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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I tried the 'French woman sleep hack' — here's why I'm adding it to my bedtime routine
A recent trip to Paris reinforced my long-held conviction that my life would be significantly more chic if I (a) lived there, and (b) had the elegance and style I observed in many French women in the city. Days spent exploring various arrondissements, strolling the Champs-Élysées and late-night dining alongside the Seine left me wishing I could emulate Parisian-style elegance in my everyday life, à la Andréa Martel (Camille Cottin) from the Netflix show Call My Agent!. And while I generally sleep well, when I came across the hack French women employ to improve their sleep, obviously I wanted to see if it had any impact on my slumber. "The "French woman" sleep hack refers to the idea of applying a light fragrance –usually something calming – before bed as part of a nighttime ritual," says clinical psychologist and sleep expert, Dr. Leah Kaylor. It's often passed down as a family tradition, Dior fragrance expert Esperanza Pintado, told Glamour. In truth, I wasn't entirely convinced that wearing perfume to bed would have any significant impact beyond making me feel more glamorous in my pajamas. But "voyons", I thought (after entering "let's see" into Google translate)... For the past few years I've been wearing Diptyque's 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain eau de toilette, which is a combination of amber, patchouli, rose, cinnamon and blackcurrant buds. Diptyque is a French brand that originated in Paris; my fragrance is even named after their first boutique in the city. Parfait, non? However, since this sleep hack typically involves wearing a different scent at night (French makeup artist Violette told Into The Gloss that while she wears another scent in the daytime, she specifically wears a musk scent at night), I had to find another bedtime option. My fragrance collection is currently pretty limited so I opted for one of my boyfriend's fragrances, Orphéon, also by Diptyque (I admit I suggested he try the brand). Still French, and it contains jasmine (as well as juniper berry, tonka bean and cedar), which research has shown can help reduce nighttime awakenings (more on that below). My nighttime routine generally includes a warm shower 30 minutes to an hour before I want to sleep. I assumed this would also be helpful for this sleep hack, since I would be a blank slate fragrance-wise. Historically my application of fragrance has been lavish and haphazard, but I have been trying to rein it in of late, and now I only spray on pulse points on my wrists, neck and behind my ears. I was pleased to discover that this is similar to the way the French apply perfume (though they also spritz the back of the knees!). For this experiment, I sprayed my partner's fragrance on those spots, and added a spritz to my pajama t-shirt. I'm pretty sure he uses his scents fairly sparingly, and this comparatively liberal application must have been a shock to him, because he then asked for it back, laughing that I was being 'cheeky" (though for the record, he later admitted he couldn't smell it on me as we lay next to each other). Freshly doused, the first thing I noticed was that his scent smelled slightly different on me, a little lighter, and I liked it just as much. There are smoky, woody and floral notes from the jasmine, and the overall effect was surprisingly pleasant and calming. I had been feeling unusually anxious during the day, and was concerned that wearing a fragrance would be distracting; that I'd focus on it and it would exacerbate the anxiety and delay sleep onset. Instead, I found the scent really soothing. Maybe it's because I love wearing fragrance and associate it with happiness, but I genuinely felt noticeably more at ease than I had earlier in the evening. And, while I didn't fall asleep any quicker than I normally do, the night I slept with fragrance I did notice that I wasn't feeling unsettled (as I sometimes do) that I was still awake even though my partner had dropped off instantly (as he almost always does). Since giving up alcohol over four years ago, I tend to wake once at most during the course of the night, unless I'm feeling particularly stressed or anxious at bedtime. The night I tried the French woman sleep hack, I stirred awake on one occasion, and dropped back off quickly, waking again when my alarm sounded in the morning. Given that I had been feeling anxious during the day, I had expected a more interrupted night's sleep, so it's possible that the calming effect I experienced from the fragrance helped prevent further disruptions. I don't use a sleep tracker, so it's difficult to know if this hack improved my sleep itself. But, wearing a fragrance did have a positive, relaxing effect on me before I dropped off, and I didn't wake any more than usual, despite feeling more stressed than I typically