Neptune Palace
Image: It seems pitiful that in its seventeen year operating history, I haven’t managed to discover this tucked-away Circular Quay gem. Bibbed up, I curse myself with every bite of the magnificent Braised King Crab with Singapore Chilli Sauce (market price $78/kilo); it’s beautifully cooked and the lip-tingling sauce allows the sweet, succulent taste of crab to shine.
It seems pitiful that in its seventeen year operating history, I haven’t managed to discover this tucked-away Circular Quay gem. Bibbed up, I curse myself with every bite of the magnificent Braised King Crab with Singapore Chilli Sauce (market price $78/kilo); it’s beautifully cooked and the lip-tingling sauce allows the sweet, succulent taste of crab to shine. Add to my woes Director Derek Lim’s top notch comprehensive wine list – so much to drink, so little time. I settle for a stunning 2006 Johanneshof Gewürztraminer ($68) which complements my whole meal beautifully. Thankfully they avoid the usual two cuisine trap. The Chinese dishes are great – I tried well-cooked Salt and Pepper Prawns ($31.80) and the superbly tender Diced Fillet Steak with Wasabi Sauce ($29.80). Their Malay offerings are even better – I could eat the creamy coconut Penang Kapitan Chicken ($22.80) for days, and the Daging Rendang ($22.80) is dry and intense. Now we all know how good Malay desserts are; so I indulged in both the Pandan Crepe ($7.80) and the more grown-up Sago Pudding ($7.80) drizzled with coconut milk and palm sugar before walking it off by the glistening harbour. As to service, my fortune cookie summed it up nicely: ‘You are in good hands this evening.’
Neptune Palace
Level 1 Gateway Building, Corner of Pitt and Alfred Streets, Circular Quay
Ph: (02) 9241 3338 www.neptunepalace.com.au
Chinese/Malaysian $$$$
