Pony, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia

Pony seems to be all about location and design - they have 3 Australian locations, and we were lucky enough to visit the Rocks establishment. Nestled in the historic cove of Sydney harbour, you can't find a much better place to take out-of-towners for a great meal. The restaurant is surrounded by souvenir shops (you need to walk through the mall to get to the Ladies, so as you step out of the cool tones of the Pony bar area into the fluorescent space of the mall, surrounded by ugg boots, didgeridoos, and opals, you get a sudden reminder of where you are! The ambiance is starkly contrasting on the trip to the loo!) ~ but despite all this, Pony manages to channel historic Australia, modern dining, and a touch of horse all at once.  

The drinks menu is inviting and unique - we all enjoyed cocktails as we settled in for another big night of eating! My Husbands Sister and her Fiance were meeting us there, having traveled up from Melbourne ~ Pony was recommended to them by some foodie friends, and we figured that if a Melbournite was willing to recommend a Sydney restaurant, then it must be good! (Read: wounded pride). We weren't disappointed, albeit a tad underwhelmed.

Our starers were flavoursome and fresh, and for a main - can you believe it? CARROTS! This was my 2nd veggie meal out in Sydney, and s strangely enough, it was the second carrot meal I'd had. Was this a trend? Is someone making a joke about vegetarians being carrot-munchers? I'm sure it's not an organized conspiracy, but quite an uncanny coincidence. Perhaps the carrot is making a comeback ~ it hasn't been seen outside of the dip platter since the 1970's, and a return to the center stage is well-deserved. However as this was my 2nd carrot-themed meal, I could only compare it to the other at Bentley the night before. Sorry to say Bentley's carrots whipped those of Pony (see salad above).

Desert is always a pleasure ~ what can I say?

The service was smooth and discreet, and our waitress was consistently there with us. We sat on a long dining table for 6 in the middle of the gun-barrel room, with the Pony-hide covered bar, housing an  open air stainless steel kitchen at one end. The exposed brickwork and warm lighting suit the feel of the Rocks perfectly, while bringing a modern, if not industrial feel to the place. The decore of the establishment is definitely it's defining feature.

I can't put my finger on why I was underwhelmed - perhaps the Pony hides might have given me a hint that vegetarian food wasn't their forte? Ha ha! Well - the food was fresh and very nice - we're in Australia, so you can't complain about freshness and quality here! But it was missing some kind of oumph that only a veggie food-star can notice. I will go again - we had fun! But not my top. . . 

Address: 15 Argyle Street,The Rocks NSW

PH: (02)9252 7797

Web: http://www.ponydining.com.au/pony_the_rocks.htm 

Original Sin, Singapore

It's not fine dining, but it's certainly vegetarian, and a great night out (depending on who you're with!).

I'm studying with INSEAD in Singapore at the moment, and during each visit I get the opportunity to eat out with my fellow students. On this occasion I chose the restaurant from a short list of options ~ since even the local Singaporean meat-eaters were rating Original Sin, I had no hesitation in signing my study group up for dinner here!

Original Sin is situated on a leafy row of restaurants in terrace houses -  the precinct has a local warmth about it, but obviously frequented by the international set within Singapore. Italian, French and other restaurants are lined up, with open-air terrace seating all along the quiet street. The area is a-buzz with friendly chatter and bird life, and the Singapore heat hangs in the air.

Original Sin is 100% vegetarian. You can't go wrong with any option, however I particularly enjoyed my meal which was a quinoa and mushroom pattie with plum sauce. The menu options were inventive and filling, and each has an Asian flair.

The service is fine and I found the alcohol expensive (actually - this applies to all of Singapore! Minus duty-free!!) and the decore is dominated by the pleasure of sitting outside in the warm evening air. I'll happily eat here again ~ I like the ethos and the imagination that has gone into each meal. 'Vegetarian food' screams out as their catch-phase, rather than a pleasant, subtle surprise - which is fine! I think plenty of meat-eaters will be happy to eat here - it's filling and flavoursome. It's not trying to be fine-dining so I wont benchmark it as such. Please enjoy!


Address: Blk 43 #01-62 Jalan Merah Saga Holland Village, Chip Bee Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65.6475 5605
Web: http://originalsin.com.sg/

Bentley, Sydney, Australia

Having grown up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, I always enjoy visiting! Sydney has been getting a reputation for snobbery lately, and definitely there are more places to 'be seen' now then there used to be (according to my memory!) however it's true to say that the quality, genuine design, and unique eating experiences to be found there are world class.

So after driving in circles for a long time (parking in Surry Hills is even more scarce now than it used to be) and then walking in stilettos for 20 minutes, we finally found our place at the table at The Bentley. It was worth it to find this little gem of a dining room. 

