Toko Restaurant & Bar

Address: 490 crown street, Surry Hills

Arigatou gozaimasu. ありがとうございます

My birthday is in August and this year was a milestone (well in my mind they’re all milestones but this one ended with a zero). I celebrated by going on a holiday with my two sisters. It was fabulous. And with the month just about over, my final birthday present was in site… the annual birthday dinner with one of my friends.

I knew it was going to be fun. Their birthday last year (which also ended with a zero) included cocktails at Hemmepshere, dinner at Sushi E, followed by more cocktails and finished the night with a cigar. Won’t be having a cigar again. Learnt that lesson.

They take me to Toko Restaurant & Bar in Surry Hills and enter a dimly lit Japanese haven. I love it. We are seated on one of the elegant booth seats, surround by honey coloured curved, sleek wood interior. I scan over the cocktail menu and decide on a Fig Martini, made from fig infused vodka, fig essence, sherry and garnished with two home glazed figs. It is strong and delicious. By the end of the night I have another two. I figure if I'm on to a good thing, why change.

Being people who don’t like making decisions on food we order the tasting menu. A excellent option. Toko offers Japanese food and cocktails at its fine-dining best, I would rate Toko above all other fine Japanese restaurant and bars in Sydney, beating Ocean room, Sake and Sushi E.

But that is all from me for now, I have to go… I’m on the lookout for fig essence.






Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale





See for yourself: http://www.toko.com.au/index_surryhills.cfm

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/

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

The Owl House

Address: 97 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

Trying to find wisdom in the bottom of a glass

After getting my first ever parking fine (I only bought my car in January...it’s fabulous!) I went out with a friend to commiserate. I was annoyed. That $143 could have brought me a pair of shoes that were on sale.

We head to The Owl House. This restaurant and bar is situated in a small terrace on Crown Street near the corner of William. The place is busy and small, with a ten-seater bar taking up most of the space downstairs. The friendly barman informs my friend and I that there’s a spot for us on the balcony. We head up the steep terrace steps, through the restaurant with a mix of communal seating areas, to the small balcony that can seat four.

As I enjoy people watching I like our spot with the view of Crown Street, the Westfield Eiffel Tower and the guy dressed like Ali G... I don't think he was meaning to though.

I order a Green Martini (cucumber, wasabi, ginger puree, vanilla vodka and sake) I ask the waitress what it's like. Her response "it's interesting". My friend orders a gin and tonic... not so interesting. I take a sip. The verdict. A little too Japanese for my liking... still drinkable though.

For my next cocktail I ask the waitress for her recommendation. She tells me she like's tequila. Tequila isn't my friend. I ask her for her next favourite. Side Car (Hennessey VS cognac, Grand Marnier, lemon juice and sugar around the rim of the glass). While tasty and lemony, it's not as good (or sweet) as the lemon cocktail from Sub Solo.

If you’re after interesting cocktails, Asian fusion food, all in a small busy bar with friendly staff, then come along to The Owl House to find your words of wisdom. Mine... it's always wise to have cocktails on a Friday.


Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale 

See for yourself: www.theowlhouse.com.au

Galle Fort Hotel

Address: 28 Church Street, Fort Galle, Sri Lanka

A review from Lotus Martini’s International Correspondent, Sri Lanka

On a mission from Lotus Martini, I discover one of Sri Lanka’s gems – The Galle Fort Hotel - the epitome of a boutique hotel and bar with no pretension or formality yet effortless style.
 

It’s owned and operated by Aussies Karl Steinberg and his partner Chris Ong who swapped high flying careers in film-making and finance in Sydney to pursue more fulfilling hotelier dreams.

The cocktail menu has the feel of a trendy Surry Hills bar with a breezy laid back vibe.

The crowd are expats living in Sri Lanka’s balmy climate who mingle over Cosmopolitans and honeymooners or stare into each other’s eyes drinking martinis in the pool surrounded by sweet smelling lilies and floating candles.

I relax on the day bed gazing out through the plantation shutters at the cobblestone streets. I feel the warm breeze from the Indian Ocean and am grateful for the ceiling fans cooling the place down. Galle is hot, too hot to be outdoors. The environment is just right for sitting, reading and drinking cocktails.

