Russell Wine Bar

Address: 143a George Street, Sydney

Is a stuffed peacock really necessary?

A couple of friends and I had arranged to catch-up after work, one of them isn't handling the cold weather very well (there from a country where very small bikinis are a year round option). Lucky for us I had just been informed of a new cosy wine bar in The Rocks. We brace the cold and head to Russell Wine Bar.

Two of us are seated on a bench table made from the wood of old wine boxes, order a glass of sparkling and wait for our friend.

The warm tones of the decor make for a cosy and relaxed drinking spot. The bar does have a random peacock theme to it though, with a feather pattern on the leather booth seats and even a stuffed peacock on the wall. Which I must say I was not impressed with.

The tunes are also interesting. Not that I mind Dolly Pardon's classic "working nine to five", I have fond memories of my sisters and I dancing to it (I'm pretty sure our routine included a briefcase. Can't remember for certain though... I was only 10), it just doesn't suit the bar.  

Our friend arrives and is impressed with the bar staff, apparently they asked them how their day had been (and actually seemed interested to find out). After a number of glasses we decide that we should eat and order a few dishes from their great tapa style menu.

While Russell Wine Bar is a convenient meeting place for after-work drinks, it will need to not only play tunes that suit a cosy bar, but also be careful not to fall into the tourist trap that many bars and restaurants succumb to in The Rocks.





Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale 

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

Blu Bar on 36

Address: Level 36 Shangri-La hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Cocktails with a carat

I had to seek my friends forgiveness after I realised I forgot their birthday, I've been busy (I know it's not really an excuse, it's just poor form), so I decide to take them to Blu Bar on 36 at the Shangri-La hotel.

This cocktail lounge is located high above the city with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Darling Harbour.

Even though I'm not one for routine I've always ordered the same cocktail here, I love the name and taste of this fine creation, Little Roses Garden Party. It has Belvedere Citrus, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry, lemongrass, a dash of rose syrup and my very own rose petal floating on top.

There is actually a cocktail here worth $10,000 but instead of getting your own rose petal, this one comes with your very own one-carat diamond. I've always wondered who would order it and if anyone has accidently swallowed it by mistake (it would make for an interesting story though of a marriage proposal gone wrong).

There's a slight issue with this bar - it operates with snail pace service, and if you're as impatient as I am it can be very frustrating sitting there trying to catch the eye of one of the waiters. It takes ages to get served and even longer to receive your cocktails. Also, while Blu Bar may offer some of the best views of the harbour, the lounge area is dated which makes it lose some of its appeal.

Slow service and bad furnishings aside, I've always felt relaxed coming here... I love the marvellous view and the cocktails.

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale




See for yourself: http://www.36levelsabove.com.au/blubar/default-en.html

 

Sake Restaurant and Bar

Address: 12 Argyle Street, The Rocks

For gods sake…

Having enjoyed a birthday lunch here earlier in the year, I was looking forward to going back to enjoy the cocktails that Sake has to offer with Shinkansen, Astro Boy and Bang on! being my personal favourites.

I call ahead to ensure there is room for my group at the bar, we arrive and after trying to explain to the hostess “no we don’t have a booking we are just here for some cocktails” (a concept she could not quite process), the phone rings and the hostess holds up her palm, in front of my face to stop me from talking and says "excuse me can you just wait" as she proceeds to answer the phone… Excuse me… Are you serious… You. Are. Not. In. New York. Honey!

We are finally told we can sit at the tables near the bar, (more like the naughty corner) where we wait for someone to take our order, and then wait a little bit more. I’m not the most patient of people so I eventually give up and go place our order (lucky for me it was worth it as a cute barman serves me).

Loving everything Japanese I do enjoy Sake’s well designed Japanese layout which is both open and inviting. However, when you're looking forward to a dash of cinnamon in your cocktail you’re not expecting a dash of bi#@h as well.

Don't get me wrong, I'm an absolute fan of the food and cocktails that Sake has on offer, but the hostess needs to lose her power trip and remember… Darling, you're working at a cash register, no need for the attitude!

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

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