do during the preceding day. "Wearing a calming scent to bed can help trigger relaxation and signal the brain that it's time to wind down," Dr. Kaylor explains. While CEO and chief perfumer at Demeter Fragrance, Mark Crames, says he isn't familiar with using fragrance specifically for sleep, he does, "know many European women who wear fragrance to bed." Wearing a calming scent to bed can help trigger relaxation And, as well as being popular, using a scent at night to improve sleep is also research-backed. A study published in the journal Sleep in 2024, saw 30 sensitive sleepers spend four nights in a sleep laboratory, after a "baseline" night with no scent, participants had "randomized exposure" to "a placebo rose scent, a high-dose of jasmine scent, or a low-dose relative to essential oils" on their T-shirts. The results? "Comparisons to baseline revealed a significant improvement in both sleep quality and total sleep time when using scents. Notably, both high and low doses of jasmine demonstrated a reduction in wake after sleep onset," the researchers wrote. Dr. Kaylor adds that, "Scents like lavender and chamomile have been studied for their calming effects on the nervous system." Another study looking at the effects of aromatherapy essential oils blended with lavender, roman chamomile, and neroli on ICU patients, found that it "effectively reduced the anxiety levels and increased the sleep quality." Discussing how fragrance can impact sleep, Crames says, "At Demeter, we believe that the way you feel is affected by what you smell, or more succinctly, that you can change your emotions or mood with scent. So if you believe that lavender has [an]... influence and you smell lavender, it will help you sleep." Although he notes that aromatherapists "believe that process only works if you're using natural lavender, the essential oil that contains all the micro chemicals," he says that "we think it's much more related to memory than a physical reaction." Dr. Kaylor also notes that scents can have a psychological impact. "Smell is a powerful sense tied to memory and emotion, so a consistent scent at bedtime may also build a psychological association with rest and relaxation," she says. It's also worth noting that, among his many attributes, my partner is a very calming influence on my life, so while I only wore it for one night, applying his fragrance may have contributed to my feelings of relaxation. When it comes to picking your nighttime fragrance, Dr. Kaylor advises, "Look for scents that have been shown to support relaxation and reduce anxiety, such as lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, neroli, and ylang-ylang." But don't worry if none of those appeal to you, because picking a perfume that works for you is equally important. "Any scent that is relaxing to you personally is ideal. Look for a soft scent — it doesn't need to be strong," she adds. Cramer believes the effect of fragrance on sleep is "more related to memory than a physical response." Therefore he suggests that "whatever smells typically make you the most relaxed will help you fall asleep." "For many people, that will be lavender in some form," he says, adding, "For me, it's always about an individual reaction to a fragrance." If you're anything like me, more is more when it comes to fragrance. I love a rich, deep, warm scent (the patchouli and amber notes in my daytime fragrance speak to that) and I know that I probably apply more heavily than most. But using an overpowering amount of fragrance, or picking a scent that is too strong, isn't ideal for applying at night. "Avoid anything you find overpowering as it may actually interfere with your ability to fall or stay asleep," Dr. Kaylor says, adding that you should avoid overly stimulating or intense scents. My experience of using the French woman's sleep hack was that it integrated well with my established nighttime routine, which includes avoiding sugar or heavy meals in the evening, my warm shower, reducing the light in the bedroom and turning on a fan and opening our balcony door to circulate cooler air in the hour before sleep. Dr. Kaylor agrees that the hack will be more effective if you use it alongside other bedtime cues. "Dim your lights an hour before bed, turn off screens, keep your room cool and quiet, and try breathing exercises or light stretching," she says. "You could also pair the fragrance with a sound cue, like calming music, or with a nighttime tea ritual. Together, these behaviors create a multisensory signal that tells your brain it's time to rest." Certain scents have been proven to have a positive impact on sleep, as the above studies indicate. And while I can't say that I noticed a major difference in my sleep onset or quality, I did find it calming before bedtime. And, there's a possibility that this relaxing effect helped avoid a more disrupted sleep, given that I had been feeling anxious during the day, and anxiety can lead to more nighttime awakenings. As well making me feel more serene, the French habit of wearing a fragrance to bed also felt like an act of self-care — treating myself to the indulgence of wearing perfume for sleep. So, once I've found a nighttime scent of my own (since I'm not sure I can get away with 'borrowing' my partner's fragrance much longer), I've decided I will be adding it to my before-bed routine. I'm keen to see the longer term effects, but if you're considering trying it too, it's important to note, as Dr. Kaylor does, that this hack is not going to be for everyone. "Anyone with asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities should be cautious with fragrances, especially in the bedroom," she explains.