HARTSYARD
33 Enmore Road, Newtown (02) 8068 1473 hartsyard.com.au
“Do you love it already?” I hear Megan say at the next table. Later she coos: “it’s a guilty pleasure,” about another dish. I’m here for the cocktails (all $17.50), starting with an Enmore Collins, where Tanqueray Gin is gently underpinned with house made ginger syrup, lemon juice and fresh mint. Terrific. But after overhearing Megan’s excitement, I reckon I should eat. She’s right: the duck rillettes with peaches, foie gras and duck fat toast, are heavenly. So against all advice (that it’s a very large portion) I order more food: fried chicken, buttermilk biscuit, low country sausage gravy. Spicy. Crisp. Succulent. Superb. And with that I have to order beer: the Hartsyard Red Ale (bottled for Hartsyard by Rocks Brewing Co.) Hartsyard ticks all the boxes (with friendly, fun and attentive service.) I’m going back for dessert.
MEXICO FOOD & LIQUOR
17 Randle Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 7798 mexicofoodandliquor.com.au
One night, after many margaritas I thought I was Frida Kahlo. World traveller, now Mexico Food & Liquor waitress, Florence lent me her decorative headpiece to wear. Although tempted, I stopped short of pencilling on a mono-brow. On my second visit for a 1pm breakfast, I noticed liquid agave was served as the sweetener for my coffee. DIY guacamole – a whole avocado to mash, then add your own heat with salsa picante – helped start my day. I could have also had churros with cinnamon sugar and guajillo chilli chocolate, but I didn’t. Instead, I got my breakfast fruit in the form of watermelon margaritas (by the carafe – $20). Mexico is, first and foremost, a tequila bar after all. Warren Turnbull also provides an informative written story (history, production, types) of tequila at each table.
