacon Dawg ($16)
Smashed that bad boy!
Look what we have here… Don’t Go Bacon My Heart (NOTE: these babes were sample sizes) and OHMYGAWD these are unforgettable. I was incredibly happy when these kids size burger landed on the palm of my hand. The savory beer and tomato chutney, mustard aioli and slaw on brioche added another inch of flavour. Yes not healthy, but I’ve got my game face on! Without a doubt the popcorn chicken and beer candied bacon was noticeable. Hmmm it was the right ratio of chicks and pigs.
Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
You know you want this. Teehee.
Woah! This brioche is stuffed with a lot of meat.
By now I needed granny pants, if possible the XXXL ones. The amount of food coming in one after the other was fit for a King and Queen. So when Bacon, Get in Ma Belly ($20) arrived looking oh so scrumptious I had to do what was right, continue nomming. Lucky I followed my heart because the pork belly with fennel seed sauce with bacon, caper, coriander and lime salad was off the chain insane. Combine with a bowl of white rice would have been lovely. I was nervous when I attacked the slices of candied sweet chilli because between you and me I don’t normally touch chilli, but I did tell Michael from I’m Still Hungry that I will be practising my chilli levels this year. Wish me luck! Anyways back to that chilli…far out it was ADDICTIVE! I had such courage to even pop a few more slices in my mouth. It was seriously hotter than my first date. The one thing which lost some points would be the crackling skin, it was moist. There were signs of crispiness however the texture didn’t meat it. It must be the troubled Asian fusion flavour sauce that drowned the crispy skin crackle. Haha.
Bacon, Get in Ma Belly ($20)
That pork. Full Stop.
Here’s a morning breakfast for you to enjoy with your partner yourself; Ya Bacon Me Crazy ($20). This type of love is not rational, it’s 100% physical. Don’t cry if your calories start to sky rocket because every bite is seriously worth it. The caramel and cinnamon ice cream was heavily guarded by three handsome strips of maple bacon that’s drenched in maple syrup and chocolate coated bourbon bacon. Tucked underneath you can see the buttermilk waffles and MORE house-made bacon. Man, I love what you do but you know that you’re toxic, right? 😛
Ya Bacon Me Crazy ($20)
I told you I wasn’t kidding about the chocolate coated bourbon BACON SOILDERS heavily securing the caramel and cinnamon ice cream. PICTURE PROOF!
Bacon’s looking streaky, I LIKE! :p
Boy I needed another session of washing down all that tasty bacon, so I opted for Smokey Bourbon Bacon with fresh apple juice ($12). Sadly I couldn’t really taste the bacon, instead the sourness of the apple juice. But that’s cool I needed something refreshing to bring me back to Earth from this CRAZY BACON FEAST.
Smokey Bourbon Bacon with fresh apple juice ($12)
Introducing Drizzle Sticks (NOTE: sample sizes) that knocks your socks off! *HEAVY BREATHING* Maybe the streaky bourbon bacon drizzled in chocolate and hazelnut thought it could hide from this mama, but I could smell that greasy bacon scent from miles away. Oh bacon you can’t stay away from me, we are meant to be. At first I wasn’t too keen on chocolate + bacon, BUT I’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover.
Drizzle Sticks
Picture this no touching, no kissing AND no good loving with bacon will be so cold. Life wouldn’t be the same, I’m telling you. Without bacon fire will burn through your soul. So what’s holding you back to visit the Bacon Festival at Cuckoo Callay?
Oh Yeah!!! Got the BIG piece. 😀
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended as a guest thanks to Wasamedia. Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Check out my other Cuckoo Callay post I did. Click here and here.
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Whitewater Restaurant- Right Opposite Manly Beach
It’s hard to believe I was at the beach recently happily diving my toes into the dry cold sand. I struggled to stay away from the sun and knew if I didn’t, I would miss my lunch date with these kids; Excuse Me Waiter, The Food Diary, The Kawaii Kitchen, Milkteaxx, Drool Worthy World, Mademoiselle Mange à Sydney and The Casual Food Blogger. Sun tanning on an empty stomach can be dangerous…so what makes it better? Two little things I would like to share with you, food and more food. Tehehe.