We sat at a large round dining table that felt like it was in someones home, or at least a meeting place for good friends - the restaurant was busy and full, but cosey and dim as well, with lots of warm wood tones. The bar and restaurant are distinct, but merge into each other effortlessly. The room has a mix of bar and brasserie feel, with a distinct Australian post-war flair. To me this means simplicity, something about the paint, and a distinct use of glass. It also means hallways and sitting rooms. I can't pinpoint the decorations - it just felt SO SYDNEY. I loved being back there.

The Bentley has a vegetarian tasting menu which looked amazing - this menu was one of the reasons my friend had booked. Amongst her chef friends they suggested it was one of the best veggie upper-end dining experiences in Sydney, so we were eager to enjoy! However as we were a table of 5 people and only 3 wanted the veggie tasting, we weren't able to take advantage and support the initiative (the whole table needs to order it so that the meals come our in unison - fair enough), but we still got to enjoy some of the delicacies!

In all my years as a vegetarian, carrot has usually been served as a side dish to some other main event. So I was so surprised and delighted to have a main meal paying homage to this every-day vegetable. The grains were a welcome support act to the caramelised, salty carrots. We had a side of chickpea fries which filled us up nicely too.

You wont feel like you're being processed through your dinner here, or rushed along in favour of bigger drinkers. Despite being disjointed to miss the tasting menu, we got the chance to enjoy a great meal where veggies were well respected and not treated as a begrudging after-thought on the menu. Desert was particularly good, but Bentley deserves cudos for the imagination they have brought to the veggie movement. The service is warm and assertive, but not over the top. I'll come again!

Address: 320 Crown St, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Ph: +02 9332 2344
Web: www.thebentley.com.au

Flutes at the Fort, Singapore

Sometimes when I visit Singapore I'm left wanting for more eating options. There are plenty of great street eateries, but when I want something special I only have a hand full of ideas. Then I found Flutes at the Fort!

In an old colonial bungalow on Fort Canning, Flutes is the most uniquely Singaporean experience I've had. We started with drinks on the balcony, watching fruit bats speed in an out of the leafy canopy above us. A warm Singaporean breeze moved past us before the mandatory dusk rain started to pour down on us. We made our way indoors, weaving in and out of the white linen tables. You can easily imagine Futes as someones home - the rooms seem to have been opened up but largely kept in place, giving the dining room a private and personal feel. Several people commented on the unique artwork - it's obvious that someone has put a lot of thought into decorating this beautiful venue.

As a main I had risotto and for desert a chocolate tart. Beautiful salads and breads seemed to be continuously coming and going from the table. We were there are part of a large party (30+ people) and I was impressed that the veggies amongst us were so well-fed (usually function vegetarian is an after-thought!). I'll definitely be going back on my next Singapore trip! Flutes suits a romantic dinner for 2 or even a small to medium sized work event. Finally I've found the soul in Singapore.

Address: Fort Canning Park, Entrance through the Singapore Philatelic Museum’s carpark at 23B Coleman Street, Singapore
Tel: 6338 8770
Web: http://www.flutes.com.sg/

The Principal, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

This is my second visit to The Principal ~ when my best friend visited Hong Kong I took the opportunity to take her to our favourite Star street eatery. When I made the reservation I was told that their license has changed, and they no longer serve alcohol. Hugh? But OK - you can BYO. So off we went with a nice bottle of champers and an even nicer red ~ ready for a great evening!

We were warmly greeted and took our table in a booth. The menus have been revamped to a nice size, with a tasting menu and a la carte. We ordered two course and settled in for a great evening catching up.

I took a beetroot salad to start and a rice dish for the main. The presentation was sparce and delicate, with beautiful herbs and unique shaping. The beetroot dish was a little bland, and the rice was nice, but easily made at home. I had the feeling it was all presentation and imagination, but lacking a little oumph in the taste department.

We moved on to cheese and deserts which were interesting and very flavoursome. Again, the presentation on the plate was the stand out, however there were some very interesting ingredients and inspired combinations of tastes. The waitresses were very pleasant, but by this stage we were sensing a strange, manufactured vibe from the head waiter. That's OK - we were enjoying our own company!

In short, something at The Principal has changed. Despite the lack of alcohol license, the air feels different. I notice the maitre d from last time seems to not be on the scene anymore? It's still a very nice night out, if you choose the right company, however perhaps not as special as it once was.

Address: 9 Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2563 3444 - TEL
Web: http://www.theprincipal.com.hk/

Domani, Hong Kong

For me, a trip to the accountant means a good excuse to eat at the restaurant downstairs from his office ~ Domani!

Domani's high sculpted ceilings and beautiful heavy doorway set the scene for Italian sophistication. The venue offers a sleek but small bar area as you enter, a formal dining room on a raised level, and a leafy terrace for outdoor meals when the weather permits. The whole venue is encased in glass, and the white flow of the timber curves give a sense of motion throughout. Usually I enjoy a pizza and a glass of wine at the bar, but this time we went for the full restaurant experience.

