Once you hit 2wenty5 years of age the thought of being young slowly goes downhill from here. As the birthday girl its tradition in our family to shout everyone out to dinner. Your probably thinking WTF.. shouldnt it be the other way around? Unfortunately not.. I ended up paying for my families 9 course degustation selections. *ouch*

After always wanting to try Assiette it was time for me to visit this hidden treasure and unlock the beauty of their French cuisine everyone seems to be raving on about. As for the result… I’ve fallen in love with this place which now sits on my list as one of my favourite French restaurants.

Inside is spacious, modern, elegant and lighting is fantastic. Not too dark and not too bright but sets an intimate feel. What I love is the decor and not to mention their bathrooms! I’m in love with the wallpaper!! Staff here are fantastic and are extremely friendly that makes the dining experience comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable. This one is for the ladies, if you fancy the sound of a french accent, I believe you have come to the right place! oo-la-lah!

9 course degustation

Assiette offer a very reasonable price for degustation. At $95 a head (minus matching wines) this is definitely an offer that should not be missed! I tried booking for a saturday which happens to be their most busy period so make sure you book in advanced. Fridays are more flexible so if you cant make a saturday try for a friday.

To start the night off we ordered bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and we were given fresh hot french bread with french butter and salt.

Dish 01. Seasonal oyster with Vietnamese dressing and baby coriander
Great way to start, when added lime it complements the special Vietnamese dressing. Sprinkled on top reminded me of fried onion.. I didn’t take notice of it as the time I as gulped it down in one go.

Dish 02. Seared tuna with Japanese radish salad, smoked eel, pork crackling and basil puree
The amount of flavours in this dish is truely amazing. The seared tuna is cooked to perfection leaving the center very tender, juicy. The basil puree and the radish salad have a lot of flavours that even I cant describe. What got me the most and saving the best bit till – smoked eel. When combined with the whole dish it changes the taste leaving a smokey taste making you want more!!!!! One of my favourites on the night and I even complemented them on what a fantastic dish this was.

Dish 03. Pickled beetroot with goats curd, basil jelly and pine nut vinaigrette
Another beauty! The presentation was amazing. The beetroot was sliced to perfection and filled with beetroot sweetness. The goats curd was mouthwatering when combined with the pine nut vinaigrette. Another amazing dish which complemented all sections of this dish. Another one of my favourites!

Dish 04. Cured Wagyu beef with white asparagus, artichoke, summer truffle and crispy quail egg
After attending the Don’s Media Launch (read entry ft. Matt Preston) and informed about the cured meats, I knew I would appreciate this dish more since I understand the processes. Wagyu beef was delicious soft, tender and the colouring of the meat was beautiful as it displayed deep red tone. Once eaten with the asparagus and with the truffle sauce, the flavours were amazing! Even better when combined with the Crispy gooey quail egg. Another dish well done! – One of my sister’s favourite!

Dish 05. Terrine of Nacleay Valley rabbit and foie gras with carrot and hazelnut salad
Best rabbit dish i’ve had! I’ve had rabbit in the past and no doubt it was no where as good as this. Rabbit was extremely tasty I assume due to the foie gras (pronounced: fwa gra). The carrot puree was delicious for a second I thought my taste buds tricked me for pumpkin. The hazelnuts worked wonders when combined.The nuttiness of the hazelnut created a mouthwatering explosion. – Definite FAVOURITE of the night and will always order this without hesitation.

Dish 06. Panfried barramundi with chickpeas, chorizo, mussels and bouillabaisse vinaigrette
P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N!!! Dish was absolutely amazing and the stand out for the night. Barramundi was cooked to perfection which was absolutely beautiful especially with the crispy skin. Chickpeas, mussels were amazing and the bouillabaisse was mouthwatering filled with soo much fish / seafood flavour. Definitely a main I would order and a huge favourite of the night. The flavours in this dish is unbelievable!

Dish 07. Roasted cutlets and breast of lamb with Provencale vegetables, olive powder and pomme fondant
Lamb cutlets were beautiful! Soft juicy and tender. The crumbed lamb had a very strong lamby taste and the provencale vegetables were filled with flavour. Amazing dish and another favourite with the boys.

Dish 08. Selected cheese with rosemary lavosh
I’m no cheese lover but I can tell it was a winner. On the night we had Brie imported from France. The taste was super strong.. so strong I couldn’t stomach it.. probably because it reminded me of blue cheese (one of my worst enemies) Cant say I didn’t try it because I did. Cheesy lovers this one is for you!

Dish 09. Granny Smith apple jelly with vanilla syrup and apple granita
Perfect way to cleanse my mouth with sweetness. Apple jelly was amazing that my family tried to steal mine off me after they finished theirs and I was still in photographing mode. I love the taste of apples definitely brought freshness to my mouth after eating so much intense flavoured foods. The best part is finding chopped up apple textures.

Dish 10. Strawberry Champagne cheesecake with strawberry sorbet
I was soo shocked to see this written on my plate especially since they didnt know it was my bithday *looks @ bruce* A desert everyone will love. Champagne cheesecake was to die for as the creaminess, and texture were orgasmic when combined with a scoop of the heavenly sorbet!

Complements of Assiette
To finish the evening we were given these cute little jube like sweets. The taste reminded me of plum. Back in the day I used to eat a chinese lie called “Haw Flakes”.

I had a fantastic meal here. Everyone enjoyed the service and most importantly the meals. Definitely will be back and not the last they’ve seen of me.

Assiette
48 Albion St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
P (02) 9212 7979
F (02) 9212 3602