By Franz Scheurer
There are plenty of restaurants in Sydney that are just perfect for the “long business lunch”. Pronounced dead in the early nineties, it nevertheless still exists, albeit less frequent. The short business lunch or power breakfast have taken over and the suits synchronise their infrared-enabled Palm Pilots and consult their whiz-bang laptops across shiny laminex tables in steel, chrome and plastic eateries across the CBD. Trouble is, the food is rarely, if ever up to it. To find a venue that allows a quick, efficient lunch with speedy, knowledgable and non-intrusive service and good food is harder than the proverbial needle in a haystack.
Enter, centre-stage Bistro Fax.
Bistro-Fax is situated within one of Sydney's most historical buildings. Once the home to the great Fairfax Empire, where Bistro Fax takes its name. Fronting O’Connell, Hunter and Pitt streets its grand entrance invites you up into a split-level room where Danish interior design meets Australian Federation style. Although minimalist and sporting large TV screens this is a comfortable space with comfortable chairs and a no nonsense menu and wine list. The short menu makes selection easy and there are a number of wines available by the glass. The service is speedy, friendly and very attentive. Although salt, pepper, oil and vinegar are on the table the waiting staff is smart enough to ask you if you’d rather have butter with your bread, which arrives speedily. The food is good; as a matter of fact it is very good! I even dared ordering a risotto and although it is partly pre-cooked it is perfectly creamy with a good bite. The rack of pork is soft, succulent with great crackling and served on an excellent soft polenta. My one criticism would be that the selection of wines by the glass needs work. Apart from that, this is the perfect place to wheel a deal, lunch with friends or have an intimate dinner for two. The mood is warm, the service smart and the food exceptional and they’re open from 6.30am to 10.30pm.
Score 7/10
For more information or bookings:
Bistro Fax
Cnr. Pitt and O’Connell Streets
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel.: 02 8214 0400