The inaugural Sydney International Food Festival takes place over the month of October and offers a whole gamut of events to suit both the mere and the moneyed. There is a lot of stuff going on, but the following seem to be the best of the bunch.
LUNCH
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Throughout October, many of the city’s best restaurants are offering weekday lunches for $30. That buys you a main course (of their choosing, see below), a glass of wine and a coffee. Being such good value these are very popular, so it is best to call ahead.
Bentley Restaurant and Bar
320 Crown Street, Surry Hills / (02) 9322 2344
— Roast spatchcock with sweet corn polenta, pistachio and asparagus.
est.
Level 1, 252 George Street, City / (02) 9240 3000
— Pan-roasted jewfish fillet on shaved calamari, spring asparagus, beans and peas, romesco salsa.
Lucio’s
47 Windsor Street, Paddington / (02) 9380 5996
— Roasted duck leg stuffed with orange and breadcrumbs, served on broad bean and pecorino salad.
Pilu at Freshwater
End of Moore Road, Freshwater Beach, Harbord / (02) 9938 3331
— Korobuta pork belly braised in vernaccia and served with confit baby fennel and poached quince.
Quay
Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks / (02) 9251 5600
— Roasted Victorian Pyranees lamb rump with spring vegetables.
Restaurant Balzac
141 Belmore Road, Randwick / (02) 9399 9660
— Crisp saddle of suckling pig with garden peas and baby carrots.
DINNER
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Sebastian Bras at Quay
Bras, the restaurant he and his father Michel run in the centre of France is considered that country’s finest and one of the top 10 in the world. There they gather amongst other things local vegetables, herbs and flowers and combine them to dizzying effect. Sydney’s Quay is arguably Australia’s finest restaurant and it too has gained a worldwide reputation based on chef Peter Gilmore’s understanding of the natural. Those lucky enough to afford it will be treated to a six-course menu by these two like minded souls.
October 12 at Quay, Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks.
$300 a head / Call 9251 5600 (Bookings essential)
David Thompson at Sailors Thai
Australia’s David Thompson is a world authority on Thai food. His book, Thai Food, is an indispensable source of information for anyone with an interest in the cuisine and his revered London restaurant Nahm, is Europe’s only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant. Spending a great deal of each year in Thailand, researching and refining his craft, those who catch him at his old stomping grounds, Sailors Thai, will no doubt be in for a treat.
October 13 - 14 at Sailors Thai, 106 George Street, The Rocks.
$125 + wine a head / Call 9251 2466 (Bookings essential)
