Greek Gastronomy at Alpha Restaurant

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 5, 2014 BY HILLARYDIJON

There are a few cuisines that are under represented, even in our very cosmopolitanculinary scene here in Sydney… so I’m shining the spotlight on Greek delights from mymost recent gastronomic adventure.

I was recently invited along to lunch to sample the smorgasbord on offer at AlphaRestaurant (http://alpharestaurant.com.au/) in Sydney with some spirited fellow foodies.Everything in the medley was delicious, but there were some definite favourites andhighlights.

But, as alway, I need to first set the scene…

The restaurant is located in a beautiful historic building in the very centre of Sydney’s CBD.The interior design by Paul Papadopoulos from DS17 (http://www.ds17.com.au/)manages to capture the essence of seaside (http://hillarydijon.com/2013/05/22/beach-house-inspiration/) glamour seen across the Mediterranean coastline and serve it up with acomfortable and unstuffy vibe.

It is a large, breezy restaurant with a stunning bar and marble top island. The majesticallyhigh ceiling is thoughfully adorned and illuminated. Crisp mediterranean whites, bluesand beachy (http://hillarydijon.com/2013/05/22/beach-house-inspiration/) huestogether with weather-worn rustic (http://hillarydijon.com/2013/02/06/rustic-homewares-haven-a-surprise-holiday-find/) wooden and wicker pieces. All under acanopy of dramatic pendant lights that pay homage to seaside elements like fisherman’sbaskets, lanterns and sails.

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The whole space is a dreamy sea of calm (pun very much intended) amongst a bustlingCBD locale.

And feast we did! On a selection of some very exciting Greek favourites with a modernsignature touch from Head Chef Peter Conistis (http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/no-more-

omega-its-all-about-the-alpha-20130426-2ik1r.html). They have an extensive menu and justabout everything on it is meant to be shared. The serving sizes are generous withoutcompromising on delicate and authentic flavours.

All the dishes were scrumptious, but my favourites would have to be these:

Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip)Slow roasted lamb spare ribs with thyme, honey and ouzo glazeOne of their signature dishes (a vintage from 1993) the moussaka of eggplant, searedscollops and taramasalata.

And to finish on a sweet note, it doesn’t get better than a deep fried dessert likeloukoumades (http://hillarydijon.com/2013/02/25/feasts-and-treats-greek-loukoumades/) served up with walnut ice cream(http://hillarydijon.com/2013/01/10/feasts-and-treats-vietnamese-coffee-ice-cream/).

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(http://hillarydijon.com/2014/02/05/greek-gastronomy-at-alpha-restaurant/img_7517/)Take a look at their menu here (http://alpharestaurant.com.au/menu) to match my feastphotos.

If you want to keep the Greek adventure alive well after your feast, exit out of their foodstore for a look through the selection of preserves, oils and traditional pastas. There are alsoquick cafe favourites like freshly brewed Greek coffee and a sampler of some of theirrestaurant dishes in pie form: spanakopita, chicken, mushroom and saffron, three cheeseswith caramelised onion and mint.

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The lunch feast was so extensive, that not even a spirited group of foodies was able to make

a dent in the ginormous and oh-so-delicious Greek spiced slow roasted lamb shoulder withcrispy lemon potatoes.

The serving fork barely even touched the dish before the meat just fell away from the bone.We were all incredibly full and there was talk of catatonic states and siestas, yet no onecould bear to part with such a dish… so making some puppy dog eyes at the attentivewaitress proved to be fruitful and we were each handed a substantial doggy bag with leftovers. A small post-siesta snack that would last well into the night!

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Whether you work in Sydney’s CBD or are just passing through, I hope you get a chance tovisit Alpha. If you’re after a quick bite, foodie gifts or something to cook up later, thencheck out their Food Store… or if you have the time and inclination for a longer feast (andwho wouldn’t??) then head on over, loosen your belt and indulge.

238 Castlereagh StreetSydney NSW 2000, Australia.WEBSITE (http://alpharestaurant.com.au/) | FACEBOOK(https://www.facebook.com/alpharestaurantsydney) | EMAIL(mailto:eat@alpharestaurant.com.au) | PHONE: (02) 9098 1111

POSTED IN DECORATING, FOOD, GIFTS, GREEN LIVING, HOME, HOMEIMPROVEMENT, INSPIRATION, PLACES, RECIPES, SHOWCASE, TRAVEL | TAGGEDALPHA RESTAURANT SYDNEY, BEACH DECORATING, DIPS, EGGPLANT DIP,GREEK CUISINE, GREEK DECOR, GREEN FOOD, LOUKOUMADES,MEDITERRANEAN DECOR, MEDITERRANEAN FOOD, MELITZANOSALATA, PAULPAPADOPOULOS DS17, PETER CONISTIS, PLACES TO EAT SYDNEY, SLOW COOKEDLAMB SHOULDER, SYDNEY BARS, SYDNEY RESTAURANTS, TARAMASALATA

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