buz

In Sydney, we enjoyed Imperial Peking at
Circular Quay. It's been years since I'd
been there, but still going strong. Have
Peking Duck, and fried noodles with duck meat
(stripped from Peking Duck). Excellent.
But have desserts at other places. They
are not as big as pictures on menu.

We enjoyed more at Claude's. Knew that owner
changed, and she is magical. She mixes French
with sublime Asian. Oh, no, it's not what you
think. Dishes are not like those (laughable,
to my Japanese tongue) that chefs have got
mixed up with french(?) technique with exotic
(to them) spices. I found some failed
experiments here and there in Australia.
Claude's chef does it beautifully and very,
very impressively. BYO, but I had very good
Pinot Noir from Ashton Hills. Sommelier is
knowledgeable and very helpful.

One pleasant surprise came at Bondi. Went to
Iceberg Swimming Club Cafe for drinks, and
had char grilled octopus. It was fantastic.
Glad they had 20 dollar minimum policy on
plastic that I had to order food. (with no
sarcasm involved. I'm truly glad.) Needless
to say, view from terrace table is
outstanding. Sparkling wine (Domaine Chandon
1999) was crisp, tasty, and affordable ($10
by the glass if I remember correctly).

For lunch, if you're close to Chinatown,
go to 2nd floor of the mall on Dixon Street.
It has a food court and you can choose your
favourite noodles, among other asian foods.
They are darn good. (Not as good as I Peking,
but value for money is better here.)

HTH.