Decisions, decisions, decisions!
When I dropped by for lunch at Whitewater Manly on sunny bright weekend, thanks to Excuse Me Waiter’s invitation, we were lucky to have sat indoor but still managed to face the stunning view of Manly beach, which is right opposite the restaurant. Before we were seated, we had a quick look at the restaurant’s NEW FUNCTION room that caters at least 30 hungry guests as well as it comes with full air-conditioner if ever you’re a host at the party and it’s too hot to handle the guests, just flick a switch and ta-da…breeze.
Inside look at Whitewater’s NEW FUNCTION ROOM
I’m really not used to dining at a restaurant with a picture perfect beach view so I really enjoyed starting with the smallest of things like ordering beverages. I’m really not used to dining at a restaurant with a picture perfect beach view so I really enjoyed starting with the smallest of things like ordering beverages. Forget soft drinks and unwind on Kryptonite ($17) which features absinthe, green apple schnapps, midori, lime juice, pineapple juice and dash of sugar syrup. Seriously a green haven!
Kryptonite ($17)
It wasn’t a lunch time garden party, but the sparkling pimms ($17) with hendrick’s gin, pimms, sliced cucumber and sparkling adds a fruity look and has a kick that will bring a smile to your face, even by just gazing at it.
Sparkling Pimms ($17)
So I heard that grapefruit juice ($5.50) is ranked among those highest in antioxidant activity and that is why I had to order it. Besides attempting to be heathy I was stuck between either driving to Manly beach or catching a bus. To avoid drink driving I headed straight to the mocktail section of the menu. I also like to point out if you ever plan to drive to Manly on a weekend, GOOD LUCK with finding a car spot. Its torture let me tell you and it cost $9/per hour, so just imagine how many Ben & Jerry’s scoop of ice-creams I could have had. BUT if you are obligated to show off your red Lamborghini at Manly, then I have good news for you. The carparks in Manly are 2 hours free (paid onwards) near Manly Library OR I was told you can ferry ride to Manly, which I totes forgot!
Grapefruit Juice ($5.50)
I think I’m one of a few that sees the words bone marrow on the menu and takes advantage of ordering it. The roasted bone marrow ($9.95) was very rich dish and some could only handle a few teaspoons, whereas I prefer mouthfuls. It’s another love of mine that rarely is offered in restaurants. I was impressed by the seasoning of garlic, parsley, mustard seeds, sprinkles of chili and 3 slices of warm buttered bread.
Roasted Bone Marrow ($9.95)
Next up fish tacos ($17.95)– A joyful jumble of a JUMBO beer battered fish fillet with a cabbage slaw. These two ingredients run and swirl together, amplifying each other’s flavours. As you can see the taco shell couldn’t handle carrying the fish!
Fish Tacos($17.95)
Roasted Chinese Duck ($22.95) also known as Peking duck is an interesting take on. A savoury selection pocketed in homemade pancakes and if you wrap it up with shallots, cucumber and splash it with plum hoi sin sauce it be almost the best in town for Manly.
Roasted Chinese Duck ($22.95)
Be shore of yourself. Come out of your shell.
During the time of every blogger digesting their heavenly delicious entrees, I had to race back to my car and find another available car spot. Luckily I didn’t miss the mains! Thanks guys and girls for not stuffing your face with my Whitewater seafood plate ($43.95). This is seriously the perfect celebration on a plate. Do you see freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, king prawns, tuna tataki, marinated octopus, smoked salmon and prawn cocktail? The tuna tataki was seasoned to perfection with a proprietary blend of sweet and salty.
Whitewater Seafood Plate ($43.95)
Besides seafood there’s crumbed lamb loin ($27.95) that’s generously cloaked in olive and pistachio crust for extra crunch. Buried underneath truffle mash and a lamb jus. The crust kicked ass and the lamb was marinated so well. Not at all dry because of the river of jus.
