traditional Italian meets innovative techniques

As some of you may know, I'm not normally one to book an Italian restaurant on my own accord - but after stumbling across this beauty on Instagram and also reading the SMH 2015 Good Food Guide, I decided this wasn't any normal Italian restaurant. I needed to find an excuse to go. Enter my husbands birthday!

Ormeggio at The Spit is the definition of intimate waterside dining. Opening in 2009, Executive Chef / Owner Alessandro Pavoni and Head Chef Victor Moya combine traditional Italian dishes with new, innovative techniques. Forming part of the Sydney Restaurant Group syndicate, Ormeggio at The Spit has always been a hatted restaurant and won various awards, however since 2013 has claimed two chefs hats.

We were lucky enough to be seated by restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos, and right on the wharf's edge where we could marvel at the sun-setting over the water. We ordered the 'Sunday Night Stress Less' five-course degustation. We decided not to get the matching wines, but ordered a glass of the sommeliers recommendation Collestafano Verddichio Di Matelica. It was $18 per glass, but in my opinion well worth it! Light, crisp and a perfect match for the degustation.

First up was the organic warm sourdough with homemade whipped ricotta. I literally could have eaten this the entire night. It was so flavoursome and more-ish, yet still light. The degustation consisted of Smoked Ocean Trout with fennel and squid ink; Tagliolini pasta with mascarpone, bottarga di pilu and lemon; Organic braised lamb shoulder with yoghurt, tomato, coriander and garem masala; Passionfruit sorbet with coconut meringue, lemongrass and mandarin; and the infamous Sponge carrot cake with fennel seed gelato, farro and vinegar caramel.

All the dishes were delicious and strong in flavour, but without being over-powering. The lamb and sorbet were definitely our top two dishes, and I'd go as far as saying the sorbet is one of the best desserts we've ever had! The flavours just complimented each other so well. Plus, how could you go wrong with passionfruit and coconut!? The degustation didn't leave you feeling full (as most degustations do), but didn't leave you feeling hungry either. The perfect amount - which meant that I could have finished off my entire serving of the sourdough!!!

First impressions last, and although the restaurant was a little tricky to find, we were well and truly impressed with the relaxed-but-refined atmosphere. The location of our table was definitely one of the best, and majority of the staff were Italian - which made the experience that much more authentic. Minimalist decor with top quality food, service and a view. Just what we were looking for!

Restaurant: Ormeggio at The Spit

Total Price (for 2ppl) : Food: $138, Beverages: $36

Hours: Lunch: Wed - Sun 12pm - 3pm; Dinner: Wed - Sat 6pm - 11pm, Sun 6pm-10pm

Must Order: Passionfruit Sorbet

a fresh concept to dining

For a bit of a change, my family decided to buy each other the 'progressive dining experience' at The InterContinental Sydney. It was exclusively on offer through Lime&Tonic during Sydney's Good Food Month and we, luckily, snapped up three vouchers. Hands down one of the best nights, experiences and Christmas presents we've ever had.

The culinary journey takes place in the stunning five star hotel, where Executive Chef Tamas Pamer takes us through his seasonal three-course menu in three different restaurants. Starting in the private room at the 'Cortile Lounge', we were greeted with a glass of Bimbadgen sparkling wine by the most incredible and friendly staff one would expect at such a venue. Our entree of Tasmanian Ocean Trout with baby summer vegetables, stone fruits, seaweed, pepe saya and buttermilk was well and truly beyond expectations. Incredibly fresh and very seasonal; the flavours, textures and presentation were second to none.

We took the heritage-listed elevator up to the second floor (we didn't really need to take the lift, but how could we say no!?) to our next venue 'One One Seven'. We were escorted to our private booth where our glass of Moppity Brothers At Large Shiraz was waiting for us. It didn't take long for the crowd-favourite to come out... Marble Score II Wagyu with shitake, black sesame cake, slow cooked short rib, darling mills' leaves and sunchoke. One word. Delectable.

We also had our peach jasmine sorbet palate cleanser here. Let me tell you... I have never in my life seen such a show-stopping, extravagant affair for such a meal. Dry ingredients + liquid hydrogen + sorbet + mortar & pestle = the most incredible palate cleanser EVER. The bar is well and truly raised...

We had to get buzzed up to the decadent 'Club InterContinental Lounge' located on level 33, where incomparable and absolutely breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour can be seen. From the astonishing view to the awe-inspiring dessert... we were literally lost for words. We had the Fairy floss, chestnut cream, cassis, shortbread, french meringue & vanilla chantilly delight, however I'll let the photos do the talking!

Such an extraordinary dining experience, and we will definitely be buying this experience should it be on again in 2015. And if it is, I highly recommend you buy as many vouchers as possible!

Restaurant: InterContinental Sydney
Total price: Approx. $600 (for 6ppl, including wine)
Hours: Various hours of operation for each restaurant. Please refer to their website
Must order: The entire experience! (but our favourite was the Marble Score II Wagyu)