Sake-ing it up at Zushi Crown St

Lovely Amelia

I was at a birthday dinner a few weeks back and caught up with an old friend who said that she had seen my blog and asked when I would be looking into sake. To be perfectly honest I had not thought about it at all until she brought it up, and since then I have wondered what the experience would be like.

Now sake is not traditional wine made from grapes, it is actually rice wine and is the common beverage that the Japanese pair with their many delicious dishes. Last Friday night in the company of my divine designer friend Amelia, with an appetite and curiosity we attended our first sake tasting at my all time favourite Japanese restaurant Zushi on Crown Street.

Super fresh sashimi and oysters... YUMMO!

The hostess with the most-ess of this super trendy Surry Hills restaurant is a tanned skinned beauty of Eurasian appearance with almond eyes. If the quality of the food and atmosphere weren't so on the money, you might be fooled into thinking that the beauties who work here were the reason the restaurant is always packed to the rafters.

We took our seat in the mezzanine level calmly situated in our own little world observing the frenzy of activity below. Captivated in catching up on what had been taking place in each other’s lives, Amelia and I didn't even have time to look at the menu before we had vibrant pinks and oranges shimmering into our eyes from moment fresh sashimi and Sydney's best oysters that had been placed in front of us. We were told that the best sake to pair fresh seafood with is a semi dry fruity sake that should be served chilled. We tried a KOSHINOHATSUUME from the best sake-producing region in Japan, Junmai. It was crisp and fresh with a hint of melons and apples. This pairing was actually Delicious! 

Sake-ing it up!

Next we were treated to my absolute favourite dish the 'ocean roll'. It is just the most delicately constructed and beautifully sushi roll I have ever seen. I could eat this every day and never get bored. I thought the roll itself was special enough, but when followed by our second sake a semi-dry nutty style called NINKI-ICHI the 15.5% alcohol and flavour explosion in my mouth is not something that I will forget in a while.

Loving our sake tasting

After that experience I wasn't sure that our hostess could produce anything better, but one more time she upped the anti and pulled out her ace. The meal was finished with a green tea crème brulee that was so intoxicating that it almost had me reaching for a cigarette. The crème base was thick and golden but spread wide in two person sized dish. The crystallised toffee top snapped in one fell swoop under our spoons and literally took us out of this world when washed down with the plum infused HANA-KOHAKU sake. This is TO-DIE-FOR! 

As you can imagine, after this royal treatment we almost had to roll ourselves out of there. Amelia rightly mentioned that this type of work might take its toll on ones waistline. I tend to agree but would like you to know that I am willing to put myself on the line for my readers and a desperate love of wine.

Zushi 

Shop 2A, 285A Crown St 

Surry Hills NSW 2010

http://www.zushi.com.au/

Drinking Chardie with Sarah Nally

My first wine adventure of the week took place on Thursday evening with Lady Sarah Nally. Ms Nally and I lived together in a large Darlinghurst terrace with two other flat mates during a time where DJ's for parties were paid with a case of beer, when riding a mattress down a staircase was a completely normal pass time and upsetting neighbours when party guests urinated on their pot plants was just part of life. A few weeks ago I was delighted to hear from my darling friend who I had lost contact with over the past few years and we set up a wine date.

We met at the very sophisticated Bambini Trust wine bar. The interior of this space is what I imagine the manor that I intend to live in one day might look like (the decor... not the bar, although a bar might be nice). The walls are covered with European inspired wallpaper, French chandeliers and cute brasserie like tables. The wall of wine screams knowledge and status without appearing pretentious. Just across from the lush green of Hyde Park this little wine bar has the potential of great beauty when sitting on the tables outside, it is a shame about the six lanes of traffic though.

Miss Nally  and I spent no time at all getting reacquainted. It was almost like it was meant to be. When she asked me what I was drinking, I explained about Oui Merci Wine Club and that this month we were drinking Chardonnay. I was surprised that this was absolutely to her utmost delight. "I have always drunk Chardonnay" she commented, a statement that took me somewhat by surprise "Even when everyone hated Chardonnay?" I asked in response. 

Apparently so. She divulged a touching story of the difficulty of being a Chardonnay drinker when all others loved Sauvignon Blanc. For a point it even compromised her relationship. "We would go to the bottle shop together and it would always result in a compromise, or alternatively two bottles,” she confessed with downcast eyes. She told me that people would look at her funny, sometimes sneer but the worst were the ones who tried to make her change her mind.

