10 William St - The Wine bar with no name & amazing food, Paddington

Extended Birthdays, Date Night, Wine Bars and Italian Food are things we hold dear to our hearts here at  the Empty Fridge.  We have been wanting to try this "mysterious" new establishment in Paddington since it opened, walking past it everyday as I go to and from work. From the day it opened its doors - the number of patrons just kept growing. I remember distinctly walking past on the first day of trade, looking at the front window and thinking "Has anyone actually noticed that a pigeon is just casually sitting on the pane?" No need to contact the Department of Food Safety and Sanitation, the Pigeon is stuffed. 

Once seated, we knew we were in for quite a treat. The downstairs bar area is always crowded, so we head to the second level which is still empty at 5.35 pm on a Friday. We were here quite early, don't judge  - you have to be as it gets packed in no time, and secondly - lucky Gianna, works just a few doors down. We decided to come here before we were to kick off Demos' birthday drinks at the Beresford in Surry Hills, trying to get as much to eat before the boozing was to begin. This was a good idea - it ended up being one boozy night.

Signorelli Gastronomia, Pyrmont (Let's do Brunch - SIFF 2010)

"I just saw them pour two shots of vodka into your bloody mary - it's 10 am."
"Don't worry I can handle it"

Silly silly Demos.

Continuing our "early" start at the Pyrmont Grower's Festival, I was a woman on a mission to have Brunch at Signorelli Gastronomia. More specifically, I was on a truffle scrambled eggs  kind of mission.  When I saw they were listed as one of the restaurants taking part in the "Let's do Brunch" event for the month of October I had my heart set on trying it out.

It was the first day of the Crave Sydney International Food festival, Demos and I were pretty much two of the first few people to arrive. Maybe we did seem a bit too keen, but we had no problems getting a spot on the exquisite marble bench overlooking one of the food prep areas.

The concept behind "Let's do Brunch" is that different cafes and restaurants put up a special brunch menu on the weekends for $25 per person. Some places offer fruity drinks with this set price others charge extra for "special' beverages, this was the case here. I order the Peach Bellini and Demos, as previously mentioned, challenges the Bloody Mary. Somehow it doesn't seem right to be consuming alcoholic beverages at 10am, knowing the McDonald's is still serving breakfast for another 30 mins; but, our excuse is that "research purposes for the blog of course.." Besides, these two $10 cocktails are perfectly acceptable at the breakfast table - were not downing shots of tequila here!

Still being a bit quiet and relatively empty inside, our Shared Breakfast Antipasti arrives in a flash. Grilled mushrooms, rocket dressed with olive oil, 2 pieces of proscuitto, 2 pieces of coppa and 2 pieces provolone cheese are presented to us on a wooden board. Looking back I was a bit underwhelmed. We were surrounded by hanging legs of aged jamon, imported cold cuts beautifully displayed, a selection of fine imported cheeses and what we received was a pretty basic selection. Its like being surrounded by (forgive me male readers..) Jewelled Jimmy Choo's, sky high YSL platforms, metal studded Christian Louboutins and leopard print Manolo's and receiving a pair of flats, albeit sequinned flats.. The flats are comfy, practical and pretty, but being surrounded by more tempting options you'd want to pay that little bit extra for the full experience. Maybe I was expecting a bit much to get a sky high pile of san danielle proscuitto for $25pp but its hard when your sitting across a delectable cured meat cabinet.

Now for the truffle scrambled eggs. I could smell that truffly goodness as the dishes were approaching. As we got stuck into our eggs we felt a void that only carbs could fill. The dish does not come with any bread at all, and we stare at the Sonoma Artisan bread they have for sale. Unfortunately, at this time the only thing you could order was the set brunch menu, full menu isn't available until 12pm. The truffle flavour in the scrambled eggs was deliciously sinful and exactly what I craved for.. I could only wish for a toasted piece of sourdough to complete it! Im not a big fan of cured fish at all (I did try it though) so my one and a half portions of in-house cured salmon ended up with Demos.

Food Prep area and deli counter

More delicious buys..limocello, gelati and pasta - oh my!

Every carnivoire's heaven

I'm never completely disappointed with any of the meals that Demos and I share but it just seemed that we got so little for what was essentially a $70 breakfast. But, the overly positive side of me still found it to be an enjoyable experience. Demos struggled through his Bloody Mary as expected but he blamed the tobasco sauce not the vodka. We were happy to be able to sample their brunch but I think next time I would choose to order from the full menu so that we get exactly what we want. I guess being in such a beautifully decorated and opulent venue I had high food expectations.. I just need to repeat that it was $25 per person, I just wished that we were a little bit fuller, but hey - it was stil early!

     

After our meal we left behind half a glass of the potent bloody mary and wandered into the cheese room, my happy place. In wise words of Arnie, "Ill be back".

So that's our first proper Crave SIFF "Let's do brunch" experience, we plan to try out more before month's end - and for more SIFF event ideas make sure you visit Anna @ Morsels and Musings for her weekly SIFF Rundown. Happy Eating Everyone!

