LBV ~ Le Bon Vivant

Confit Duck Leg, parsnip, cherries, pistachio

Less is more. The beautiful simplicity of a well-executed dish is too often undervalued, but the Chef who understands the beneficial strengths of restraint, is at the very top of their game. Chef Richard Ptacnik  at Otto showcases that philosophy, with dishes that deliver flavour and joy in abundance. His take on this timeless classic is both subtle and respectful, yet is delivered with distinctive texture and clarity. Less is more…

Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10.30pm

(02) 9368 7488

Website: http://ottoristorante.com.au/sydney/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ottoristorante

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottoristorante/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottoristorantesydney

See previous winners…

Melanda Park free range oven roasted suckling pig

Signature dishes are often thrust upon restaurants by the dining public, who simply make it impossible to remove it from the menu, as opposed to being immodestly self-appointed by the Chef. Sometimes, even despite its popularity, familiarity breeds a strange form of contempt through constant repetition, when far more innovative dishes sadly remain unloved on the menu. However, when quality suckling pig is lovingly oven roasted ‘old school’, with this level of intuitive precision, and such heavenly texture and flavour, you simply have to chalk one up for the power of the people, and be entirely thankful for their undying vigilance in ensuring others have the same opportunity to savour it as well!

“On the beach”, Moore Road, Freshwater

Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon

(02) 9938 3331

Website: http://www.pilu.com.au/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pilurestaurant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Piluatfreshwater/

See previous winners…

Pumpkin & mascarpone tortellini

The restaurant scene in Canberra does not get much hipper than eightysix. The next generation front of house and brigade have a distinct swagger about them, but significantly they walk the talk, delivering dishes as accomplished as this one. The textbook house-made tortellini is absolutely flawless, with a silky pumpkin filling that harmoniously sings with the moreish burnt butter sauce, and crispy sage. The mascarpone adds a lush element, that seals the deal.

cnr Elouera & Lonsdale Streets, Braddon (ACT)

Monday to Sunday 6pm to late, Friday 12 to 3pm

(02) 6161 8686

Website: http://eightysix.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eateightysix/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eightysix/480462502008403

See previous winners…

Pork belly, cuttlefish, sweet corn, kimchi butter & radish cress

The recent evolution of the culinary landscape in the ACT, owes much to its passionate local advocate, Chef Ben Willis, and his fine dining restaurant Aubergine. The standards set since 2008, have been of a consistency that very few have been able to maintain, and is one of the significant reasons why the legacy of this restaurant will continue to resonate for a substantial period of time. By way of example, this exceptional dish, epitomises the nuance of balance, sublime texture and innovative flavours, that clearly identified Aubergine as the best restaurant in this region. The techniques and produce that underpin this dish, are precisely why it remains a destination restaurant for lovers of fine food throughout the country.

18 Barker Street, Griffith (ACT)

Monday to Saturday from 6pm

(02) 6260 8666

Website: http://www.aubergine.com.au/

Twitter: @aubergineben

Instagram: @aubergineben

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auberginerestaurant

See previous winners…

Sesame Roasted Broccolini, Fried Summer Squash, Roasted Baby Onion, Dashi Braised Carrot, Buckwheat Custard, Sake Lees Vinegar Dressing

Chef Kerby Craig, who worked with Tetsuya Wakuda at Rozelle,  showcases his own take on contemporary Japanese cuisine at Ume. This impressive standout from the 7 course tasting menu ($96), is one of the most cohesive and memorable vegetarian dishes that I have had; a veritable master class of technique, texture, flavour, and balance. Apart from each element being executed with precision, the synergy between the elements was absolutely outstanding.

478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

Tuesday to Thursday 6pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 6 to 10.30pm, Saturday 12 to 2.30pm

(02) 9380 7333

Website: http://umerestaurant.com.au/

Twitter: @umerestaurant

Instagram: @umerestaurant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umerestaurant/

See previous winners…

That’s hot:

The question for 2016, and beyond. What is Australian Cuisine? (http://aussiecuisine.com.au/)

The stunning diversity and quality of plate ware being used.

