Overview
The French are often hailed as the best lovers in the world; they gave us the French kiss and French lingerie, after all. But you don't need to schlep all the way to the City of Love to enjoy a romantic evening, Sydney can turn on the charm just as well. With help from our friends at the Sydney Opera House, we've crafted a French-inspired date night itinerary that'll make even that loved-up skunk Pepé Le Pew jealous. From a harbourside Champagne pop-up to heart-racing cabaret, your cheri will be beaucoup impressed. So, buckle up, les amoureux, you're in for one helluva hot and steamy night.
TUCK INTO AUTHENTIC FRENCH PASTRY
Kick off your lovey-dovey date by treating your partner to a decadent French pastry at hidden gem La Renaissance in The Rocks. Follow the buttery scent up Argyle Street and into the patisserie's leafy courtyard — here, you'll find all manner of authentic treats, from perfect croissants and pains au chocolat to quiche and baguette sandwiches. Co-owned and headed up by French-trained, award-winning pastry chef Jean-Michel Raynaud, La Ren has been dishing out its superb pastry since 1974 and is not only the first patisserie in Australia to be invited to join the prestigious Relais Desserts — an international association recognising top pastry chefs — but also the first in the Southern Hemisphere. So you know you and your stomachs are in good hands.
BROWSE SOME FAMOUS FRENCH ART
Another thing the French do well? Paint. All of their passion and energy truly comes alive on canvas; so, grab your lover's hand and take a wander through the Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Here, you can get up close and personal with some true French masters, including Monet, Matisse, Cezanne and Gauguin. Taking a minute to marvel celebrated works with your special person will bring you closer together and give you some cultural fodder to discuss over a drink after.
FIND THE GREEN FAIRY WITH AN ABSINTHE COCKTAIL
By now, you may be craving a spot to cuddle up with your partner and speak in hushed tones à la français. We also know that some like it hot, so we've found just the place. Make tracks to petit-yet-punchy cocktail bar Eau de Vie for a flamin' cocktail — not like Alf Stewart flamin' but, like, literally flaming. The Elysee Montmartre — named after a historic French theatre which tragically burnt down in 2011 (but was thankfully restored in 2016) — is a raging hot cocktail complete with a flaming ball of absinthe. This little humdinger is sure to ignite your evening and set you up for a ménage à trois: you, cheri and the green fairy.
ENJOY A SUMPTUOUS FRENCH FEAST AT HUBERT
After that heated moment, you're probably feeling a little more than peckish. Head to famed French brasserie Hubert for a bite to eat in decadent post-war Paris surrounds. Here, the Champagne flows thick and fast, jazz rolls through the air and classic French fare takes centre stage. Really, your meal can be as low-key or extravagant as you'd like. You can keep things casual with a couple of small share plates like duck parfait and escargot; or up the ante with caviar and oysters mignonette followed by a full-blown feast of beef tartare and chicken fricassé. Whatever you decide, be sure to save room for the silky-smooth crème caramel — one each to avoid a lover's quarrel.
GRAB A DRINK AT THE BLANC DE BLANC POP-UP BAR
Before you settle in for the saucy sensation that is Blanc de Blanc Encore at the Opera House, take in those iconic harbour views while sipping Champagne or gin cocktails (or both) at the show's Blanc Bar, popping up till Monday, February 4. Should you still be hungry after Hubert (or if you've decided to just head straight for the water), the French-inspired menu also features nibbles that pair with the beverages on offer. Think ocean trout with cucumber jelly, native lime and elderflower dressing or Sydney rock oysters with verjus vinaigrette. Plus, there'll be DJs on the decks all night long, so après show, you can head back to the bar to keep the opulent party atmosphere going.
SETTLE IN FOR SOME HEART-RACING CABARET
You can't do a romantic French-inspired date night without getting a little naughty, so sidle up to your lover and get ready for a spot of risque cabaret at Blanc de Blanc Encore. Running at the Studios at the Opera House till Saturday, March 9, the fully immersive cabaret extravaganza promises the glitz and glamour of 1920s Paris and is bursting at the sequined seams with all kinds of jaw-dropping acts. Ready yourself for alluring cabaret, toe-tappin' jazz, breathtaking circus tricks and laugh-out-loud comedy. It's an experience that'll have your lover saying merci beaucoup, over and over again.
FINISH OFF WITH CHEESE AND CHAMPAGNE
Surely, there's no better way to cap off the night than with a cheese flight and glass of Champagne — especially if you want to keep the French thing going. Stroll over to the Cured and Cultured bar at Bennelong to savour a few wedges of the good stuff while taking in the incredible harbour views. There's also a new spritz cocktail list on offer at the Opera House-based restaurant with sparkling numbers like Spices with Bennelong mulled wine syrup, Pampelle Ruby l'Apero, Pierre Ferrand dry curacao and Stefano Lubiana sparkling or Fruits with vanilla-infused Pampero Anejo rum, Stefano Lubiana sparkling, apricot and saffron syrup and mandarin soda. And if you're keen for one last show before bed, the counter affords front row seats to theatrics in the kitchen (basically, a bunch of well-trained chefs executing dishes with precision). Ah, sweet dreams are made of cheese.
Grab your tickets to Blanc de Blanc Encore and start planning your roaring night on the town.