Tucked away in Careening Cove, Kirribilli, you will find Bayly’s Bistro, a stunning harbourside location for lunch and dinner.
It’s not often in Sydney that you will find a chef who has trained with one of the world’s most-renowned masters of the kitchen.
Head chef of Bayly’s Bistro, Aurélien Girault, came to Australia 10 years ago after honing his craft in kitchens across Europe. He also brought with him experience working under Alain Ducasse, the Monaco-based chef who has been awarded the world’s most Michelin stars.
French-born Aurélien started at Bayly’s four months ago, and is enjoying the unique ambience of a restaurant which is located below the Ensemble Theatre. Bayly’s is a pre-dinner favourite for theatre goers, but it is a picturesque spot for anyone who wants a great meal without the usual fee for waterside dining.
Bayly’s is a stunning location, as it overlooks a gorgeous small marina. At night, you can watch the Neutral Bay ferry chugging peacefully around the harbour.
Aurélien brings a subtle European influence into the Bayly’s kitchen. As someone who grew up eating a lot of Sicilian food, I was delighted to find caramelized figs garnishing many dishes. My lamb rump was cooked to perfection and delicately garnished with carrot puree and a delicious jus that had just a touch of mint. Subtle flavours which allow the diner to register the flavour on the palate – instead of sauces drowning and confusing our taste buds – really are a feature of Bayly’s menu.
Raised on a farm in Lorraine, France, Aurélien says his parents ran a restaurant where all produce was sourced from their own land. This attention to quality is something he carries to this day.
The chef has just launched a new menu at Bayly’s, putting in some French favourites like grilled Toulouse pork sausage, served with cheesy mashed potato. You will also find bistro favourites, including Maryland chicken and barbecued beef hanger steak and fries – with café de Paris butter for a French touch.
Aurélien has designed the menu with his customers in mind, who often pop into the kitchen to say hello, and there are several vegan and vegetarian options. With an eye on using the freshest ingredients, Aurélien will change his menu every few months to take advantage of seasonal produce. Bon appetit!
Bayly’s Bistro, Ensemble Theatre
78 McDougall St, Kirribilli
Tel: 8918 3455
www.ensemble.com.au/bistro/