(As a celebration to my first post, I will blog about my great dining experience for my birthday last year)
Genre: French
After 4 hours of the harbour bridge climb, what more could you want other than a fantastic meal at one of Sydney’s top restaurants.
Situated on one of Sydney’s tallest buildings, Forty-One is an experience you’ll never forget. The marvellous views, romantic atmosphere… So let the experience begin! Up the elevator to Level 42 of Chifley Tower we went. As we step out of the elevator, we were greeted to an oriental-style garden and walkway. I felt like I had just stepped into a GRAND hotel! My first thoughts: Intimate, elegant and conservative.
Arriving early on a Saturday night, we were seated at a table a little far from the window. (Reminder: When booking, request for a table NEXT to the window) The view of Sydney at night was spectacular! At this height and with no other buildings to block the view, you really get to appreciate how beautiful our city is.
Back to the food… So we were seated and explained that they were offering 4 different menus. 3 were different types of degustation menus, and 1 traditional 3 course dinner meal. I opted for the 3 course dinner meal and he went big and chose the “Menu Degustation” meal (the tasting menu composed of Forty One’s signature dishes for a particular year).
» Dinner Menu
» Menu Degustation
And thus began the entourage of waiters and food. “Never before have I felt like a King, sitting on my throne.” he whispers. Service is worth paying for as it complements the food and everything else that goes around.
First, we were served with a starter, consisting of fresh oysters in a beetroot and (Bad memory…) as well as two small tarts. I ate both oysters as he had a bad experience with oysters previously and void never to eat them again! *shrugs* more for me! The oysters were simply devine! They were sucked up in the shotglass as quick as a shot! (Thought this was worth a HUGE mention)
As I only had 3 courses and he had 6, I was served a meal every second meal that he was served. I found this “helpful” as I was able to rest after munching on my food.
Pictures speak a thousand words…
“Our Yarra Rive white wine… great tasting wine with our meal!”
“Steamed Western Australian Yabbies & Angassi Oysters, Israeli Cous Cous Cooked Like A Risotto Nero”
“French-style Cream of Celery” - best soup I’ve ever tasted!
“Wild Barramundi Fillet Grilled With Spanish Onions & Sea Scallops, Parsley Crushed Dutch Cream Potatoes”
“Warm Dark Chocolate Fondante, White Chocolate And Coconut Gelato” - a chocolate craving satisfier!
Great evening topped off with a nice cup of tea and pastries! This dinner REALLY topped off a spectacular day!
Website: http://www.forty-one.com.au
Service: Very professional. Not the “in your face” type.
Food: Fresh, great french flavours with a slight touch of oriental flavours.
Overall: Highly recommended for those SPECIAL occasions as the price of the meal will explain it all!
And? Once again, don’t forget to visit the toilets. I think there is no other toilet with a better view of Sydney than the Forty One toilets.
Bills at Surry Hills is a definite recommended place for brekkie and brunch. They only sell organic foods (wherever possible), so it’s healthy and tastes YUMMMM!! A bit pricey (they charge an extra 10% surcharge on the weekends and public holidays) - but soooo worth it! Check out their website here: 