A classically strong woman, Sarah stuck to her guns and one day received a call from her North English born beau, she answered the phone completely unexpecting what she heard "Babe... Ai luv chard-nay... Ai luv it!” he had tried some delicious Leewin Estate Chardonnay and was converted. From that moment their relationship was strengthened by a mutual love for chardonnay. Sean and Sarah are now engaged and will most likely be drinking chardonnay at their wedding. Ok, I made that last bit up, but it makes a nice ending doesn't it?

Sarah Nally all grown up

Me and my chardie

We spent the evening going through the wine list and trying a number of different styles from different regions. Our ignorance in this circumstance did not do us any justice as we started with heavier styles than we wanted to end with. When we tried different lighter versions later in the evening they made our mouths pucker at the sides and seemed far to acidic. It did teach us a valuable lesson though, before ordering wine make sure you speak to the wine waiter or manager. More than likely they will be able to guide you to what it is you are looking for, and if like us you want a few they will be able to tell you which order to drink them to savour the enjoyment of each and every one.

Check out Bambini Wine Room for yourself at http://www.bambinitrust.com.au/

I would love to know your thoughts.

As for the next thing... last night I was treated to an amazing sake experience at my favourite Japanese restaurant in the world, Zushi on Crown Street. You will have to wait until the next post to hear about that one though but here is the link to wet your appetite http://www.zushi.com.au/. 

Have a super doper weekend. Love Guigs.

Backlash on a Hero

I feel sorry for poor little old Chardonnay. Now days it seems is like the little old battler that just can't seem to catch a break. Very few of today's youth would know the true story of Chardonnay. It is a harrowing tale of the rise of an international superstar who found fame and fortune from Hollywood to London, but then lost everything and became a laughing stock that filled the worst dressed pages of trashy magazines. I truly believe that it is not all over for Chardonnay and hope you will have the compassion in your heart to hear his story.

Once upon a time in a little town called Burgundy in France there was a young boy with white blonde hair named Chardonnay. During the winter he spent his days hanging out skiing in the cool climate with his family. During the spring and summer time the landscape around turned into a lush green.

He spent much of his time hanging around the grape vines which situated themselves amongst the peach and apricot trees. The likeness to his trim and elegant mother was remarkable. He was a very polite boy with a crisp wit that always left his parents guests wanting more.

His father was a delightful chap of undeniable pedigree. He always told young chardonnay that there were two types of men that came from Burgundy, 'the zesty and crisp free spirit' and 'the rich and heavy set, strong as oak type'. Little chardonnay didn't really care for the story though for he dreamed of making it as a celebrity in Hollywood. It wasn't until years later that he would understand the value of tradition.

In the early 80's Chardonnay was a young man and set of to America to achieve his dreams. His long flowing locks had darkened to a glimmering straw blonde were the envy of the Californian bottle blondes. His smooth French accent made women and men alike swoon. Throughout the 80’s his celebrity rose quickly and he was a regular star at all the coolest parties, newest restaurants and hippest bars. Everything he had wanted was achieved in such a short time, it was a dream come true.

The invitations kept flooding in and poor little Chardonnay couldn't keep up with the demand. In an attempt to keep his adoring public happy he made a fatal mistake. Chardie knew that he couldn't keep up the appearances, but that most of the time his fans didn't really know him anyway. He thought that maybe if he could simply replicate himself he would be able to maintain and continually build his fame. He decided to recruit a bunch of slick young men. They grew their hair and dressed in the same clothes and before long they looked just like him. Every invitation he received, he would send one of his well-dressed clones.

Initially people didn't notice. They would say hello at the parties and greet the celebrity, wave and show their appreciation. However there began to be some instances where poorly brought up imposters were rude to guests, scream acidic threats or were just plain unpleasant. Chardonnay's reputation fell away in tatters and he got fat and lazy. There was a huge backlash and the once rising star was diminished in the same lightning flash as Tom Cruise when he famously jumped on Oprah's couch.

No one in Hollywood wanted him any longer. His fat, lazy and rude impostors had destroyed his career. Desolate and desperate he returned to France to the bedside of his father in old age. The dying old man whispered to his only boy 'Remember who you are son, don't let anyone take your tradition away from you' and with that he took his last breath.

