I just had to go back for more dumplings at Din Tai Fung.

This time I had the Chinese tea $1 with free refills, an excellent idea.

I also tried the Seafood Jiao Zi $7.80…

…but sadly they weren’t quite as good as the Shrimp and pork Jiao zi $9.80 or steamed pork dumplings xiao long Bao $5.80

I also ordered the Steamed mini bun with red bean – $1.90

…but again, it wasn’t as good as the savoury pork bun.

The Green bean with minced pork and dried shrimp $11.80 looked pretty good as a share dish…for another time perhaps.

I would never have found this great spot on my own but it was recommended by a friend.

The Urban won’t fit everyone’s preference ….but I loved it!

It’s close to the city…just a short 6 minute train ride from Central on the inner west line.

It’s just near Newtown Station, easy 2 minute walk.

It’s only $109 per room on the website….

….and if you book on line the mini bar is free.

Pastries and fruit are available all day and so breakfast is included.

The room has a kitchenette so you can cater easily..

…but why do that when it’s surrounded by great places to eat on Enmore Road!

The Urban started life as an RSL Club and front the road it looks quirky but not fancy.

The foyer is pretty plain and practical.

But then you realise that staff at reception are really friendly, approachable and helpful.

And you notice the pastries, coffee and fruit you can help yourself to anytime.

I’d booked a double room, but was upgraded to a king bed (nice!).

Room 405 was great, facing the side street Station Street not the main road. Once the windows  were closed it was especially quiet.

The room was simple and basic but it was the five star touches that really impressed like the full toiletries….

….large bathroom and shower ( excellent)….

….pod coffee machine and classy teabags.

The bed was very comfortable, heating was cozy.

And did I mention that free minibar?

If you don’t want to go far the Hakiki icecream shop is across the road…

..as is The Stinking Bishops with an interesting menu.

A bit further along is La Ricetta ( open Monday’s) Great Aunty Three (Vietnamese) and Faheems Fast food (Indian) ( open Mondays).

The Tandoori Hut has a great Biriyani recommended by The Urban reception.

Hartsyard, Osteria di Russo and Russo and Bloodwood are pricier spots nearby.

There’s the historic iconic Enmore Theatre near by and some interesting sounding markets on the weekend.

At breakfast time there were some amazing croissants and pastries on offer – maybe from the wonderful smelling bakery over the road.

And I’m there’s a whole lot more to discover on King Street!

Parking is $40

Wifi is free and excellent!

 

 

Hakiki Turkish Icecream is right across Enmore Road from the Urban.

While The Cow and the Moon up the road is the prize winner…

…this is the more interesting and delicious option.
The Turkish tea is excellent ……

…..as is the Turkish delight $1 each.

The baklava was excellent and the pistachio, all was great.

And I’d love to try the baklava pasties next time too.

Cottage Point Inn is perfect as the centrepiece for creating a wonderful day’s event – a special lunch in Sydney’s north.

Overlooking the Cowen Waters in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this delightful venue began its life as a boat house, general store and post office.

Guests arrive by road, water or air!

They are beautifully cared for by Guillaume Zika – Executive Chef …..

Jim Sanders – Head Sommelier……

…and excellent waitstaff like Amando

We began with Jim’s recommendation of a lovely Sangria made with elderflower liqueur, port and juice of ruby grapefruit and poorman’s orange.

This was served with warm bread with a faint lemon flavour and stylishly served butter….

We were very tempted by the  the degustation menu, but decided instead to share a selection from each course.

We chose entrees of Gippsland Veal Rump Tartare $32 – Seasoned with Oyster & Lemon Dressing, Tarragon, Caper Crackers

……and the Line Caught Snapper $34 Served Raw, Persimmon Vierge, Finger Lime & Basil

…and Jim suggested an unusual Argentinian White Fantasia that is usually paired in the degustation with the veal tartare.

…But before the entrees arrived we were surprised with a complimentary appetito of refreshingly crisp and tasty Pear with crème fraîche and pastry shell with a creamy pumpkin purée and parmesan

And after we’d enjoyed our entrees we were again surprised with another entree dish of the Moreton Bay Bug Citrus & Fennel, Lemon Hollandaise, usually $38, which turned out to be my favourite entree ( my second pick would be the veal tartare).

The mains we decided on were the Port Lincoln Spanish Mackerel Braised Endive with Capers & Smoked Parmesan, Noilly Prat Sauce $45…

….and the New Zealand Blue Eye Trevella with Confit young onion, sorrel puree, marjoram and clams $46..

Both were lovely and, like many others before us, we really did enjoy the Lemon & Herb Dauphine Potatoes $10.50 to accompany them.

Then another complimentary dish arrived – what must almost be a signature treat – of Roquefort cheese & green apple jelly with walnuts- perfect!

We’d chosen for dessert the Mont Blanc Tartlet with Chestnut & Rum Cream, White Chocolate Ganache, Buttermilk Sorbet $19 – a real winner!

But again were delightfully surprised with a second dessert of Yoghurt Vacherin Malfroys Gold Honey, Lemon Curd & Basil $19.

This was a meringue shell filled with a lemon curd and nicely highlighted, unusually, by the basil. Gorgeous!

Coffee was the perfect way to finish, especially as by now it was getting late in the afternoon…..

…..with a final unexpected accompaniment of aerated chocolate petit fours.

This is not a meal to be rushed. It deserves plenty of time to enjoy the relaxed and peaceful setting, the attentiveness and passion of the hosts and the creative talent in the dishes.