Busshari, Potts Point review @Not Quite Nigella

Busshari, Potts Point & A Merry Christmas To All!

December 24, 2009 by Not Quite Nigella

busshari potts point inside

Every year around Christmas my girlfriends Gina, Teena and I get together for a dinner and present exchange. It’s usually around mid December for Teena’s birthday but this year it’s a little closer to Christmas. So the slobbery drunken Santa count and sexy, trampy Mrs Claus outfit count tonight in Potts Point is high and somewhat relentless as people in red and white felt outfits parade past us in very, very jolly moods as they celebrate finishing work for the year.

busshari potts point outside

We enter Busshari in Potts Point near the famous fountain and the first thing I’m struck with is how very, very dark things are here. “Eeek!” I say to Gina “This is not going to make for good photos” and she agrees. Teena arrives a little later and we make our selections. There are curiously two menus, one a double sided sheet in a plastic sleeve and the book version which looks prettier but the double sided sheet is easier to read. There is an impressive looking sake list for the sake aficionado. I look around – apparently Nicole Kidman has been spotted eating here but there’s no sign of her tonight.

busshari potts point oysters

Fresh Oyster w salmon caviar & dashi vinaigrette jelly $3 each

Gina doesn’t eat oysters so Teena and I enjoy the fat and creamy oysters with the salty dashi jelly. They’re the perfect item to get the taste buds excited.

busshari potts point gyoza

Pork Gyoza $8

One thing that Teena is curious about is why restaurants don’t offer to upp the quantity in dishes like this where there are obviously 3 people but 4 items per serve. It’s true, we can hardly split up the leftover gyoza and I personally would be loved to be asked this-is it a matter that the kitchen can’t handle it or the staff don’t think to ask it? I’m admittedly curious too. The gyoza here are freshly fried and crunchy on the outside and the filling is flavoursome and well balanced and not too strong in cabbage as some inexpensive ones can be.

busshari potts point pork

Pork Belly Kakuni $17

The Pork Belly Kakuni again has that issue of Teena’s where there are 4 pieces and only 3 of us. And they’re delectable pieces at that with a slightly sweet soy sauce. Taking a bite into the rectangle of wobbly goodness, it falls apart layer by quivering fatty layer. We ask for some rice to accompany it and a spoon to scoop up the sauce.

busshari potts point spider

Spider Roll $15

The Spider roll is filled with crunchy soft shell crab and the best piece has to be one of the two with the spiky crunchy legs protruding.

busshari potts point sashimi

Chef’s Selection Sashimi Plate $29

The sashimi selection features Tobiko, Ocean trout, tuna, kingfish, raw prawn, snapper and scallops. They’re all fabulously fresh but my favourite is undoubtedly the raw prawn which has an utterly decadent creamy texture to it.

busshari potts point sushi 2

Chef’s Nigiri Platter $28

The Nigiri platter features tamago (egg), eel, sea eel, raw prawn, cooked prawn, raw scallop, tuna, kingfish, ocean trout and snapper. Teena and I are curious about the sea eel which is an entirely different texture to the sweet, glazed, grilled eel. It’s delicious although the texture is very fine, if I were to compare the fineness of the flakes to anything it would be as fine as sawdust (although the comparison ends there, it’s still moist). As I love the raw prawn I try this and the scallop which are both so fabulously creamy in texture.

busshari potts point wagyu 1

busshari potts point wagyu 2

Wagyu Beef Sizzling Tobanyaki $29

The last dish to arrive is the Wagyu beef sizzling tobanyaki which comes in a pot with hot charcoal inside and a flame. It’s sizzling and the Wagyu is still cooking when it hits the table so we give it a few more minutes before diving in. It comes with a wasabi edged sweet soy and a vinegar. I take a piece and it’s bland by itself and not that exciting unless you dip it in both sauces. A few pieces are a bit too chewy whilst others are lovely and tender.

busshari potts point desserts

Dessert Platter $15

The Mont Blanc dessert was one that caught my eye and Teena’s immediately and the Pumpkin Mousse Brulee caught Gina’s eye. We order the dessert platter as that allows you to select 3-4 desserts that you like the sound of (albeit in smaller portions) and we choose these two along with the coffee jelly. The coffee jelly comes with coconut ice cream which is good with little pieces of shredded coconut although the coffee jelly is a little too strong for Teena and Gina. The Pumpkin Mousse Brulee is interesting, it’s a pumpkin pudding with a slightly raw pumpkin flavour and a crunchy sugar top. The favourite for all of us is undoubtedly the chestnut Mont Blanc which comes on a crunchy meringuey biscuit, a mountain of whipped cream and soft strings of sweetened chestnut puree. It’s heaven and we could easily each have another.

