Monday 23 August 2010

Aria, Sydney

Get past the Masterchef hype, views of the Opera House and Bridge and it’s food that plays to the tune of a food DJ mashing up classic combinations. It would be harsh to say that the creativity is lacking, but if the a la carte menu had limbs, they would be fully attached.



Amuse Bouche of Pumpkin soup with Parmesan Foam: tasty.



Peking Duck Consomme with Duck Dumplings, shaved abalone and mushrooms: great duck juice again, but I think that was so three years ago.



Pork belly with pork croquette, apple puree, white cabbage and apple salad: pig with an old friend. Perfectly cooked, perfect combination, perfectly safe.



Spatchcock poached with bok choy, cucumber, shitake mushrooms and coriander broth: Spatchcock poached with bok choy, cucumber, shitake mushrooms and coriander broth (it is what it is)



Roasted fillet and short rib of beef, celeriac puree, roasted shallots with bordelaise sauce: cow dish that’s like scouring the mouth with a whole cow and rinsing with a bottle of red.



Banana soufflé with banana rum and raisin brulee: soft, light, the favoured flavour of our ancestors (if you believe in Darwin’s theory) truly comes through.



Coconut Macaroon, Chocolate Truffle, Pistachio Nougat.

Yeah it was a bit like Parklife or Future Music with your Dad spinning BABBA or ACCA DACCA. Not like that’s a bad thing, just not what you expect for the price you pay.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 1 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW
What? Entrees $36+, Mains $55+, Desserts $25+

3 comments:

Unknown said...

mmm the parmesan foam looks interesting, very impressive though. All those dishes in your photos look great, no wonder they were quite pricey. good find www.myrestaurantsmelbourne.com

Simon Leong said...

hehe 'it is what it is'. that's one of the shortest and funniest reviews i've read for a long time. actually i've never enjoyed the views of Aria because it feels way too closed in with the low ceiling and columns in the way. for better views head to Quay, and possibly better food experience too :-) so you didn't try the MasterChef chocolate dessert in the end? is quite nice.

slowcooked said...

Simon: agreed, the columns did distract from the views. loved quay though, and the food experience was amazing in comparison. That chocolate dessert didn't feature unfortunately... would have gotten that for sure!
Sandra: if only we could have ordered a mug of that first dish instead of getting a shot glass... though granted it was for free!

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