Bastille Dining and Terrace (apparently and sadly now closed)105 Victoria Rd
Drummoyne, Sydney
The French influences flow strongly here the minute you walk in the door. The dining area is chic and elegant but not in a pretentious way. However if you're expecting just a traditional French restaurant then think again.The terrace at the rear of the place is pure French Riviera inspired - and it is such a fresh, vibrant and relaxing space to enjoy a drink. There's a great indoor/outdoor feel to Bastille
Alternatively, its the perfect place to start your meal before moving inside for your later courses. We did this.
The food is French influenced, but with strong Asian tones as well. It's an interesting fusion that works well (and this blend certainly hasn't hurt Tetsuya's over the years!).
Sitting outside in the beautiful terrace was just lovely. It was a pleasant evening and this was a great place to just relax. We also started with a couple of glasses of chilled champagne - as you do! We could have just stayed on the terrace - it was so nice. Some house baked bread and dipping oil and balsamic also went well. It was simple but so tasty.
We started our food journey in earnest with something from the terrace menu - sashimi. The terrace menu has lighter dishes for nibbles or for sharing.
The sashimi comprised kingfish and salmon portions interspersed across a slate serving plate with sides of soy, wasabi and ginger. It was a must try dish with powerful flavours that worked so well together. Very fresh and refreshing.
The goats cheese sphere was such an amazing dish and again another must have!
It was served on a herb gazpacho in a nest of brioche potato crisps and dressed in delicate flowers. It looked spectacular and tasted just as good.
Next, a serving of Sydney rock oysters came, with a fruity but subtle lemon mignoette sauce that went well.
The wine list isn't a book, but they have great variety and plenty of choice available for all tastes. Mlady had a glass of La Linea Tempranillo Rose from the Adelaide Hills that was light and crisp and refreshing. Sir had a lovely glass of La Mura Nero d'Avola from Noto in Sicily. Nero d'Avola is a medium bodied versatile red that is fast becoming a favourite of us both.
We adjourned inside for our mains, almost reluctantly leaving the tranquil terrace for the pretty dining room. Sir had a beautifully cooked fillet Mignon for his main course that came served with pomme puree, bone marrow and Bordelaise sauce.
Presentation was again beautiful but, more importantly, the meat was perfectly cooked to order and was a lovely cut as well. This was a magnificent dish with great flavours.
Mlady again steered towards seafood and chose the swordfish. It came nicely cooked and beautifully plated with scallop tortellini, capsicum, crushed potato, white fungi and saffron infused tomato sauce. It was a full dish with a good sized piece of swordfish with plenty of flavour.
A side of broccolini with anchovy crumb was again a great pairing.
It came served with an interesting mix of pistachio sauce, vanilla ice cream, mango sorbet and cherry sorbet.
The whole combination created a fruity blend that was nicely presented spread in a line across the plate with a garnish of popping candy.
Mlady, on the other hand, gave in to her inner chocoholic and chose the rich and decadent chocolate tart. It came with tasty hazelnut praline and vanilla ice cream and was everything she hoped it would be and more.
Dessert was paired with a sweeter white wine from Gascogne in southern France - a delicious Villa Cambre D'Amour 2012 Gros Manseng Sauvignon Blanc that went so well.
Bastille Dining and Terrace has charm, style and an ambiance that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. The food is memorable, delicate, well presented and very tasty. It's an experience that will surprise many.
Sir and Mlady dined as guests of Bastille and its owner Daniel Haskim. Special thanks to Nicolas for looking after us so professionally, as well as Laura and Roberta. Thanks also to Kay, their talented chef. Apparently Bastille is now closed which is such a pity.
