ONE6EIGHT offer a gastronomic playground
There are lots of things that you could do in ten minutes. You could whip up a green smoothie, construct a pretty decent sandwich, cook pasta to al dente or order a cocktail on a Friday night… and probably still be waiting for it. Alternatively, you could jump in a cab from Sydney’s CBD and make your way to the tree-lined streets of Balmain. Ten minutes later you’ll be sitting down to a fine dining experience that rivals those at the big end of town.
At ONE6EIGHT, Chef Leigh McDivitt and his wife Amanda have created a local playground of gastronomy. All they ask is that you get on board and enjoy the ride.
Like many who indulge regularly and opt to give their liver a break (at least once a year), I am currently in the throes of Dry July. So I was immediately impressed when, in response to my confession of abstinence, Amanda didn’t blink an eyelid and offered me a mocktail with the finesse and thought of the real deal.
I didn’t let my month-long commitment impact my entrée choice though ordering Sydney Rock Oysters with Hendricks and cucumber granita ($4 each). Each oyster was served still in its naturally shucked juices, with the granita playing a refreshing, slightly sweet supporting role. I also managed to steal a bite of the multi-textured seared scallops with burnt apple puree, torched prawn and pork dust ($20) – it’s composition on the plate made for an awesome miniature game of hide and seek.
The fun increased as the mains arrived. The aromas of the hop smoked wagyu flap with grilled baby leeks and golden ale gel ($36) competed for attention. The meat will simply melt-in-your-mouth. Pan Seared Mulloway with confit cuttlefish and shellfish reduction ($35) was crispy and tender in all the right places.
One of the most difficult choices you will to make in the ONE6EIGHT gastronomic hub is answering this question: “Chef’s hand cut chips cooked in aged beef dripping ($12) or Truffle Mash ($10)?” Answer is, there is no loser here.
To bring it all together literally, physically and tastefully, ONE6EIGHT offers the Chef’s playground to share ($32). There’s crème anglais! There’s ginger snaps! There’s ice cream! There’s donut! There’s chocolate dirt! There’s sherbet! And the best part is dish is that the chef changes it all the time depending on what’s in season, fresh, and he’s mood. So you’ve got plenty of excuses to go back.
If all of this doesn’t sound magical enough, ONE6EIGHT offers a delightful Alice in Wonderland inspired High Tea every weekend. In less than 1 minute when can safely say this restaurant gets a 10/10 tick of approval from us.
233 Darling Street Balmain, NSW
(02) 9555 8750
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