Straight to the Source industry tours (http://www.tawnyabahr.com/tours/)

that’s not:

The inability of highly respected Chefs to exactly identify where they produce is sourced from!

Wonky tables. Surely, we have moved on from the bad old days, where nothing was checked before service.

The standard of radishes being served throughout Sydney restaurants at the moment.

Homemade orecchiette w Italian sausage & broccoli drizzled w EVOO

The simplicity and sheer joy of a dish made with both love and care is timeless. Da Vinci’s in Summer Hill is the quintessential friendly neighbourhood trattoria we all wished was just around the corner in our suburb to share with friends and family. The fact it may just serve the best gelato and pizza in Sydney and surrounds is something that I will revisit in more detail at another time, as this humble yet divine orecchiette dish deserves a special mention. Not one element needed to be tweaked, as each mouthful delivered the harmony and passion of a kitchen that is immensely proud of both its culture and tradition…

25 Lackey Street, Summer Hill

Monday to Friday 5pm to 9.30pm, Saturday to Sunday 11am to 3pm & 5pm to late

(02) 9716 9000

Website: http://www.davincispizzeria.com.au/pizza/

Instagram: @davincisitalianrestaurant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Da-Vincis-Ristorante-Pizzeria-Gelateria/307337916059745

See previous winners…

Restaurant of the year (also in 2014): Rockpool Est. 1989 

Best New Restaurant of the year: Raita Noda, Chef’s Kitchen

Regional Restaurant of the year: Restaurant Como

Exceptional Service Award: Amanda McDivitt, ONE6EIGHT

Chef of the year: Phil Wood, Rockpool Est. 1989  

Dish of the year: Ravioli w gruyere & porcini butter, Lumi

Producer of the year: County Valley (Dairy)

Sommelier of the year: Simon Curkovic, Marque

Wine List of the year: Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney

Caterer of the year: Doltone House

Cafe of the year: Code Black Coffee Roasters

Bar of the year: O Bar and Dining

Sustainability: Dragoncello

Best Young Chef: Hugh Allen, Vue de monde

Outstanding Legacy: Guy Grossi

See previous winners…

Crispy Skin (Burrawong Gaian) Duck

What culinary magic is possible on the plate when celebrated Chef Kylie Kwong collaborates with award-winning Mid-North Coast Burrawong Gaian poultry producers Beth and Hayden McMillan?

Chef Kylie Kwong with Beth & Hayden McMillan

The result is a spectacular signature dish of exquisite balance and harmony, spicing, textures, and flavours. The Humane Choice accredited  pasture raised duck is trimmed, covered with Szechuan pepper and salt, and left to marinate overnight. It is then steamed for one and a half hours, cooled, de-boned and then coated with plain flour, deep-fried until perfectly crispy, and finally left to rest.  What seals the deal is the spectacular citrus sauce that features sublime organic Davidson’s plums, consolidated with caramel (water and brown sugar), cassia bark, fish sauce and star anise.

Ultimately, a Chef’s primary job is to interpret, honour and showcase the integrity of the produce, and I am not sure I have seen a better example recently of that synergy than this…

Shop 1, 28 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Seven nights from 5.30pm (and from 12 noon to 9pm for lunch and dinner on Sundays)

(02) 9332 3300

Website: http://billykwong.com.au/

Twitter: @kwongkylie

Instagram: kylie_kwong

Producers: http://burrawonggaian.com/

See previous winners…

Squid ink spaghettini w chilli & orange

Owner Stuart Knox sensibly has never allowed Fix St James to be something it is not, which allows Chef Mark Archer to produce such simple, but immensely satisfying dishes like this divine squid ink pasta. The texture and silky mouth-feel, delivered with along with a stunning clarity of flavour, with just the faintest hint of a heat note from the chilli, balanced off nicely by the orange zest, completes a very more-ish dish that represents the DNA of this very popular restaurant.

