A slice of NYC in Sydney
Sydney siders have been enjoying the New York style eats and drinks at Bowery Lane, a chic new CBD establishment, for a few months now. City workers have been particularly guarded with their local secret (I know, I am one of them)!
After one of the best launch parties this city has seen, the secret is now well and truly out. Bowery Lane is not only open for business, they want you, your hot date, your business partner, your colleague and even your awkward corporate guest to be swept away to the Big Apple in every sense.
Sight: Bowery Lane has been designed for your viewing pleasure. The exposed concrete, ceilings and brickwork form a suitably funky backdrop for black leather booths (there are not enough restaurants with booths in Sydney by the way), an impressively stocked bar and an open kitchen.
Sound: Just reading the menu sounds beautiful. San Danielle proscuitto, fresh fig, witlof, buffalo mozzarella, quinoa, walnuts and vincotto. Chargrilled lamb ribs, gremolata and rocket. Crunchy then soft Manchego croquettes with harissa aioli. Sample portions of these delights from Bowery Lane’s menu were among the extensive variety of dishes served at the launch party to the dulcet tones of a three-piece jazz band.
Touch: If taking a selfie in the vintage New York taxi was not the highlight of the evening the suckling pig and coleslaw rolls most definitely were. These rolls were substantial, taking up most of a grown-man’s hand, and filled with a perfect mix of crispy crackling, moist meat and fresh salad. The only way to eat one was by caressing it in your hands, letting a bit of sauce drip down your wrist and slowly bringing it to your NYC-baby face. I hope to see suckling pig as a permanent fixture on the menu in the future.
Smell: To clear out your nostrils, give Bowery Lane’s Penicillin cocktail a try. The combination of Monkey Shoulder scotch, honey ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice and an Islay whisky float will also clear your throat… so how come it tastes so good?
Taste: I would have sampled at least 10 different items on Bowery Lane’s menu and I am happy to say that their ‘fresh and local’ mantra prevails, just like the origins of its namesake thoroughfare in New York. But this does not come at the expense of exciting flavours, interesting textures and bold combinations. My pick to date is the seared scallops, wakame seaweed, king mushroom, garlic puree and jus-gras… but I can’t wait to go back for more.
Bowery Lane
Shop 1, Level 4,
1 O’Connell St, Sydney NSW