I take a seat in the front bar with my tall and handsome companion and order the Galle Fort signature which is a refreshing blend of vodka, lychee, lime, passionfruit juice and brown sugar.  My companion orders the Banana Colada – something of a luxury back home in Sydney with the outrageous cost of bananas. This cocktail is a dreamy blend of fresh banana, white rum, malibu, coconut cream, cream de banana and pineapple juice.  The tasteful and classic décor take me back in time to when this hotel was once a wealthy Dutch merchant’s house. The service is reminiscent of the British colonial times in Ceylon: respectful, attentive, polite and wrapped up with warm and welcoming smiles.

The table of expat journalists next to us drink Long Island Iced Teas while discussing a story on how Galle is rebuilding itself after much of the town was destroyed by the tsunami back in 2004 (the Galle Fort Hotel in the old part of the town escaped the damage caused by the tsunami being protected by the fort’s wall).  On another table, a young, well dressed Sri Lankan couple sip on a Gin Fizz and a Lion Lager beer.

The atmosphere is exotically romantic. We love it here so much, we almost miss our airport pick up.  To quote Australian Gourmet Traveller, " Galle raises the question: why didn't someone tell me about this place sooner?” I say the same about the Galle Fort Hotel – it’s no wonder they are the winner of Sri Lanka’s Leading Boutique Hotel award in 2010 World Travel Awards. I could stay here forever…

See for yourself: http://www.galleforthotel.com/

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Address: 66 Hunter Street, Sydney

Simply stunning

There was a special occasion, my best friends birthday, and to celebrate I take them to Rockpool Bar and Grill. As I have only ever been to the restaurant, we decide we should arrive an hour before dinner to have a few pre-dinner beverages.

Located in one of the finest art deco buildings in Sydney, right above its sister restaurant Spice Temple, it is simply stunning. High ceilings, marble columns and a small cosy bar located to the side of the strikingly gorgeous dining room. I feel I’m in Manhattan in the 1950’s (I wish I had worn my vintage dress… oh well, next time).

We are seated at a table for two and I commence the night with my autumn cocktail (a dirty martini - for those of you who don't read my reviews religiously).

I can confidently say that the separate white and red wine menus are near the same size of some of my text books, neither of which I have read. I open the cocktail menu and see a list of “House Rules”, I’m intrigued by all 9 of them. My personal favourite:

“Gentlemen, don’t approach ladies; and if you are so lucky to have one approach you, endear her as you would your mother”.

Advice I wish certain gentleman I have previously known had taken.

An hour quickly passes by. We are informed our table on the dress circle is ready. I take myself, my French martini and my gorgeous friend to our table.

The verdict. An absolute must for any self-respecting socialite.






Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.rockpool.com.au/sydney/bar-and-grill/

Orbit Lounge Bar

Address: Level 47, 264 George St, Sydney

Take me for a spin

After spending an excellent day at the races, where I discover that I am far better at picking a truly fabulous frock than I am at picking a fast horse, three of us decide that we should head out, as there is more fun to be had. I wanted to go somewhere that I hadn't been before so one of my friends suggests Orbit Lounge Bar. We call a cab and head into the city.

Orbit is located on the 47^th floor of Australian Square and is a rotating bar offering stunning views of Sydney. The revolving restaurant / bar concept has always seemed a bit of a gimmick to me but as I had never been there before the views and novelty won me over.

I order “The Vesper” as I love James Bond movies and it’s the drink he orders and names after his beautiful co-star in Casino Royal (I live in hope that one day James will name a drink after me). I take my first sip, and I’m quite surprised, it’s not as strong as I thought it would be.

I try two more cocktails. The first, a dirty vodka martini (which I have decided will be my drink for autumn) it’s not as nice as the one from the Victorian Room but still quite good. My final cocktail is an Espresso Martini. My friend was drinking them and it looked nice, and I’m pleased to say it lived up to my expectations…. nice one Orbit.

After 3 cocktails and 2 complete rotations my friends and I part ways and head home, but only after deciding we should go to the races again next weekend.






Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale 

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

China Doll

Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo

I'll have a side order of bikini, thank you

My day didn't start too well. I was late for my morning meeting and I also forgotten my heels and had to explain why I was wearing thongs with my glamourous work dress to the gentleman I was meeting with. Now, some of you ladies may be comfortable wearing thongs and your sneakers around the office, but not I. So when I get a break in between meetings I sneak out and head to the shops to buy a new pair.


