Introductions...

There were two new introductions a few weekends ago - one was introducing my friends J and M to eachother, and the other was the introduction of dining at Universal (a restaurant started my Christine Manfield about 2 years ago).

They recommend 3 savoury and 1 sweet, however I think that would suit a big or male eater.  M and I were happy with our 2 savoury and 1 sweet.  I very much enjoyed the presentation and perfectly cooked:

• Shiro roasted bass grouper served, crisp pork belly, charred asparagus, shallot relish - I was partly expecting the pork belly to overpower the bass grouper (I have a rule where I don't usually order fish when I'm out but had to try it!) but the pork offset the fish beautifully.  The shallot relish was propped in little mounds on top of each of the pork belly pieces and gave a refreshing tartness to the normally heavy meat.
• Surface ripened goat's cheese, black truffle mushroom tortellini, gruyere chantilly - I was wondering what surface ripened goat's cheese was - I was overwhelmed by goat's cheese foam!  It as a little risky ordering such a rich dish and it was very cheesy but heavenly for some cheese lovers I know.
• Splice - passionfruit banana sorbet and yoghurt sorbet pyramid, coconut clouds, papaya and mango - Having had the above two dishes in that order this dessert was a lovely way to finish and refresh my palate.  The subtle beads of papaya and mango hid amongst the sorbets and coconut clouds.

The maitre'ds have recently won an award from Gourmet Traveller for their exceptional service and we were not disappointed.  When we requested the mineral water bottle that M wanted to take home but had been speedily whisked away, it was happily returned and the waiter assured us that the bottle was indeed worthy of taking home!

The atmosphere was a bit disappointing as the restaurant itself is shallow in depth and spills out onto a courtyard where a vietnamese (Phamish) and thai restaurant also reside.  But for the three of us we were still able to dress in laid back style.

I just wish I was bold enough to take pictures of each of the dishes!  I am still trying to decide whether taking pictures of my meals is acceptable or not!

Republic 2 Courtyard

Palmer Street (between Burton and Liverpool streets)

Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Ph: (+612) 9931 0709

www.universalrestaurant.com