PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
Forget about Crown Street in Surry Hills or Victoria Street in Darlinghurst, shuffle East and head towards the water and you’ll stumble across a foray of Eastern Suburbs foodie hotspots. Let’s start with a macchiato at Top Hat Coffee Merchants, before stopping off at Three Blue Ducks for a bowl of bircher muesli, lunch has got to be at Ruby’s Diner, then pop into Adriano Zumbo for afternoon tea, before finishing off with a cocktail and dinner at the Charing Cross Hotel. Perfect Sunday, don’t you think?
Before you respond, let me tell you about The Charo, as it’s fondly referred to by locals, because this isn’t the Charing Cross Hotel you knew 12 months ago. Waverley local Warren Livingstone took over this Eastern Suburbs stalwart, transforming it into smart space that is both modern and edgy but also pays tribute to venue’s history with original art deco features. At the heart of the pub is a marble topped, corrugated American oak clad bar that lends itself to dining, not just drinking.
It’s a treat to have Chef Matt Kemp (ex-Balzac and Montpellier Eating House) back in the kitchen and doing what he does best – classic combinations, served with an English twist. It may not be for everyone but the crispy pigs head is a winner in our books, served with piccalilli (a curried cauliflower pickle) that tastes better than it sounds. I usually sit on the sideline whenever perilla (a strong herb related to mint) is involved but served with seared swordfish, pink grapefruit and cucumber ribbons, the dish is fresh yet satisfying. If you’re craving some red meat, the grilled rib eye, topped with a textural bordelaise butter, will curb your craving and some.
Now, let me hear your answer. Perfect Sunday or what?
Anna Lisle