I recently had a Saturday night off work so we decided to have a night in the city. After checking in to our room at the Hilton, we wandered around town looking at some stores we haven’t been in to together for a while.

Soon enough it was time for lunch and as we were in Martin Place, Intermezzo caught our eye. Mr. CA4G has been several times for business lunches but this was my first time.

After perusing the menu and wine list we ordered 2 glasses of Prosecco and shared beef carpaccio for entrée.

Beef carpaccio and prosecco
Beef carpaccio and prosecco

We both had pasta for our mains, Mr. CA4G chose linguine with Western Australian Scampi, fresh vine ripened cherry tomatoes and chilli.

Scampi pasta
Scampi pasta

I opted for an entree sized pasta of house made pappardelle with trio of mushrooms, fresh ricotta and black truffle. Truly delicious, I love a bit of truffle (ok, I admit I like more than a bit of truffle). The fresh ricotta was also amazing.

Pappardelle with mushrooms and truffle
Pappardelle with mushrooms and truffle

We then decided that as it was a special day that we would have some cannoli filled with sweet ricotta.

Canoli with fresh vailla ricotta
Canoli with fresh vanilla ricotta

After lunch it was off to the shops again and then a quick rest at the hotel.

After easing our feet a little we headed down to the executive lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail and nibbles. Lovely fresh prawns and a few hot snacks got us fired back up again and ready to go out again.

Surprisingly the temperature had cooled a little, so we headed for a whisky at The Baxter Inn. Located in a dark seedy laneway off Clarence Street and down a set of stairs, the Baxter Inn is like stepping back in time to the 1920’s. The Baxter Inn features a list of around 360 whiskies from all around the world. We decided on Bowmore Legend, as Mr.CA4G had tried it on previous visit and enjoyed it. Armed with a bowl of pretzels we sat down to enjoy our whisky and people watch.

Bar at The Baxter Inn
Bar at The Baxter Inn

After our drink we headed out in to the night again and with no destination in mind we ambled down George Street and found ourselves in the Rocks. Walking past the former premises of Rockpool, Mr. CA4G lamented the fact that we never went there while it was open. Imagine his surprise when I told him they were open but had moved to the Burns Philp building in Bridge Street. That made us head back south for a walk past.

After looking at the menu and noticing they had a bar menu we headed in.

Out front, Rockpool
Out front, Rockpool
Interior from the bar
Interior from the bar

After sitting down and perusing the wine list we ordered two glasses of champagne. We only felt like a little bite to eat so decided on some caviar and blinis. After a bit of wonderful upselling from the very helpful waiter, we decided to try the Yasa caviar. Now I am not really in to caviar normally, but this was sensational. Our waiter had given us the story of the brand and then told us how the brand representative showed them how to eat the caviar by placing a little on your hand to warm it up and then straight in to your mouth. We tried it and were pleasantly surprised at the difference in flavour as compared to having it cold. It was well worth the extra to try this fantastic product.

Yasa caviar and blinis
Yasa caviar and blinis
Warming the caviar
Warming the caviar

Yasa caviar is farmed and produced from Siberian sturgeon in the UAE, in the worlds largest and most technologically advanced aquaculture farms. Not only do they process the roe but the fish is also processed for the culinary market.

After our caviar and champagne it was time to head back to the Hilton to bring our day of luxury to an end with a movie and bottle of Grande Cru bourdeaux from Chateau Cantemerle.

Chateau Cantemerle
Chateau Cantemerle

Have a great day and hope you have a touch of luxury soon!