Jim's Home Page

Last night we dined at Jamil's, the restaurant that replaced Will and Toby's when the Sebel Group took over the old Raddison Kestral site in Manly.

I had heard mixed reviews about this place, and I sort of expected what we got. We were greeted by the maitre d' and shown to a table at the window on the side away from the piano (which was good, as even here it was loud when playing). He informed us that the kingfish on the specials menu, and the lamb salad on the entree menu was also off, and left us while we waited for our fourth diner.

The seating is bench on one side of the table and chairs on the other side, which proved to be a minor problem as there was not enough room for the wait staff to get around to the window side of the table, causing them to lean over the table at times.

We ordered drinks, then had to chase them up. After ordering from the menu (avoiding the two dishes that were unavailable), the waitress returned to tell us that the salmon two of us had ordered for a main course was off. We checked she didn't mean the kingfish... and she let slip that she was unaware it was unavailable. I changed to another fish dish.

Again, chasing up the wine order, we eventually got the bottle of Tiger's Tale sauvignon blanc semillon from Margaret River about halfway through the entree.

When the mains arrived, the waiter was unsure of who had what, and it turned out that he (or the kitchen) had screwed up the orders. Eventually, we got it sorted out, but by the time all four meals were on the table, mine was lukewarm at best. Perhaps serving onto heated plates would make a difference. The waiter said "the vegetables are on the way" which was interesting, as we hadn't ordered any.

The food was OK. I had crab cakes for entree with a ras el hanout dipping sauce. The crab cakes were nothing spectacular, although the sauce was interesting. And for main I had the blue eye cod with miso, sorba noodles, and asian vegetables. While the flavours were good, I had to battle through two dozen uncooked sorba noodles that had been used as garnish, and I pulled a number of inch-long bones out of the fish.

So, overall, the restaurant shows promise, but they need to pay closer attention to detail in the kitchen (I shouldn't be pulling bones out of a piece of lukewarm fish that's costing $30), and the front of house needs to get their communications sorted out.

I'll probably go back eventually, but they only get one more chance.

We were meant to have lunch at Nigel's place today, but he asked me last night if it was OK to move it to my place as the owner of his apartment had painters coming around. I said "Of course" while thinking, "Crap, I have to clean up" hehe.

Anyway, Nigel got around here at about 11am to do a red wine chicken casserole, which was very nice with some mashed potatoes.

Gary bought the bread and dessert: a nice mango cheesecake.

And to top off a good afternoon, we hopped down the pub to watch the Manly Sea Eagles crush the Roosters 42 points to nil.

I went to Aria Restaurant for lunch today. This restaurant has been on my "to eat at" list for quiet a while. And let me say, I wasn't disappointed.

The location is absolutely brilliant, looking out from the end of the "Toaster" building at Circular Quay, over the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The restaurant was nice and inviting, with lovely multiple linen tablecloths and fine glassware in evidence.

The menu is modern Australian, put together by Matt Moran. And the wine list is extensive - over 25 pages!

I started with yellowfin tuna with carpaccio of octopus, avocado, green shallot and basil puree, and for a main I had duck and pea pie with pea puree. And the wine was a beaut semillon sauvignon blanc by Larry Cherubino at Margaret River. Mmmm.

I'd certainly recommend this restaurant, and I'd love to go back at dinner time to try Matt's tasting menu. I better save up some money...