The bonus of having a such a diverse and intriguing wine list, presented by such well-informed and passionate front of house, seals the deal as you relax and just watch the frenetic pace of the world pass you by…

111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Monday to Wednesday 12pm to 9pm, Thursday 12pm to 9.30pm, Friday 12 pm to 10pm, Saturday 5.30pm to 9pm

(02) 9232 2767

Website: http://www.fixstjames.com.au/

Twitter: @fixstjames

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White miso-glazed ruby tuna w robata-charred asparagus, Japanese turnips, lemon and quinoa

Some dishes read particularly well on a menu, then seduce the eye and senses, and this was one of them. Chef Darren Templeman and  Owner Michael Moore have made eating well a guiltless pleasure, as they continue to redefine the limitless possibilities and boundaries of healthy eating. This  was a fresh produce driven dish, that was a masterclass of balance, textures and flavour, from a kitchen that is fully delivering on its promise.

Level 47, Australia Square

264 George Street, Sydney

Monday to Sunday from 5.30pm to late, Friday from 12 noon

Bar & Tapas 7 nights from 5pm to late

(02) 9247 9777

Website: http://www.obardining.com.au

Twitter: @0bardining

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Braised pork jowl w lemon balm, caramelised parsnip & fennel salad

There are certain Chefs who can deliver the core flavour profile of  produce better than others, and Chef Leigh McDivitt is undoubtedly one of them. However, that clarity of flavour and layering of textures is underpinned by very sound technical skills that enable him to assemble a multitude of components on a plate with both cohesion and purpose. This simpler, but nonetheless extremely well executed dish, is an unapologetic homage to everything that is entirely joyous about food. The sublime richness of the fatty jowl and reduction, is intelligently cut across by the freshness of the lemon balm and fennel, leaving the diner in a state of sheer unadulterated bliss.

233 Darling Street, Balmain

Wednesday to Friday 6pm to midnight, Saturday to Sunday midday to midnight

(02) 9555 8750

Website: http://one6eight.info/

Twitter: @OneSixEightSy

Email: info@one6eight.com.au

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Quality local restaurants that risk pushing culinary boundaries are a rarity. Chef Leigh McDivitt (ex Three Weeds and The Morrison) originally dabbled in the CBD with One6eight, but decided to return to The Peninsula in the hope of reinvigorating the flagging dining scene on Darling Street. Legitimately, an independent restaurant without large backing to compromise its vision, it has both a soul and identity that is unmistakable. The striking plush red interior is as exuberant as partner Amanda McDivitt, who recently was deservedly recognised as a front-of- house professional of the year finalist by Gault&Millau.

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Cuttlefish “Ravioli”

What better way to showcase premium hand harvested sea urchin, than to slice impossibly thin sheets of fresh cuttlefish, to form a pristine sashimi take on ravioli. Garnished with luscious salmon pearls, black salt, yuzu zest and sesame, it is the very essence of divine culinary perfection, that dissolves like a stolen kiss. With only just eight seats, immensely talented Chef Raita Noda (ex Ocean Room) has the privilege of creating such masterpieces, literally in the moment…

Suite 1, 222 Riley Street, Surry Hills

Monday to Saturday 7pm to late

Reservations: (02) 8093 9807

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Occasionally a new product completely surprises. When WordstormPR offered me to try some samples, as a fairly traditional beer drinker, the concept of a strawberry flavoured beer challenged the perceptions of that comfort zone. However, I always judge a plate of food, or glass of wine on its merits, and beer should be evaluated on exactly the same basis. Zeven Lemon’s Strawberry Blonde has a refreshing, zesty, and well-balanced flavour profile, and that is the key behind its success. The brainchild of young self-taught brewer Leimin Duong, who left her job in the corporate job to explore her passion for beer, she began experimenting with blending natural fruit into beer.

