One6Eight

Husband and wife team, Leigh and Amanda McDivitt, turn their talents to weekend high tea, nestled inside the rich red womb of their Balmain fine diner. And, despite him being the chef, this time I’m declaring the match in favour of his talented and vivacious Missus. Well, with the possible exception of Leigh’s clever vongole popcorn served on squid ink and tapioca crisps. It’s just one of the top shelf options sure to delight your male dining companion on these please-all High Tea ($50/head) platters. And yes, I feel confident recommending you bring your bloke for a more casual, everyday version of an event that’s usually the domain of frocks and high heels. While chef has banished the ubiquitous crusts-off cucumber sandwiches in favour of savoury items like compressed confit chicken wings, you can re-add the cucumber with Cool As ($18), a daytime-friendly tequila, Cointreau and chilli concoction. On the ground floor of your slightly risqué platter, Amanda entices you with hot cinnamon doughnuts filled with Seville orange and Cointreau crème patisserie. The boozy long lunch theme continues into Sailor Jerry’s and apricot marshmallows, which may result in sticky fingers.  The shining star of the platter is a verrine of sherbet-like lemon and yuzu parfait – perfect against an equally airy Raspberry Sorbet Bellini ($17).

One6Eight
233 Darling Street Balmain
Ph: (02) 9555 8750 one6eight.info
High Tea, Cocktails $$$