We’re loaded up with fantastic Christmas presents (some fluffy towels and Astronaut ice cream from Teena and a box of American candy from Gina) and we exit to much raucous joviality from all of the tables around us.

Drunken Santa Count: 7, Mrs Claus in trampy outfit count: 6. Dinner with girlfriends: priceless.

Pssst! Don’t forget you only have until the 25th of December to bid for one of the fantastic items on offer with the Menu for Hope!

Now I know I usually announce competition winners on the actual competition page but I thought that this was a particularly Christmassy gesture. The nice people from Lap Rap originally were to give away 7 Lap Raps to NQN readers but when they were judging the responses, there were so many that they decided to give away 10 Lap Raps plus 1 for good luck. 11 lucky winners have now won a Lap Rap of their choice as well and they will also have their Lap Rap featured on their “Exhibition” page!

Not only that but from now on for any pet rap order, lap-rap will donate $2.00 to Guide Dogs Australia. They also thought that reader Vicki’s Lap-Rap idea of pink cupcakes baked for a breast cancer fund raiser was brilliant so every time Lap-Rap receives an orders for a rap with anything pink they will donate $2.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!

So Dear Reader, I hope you and your family and friends have a wonderful Christmas May it be full of laughter, love and fun and of course wonderful food. I treasure each and every one of you and I love the fact that you check in with me every day. I got a preview of one of my gifts from Mr NQN, a floral headband from you guessed it, Alannah Hill. Sure Mr NQN doesn’t quite get it (he looked at it and said “Errrm okay. Are you sure?”) and my father calls all my hats and headbands “head gear” which conjures up visions of twisted metal and old fashioned dental braces but I absolutely love it.

Lots of love and Christmas wishes,

Lorraine

xxx

Busshari

119 Macleay Street, Potts Point, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9357 4555
http://www.busshari.com.au

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Posted in Eating, Japanese, Restaurants by cuisine, Sydney - CBD and inner city, Sydney - East

55 Comments | Add your own

1. gobsmack'd | December 24, 2009 at 6:01 am | #

Hullo Lorraine, Love the Chanelesque headband, although I have to admit it seemed like a rather brave move to team it with royal blue lace! May your Christmas be everything you want it to be and may 2010 be even more scrumptious!
2. fat mum slim | December 24, 2009 at 6:05 am | #

Merry Christmas to you too.

Are you taking any time off?

I think I might visit that restaurant in Potts Point. It looks delicious and right up my alley. x
3. penny aka jeroxie | December 24, 2009 at 7:20 am | #

It is always great to hang out with girlfriends whatever the reason is.
I love the headgear. Men – they don’t get it but they still love us..heh

Merry Christmas sweetie! Eat and drink lots but stay safe
4. yaelian | December 24, 2009 at 7:20 am | #

What a dinner!
And what a lovely picture of you,Lorraine!
Wish you a very
Merry Christmas
5. joey@FoodiePop | December 24, 2009 at 7:47 am | #

I’ve been a big fan of Busshari, ever since I had a great dinner there last year. It gets busy really quickly too, and the food is delicious. A bit out of the way, but good if you’re in the area.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for the great posts this year.
6. jane doe | December 24, 2009 at 7:51 am | #

Very cute headgear! Merry Christmas and thank you for your wonderful blogs throughout the year – roll on 2010.
7. jess | December 24, 2009 at 7:58 am | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine. I love the Alannah Hill headband on you, looks really cute and chic!
8. Anita | December 24, 2009 at 8:30 am | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine. Love the headband, it suits you. Thanks for the lap rap too!
9. Highlands Foodie | December 24, 2009 at 8:41 am | #

A very merry and safe Christmas to you and those closest to you. I am a late commer to NQN but I make it a daily stop and reading your posts is always a pleasure.
May 2010 be an ever better year than 2009.
HoHoHo
Highlands Foodie
10. Iron Chef Shellie | December 24, 2009 at 9:07 am | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine!
Hope you have a good one =)
xo
11. Cakelaw | December 24, 2009 at 9:09 am | #

Yummo – I am eyeing up the oyesters enviously.