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One of the fringe benefits of writing a food blog is not so much the invitations and opportunities that arise from it, but occasionally finding one  that similarly resonates with your identity. Bonne Maman, unapologetically French in its pitch and style, yet quirky enough to create a conserve using the unique qualities of a native Australian bush fruit, instantly appealed to me. Sourcing the Lilly Pilly in sufficient quantity and quality was one challenge, but finding the right balance to showcase it was another. Enter Jude Mayall, renowned Outback Chef, who was engaged to embrace the possibilities of this brave foray into incorporating local bush tucker into traditional French jam.

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Michael Moore is not only a very talented Chef, successful cookbook author, and impressive worldwide advocate for the dietary management of diabetes, but also is a very savvy restaurateur as well. The appointment of Darren Templeman (ex Restaurant Atelier) as Head Chef at O Bar and Dining, who previously worked in all the major London kitchens, under the legendary Chefs who forged modern cuisine as we know it, has reiterated his intention to relentlessly strive for excellence. In doing so, the standard perception surrounding revolving restaurants has been cast aside by some of the best executed and innovative cuisine in Sydney. The fact that it comes with a jaw dropping view is an added bonus, as the primary focus is absolutely where it should be; on the plate.

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In late 2009 when I launched this blog, I had no realisation of the generous opportunities that being involved with the hospitality industry would provide. My brief was simple, judge each dish on its merits, and critique accordingly. To have the honour of dining with The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masato Takaoka and his lovely wife Mrs Yoko Takaoka at their charming residence in Bellevue Hill, was far beyond any of the expectations I had all those years ago.

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The Schibello Caffé brand is bonded and forged through the meaning and values encapsulated in those three significant words. The Schinella and Sorbello families, richly steeped in the traditional joys of Italian heritage, combined their love and vast knowledge of coffee to form one single brand and destiny. To celebrate its first fifteen years, Schibello Caffé has launched its new Research and Development Roasting Laboratory in Rhodes. It comprehensively covers all aspects of coffee production, from the humble bean, right through to the cup. The depth of this commitment is only fully realised by a tour of this impressive facility.

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Chef and Owner Roy McVeigh at Dragoncello (ex Berowra Waters Inn, Bar H, Bathers Pavilion, Guillaume at Bennelong, Attica and Royal Mail) has spent  significant time at quality restaurants in senior positions to ensure his first solo venture is followed with keen interest. Located in a corner two storey terrace, the next stage of the plan is to move the dining room upstairs, replete with PDR. This would allow downstairs, with an edgy Melbourne Wine Bar feel, to be utilised as a bar.

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Whateley Lane in Newtown, a small yet  vibrant Italian style canteen from the passionate La Rosa brothers behind  the popular Gelatomassi, only just a heartbeat away, doesn’t get too tricky. The menu focusses on traditional flavour based dishes at incredible price points. The porchetta, heavily influenced by the Lazio region of Italy, raises that bar to more lofty heights. Cooked in a special convection rotisserie oven for a touch over four hours, the result is absolutely stunning. Rich sublime crackling, encasing a luscious rolled pork shoulder, seasoned to perfection, with herbaceous and smoky overtones, is an absolute joy to savour.

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Most of my readers would identify my blog with fine dining experiences, but in truth, I enjoy a damn good burger just like anyone else! Sydney and Melbourne over the last couple of years have pretty much hosted a version of “the burger games”, where competitors have tried to one up each other. Whilst, the outcome it is not going to change my world, the standard of the offerings given the price points has been fairly decent, and we all need to indulge in a guilty pleasure now and then.

