Pello Review
We went to Pello in East Sydney for the Snook’s birthday dinner last night. I’d booked us in early for 7pm so we’d have plenty of time to do the degustation. In fact, we were the first ones there! (The place started to fill up soon though.) After enjoying some fine G&T’s, we moved on to the food. There were seven courses in all (plus the amuse bouche and the “pre-dessert”), each with its own matching wine. The highlight of the night for me was the herb crusted snapper; that may well be the best piece of fish I’ve ever eaten. I also really liked the pork belly and the terrine. I appreciated the way that both the dishes and the wine increased in complexity with each new course. The wait staff were excellent, and they were great about answering all our questions. (Me: “What’s ‘sauce matelote’?” Him: “I’m glad you asked; that’s the best part! It’s made from smoked eel…”) I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t do anything special for the Snook’s birthday, since they did make a note of it when I made the reservation. But it was still a lovely evening out, and the meal was a good mix of “trying kinda weird new things” and “enjoying good versions of stuff I already like.” The only downside was all that wine. The server told us that they were only 90ml glasses, but I’m pretty sure they were more generous than that with the pours. Times that by seven courses, and we practically had a whole bottle each. Ooof, my achin’ head…

I just have to add that I’m really proud of myself and how far I’ve come with my food phobias. I ate everything on that menu – salmon roe, mushrooms, raw kingfish, everything – without holding my nose or being childish. Instead I made a concerted effort to really taste stuff, and to figure out – if I didn’t care for something – WHY I didn’t like it. I’m sure that’s nothing for some of you, but for this former picky-eater, it’s a really big change.