Think of Australian beaches and Bondi immediately comes to mind. Although arguably not the best or biggest beach in Sydney, but it is probably the most famous due to quality entertainment such as Bondi Rescue. Popular with the eastern suburb crowd, it easily has the best dressed beach populace in Australia and Paris Hilton will not look amiss amongst the bronzed bikini clad beach bunnies.
Sadly, I have to confess I am not a big fan of the beach. A little dip here and a bit of sunbaking is all fine and good, but the idea of battling for a parking spot in order to enjoy a few hours of beach time does not appeal in any way. It’s actually rather ironic as my old university and everywhere I have worked at were within walking distance from the beach.
That being said, one would wonder what on earth was I wandering around Bondi with a few friends for? Why for the food ofcourse.
Part belated birthday celebrations as well as general catch up with friends we decided to have dinner at Icebergs dining room and bar. Located on top of Icebergs swimming club (an iconic building in itself), Icebergs the restaurant had was opened in 2002 with rave reviews for its mediterranean cuisine and view of the beach. It had always registered in my head as one of those restaurants I would like to visit, but decided to put off for later.
View wise, it’s rather amazing. Seated on a table next to the window meant that we were able to view the beach as the sun slowly set into the horizon and dipped the beach front with a golden glaze. Les impressive was the fact that they asked us to be out by 8.00 pm for a 6.30pm booking throwing any dessert plans out the window!
Nevertheless, the ambiance was lovely, service was quick and attentive and the food was as what we hoped for. The seafood offering was plentiful and absolutely delicious! A quick walk through the meal from top to bottom:
Hand Dived Spring Bay Scallops, Tomato, Green Chilli, Garlic, Radish Salad
Rainbow trout Carpaccio, Shredded Rocket, Basil, Boiled Free Range Egg, Lemon, Olive Oil (very light and one I would like to replicate for myself)
Risotto “Nero”, Squid-ink Rice, Calamari, Chilli, Parsley, Lemon, Garlic
Would I go back, now that I have tried it? Yes and no. It’s a great place to bring visitors, but though the menu was excellent it was somewhat on the pricey side and I can probably get a similar offering somewhere else. I would probably visit their bar, but not quite convinced about driving all the way there and then only being able to have a drink or two before making my way somewhere else.
mirgraphy 