Friday, December 31, 2010

High Tea @ NSW Art Gallery




Some thoughtful friends wanted to treat me to high tea at the NSW Art Gallery for my birthday.

We didn't realise the high tea menu changes in line with a major exhibition (or perhaps this is adhoc) - The First Emperor : China's entombed warriors. Some were initially a bit jaded that 4 asian women were having 'yum cha' but we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it - we agreed it was light and tasty ensuring we didn't walk away feeling sickly or guilty!

EMPERORS HIGH TEA

SAVOURIES:

peking duck pancake

fried tofu, black vinegar, shallots

steamed dumplings and har gow

hot and sour, crab soup

SWEETS:

egg custard tart

banana and white chocolate crepe

mango pudding

green tea biscuit



http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/first-emperor/

Uccello Birthday Treat - Part 2































Interior of Uccello


Pappardelle with rabbit ragout, porcini mushrooms, asparagus and crispy sage.


Traditional Tiramisu with ‘ Amedei’ chocolate.





Uccello Birthday Treat - Part 1







Spice crusted loin of Lamb, warm salad of cannellini beans, sweet pepper, lemon and parsley.











Ravioli of ricotta, zucchini flowers, anchovy and parmesan.








Pumpkin risotto, seared scallops, truffle butter.



Pan fried prawns, cracked wheat panzanella salad.








(Special entree) Bresaola with rocket, figs and I think it was goats cheese or marscapone (?).





A close friend took a J & I to Merivale's Uccello in The Ivy for our birthdays.

The decor is very 'fresh' and summery and the restaurant overlooks the Ivy pool.
Downside is that it became very noisy with the pool and bar growing increasingly busy.

The crowd being a Wednesday night was quite eclectic - so the anticipated snobbery was not present. Service was laid back and friendly - they were all wearing jeans and black Converse.

I enjoyed the food which had clean flavours and well presented, meaning I would return but need to consider the pricing - it's not 'economical' by any means but all things considered I wouldn't rule out returning.

Uccello
Level 4, 320 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9240 3000
http://www.merivale.com/#/ivy/uccello

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Purple Goodness


Purple rubber lace up shoes by Melissa....a gift for a friend.