Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 125

available until 11:30pm. It won the 2003 “Best Restaurant” Award from the
Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide.
In the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. & 02/9241 1999. Fax [phone]. enquiries@guillaume
atbennelong.com.au. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$35 (US$23). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sun
5:30-10:30pm; Fri noon-3pm. CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
EXPENSIVE
Botanic Gardens Restaurant MODERN AUSTRALIAN You couldn't ask
for a better walk to get to a restaurant than through the Royal Botanic Gardens,
next to the Sydney Opera House. Enjoying lunch on the wisteria-covered bal-
cony in the middle of Sydney's most beautiful park is a treat every visitor should
enjoy. Main courses include the very popular white sausage (boudin blanc) with
lentils and braised fennel. Try the perfect crème brûlée with underlying plum
purée for dessert (A$11.50/US$7.50).
In the Royal Botanic Gardens. & 02/9241 2419. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$22-A$28
(US$14-US$18). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-3pm. Bus or ferry: Circular Quay.
City Extra ITALIAN/AUSTRALIAN Because this place stays open 24 hours,
it's convenient if you get the munchies at a ridiculous hour. It's also nicely placed
right next to the Manly ferry terminal. The plastic chairs and tables placed out-
side make it a pleasant spot to while away an inexpensive meal. A range of pas-
tas are on offer as well as salads, pies, steaks, ribs, fish, and Asian-influenced
dishes. There's also a fat selection of desserts. The food is much nicer and a bet-
ter value next door at Rossini (see below).
Shop E4, Circular Quay. & 02/9241 1422. Reservations not accepted. Main courses A$13-A$26
(US$8.45-US$17). 10% surcharge midnight-6am, Sun, and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 24 hr.
CityRail, bus, or ferry: Circular Quay.
Sketches Bar and Bistro PASTA Sketches is a favorite with people on their
way to the Opera House and those who know a cheap meal when they taste one.
Here's how it works: After getting the barman's attention, point to one of three dif-
ferent sized plates stuck to the bar above your head—the small size is adequate if
you're an average eater, the medium plate is good for filling up after a hard day of
sightseeing (and no lunch), but I've yet to meet the person who can handle the
large serving with its accompanying bread, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Then,
with ticket in hand, head toward the chefs in white hats and place your order.
There are 12 pastas to choose from and several sauces, including carbonara, mari-
nara, pesto, vegetarian, and some unusual ones to dishearten pasta purists, such as
south Indian curry. Meals are cooked in front of you while you wait.

A Great Place for Picnic Grub
If you're looking for something to take with you on a harbor cruise or on
a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can't go wrong with Quay
Deli, E5 Alfred St. (next to the pharmacy under the Circular Quay CityRail
station, facing the road; & 02/9241 3571 ). Everything is fresh and tasty,
and there are all sorts of goodies, including gourmet sandwiches and
takeout foods such as olives, Greek dishes, pasta, salads, meat pies, and
the best English-style custard tarts around. Lunch items go for A$1.80 to
A$4.50 (US$1.25-US$3.15). It's open Monday through Friday from 5am to
6:45pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm. No credit cards.

Finds