I first visited Oscillate Wildly about three years ago, shortly after Karl Firla took over the kitchen. It was mostly good, though a couple of dishes missed the mark for me. (Gnocchi with coffee grounds on top was a bit too weird at the time.)
I went back a year later to give it another chance. It was very good on the second visit. A little less experimental, or perhaps just having had the benefit of a year's experimentation to get things right.
After visiting Sixpenny in Stanmore a few months ago it was time to go back to Oscillate and see how they compared.
Everything has come a long way in the two years since my last visit. Not just the renovation, which is clean and white and with extra room upstairs. The food has matured. The entrees have great variety within each dish and a wonderful balance of textures. The mains are hearty with strong flavours. Very satisfying. The desserts are playful, flavourful, and again have a focus on texture. The matched wines (which include a sake in the current line-up) are chosen to bring the flavours together rather than add anything in their own right, and they do a good job.
The whole experience is enjoyable and relaxed. I had fun playing "name that band" as the randomised playlist threw some old and some new tunes at my ears. (The restaurant's eponym is also on the playlist.) The staff were friendly and happy to explain the dishes and wines.
Is it fair to compare Oscillate and Sixpenny? Possibly: they are both fine-dining degustation-only restaurants, and only a suburb apart. But aside from the Puskas & Parry link they are not playing the same game. Sixpenny goes for simplicity. It plays up the provenance of the ingredients and uses a few in any one dish, to great effect. Oscillate goes for complexity and balance. The dishes make the flavours and textures of each ingredient work together. (While I don't remember hearing anything about the origin, sustainability or ethics of the ingredients at Oscillate, sustainability and integrity are named as "of utmost importance" on the Oscillate website.)
I thoroughly enjoyed both restaurants, and would not hesitate to recommend them or go back. Budget allowing. As a personal preference I would probably choose Oscillate two times out of three.
Total was $100 for the degustation, $60 for the matched wines. That's such good value, Molly, that I'm sure the department will cover the $10 extra for the cheese on toast. I just need your signature on the receipt attached.
Oscillate Wildly
275 Australia St, Newtown
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WAIT! I almost forgot to report on the self-growing lemon & bergamot-scented hand towels.
The food looks stunning. A shame all the hype has almost disappeared from this restaurant, because it deserves more attention.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's a shame, Joey. It's a great restaurant and well worth a visit or two.
DeleteStunning meal, and one I really want to try sometime. I can't believe I still haven't been. I've seen those absorbent towels before, great for travelling.
ReplyDeleteJohn, what are you waiting for? Go!
DeleteCan't believe I haven't tried it either. And I've been living in the area for 3 years.
ReplyDeleteWorth a visit when you get the chance / cash, Gaby.
DeleteNice blog post Pete, makes me want to go back again! Have yet to visit Sixpenny which is definitely on the list too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria. You should go back again. AND to Sixpenny. These 'must visit' lists just keep growing and growing, huh?
DeleteI would go just for the hand towel, haha. I love your blog by the way :)
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. :)
DeleteMy niece has been wanting to go here for years, but I was never interested. I'M AN IDIOT! It looks wonderful. I'd go just for that hand towel.
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to get into Oscikkate, it always seems booked three months in advance. Maybe I need to get on the list.
ReplyDelete