For this meal we headed to the Strand Arcade to eat at Pendolino an oil and gift store and Ristorante. Before I moved to Sydney the Strand was one of my favourite visiting spot. Now I work next door on Thursdays. Pendolino was quite a move upmarket from our previous places and broke the maximum spend cap. At the beginning there was discussion about the size of the portions and how there would probably be too much food. But foolishly I ordered a main anyway.
Foolishly I had forgotten to visit the ATM as I was distracted by the Apple Shop. So I had to duck out after ordering to get some money. After some bread and oil as a starter we had entrée. I had the raw beef and salad as an entrée. It was excellent. As is usual we all sampled each others meals and I have to say that they were all good. The squid ink was a bit of a surprise.
The next dish was my downfall. I had been told that the Pasta was very good. So I ordered the PAPPARDELLE CON RAGU DI VITELLA E MAGGIORANA (Organic Hand Cut Pappardelle with Braised White Rocks Veal Sauce, Veal Marrow and Marjoram). It was very rich, very good and way too much. I do not think that I am currently up to rich dishes like that at the moment. I should have had the entrée size.
Having completely out done myself in the main course, I still ordered a desert. Of course the desert stomach is always still hungry, but I limited myself to ice-cream. The flavour was one of nut and fruit. I think it may have been macadamia and tangello.
After this we continued to chat. By now the restaurant, which had been completely full was now mostly empty. Reluctantly we headed off and I caught the bus home. With a glass of wine and coffee the total came to $82. One of the most expensive meals I have had in a while.
Shop 100, Level 2, The Strand Arcade
412-414 George Street, Sydney 2000