Satisfying Mediterranean-inspired bistro supports a worthy cause.
Amid the hustle of inner-city Sydney, just south of Hyde Park, is a stylish, feel-good little haven. Song Kitchen, newly refurbed and rebranded, is happily open from breakfast time until well beyond the nightcap hour. Head chef Charlotte Gonzales – formerly of Fred’s, Felix, and Uccello – is French-trained and ready to feed you from a list of thoughtful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired classics. Fresh, tender pasta is crafted daily and matched with its perfect sauce – maybe a melting ragu, rich and slippery on golden ribbons of pappardelle, just right for those last icy weeks of winter. You can share small plates, or indulge. Appealing petite selections include crispy polenta fingers with chilli salt and quince purée, rabbit terrine with apricot and pistachio, and an excellent house-smoked duck salad.
Substantial offerings take the form of pot-roasted pippis with chilli and fennel, pan-fried snapper resting on caramelised mandarins and celeriac; another variation of duck – can’t go wrong – or that bistro icon, a fine Scotch fillet replete with perfectly salted shoestring fries, a succulent Béarnaise and, just as it should be, a rich red wine jus. Be sure to leave room for the lavender-infused crème brulée which is all you might imagine. Song Kitchen’s wine list is the work of the gifted Sophie Otton. Very pleasingly, fully half of its wine makers or estate owners are women. Song’s signature cocktail list is also inspired; just try the Mariachi Margarita muddled green chilli, lime, and agave with Espolon Blanco tequila.
As if Thursday nights don’t lend themselves naturally enough to a pre-weekend tipple, cocktails can be had for a tenner between 5 and 7. If that’s not enough to entice, get this – Song Kitchen is a social endeavour: 100 percent of profits fund domestic violence support through YWCA NSW. Now that’s something to sing about. songkitchen.com.au
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