An evening with Asian flair at Mizz B’z
It’s 7pm on a Wednesday night and we’re the only ones in the restaurant. We’re not sure if the joke’s on us or if we’ve just found the best kept secret in Sydney. As we’re walking through the foyer, we leave the bright lights of St James centre behind and enter the dimly lit restaurant. We’re soon greeted by a friendly sommelier named Stano who shows us to a comfortable two seater table. Having opened in December of last year, Mizz B’z has been on our “list” and we were about to see whether the hype has been worth it.
Hospitality couple Stuart Page and his wife Bupba opened the new restaurant located in St James Centre in Sydney’s CBD. Heading up the kitchen is Executive Chef Masahiko Yomoda. Having worked at a number of Michelin Star venues in the past he brings a wealth of experience alongside Restaurant Manager Fabio Fontes.
Escape the intense buzz of outside and enjoy a dimly lit, relaxing atmosphere. The dark wooden furnishings complement the deep purple hue and the subdued lighting, making the atmosphere perfect for an intimate dinner setting. Reflecting the Western and Asian travels of Stuart and Bupba, expect a world of flavours at Mizz B’z
Yomoda has thoughtfully crafted an innovative and creative menu. Inspired by his Japanese heritage and background in classic French training, this menu serves a pan Asian infused dining experience. The food menu is sectioned into five different categories, including raw & smoked, shares, mains, starters and sides. Highlights include the miso cod with cucumber spaghetti ($38), slow cooked lamb shank with black garlic ($35), beef cheek with cauliflower puree ($37) and the pork belly with garlic mash ($30).
While we wait for our entrees, we delve into the cocktail list. Created by head bartender Adam Bruce, this menu offers a twist on everyone’s favourite poison, served with flair and style. My partner opts for a Geisha Juice ($19), made with Ketel One vodka, peach liqueur, Cointreau, peach bitters, and passionfruit. A refreshing cocktail, with a sour passionfruit trait. I decide to try The B’z Neez ($20), listed under their Speeding Things Up section of the drinks list. Made with Don Julio Blanco, Cointreau, raspberry puree, orgeat syrup and lime juice, this cocktail really hits the spot as a drink before dinner. With the salted rim complementing the tequila, this drink is more sour than sweet, without an overwhelming taste of tequila and lime.
After serving us a light amuse bouche, our two entrees arrive. Paired with two different white wines, we try the avocado plate ($21), served with crab, tapioca crisp and yuzu miso hollandaise, as well as the yamba bay prawns ($29) topped with green asparagus, chilli and lemon.
For mains, my partner orders the miso cod, whereas I order the slow cooked lamb shank. These two mains are a definite game changer. The meat is tender and satisfying, and Stano’s suggestion of a 2009 Shiraz really brings out the flavour in the lamb. We order a side of the house made sweet potato wedges with maple butter ($10) to compliment our sweet tooth. Rest assured, the portions of the mains are well sized, guaranteed to satisfy. Whilst overlooking a crowded Castlereagh Street, we finish our dinner with a chilled Black Hat Express cocktail and a rich chocolate and mascarpone mousse dessert ($17).
Mizz B’z is a unique and timeless experience. They’re not trying to follow any new fads or be too trendy. Instead, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, without any attitude or pretentiousness. The dishes and cocktails are created to perfection, with attention to flavour and presentation. The staff are helpful, promptly offering recommendations. Even though the restaurant is easy to find, we’re not completely sold on the location. The bright lights from the outer foyer of the St James centre along with the sliding doors towards a noisy Elizabeth Street is the only downfall to Mizz B’z. That being said, we’re still left wondering why we were lone diners that evening. We’re pretty sure word is going to spread quickly of this new restaurant, and cannot wait to come back for another great evening.
Mizz B’z
Shop 14, 111 Elizabeth Street, NSW 2000, Sydney
1300 649 929
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am – 10pm, Saturday and Sunday: Private Functions
http://www.mizzbz.com.au/
Cheers!