Patience is a virtue that I don't possess.  The impending opening of Bistro One Eleven has been pushing my patience recently.  My intermediate solution for this was dinner with the housemates at E'cco Bistro.  I suppose most housemates catch up with each other at home but that would probably require us to cook a meal together.  Dining out is less effort and more fabulous.  Besides, there is no better way to prepare for Philip Johnson's new restaurant than by dining at his current renowned establishment.  ...

Located only a short walk away from Eagle Street on Boundary Street, E'cco is an ideal destination for corporate lunches and after work dinners.  Although admittedly, I have often taken a cab there (courtesy of firm cabcharge vouchers) rather than walk from the office.  This bistro has been serving award-winning modern Australian cuisine since the majority of us were still learning how to tie our shoelaces.  Philip Johnson is renowned for his distinctive cooking style that delivers unpretentious, simple yet stunning food using the finest ingredients available.  Ironically, his food is commonly enjoyed by people like me who are self-confessed pretentious foodies.

The simple, smart and relaxed interior atmosphere makes E'cco a true bistro at heart.  Fancy tablecloths are discarded in favour of bare and modern table settings that are understated and effortlessly chic.  There is also something warm and inviting about the bold red and exposed brick walls.  Needless to say, the adjoining bar and prominent wine cellar are likewise very alluring.

As with most sophisticated restaurants, the menu at E'cco changes seasonally.  From the Winter menu, me and my impeccably stylish housemates highly recommend the duck breast with sweet potato fondant, truffle honey, baby carrots and blood orange and the grilled white fish with creamed leek and spanner crab tortellini.  The rasberry and white balsamic bombe alaska is also an absolute must for dessert.  It is an explosion of sweet sensation on your tastebuds.

Philip Johnson's newest venture Bistro One Eleven opens on 1 September and promises to surpass the success of E'cco, partly because it will be in closer proximity for us Eagle Street yuppies.  Reservations can be made on the Bistro One Eleven website.  In the meantime, impatient souls like me can dine at E'cco or get their caffeine fix from the sister cafe Espresso One Eleven that has already opened in the sleek ground floor of One One One Eagle Street.

E'cco Bistro
Address: 100 Boundary Street
Phone: 07 3831 8344
Website: http://www.eccobistro.com