A weekend in review (part 1)

On Saturday I booked an impromptu dinner at Manta Restaurant in Woolloomooloo (Sydney).  I called around 5pm hoping for an early dinner booking to enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine which would last until about 7.30-8pm-ish.  Luckily the kind gentleman on the phone agreed fit me in at 6.15 but politely requested we vacate the table by 8.30pm for the next booking.  Completely fine by me - the sunshine is gone by then anyways.

Here is a glimpse of the wharf upon our arrival:

We were seated at a gorgeous table just inside and I of course got the comfy side with the pillows (boyfriend obliging as always).

I started with a glass of Veuve - why not indulge a little - my exams were over and I clearly deserved it!  The waitress was lovely (with that right amount of interest and information and definately no pretentiousness) and she ever so kindly tempted us with the provolone filled zucchini flowers which were delicate and tasty and we also had a mixed plate of oysters for entree. 

Entrees at restaurants these days are just amazing.  They always make sure, because the portions are so small, that they use the finest quality ingredients and most of the time I would much prefer two entrees rather than an entree and main just for the sheer delicateness and freshness of flavours you tend to get in an entree.

I chose a French bottle of white to go with our meal, the 2006 Laroche Petite Chablis, which is my latest favourite (so over Sav blanc).  It's super smooth but still a little dry and suits the palate perfectly with oysters and fish (just between you and me a French Chablis also goes fabulously with some French creamy Brie but I wouldn't know anything about that).

After entree I had the snapper with kipfler potatoes and aioli and my other half had the Beef sirloin with a beautiful bearnaise sauce.  What is it with restaurants serving these amazing steaks?  We were at Rockpool Bar & Grill recently and their steaks are also out of this world and despite the price tag I completely believe they are worth every cent.

But wait, there truly is more.  I overheard the waitress taking an order at the other table and she mentioned the chips with truffle oil and parmesan.  You heard me right, truffle oil cooked chips.  They were out of this world incredible.  I wish I had a photo of them for you because they looked a bit wierd but they tasted oh so beautiful.  Like gourmet pieces of heaven with every bite.  I wonder how many calories those chips had.  I clearly wasn't concerned at the time which is why I also ordered dessert.

I went with something out of the usual (normally i'm a creme brulee or a lemon tart kinda girl) but I decided I'd go with the lemon meringue pie special.  It was a little too sweet.  My partner had the apple tart tartin and it also left a bit to be desired.  Clearly Manta's position in the restaurant business is chips and truffle oil - maybe they should open up a store and just sell them - they were only $15!!!

All in all it was an absolutely stunning meal.  A beautiful fine dining experience in one of Sydney's most stunning waterfront locations.  I couldn't recommend it highly enough.  Check out Manta Restaurant at: http://www.mantarestaurant.com.au/

Elle