Forty One Restaurant, Sydney, Sydney restaurant

AWARDS
Awarded two chef's hats 2009, Good Food Guide.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
High above the city resides one of Sydney’s oldest and most renowned fine dining establishments. Located on the top floor of Chifley Tower, the restaurant is accessed through the office lift banks illustrated with a plaque bearing the restaurant name (take note the restaurant is on the 42nd floor). The Japanese inspired entry-way alludes to the demure and formal atmosphere of the interior however it is the overwhelming view that commands your attention; the floor to ceiling windows provide a birds-eye view of Sydney extending to the horizon.

Internationally acclaimed chef Dietmar Sawyer is at the helm of this culinary establishment and deftly combines techniques from around the globe to create his menu. The traditional three courses are available for $125, including tea and coffee. However, special occasions dictate special food and for only a fraction more, the degustation comes strongly recommended. Sawyer presents three different degustation menus; the original features dishes that have become legend over the years, vegetarians will be pleased with their own degustation or try the indulgent menu gourmand which has been designed weekly to showcase the best seasonal produce. All degustations can be matched with wines chosen from the extensive collection of predominantly Australian drops, augmented by a selection from the New World and Europe.

LOCATION
Now located on Level 42 of Chifley Square, corner of Elizabeth & Hunter Street in the CBD.

DETAILS
Guests arriving in the foyer of Forty One enter a Japanese garden designer Ken Lamb describes as ‘Contemporary Asian Fusion’. A water feature with an ikebana floral arrangement sits among a stone garden dominated by three large stone urns. The elements within the urns, which symbolise Earth, Man and Heaven in Japanese culture, will change with the seasons. Now consolidated on one floor, several private dining rooms have been replaced with open plan, but very intimate dining –offering a vast and unobstructed window over Sydney’s magnificent harbour.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
The menus at Forty One Restaurant change fortnightly for both lunch and dinner to reflect produce of the season, however, Sawyere will continue to combine his European identity with influences from Japanese presentation and Asian and Indian flavours. The current dinner menu offers dishes such as Roast Fillet of Wild Barramundi, Aubergine Puree, Avocado Cream, Smoked Spanish Paprika Oil, alongside some of Sawyere’s signature dishes which have featured over the past nine years including the Crown Roast of Wild Hare, Braised Belgian Endive Creamed Potatoes, Chartreuse Jus. Importantly, and in a more traditional approach, each main course is balanced with vegetable components.
Wine, under the care of sommelier Stuart Knox and wine consultant Anders Josephson, is stored and displayed in six new French vin caves in the restaurant’s reception lounge.

Forty One Restaurant offers fixed price menus; the three course dinner menu comprises of 3 courses with coffee, tea and friandises is $125. There are other options including degustation dining, matched menus and wines and additional cheese courses. The degustation menu is $145 per person for six course menu and $200 per person for the menu with wines matched to each course.

Forty One Restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Saturday and lunch Tuesday to Friday.

Chef, Dietmar Sawyere uses the finest Australian produce presenting it in a simple, appetising and colourful manner. The cooking style reflects European technique, with influences from Japanese presentation and a touch of South East Asian flavours. The emphasis being on the natural flavours of the base foods.

PRIVATE ROOMS
Two refurbished private rooms provide a variety of dining options. The Private Dining Room with a seating capacity of 16 to 34 retains much of its heritage with enormous vintage posters of French wines and cognacs displayed on the panelled walls. The Reidel Room adjacent seats 8 to 14 and provides a very intimate atmosphere.

Personal Statement