Ash St Cellar
The poached egg could have been warmed up slightly, or even at least served at room temperature, but even so, I happily pierce the runny yolk with a knife, allowing its sunny contents to mingle with perfectly crisp onion rings, greens and the creamy remoulade underneath.
We are at Ash St Cellar in the Ivy complex, and in the height of Summer, this is exactly the kind of place I want to visit, for a quick dinner before the early show we are about to see at the Angel Place Recital Hall.
Granted, this was not our first choice for dinner, but as the Ivy employee clad in formal shorts informed us, Sushi Choo was closed for the whole of January. While this was initially a disappointing bit of news (the website made no mention of this), it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because we ended up several hungry steps away, at Ash St Cellar.
It’s almost hard to believe you are in the heart of Sydney, sitting in that laneway, in this small and cosy place, with its fabulous wine list and tasty tapas-style dishes that hint at the refined and restrained touch of head chef Lauren Murdoch.
I love the clean, fresh flavours and unfussy presentation. Between the two of us, we manage four dishes, with complementary bread, which adds up to $100, including two glasses of wine. Even though we’re full, I’m sorely tempted by the tart of the day, proudly displayed on its very own marble pedestal. Maybe next time. Although, next time, I’m thinking the Ivy would really be complete if it had its very own dessert bar – something Sydney is lacking.
As for the show? Camille was frenetic, primal, visceral, humorous, breath-taking. Good food, great music? This is what Summer should be all about!
Tags: Ash St. Cellar, restaurant, Sydney
FFichiban said,
January 23, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
OOhh Ash St Cellar! I have been meaning to try this but it has been closed whenever I went to look for it. Thx for the recon, I must go soon ^^!
ilaria said,
January 23, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
I love Camille, i’ve seen her 3 times in london and she always manages to amaze me and her shows are just the most entertaining ones i’ve ever seen…
Navita said,
January 23, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
loved the poached egg
how hve u been Y?
kayce. said,
January 24, 2009 @ 2:10 am
i am such a dorky american… i was thinking “why is she saying ‘january’ and ‘summer’?” LMAO ~ what can i say? a lifetime of cold januarys has made me simple! =D great pics, as usual… i like unfussy food, too ~ simple, pretty, and delish: that’s what gets me excited! (that’s why i like your presentation so much, too… your products are amazing , but it’s never done in a pretentious way.)
🙂
grace said,
January 25, 2009 @ 1:00 am
as foods go, there simply isn’t much more beautiful than an egg yolk oozing over a bed of anything, am i right?
Zita said,
January 25, 2009 @ 3:35 am
Oooh.. I envy everything including the summer you have 🙂
Helen said,
January 25, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
yum yum altho’ a cold but runny poached egg is a little bizarre. food looks great though
the projectivist said,
January 26, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
nice one!
i like those rustic bowls they’ve used.
Eileen said,
January 27, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Salads with poached eggs… My favorite!
Lael said,
January 28, 2009 @ 3:02 am
That salad looks delicious! And thank you so much for introducing me to Camille. I’m listening to some of her music right now, and really like her. I love discovering new music.
Y said,
January 28, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
Navita : Hello! How was Tokyo? 🙂
kayce : Haha.. greetings, from the other side of the globe! 😉
Lael : Glad to hear! If you ever get a chance to see her live, do go! She is amazing – so personable and funny, and the consummate performer. Her shows and Cinematic Orchestra’s, have been great additions to the festival. My favourite live shows are usually ones that aren’t so much about hearing a louder version of the CD, but that add an extra layer to the experience and heighten your appreciation of what the band is about.
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella said,
January 28, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
I keep meaning to go to The Ivy complex but never have. Looks interesting! I’m dying to try Sushi Choo and Uccello too 🙂
LOL at formal shorts!
Vera said,
January 29, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Looks like you are having a wonderful time, Y 🙂
we are never full said,
February 7, 2009 @ 12:17 am
just hearing you talk about summer is making me shiver even more – it’s SOOOO cold in brooklyn, ny, summer is so far from my mind (but always on my mind). this place looks beautiful and that plate of anchovies is gorgeous.