The complete man must work, study and wrestle. – Aristotle
We do these things not because we seek perfection but because our body makes such demands. We work to obey the mantra of “give me crispy, fatty, salty”.
I’m a keen researcher, studying the latest restaurant openings seeking out the best pizza or Pho. Sometimes a dish is so good I consider quitting my job to work as a dishy just to get the discounts. And wrestling? It’s with my waistline after eating one too many fried pig ears or a second serve of panna cotta from Osteria di Russo & Russo.
This humble gastronomer’s dream is hidden neatly on the main drag of Enmore, a discreet place one could easily walk past without knowing what they’ve missed.
The food here is big, not in size but in character. Old Italian dishes revitalised with modern Australian ingredients that come together so well I question whether head chef Jason Saxby may have dined with the devil at some point.
The entire experience of Russo & Russo is brilliant from the staff’s expansive wine knowledge to the chef coming to our table and shaving truffle over our lamb ragout fettuccine.
Listen to the staff they know what they are doing. Follow their lead and try the ‘chefs selection’ Let them choose your wine and sit back while a small team in an intimate restaurant proves that reasonably priced fine dining is Sydney’s future.
Osteria di Russo & Russo is the perfect reason to honour Aristotle’s knowing words. Work hard so we can afford to eat how we want, study so we know where to find the best lamb ragout and wrestle so that second serving of panna cotta feels a little less guilty.