The waitstaff at Domani are very attentive, and you certainly feel like a VIP as you settle in to your table. The complimentary prosecco doesn't hurt either. However we surveyed the menu and quickly realised that the vegetarian options were few and far between. The host joined us at the table and asked if we had questions, so we took the opportunity to ask after the vegetables. He is blonde and charming and very Italian, and it seemed he could not help but express a grimace at our question: "Oh I'm afraid that halves our menu!". I thought: "only halves the menu?!" We could tell we were limiting the list of which he was very proud (sorry!) but he graciously proceeded to help us by listing all of the beautiful fish dishes on offer. . . without meat in them of course.

In the end, we had two delicious courses, however in summary it seemed like two dishes of very beautiful mozzarella and tomatoes in various forms. The creamy cheeses were delicate and sumptuous, and juxtaposed the tomatoes nicely. However it's fair to say I'd had enough of both themes by the end of the meal.  

Desert, as it often is, was the standout of the evening. Mixed fruits and sorbets in a cage of toffee. It was inventive and sumptuous, and we enjoyed each last bight.

Overall, Domani is a wonderful experience for the senses, and an accessible fine dining establishment. The waiters were friendly and brought several additional offerings to make our evening flow effortlessly. The setting is modern and unique, and the menu is fresh. Unfortunately the vegetarian menu is very limited for dinner, which is unusual for an Italian restaurant. We will happily go to Domani again, but bar pizza it is for me next time! 

Address: Level 4, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
PHONE: +852 2111-1197    
Web:http://www.domani.hk/#/venue/

Mr. Willis, Shanghai, China

Whenever people ask me: 'do you miss Shanghai?' I can honestly respond that I miss the food! Perhaps because it's familiar. Perhaps because it's inventive. Perhaps because there are so many Australian chefs and restauranteurs in Shanghai so I'm inclined towards their style. Whatever it is, I always enjoy the options Shanghai has to offer.

I should be honest here though - it's the 'western' restaurants I miss. I can quite happily eat hot pot or a shared meal at a lazy susan, and Chinese food does offer an incredible variety of vegetables! But there's something in my genes that inclines me towards European / North American / Antipodean fare. . . Shanghai does those genres so surprisingly well.  I keep my eye on SmartShanghai.com for ideas - there's always something new popping up!

I was back in Shanghai for work last week, and took the chance to catch up with some good friends. When I first moved to Shanghai there was the odd Wagas here and there, offering reliable breakfast, lunch and dinner to the expat community (on the occasions that they weren't eating at Element Fresh!). Both places are still just so reliable, reasonable, and available - no matter where you are in the city, you're probably either within walking distance or 20 minutes delivery of a fruit smoothy and a hummus dip, wrap or pasta. Don't cast nasturtiums about missing the 'china experience', eating at noodle joints and street stalls every day - sometimes you just need a sandwich! Enter: Wagas Group.

Following the great success of the Wagas cafes, the group branched out into the indispensable Baker & Spice bakeries (Oh how I miss the fruit rolls! When are they coming to Hong Kong!?!) before taking themselves another step into Anfu Lu with La Strada (pizza!) Mi Thai and Mr Willis. They must be 2+ years old now, and still looking good. It was to Mr Willis that my friends and I headed for our reunion. 

Mr Willis is at the top of a beautiful wooden staircase. As you step in, you're greeted by a huge vase of lilies and the dim hull of the dining room. The beams overhead give the room a wide line, which is softened by the wood tones, leather booths, and open kitchen. We took a table for four in the center of the room and ordered our drinks. It had been a hot day in Shanghai, and it didn't take long for us all to start sweltering in our seats. The light above our table seemed like a spotlight, and we all felt the heat radiating. No Hong Kong style refrigerator air con here!

We started with a salad and a cheese souffle with walnuts. The souffle was eggy, rich and creamy - the flavour was delicious, but I was glad we were sharing it amongst the four of us. For the next course I ordered artichoke and chickpea risotto, while my friends all had fish. When my risotto arrived in it's clay pot and the lid came off, the first thing I thought was 'it needs some colour, and it's watery'. When I write that sentence in front of me, I realise I sound like spoiled brat, but I suppose we have first instincts for a reason. I tucked in, and found it was enjoyable, with the most flavour coming from the artichokes, but in general it was pretty bland. Perhaps some sun dried tomatoes or a flavoursome mushroom? I went to reach for the salt but had second thoughts. I don't salt my food! So I finished half of my risotto (it's a big portion - good for sharing?) and happily enjoyed the rest of my evening with good friends.

I learned on this night that I really do have more capacity for food than most - I was game for dessert but my friends were full, so I can't comment on the sweets! Next time.

The service was good - simple and smooth for a mid-range restaurant. We were well-watered and the meals came at a good pace. Overall I can't complain about Mr Willis although the veggie options are few and limited on taste. Shanghai still holds my heart when it comes to food, and this place is nice, but the quest continues on my next trip back!

Address:3/F, 195 Anfu Lu, Shanghai / 安福路195号3楼

Phone: 5404-0200

Web: http://www.mrwillis.com.cn/