Merry Xmas to you and Mr NQN – I have enjoyed discovering your blog this year.
12. live_laugh_love | December 24, 2009 at 9:16 am | #

OMG! Love the Christmas card. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Lorraine. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful stories all year long!
13. Vita | December 24, 2009 at 9:21 am | #

Beautiful headband. Merry Christmas Lorraine. Thanks for sharing all your great stories and wisdom this year.
All the best.
14. mikey | December 24, 2009 at 10:11 am | #

Lorraine,

Thanks for your blog during the year. I really look forward to reading it every day – you are always “spot on” with your descriptions, your recipes are great and I love your commentary.

To you and Mr NQN, and all your blogging friends, Merry Christmas and I look forward to reading your blog in 2010.

Kind regards,
15. Soma | December 24, 2009 at 10:12 am | #

Dear Lorraine

Happy Holidays & Happy New year to you and your loved ones.
16. Lauren | December 24, 2009 at 11:02 am | #

Merry merry Christmas Lorraine! I hope you and Mr.NQN have a fabulous day, week, and new year =D.
17. Howard | December 24, 2009 at 11:44 am | #

Hi Lorraine!
Let’s get some whingeing out of the way first…hehe: Yes I agree with you – staff never seem to alert us if the pieces in an entree (or dish) don’t match the number of diners…I always must ask!!
Let’s hope they make it their New Year’s Resolution to think about that aspect….
But more important is that I’d like to thank you for providing such an excellent blog, high quality pics, detailed and fair comments and always with a touch of humour and cheekiness.
A joy to read!
And you look superbly pretty in the picture…the headband and the pose make you look like a cute Uni-lass.
Have a wonderful Christmas, only the best bubbly and a G R E A T 2010!
18. Norman | December 24, 2009 at 12:03 pm | #

Wishing you and Mr.NGN a most Merry Christmas. A new follower here and have greatly enjoyed your posts – especially the Aussie irony coming through deliciously in many of your comments.
19. Marilyn | December 24, 2009 at 12:29 pm | #

Hi Lorraine,
You look adorable in the headband and you are all of that. So highly talented, sexy, fun, inspiring, energetic and a kindred spirit.
Love you and your beautiful work.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, love.
♥

~ Marilyn
The Artful Hawaiigirl
20. Katherine | December 24, 2009 at 12:32 pm | #

I hope you and your family have a fatastic Christmas. Looking forward to lots more meet-ups and exciting post from you in the New Year.
21. Moya | December 24, 2009 at 1:26 pm | #

Thanks for another wonderful year of interesting and intriguing posts, hope you and Mr NQN have a lovely Christmas and we look forward to a gloriously foodie 2010! The headband is a adorable but only because you make it look good
22. Jivelady | December 24, 2009 at 1:26 pm | #

Your blog gets me through work every day (even if it is only for 10 mins).
Thank for your stories and have a very merry Christmas Lorraine!
23. Karen | December 24, 2009 at 2:00 pm | #

Gorgeous headband, I hopelessly fall in love with everything at Alannah Hill.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Lorraine!
24. Kate | December 24, 2009 at 2:45 pm | #

Beautiful photo Lorraine. You really are so pretty. I hope you and Mr NQN have a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Year. I really look forward to hearing about your Christmas feast. Take care. All my love Kate
25. mlle délicieuse | December 24, 2009 at 2:48 pm | #

Don’t worry, Lorraine, I’m on the ‘wrong’ side of 30 and my mother still has opinions on my apparently ‘trampy’ clothing! Merry Christmas to you, your family and your extended family of blog readers! =)
26. 5 Star Foodie | December 24, 2009 at 3:05 pm | #

Happy holidays to you!!!
27. Steph | December 24, 2009 at 4:38 pm | #

I’ve been to a couple restaurants that are really good at redistributing or upping the serving size to suit the number of people at the table, it really is something more places should do! Merry Christmas Lorraine! Hope you have a fabulous one and an even better new year!
28. Ellen | December 24, 2009 at 5:20 pm | #

May your Christmas be fun filled and full of calories, cream and custard! Have a great day. Loved the headband!!
29. Ja | December 24, 2009 at 5:57 pm | #

Merry Christmas & Happy new year, Lorraine !

