Contemporary brasserie dining – showcasing fresh Australian seafood & artisanal produce
November 15th, 2014
Gowings Bar & Grill in central downtown Sydney has been impressively realised in the mold of a stylish European-style brasserie and bar – serving classic and contemporary bistro cuisine all day in the dining room, together with a polished cocktail program at the glamorous bar. Located within the chic boutique hotel QT Sydney, Gowings Bar & Grill takes its name from the iconic Gowing Bros. department store – a Sydney landmark for more than a century that has been extensively refurbished and transformed to re-emerge as QT Sydney in 2012.
Occupying a capacious twin-level corner space accessed up stairs from the first floor reception of QT Sydney, the sleek contemporary design of Gowings exemplifies a sophisticated modern brasserie aesthetic with its exquisitely detailed decor and glamorous vibe. Beyond the gleaming cocktail bar and massive glass-encased wine cellar, the main dining room spans both sides of the window-fronted corner space. The generously proportioned dining room comfortably accommodates around 120 diners. And upstairs, the intimate Gilt Lounge, allures a glamorous and upscale party crowd late into the night with its progressive cocktails and the ambient beats of lounge music.
Heading up the culinary team at Gowings Bar & Grill are QT Creative Food Director, highly respected local restaurateur Robert Marchetti; and executive Chef Paul Easson – well-known for his role as executive chef at the Melbourne branch of Rockpool Bar & Grill. Together they have created an impressive menu replete with selections of classic European bistro dishes and modern interpretations of venerable Australian cuisine. A particular emphasis is placed on local seafood and crustaceans – showcased fresh in the “Marketplace Fishmongers” corner adjacent to the open kitchen. Other specialties include birds cooked on the wood-fired rotisserie, and suckling pig cooked in the wood fired oven. Brasserie staples include consummate renditions of grilled steaks; tastefully constructed salads; and delectable desserts.
Complementing the masterful brasserie cuisine, Gowings offer a terrific wine list, skillfully curated from both Australian and international wineries – with a focus on talented young winemakers.
And at the stellar bar, creative cocktails are crafted from premium spirits and a fascinating variety of ingredients – with a thoughtful list of drinks grouped under two categories – Signature Cocktails and Forgotten Classics. Inventive infusions, innovative twists, and well-balanced flavours are exemplified in signature cocktails such as The Gowings Sour – made with peach infused Jim Beam Rye, lemon, honey Muscovado sugar, egg white, peach bitters, and cinnamon; and Ghost of Mary – a bold combination of jalapeno and bacon infused vodka, tomato consomme, celery bitters, pickled asparagus, with a bacon salt rim.
In the two years since its opening, Gowings Bar & Grill has become one of the city’s most celebrated dining destinations, a favourite lunchtime haunt of CBD executives, and attracting a fashionable local clientele in the evenings, plus in-house hotel guests. Enticed by the compelling combination of sophisticated design, glamorous vibe, and consummate renditions of classic bistro fare, Gowings’ popularity makes table reservations a necessity. Open daily, Gowings Bar & Grill commences service with a breakfast menu served from 6:30 am, followed by the a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner.
