Mere Catherine

It seems fitting to do my thousandth review at one of Sydney’s smallest restaurants. Weighing in at just sixteen seats, this tiny terrace on Victoria Street, Potts Point, delivers a disproportionately memorable dining experience. Answering an inquiry from our hostess Nanette, the wife of Chef Gerard Humair, my dining companion explained he’d last visited the restaurant twenty years ago. “The menu has not changed,” says Nanette deadpan, with a twinkle of mischievousness. It’s a refreshing departure from Sydney’s trend-driven dining, down to a wine choice of red or white (if you choose not to bring your own). The red, a 2013 Chemin des Papes Cotes du Rhone ($55/bottle) is quite drinkable, particularly against Garlic Escargot ($29.90/12). The hand-delivered specials board (which does change) produces Duck à l’Orange ($49.90) – a straight-ahead classic roast half duck with vibrant citrus sauce dotted with orange segments. Made without cream, menu stalwart Roast Chicken with Tarragon Sauce ($29.90), is surprisingly indulgent, especially with a side of Spinach and Bechamel Gratinée ($7/couple) that’s so good, it’s hard to remove your fork. Eavesdropping on other tables “this has got to be on the bucket list” turns into a convivial whole restaurant conversation – it’s that kind of place. And we’re sent off smiling into the night with strict instruction: “Don’t wait another twenty years…”

Mere Catherine
166 Victoria Street, Potts Point
Ph: (02) 9358 2000
French $$$-$$$$