LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT - BISTRO REX
We would like to thank Ellen Trojkovic, Sales Associate of Our Estates Executive Realty for putting together this amazing online article located on Our Estates Executive Realty's blog page: LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT - BISTRO REX. Have a read below!Walking into this charming French bistro I am immediately drawn in by it’s vibrant and cosy atmosphere and chic Parisian decor. Bistro Rex in Potts Point serves up an unpretentious space with timeless French cuisine. Seated at one of their copper-clad corner booths, my eyes wander over to the daily specials, cleverly displayed on the mirrors surrounding us, as well as to the not so subtle decorative salute to the Tour De France.Welcoming me into this relaxed brasserie are owners Baci and Pete, Potts Point locals and the brainchild behind the world renowned restaurant China Doll. Baci and Pete radiate a sense of warmth and informality, sometimes uncommon in a lot of high-profile restaurateurs. I sat down with them to discuss how they got started and what inspired them to set up shop in this trendy, inner city suburb.HOW DID YOU BOTH GET STARTED IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?Baci – “We both started out working for Neil Perry for a number of years after which I went on to manage Longrain and Pete went on to help start China Doll. We both actually met at a Christmas party hosted by Rockpool and the rest is history!”A match made in heaven, Baci and Pete then went on to open several impossibly successful restaurants including, China Diner in Bondi, China Lane, and Mercado in the CBD.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A FRENCH BISTRO IN POTTS POINT?
Pete – “We both always had a passion for French cuisine and were inspired by some fantastic restaurants in Paris and in particular by France-Soir in Melbourne. We noticed that Sydney had a lack of French Bistros particularly with a wine focus and we also wanted to be a part of the swell to bring life back into Potts Point. We moved here about 7 years ago and have seen the dramatic change and gentrification this area has gone through.”
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU HAVE NOTICED IN POTTS POINT?
Pete – “When we first moved to Potts Point we had to put double glazing on our windows, the traffic and noise especially on the weekends was prevalent, however we didn’t really mind this as Potts Point has always had so much more to offer than just nightclubs and hostels. Since then we have been a part of the slow gentrification of this neighbourhood, a lot of new boutique businesses are opening up giving this area more of a Melbourne feel. Trendy little bars, organic farmers markets and less kebab shops (although we all need this once in a while!) are helping to breath new life into this area and create a more cosmopolitan and community feel. More and more people are now coming back to the area.”As Pete discusses his love for the area I notice a former prime minister seated behind us, just a sign of the kind of customers this place attracts. Pete mentions that the relaxed, almost casual, vibe of Bistro Rex attracts all sorts of customers, from the after-work crowd in for the l’apertif happy hour to celebrities alike.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH AND DRINK HERE?
Baci & Pete – “A customer favourite has been the steak frites followed closely by the scampi omelette with truffle shavings and the oysters farmed fresh from the south coast. Some of our more popular drinks have been the Negroni, a classic Martini, and the French Rose come summer.”With a wine list of over 300+ wines it was hard to choose one during my visit. Thankfully Pete and his sommelier were there to recommend an enticing 2015 “Sous la Roche” red Burgundy that truly delivered.
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE POTTS POINT?
Pete – “Cosmopolitan-Eclectic-Well Groomed (the area-the people-the pooches!)”
DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY STORY YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
Pete – “Yes we have a few from over the years but the one that comes to mind would be when we first opened and we noticed people would walk into our restaurant and then straight through to the back thinking we were the old ‘Bottom’s Up’ bar that used to host illegal gambling nights in a secret back room. It was certainly an interesting mix back then and we get people in here all the time sharing their own funny stories of drag-queens, police detectives and even members of the band Queen coming together for some good old fashioned fun.”Pete and Baci have played host to many celebrity names over the years thanks to working closely with Splendour Tours and Southern Crossings Luxury Tours. From sneaking Brittany Spears through a back entrance to closing the restaurant down for Will Smith, these guys have seen it all.It’s not hard to see the passion and emotion that both Baci and Pete have for Bistro Rex and their attention to detail, both in the decor and their service, is second to none.Potts Point has come a long way over the years and Bistro Rex is the perfect example of where this area is heading. Join them this weekend for a Bastille Day celebration and the certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes Bistro Rex and it’s owners so special.Our Estates Executive Realty loves supporting local businesses and Bistro Rex is our restaurant of choice.Sign up for regular updates from Bistro Rex here:https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/AD5F99DB4249681B
By Ellen Trojkovic, Sales Associate of Our Estates Executive Realty.
Who are Our Estates Executive Realty?
The following has been extracted from Our Estates Executive Realty's About Us page:
Our Estates Executive Realty is a boutique Real Estate services business located in the heart of Sydney's thriving Darlinghurst. With a solid clientele built on referral and repeat business this inner city based agency provides a personalised and sophisticated approach to both sales and property management.Our Estates Company Directory and Founder Adam Regan has been a Principal for 14 years. Our Team is passionate, dedicated and focused on “building a property partnership that lasts a lifetime”.Our agency provides sellers with the opportunity to be well marketed, without the need to rely on a heavily public marketing campaign to get the desired result. Our strategic approach means we are able to cater for the more discrete seller at the medium to high end of the Sydney marketplace, giving our clients the opportunity to discuss the right options For Sale including Public Auction and For Sale by Expressions of Interest.Our Estates holds many record sales figures in a number of prestige locations, which include Paddington, Darlinghurst, Woollahra and Wahroonga.
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Bon appetit in style!
Call 02 9332 2100 or email hello@bistrorex.com.au to book your reservation at Bistro Rex Potts Point.