Can there ever be too much of a good thing? I think not. I love excess. And today has been excessive! Well.... one cannot possibly come to Sydney and not attempt some sort of a lunatic record eating at gourmet heavens like Marque and Spice Temple. Getting to Marque involved a story - my cabbie dropped me off at the Salvation Army building and told me to find my way to what is considered THE place , not just in Sydney, but in all of Australia. The entrance is indeed discreet, as is the chef\owner Mark. But the food is extravagant and adventurous ( a beetroot macaroon with a foie gras filling!), and the place was spilling over at lunchtime - understandably so. Not quite Salvation Army, but....
Like most things Australian, there is nothing pretentious about the superlative and sophisticated cuisine that focuses on fresh local produce and is not afraid to innovate. I am determined to get Mark to Mumbai soon. I can see him making magic with Chef Hemant Oberoi.
I also wanted to kidnap Neil Perry who opened the Spice Temple earlier this year, and patrons haven't stop raving. I went there for a late night supper after watching a fascinating production of Sleeping Beauty at the Opera House, which is one of the most recognised buildings in the world. Why fascinating? The production was a lot like Australia itself - multicultural and innovative. A Japanese dancer as Sleeping Beauty and Banarasi brocade costumes against a set that looked Balinese!The hour was late, but the Spice Temple was packed and buzzed. I was delighted to interact with Baci Moore, the efficient manager who took me through the Spice Temple adventure and philosophy. A menu this inspired doesn't require words. What Perry has achieved is just so sublime, one just has to look heavenwards and thank the Lord for granting such pleasure. As for the unique cocktails, based on the Chinese astro signs ( lemon grass and rose petal soda with tanqueray and citrus falls under the Dragon ), I'll have to come back to Sydney to sample them. But then, any excuse will do to return all over again to a city I adore.