31 days: seven

When it came to date night with two of my dearest friends, I knew I had to find somewhere really special. A few months before, I had been taken to a fantastic place tucked away on Sydney's Clarence Street for a working lunch by the lovely Brent & Laurie at Designer Rice. And what a find it was. I knew I had to bring Sam and Hank here for a bit of indulgence. 

So to Arras we went. We were welcomed by slick design, quiet ambience and a very hospitable maitre d' called Michael. And so we spent the next 4 hours eating the most incredible food and enjoying beautiful wine - and laughing raucously, as we often do. We tucked into amuse bouche that looked like works of art and a starter of savoury porridge, chestnuts and almond cheese - yes, almond cheese. Amazing. Chicken, bones and stones - braised poussin, celtuce, black garlic, pear, followed by very swanky rhubarb 'crumble' with pears, lemon, hazelnut, caramel. 

And if that wasn't enough, once desert was chosen and ordered, we were surprised with 'pre-desert'. After desert, complimentary petit fours were brought out on the most extravagant bright orange tasting platter you've ever seen. Willy Wonka would be so very jealous. Just before we thought we would burst, Michael unveiled a special sweet congratulatory treat, written in chocolate, to celebrate Sam & Hank's recent engagement. We were over the moon when we were invited to personally thank Adam, the lovely Head Chef, in the kitchen (especially Sam, being a passionate and talented chef). 

It was such a brilliant night, and oh my goodness, Arras is just amazing. If you haven't gone yet, go. Yes, a little indulgent, but the quality of food and unique experience far outweighs the price tag.