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Yayoi, a modern take on a traditional Japanese Teishoku restaurant, and the initial Sydney venture from a very large empire throughout Asia, delivers far more than any clichéd franchise experience that others may offer. Refreshingly, the well presented food not only has sound technical foundation, but more importantly shows some soul, as does the classy but understated fit-out. The exceptional hand crafted ceramics by Morimitsu Hosokawa on display, no doubt also inspired some of the stunning plates being used, which showcase the cuisine beautifully.

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Rockpool (est. 1989), redefined the perception of Australian cuisine forever. It provided the confidence to leave behind our clichéd culinary baggage, push through the staid conventional boundaries, and to stand proudly behind Modern Australian cuisine in a global context. Chef Neil Perry forged the road to sustainability by embracing small artisan producers, with whom he shared the same commitment. The food had both style and substance, and the renowned service surrounding it was beyond just an ideal, it truly meant something to share it with diners. The success led to the dream of expansion becoming a reality, although never at the expense of core group philosophy.

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The following restaurants have agreed to provide up to six meals for Starlight Foundation affected families this Christmas:

Booth Street Bistro T: (02) 96606652 W: http://www.boothstbistro.com/

Charing Cross Hotel T: (02) 93893093 W: http://www.charingcrosshotel.com.au/

China Doll T: (02) 93806744 W: http://www.chinadoll.com.au/

Popolo T: (02) 93619941 W: http://www.popolo.com.au/

W: http://www.starlight.org.au/

Ippudo may have only brought their Ramen revolution to Sydney diners recently, but it was first established in Japan back in 1985, expanding to over eighty stores at last count. Since opening in New York in 2008, it has spread globally with stores now in Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, China and London. With the unbelievable response to the Westfield store in Sydney, a second outlet has now opened in Central Park.

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Eschalot, located in the charming Berrima Village (est 1831), which is home to some of the finest Colonial sandstone architecture in Australia, is the quintessential country restaurant that every Owner and Chef dream of being involved with. Originally known as Breen’s Commercial Hotel (circa 1869), the picturesque building has a long history of hospitality, retaining the majority of its original character, including separate dining rooms and fireplaces with elegant ambience. E2, an offshoot of the restaurant across the road catering for weddings, functions and conferences, is on the site formerly occupied by The Journeyman. Without impacting on the quality of Eschalot, E2 adds another aspect and sustainability to the business.

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Food reviewing is a very subjective medium at best, as every diner has a very unique palate, food style preference, service needs, and above all the right to decide on how best to spend their hard-earned dollars. So a food guide is exactly that, albeit based on a very well measured and researched compilation of assessments. What is incredibly important though, is that the diner always has a respected  and robust second opinion. That point of difference ensures that the standards which make  our restaurant experiences worthwhile are celebrated and vigilantly maintained, through the objectivity of a fresh perspective of the industry.

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Paddington Tea, fine tea merchants source their exceptional leaves from Sri Lanka, China, India and even locally in Australia. Their black tea range, which includes a superbly well-balanced and structured organic Earl Gray, also includes Organic English Breakfast, Lady Earl Gray and Darjeeling. The new Green Tea range includes Organic Jasmine Tea and Kashmiri Kahwa, along with extensive Herbal and Chai (Masala & Rooibos) options should that be more to your liking.

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The Brazilian Grill BAH BQ in Crows Nest won me over even before the first skewers appeared. Impeccably set tables, spotless glasses and cutlery reinforced that those fundamental standards are a fairly reliable barometer of the experience about to be delivered. Whilst not aspiring to be formal, looking after the small details ensures the bigger picture will take care of itself. Tucked away in a more parking friendly side street, the massive space is held together by some very smart interior designing, keeping the overall feel intimate. The vibe is upbeat, striking just the right balance, without descending into slap happy casual.

