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citybites wine & dine Seaside sister Sydney Bronte Beach could be described as the calm little sister of busy Bondi. Although the restaurant/café strip perched above the parkland that hugs the beach is buzzing continually with visitors and locals, there's a sense of peacefulness about this village-like hub. The latest addition is Bronte Cucina, which offers a refreshing take on Italian cuisine. Chef Alessandro Cola (ex Pendolino and Cipri) has created a menu bursting with authentic rustic Italian dishes, all with a modern twist and an emphasis on using the freshest produce available. Rising star Alessandro was born in Ravenna, Italy. He arrived in Sydney three years ago and worked as the head pastry chef at hatted restaurant Pendolino, and then as head chef at Cipri. Alessandro has a passion for fine produce and sources truffles, cheeses and meats from Italy and France. The dish of thyme pappardelle with duck ragout and porcini mushrooms has diners swooning, while the pork loin saltimbocca with mustard fruit, fresh plum and red cabbage salad is sure to attract repeat visitors. www.brontecucina.com night out Culinary exchange Sydney ArgyleXchange is a group of cool restaurants and bars located in The Rocks among wool and liquor warehouses that date back to the colony's settlement. Here, the Premium Xchange Progressive Dinner kicks off with an entree at Saké restaurant and bar, where guests are treated to edamame and a sashimi tasting plate that includes scallop ceviche and white soy snapper. A Satori cocktail is served upon arrival, followed by sake and wine during entree. The dinner then moves on to The Cut Bar & Grill, where diners choose between the Sher Wagyu standing beef rib or Tasmanian wilderness grass-fed fillet served with Yalumba 'The Cigar' Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) or Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River). To wrap things up delectably, a caramel salted eclair or four-ways coconut mousse is enjoyed after a glass of French champagne at French-inspired Ananas Bar & Brasserie. During dessert, the signature Absolutely Ananas cocktail – sticky and spicy, with a vodka base and garnished with fresh pineapple – is served. It's a fitting end to a decadent experience. www.argylexchange.com.au 7