Where to find Sydney’s best crepes
08 Feb 2023
08 Feb 2023
Where do the hospo professionals go at knock-off time? In After Service we ask the experts the best places to eat and drink, and they more than deliver!
This week, we’re talking to Mark Anderson, Group Bar Manager of the Esca hospitality group which includes hot Middle Eastern fine diner Aalia, contemporary Lebanese restaurant Nour and South East Asian eatery Lilymu, among others. Mark’s the man that makes sure the drinks are absolutely top notch, but he didn’t have a romantic entry into the world of hospitality.
Image credit Esca
“My first job in hospitality was making sandwiches and coffees at a cafe. I quickly realised there was a lot more socialising and fun behind the bar, so I moved into a nightclub when my age permitted,” he said.
The Sydney-born native began working for the Merivale group where he met some dynamic bar managers and passionate chefs who really sparked his interest in being the best he could be in the hospitality industry. Next stop was leading some multi-award winning cocktail bars in Europe before being lured back to Australia to become the Group Bar Manager for Esca.
When asked what he loves about hospitality, Mark’s answer is simple, even though he worries that it’s too cliche.
“The people you get to meet and work with, the guests you get to meet and make happy, they really make it amazing. It’s a very social job and at the end of the day it is all about having fun.”
It’s no surprise then, that Mark knows where to go around Sydney (with a touch of Melbourne and San Sebastian thrown in) when it comes to the best places to have fun as well as kick back, relax and generally enjoy yourself. Here’s where Mark reckons you should go too:
Image credit Marlowe's Way
Where should I go for a good coffee?
“If you’re in the city Marlowe’s Way just off Bridge Street is a long time favourite. Belgrave Cartel in Manly is a great local joint. Surry Hills and Bondi you really can’t go wrong.”
What’s your favourite cocktail and where’s the best place to get it?
“I love a classic gin martini, perched at Hubert’s bar top with the jazz band playing. It’s very hard to beat.”
Most romantic bar?
“Dessous in Melbourne is a very sexy underground wine and cocktail bar. Dim lighting, moody decor and incredible cocktails and wine list. A great spot.”
Image credit Lyle's
If you could go to a bar or restaurant anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
“Lyle’s in London. I have great memories of dining here and am still blown away by how they can change the menu so frequently and still be ten out of ten every time. It always makes me want to go back. They have very talented people, a great wine list, a small cocktail list that punches above its weight and it’s just an amazing restaurant.”
Favourite cafe for brunch or breakfast?
“Cuckoo Callay on Crown, sat upstairs in the window watching the wonderful people of Surry Hills go about their day.”
After a long week, what’s your favourite place to unwind after work?
“A cold beer in hand sitting at the SCG with the Swans in front is a great way to end a long week.”
Image credit Pino's Vino e Cucina
Where would you go for dinner with friends?
“My wife is Italian so the odds are somewhere Italian – Pino’s Vino e Cucina in Alexandria is great for a special occasion, or if it’s casual and there’s a good group then Bar Reggio is always good fun.”
My favourite bakery is…
“Flour and Stone in Woolloomooloo has it all – amazing cakes, lamingtons and great savoury pies.”
If money was no object, where would you eat and/or drink?
“That’s a very tough question, there are so many amazing places I’d love to try. I’ve never visited San Sebastian and that is definitely high on the bucket list. So an open cheque book at Elkano, Kokotxa or Arzak would be a pretty special treat.”
Image credit Flour and Stone
Mark Anderson’s After service address book:
Marlowe’s Way: Tank Stream Way, Sydney NSW 2000
Belgrave Cartel: 6 Belgrave St, Manly NSW 2095
Restaurant Hubert: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Dessous: Basement/164 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Lyle’s: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom
Cuckoo Callay on Crown: 413-415 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010:
Pino’s Vino e Cucina: 199 Lawrence St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Bar Reggio: 135 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Flour and Stone: 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Elkano: Herrerieta Kalea, 2, 20808 Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Restaurante Kokotxa: Calle del Campanario, 11, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Arzak: Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Want more great recommendations from the food professionals? Check out where The Butler’s Amber Doig recommends or find out about the best Italian restaurants, delis and bakeries from A Tavola’s Eugenio Maiale.
