Bentley Restaurant and Bar

A few years back now I had the pleasure of acquiring and working on the Bentley Restaurant and Bar Cookbook for Murdoch books - a sexy beast of a thing which showcases a selection of Brent Savage's clever and visually impactful cuisine and provides the reader with just a sliver of business partner and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt's wealth of boozey knowledge.  Shot by the multitalented Luke Burgess before he jumped behind the stoves of Tasmania's fabulous Garagistes. 

The famous Cauliflower Custard with mushroom and black garlic. 

But that was back before they moved the Bentley from Suzza Hills (situated in the old Bentley Bar  - a dangerous place I'd frequented in my youth after dance parties - but that's not a story for now...)  to a new, spacious and more glamorous venue in the city on the corner of Pitt and Hunter Streets  -  and, by the way, also opened up another couple of popular eateries - Yellow and Monopole - neither of which I have made it to yet but I keep hearing amazing things about licorice bread for breakfast so I guess I'd best be getting myself across the bridge again sometime soon.   Too much time in Japan.

I'd been very keen to visit the new Bentley and recently shared lunch there with a friend - in doing so I was  finally able to catch up with the very clever Brent and Nick - and what a smile I had on my dial when I left - how great to see these guys doing so well.  They happen to be super lovely people so it makes it all the more cool.  Congratulations on your recent awards guys. 

Check out my lunch and drool.

A couple of bites to start us off with hints of Japan  - yuzu, wagyu, sesame - I was feeling right at home.

Sea urchin and Carrot left. Sugarsnaps, zucchini, asparagus, pine nut right.

Morton Bay Bugs, snapper and shellfish broth

Veal, celeriac, pumpernickel, pickled onion

So good. 

And don't I wish I'd had dessert......

Please have one for me when you go. And instagram me some dessert porn OK?

Beautiful fit out by the lovely Pascale Gomes-McNabb.

I'm sorry - but I had to put the cauliflower custard up again - how stunning is this??

PS - I  noted they are selling the Bentley book in the restaurant  - so when you eat there - make sure you take a peek!  Nudge nudge wink wink.... 

La Biographie - Kyoto

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This page has already been moved - you will find the link HERE.

Thank you. 

Quay June 2013

I was invited to lunch at Quay last week. 

Was I free to join my friend? 

If I'd had open heart surgery scheduled I would have moved it. 

Of course I was bloody free. 

It had been a year since my last meal at Quay - during a quick excursion back to Oz from Japan to visit family - so I was more than ready to experience Peter Gilmore's wonderful food again.

Here's a quick peek of a meal that was so delightful in every way.  I love that while the food remains consistently excellent there are subtle changes in the art of it all which means a meal at Quay always holds little surprises. 

Rosehip and radish to start proceedings

Red claw yabbies, Garlic scented custard, Yabby velvet 

Raw smoked Blackmore wagyu, Fresh Dory Roe, Horseradish juice soured cream, Milk skin

Roasted goose, Forbidden rice, Black miso, Hatsuka radish

Hapuka, Aniseed scented herbs, Creme fraiche, Japanese white turnips, Shaved Tasmanian squid, Stems, Leaves, Petals

Pasture raised veal, Bitter chocolate black pudding, Green walnuts, Slow cooked wallaby tail, Salsify, Smoked bone marrow, Chestnut mushrooms

Andalucia. Citrus and Almonds 

Truffles in a pumpkin with coffee. I can still taste the caramel and hazelnut.