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Adam Neumann asks $22.75M for his NYC home -- with an update
Adam Neumann is back in the Manhattan luxury market — but this time, he's taking a slightly leaner approach. The ousted WeWork founder has re-listed his sprawling triplex penthouse at 78 Irving Place for $22.75 million, marking a substantial discount from previous offerings. But the slimmer price tag is for a reason: the sale no longer includes the additional guest apartment that had been bundled in during prior attempts to sell. 9 Adam Neumann has re-listed his Gramercy Park triplex–minus the guest suite. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio 9 The former WeWork CEO is asking $22.75 million for his 6,630-square-foot 'townhouse in the sky' at 78 Irving Place. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio For years, Neumann, 46, and his wife, Rebekah, had tried selling the full 7,880-square-foot spread as a package deal, listing it most recently for $24.99 million in 2024 and initially $37.5 million in 2020. In 2023, the price went down to $32 million. Last summer, it was re-listed for $25 million. Now, sources told The Post they're keeping the smaller unit for themselves — either as a guest suite or a home base when they're in New York — while offering only the main residence: a three-story, 6,630-square-foot penthouse with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two powder rooms. The property is co-listed by Madeline Hult Elghanayan of Douglas Elliman, alongside Jason Haber of Compass. 'This is a singular apartment in today's market. It should be advertised as such,' Haber told The Post. 'And so we bifurcated it to one that is no longer on the market. And now we're focusing our full efforts on this very special residence in and of itself, not with another apartment attached to the sale.' 9 The property has a lovely eat-in area. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio 9 A view inside the kitchen. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio Often described as a 'townhouse in the sky,' the triplex crowns a boutique six-residence condo building just off Gramercy Park. Designed by architect Pietro Cicognani, the apartment features a sculptural spiral staircase beneath a luminous skylight, soundproofed city-facing windows and radiant-heated chevron floors. Each floor spans roughly 2,200 square feet and is serviced by a private keyed elevator. The top-level entertaining space includes a corner great room with a custom stone fireplace, a formal dining area, a media lounge and a chef's kitchen equipped with industry-grade appliances. 9 A well-lit living area. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio 9 Neumann and his wife, Rebekah — cousin of Gwyneth Paltrow — combined two units into this three-level compound after purchasing them for $27.5 million in 2017. FilmMagic The entire middle floor is devoted to the primary suite, complete with a midnight bar, a private study, a Parisian-style dressing room, and a marble-clad spa bathroom with a steam shower and soaking tub. The lower level houses three additional bedrooms, each with an en-suite bath and dressing area, plus a flexible-use lounge or library. Above it all is a nearly 1,000-square-foot private rooftop terrace with skyline views and space for a summer kitchen, a spa and a custom fireplace. 'I sell lots of townhouses all around the city; they never come with a doorman,' Haber said. 'And for the first time — and I've been doing this for 18 years — I'm seeing a fusion of the two. So I think it's very exciting for the market and there's nothing else like it.' 9 It's at least the fourth time Neumann has tried to sell since WeWork's spectacular collapse in 2019. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio 9 One of five bedrooms. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio Neumann and Rebekah, a cousin of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, purchased the two original units in 2017 for $27.5 million and later combined them. While they've now elected to hold onto the smaller unit for personal use, the couple's decision to sell the main residence alone may be a more strategic play in a softened ultra-luxury market. The re-listing comes as Neumann continues to offload portions of his once-expansive real estate portfolio. 