Martin Place Bar51 Martin Place, Sydney CBD
After a long day at work there is nothing better than popping in to an inner city bar and relaxing with a drink. We had the pleasure of visiting the Martin Place Bar which is centrally located in the heart of Sydney's CBD (51 Martin Place - Corner of Elizabeth Street). We were warmly greeted by Rachel Cameron from The Society Group. The bar is an informal, open plan bistro and bar and offers an extensive drinks menu ranging from a variety of beers, cocktails and cellar aged Australian wines. There is an all-day menu that is available till late, a special lunch menu that is available from 11.30 - 3pm, that includes signature dishes such as chicken schnitzel, pork & veal sausages and the pie of the day with mash. A new "Night Snacks" menu is available until midnight Monday to Fridays and on Saturday nights there's Spanish dancing from 8.00pm. The lounge area towards the back is perfect for private functions.
We started our evening with a lovely glass of the 2014 Logan 'Hannah' Rose from Orange, NSW. It was a light, crisp drink that was way too easy to drink. Our first canapé was Smoked Salmon on Crispy Wonton with horseradish and Baby Herbs.
The fresh flavoured salmon coupled with the crisp wonton were a delightful taste sensation.
We were then served some Prawn Tostada's with Avocado and Tomato Salsa. This is a Gluten free option. Avocados and prawns go together perfectly and the addition of tomato salsa and a crisp tostada made this canapé a favourite. Finally, we were served a Pumpkin and Thyme Arancini with lemon Aioli. These little gems were served warm and simply melted in your mouth and the aioli was both light and creamy.
We were then invited to take our seats to sample some of the delights that can be found on the new seasonal menu. We decided to try some of the Australian wines. Contessa D had the 2012 Long Gully Pinot Noir from Murrumbateman, NSW whilst Countessa Z, a white drinker, opted for the 2015 Long Gully Riesling also from Murrumbateman in NSW. The Pinot Noir was light and smooth and a pleasure to drink. The Riesling was fruity, light and aromatic. 
We started with the MPB Mezze Selection. This shared platter consisted of a large range of mezze including Flame-Roasted Romesco, Hummus, Char- Grilled Artichokes, Marinated Olives, Goat’s Cheese, Labneh & Spiced nuts, toasted Italian bread and House-made Grissini. This generous platter is a must for sharing when enjoying a few wines with friends. 
This was followed by a Charcuterie Board including a selection of cured meats, Pork and Veal Terrine, Chicken Liver pate, soft cheese, pickles and some fresh in house baked bread. There was a good selection of cured meats including prosciutto and salami which made it hard to stop picking at it. We also had a Tea-Smoked Duck Salad with Freekah, Figs, Cranberries, Radicchio and Walnuts with a Sherry Vinaigrette. This was a light salad with the duck and fig matched perfectly.
We were served a variety of main meals. Our pasta dish was Pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu, wilted spinach and shaved Parmesan, cooked to perfection and full of flavour. The Grilled 'Cone Bay' Barramundi was melt in your mouth. It was served with Jerusalem artichoke puree, roasted garlic, broad beans and red wine jus and was a definite winner.
The Pan-roasted 'Berkshire' port cutlet is not to be missed - so tender and juicy, served with a delicious pear and red onion chutney, pickled fennel and watercress.The main meals were accompanied with Potato Mash that can only be described as divine, a Garden Salad and Steamed Greens.
To finish with, we were treated to a fine Australian Farmhouse Cheese Selection - Pyengana 20 Month Cheddar, Pyengana Tasmania & Holy Goat 'La Luna', Sutton Grange Victoria with accompaniments. Also, a deliciously light Rhubarb Crumble Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. This was a great way to finish off a beautiful meal.
Two Contessas loved Martin Place Bar. It offers something for everyone, no matter what time of the day you pop in, whether it's for that breakfast meeting, a leisurely lunch or Lunch within the Hour by utilising the online pre-order form or drinks and dinner after work. Martin Place Bar is well worth a visit.
Two Contessa's, who are doing reviews for Sir and Mlady Dine Out, dined as guests of Martin Place Bar. Big thanks also to Rachel Cameron of The Society Group for arranging this visit.
