Before we get on to the all important Cloudy Bay Fish Co. seafood (the core of this Westfield restaurant as the name suggests) let me tell you about something special! Scrummy yummy chips. When I had lunch with Australian seafood guru (and Cloudy Bay Fish Co. partner) John Susman during last week, the chips came late in our feast but I was ready for them – he had raved about them. He was so enthusiastic I was sure I was being set up for a disappointment. But let me tell you – they’re the best chips. True! The secret starts with the sugar content of the potatoes. Then they’re boiled then fried. Superb! Fluffy pillow-light centre, tap-dancingly crisp outside.
On to the heart of lunch. Fish and seafood. This also came with an expectation as I’ve known (Cloudy Bay Fish Co.’s) John Susman a long time. Understand his knowlege, understand the reputation he brings as he has been at the frontier of the Australian seafood industry for the entirity of his career: more than 30 years. His contribution to the industry has been enormous: not only in distributing the best of our fish and seafood to premium Australian restaurants, but also driving export of our best internationally, and in new product development such as the exquisite award-winning 2011 ABC delicious. magazine product 0f the year Kinkawooka mussels. We ate the petite bouchet (sweet, small, succulent) or as my mate Susman would say “petit bouchet mussels in the house”. It’s easy to see why my photo (below) is of the empty mussel shells. Mmmmmmmm.
He’s an encouraging and enthusiastic conversationalist, known for his “Yes Chef” responses (off and online.) Cloudy Bay Fish Co. not only uses the freshest and best, direct from the sea, Chef Jeff Schroeter has a light touch that brings out the best in the bounty. From creamy seafood chowder through scallops to seafood platters, and on to dessert, everything is premium, and dare I say, perfect.
Postscript: make sure you scroll to the bottom of the photos, to see who our surprise visitor was at the end of lunch.
Cloudy Bay Fish Co.
Level 5, Westfield Sydney
Corner Pitt Street and Market Street, Sydney NSW Australia
+61 2 8252 6551
