[invite] Bianca: There’s a lot to like about the recently refurbished Q Dining at the Pullman Quay Grand. Hotel restaurants in Sydney are at the top of their game at the moment and Q Dining joins the ranks of some top quality offerings.
Hacienda perched one floor above Q Dining has been one of our favourite bars in Sydney since they opened and the quality of the food, fit-out and abience carries through in the hotel’s flagship restaurant.
Floor to ceiling windows showcases Sydney Harbour in its full glory, there are some rather unfortunate pillars in the way but not much can be done there.
Joining me was honoury FFS member Felicitations. And thus began our leisurely Saturday lunch at Q Dining.
Starting with some delicious Bread & Butter Project Olive Bread with Butter $2.
As well as a round of cocktails, The Passion Spritz $17 and Lychee Mojito $20 a little too easy to drink.
Lucky for me Felicity doesn’t eat seafood. And I happily devoured the Roasted Mooloolaba king prawns, chilli & nori butter $18. Slightly sweet, plump prawns, that easily pulled away from the shell. The chilli was mild but still enough to give a slight kick.
The Poached pears, lamb lettuce, blueberry, gorgonzola cream & candy beetroot crisps $23. I’m a little puzzled about the price and we both got a chuckle when the waitress explained that this was a vegetarian dish (for those expecting a big honking slab of lamb). The poached pears & gorgonzola smear were delicious but this was a little underwhelming.
You absolutely have to order the 52 degree King Island tenderloin, chestnut mushroom, cashew nut espuma, shallot & aniseed jus $52. One of the most tender pieces of steaks I’ve ever had. A perfect medium rare!
Mains were a real stand-out and giving the Tenderloin a strong run for its money. The Risotto lemon thyme, lime & langoustine & wildflowers $38. I had some reservations when I first ordered this dish but I’m very glad I did. I don’t order Risotto’s often but I’d happily return for this alone. The flavour was intense, strong citrus & parmesan notes. All tied together by the buttery Scampi.
And just for the sake of carbs, the Duck fat Kipfler potatoes, rosemary $10. We easily polished these off, delicious. 
Equally tasty were the Heirloom carrots, maple, buckwheat $10.
I pushed for one dessert but I caved to peer pressure. Do order the Textures of chocolate, feral plum, strawberry, eucalyptus oil & warm chocolate fudge $16. The standouts being the chocolate mousse and white chocolate. The fresh raspberry adding some tartness.
A little less impressive was the Almond milk pannacotta, green ant meringue, pumpkin caramel, ginger cake, wild fennel $16. A little too muted in flavour, the only real flavour coming from the intense ginger cake.
Bianca
*For Food’s Sake dined as guests of Q Dining.
OMG memories! I remember eating here back in my advertising days!