The whole idea behind my blog writing all started here in this restaurant. It is perhaps one of my favourite weekend lunch places, as it takes full advantage of the beautiful surrounds at Woolloomooloo and the atmosphere is so relaxed. My friends and I have made it a regular for birthday celebrations.
You absolutely must start with a cocktail here, and my favourite is the rose petal and lemon grass martini. In fact, I could drink them all day (though this is not advisable). They are a great start to a lunch here.
I recommend sharing a few dishes, and there's a few you really should try: The chilli-salt squid is a great starter and the pork belly is my favourite dish on the menu. (Did I say, I have been here many, many times?) The blue swimmer crab omelette is great too. This is modern Asian in a great setting, and really worth a visit.
The wine list is quite good, with a great selection of local and New Zealand wines. Try Holly's Garden Pinot Gris, or one of the Cullen's wines on the list.
Seating is inside or outside, though they open up their great folding, glass doors to bring the outside in on beautiful, warm days. China Doll has private dining rooms upstairs too. The people-watching is great, and sometimes, you can spot a couple of the local famous people too.
China Doll is at Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo in Sydney. Ph 02 9380 6744.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
The European, Melbourne
I love the European! I love to go there when I'm in Melbourne and want to catch up with friends for a meal. As the name suggests, it has a very European feel. The decor, the menu, the service, the food - the whole experience reminds me of dining out in France. The buzz here is just contagious. I've done a business lunch or two here as well, and the atmosphere is just as good for that too.
The food is great. Traditional European fare. The duck is always sensational. In fact the game is always good here. The European also does the best mushroom risotto perhaps anywhere.
The wine list has some real gems on it, and of course, there's heaps of European wines to choose from. The cheeses are always good too.
The European gets my vote without hesitation. I have been here about twenty or so times and never been disappointed. You won't be either.
Tip: There's a great bar upstairs with the most fabulous views over parliament house. The Supper Club is one of Melbourne's best kept secrets. It has an extensive wine list, but also cognacs, sherries and other great menu items.
The European is at 161 Spring St, Melbourne 03 9654 0811. The Supper Club's just above it.
The food is great. Traditional European fare. The duck is always sensational. In fact the game is always good here. The European also does the best mushroom risotto perhaps anywhere.
The wine list has some real gems on it, and of course, there's heaps of European wines to choose from. The cheeses are always good too.
The European gets my vote without hesitation. I have been here about twenty or so times and never been disappointed. You won't be either.
Tip: There's a great bar upstairs with the most fabulous views over parliament house. The Supper Club is one of Melbourne's best kept secrets. It has an extensive wine list, but also cognacs, sherries and other great menu items.
The European is at 161 Spring St, Melbourne 03 9654 0811. The Supper Club's just above it.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Purpose of this blog....
My other blog rates the journey of my dining at the 100 top restaurants as rated by the 2007 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide: http://foodiesjourney.blogspot.com/. However, there are many other great restaurants not rated in that list that I certainly would recommend.
So this is my list of places to dine around Australia that I have enjoyed and want to share with you.
Blog under construction.....
So this is my list of places to dine around Australia that I have enjoyed and want to share with you.
Blog under construction.....
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