Crumbed Lamb Loin($27.95)
The 4o Degree Ocean Trout ($26.95) was a food lover’s dream come true. It had a soft pink flesh with a delicate refined taste. Very silky and smooth as I cut through it with a knife. Hidden underneath the trout was watercress salad and a horseradish mayo that is versatile with any seafood.
4o Degree Ocean Trout ($26.95)
Feeling overwhelmed with the amount of food we had just devoured. We had to order a few more summer drinks to wash it all down. The Whitewater Juice ($5.50) was a favourite of mine that included a mix of pineapple, grapefruit and orange juice. Doesn’t it look so refreshing?
Whitewater Juice ($5.50)
As I had to face not drinking any alcoholic beverages including the coco-mango daiquiri ($17). I think I can say Mademoiselle Mange à Sydney really enjoyed this summer slushy drink as she managed to quickly finish it before our desserts arrived. This is totes a drink for active people! It features a blend of havana club white rum, malibu, mango liqueur, mango puree and lime juice.
Coco-mango Daiquiri ($17)
Fresh, vibrant, beautiful are the three words I use to describe how I feel after looking at this strawberry Juice ($5.50).
Strawberry Juice ($5.50)
Please don’t claw me Mr. Crabbie.
OH MY GOD! Seating booths…it’s leather alright.
MASSIVE open kitchen
Soon enough our vanilla creme brulee ($17) arrived looking very HUMUNGOUS! The photo below does not do it justice. It was basically the size of three to four iPhones put together. Served cold it was a real cool treat. That light egg custard with a GIGANTIC sable biscuit was a great combination. You can taste the eggy-ness with the caramelized and slightly burnt sugar on top. Mmmmmm I’m feeling hungry again…
Vanilla Creme brulee ($17)
Another dessert option included ice-cream ($13) which contains 3 reasonable scoops in a bowl. The flavours include vanilla-almond nougat, baileys and sherry-raisin.
Ice-Cream ($13)
I know that there are mixed feelings about the affogato plain ($8) but having two of my favourite things; coffee and ice-cream put together in one dessert cup is like winning a lottery ticket. The shot of coffee was intense and a powerful taste of bitterness took place. Then something rewarding comes with it…a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to add that creamy quick-melting flavour. It was superb!
Affogato Plain ($8)
How much fun does the lemon tart ($17) look? It contains sable Breton with lemon financiere and Italian meringue. It was magnificent with explosions of zesty flavours of lemon. Loved the layer of light golden-brown shortbread crust.
Lemon Tart ($17)
The proportions of the chocolate ganache ($17) was flawless mainly because it also contained the right amount of salted caramel sauce, chocolate and mango carrot sorbet. It looked so fine I really wanted it to be all mine.
Chocolate Ganache ($17)
To end this fantastic lunch feast at Whitewater’s the kitchen surprized us with a dessert platter, decorated with all sorts of their desserts on their menu. I seriously couldn’t handle another bite, but it’s desserts after all…
Dessert Platter (A mix of desserts)
Whitewater Restaurant opposite Manly beach is one popular restaurant on a weekend. The service is attentive and friendly. While their menu prices are on the dearer end, Whitewater does have its highlights of having first class view of the beach. The dining atmosphere is very laid back and it’s certainly a spot to hang-out after a swim in the ocean.
It’s so packed at Whitewater on a weekend!
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended Whitewater Manly Restaurant thanks to Platinum Restaurant Group (opportunity provided by Excuse Me Waiter). Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Ormeggio at The Spit – Stressless Sunday Dinner with a view
As happy as you may be to finally go back to work on a Monday, you may want to visit Ormeggio at The Spit on a Sunday. Just because you have a free afternoon doesn’t mean you should spend it at home. Since opening in 2009, Ormeggio has gained themselves Two Chef Hats in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide 2015 and it’s about time I visit this mystical land that they call “Stressless Sunday Dinner” in one of Mosman bay. It’s natural to hype up what you think $69 for 5 courses will be like in your imagination, but know that it’s probably the most cheapest meal I’ve been at by a hatted Italian restaurant. Think more “Great Gatsby” entrance when every dish arrives at your table.
