There’s something very lovely about being greeted by a pretty French girl singing ‘bonsoir’ as you push through the door. It’s almost as nice as sipping chilled Champagne from delicate cut crystal. Add to such pleasantries one of the most inspiring interior design efforts Sydney’s seen in a long time (thanks to Luchetti Krelle), and you have yourself a very likable établissement indeed.
Prepare to be seduced by the absolute glamour of Ananas (French for pineapple) – a new avant-garde art deco style brasserie and bar that mixes old world Parisian charm with modern refinement. Watch the ladies swoon over decadent interiors, French antiques and the Champagne bar – while the gentleman catch their fall. And pick up the bill.
A labor of love by hospitality guru John Szangolies (Urban Purveyor Group aka Sake and Cut Bar & Grill) who teamed up with Head Chef Jerome Lagarde to deliver a darn good modern French/Mediterranean menu.
Seafood shines at the oyster shucking station where you can sample ocean delights like oysters du jour, Alaskan king crab and lobster. For entrée, don’t pass on showstoppers including 65° organic egg with asparagus, porcini and bellota bellota, and millefeuille of snapper tartare, scampi tarama and ceviche verde. For the main act, it’s all about beautifully tender chateaubriand fillet with crispy béarnaise and pommes allumettes, and pink salmon with yuzu hollandaise and sesame polenta.
Named after the Pineapple itself, it comes at no surprise that the golden fruit comes to life at dessert in the shape of a glorious piñacolada inspired ‘Ananas ravioli’ featuring berries and pineapple sorbet. You’re excused (in advance) for licking the plate.
Go early for a glass of Champagne, hang around for freshly shucked oysters, stay late for DJs and good tunes.
Ananas
18 Argyle Street, The Rocks 2000
T: 02 9259 5668
Brasserie open seven days, lunch and dinner. Bar open Monday – Saturday from 12pm – till late.
Video
Tour four of Sydney’s newest bars and restaurants including Ananas, The Rook, Gowings Bar & Grill and The Sailors Club.