For the first time Chardonnay realised what he had done. He had shot to fame so quickly and was not able to cater to the demand of his rising celebrity. In an attempt to please everybody he tried to be all things to all people and somewhere along the way lost himself. He made a commitment to himself that day that he would restore the great name of his father and Chardonnay. 'Finally' he thought to himself, 'this is my chance, this new generation... they will know the greatness of Chardonnay!'

He asked me personally to tell this story for him in the hope that you might take pity. Take in a story of fame and fortune to utter failure. Please learn from his mistakes and be willing to forgive. Have faith, he is going to prove himself to us, just you wait and see. 

My final request before finishing this blog is a simple one. Next time you look at a wine list give old Chardonnay a glance. One little nod of appreciation could start a revolution.

Along the grapevine – I heard a rumor that Lisa McGuigan is bringing out a new label. There might even be a sexy reinvigorated Chardie on the cards…

Ode to the Plentiful Bottle-o

The vast absence of anything plausibly viewable on television this evening has forced me to make a quick mid-week interlude post. The essence of this post is purely to praise the efforts of the plentiful bottle-o, and specifically the shining beacon that saved my weary self last weekend when shopping last minute for a meaningful fathers day gift.


Wine is to Sydney what stars are to Hollywood. At every nook and cranny you can find yourself a rising starlet, a look-a-like in fancy makeup or just someone who looks like if they were given the right chance in life, that they surely would have the opportunity to make it big. REALLY BIG like that old favourite the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. But really, wasn't he just a one trick pony who got lucky? Shiny and slick, portraying the exact same character until his time ran out? But a true celebrity sighting; they are few and far between, only likely on Rodeo Drive and a few fancy underground celebrity haunts.


Everywhere you go in Sydney you can find someone willing to fill your glass and have a merry little time with you. But that does not make a star. A star is created through the innate pedigree of the grape, the perfection of the childhood and the care taken to nurture the talent. This natural ability must then be cultivated by the most precise and meticulous hands that manage the development of the talent to its maturity. Once this divine specimen has been created and moulded he needs a sharp eye to recognise his brilliance and have the capability to put him on display to his adorning public.


The craftsmanship of wine is not only in its production, bottling and distribution, but it is also dependent on fine men and women who slave away, seeing, swirling, sniffing and sipping all that they can to deliver us only the best (and most sale-able) wines. This post goes out to all those in the industry who put everything on the line to stock their bottle shops with the very best wines.


This blog also goes out to my new best friend Dan Murphy. I must admit initially I thought he was just one of those guys, you know, friends with everyone, too cool for school, who just knew where the next party was and just wanted to go get loose with whatever wine he could get his hands on. WELL... boy oh boy was I wrong, and I am more than happy to admit it.


Last Saturday afternoon, I managed to combine a family necessity with my own personal interests. Many would be thinking that it is a little silly to write this on a public blog, however my family are all too well informed of how my brain works, they just choose to ignore. Thus, I continue... knowing that we had to buy my father a 'Father's Day present' and that my mother was otherwise engaged in the afternoon I suggested that it would be a great idea to buy all the different types of wine from all around the world as specified in the 'Everyday Guide to Wine' Seminar series that Louis had bought for me, and that we could study it together. Mama Guigs said ok.


At 4pm Saturday afternoon I made my way to the dungeon that is Dan Murphy's at Hurstville. Not knowing what to expect I walked in trying to avoid any preconceived ideas. To my delight, almost instantaneously I was transported to my own 'stately pleasure-dome decree'. As I pushed a shallow trolley through well greased turnstiles my eyes light up like glittering signs in Times Square. I was in heaven. Could I be dreaming, or was this heavenly place on earth?


I pushed my trolley through the snake like aisles 'meandering with mazy motion'. The shear size and volume of wine on offer was intoxicating, I was drunk with just the thought. Several times on my quest to acquire wines and vintages from across the globe I was simply at a loss, until the carefully marked regions almost sung to me, France and Italy and Chile oh my! 


Let's just say I left with all that I could carry, which I must admit is not the first time I have said that, and I doubt it will be the last. Louis was a happy father on father's day, and Denise was glad that we had succeeded in getting him a present. Guigs was glad that she had more supply to practice on. The readers were glad they were entertained by this mid-week interlude. The end.


