Monday, July 18, 2011

Emmilou

Address: 413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

Corporate chat and cocktails

My friend seems to always get invited to fabulous functions. On this occasion they needed a “handbag”. I have no issue being the side kick from time to time, so I happily oblige.

This function is at Emmilou, a converted terrace in Surry Hills situated towards the Oxford Street end of Bourke Street. Neither of us has been there before, so when our taxi misses the location we jump out and walk back a block.

We arrive, are greeted and are instantly offered a cocktail called “More than Greg”, named after the host. It is superb. Not sure what was in it… I was too busy enjoying it (and talking) to ask.

This lounge and bar is down to earth with a touch of class. With the sounds of upbeat rythems playing in a mist of reds, blacks, mirrors, scribbles on walls, and ghost chairs.

With a cocktail in hand we do the rounds of corporate chat and make our way to the tapas bar. Not that I am a food reviewer, but I need to mention that the tapas here are fabulous. You must try the Duck Liver Parfait… you may need to wait a while though... I think I ate their entire stock.

With Emmilou’s exceptional tapas and cocktails, wonderful music and perfect service, I’ll happily take on the role as “handbag” anytime.







Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale




See for yourself: http://www.emmilou.com.au/

Emmilou on Urbanspoon

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Since I left you

Address: 338 Kent Street, Sydney


Ahhh honey…

I discovered Sydney’s latest hideaway bar. It has such a great name that when I come across it I instantly emailed one of friends and arranged to go out.

Since I Left You is currently in its 8th week of operation and is located in an old converted warehouse building. We arrive at a cobble-stoned carriageway and make our way down the narrow space, past the heaters and tables that line the wall, to the courtyard. While the space is about the size of a tennis court, it doesn’t offer any chairs or lounges to sit on. Not wanting to spend all night standing my friend and I head inside to the tiny bar. This narrow space is full with the usual after work suspects. It feels cosy and relaxing with a blend of old and new, a pressed metal ceiling and bar, along with art deco lighting and posters.

My friend and I take a seat on 2 ottomans right near a ‘loved up’ couple. The place is quite noisy and I secretly think “great, they won’t want to stay here for too long; surely they will want to go home soon”. They read my mind (or I was thinking out loud) as not long after we sit down they head off to enjoy the rest of their evening. Without delay my friend and I jump into their bench seats. The bar offers table service. Perfect. As I am too lazy and pre occupied to get up.

The cocktails on offer are more of your classics, but they do have a couple of signatures. I scan down the list and decide on XHOOCHX, purely because it refers to “a soft seduction of your tastebuds with elderflower, vanilla and kiwifruit”. It’s quite nice. There is a small problem though, the menu doesn’t actually tell you what spirits are in your cocktail which makes it a bit of a gamble (obviously you could always ask the bar staff).

The crowd clears by 7.30, just in time for my next selection. Honey Pot. A playful mix of vanilla, peach and honey, finished with pomegranate seeds. While definitely more of your girly variety it tastes wonderful. Actually, it's so good I think I could have a bath in it... might be a bit sticky though.

Another Honey Pot later, I jump in a taxi and call it a night.

Since I Left You is a great spot for an after work or post dinner beverage, and with the bar currently in negotiations to open up the floor above them, hopefully in time for summer, I will be back.


Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale 
 



 
See for yourself: www.sinceileftyou.com.au

Since I Left You on Urbanspoon