9 A Parisian-style dressing room. Francesco Lagnese, / Krisztina Crane of Evan Joseph Studio In 2020, he sold his Hamptons home for $1.25 million. In 2021, he sold his Greenwich Village townhome for $13.65 million and his San Francisco compound for $22.4 million. And in 2023, he sold his Westchester home for $3.42 million. Since his departure from WeWork, Neumann has launched a new residential real estate venture called Flow, which has attracted major investor interest — most notably a $350 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz in exchange for equity tied to Neumann's Sun Belt property holdings. Flow has amassed a portfolio of roughly 4,000 luxury rental units across southeastern cities like Miami and Atlanta. Flow recently raised another $100 million, boosting its valuation to $2.5 billion. But growth hasn't come without setbacks: the company has only one new development currently underway — a 466-unit tower in Miami — and recently sold a struggling Nashville project at a loss.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
7 Cafes In Bangalore That Are Perfect For Unwinding After Work
In a rush? Can't cook? Bangalore knows how to slow down beautifully. After a long day of meetings, deadlines and traffic jams, the city offers a calming antidote in the form of its cafes. Whether you are craving a cup of artisanal coffee and a moment of quiet, or a lively space to catch up with friends over drinks, the city has a cafe for every mood. This list brings together timeless favourites and fresh finds, offering a gentle reminder that you, too, deserve a breather. Step into any of these places once the day winds down to enjoy good food, great ambience and zero fuss. And if driving a few extra miles feels like too much, you can always order from them through food apps. 7 Best Cafés In Bangalore To Visit After Office Hours: 1. Perch Wine And Coffee Bar, Hebbal: For Elegant Café Dining Perch at Phoenix Mall of Asia serves up European-style comfort in an elegant setting. Think avocado tartare, schnitzel with mushroom ragout and banana leaf-wrapped sole plated beautifully, yet soulfully. The ambience is elevated but unfussy, ideal for easy evenings that feel just a bit fancy. Quick tip: Their mushroom croquettes and herbed mac and cheese are consistently well-loved. 2. Demitasse Coffee, Brookfield: Where Coffee Menus Get Creative Situated in AECS Layout, Demitasse wins hearts with its warm service and inventive coffee menu. Vietnamese iced coffee, Irish lattes and hazelnut frappes all feature here, each with its own fanbase. The brownies are rich and comforting, making for the perfect post-work treat. Quick tip: Try the whipped cream espresso or that silky chocolate custard when you need cheering up. 3. Ajji House By Subko, Shanti Nagar: Leafy Calm And Layered Desserts Hidden away in a peaceful corner of Shanti Nagar, Ajji House offers leafy serenity and a curated menu. From filter coffee tres leches to cacao-infused pastries, it is a cafe where flavours meet finesse. A great place to recharge or brainstorm with a team. Quick tip: The cafe is also available for team hangouts and creative gatherings. 4. Concu, Indira Nagar: For Parisian Vibes And Decadent Brunches Concu's Parisian-style offerings are as indulgent as they are inviting. Brioche French toast, pesto aakuri and chocolate pancakes are just the beginning. Its interiors are chic without being cold, making it ideal for slow dinners or weekend brunches. Quick tip: If you would rather stay in, their full menu is available on food apps. 5. The Pet People Cafe, HSR Layout: Pet-Friendly And Plant-Forward This cheerful cafe is a hit among pet parents and plant-based food enthusiasts. Created with Chef Abhijit Saha's guidance, the menu is loaded with wholesome options, including dumpling salads, Tuscan pizzas and vegan treats. Furry companions, here, get their own attention too. Quick tip: Perfect for unwinding with your pup. Also Read: 10 Best Buffet Restaurants in Bangalore 6. Over Coffee Cafe And Wine Bar, Lavelle Road: Understated Style, Serious Comfort Food Blending European charm with Bangalore ease, Over Coffee is a sanctuary for relaxed conversations and quality food. The mushroom risotto, grilled bruschetta and hazelnut sundaes are standout options. Whether it is a solo evening or a quiet date, this place fits the vibe. Quick tip: Coffee sangria and flaky croissant sandwiches deserve a spot in your order-in rotation. 7. Smoor, Indiranagar: Chocolate-Lovers' Paradise With Café Comforts Best known for its artisanal chocolates, Smoor also delivers an indulgent café experience. Their hot chocolate is velvety, their sausages are grilled to perfection, and the strawberry tres leches is pure joy. With elegant decor and a mellow mood, it is a sweet way to end your day. Quick tip: Their bento cakes and pastries can be ordered via food apps, perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings.
