When I first received my invitation to this event I was very excited. I had heard great things about Crane Bar from friends and it seems to be right on trend with many Japanese inspired bars popping up around Sydney for a little while now. Once I double-checked my diary I quickly penned in the event and eagerly sent in my RSVP.
The much anticipated walk to Crane Bar on Tuesday night was ended when we were greeted outside by two Geisha’s on stilts, and I was delighted that for once I was not the tallest female (I didn't even reach their fans). Walking into the bar I was completely taken back by the beauty of the space, I was particularly pleased by how fresh and bright it is. The mix of old meets new with hints of fairy wonderland work perfectly and instantly made me smile.
After a quick lap of the bar and just as I was taking in my new surroundings we were offered a cocktail by one of the many waitresses. Sipping on our cocktails we made our way to the front balcony, with its fake grass and views of the street this is my favourite area. If you love people watching (which I do) this is where you want to plant yourself when you visit. You have perfect views of the bar and the back garden along with street views. But if sitting back and relaxing on comfy armchairs is more your scene then I highly recommend heading to the back.
Of the cocktails my favourite by was Crane Bar's take on a Gin and Juice! And what’s not to love Tanqueray Gin, Apple Schnapps, Aloe Vera and Apple Juice garnished with lemon soaked apples and very easy to drink.
With cocktails in hand and the bar filling up with crazy amounts of beautiful people it was time for the food to come out, and boy did it arrive thick and fast! So often at events you have to wait a while to be fed and there isn’t a lot of food to go around, but at Crane Bar’s 2nd Birthday Party this was not an issue. First thing to come out was the Salmon Sushi this was light and fresh with a slightly charred finish on the salmon, which gave it depth. The rice was still a little warm which meant that the rice wasn’t as firmly packed, as what it should have been is my only complaint about this canapé.
Next came out the Karaage Chicken or what I dubbed Spicy Popcorn Chicken, this for me was the stand out dish of the night. Perfectly seasoned with a good chilli kick and served with cooling Kewpie Mayo is hands down the perfect bar snack to be washed down with a bottle or two of Asahi.
As I was licking my fingers (I know its terrible manners) from the Karaage Chicken I was offered Deep Fried Quail Legs and boy was I happy that I said yes. Lightly battered and drizzled with a sweet sticky sauce and orange zest is a great way to try quail for the first time. This doesn’t seem to be on their regular menu and I highly suggest that the Chef consider adding it!
With Chicken and Quail tucked safely away in my belly out came Arancini! Yep that’s right, Arancini, but not just any Arancini this is called East Arancini. Crumbed in Panko and with an edamame in the center this is fusion cooking down right.
The Salmon and Avocado rolls were up next and this is a classic combination for a reason. The earlier issue with the rice was not only addressed but also perfected! Now completely cooled and tangy it was perfectly packed making this one of the highlight dishes of the night.
Last lot of Sushi rolls to come out was the Prawn Sushi roll. Crumbed prawns cooked perfectly and topped with salmon roe mayo is a winner in anyone’s book. A great sushi option for anyone who doesn’t like eating raw fish or is trying sushi for the first time.
Just when I thought the night couldn’t possibly get any cooler out came Chef Tai Chi, with the biggest Tuna I have ever laid my eyes on. Chef Tai began his sashimi demonstration, watching him work was like watching an artist clearly a very gifted Chef every cut was made with precision and with respect to the Tuna. Before I knew it this massive tuna had been filleted and was being portioned out for all the guests to enjoy. I must say I don’t believe I have ever had the pleasure of eating fresher Tuna. The flavour was so clean and fresh that adding condiments like soy or wasabi to it seemed sacrilege and therefore not used (on my plate at least).
Overall I had a spectacular evening at Crane Bar, the combination of a great space, easy to drink cocktails, tasty food and rocking beats is one that I look forward to experiencing again. I cannot wait to head back with a group of friends for a night out and with everything in the one place there isn’t a need to move from place to place because really who has time for that?
Words by Christina Batista
Photos by Kate Young
