Suntory’s bar residency returns at Sydney’s Sakura House for a third year running kicking off on 31st July until the end of October.
The two-month take-over is held in the basement izakaya in Sakura House by the team behind Darlinghurst favourite, The Waratah. It’s where authentic Japanese drinking culture needs no passport for this Tokyo inspired session. Each drink on the menu riffs on classic Japanese cocktails that are designed to sip alongside izakaya bites.
Suntory Ambassador Natalie Ng spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Sydney, Australia. Sydney needs no sales pitch. I might be biased, but it’s the most stunning city in the world. Great food and drinking experiences, with such a kaleidoscope of different options to choose from.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
My favourite food memory changes every month. Recently, I went to R by Raita, an omakase restaurant run by a father and son team and they had a parmesan chawamushi dish that was mind blowing. I also ate at an Adelaide restaurant called Bistro LPs that has a level of omotenashi (a Japanese concept that embodies an elevated attention to detail when it comes to hospitality and service) that was so memorable. Everything was warm, delicious and cosy. When you receive your bill, it comes in a bill folder where they have noted the time you sat down, listed the songs that played on vinyl since you sat down – it’s all hand-written on the inside. The bill folder also has the names of neighbouring vinyl stores, cafes, bars and restaurants that they recommend you visit. That sort of subtle community support is something that is genuine and speaks to me.
FAVOURITE BAR
In Sydney, I think the bar at Bennelong, PS40 Old Loves all do exceptional house cocktails if you were going to order of the list. You can’t go past Aster for the view, cocktails and the service is exceptional. I also love having a whisky at Neat Peat but it is obviously quite an exclusive place to get into.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Bowl of pho – all the chilli please and coconut water.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Hard to pick one, but Apollo Inn or Caretakers in Melbourne. Best martinis you’ll have. Perfect dilution and ice cold. Again, it’s the meticulous attention to the small things that make the biggest difference for me. If you leave your seat for whatever reason, they will always take your martini and put it in the fridge so that it stays cold while you are away. They also sometimes pour it into another fresh frozen glass depending on how busy it is. The ambience is always great as well, music at the right volume, lightning at the right levels, warm and approachable staff.
BEST SPIRIT IN A BOTTLE
I always enjoy a Hakushu 12 as my go to whisky. It has a vibrancy and freshness that is so unique with notes of citrus, melon, green apple along with a subtle smoke. It’s everything I love about whisky in one bottle. Outside the whisky world, I love Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila. You can’t go past it if you are a true agave fan.
A DISTILLERY YOU LOVED AND RECOMMEND
You can’t go past Hakushu, nestled in the Japanese Alps more than 700 metres above sea level. I’ve visited many distilleries over the years, which makes it difficult to put into words just how special Hakushu is, but I’ll do my best. The setting is absolutely pristine, surrounded by dense forest and home to a dedicated bird sanctuary. The Ojira River and waterfall, which provide the distillery’s water source, are so breathtaking that you must see them to believe how beautiful they are. A visit to the Hakushu Museum on site is also well worth the visit, not to mention the view from the tower. It’s hard to fully capture in words, but there’s a sense of peace, calm, and wonder at Hakushu that I’ve never experienced in any other distillery.
NEXT DESTINATION
I need lots of cultural things to do, some nature/beach time and I love cool architecture. Obviously more than less great bars/ restaurants and cafes to choose from is a must, so I’ll have to say the next holiday destination is going to have to be Mexico!
THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE AT A DINNER PARTY; GO!
Stephen Fry: I think he would be enthralling, funny, highly intellectual and would probably say something that would catch everyone off guard, which I would find highly entertaining.
Naomi Klein: one of the most formidable women and activists of our generation. I find her books and films incredible.
A tie between Keanu Reeves: Is meant to be one of the kindness ppl in the world, and for all the other obvious reasons, or Kevin Hart: Probably just to balance the other two out.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
I get to meet people from all walks of life and build meaningful connections within the hospitality community that has given me so much over the years. Having the opportunity to travel, educate, and share the stories behind some of the world’s most meticulously crafted and elusive whiskies is a privilege I never take for granted. It’s truly one of the best parts of my job.
