LOCATION
Darlinghurst, ten minutes from the CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
On a corner in Darlinghurst, a hop and a skip from the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross, an innovative restaurant is fusing East and West in a delicious explosion of tastes and colours. Rise Restaurant is an inventive eatery where the colourful creations on the plate are as vibrant as its bright blue exterior and red-orange doors. Modern metal artworks protrude from the walls and dangle from the roof; large windows draped with thin curtains swallow up the walls, offering diners a hazy view of Darlinghurst’s streets. Within these walls, Japanese chef and owner, Hideki Okazaki, dishes up an extensive menu, merging a strong focus on Eastern cuisine with Western cooking techniques.
Okazaki took over the restaurant in 2005, bringing a unique cooking style to the kitchen and a zesty menu which is tweaked every few months. His seven-course degustation menu features an ever-changing assortment of soups, sashimi, seasonal dishes, mains and desserts. Those choosing from the extensive a la carte menu are spoilt for choice; starters include an impressive array of oysters, tempura, spring rolls, fresh market sashimi with Rise sauce or the deep-fried soft-shell crab “spider” sushi roll. Popular picks for the main event include the snapper with Asian mushrooms and Chinese broccoli in a paper bag served with soy num jin sauce, or the duck confit with crispy mushrooms, spring rolls and Chinese five-spice jus. The wine list covers some quality drops by the glass, but to complete the Japanese experience sample the heart-starting sake. Okazaki’s innovative cooking style extends to the dessert section of the menu; try the black sesame and praline ice-cream terrine with green tea sponge for a unique fusion of flavours.
Lauren Barker, September 2008
LOCATION
In Darlinghurst, close to Kings Cross.
DETAILS
A Kings Cross boutique with New York/Tokyo chic, Rise, with its modern Japanese fusion concept, has been referred to as a baby TetsuyaÃÔ. The decor is clean and attractive, with bamboo placemat-topped tables and a modern art Japanese mural fashioned from fabric and steel. There is a low sushi counter where you can watch sashimi chefs performing their craft, but window seats are best for couples wanting a bit of cosiness and space from the other diners.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Owner chef Hide Okazaki was trained in Japan before spending two years in Italy honing his skills. His cuisine, a true fusion of Japanese and European /Asian styles and flavours, is often surprising and occasionally extraordinary. In true Japanese form, presentation is exquisitely detailed, and the seafood is gloriously fresh.
Rise offer a 30% discount on their New Omakase course meal (normally $60 per person)on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Reservations are essential with the confirmation of this special offer. RISE also arrange for vegetarians or other requests, with advanced notice.
FUNCTIONS
RISE is available for intimate cocktail parties or dinner parties. A perfect venue for private functions, with an outdoor courtyard for additional alfresco seating.
OMAKASE - SPECIAL SELECTION
Comprises of 7 signature dishes selected by Chef Hide, providing an element of surprise and an experience worth dining for...
