Rockpool Bar and Grill - Sydney, NSW 18/08/10

Last week I gave Neil Perry's Spice Temple a go. And it was great. Tonight on my way home from work in search of food I decided to see if I could get a table at another Neil Perry establishment Rockpool Bar & Grill. And I managed to get one.

Let me start by saying the restaurant itself is beautiful. Set in foyer level of an 1930 Art Deco building there is marble and dark wood everywhere. It's like being a part of a great black and white movie. I didn't feel too out of place as a solo diner - there seemed to be lots of groups of "work dinners" going on - so I think they probably empathised. The staff were attentive without being nagging and my waitress was very forthcoming with suggestions of the house specialties and wines she'd recently tasted - neither of which were the most expensive on the menu as sometimes happens.
Four Tastes of the Sea

Tuna, scampi, salmon and kingfish - each with individual condiments.

Wagyu topside - with bearnaise sauce.

Kipfler potatoes sauteed with Wagyu fat and Rosemary.

The Steak and potatoes defeated me. I am ashamed to admit but I could not get through it. The steak was so tender and flavourful and the potatoes were crisp but I could not eat it all. This is why you need to go to these restaurants with friends - so they can pick up your slack.

Rockpool Bar and Grill - I will be back - there is so much more on your menu I want to try. And your big brother Rockpool - I will get there too!