I have been wishing to go Busshari for long time but yet got chance to go… The oysters look so good…

Your headband is absolutely beautiful on you
30. Conor @ HoldtheBeef | December 24, 2009 at 6:24 pm | #

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Lorraine! Eat, drink and be merry xxx
31. Darlene | December 24, 2009 at 6:56 pm | #

You are so lucky to have friends to go out with. What a wonderful meal to share. I am learning a lot about different foods from you and must thank you for having such a wonderful Blog. You look great in your photo. I love the peach head band. It goes perfect with your beautiful blue top.
Merry Christmas to you.
32. jooles | December 24, 2009 at 7:04 pm | #

merry xmas lovely girl how do u know if u won a lap rap xx
33. diva | December 24, 2009 at 7:13 pm | #

beautiful Lorraine, i am so jealous of your lovely girly dinner outing! the nigiri platter is so my dish. yum yum. Happy Christmas darling and have a great New Year’s too. x
34. Esz | December 24, 2009 at 7:33 pm | #

Thats such a cute headband! Happy Christmas Lorraine! All the best for the holiday season and the brand new year
35. Meg@Feasting on Art | December 24, 2009 at 7:35 pm | #

The oysters have my mouth watering!
36. Heavenly Housewife | December 24, 2009 at 7:45 pm | #

Just stopping by to wish you and your family a very happy holidays. I’ve enjoyed your blog so much!
*kisses* HH
37. Mark | December 24, 2009 at 7:59 pm | #

Hey =) have just moved to Sydney and found your blog after searching for restaurants for my family (who are visiting) to eat out at over the festive season. Awesome blog and resource. I’m a fan and will be returning… Bon appetit! Thanks, Mark
38. Cathy | December 24, 2009 at 8:17 pm | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine.
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and delicious recipes with us.
The headband suits you perfectly!
39. Gera @ SweetsFoods | December 25, 2009 at 1:09 am | #

Always enjoying delights here with your spectacular photos

Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year 2010 for You!!

Cheers,

Gera
40. chinesechic | December 25, 2009 at 2:57 am | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine!May You have a lovely Christmas this year filled with close loved ones…:-) PS: Love the Postcard pic of you..looks so incredibly retro ala 1960 n god knows i love retro style!
41. matilda | December 25, 2009 at 11:08 am | #

Merry Christmas Lorraine and Mr.NQN from yours truly and all of my family as indirectly they read you too.( through all my comments lol).
Looking forward to an exciting 2010 from you, my first read every morning, keep up the great work. Cheers and I’ll be having an extra glass of very special bubbly for you!
42. Greedy Diva | December 25, 2009 at 11:51 am | #

Ooh – Looove the head band! Have a great Christmas!
43. Amy | December 25, 2009 at 12:12 pm | #

I love the head gear Lorraine
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
44. Midge | December 25, 2009 at 12:41 pm | #

Merry Christmas; hope you and your family have a lovely one!

(Oh, and that hairband looks so fetching on you!)
45. chocolatesuze | December 25, 2009 at 2:11 pm | #

Merry Christmas dude!
46. so Spiffy | December 25, 2009 at 7:09 pm | #

Happy Christmas darling! The Gyoza looks delish and so does the Mont Blanc… yum..you look adorable…
47. Belle@OohLook | December 25, 2009 at 10:17 pm | #

Hope you have a happy Christmas, Lorraine and Mr NQN! The headband looks delightful on you!
48. betty | December 26, 2009 at 9:01 pm | #

i dont think i’ve ventured out to potts point before (actually i havent been to the city for food in a while. my last would have to be at the rocks with u gals i thinK??)

