Jackie McMillan, Dining Editor
Image: The Alternative Media Group of Australia Dining Editor, Jackie McMillan gives her Best of Sydney 2012 picks...
BEST SMALL BAR: THE OWL HOUSE
Being compulsively early for reviews has never been so much fun, especially since I discovered this intimate small bar run by Amir Halpert, a New Yorker with a big personality.
www.theowlhouse.com.au
BEST PUB: PADDINGTON ARMS
Look I’m a traditionalist when it comes to pubs, and true to my Scottish heritage I can’t go past a plate of black pudding, though I do like it with a decent wine list. Did I mention they also do a mean rice pudding?
www.paddoarms.com.au
BEST VIETNAMESE: BAU TRUONG
This stylish Marrickville Road Vietnamese really got my attention, with tapas style plates including sea snails in a coconut curry broth so good, you’ll have to resist drinking it!
www.bautruong.com.au
BEST FINE DINER: SOKYO
Yeah okay, it’s in a casino, but one that’s rapidly becoming known as a world-class dining destination. Anyway, stop arguing with me; just go try the spicy tuna crispy rice – it really revolutionised nigiri sushi for me!
www.star.com.au
BEST PASTA: CAFFE SICILIA
They actually won my heart with a ham & béchamel calzone, but have kept it ever since using hand-twisted maccheroni, house-made pastries and creamy pistachio granita.
www.caffesicilia.com.au
