An Approachable New French Bistro Chez Blue Will Open at Rozelle's Sackville Hotel This Week

A new French diner that's equal parts luxurious and approachable is opening in Rozelle this week. Joining Fabbrica Bread Shop and Totti's first Inner West location, Chez Blue will be the latest edition to the Sydney suburb, coming to The Sackville Hotel with ex-Bistro Moncur chef Mark Williamson in charge of the kitchen.

The casual bistro will swing open its doors on Darling Street from Thursday, November 16 with a menu that spotlights the classics. Steak frites, croque monsieur, chicken leg roulade and snapper fillet with clams all grace the menu, alongside some more adventurous additions like chicken liver pate with a brûléed top to crack, a scallop tartare and a fried tripe dish.

The menu also stars a 1kg O'Connor rib eye served with béarnaise sauce to take on in cahoots with your dining companions.

"French bistro style is typically individual portions, but there's something lovely about sharing a dish with the table so we've also included two beautiful larger shared dishes," says Williamson.

The wine list is almost entirely French, and a refined cocktail menu also features a heavy Parisian streak. Kick your night off with an absinthe frappe, or pair your peach and tomato salad with a Delicious Sour made with Calvados, Pommeau de Normandie, peach wine and a splash of citrus.

Another interesting addition to the drinks on offer is a croissant-washed martini. The ultra-French creation is made using Four Pillars gin that is croissant-washed in-house before being combined with vermouth and a vanilla, cinnamon and allspice oil.

This exciting food and drinks program will find a home in the welcoming fit-out which features an intimate cocktail bar and the main dining room. The bistro boasts booths and banquette seating ready for a group catch-up, as well as a moody mix of warm down lights and subtle wall art inviting you in for a romantic date night.

Chez Blue is one of many Sydney eateries to set up shop with the help of an adjoining pub over the last few years. Totti's Rozelle, La Salut, Chez Crix, Il Baretto and Derrel's are just a few dining spots that have opened in the same building as a beloved beer-pouring stalwart.

Chez Blue will open from Thursday, November 16 at 599 Darling Street, Rozelle. Head to the restaurant's website to browse the full menu and make a booking.

Images: Steven Woodburn