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Meet the people revolutionising Perth's restaurant scene
Meet the couple with the Midas touch for restaurant design in Perth. Rhys and Zenifa Bowring have almost single-handedly revolutionised the look and feel of Perth's food scene, helping esteemed eateries such as Gibney, Vin Populi, La Lune, Kith and the Common Bakery achieve destination dining status through their impeccable interior design skills. In recent years, almost everything the Rezen Studio directors have touched has turned to gold. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Mr Bowring moved to Perth from Brisbane 20 years ago to work for internationally renowned architect Kerry Hill, where he carved a career in residential and commercial design. Meanwhile Mrs Bowring, whose great-grandfather was one of the first Croatian fishermen to work for a Fremantle licensee, had gained a wealth of experience in workplace interior design before the pair took a leap of faith in 2017 and set up their own business, Rezen Studio, on East Fremantle's uber-cool George Street. 'We have certainly hit a stride with hospitality design recently,' Mrs Bowring said with a modest smile. 'Hospitality wasn't ever a real target for us given our backgrounds but it's so fun, we enjoy it, and now we really love what we do.' The couple, along with a team of eight employees, finished designing East Fremantle's popular Parisian-style bistro and bar La Lune in 2022. They described La Lune as their first real crack at the hospitality game and said it was a catalyst for future projects. La Lune in East Fremantle. Credit: Natasja Kremers / TheWest 'La Lune is just a few doors down from our office so we knew the space well and we are really good friends with Helen and Sam and so they kind of gave us the opportunity,' Mr Bowring said. 'Then the owners of Vin Populi saw the space, loved it and asked us to design their restaurant. 'Gibney approached us after seeing Vin Populi and it just took off from there.' The venues they design have taken off online for exuding aesthetic perfection, but the couple said they don't try to be 'on trend'. 'People talk about Instagrammable moments but that's not what we are designing for at all, it's about authentic connection,' Mrs Bowring said. 'Rather than looking at what's the latest and greatest thing out there, we really respond to each client and each business. For us it's much more about experience and atmosphere than specific design cues. 'There is a level of intuition that kicks in rather than being formulaic.' Mr Bowring said: 'Photogenic places transport well into social media but if you don't go beyond that people won't come back.' Diners and hopeful visitors to the aformentioned places can attest to that. People from wider Perth, overseas and interstate can spend months on a waiting list to secure a table at Vin Populi, Gibney or La Lune. Mr and Mrs Bowring told PerthNow their burgeoning list of restaurant and cafe clients often say customers feel 'as if they have been transported somewhere else'. 'People really curate their lives these days and can choose what space to be in, so we feel honoured that people are choosing our spaces,' Mrs Bowring said. 'It is nice and gratifying and great.' Vin Populi — run by Emma Ferguson and Dan Morris — took over the famed Roma Restaurant site in Fremantle's West End in 2022. The chic Italian restaurant won the Best of State Award for Commercial Design at the 2024 Australian Interior Design Awards. Vin Populi Restaurant in Fremantle. Credit: Instagram / Instagram Ms Ferguson told PerthNow having Rezen Studio design the space has 'definitely added to the success' of their flourishing restaurant. 'I couldn't recommend Rezen highly enough,' she said. 'There's so many moving parts to a restaurant, it can't just be the food or the wine or the service. It's gotta be everything, which includes how the place feels and the small details. 'People are cooking great food at home so if you can go out and feel unreal in a beautiful venue whilst getting great service, you really tick all the boxes.' George Kailis opened Gibney, a formal, high-end seaside brasserie in Cottesloe, in 2024 with design help from the Rezen Studio team. George Kailis' high-end seaside brasserie, Gibney. Credit: Joel Barbitta/D-Max Photography / TheWest The contemporary luxury fine diner boasting panoramic views of the Indian Ocean reigns as Perth's most sought-after dining experience as winner of the recent 2025 WA Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year award. 'We receive hundreds and hundreds of compliments on the high-end interior,' Mr Kailis told PerthNow. 'Engaging Rezen was a really good move because Zen and Rhys got the vision bang on it was just great.' Gibney won the 2025 WA Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year award. Credit: Joel Barbitta/D-Max Photography / TheWest Mr Kailis felt Rezen would be the perfect team to deliver his Gibney vision of a 'six-star Parisienne hotel lobby meets coastal Californian country club'. 'We were looking interstate but I had seen quite a bit of Rhys and Zens' work. Seeing Zen be so excited by the brief — I mean her eyes lit up — they really wanted to be part of it and when someone is excited I find they tend to deliver,' Mr Kailis said. 'The interior was hugely important because it was about creating a product to put Perth on an international level. 'We watch people walk into the restaurant and they say 'wow' as soon as they walk through the doors because it is grand and it is something Perth has never seen. 'Rezen did an exceptional job, 10 out of 10 execution, they added an enormous amount of value. 'It has inspired us for future products to invest more in design because the people of Perth love it. 'As long as the clients Rezen are working with give them the budget and creative freedom they can create something unique that puts Perth restaurants on the same level as successful, elite international venues.' The humble design pair were reluctant to choose their favourite project to date but revealed they are currently designing a boutique hotel and wellness space in WA's South West.
