Fix St James

By Franz Scheurer

At first glance Fix St James might be about location, being positioned opposite St. James’ Station and next to David Jones. Various incarnations did reasonably well from the passing trade but Stuart Knox decided this was not good enough. He managed to fill a gap in Sydney’s CBD dining scene by putting together a cracker wine list, lots of wines by the glass and hiring a chef that can actually cook and most importantly offering value for money.

The restaurant is a bit like three places in one. At the back the serious dining area with cloth-covered tables, below, towards the entrance a busy, rustic bistro and a few tables and chairs outside (shielded from the weather by a plastic awning) a place for anyone who likes to see the world pass by. What I really like about Fix St James is that you have the choice of just going there for a drink or a drink and some nibbles, or a fully fledged meal.

We tried some ‘Stuffed Zucchini Flowers ($3.50 each) and the ‘Sausage & Pea Rigatoni’ ($21) for entrées. The sausage dish was excellent, good flavours, perfectly al-dente pasta and a perfect winter dish. The zucchini flowers were good, although the limp ‘stems’ serve no purpose and should be discarded.

For mains we tried the ‘Cape Grim Scotch Fillet Tagliata’ ($35) and the ‘Spiced Baby Chook with Broad Beans’ ($34). Both dishes stood out from the crowd. The Scotch was perfectly charred and cooked rare and the chook was moist, tender and spicy. A side of Boiled Potatoes (peeled!) with Gorgonzola Dressing ($9) was so good that you must order it (even if you think it won’t fit with what you ordered).

We ordered wines by the glass and both food and wine service was fast, friendly and engaging. This is a great spot for a quick lunch, a lingering (not so quick) food and wine fix and they open at night. Check it out!

Score: 7/10

For more information:

Fix St James

111 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Tel.: 02 9232 2767

Or visit their web site: http://www.fixstjames.com.au