Plus, I don't like to give anyone anything I wouldn't like myself. The problem with this is that I like maximum utility. I once requested a stack of correction tapes one birthday and gave someone a sandwich for theirs (digestible is usable, right?).
I also love food. So there is one tradition I do love. Every year my lovely sister and I have a bi-annual birthday dinner date where we spend a few hours chit-chatting in pretty dresses, over delicious picture-perfect food that feature in my shameless gratuitous photo-taking at the table, not to mention in front of fancy bathroom mirrors.
This year for her 24th birthday I chose Marque, a 3-hat veteran nurtured by Mark Best, located on Crown St in Surry Hills. Last year we went to Becasse & Sepia, we'd already been to Bilson's, she'd been to est. and this year I had to match Quay because she had taken me there for my 20th. Luckily though, it was an excellent decision because the food was delicious & absolutely unique. Quay left me with a bit more of the wow factor but the inspired creations & impeccable service at Marque similarly sets it up for a foodie experience not easily forgotten.
Marque only offers a 9-course degustation for $150. This may seem limited, but it really is the best way to enjoy such artful preparation of ingredients over which you can spend hours getting your deep & meaningful on. That said, of the degustations I've had (12 & I'm pretty smug about that actually ;)), this one was relatively less substantial. So a manly appetite may not be completely satiated but you will definitely have achieved sensory satisfaction by the end of the night.
