three words: man. eating. tiger.

I've got to say, I've never tried nor have I had the desire to try Bangladeshi cuisine. That was... until BANG Restaurant came along. Opening earlier this year, owner Nicholas Gurney and Bangladeshi-born Head Chef Tapos Singha (ex Est., Gowings Bar & Grill, Lucio's) have created a walk-in only bar in Surry Hills which uses local produce to recreate Bengali street food.

A little tricky to find (even though it's on the main street), but if you follow the red light it leads you to a 60-seat restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, loud music, exposed brick, open-plan kitchen and communal tables. With an all-Portuguese wine list and a portion of food takings going to Bangladesh relief aid, Gurney claims "the restaurant pays tribute to the energetic blend of art, intellect, passion and poverty, love and hate that line the streets of Bengal".

I came on a Friday night with three of my girlfriends. We got a table fairly easy, arriving around 6.30pm. We started the night with the insanely delicious cocktail called Man Eating Tiger - Rum, apple brandy, Bangali spice and lemon juice. Easily one of the best cocktails we've ever tasted. To say we had a few rounds before starting dinner is an understatement. We also ordered a couple of bottles of Beyra Branco.

We started our meal with the Dal Puri - Fried roti, spiced lentils. To me the roti was nice, but I absolutely hated the dipping sauce. Tasted like the smell of a mens urinal, needless to say I only dipped once. I need to note that this was my own experience, the other girls loved everything about this dish. Next up we had the Fuska - Spiced potato, coriander, green chilli, shaved egg, tamarind water, which had the perfect balance of puffiness to crispiness. We also had the Honey Roasted Paneer, eschallots and peas which was... nice. It's Bangladesh's response to haloumi, but for me that can never be replaced. Kind of tasted like a condensed (and tastier) version of tofu.

For the larger share dishes we ordered the BANG Routi Kebab - Hanger steak, paratha, daikon and watercress; Wagyu tri tip curry, chicory, satkora and the Lamb shoulder blade, okra, mint yoghurt, black salt. Each of these dishes come extremely highly recommended, however the crowd favourite was the kebab. We also ordered the side of Snake beans, sultana and almonds.

Being a sweet lover and trying a new cuisine for the first time, we ordered the Kulfi - white chocolate and hazelnut. This was nice, but I probably wouldn't order it again. It's not really a standout, and not on par with the rest of the dishes.

Provided I had no expectations I was absolutely blown away. The food was delicious and lived up to the street food niche. Incredible flavours, perfect serving size, great combination of textures (and not too oily - which is what I was expecting). The waitress we had was a little odd, but she got the orders right and was fairly prompt so I can't complain too much. And that cocktail!!! We ordered another for good measure, and to finish our dining experience on a high.

Restaurant: BANG Restaurant
Total price (for 4 ppl): Food: $163; Beverages: $250
Hours: Tue - Thu 6pm - 12am; Fri - Sat 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12am
Must order: BANG Routi Kebab; Man Eating Tiger

a slice of paradise

The highly anticipated renovation of Norths Bowlo reopened as The Greens mid-November 2014. I've been there three times now - for a cheeky evening drink two days after opening, a birthday party two weeks after and for a long lunch with some friends this past weekend. Each time proved why there is such a buzz surrounding it.

I learnt the first time that you can't venture to The Greens without ordering the food... so for lunch we ordered a selection from the menu: lamb neck cooked in pastry with smoked carrot, yoghurt & garden peas; twice cooked chicken breast with sweet corn, braised leeks & almonds; wagyu beef burger with American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, chips & smokey sauce. All meals were as expected - looking fabulous, cooked to perfection and very more-ish.

From the husband and wife duo - Nathan and Lily Fason (formerly Executive and Head Chef at The Grounds), to the incredible family-friendly indoor/outdoor space; the extensive cocktail menu and that view(!) - The Greens is quite possible my favourite local. A pity it isn't open for breakfast though...

Cafe: The Greens
Total price: Approx $100 (for 4ppl incl. drinks)
Hours of the kitchen: 12-3pm; 5.30-9.30pm
Must order: Twice cooked chicken breast + watermelon fizz
Coffee: Double Roasters

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)