As I parade back to the office in my new purchase I discover that they could quite possibly be the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I own (and I own a lot). They do look good though. Lucky I did as when I get back I am reminded about lunch at China Doll.


China Doll is very popular and is the third restaurant along the glamorous Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, we are seated outside near the water with prime views of the city. The cocktail selection here is fun and I decide to try " Big trouble in little China Doll" (vodka, watermelon juice with elderflower syrup and a hint of coriander), while the taste is different it doesn't really leave me with a lasting impression.


The service was very slow and not that you want to come to China Doll for a fast experience, but when your positively parched you want your beverage, sooner rather than later.


As I do enjoy the food at China Doll, I have an excellent lunch. However as we sit there a large boat appears with about 20 young guys and 3 ladies wearing nothing but a florescent yellow g-string (or hired help as one of my companions referred to it), and those of you who know Woolloomooloo warf, know it's a dead end. Obviously these guys where wanting to parade themselves with their lady friends for all to see. 


Now I'm not used to being over looked by my male companions, but I can promise you not a single eye was on me, I couldn't help being in awe either. Maybe I should buy the ladies outfit... but then again yellow isn't my colour.








Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

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

Eau De Vie

Address: 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst

Mr Hendrix, Mr Brown and I

After a tough and tiring week the last thing that this socialite felt like doing was heading out. But as I had planned arrangements with fabulous company and knowing that Eau De Vie had been awarded Australia's "bar of the year" at the gourmet traveller 2011 awards, I pulled myself together and head out.

This bar is hard to find – it’s out the back of the Kirketon hotel with no reference that the bar even exists; you go through the hotel and then behind a black glass door lies a cosy drinking room that has a feeling of a by gone era when service was king.

The professional barmen wear waistcoats and bow ties... very sharp indeed. I order the Hendrix Tea Party (not for any other reason than the fact that I like Jimi Hendrix). It has cucumber, rose petal infused gin with a berry infused black tea, fresh orange and mint - a fine creation indeed. There is actually sharing cocktails here, which I have decided I will order the next time I come.

I love the music; the sounds of James Brown is in the air, (I love Mr Brown, every time I hear his smooth voice I feel just that little bit sexier). My friend and I don’t stay out long as we are both exhausted and they're about to start detox (after some of their previous episode that involved alcohol it’s for the best!)

Eau De Vie is one of the best bars in Sydney. Come here if you enjoy great drinks with great friends at a place that has an air of past glamour… it’s Lotus Martini’s style of bar.

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: www.eaudevie.com.au

Different Drummer

Address: 185 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe

Marching to a different beat


After a fabulous purchase on my behalf a friend and I go to celebrate (I try and turn most things into some form of celebration wherever possible). We both arrive quite late and are well past the happy hour and a half that they have from 6 - 7.30pm, where you can get 2 for 1 cocktails.

While Glebe has a number of pubs, the Different Drummer is its only cocktail bar and tends to be busy most nights of the week. There is a good selection of cocktails and the staff are happy to make anything you order, they also have a seasonal cocktail list which I tend to choose from. Tonight I order a campari and soda, I’ve never had it before but one of my friend’s drink it, so thought I would give it go, it’s nice. I will add it to my list of future orders. 

I have a pet hate with this bar, the martini glasses have squiggly stems and for some unknown reason I hate them (I prefer classic glassware), very petty I know, but I can't help it.

The atmosphere is dark and relaxed, with red hues down the narrow corridor and chilled sounds. The bar has a small courtyard, back room and a random fish tank. There’s also a second floor that I have only been to once, purely because I tend to find sky high stilettos and narrow, steep, windy staircases do not mix.

The Different Drummer has a late night license so if you're leaving when the bar closes and you think "it is only midnight, I still have plenty of time for a decent sleep before going back to work".... think again. I've made that mistake before.

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: www.differentdrummer.com.au

Kudu Lounge

Address: 225 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst

Bartender Ben, my new best friend

After a successful week at work my friend and I where planning on going to Beach Haus in the Cross, we arrive to discover that it doesn't open until 8pm. As Kit & Kaboodle is also on my list of must visit places we head there. It's also closed (I really should have done some research before leaving the office).