Signorelli Gastronomia - 02 8571 0616 - 48 Pirrima Rd Pyrmont 2009
http://www.signorelli.com.au/

The Wine Library, Paddington

Please don't get the wrong idea about me because for doing two consecutive posts on Wine Bars.. its not like that, really.. I promise - I have a valid explanation!

And if thats not enough, I actually visited the new Wine Library in Paddington twice in one day. All in good reason though..its was a Friday (hooray) and I celebrated my birthday last Sunday the 12th of September, so this was a kick off to the epic birthday weekend that was to come. Thats the excuse i'm going with.

The Wine Library is a new addition to the Woolhara end of Oxford St. The beauty of Paddington is that a place which would seem like a tiny shoebox from the frontage actually expands further and further back. They worked their work magic on this property - a well designed space that has a serviced bar, a few tables in the back section, an awesome cured meat closet (you'll see what I mean later..) as well as access to a garden courtyard. 

I've driven past on numerous occasions at night and wondered "What is that new place, why is it always busy and why haven't I been??" Luckily for me, its a hop skip and jump from the office - a perfect venue for a quick friday birthday lunch with my lovely G-Star girls! They are just as excited as I am to try this new place and to get away from our desks!!

Lunchtime was not busy at all, we grab a table in the back section with the awesome view of the "Meat Closet". A small tiled room displaying the imported cured meats and tempting everyones tastebuds! One can only guess that this little tiled room used to be a bathroom.. creative indeed! 

The photo on the right..wow where do I even start? My Epic birthday lunch aka everything Gianna could wish for on a plate - A stracchino and black truffle quesadilla. This right here made my birthday. It was ridicuously creamy, but with the right amount of saltiness. My fellow eaters were baffled as to how I could consume a dish so rich on my own! I love truffles - the smell, the flavour - I would order anything with truffles if it was on the menu. This is Wine Library's version of a truffle grilled cheese sandwich. If someone asked me what I would have as a final meal, this quesadilla would be on the list.

We were impressed by the quality of the wine list (finally, a place for proper wine in Paddo!) as well as the super friendly service. Maybe it was the midday red wine, the excitement, or it may have been the quesadilla that I didn't even think to take any more photo's at lunchtime. I figured I would be back soon, "Ill make my mental notes and take more proper photo's then". 

Fast Forward to 6 or so hours later. After some after work Birthday drinks and pizza at the London Pub on William Street (another Paddington Favorite) I was back, and this time with Demos in tow. I simply could not resist going back and to share the excitement with my other half. We were worried that we would'nt be able to get a seat because the small space was completely full! The bar simply transforms at night, dimply lit by the lights behind the bar and the bottle cut outs on the wall and ceiling. I absolutely love the attention to detail that was put into the interior. After a 5 minute wait we were seated at the bar with a perfect view of the wine selection and the open food prep area. 5 minute wait on a Friday night? Pinch me i'm dreaming!

We start off with the Sweet Potato Crisps ($5.00) and the bowl was empty in about two minutes flat. Such a morish snack, a tastier but probably an equally naughty version of the Smiths Thins chips - but not as salty of course! It went so well with the wine we chose. Demos tried the Delas Cotes du Ventous 2007 a red wine from Rhone Valley, France ($10/glass) and I wanted to try the Moric Blaufrankish 2007 from Austria ($14/glass) 

I spotted "Truffles" on the Menu again and this time its with the Chicken Terrine with Truffles and Pistachio and Pickles on the side ($13) A small portion, but still enough for two people to share and have a taste. The bread that comes with it is delicious - and looking around I notice that every dish comes with a different type of bread. This particular sourdough compliments the dish, which is packed full of flavour unlike some of the terrines I have tried before. Im glad we ordered this! Good things come in small servings!

Looking over the Menu, I still am a little bit confused as to what cusine this restaurant serves. Wine Library is the little sister of the very popular Buzo Italian restaurant in Woolhara, so there is a strong Italian presence. However, there seem to be a few mediterranean and spanish influences as well. One of the specials this evening was a Lamb Kafta with traditional Tzaziki ($3.50 /each). With Demothenis aka Iron Chef Greek proclaiming that this had to be one of the best Tzaziki dips he has ever tasted we knew we were on to a good thing. 

The night is never complete until the Jamon comes out. Wine Library does a mean Salumi selection - The Embuditos Y Queso ($20) is a selection of cured meats with a cheese. It also comes with a serve of Pan Con Tomate, a crunchy toasted sourdough soaked in tomato, garlic and olive oil. The meats were sliced   tissue paper thin and we received a selection of prosciutto, salami and coppa. Delicious indeed, although I would avoid this place if you are anti carbs because there is so much bread EVERYWHERE! No doubt we'll be back again - most likely this friday. It was a perfect start to an awesome birthday weekend.. and there will be more birthday meals to share. Its wednesday night and I still havent fully recharged (and digested) after the weekend of fun and food! 

Its only mid-week and I find myself counting down to Friday. It feels like a longer than usual week, but at least I have another visit to The Wine Library to look forward to! If you are in the area, feel free to drop me a line - I will love any excuse to run over for a glass of red..or two. 