What a view!
To find oneself in a never-ending plight to live healthfully, this organic sourdough with homemade whipped ricotta is an excellent place to start. Applause for meeting all the Nessy Eater requirements as it was served very warm, which lured me to really enjoy the aroma of this freshly baked bread. The crust was my absolute favourite as it offered a mixture of textures of being crusty and at the same time chewy. As for the wholesome inside, expect it to be between fluffy and spongy. Very lucky this bread didn’t turn into a wheat-brick. And what about that whipped ricotta eh? It was the simplicity and creaminess that surprised me! I almost begged the waiter for another round of this creamy spread.
Organic warm sour dough
This is no doubt green light dish or should I say a fantastic ocean trout appetiser with daikon, squid ink, mussels mayonnaise and dill. This is just one incredible presentation that I couldn’t believe I was about to devour. There was a lot of chopped omega 3 goodness in this and a lovely powerful dimples of sauce’s to create additional flavours. To stir the textures up the crunchiness of the dill brought a comfortable finish.
Ocean trout
Yeah that was my ride on the left…KIDDING!
If you aren’t the kind of bid kid who takes joy in mixing the perfect martini then Pavoni martini ($22) is the one for you my friends. Something a little different and unexpected was this cocktail provides a bowl of olives, YES A BOWL OF OLIVES! This totally deserves an award for cocktail presentation.
Pavoni Martini ($22)
Make sure you make stomach room for the strawberry mojito ($11)-it’s a non alcoholic mocktail glory. The sweet, juicy crushed strawberries are a perfect compliment to the lime and mint. It’s a great beverage when you’re in the mood for something fruity and what better way to beat the heat during summer.
Strawberry Mojito ($11)
The tagliolini has got to come in a BIGGER size than a spoonful. I think I just confessed this dish was just super small for me. The pasta was fantastico-it provided the perfectly cooked strings of tagliolini that covered in a decadent mascarpone sauce and dusted with bottarga di pilu with a hint of lemon. The pasta was a perfect cradle for the sauce and a dusting of the bottarga (fish roe) really makes this dish sing. Fingers crossed next time I visit Ormeggio they offer upsizing this dish. I’ve put a lot of love eating this pasta and I wouldn’t mind doing it again for the second time.
Tagliolini
By now I was ready for bed but that didn’t stop me from eating the braised lamb which I like to add it was truly gorgeous in presentation, especially with the river of yogurt, tomato that looked like watermelon pieces, coriander and garam masala. The lamb easily produced a flavoursome and tender outcome, however there was a slightly extra flavour and smell of game, which kind of ruined it for me.
Braised lamb shoulder
The greatest thing about pre-desserts is that you know there is another dessert coming up. Don’t be ashamed; take advantage of the opportunity of having two desserts! It’s an invitation to pamper yourself. Textures of passion fruit with coconut was all fun and games as it provided that sweet, smooth yet crunchy taste. Thumbs up for that palate-cleansing dish!
Pre-dessert
Behold! Ormeggio’s signature dessert landed at our table and I can’t quite put my finger on how many carrots were used in the making of this dish. It is one of the all-time favourites, and for good reason. The carrot cake is between spongy and moist, but not mushy if that’s what you are thinking. The cake softens more when it’s dunked into the fennel ice-cream and with the farro it adds that extra kick to the dessert. What was intriguing about this dessert was the dollops of vinegar caramel. I know it sounds insane to have vinegar in your dessert, but it strangely blends well with the sweet caramel and provides a little zing feeling.
Carrot cake
Contemporary Italian cuisine is something I haven’t experienced before and I can finally tick that off, thanks to Ormeggio. I was certainly impressed with not only their food but hospitality as well. Staff knew what they were doing and was very knowledgeable with the menu and even the wine list. For a two hatted restaurant that offers an insane valuable dinner at $69 per person for 5 course meal with an ocean view, I think you’d be stressed not to visit on a Sunday.
