I have to be honest; my first exciting thoughts about spending Christmas in Sydney were of the many restaurants, bistros, brassieres and cafes that would be there to call in on during our stay. Thoughts of shopping and sights to see came a close second and third though!
My boyfriend Chris had surprised me with my Christmas present before we left- he had booked a table at The Quay- Peter Gilmore’s Sydney establishment, which was voted 2010’s “Australian restaurant of the year” but unfortunately, later on, he had to reveal his online booking had fallen through and that they were fully booked until after we were leaving Sydney. (He reckons it’s the thought that counts but I’m not so sure!)Of course, he already had another plan up his sleeve which was just as, if not more impressive!
“I’m taking you out for dinner tonight” he said one afternoon “We’re going to a Bar and Grill” I didn’t care where we were going I was just happy to get to dine together amongst stunning views, modern buildings and the cosmopolitan Sydnian’s.
After getting lost amongst the buzz of Circular Quay with all its didgeridoo style house music buskers and Chris keeping up his “I can’t find the Bar and Grill” performance splendidly, it was eventually revealed that he had booked us a table at Matt Moran’s Aria Restaurant! I admit I shed a few tears of joy at this announcement before reeling in horror as I looked down at my rather breast revealing frock I had oddly chosen…not the best dress to wear to a two hatted restaurant that was for sure (Especially when you’ve put on a few pounds from the many mince pies and crisps over Christmas!)
Hiding my treasures under a jacket, we finally found the eatery and were greeted by overwhelmingly friendly and well-mannered staff on walking in. Sat at the bar awaiting our table, we were given complementary nuts and a tasty anchovy pastry twirl with our drinks whilst we soaked up the ambiance. The colour of the décor was modest but inviting with splashes of browns, creams, rich woods and glass. We were led to our table in no time and I tried not to blush as I passed men in expensive suits and women dressed in demure, elegant splendour whilst I had rocked up in a $5 Primark Jacket with un-brushed hair.
I gasped as we sat at our perfectly positioned spot- the stunning, lit-up Opera House was right, smack, bang in front of us and looking around we had managed to score the best seat in the house which made me feel very special. It well made up for the fact that the waiter then asked to take my jacket for me meaning I had to put Chris on “Boob-watch” for the rest of the evening!
As napkins were placed politely on our laps and menus positioned in our hands, we gazed out through the glass at the stunning scene and felt like royalty…at that point I could have eaten porridge and been happy!
I almost yelped with excitement as I read over the food options and in no time I had picked a starter and main which made my mouth water at the thought.
Once our orders were placed with the fantastic waiter (who prompted us to order a side order of Truffled Potato mash which we would not have to pay for if we didn’t agree it was the best mash we’d ever tasted!), we were brought a complimentary amuse bouche of Tomato and Basil Gazpacho with Black Olive Foam. As I sipped at the flavoursome chilled soup from the shot glass I felt the bursts of tomato on my tongue and the olive foam meant it held a superb texture and combination of flavour.
The Gazpacho was followed by a choice of homemade rolls and creamed butter which meant we were able to nibble away joyously as we awaited our dishes.Our starters were presented and I drooled as wafts from my perfectly cooked scallops hit my nose. It looked unbelievably pretty but I didn’t waste time and tucked right in. The dabs and splashes of raisin and pumpkin puree married the caper infused salad and meaty scallops delightfully and I was quite upset once I had consumed my last mouthful of sophisticated bliss. Chris had chosen the Peking Duck Consommé with Duck Dumplings which tasted light, clean and held an enchanting Christmas aroma to it.
Knowing then that this would be the one of the finest meals I’d ever eaten in my 24 years I was yearning for our second course to arrive as I sipped at our Ice-cold Elderflower noted Tasmanian Sauvignon, Dalrymple a 2010 bottle from Pipers River.When it did I was more than impressed looking down on my incredible Tarte Tatin. The caramelised shallots were perfectly cooked and I groaned with pleasure as I rolled the creamy goat’s cheese, crispy battered nettles and sweet pumpkin drenched celeriac around my tongue with them. A forkful of creamy, buttery truffled mash every now and again and it was the perfect meal- the waiter was right on the money with his mash recommendation! Chris had opted for the Chargrilled Sirloin and he was more than happy with his choice as he shook his head in wonder at the perfect, juicy steak combined with roasted mushrooms, cauliflower and bacon croquette plus a rich grain mustard sauce. A taste from his plate and I was also shaking my head along with him!
Our Main plates looked licked clean and we were beginning to hurt from all the delicious, rich food however there was no way we were passing up the best bit…dessert!
My eye wondered to the Pavlova and Chris was drawn to the Cheeseboard knowing it would be a cracker! I have never ordered a Pavlova and normally wouldn’t due to only really tasting the dried out packet meringue mix efforts you get at family barbeques. I knew there was no better time than to try it here and I am certainly glad I did!
My dessert arrived as a deconstructed Pavlova with a perfect parcel of light meringue filled with rich saffron cream lying on a bed of sliced mango with passionfruit, foam and sorbet flawlessly arranged across the plate. It was tropical, sensory heaven as varied textures hit my tongue. The Basil and Lime sorbet was sweet and refreshing and accompanied the other flavours deliciously- a hint of coriander leaf gave a glorious Modern-Thai kick to the dish too.
Chris’ cheese platter smelt and looked wonderful as he chomped the rare variations down with biscuits, grapes, raisins and walnuts.
It didn’t end there as along with coffees, six perfect looking petit fours were placed in front of us. We squeezed room in our bloated bellies for the Rosewater Turkish delight, Mini Coffee Lamington and Caramel Truffle and both agreed it was the best dining experience we had ever encountered.
I wish I could say I dine at restaurants like Aria often but I’m afraid it would be untrue- although expensive, we think it was entirely worth the dollars when you are looking out on one of the most celebrated buildings in the world eating refined, elegant cuisine designed by one of the most popular chefs Down Under.
I am still salivating over the food flashbacks I keep experiencing from Aria and wish it was the sort of restaurant I could dine at every night, however it makes it all the more special when you do encounter such a luxury and I look forward to the next time in my life when I will hopefully get to dine at somewhere just as special.