Time Out
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Eleven Barrack
✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. Being at Eleven Barrack feels like Christmas. Every dish or drink that lands on our table is like a gift – a perfectly presented package that, when unwrapped, contains a delightful treasure that's a little unexpected. A good surprise. Take the spanner crab and fish pie. It's a picture-perfect golden-crusted pot pie in a little cast-iron pot, with a pastry crab on top and a shellfish bisque served on the side in a classic silver gravy boat. The pie pastry is almost too flawless to crack open, but when we do, we're rewarded with a well-seasoned, creamy filling with finely chopped pieces of spanner crab, fish and spinach. It's divine just as it is, but then you pour in the bisque, and the dish goes from delicious to unforgettable. The buttery pastry, tender seafood, creamy white sauce and that punchy, sea-flavoured sauce (the colour of crab shell) is like a pot of comfort food with a luxury upgrade. It's arguable Sydney didn't need another steak and seafood grill, but it did need this one. Just like Santa Claus, the Bentley Group's co-owners Brent Savage (chef) and Nick Hildebrandt (sommelier) – who've also recently gifted us treats like King Clarence, Brasserie 1930 and a newly flavoured Monopole – have delivered yet again (in collaboration with group head chef Aiden Stevens and Niro Richards). I'm obviously a fan of the food here (this is not my first visit), but the décor is what really sets this place apart from other grand New York or Parisian-style diners here in Sydney. It's on Barrack Street, in the old, high-ceilinged Savings Bank of NSW building. And while they have indeed leaned into the grandness and scale of the classic old building, there's nothing traditional or fuddy-duddy about the room's attention-grabbing design touches. One of the room's central columns is wrapped in metallic purple. There are big, eccentric, custom-made light shades (some bright orange, some white) that dangle dramatically from the ceiling. There's a gold-mirrored, oval-shaped, er, I'm not sure what to call it – decoration – hanging from the ceiling above my table. And the carpet is tartan, like the Christmas wrap my grandpa used to use. Yes, the room is also festive. I order a gin Martini, and it arrives via a trolley, poured frosty and theatrically at our table. (The service is as classy as it is in all of the Bentley Group venues.) The menu is extensive, so while it heroes steak and fish dishes, there is also a section for pastas, and a fun selection of appetisers, starters, playful salads, a bread section, cheeses and desserts. Narrowing down what to order is no easy feat. As well as the crab and fish pie, we order a steak, the 250g black opal wagyu rump cap, which comes served sliced – cooked perfectly medium rare, as ordered, charred on the outside – on a bed of rich, dark jus. It pairs well with the celebratory bottle of bubbles we share – the Louis de Grenelle BIO (certified organic) Crémant de Loire Brut, which is zippy and refreshing, with a dry, clean finish but enough richness to stand up to the creamy seafood pie. (And what are we celebrating? Just being in a beautiful setting and eating great food!) The salads we order also provide freshness and acidity. The salted zucchini with parmesan, caperberries, parsley and mint is bright, briny and herbaceous; and the celeriac with sheep's milk feta, black barley and witlof is earthy and nutty. The potatoes need their own paragraph. A baked potato has been cut in two, then the soft potato filling has been removed from the shells, mashed together with sour cream, mustard and pancetta, then placed back into the crispy, fried potato skins. A masterpiece. Last time I was here I had the coal-roasted Murray cod fillets served in the most vivid, moreish green garlic sauce, and I wish we had room to order it again. But with the pie and the steak, salads and potatoes, we didn't even need appetisers or starters this time around. If we did, I would have gone for the fried ricotta dumplings with whipped cod's roe or the eggplant 'parfait' on sourdough toast. The slice of key lime pie is a must-order for dessert (even if you think you don't have room). The lime curd filling is bright and citrusy; it's glazed with ginger, then topped with a generous piping of light coconut curd and little pops of finger lime jewels. It's truly (sub)lime. Just like Christmas, when the experience of dining at Eleven Barrack comes to an end, I'm already counting down the days until I can unwrap it all over again. Thankfully I don't have to wait a whole year.
