Inside Sydney's Hilton Hotel you will find one of Luke Mangan's restaurants. Glass Brasserie is known for it's interior and Asian fusion flavours. On arrival you will be greeted and seated with the option of cloak room check-in; tap, still or sparkling water; and a napkin placed on your lap (I wish that tradition of fine dining service would die out - lap napkins are totally awkward!). The kitchen is open and spacious, the chef and his crew loud and fast paced. The interior is comfortable but stylish and the lighting is arguably perfect for the occasion. The wine list goes on forever, and the prices are on the expensive side. However you will find something under $80 without turning to the "bargain" discount bin section of the menu if you search hard enough. The complimentary bread was delicious, fresh, and salty. The addition of raisins in one type was a pleasant surprise.
We order our prosecco and decisions were made on entrees and mains after lots of faffing about. Too many choices!
"Roasted prawns, goats cheese gnocchi, garlic cream,
golden raisins, hazelnuts $30 "
The roast prawns are plump, sweet, and succulent and the gnocchi is oh-so-soft like little fluffy clouds. The garlic cream is divine and I wish there was more of it. This is the perfect start to my meal.
"Tea smoked quail, almond cream, prunes, grains,
grilled shallot, woodland sorrel $29 "
Smokey, rich, tender pink quail mellowed out by the almond cream. Mr.P looks at me and I know straight away he loves it. My mouthful reminds me of some sort of barbecue marinated meat on flavour steroids. I think the dish on the whole would be too rich for my palate, but if you're into big flavours, this dish is for you!
"Snapper fillet, tempura prawns, Thai salad, spicy broth $47 "
I was really excited to try this dish and unfortunately it was only half-way there. The broth was amazing and the Thai salad with peanuts was refreshing and moreish. The prawns are huge and plump but the tempura batter is too thick and I think I'd prefer to have them without the batter. The snapper has lovely crisp skin but was overcooked making it dry and bland. I really loved the flavours but felt I could have just as good in nice Thai restaurant for half the price.
"Braised wagyu short-rib with Pedro Ximenez, horseradish,
carrot & cumin puree, red onion, piquillo peppers $49"
The carrot and cumin puree is absolutely gorgeous and the flavours marry really well. The short rib seems like it could have done with some more cooking, as it was slightly tough. It's a nice dish but doesn't compare to the entrees.
We are quite full and tipsy but we must solider on, as we actually picked this place based on it's desserts. Our prosecco has finished and it's hard choice to pick which dishes to get. I finally decide on the signature dessert and a glass of godello.
"Liquorice parfait 'Signature' $20 "
Beautiful plating with a modern colour palate, I get very excited when I see this placed in front of me. The parfait is textually spot on and the aniseed flavour is big and bold. The lime jelly cubes have a burst of tangy tartness and there is a lovely thin bottom layer of what I think is chiffon cake which soaks all the lime syrup up. Tapioca also has a small side role. This dish really reminds me of both my mother (and her love of liquorice) and my grandmother (who makes a a delicious lemon slice that has similar texture).
"Chocolate, raspberry, salted peanuts,
caramel popcorn, peanut butter ice-cream $23"
Oozy raspberry overflows out of the deep dark chocolate encasing. The flavour combination reminds me of a really good choc raspberry brownie. I didn't try the popcorn so I can't comment but the peanut butter ice cream tastes like fresh peanuts. Yum yum!
If you have been to Glass, I would love to know what you thought and ate as there was so many choices for each course!
GLASS BRASSERIE
Level 2, 488 George Street, Sydney, Australia 2000
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