Japanese
Saké Restaurant & Bar, The Rocks
Now with the news of a new Japanese restaurant opening in The Rocks I was curious as to what direction it would go in. Authentic or modern? With Shaun Presland being executive chef, things are off to a good start in terms of who is in the driving seat.
SIFF Let’s Do Lunch: Teppanyaki, Sydney
Ever since Merivale decided to get a bit more serious with their food, Teppanyaki has been a quiet achiever while the likes of est. take the spotlight. This years Let’s do Lunch as part of SIFF gives me another opportunity to see what Teppanyaki is up to.
Yuzu, Pyrmont
Is it just me, but as soon as you’re required to return to one area day after day, Lunchtime goes from, ‘Oh what should I try today?’ to ‘Guess it’s back to good old Woolies!’. It’s gotten to the point that I suspect that not only does my local Thai joint recognise my voice on the phone, but just by looking at me when I come in to pick up my order they know instantly what it is. That said, when a faithful reader emailed us with recommendations in Pyrmont I gleefully dragged an unsuspecting co-worker with me to go check it out.
Waqu, Crows Nest
I caught up with my colleague soon after our Waqu dinner and we concluded that the Winter menu seemed a lot better than the hit-and-miss Spring menu. He slightly admonished me with an “I told you so!”, as he did say the Winter menu was really good. Oh well, next time!
Simizu, Darlinghurst
By now, I think most people will notice how obsessed I am with Japanese food. To say I’m obsessed is probably an understatement, I don’t know what’s stronger than obsessed, but that’s definitely me. Every month, my small group of high school friends try to meet up at least once, just to catch up on work and lack of social life. Trusting my judgement they delegated me the role of choosing the dining venue, suprise suprise, it was Japanese food.
Japaz, Neutral Bay
Enter Japaz, a fusion of Japanese and Spanish inspired dishes by a man with credentials oozing with class. Hiro has worked for Joel Robuchon and plied his trade in Michelen Starred and Hatted restaurants such as Tetsuya’s. Having done his time at some of the most highly regarded restaurants in the world, Japaz is his brainchild of two cuisines which have been been embraced with open arms by Australia palettes, Japanese and Spanish.
Sushi Bay, Penrith
I know what you’re thinking: “Sushi? In Penrith?!” I had my misgivings as well the first time I went, but thought I shouldn’t really judge until I tried it.