LotForty
Image: Sydney’s small bar revolution produces a real gem – the only downside is finding this tucked-away hidey-hole. A cute little cocktail list; spunky staff emanating warmth on a cool night; mouth-watering aromas from the open kitchen; and a few knockout wines from owner Damien Healey’s great list, all made my evening here a pleasure.
Sydney’s small bar revolution produces a real gem – the only downside is finding this tucked-away hidey-hole. A cute little cocktail list; spunky staff emanating warmth on a cool night; mouth-watering aromas from the open kitchen; and a few knockout wines from owner Damien Healey’s great list, all made my evening here a pleasure. Easy-drinking caramel and passionfruit notes make the Swedish Passion ($15) a quaffer. The 2008 Christmont Chardonnay, King Valley ($9/glass) proves a classy food companion for a list of small plates that exceed expectations. Head Chef Kelly Pakdeewaa (ex-Monkey Bar) has Thai blood and Italian technique; this fusion works astoundingly well in Zucchini Flowers ($12) stuffed with scallop mousse on a bed of pea puree. You’ll also find it in the Twice Roasted Pork Belly ($12) with crisp green beans and a sticky sauce of seeded mustard and sweet soy; and in the tasty Oven Baked Duck Crepe ($12) with plum sauce and eschalots. Don’t skip the straight-up options either – the Braised De-boned Lamb Shanks with Peas and Potato Puree ($12) are full of flavour. If choosing is a chore, Kelly will do the work for you with a five dish Chef’s Selection ($35/person), but leave room for the organic Banana and Caramel Tart ($8) because it’s really… yummy.
LotForty
40 Kings Lane, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9380 2728 www.lotforty.com
Tapas $$