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Reinventing and realigning the direction of a restaurant and style of food is never easy and rarely meets expectations. Owner/Chef Milan Strbac at Sugarcane has achieved not only that, but also an exciting exploration and interpretation of South East Asian cuisine during that transition. The astutely lit and roughly exposed walls, playful murals, silk handbag ceiling, and shared benches highlight the overall mood of the revamp. This draws diners gently into the world of thoughtful Pan Asian fusion. The bustling open kitchen, and passing montage of Surry Hills, adds that street influence to some of dishes on the menu, delivering just the right touch of symbolism.

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Firstly, Rosso Pomodoro is unquestionably in the elite category of pizza makers in Sydney, and for that matter in Australia. So in 2011 when they added a truffle pizza to their menu, the food public and media instantly took notice. They currently move close to 150 per week, so the $40 price tag is not spooking either their regulars or newcomers, as clearly the quality delivers to that price point. The aroma of freshly harvested and spectacular local Tasmanian truffles, is totally enhanced by the sublime texture and earthy flavour of the truffle imparted through the eggs, which have been stored with those truffles to complete the overall sensory experience on the palate. Add the rich mouth feel of decadent speck with buffalo mozzarella, and you simply have the perfect pizza in my opinion. Trust me, try it once, and you will be back every year for more…

90-91, 24 Buchanan Street, Balmain (White Bay)

Tue-Sun 6-10pm

Reservations: (02) 95555924

Website: http://www.rossopomodoro.com.au/

Twitter: @rossopomodoroau

The Chinese banquet, a much-loved tradition in Australia, has been reinvigorated at Chefs Gallery. The point of difference offered here is both quality and service, delivered at an outrageous price (11 courses for $50 per head, including 2 drinks) for a minimum of only eight people. On special occasions like tonight’s event organised by Whiteworks PR, the Chef will conduct a tableside hands-on noodle master class ($69 per person/min 8), which can provide some interesting results. My piping of noodles was fairly miserable, though I got off lightly compared to some of the far more brave souls who took on the resident noodle master in all manner of kneading contortions. For the most part, whilst providing great entertainment, it inevitably ended in a spectacular and joyous defeat for the ‘away team’. Should one however prefer to watch, the long glass fronted dim sum kitchen provides a compulsive and ongoing noodle master class throughout service.

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An exceptional Massaman curry is like a welcome warm embrace on a cold night. Having tried this twice, the raw authenticity of the Chef’s background resonates throughout the dish. The stunning base flavour of the curry paste, balanced with  the perfect ratio of coconut milk, provides a lovely rich consistency,  with a haunting, but not overpowering heat note. Both the lamb ($14.50) and beef ($11.50) versions are executed equally well, and whilst in my opinion the strength of the menu is found within the Thai curries, do not let that deter you; as cooking a great curry is an art, and a thing of beauty always worth travelling for.

490 King Georges Road, Beverly Hills

Mon-Sun 11.30-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm

Reservations: (02) 95861586

Devonshire Street is one of the more eclectic food strips in Surry Hills, so opening The Devonshire had a certain element of risk associated with it, although a vibrant room on a fairly non-descript Tuesday night is evidence that Chef Jeremy Bentley has gone a long way to winning the locals over. Waving corkage on the Tuesday is a great initiative, and offering a three course Prix Fix Lunch menu on a Friday for $35pp is the type of goodwill that is repaid with return covers. Set in an intimate terrace, the use of a multitude of gilded mirrors by designer Victoria Waters to fill one length would normally be a stretch, but it undeniably works well here. The understated smart feel of the room fits like a glove with the overall intention of both the food and service.

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What do Katnook Estate, Aria Restaurant and Opera Australia have in common as they converge on the iconic Utzon room in The Sydney Opera House on October the 24th? How about a sense of style and place to start with, but most importantly all underpinned by a great deal of substance, which is truly evidenced by the clearly undeniable longevity of their respective achievements. The 2011 vintage and 30th release of Winemaker Wayne Stehbens Estate Cabernet Sauvignon marks the occasion, with ABC Classic FM’s Damien Beaumont hosting an exquisite night of matching wine, operetta and food.

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