Plan C was Kudu Lounge so we head to Victoria St, walk up the stairs into the bar.  At first I wasn’t impressed, but as we all know, one should never judge a book by its cover.

We take our seats in a comfortable corner lounge where we are handed our cocktail menus, which my friend looks through (I figure I will just order what they do). The barman walks over, introduces himself (his name’s Ben) and says “welcome to Kudu lounge, I will be looking after you this evening”.

Ben informs us that cocktails are just $10 until 9pm (my friend and I are thrilled as we actually arrived at 6, which allowed us to take full advantage of this offer). Ben asks us what we would like, I do my usual and say “I will have whatever you recommend”. He tells us to close the menus (mine was already closed) and asks us pick a flavour (we choose Pineapple) and then choose between sweet, sour and bitter. We wait in anticipation, not knowing what we will be getting, Ben comes back with a French Martini with a twist, it’s LOVELY.

We spend the rest of the evening letting him choose our drinks for us, with each one being different. Our last cocktail is his signature (apparently it made it in the 25 best cocktails in Australia last year) he brings all the ingredients and tools (which included a blow torch) to our table to make it in front of us. My friend and I take a sip and decide that it’s the best cocktail we’ve ever had... A big call I know, but one we are willing to make.

As we leave and say goodbye to Ben, he mentions he’s planning on setting up a cocktail bar in the inner west, potentially Glebe...FABULOUS!!!!

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: www.kudulounge.com.au

Eden Bar & Restaurant

Address: MLC Centre, Martin Place, Sydney

In the Garden of Eden

It was my friends first week back at work after their holidays and to ease the pain of it all we head out for a few beverages on Friday night. I was running late and by the time I arrived at Eden Bar, located in Martin Place, they already had a cocktail. 

My friend informs me that while they were waiting they had seen a large number of people ordering lychee martini's, so we decide it would be our beverage of choice for the evening.

In January the bar offers 2 for 1 cocktails from 5-8pm (all other months it ends at 7) which means this place is very busy and filled mainly with the after work finance crowd. I head to the bar and quickly get served, but instead of waiting around at a busy bar (with people talking to me that I would rather didn't) I am given a number and told that they will bring our cocktails to our table after they're made, allowing me to go back and spend time with my friends... nice touch Eden.

As my other friend arrives it starts to rain and they're stranded under a shelter in martin place, not wanting them to miss out on the cocktails I head back to the bar and ask the barman if I can borrow an umbrella to go and collect my friend, he happily obliges and lends me his... what excellent service.

But as I come back and place our second order we are informed that they have run out of lychee martinis (What?... sorry Eden this calls for a martini rating downgrade). 

However, even though they did run out of our drink of choice, with its friendly service and fantastic tasting cocktails, Eden is still a great spot for your first few drinks after work before heading to your next destination.

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.edenbarandrestaurant.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

 

Kuleto’s cocktail bar

Address: 157 King Street, Newtown

Lychee Martini… yes please

I was given the perfect opportunity to promote my reviews (and myself) while recently attending a group dinner in Newtown, with a number of people who I hadn’t previously met. One lady, who is a local Newtonian, informs me that I should look at a few bars in the area. 

Not wanting to waste an opportunity, a small group of us walk up King St to Kuleto’s cocktail bar. Even though it’s quite late when we arrive the place is full, we quickly move up the stairs, past the huge lamp shades with massive long tassels and head straight to the bar.

As the ladies I'm with order their lychee sangria, the barman sighs and says “I’m sick of making these – I’ve been making them all night”. Buddy, here’s a tip for you – if you don’t like making cocktails, maybe you should reconsider working at a cocktail bar.

As I stand there hoping to get served by someone else, a martini is handed to the gentleman beside me, it looks good, I ask him what it is, it’s a lychee martini. I instantly close the cocktail menu (that I was actually only pretending to read anyway) as my decision has been made. It's an excellent choice.

If you’re looking for sophistication in a cocktail bar, with luxury lounges and scented candles then Kuleto’s is not for you. While the cocktails are good value, the atmosphere cheerful and sincere, it has a more shadowy after-hours appearance and in my opinion is in need of a little sprucing up.

But if you're strolling down King St after an evening out, I would still suggest taking a look inside, having a drink and embracing Kuleto’s.







Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale




See for yourself: www.kuletos.com.au