Earlier this year, Rushcutters Bay's much-loved Acme closed its doors. Thankfully (for us), though, chef and co-owner Mitch Orr is heading back to another Sydney kitchen very soon.
In a couple of months, he's opening a restaurant in Bondi — dubbed Ciccia Bella — with Maurice Terzini and the Icebergs team. In the meantime, he's cooking up super-affordable snacks at the group's Surry Hills restaurant, The Dolphin.
From 5–7pm, Monday to Thursday until August 22, Orr will be whipping up tasty bites (and testing out dishes for the new restaurant) in the Wine Room — all for just $5–7 a pop. Initially, Orr was only meant to be sticking around until August 8, but, because Sydney really loves its Prince of Pasta, his residency was extended by another two weeks.
While the snacks will change weekly, this week's menu includes artichoke with smoked mayo ($5), salt and vinegar onion rings ($5), vitello bonito ($7) and pasta and beans ($7).
To pair with this, there'll be daily drink specials, too, including $5 glasses of prosecco, $7 wines and a $7 spritz.
When Orr's reign is over, the happy hour(s) will continue with a new menu and guest appearances from star chefs from around the country.
Delfino Aperitivo runs from Sunday–Thursday 5–7pm.
Images: Elise Hassey
Updated August 22