Footnotes

PROVENANCE
The Lucio's Collection, Sydney

Everyone has a favourite restaurant - mine is Lucio's.

Cities around the world boast restaurants that become legendary because they are where artists and writers meet and the movers and shakers of society have chosen to eat. Lucio's is of that calibre.

It is not hard to understand why, either. Fuelled by the excellent food and art on the walls, the atmosphere is always lively. On entering the restaurant you feel a tingle of anticipation for an enjoyable evening ahead, one that will engage all your senses.

Lucio has a way of making you feel immediately at home, somehow relaxed, receptive. His 'team' of waiters, surely the best in Sydney, conduct themselves with a blend of friendliness and skilful service that seems effortless - such is their ability.

Finally, of course, a restaurant will survive on the excellence of its food. Lucio's secret is fundamental to all great establishments - the best ingredients served fresh and simply, having a balance of tastes with nothing overwhelming anything else.

Living in France for half of the year, I have to admit to missing Lucio's. Surrounded as I am by many reputedly great restaurants, I still dream of returning to Sydney to savour the Salmon Tartare with Sevruga Caviar of the Grilled Figs with Mushrooms, or the Green Tagliolini with Blue Swimmer Crab. To follow, possibly the Duck, the Rack of Lamb, or maybe the Veal Medallions he does so well. Just writing this has made me hungry as I picture it all in my mind.

Like a migratory bird comes late September, I head home, for the sunshine, the warmth and Lucio's!

Fred Cress, 1999
The Art of Food at Lucio's