Our top 5 restaurants of 2009
29 December 2009
We came, we ate and we gained weight. Regardless of whether this blog existed or not, we still would have eaten our way through a crap load of restaurants. Not just with the es&t crew, but with friends, family, work colleagues and even people we have met through blogging.
People often ask us what restaurants do we recommend, usually I can’t give them a straight answer. “But you run a food blog ? ” they say, yeah I do, but that doesn’t make me more knowledgeable about food than them. Now to put that question to rest and in no particular order here are our top 5 restaurants of 2009. There is no rating, no formal criteria. We like these places because they give us a sense of satisfaction, a sense of ” now this is the shit !!! “.
Etch, Sydney
Caramelised Pork Belly, Roasted Queensland Scallops, Sherry Gel and Sweet Corn Puree
Etch is a great mix of classic comfort food (mac and cheese and wagyu burgers) with a bit of European thrown in for good measure. Squishies loves this place, it’s an all round winner because of a menu which is not intimidating and fantastic service. One thing to note is the wagyu burger is gone, but can be found at their sister store Plan B.
Bistro Ortolan, Leichardt
I’ve been back 4 times this year, I love this place so much. It’s a good example of how modern French should be done and what makes it stand out is the use of excellent local produce. Presentation is top-notch, the food has excellent flavour and the service is attentive but not intrusive. Go for the degustation, it’s better value but look out for the mushroom papardelle it is a winner.
Jaan par Andre, Singapore
I’ve eaten at a few hatted places but none of them have come made me go “wow” like Jaan Paar Andre did. It’s the most beautiful looking food I’ve seen on a plate and he pays homage to some classics with his own versions of macaroni and cheese and the snickers bar. If you goto Singapore, do yourself a favour and give this place a go. The value was excellent as well.
Nin’s Bin, Kaikoura
There is something about eating fresh lobster, in what looks like the middle of no where near the ocean. But Nin’s Bin is no secret, it’s been around since the 70′s and they whip up fresh mussels and lobster like no other.
Minh had the most mouth-watering lobster and mussels here, and the whitebait patty looked like comfort food at it’s best.
Longrain, Surry Hills
My first visit here was good, but it was the subsequent visits which were great. The flavours in all the dishes jump right at you, and the cocktails are top notch with so many refreshing variations. Add to that a nice bar to hang out at and a lounge area which makes waiting for a table never a dull moment. My favourite dish is the pork hok but make sure you get the dessert platter as well, if you have the stomach space left.
It’s hard making a top 5, but to ease into the new year we figured it was nice to think back what nice stuff made it’s way into our stomachs. There are countless other places we’ve blogged about which deserve a mention, and even more places which we regularly eat at which we can’t be bothered blogging about. There is something about rocking up to your local favourite, not looking at the menu because you already know what to order and kicking back to enjoy the meal while everything that is wrong in the world is all the sudden a distant memory, for now.
See you in 2010, thanks for reading.
es&t crew.
Y
Simon Food Favourites
The Ninja
Kate || 
YW
ladyironchef
Helen (Grab Your Fork)
Katherine
billy@ATFT
chocolatesuze
I’m so glad you included Etch on your list, as it is one of my faves too! Also Longrain, as I had the eggnet last night …. good memories even though they’re only twelve hours old! Hehe.