Chapter III - Doing Dionysus Proud

Out of all the Greek Gods, Dionysus is my favourite. He drinks, he eats and therefore he is merry. Here are some food snaps that should do the God of Noms proud, consider it my first offering.

Lucio's Pizzeria, Darlinghurst

Several notable sources name this humble little pizzeria as Sydney's Best of the Best #1 Pizza.The Pizza we ordered was so good that it distracted me from my photo-taking duty. Here we have their delicious dessert, A delicious chocolate fondant with molten chocolate oozing through. It was the perfect dessert after their signature 'Lucio'.

Most traditional pizzerias would kick you out the door if you dare ordered a half and half pizza. But this little gem was as traditional as it got. A crisp margherita base, with lashings of buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. Simplicity at its finest. And its other half, folded over, has fluffy fresh ricotta and fresh ham to appease the midnight carnivore cravings, mine in particular. 

Pizza to me is more than a food, its an obsession. I dont think i can fairly judge if this is the best pizza in Sydney. A goal of mine (yes, a life goal) is to try and test as many pizza's as I can and then a fair call can be made. I do have my favourites but surely there are many waiting to be discovered.

248 Palmer St Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02) 9332 3766 - call ahead, its busy!

Europan Cafe, Rose Bay

Ah, the croque madamme.

One thing about Demos, is that if there ever was an iron chef sandwich - it would be him. Often, he fries me a veal schnitzel, slices some fresh ciabatta, throws in some provolone and homemade pesto - and, yes - its the 3am food craving special.

I have had an obsession with the infamous Cafe Europa croque madamme after reading this article in the Sydney Morning Herald. Buttered toast, runny eggs, salty ham and melted cheese - be still my heart. Fittingly, this was my Valentines breakfast date. Nothing says romance like cholesterol and a coffee in a little cafe filled with the sweet sweet smell of butter!

Europan Cafe, 10A Dover Road, Rose Bay 02 9371 2869 

Bathers Pavillion,Balmoral Beach

Blueberry Pancakes. Amazing, fresh, sweet, Blueberry Pancakes.Bathers is truly my favourite blueberry pancake destination. There is something about the combination of the beautiful beach views and their amazing breakfast that spells perfection in my books.

But we have also been known to attack their dessert menu after dark. I just love this cafe, because no matter what you are craving at any given time - you will most likely find something delicious that will hit the spot.
So what makes their pancakes special? They use fresh blueberries. Not Jam, Not Compote, Not Frozen - fresh little berries that pop in your mouth with buttermilk batter and maple syrup.. its heaven. 
4 The Esplanade Mosman NSW 2088 02 9969 5050

Chocolateria San Churro

My great grandfather used to take me to a Spanish cafe called Dulcinea in the Philippines and having churros, a traditional spanish fried doughnut with their thick hot chocolate was my favourite afternoon treat. Another childhood memory is running around Disneyland holding a long stick of churros, rolled in cinnamon sugar.

San Churro, a spanish cafe franchise has seemed to pop up everywhere in the last year..much to Demos' dismay. On a cold night, when everything is silent - Demos tends to start hearing voices, with "Churosssss" being whispered in his ear. Its his subconscious, i say - not me. 
Most of the time, we brave the elements for the Tapas dish. Churros, melted dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream and flourless chocolate browines. Perfect comfort dessert. As angry as he is when he has to drive us there, once the magic of the churros hits him, he forgets. 
47 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, Sydney 02 9692 0119

Il Baretto, Surry Hills

Quack Quack Quack
My knees go weak every time I see duck on a menu.
Il Baretto is somewhat of a place of worship for Demos and I. My favourite days are those when you finish work and head down for a hearty meal and a big glass of red wine. Their duck ragu is all that it is hyped to be and so much more.

I am convinced that the homemade pappardelle pasta is made with love, and that the particular duck in my dish lived a happy life. It just oozes with flavour, and the meat just melts in your mouth. I love its low key atmosphere, and the fact that is BYO. Nothing like ending your workday with a bottle of chianti served in glass tumblers and a hearty dish that makes your heart go "quack".
496 Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010 02 9361 6163

Makoto Sushi Bar, Sydney City

From high school days and missed uni lectures, bad boyfriends and boozy nights - Makoto remains as my one and only in the sushi stakes. Other shiny competitors can come along but this is my happy place. I take all my loved ones here, but get custody if ever the relationship goes sour. 

The teriyaki chicken hand roll always the Pièce de résistance. The sashimi is always sourced fresh everyday from the fish markets along with the other seafood on the conveyor. Another winner is the soft shell crab temaki - for the naughty cravings when trying to eat healthy. 

Its hard driving home from work past this place, anytime there is a parking spot in front, guaranteed I will be pulling over and requesting a spot for one.
19 Liverpool St Sydney 2000 - there is always a line!

Apertivo, Leichhardt

The extensive wine and cocktail menu, together with the impressive italian fare makes this new restaurant one of our favourites for a late night proscuitto craving or a nightcap. You would be forgiven if you thought you were in an upscale restaurant in a trendy neighbourhood, rather then keeping it local in Leichhardt. And did someone say Tapas?

The calzone sealed the deal - with its warm ricotta and a hint of gorgonzolla cheese in the middle, and its hearty base topped with rocket, proscuitto san danielle and lashings of balsamic glaze. Speciale. 
163 Norton st Liechardt NSW 2040 

So yes, food and fun is mostly what Demos and I are about - and when i'm hungry, he means business. We love discovering new favourites and will endeavour to cover these escapades as often as possible. At the end of the day we don't want to pick apart last nights mushroom and asparagus risotto and analyse the change in molecular structure in the cooking process. We'd rather eat it. It really is about enjoying the experience and having fun and we hope you can enjoy it just as much as we will continue to do so.

From 24 hour Mc Donalds & Est.

Sometimes, the fridge isnt empty - And we have iron chef cook offs

Happy Eating everyone!