Sydney Good Food Guide 2007 Results

[The Chefs Office]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/good-living/200...7222070830.html

I find the comments at the end of this video especially entertaining (and true):

http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=21597

[Julian Teoh]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/good-living/200...7222070830.html

I find the comments at the end of this video especially entertaining (and true):

http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=21597

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Chefs Office - I can't run the video despite repeated attempts. Would you mind briefly summarising the comments?

I thought Balzac's demotion was a long-time coming, and I was glad that Astral at Star City finally got a hat. Sean Connolly's food is technically excellent, and being in a casino, on any given day, his menu features a foie gras dish (normally a terrine or pie) and caviar with the trimmings. It is unashamed fine dining, and wonderful fine dining it is too.

Vulcans - come on! How does Vulcans deserve a demotion? It is still a superlative experience. It's perverse decisions like this (amongst others which I will not mention, three-hatters) which cause me not to have too much regard at all for the GFG ratings when I choose meal venues. My comments above, especially re Astral, are more expressions of hope that the ratings will boost business for serially underrated restaurants.

Any feedback from Sydneysiders about the results?

[Ylee]

Julian : In the video, Alain Ducasse says (via the translator) that Rockpool should have gotten three hats. Quite a lot of people clapped to that statement. Apparently Neil Perry had already left by that stage though.

[The Chefs Office]

In the video, Alain Ducasse is on stage and says that he thinks Rockpool should have 3 hats.

For me this year as per most years I'm doing a lot of head scratching.

There are many one hatter's in there that well deserve the rating. But, IMHO considering some on the one hat list, there are some restaurants missing from the list all together that if put side by side against these one hats absolutely trounce them.

Anyway, not the end of the world. Each individual puts their own amount of faith/stock into these ratings. There are quite a few restaurants not included that are ticking along nicely, serving great food and being profitable, that's the important thing.

[episyd]

In the video, Alain Ducasse is on stage and says that he thinks Rockpool should have 3 hats.

For me this year as per most years I'm doing a lot of head scratching.

There are many one hatter's in there that well deserve the rating. But, IMHO considering some on the one hat list, there are some restaurants missing from the list all together that if put side by side against these one hats absolutely trounce them.

Anyway, not the end of the world. Each individual puts their own amount of faith/stock into these ratings. There are quite a few restaurants not included that are ticking along nicely, serving great food and being profitable, that's the important thing.

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As a Sydneysider with a limited ability to go out interesting restaurants too often (kids, mortgage etc.) I would be interested in the names of some of the other restaurants that you believe produce food and a restaurant environment of a one hat standard at least.

Earlier this year we had a great meal at the Forbes and Burton you mentioned prior to it gaining a hat. So much appreciate you advice.

Cheers

paul

[The Chefs Office]

In the video, Alain Ducasse is on stage and says that he thinks Rockpool should have 3 hats.

For me this year as per most years I'm doing a lot of head scratching.

There are many one hatter's in there that well deserve the rating. But, IMHO considering some on the one hat list, there are some restaurants missing from the list all together that if put side by side against these one hats absolutely trounce them.

Anyway, not the end of the world. Each individual puts their own amount of faith/stock into these ratings. There are quite a few restaurants not included that are ticking along nicely, serving great food and being profitable, that's the important thing.

←

As a Sydneysider with a limited ability to go out interesting restaurants too often (kids, mortgage etc.) I would be interested in the names of some of the other restaurants that you believe produce food and a restaurant environment of a one hat standard at least.

Earlier this year we had a great meal at the Forbes and Burton you mentioned prior to it gaining a hat. So much appreciate you advice.

Cheers

paul

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For a special night, try Altitude at the Shangri La. Not cheap and leave the kids at home.

Will advise of some more as they come to mind.

[Julian Teoh]

At this point, I might give a useful plug to Entertainment Books. They provide great discounts to lots of top restaurants (as well as more casual restaurants and many non-food-related activities) such as Bilsons, Astral, Omega, Bathers, Forty One, Coast, Altitude and Harbour Kitchen. Discounts are normally around $40 to $50, which is a significant saving on a meal for two which may cost around $200. Priced at only 60 bucks, you can get your money back by just using the book twice. Suffice to say it makes your dining dollar go a lot further.

And it's all for a good cause; $12 from each purchase goes straight to the charity selling them; you can always pick up a copy at the Cancer Council shop in the City. But don't let charitable generosity deter you; it's always easier to act in one's selfish interests!

[cookaburra]

At this point, I might give a useful plug to Entertainment Books.  They provide great discounts to lots of top restaurants (as well as more casual restaurants and many non-food-related activities) such as Bilsons, Astral, Omega, Bathers, Forty One, Coast, Altitude and Harbour Kitchen.  Discounts are normally around $40 to $50, which is a significant saving on a meal for two which may cost around $200.  Priced at only 60 bucks, you can get your money back by just using the book twice.  Suffice to say it makes your dining dollar go a lot further.

And it's all for a good cause; $12 from each purchase goes straight to the charity selling them; you can always pick up a copy at the Cancer Council shop in the City.  But don't let charitable generosity deter you; it's always easier to act in one's selfish interests!

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I buy the Entertainment book every year.I use it all the time.I also bought it when I holiday'd in San Fransisco and British Columbia.Great value once again and a good guide to a city's eating houses