Bar Fly

RED LILY
60 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst (02) 9698 4355 www.redlantern.com.au
One of the most interesting small spaces in Sydney right now is the bar that is tucked away behind TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Red Lantern on Riley. Like the Vietnamese restaurant out front, the Red Lily laneway bar serves Vietnamese beers (Bia Ha Noi and 333) and Asian inspired cocktails, such as Monkey Magic. Attention from Nick Syme and Bar Manager Alex Zaganelli is fixed on more than pleasing the patrons. Nick says the bar is “fun and not too serious” yet “the love of mixology” is still there. Just one example: juices for cocktails are squeezed fresh to order. Music is a mix of ‘60s and ‘70s funk breaks and Vietnamese. It screams Sydney here and now. To top it off there’s brilliant tasty Vietnamese street food just for the bar. The space fits about 25 and is sometimes closed for private functions.


TAPAVINO
6-8 Bulletin Place, Sydney (02) 9427 3221 www.tapavino.com.au
NEWS: Sherry is the new black and Tapavino owner Frank Dilernia is living his passion. While there’s an extensive offering of Spanish wines and tapas, there is something missing in a visit if it doesn’t include sherry. Tapavino’s opening list showcases 30 Jerez (sherry) by the glass – dry to sweet (Amontillado to Nectar Pedro Ximenez with vintages ’64 ’69 ’82 ’85) – and we hear there’s more to come. We averaged five per visit. Try this: the perfect marriage (making the whole even better than each individual part) with a Fino just has to be Pata Negra Iberico Jamon. Our recommendation: lay a jamon slice on your tongue and slowly let it melt. The same slow savouring is just right for your sherry.  More choices by the glass Blanco, Rosado, Tinto, Cava plus Sangria, Aperitivo (cocktails) and Eau De Vie complete the bullfighting ring.

CORNER BAR
632 Darling Street, Rozelle (02) 9810 7070
The Rozelle small bar has had a facelift, and with it a change in sleeping habits. Now, Corner Bar is even more of a night time hangout. The renovation has opened up the daytime café with a new long bar and high stools down one side of the place. Staff like the space are fun – though they won’t be wearing the roller skates – which are just for decoration. Drinking $14 cocktails is fun too. Overheard: Espresso Martini is the fave here with the girls. We preferred the ginger beer spiked Raspberry Moscow Mule. And, a neighbourhood night out is just right for drinking sangria – or there’s always beer, cider or wine by the glass. Food is hearty and filling – portions are big and more pub than elegant bar – but tasty.  If you’re not in the area it’s worth a trip: ‘Like.’

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