References in this blog alluded to Coleridge's Kubla Khan. I never thought I would say, but Dan Murphy's might just be a little piece of heaven to a wine enthusiast. 

Oui Merci Wine Club - The First Meeting

Last night was a momentous occasion. It was the evening where the first official Oui Merci Wine Club Meeting took place. This was a very serious educational evening where we sat around discussing the very intricacies that make Cabernet Sauvignon the most planted grape varietal in the world and the vast differences that the 'terroir' (French for land) make to the subtle flavours exhibited... just joking! The evening went somewhat differently from that. With each person bringing one bottle of wine I am sure you already have an idea, but I am going to tell you anyway because it was just too much fun!

Big red, Chloe, Anna, Nasonov

The club is actually made up of a few friends who have a similar obsession with wine: Stephanie Nasonov (Nasonov), Lyndall Jenkins (Big red), Chloe Neil, Anna Vendone, Myself (Guigs), Laura Travis (Lorn dogs), Philippa Healy, Emma Cunningham (Bulli) and our token male Ben Harrison. Last night however a few of the members were unable to make it. While I feigned disappointment at their inability to attend, I was secretly relieved as I only had a couch and 4 chairs. It was much easier to make do with my insufficient decor with only 6 guests present.

My spread for the soiree

As always I was ready with everything prepared 15 minutes before my guests arrived. Laid out before me were colourful canapés and preset seats for our wine tasting. Each had a notebook and pen, six tasting glasses a glass of water and a communal spittoon.

Only minutes after 6:00pm Chloe and Lyndall arrived with their contributions of beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon to the soiree.

Big red and the
elder Wynn's boy

The wines that had accumulated included two different vintages of the Wynns Coonawarra Cab Sauv 2008 and 2010, which can be considered as siblings. They were born of the same parents and grew up in the same household, but the two-year age gap marked two quite different personalities. Then there was my Chilean from the Central Valley near Santiago. With a 2005 vintage he was a little older and experienced than the Wynn’s brothers but I didn't want them nervous at their first wine club party so I kept it to myself. 

My older Chilean spunk

Not long after, Nasonov appeared with not one but two South Americans in toe; an Argentinean from the warm climate of Mendoza and another Chilean. Then it was Anna, being an English bird she is quite satisfied with a good old Aussie bloke and brought along a South Australian chap named Clover Drive. With a cute little picture of someone playing cricket on the label he was as Aussie as they come. Finally it was Ben to arrive with another Aussie, this time from the Margaret River in WA. The little posse of new friends made a fine group and sat down at the serious tasting table to commence the evening.

I gave a little background on the grape variety that was intended to assist us in detecting the aromas and flavours in the wine. I am not quite sure that this information helped us any, however the most important notes from this session were:

• Cab sauv is the most widely planted grape throughout the world 
• The skin of the grape is very tough and therefore resistant to bad weather. 
• The thick skin gives the wine a deep red colour
• To drink now - cab sauv grown in warmer climates
• To drink later - cab sauv grown in cooler climates
• Best regions for Cab Sauv in Australia - Coonawarra, Margaret River, Hunter Valley and the Barossa
• Best regions for Cab sauv internationally - Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Mendoza Argentina, Central Valley Chile

Chloe writes something
important in her notebook

Everyone then had their turn to present their wine. We examined the colour; aromas and taste of each wine and then intellectually discussed the qualities that we imagined we could taste from what was mentioned on the back of the label. Nasonov and Ben were quite convinced that they were experts and going to be major successes in the blind tasting challenge.

Finally after we had tasted all the wines, and with out palates somewhat impaired we attempted to do a blind tasting. Using our immense skills we wanted to see whether we would be able to tell which wine was which. At this point the club got a little bit rowdy and there were some people certain of their impeccable palates and others who became dismayed and confused.

The aftermath

After the blind tasting we revealed the order that the wines had been poured and matched it to what we had guessed. The final reveal left us with the following scores Ben 0, Anna 1, Chloe 1, Guigs 3, Nasonov 3, Big Red DNF. Next round we battle with the golden oldie Chardonnay.

I do have one little question I wanted to ask you though... do you think that it matters that I saw the maroon wrapping at the top of one of the bottles when I poured during the blind tasting? I realise that there was only one bottle with maroon wrapping but I am sure I would have known it from the taste. 

Surely that is not cheating...