Set against the backdrop of a stunning autumn day, darling Nic and I ventured to the 2013 Taste of Sydney Festival in Centennial Park. Showcasing a range of Sydney restaurants, it is important to study the menus as tummy space is limited and the ramifications and feelings of regret can cut you to the quick if the best choices are not made… Sadly, this year I felt that prices were rather more expensive for dishes and some taster plates were up to $20… And don’t forget, this is $20 for a ready-made, served-on-a-paper-plate dish. Steep.
We started with a Slow Brasied Pork Cheek Roll with Black Fungus Relish from Claude’s. The relish is earthy with a twang of piquancy and compliments the softness of the cheek.
Next stop is Porteno. This uber fashionable meat haven is a thriving heap of rockabilly goodness and the Wagyu Beed Brisket with BBQ and pickle. Just look at that gorgeous, deep blush of the flesh. It was every bit tender as it looked. Brisket: a cut to look out for. Superb.
Dish of the day goes to the Spit Roast Suckling Pig with Coleslaw and Hot Sauce from Four In Hand. Chewing was optional. The meat fell apart as soon as your plastic fork was within an inch of it. Amazing.
A twist on a Gaytime, 4Fourteen’s Ice-cream sandwich was decadent white chocolate ice-cream with ribbons of caramel and crunchy biscuit pieces.
One dessert is never enough so we finished up with Jonah’s Chocolate and Salted Caramel Tart with Chantilly Cream. Light on the salted caramel, it was however, a worthy candidate for praise; its silky texture being particularly memorable.
A trip to Taste wouldn’t be complete without a session of wine tasting. Nic discovered the joys of Prosecco and I discovered the joys of some great Australian whites. There was also a lot of beer and cider tastings on offer and we made a good dent in these. No, we’re not alcoholics… But we hope to be someday.