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Swissotel Sydney Christmas Afternoon Tea Buffet
HAPPY 2015 FOODIE FRIENDS! Can you believe it’s mid of January already?! By now you may have noticed Nessy Eater’s been busy indulging desserts and summery meals on Instagram. The Food Gods knew that they’d needed new volunteers to take up the festive Christmas feast and so they immediately decided to choose me. OH the pain I had to endure and retire my typewriter during the holiday season. But sometimes when you’re giving a task during Xmas by the Food Gods and it involves your stomach and gingerbread man, it’s automatically a food hall pass. This hall pass was cherished and used judiciously for it is not an easy thing to obtain. The hall pass is something to be prized and by verbal consent from the Food Gods and Santa, Nessy Eater has permission to share great foods with you kids. What are you waiting for? Let’s begin!
It’s my second visit to Crossroads Bar at Swissotel Sydney and just before I had retired my typewriter and crisp white paper, I managed to spot a really good deal on Groupon. For $79 for two people, you get Christmas Weekend High Tea plus a cocktail for each person. Before treating your tummy to savoury foods and sweet delights, I wanted to quickly inform you that this deal was ALL YOU CAN EAT high tea. I repeat High Tea BUFFET. DON’T PANIC IF YOU’VE MISSED OUT! After a quick investigation like a detective I found out through the Swissotel’s website the high tea buffet is still on but not Xmas themed though. I’m sure it would be still as good and it is normally $79 per person. That’s CRAZY! I saved $79! This by far was the best deal that I’ve ever purchased from Groupon.
Are you drooling?
Before thunder and lightning strikes to my typewriter I think it’s now time to share the Christmas spirit with you. Within a 5-star luxury hotel the Swissotel does get a thumbs up for their modern and elegant interior, however their service and overall management did not make it to a two-star. We were disappointed by the lack of service and management skills. For example when we arrived, staffs at the Swissotel looked like they wanted to wrestle with guests in UFC style. You could see it in their eyes they were very frustrated and sad, especially when there was one main bartender, a supervisor and three waitresses serving around fourty five plus guests. Waitresses responded with a robotic tone and left unhappily after we made our beverage orders. I guess Santa’s been overworking his helpers. Anyways moving on to rainbows and unicorns.
Our festive fare started with Christmas pudding. This traditional pud is made from vine fruit and butter, eggs and a splash of vanilla custard. Each handmade pudding was the size of a baseball and half a tennis ball. What does it taste like? Think fruitcake. It’s not everyone’s taste as it’s an acquired taste, it’s cream sauce with dried fruits in it. I think it err needed lots of cream to tone it down.
Christmas pudding
Strawberry cream caramel kept vanishing every time I was forced to return to the dessert bar. Lightly greasy but it’s wrapped around a creamy center that won’t disappoint. The half sliced strawberry made this dessert refreshing. I like the chance to play around with the wobbly jelly like texture of the cream caramel before I devour it. It gives me time to mingle before I say good-bye to it for the second time. If you’re craving for that caramel sauce to take home then you need to ask Executive Chef Thomas Heinrich for a favour.
Strawberry cream caramel
I managed to somehow not shatter the blackberry pavlova into a million pieces before it made it back to my table. The fun sized pavlova looked like snow ball meringues. It was extremely light and airy. Being able to taste it for the third time, it was one of those fabulous treats to go along with a cup of tea.
Blackberry pavlova
As Christmas traditions go, starting a marvellous high tea with a shot of eggnog is another great way to celebrate the festive season. The shot was very satisfying as there was an egg-rich dairy punch flavour. It can be very boozy and super rich if there’s more eggs added, but thankfully not.
Eggnog shots
Festive must haves were the fruit mince tart. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without buttery pastries and fruity mince pies. These delectable star shaped mince pies simply provided a moment of self-indulgence for me. The outside butter-enriched pastry is stuffed with chunks of moist fruit and topped with heavy sprinkles of icing.
