La Scala - 3rd time 'round

Linguine with clams, garlic, chilli and olive oil.

Seafood stew.

Asparagus with olive oil.

Poached pear with currants.

Lemon tart

While I was overseas in November I was pretty surprised to receive an email from Darren Simpson from La Scala at the Light Brigade Hotel. As promised, they treat you to a birthday main meal and dessert for your birthday.

On my return I went with a friend - a treat for her as she is normally at home with husband and daughter. Unfortunately my friend had an allergic reaction to her meal - that was a big disappointment as we rarely dine out together.....although she assured me she still had a good time! Very kind.

Having been 3 times now I'm not sure there is a need to return - unless they contact me for my birthday again in 2011! There are many other restaurants to try - La Scala is a good staple if you want something straight forward, low-key but not too casual and good service.

La Scala

Corner of Jersey Road & Melrose Lane

(above the Light Brigade Hotel)

02 9357 0815

http://www.lascalaonjersey.com.au/page/restaurant.html

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