Stepping across the threshold of 55 North, situated within the illustrious Manly Pacific, one is immediately enveloped in an ambience that whispers of sophistication with a sotto voce that could only be described as elegantly understated.
The decor, an artful blend of chic and coastal, mirrors the natural beauty and vibrancy of Manly, with views of the ocean that stretch into the horizon, painting a picture of serene beauty that competes with any masterwork for one’s attention.
My culinary odyssey commenced with a dish that, at first blush, might seem deceptively simple: Champagne Battered Trout and Fries.
Yet, under the skilful hands of the chef, it transcended the mundane to achieve a kind of gastronomic alchemy. The trout, swathed in a batter kissed by champagne, offered a crunch that yielded to the tender flesh within, a testament to the magic that occurs when humble ingredients are elevated through innovation and technique. The fries, a golden accompaniment, were nothing short of perfection, each bite a crispy echo of the last.
In a nod to the bounty of the sea that lay but a stone’s throw from where we dined, the Regional Oysters were served. These jewels of the ocean, each a pristine offering of the sea’s largesse, were simplicity incarnate, needing no more than a squeeze of lemon to unveil their briny depths. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated pleasure.
The Macadamia Nut Encrusted King Prawns were a study in contrasts: the succulence of the prawns, encased in a crunchy, nutty exterior, created a sensory experience that was both rich and delightfully surprising. The use of macadamia nuts was a stroke of genius, imparting a luxurious texture and a depth of flavour that married well with the sweetness of the prawns.
To accompany such fare, the cocktails were nothing short of a libationary ballet. The Signature Lilly Pilly Pop, with its base of Manly Spirits Lilly Pilly Pink Gin, danced on the palate, its notes of hibiscus syrup and lemon juice pirouetting with a smoke bubble that added a dramatic flourish to each sip.
The Peachy Princess was a symphony of peach and pear, a delicate concoction that melded fruit, flower, and spirit into a drink that was as intoxicating to the eye as it was to the tongue.
Dining at 55 North, one cannot help but be struck by the symphony of details that create an experience that is at once intimate and grandiose.
The meticulous attention to the marriage of flavours, the harmony between dish and drink, and the backdrop of natural beauty all contribute to an evening that is a feast not just for the body, but for the soul.
In this respect, 55 North is not merely a bar; it is a destination, a place where the act of dining is transformed into an art form, offering a reminder that, at its best, food is not just sustenance, but a celebration of life itself.
About the author
Faye James is an avid foodie and recipe developer, the author of cookbooks The Menopause Diet (2023), The 10:10 Diet (2019, and The Long Life Plan (2018) and is a food, beauty and health journalist with over 20 years of experience.
Follow Faye on Instagram @fayecelinejames