With agencies and media companies back in the office in force this year, Mediaweek Birdman in the Bistro columnist, and legendary Sydney diner and MFA Hall of Famer (how long do we keep having to say this?), Greg Graham updates the Mediaweek audience with establishments that should be on their lunch list. There’s something for all budgets too.
On the corporate expense account for a VIP client
Lou Lou – Lavender Bay
A fantastic French bistro that would not be out of place in Paris or New York. Classic and familiar French fare done right. Excellent dishes with incredible rotisserie chicken, however, I could not go past the steak frites with sauce au polre.
The dish you must try: For dessert, we had a special Bombe Alaska – incredible.
Pellegrino 2000 – Surry Hills
Wow, a brilliant trattoria that punches above its weight when it comes to flavour and deliciousness. The tortellini, prawn & brown butter was excellent as was the capellini, tomato & spanner crab.
The dish you must try: Another dessert highlight – double crema Caramelo alla banana.
Pellegrino 2000
Fun team lunch
White & Wong – CBD
A great new fun place with Asian fusion, vibrant street food with fresh Aussie produce. Great selection of dumplings, and excellent Peking Duck pancakes with some yummy curry and wok dishes.
The dish you must try: Char Sui pork Scotch with chili & red vinegar.
Jimmy Falafel – CBD
A buzzing little piece of the Middle East in the heart of Sydney. Incredibly flavour-packed dishes that are great for sharing with a brilliant atmosphere. Loved the Lebanese bread with hummus, cacik, tabouli, slow-cooked roman beans, and of course the famous Jimmy’s falafel. I’m showing my sweet tooth here however the baklava stretchy middle eastern ice cream sandwich was a special treat to finish off a delicious eastern feast.
The dish you must try: From the grill, the selection of lamb dishes is exceptional – merguez, kafta & shish.
Birdman at Jimmy Falafel. (Above) Sparrow causes a stir in George Street (Top) Birdman ventures in Jimmy’s kitchen
Brekkie Favourites
Bills Bondi
The great signature Bills’ dishes are just as good in Bondi as my regular Bills haunts in the city. The classics such as ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter plus the sweet corn fritters with bacon and avo salsa are a mainstay.
Paramount Coffee Project – Surry Hills
Not only incredible coffee but the all-day menu is brilliant, the scrambled eggs with garlic & chive butter plus smashed avo & bacon is the best.
Cheap & cheerful lunch with the crew & I’m paying for myself
Paramount Coffee Project breakfast
The Oaks – Neutral Bay
Another favourite over the years with the best courtyard for summer. The usual pub favourites are steak sambo, fish & chips, sausages, and mash. However, the meatorium from the grill is sensational – the tomahawk steak or the scotch, eye fillet, the great rump, or New York cut sirloin are worth a special visit.
Old Clare Hotel – Chippendale
This great pub has a new lunch menu with some stand-out dishes. As well as the regular classics such as the burger, schnitzel, and steak, the prawn roll in a brioche bun with garlic butter was delicious.
Pick of the Day: Has to be the fresh prawns, tortelloni, and brown butter at Pellegrino 2000, I will be back.