Across the Adriatic
Nuance, taste and texture. How flavours are combined to enhance the overall sensations of sit-down dining. Add the ambiance and the mood. And one may then have a truly relaxing meal.
On the Friday evening of Halloween this year, the three of us had Italian. Eu-gene and Sheridan had come up from Melbourne, and it was a good opportunity to catch up. Al dente spaghetti that were infused with the light yet wholesome savoury feel when mixed with fresh vongole juices. Top up with well marinated tender lamb cutlets that were not fatty but just lean right. For starters, we had thin crust pizza from a stone oven. For dolci, we finished off with hazelnut gelato and two types of biscotti. The crowd built up behind us with a crescendo of easy chatter. Haberfield has its regulars, even after the delis and specialist pastry shops closed, and even if Leichhardt beckoned with its more intense night life not far away.
The next day we decided to spend the afternoon mainly in Sydney's north shore, mingling with the swirling shopping crowds along Victoria Avenue in Chatswood and then having a leisurely drive to Manly and its sea side roads. Taking the Harbour Tunnel back to the cbd, we inadvertently passed by Harry's Cafe De Wheels in Wolloomooloo before going through Potts Point, the Cross and Darlinghurst. We aimed for an early dinner at Newtown's King Street before the Melbournians flew home.
We discovered a grill corner, literally with several choices of offerings and barbecue styles. We sat down for the Macedonian version, ordered both seafood and meats, garnished with onions and authentic salads from the Balkans that had potato and balsamic vinegar - but more tasty to me than sauerkrat. The grill chef wore a white tall hat and used black aromatic wood to bring out the taste in the grilled dishes. The barramundi was heavenly in the mouth and the pork had a batter that reminded me of my favourite Serbian dishes. I faced the window on to the busy street. There was a choice of Macedonian beer but we abstained.
On the Friday evening of Halloween this year, the three of us had Italian. Eu-gene and Sheridan had come up from Melbourne, and it was a good opportunity to catch up. Al dente spaghetti that were infused with the light yet wholesome savoury feel when mixed with fresh vongole juices. Top up with well marinated tender lamb cutlets that were not fatty but just lean right. For starters, we had thin crust pizza from a stone oven. For dolci, we finished off with hazelnut gelato and two types of biscotti. The crowd built up behind us with a crescendo of easy chatter. Haberfield has its regulars, even after the delis and specialist pastry shops closed, and even if Leichhardt beckoned with its more intense night life not far away.
The next day we decided to spend the afternoon mainly in Sydney's north shore, mingling with the swirling shopping crowds along Victoria Avenue in Chatswood and then having a leisurely drive to Manly and its sea side roads. Taking the Harbour Tunnel back to the cbd, we inadvertently passed by Harry's Cafe De Wheels in Wolloomooloo before going through Potts Point, the Cross and Darlinghurst. We aimed for an early dinner at Newtown's King Street before the Melbournians flew home.
We discovered a grill corner, literally with several choices of offerings and barbecue styles. We sat down for the Macedonian version, ordered both seafood and meats, garnished with onions and authentic salads from the Balkans that had potato and balsamic vinegar - but more tasty to me than sauerkrat. The grill chef wore a white tall hat and used black aromatic wood to bring out the taste in the grilled dishes. The barramundi was heavenly in the mouth and the pork had a batter that reminded me of my favourite Serbian dishes. I faced the window on to the busy street. There was a choice of Macedonian beer but we abstained.
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