Cloudy Bay Fish Co & Via Del Corso, Westfield Sydney City

"I'm on a diet.. a see-food diet" Ahhh - we all know the end of that dad joke don't we? Seriously though, it is that time of year where everyone is on a health kick - and I myself have been living on tins of tuna and brown rice. Yes, at my office - lunch time is cat food time, we often compare what flavours of tuna we have (I'm a Serena chilli girl at heart) I think my body actually goes into tuna withdrawal on the weekend because I get massive cravings for fish around midday!

Most shopping trips in the city have centred around the shiny new Westfield. After trying out Charlie and Co. it was up to Cloudy Bay Fish Co to satisfy the cat food cravings! Walking up to the very snazzy counter a familiar orange bottle catches my eye - Veuve bubbles for a shopping break? - oooh wee! 

Walking along the round glass counter, we spy an array of appealing choices --- definitely more than your regular grilled or battered fish and chips.  There is fresh salmon sashimi, a seafood quiche, deep fried salt and pepper prawns.

Those in line before us walked away with awesome looking rolls or bowls of salad piled with baked fish. Thing are looking up from tinned tuna snacks! We settled on our selections and waited for our number to be called. 

Demos ordered the Braised Tuna Roll ($9.50). I suspect he didn't really want a whole roll to himself since we had just had breakfast, so I gladly helped him out. The tuna was well seasoned with just the right amount of tangy mayo on top. It came with a pickle too - as well as potato chips which added a good crisp. 

I had the grilled fish and chips with a side of salad - exactly what I was craving for. My fish of the day, a perch fillet I was told had the right amount of seasoning and was not oily at all - therefore the guilt of having the yummy chips on the side was averted. Priced at $16.50 - I wouldnt say it was super cheap - the portions are not large (which at this time of year, is a good thing) but the freshness of the produce is top notch. I'd say it was worth it. 

John Susman, seafood distributer extraordinaire and owner of Cloudy Bay Fish Co. really offers a great fresh spread here. It really highlights the amazing seafood that Australia has to offer, and the fact that we have access to such delicious and super fresh seafood at the local shopping center! I mean, this is the same quality of seafood that he imports all around Australia and the world. Lucky lucky lucky.

A organic phoenix ginger beer and Charlie's honest lemonade hits the spot on the drinks side - I don't think it would be safe (or affordable) for me to have a bottle of Champers at a shopping center.. I do enough damage on the credit card without the added haziness. Good to know the option is there though - as the area around the counter is licensed.

But of course we could not leave without anything sweet. Those who are stuck on the catfood diet during the week still need sweet treats so we walk across to Via Del Corso to sample some treats on offer.

 Chocolate and Ricotta Canolli

 Assorted Italian Pastries

 Biscotti

 Fancy mini cakes!

 Coffees were in order to add more energy for the day ahead. Originally we wanted to just have a coffee - but we are who we are, and this is not possible.

 A super mega large italian doghnut ($3) for me - I can't resist sugary fried bread!

Via Del Corso have an endless supply of desserts, chocolates and gelati available - It was hard not to go crazy. We actually just stuck to the first 3 display cabinets as looking at the others would prove to be too much tempation for our already full stomachs! I think a return visit would be in order to do the cafe justice.

And for The Empty Fridge scorecard:

• The Peak - Having that option of fresh seafood versus a fillet o fish burger.
• The Pitt - Not so much a pitt - but its a dangerous option to know that champagne is available. Im just picturing myself downing a glass or two after overspending on shoes!
• Empty Fridge Dish of the Day -  I really enjoyed the tuna roll - after living off tinned tuna, it showed me the light!

Westfield have done an amazing job of amping up it's foodcourt. They put together a vibrant selection of cuisine to whet your appetite whether it's just for a quick bite or a savoury treat apres shopping. I excited to come back knowing that there will be more food to try out next time!

Cloudy Bay Fish Co.

 

Via Del Corso Pasticceria E Caffe