Hey, don't judge me - i'm still on Birthday mode. 

The Wine Library, 18 Oxford St Woollahra (02) 9382 1600 

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Late

Pilu at Freshwater

I was bursting with excitement on a Sunday morning knowing I had an afternoon of eating at Pilu ahead of me. "What happens if they run out of suckling pig?" Demos asks. I shuddered at the thought - I couldn't fathom going without the pig. This was going to be the highlight of my week!

It was a blustery day, where anyone would have preferred to stay indoors and hibernate - but in my world these are perfect conditions for an afternoon of Italiano and vino. Demos and I have been wanting to visit Pilu after sampling the oh so memorable suckling pig panini with apple and mustard at the Sydney Taste Festival earlier this year.

We were seated in the middle of the restaurant and even in the middle of winter the room gives that laid back beach house vibe. The dining experience was beautiful in every aspect at Pilu - the view itself was spectacular and so was the art that decorated all of the wall space. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon indeed.

The SMH Good Food Guide, aka The Bible, votes Pilu as having Sydney's best Wine List for 2010, rightly so because the wine menu read like a beautiful novel. The selection is varied and hosts a good bevy of Italian vino and some very nice Australian wines as well..I think it took as a god half hour to decide.

After pouring over the menu we decided that we should take the time to enjoy the afternoon and get a bottle of wine. We settled on a bottle of red the Dolianova Anzenas; - Cannonau di Sardegna. A fruity red wine from Sardinia, it was just perfect and its always a nice touch when the wine is served from a decanter. So having settled with a wine we moved on to attacking the menu. We decided on ordering the freshly made ricotta with truffle abbamele to start accompanied with the deboned quail and some fried seafood and zucchini flowers as entrees

    

 

The freshly made ricotta was amazing. It was very smooth and creamy and the truffle abbemele - a traditional sardinian honey was the perfect complement to the cheese and crispy fried Sicilian bread. Now truffle is something I would liken to crack. I would bathe in truffle honey given the opportunity. This dish ticked all the right boxes for me and I may or may not have savoured every last drop of that delicious abbemele and shooed Demos away when he tried to steal one of the olives. Pane e ricotta $14.00. The chef also sent out complimetary crunchy meatball dish, delish.

Our next entrees very beautiful to look at and to eat. Demos had the de-boned quail that was stuffed with chicken livers, potato, taragon, wrapped in pancetta and served on a bed of eggplant caponata. Quaglia ripiena di fegatini, patate e dragoncello $27 He didn't talk much as he was too busy dissecting the bird like a surgeon to eat. Being so close to the ocean, I had the lightly battered seafood selection with zucchini flower, claire de line oyster, squid and crystal bay prawns. Yet another amazing dish. The batter was not too heavy and the seafood tasted like the ocean. It was a very simple, light and elegant tasting dish. Piccolo fritto di fiore di zucca, gamberi e calamari con maionese $26

There wasn't much to think about when it came to mains. I wanted the slow roasted suckling pig. Simple as that. Demos decided to get the hanger  steak. What a dish though. The suckling pig was arranged on a large plate beautifully. Served with small poached apples, pork sausage and of course the slow cooked suckling pig off the bone, it was a taste sensation. The crackling was crisp and the meat tender. The sausage was well seasoned and I wanted to smother everything with the brown bread sauce. Porcetto arrosto e salsiccia fatta da noi $43

The hanger steak that Demos ordered was just as enjoyable from Demos' accounts of the matter, he attacked it as soon as the dish landed on our table. The dish like the pork was beautifully presented. The steak was very tender and the herb crusted mushrooms melted in your mouth. The porcini cream dolloped on the plate had a silky consistency and you couldn't help but want to use your fingers to lap it all up in the absence of bread. Lombatello con fantasia di porcini e salsina al profumo di basilico $42

As you can see there wasn't much left. And yes, I saved the crackling til last - like it was an award I earned from all of today's eating

How could we say no to desert after such a wonderful lunch? Having room for it was not even the question. I decided to have the Sardinian fried pastry filled with ricotta and sultanas Seadas ripiena di ricotta con miele di tarasacco e melo $17.00 and Demos had the chocolate and hazelnut semifreddo with chocolate sorbet Semifreddo al cioccolato Amedei con sorbetto al cioccolato $17.00 The fried pastry gave me that sweet crisp I am always after, and covered in sweet ricotta made it heaven. The semifredo and sorbet didn't last that long in front of Demos, partly my fault because I couldn't help but keep picking at it as well. 

With some coffees with liqueur  and complimentary petit fours we finished our meal with that feeling of ultimate satisfaction and contentment. Demos tried the Caffè Corretto $6.00 An espresso with a dash of Varnelli Anice - a dry anise flavoured liqueur and I had the Caffè Sceccherato con Liquore $10.00 a cold coffee shaken with Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

P.S the fingers had to come out to finish the job in the end. 

Until next time Pilu - thank you for feeding us! 

Pilu at Freshwater

 'On the Beach' Moore Road, Harbord NSW 2096 Telephone: (02) 9938 3331

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