Fruit star tart
Oh hot summer days means we need to thank the bartender at Swissotel for making us the strawberry cocktail. Though we were half way feeding our inner cravings, we still managed to wash this beverage down. The sweetness of the strawberries was a real crowd pleaser and off course the rum. It wasn’t sickly sweet, which is good news coming from the syrup. The texture kicked ass as it felt like a strawberry slushy rather than a classic cocktail.
Strawberry cocktail
Me thinks the strawberry panna cotta was carefully crafted. The strawberries makes a great companion with the panna cotta for bright, sharp summer fruit. The taste was somewhat cream-heavier but that didn’t matter too much because I was mildly annoyed at the casual sophistication of the presentation for this dessert.
Strawberry panna cotta
Just look at how this chocolate fountain GLISTENS! It brings a smile to everyone’s face including the grumpy cats. Stop making me smile chocolate fountain! STOP IT!
Chocolate fountain
I simply couldn’t get enough of the salted caramel and jam lamingtons. The lamingtons were sandwiching the sweet jam. I tried burying evidence of me eating this, but the shredded dried coconuts around my mouth gave it away.
Salted caramel and jam lamingtons
This chilled blueberry panna cotta in a miniature plastic cup was simply impressive. The fresh blueberries and pipped cream married so well with the silky smooth vanilla bean gelatine.
Blueberry panna cotta
With our voucher package, we were treated with selections of tea or coffee. All teas are from T2.
English breakfast by T2
Tempt the tastebuds with smoked salmon tartar with pipped cream cheese on waffle cone. It’s so easy to eat and I didn’t notice I ate five till I started counting the gold wrappers. Oh Whoops!
Smoked salmon tartar cone
Not sure if sandwiches are meant to look like they’re all swirled up but hey I’m loving it. This smoked turkey, pickled raspberry jam and rocket on harvest grain was juicy with that jam spread across the bread so evenly. The thick pieces of turkey was zomg crazy ass delicious.
Smoked turkey swirl sandwich
Making my way back to the buffet bar and look who do we have here…cocktail prawn station with Crystal Bay Australian reef prawn cocktail with lemon and cocktail dressing.
Cocktail prawn station
The fire roasted red capsicums with green olive and goat cheese baguette was my least favourite. It was an interesting take on for me in terms of flavours. It has that sweet sourness from the olive and cold texture of goat cheese which I didn’t favour.
Bitesize baguette
Wicked, decadent and sinful was hardly the best description for these dreamy little masterpieces. I took my time connecting with the Christmas profiteroles. Glazed with milk chocolate atop and sprinkles of crushes chocolate pieces, I think it was the perfect addition to the buffet bar.
Christmas profiteroles
Wait there’s MORE DESSERTS?! I became very full from stuffing my belly with trying a bit of everything, but noooooooo the pastry chef had to bring this blackberry and white chocolate mousse just before I was about to pack my fat body and go. My belly was crying on the inside but because this mousse cake was beautifully presented, I had to cut a seven inch width slice of cake.
Blackberry and white chocolate mousse
I spy with my eyes….. is that a full plate of Christmas macarons? A sensational dessert that always alwAYS ALWAYS pleases! Hehe.
Christmas macarons
We had to arrange a little bit more stomach space for the spring berry tart. Glad we did because that tart had just came straight out of the pastry headquarters looking all innocent and sweet.
Spring berry tart
Woohoo our Christmas Afternoon Tea finally came to an end, however I’m sorry I’ve missed out taking a few photos of some desserts and savories. Overall I loved skipping my way to the buffet bar and thank goodness majority of the desserts and savoury tasted magical so I could forget about their below average service. Totes heart every single desserts presentation. Swissotel is a great spot for afternoon tea whores, for example like me, although it’s a tad pricey but it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT sugar. To my disappointment I couldn’t walk out of the hotel like a Victoria Secret Model in high heels. Instead I left waddling out like Mumble from Happy Feet and swore to myself that I ain’t gonnabe eating dinner…
Top view of spring berry tart
Photos by Vanny Tang
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