Deb Carr
2 min
What a great place for two friends to hang out on a Monday evening and catch up! We are talking Helm Bar Sydney! This is where my friend Jason aka @MrNeoLuxe and I dined last night and Sydney certainly gave us a great sunset to end the day with. Helm Bar, is appropriately named being surrounded by water and boats in Darling Harbour. The venue is nicely decorated, large and of course has plenty of windows to observe the sky and the boats in Darling Harbour.
With a glass of Domain Chandon, King Valley Pinot Gris (Jason) and Audrey Winkinson Verdelho, Hunter Valley (Deb) we were off to a good start. Actually the wine list has a good selection and good price range by the glass or bottle.
Jason and I were invited to review this venue so I'll put those cards on the table straight up. To start we ordered Slice House Smoked Salmon with Fresh Lemon, Capers, Dill and Toast. (20)
This restaurant cures and smokes the salmon in house. It's super delicious if you ask me and this dish certainly wooed my taste buds.
We also shared the Prosciutto with Melon and Sourdough. (18) We felt the prosciutto could have been more flavoursome, and this could possibly be because it was so delicately sliced. Still an enjoyable dish that is always a nice match with a good glass of wine.
The Beef Carpaccio with Watercress & Parmesan & EVOO (20) was delicious. Fresh, thinly sliced and a lovely combination with the watercress and parmesan. I'm very fussy when it comes to eating meat, especially if it's not cooked, and I'm giving this dish the thumbs up!
Now it was on to sharing the mains.
Blue Swimmer Crab Linguini with Tomato, Chilli, Garlic, EVOO, Parsley and Pangrattato (25). I really enjoyed this dish, there was plenty of crab meat and the flavours combined nicely together. Jason suggested maybe a little more chilli would have been nice and yes, that would give it a little bit of a bite.
We finished with the Fish of the Day; Salmon with Crushed Potatoes and Fennel, Tomatoes, Chilli and Olive Oil (28). When salmon is cooked with crispy skin then that is a winner for me! We both claimed as much of that skin as we could! The fish was cooked perfectly and was presented nicely with a colourful salsa on a bed of potatoes.
And of course you can't watch a beautiful Sydney sunset without a Negroni!
Disclaimer, Jason and Deb dined as guests of Helm Bar Sydney organised by Papaya PR. This is an honest appraisal of the venue. Our opinion is not bought.