This is my 4^th visit to Etch having sampled the degustation menu twice and ala-carte for dinner, Etch has earned a right on my list as a reliable eat in the city where I can expect good service, an elegant setting and importantly delicious food without exorbitant prices.

So whilst this was not my first time here, we few ‘first’s’ were accomplished in this visit: First time sampling lunch service and (importantly) the first time blogging about it having forgotten my camera and menu items on previous occasions. This time though, no more repeat mistakes.

A fixed price lunch special was also offered at $40 for the entree and main dish of the day complemented by a glass of wine. My fellow work colleagues chose an entree and main from the ala carte menu whilst I happy with the dishes offered in the fixed price menu and chose the 2008 Crawford Semillon Sauvignon Blanc as a little Friday bonus.

Beetroot cured Petuna ocean trout, horseradish cream, baby beetroot – $21

Tasting of Aylesbury duck – $22

Entree: Steamed mulloway, crispy pork belly, spring onion, chilli (as part of the fixed price menu)

You just got to admire taking something sinfully good like pork belly and deep frying it to crispy oblivion. You would think the richness would be too much to be paired with steamed fish but the chefs show great restraint in adding in well-dressed fresh herbs, heat from a touch of chilli and proportion to keep the dish light and tasty.

My colleague’s tasting of duck was of particular interest. Creme caramel ala duck anyone? I’ll eat my hat the day I see a steak brulee.

Roasted sirloin, daube of beef, spinach, carrot, red wine jus  – $34

Crusted sea bream, Jerusalem artichoke barigoule, trompette puree  – $31

Ballotine of free range chicken, sauteed brussel sprouts, bacon, bread sauce (as part of the fixed price menu)

The main dish of the Chicken ballotine was presented immaculately in keeping with the ambience. Carefully rolled chicken in a darkened chicken skin wrap sliced into thick discs dominate the plate. Lovely flavours and textures of moist chicken, smoky bacon and mustardy spouts were all present summing up to make thoroughly satisfying dish.

Besides my own choices, everyone was most satisfied with their lunch selections but that didn’t stop me eyeing my mates sirloin presented 2-ways dish for “menu lay-by”. You can never be too greedy.

Rooster motifs on every table

As the waitress cleared the table, my heart begged for dessert but somehow my brain decided to wake up and remind everyone that exercising a bit of restraint would in keeping with a business lunch. Etch pulls off the act of consistency yet again. Let the good times keep rolling.

Verdict

Food = 14.5/20
Service = 8.0/10
Ambience = 8.5/10
Value = 9.0/10

Overall = 40.0/50

Etch Restaurant
62 Bridge Street,
Sydney 2000
Phone: + 61 2 9247 4777