As if you needed another excuse to visit adorable Bay Street in Double Bay, Mrs. Sippy has launched a brand-new summer menu. Indulge in fresh oysters and Moorish-inspired dishes from their new chef Andreanne Pelletier. The Plus Ones headed down for a special ‘chef’s table’ experience to try out selections from the new offerings.
New to Sydney, it was my first time on the aforementioned oh-so-cute Bay Street. Now that I know about it, I’ll be making regular stops there. The tree-lined street is chock-a-block with shops and eateries, among them Mrs. Sippy.
Entering the establishment, I was ushered to the back bar. Bright colours on the walls, a wall of plants — it’s one cool spot in which to sip an Aperol Spritz. (Or two.)
The more formal restaurant section is all exposed brick and a nice mixture of upscale-casual. You can feel free to get a bit gussied up, or, if you’re a local, swing by any time. They don’t stand on ceremony here, which makes it a fun atmosphere.
We were talked through the brand-new menu by Adreanne, Mrs. Sippy’s new chef. Originally from Quebec in Canada, she previously worked in London. There, working at Moro by Sam, she discovered a love for Middle Eastern and Moorish food. We found that it was reflected in the menu in many ways.
The slow-roasted lamb shoulder was literally falling off the bone. Accompanied by white beans, cavolo nero (aka black kale) and dukkah, I’ll admit to having about three helpings. I also couldn’t get enough for the roasted cauliflower. With tahini and sumac, the Middle Eastern flavours took centre stage.
We were encouraged to try a sample of the chargrilled whole baby snapper, served with mango relish, curry leaves and lime. This paired wonderfully with the fresh, bitter salad of garden peas, grapefruit and radicchio.
But by far the dish that made the largest impression on my tablemates was the wood-roasted whole chicken. Adreanne mentioned she was inspired by the #CookforSyria campaign, headed in the U.K. by Jamie Oliver and her former boss Fergus Henderson (and coming to Sydney soon). This dish was inspired by it, and was everything you’ve ever wanted from chicken. Moist, firm, and covered with a topping of walnuts, chilli, mint and tarator sauce — the latter common in Middle Eastern dishes — this was potentially the best chicken I’ll have all year.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Mrs. Sippy’s standout starters. We began with freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters. Even my seatmates who were so-so on seafood admitted that that citrus mignonette with kaffir lime shiso was to die for. We also indulged in some citrus-cured kingfish carpaccio, plus spiced pork belly in betel leaves. All of this paired with a tart rose wine, and I was in heaven.
But I went to the seventh level once the chocolate fondant made its appearance at the end. Salted toffee and macadamia — are there any other two ingredients that should appear next to the word ‘chocolate’? Mrs. Sippy’s team also tried to get us to indulge in strawberry & rosewater ice cream sandwiches (with toasted pistachios), but by then even my dessert stomach was filled.
With so many amazing dishes on the menu — not to mention they also do antipasti, salads, and pizza — and a divine summer cocktail menu that features coconut margaritas, I only wish I lived in Bay Street so I could visit every day. Mrs. Sippy has something for everyone, and I encourage you all to get to know Middle Eastern cuisine this summer. Along with a fine cocktail or two, of course.
– Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa will be returning to Double Bay many times this summer.
Mrs. Sippy
37 Bay St
Double Bay NSW 2028
www.mrssippy.com.au
