S'more
Head here for some of the best steaks on Sydney's north shore.
Overview
In the most unlikely of suburban streets, S'more, hidden way up in Sydney's north shore, is a fun and laidback steakhouse with serious food and imagination to spare. The interior is kept to the bare minimum, with a few white curtains to give it that breezy suburban feel, while a large blackboard sets the tone for the evening with chef's specials galore. You may find the metal chairs a little stiff, but don't worry, as the smooth jazz soundtrack and easy Motown will have you mellowed out in no time. You don't have to dress up to come here, but you do have to book ahead, and when you book, be prepared to pay as there is a minimum for each diner.
Opened by "Big" Sam Young and his partner Grace Chen, they bring years of experience from Sydney institutions such as Mr Wong. Totti's and Queen Chow. They're offering begins with a Siberian caviar menu, which can be paired with a bottle of 2015 Dom Perignon for a hefty fee. Alternatively, you can begin the night with some rock oysters with fermented hot sauce and grilled scallop 'cafe de smore' butter. Be sure to order some shallot bread with miso butter to soak up the salted egg yolk with potato cake.
Small plates at S'more include soy honey butter sweet corn with sansho pepper and sweet and sour pork rib with aged vinegar caramel. Vinegar and caramel may be an unlikely pairing, but that's what these guys do best, pairing classics with fresh flavours, it brings a touch of sophistication to the otherwise casual vibe.
The hibachi grill is the star attraction here, however, and the 550g O'Connor dry-aged bone-in sirloin is an absolute winner. There is also a 900g MB9 wagyu bone-in ribeye and a 1kg Jack's Creek t-bone to keep you honest.
If steak isn't your thing, you're well looked after with romaine lettuce, yuzu ranch and shiso, a specialty lobster pasta and 150g Glacier51 toothfish with black bean and shimeji.
S'more's wine list is impressive with plenty of juicy whites and an impressive selection of bubbles including a 1964 Dom Perignon which will set you back quite a lot. The reds have a strong Australian lean with some Barossa classics like 1999 Rockford Basket Press shiraz on offer as well as a magnum of 1986 Penfolds Grange. By the glass, there are plenty on offer across all grapes. The spirit list is impressive, with all kinds of whisky, gin, tequila and everything else inbetween.
Images: Jiwon Kim
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