Scarlett Restaurant, at the Harbour Rocks Hotel

To learn from history is what most people consider as an important ingredient to the recipe of future success. Many try to preserve the treasures and values of the past and turning good things into something great. Just like the iconic area of The Rocks, our modern world meets historical Sydney.

The newly relaunched Harbour Rocks Hotel is as beautiful as the area. It was at one point a bond store, a hospital and now transformed into a stunning hotel. The owners kept some of its history by keeping and exposing the sandstone and brick walls. They kept its strong foundation and turned it into a magnificent contemporary boutique venue. The renovation project took almost a year to complete.

Located within the hotel is the new Scarlett restaurant. It is a classy
40-seat bistro that reflects the "old meets new vibe" of the rocks. The food is Modern Australian. Collaboration between Sous Chef Sabine Kowalewicz and John Slaughter (Executive Chef of Scarlett and the Sebel Pier One) resulted in the creation of Scarlett's enticing menu. They take classic dishes and come up with their own modern interpretation.

 seared scallops, kohlrabi remoulade, and toasted quinoa

I was first presented with seared scallops, kohlrabi remoulade, and toasted quinoa ($18). This dish is all about delicate textures and fresh flavours. The scallops were perfectly cooked. The kohlrabi (German turnips) gives the dish a delicate crunchy texture and a subtle creamy flavour that's almost like tartare from the remoulade.

lamb backstrap, gordal olive crust, white polenta, roasted cherry tomatoes, jus ($36)

 

The lamb backstrap, gordal olive crust, white polenta, roasted cherry tomatoes, jus ($36) was my main event pick! The gordal olive crust on the medium well cooked lamb is slightly crispy and released a subtle olive taste.

warm red wine and chocolate cake, poached pear, vanilla ice cream, ganache ($14)

My favourite part of the luncheon is the dessert. It was a warm red wine and chocolate cake, poached pear, vanilla ice cream, ganache ($14) Ok, this a dish deserving of the usage of the "A" word. Every post of mine has one. It is a plate full of....(wait for it).....AWESOMENESS! The cake itself has the same texture of a moist banana cake with subtle chocolate and red wine (minus the alcohol after taste) flavours.  The vanilla bean ice cream is smooth and creamy. The poached pear is very luscious and its natural sweetness was nicely brought out.

Both the Harbour Rocks Hotel and Scarlett Restaurant brought out the best out of historical structures and classic dishes by giving it a contemporary touch.  It is an awe-inspiring venue with a restaurant that serves mouth-watering cuisine. Look them up next time you plan to stay or dine at The Rocks!

Scarlett Restaurant

Harbour Rocks Hotel

34 Harrington Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: 1800 251 210

www.harbourrocks.com.au/dining/scarlett-restaurant

Opening hours:

Breakfast 6:30am-10:00am (Mon-Fri), 7:00am-10:30am(Sat-Sun)

Lunch 12:00pn-3:00pm (7days)

Dinner 5:30pm-10:00pm (7 days)

Ramen Raff dined as a guest at the Scarlett Restaurant courtesy of Six Degrees Creative PR and the Harbour Rocks Hotel.