Encore + Core

IN THE PAST YEAR, I'VE BEEN INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE DINED IN THE BAR SECTION AT ENCORE IN SYDNEY. SADLY I'VE YET TO MAKE IT TO THE MAIN RESTAURANT FOR THEIR DEGUSTATION MEAL (I'D HAVE TO SELL A KIDNEY AS I'LL BE HONEST, IT IS NOT CHEAP). STILL, IN THE BAR AREA, WHICH IS WONDERFULLY MOODY, SUBTLY GLAM, AND ATMOSPHERIC, YOU CAN ENJOY SOME TASTING BITES/SNACKS WHICH COME FROM THE MAIN RESTAURANT'S MENU AND PAIR WHEN WITH SOME VERY MORSEISH COCKTAILS.

THEIR 'Apple 3' (30 Archie Rose single malt whiskey, LOBO apple brandy, cider caramel, granny smith apple, vanilla essence) IS A MUST, IF NOT JUST FOR THE WAY THE EXPERT BARMAN PRESENT IT TO YOU (I'LL NOT SPOIL THE SURPRISE).

I'M NOT A GIRLY GIRL, BUT I DID APPRECIATE THE BEAUTIFUL FEMININE TOUCHES IN ONCORE. OVERALL THESE SUBTLE TOUCHES REALLY MAKE ONCORE DIFFERENT AND ARTISTICALLY DETAILED. INCLUDING THE ARTFULLY STITCHED NAPKIN ON TOP OF WHICH SITS A TINY BUNCH OF WILDFLOWERS TIED TO A BRASS PIN, POSITIONED ON YOUR PLATE.

IN THE MEANTIME, FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T MAKE IT TO THIS STANDOUT RESTAURANT, CLARE SMYTH HAS PRODUCED A COOKBOOK WITH PHAIDON IN WHICH YOU CAN FAWN OVER THE STUNNINGLY AND PERFECTIONATELY PLATED DISHES/LITTLE WORKS OF ART. SEE LINK BELOW

ABOUT CLARE SMYTH (TAKEN FROM BOOK LINK BELOW)
Clare Smyth's food is of superlative elegance and redefines modern British cuisine. Through Core's dishes, Smyth shares stories of ingenuity, nostalgia and humour while at the same time showcasing outstanding produce from a collective of trusted suppliers, who like the team at Core, are dedicated and committed to excellence. This much-anticipated debut book includes 60 key recipes served at Core as well 70 other useful recipes for basics including stocks, sauces and breads, and tells the fascinating story of Smyth's journey and philosophy that led to her opening and running one of the finest restaurants in the world.

ALL BELOW PHOTOS © ENCORE RESTAURANT, SYDNEY