i’ve never had pumpkin in a dessert form before, maybe its time to make some cupcakes hehe..
49. virginia | December 26, 2009 at 10:15 pm | #

thanks lorraine for the wounderful posts hope you have a great christmas …..
about that pork belly my brother in law gavin who works for selah resturant in sydney makes pork belly to die for …..you will have to check that out someday .although im not sure if he has it on the menue at the moment as it is more a winter dish….
50. grace | December 26, 2009 at 10:23 pm | #

when given the option, always, ALWAYS take a dessert selection over one measly option. always.
happy holidays, lorraine!
51. Teena | December 26, 2009 at 10:24 pm | #

Oh doll, it was very yummy but the odd number of entrees to patrons ratio really irritates me – so glad to see you remembered it!!
52. Not Quite Nigella | December 27, 2009 at 10:39 pm | #

Hi gobsmack’d-Thanks! Hehe it goes with every colour! Thankyou so much and Merry Christmas to you too!

Hi fat mum slim-Merry Christmas to you and the family! Hehe not really, a little bit but you know me hehe. Fantastic! I’d love to know what you think of it

Hi penny-I agree! I love my friends, they rock Thanks, hehe yes headgear makes me laugh so much Merry Christmas hun! I hope you had a great one

Hi yaelian-It was indeed thanks so much Yaelin! Merry Christmas to you too!

Hi joey-I can believe that! Do you have trouble with the lighting? It’s so dark there Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too and likewise!

Hi jane-Thankyou so much! Merry Christmas to you too and I hope you had a great one!

Hi jess-Merry Christmas to you too Jess! Thankyou so much

Hi Anita-Merry Christmas! Hehe thanks and you’re more than welcome! Can’t wait to see your design

Hi Highlands Foodie-Merry Christmas and thankyou so much and the same to you! Hehe that’s wonderful, I’m so glad that you enjoy it! Absolutely and for you too!

Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Thanks Shellie, a very Merry Christmas to you too! Xxx

Hi Cakelaw-Hehe they were really, really good! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones too! Hope it’s filled with lots of baked goods!

Hi live_laugh_love-Thankyou so much! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! It’s my pleasure!

Hi Vita-Thankyou so much! Merry Christmas Vita and thanks for reading all of this time!

Hi mikey-Oh you’re more than welcome, I write for lovely readers like you! Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends and I hope it was filled with wonderful food!

Hi Soma-Thankyou so much Soma! Merry Christmas to you too and I look forward to reading more in 2010!

Hi Lauren-Merry Christmas Lauren! I hope you and your family had a wonderful one!

Hi Howard-Yes it’s annoying isn’t it! I always like it when they ask too (and surely that’s a chance to upsell no?). Aww shucks thankyou so much for the kind words! You are so sweet. Haha thankyou! I wasn’t sure if I should put such a silly pic up but I loved the headband (or head gear ). Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends too!

Hi Norman-Thankyou so much and a Merry Christmas to you too! Hehe thanks!

Hi Marilyn-Aww thanks so much darling! You are such a gem and the world needs wonderful people like you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year you lovely Hawaiian flower!

Hi Katherine-Thankyou so much Kath and thanks for organising all those meet ups! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Hi Moya-Thanks so much Moya! Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for keeping us entertained! Awww thanks so much!

Hi Jivelady-Hehe that is such a nice compliment, thankyou! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

Hi Karen-Thanks! I know it’s terrible isn’t it! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too!

Hi Kate-Aww thankyou! You are too sweet Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too and I hope it was full of delicious food. Thanks for reading xxx

Hi mlle délicieuse-Haha aren’t they funny creatures! Merry Christmas to you and your friends and I hope it was a wonderful one!

Hi 5 Star Foodie-Happy Holidays to you too Natasha!

Hi Steph-It’s great isn’t it! Just something thoughtful and they get more money anyway so I don’t see why not Merry Christmas and I hope yours was gorgeous! Happy New Year too!

Hi Ellen-Aww thankyou so much! Hehe that’s my favourite kind of Christmas, how did you know that? Merry Christmas to you too!

Hi Ja- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ja! So glad we got to meet up this year! Thankyou so much xxx

Hi Conor-Thanks so much Conor, a very Merry Christmas to you too! Xxx

Hi Darlene-Thankyou! I feel very lucky and treasure my friends. Thankyou so much you are too kind! Merry Christmas to you too!

Hi jooles-Merry Christmas Jooles! I sent around an email to all of the winners a few days ago Xxx

Hi diva-Thankyou so much! I love a good girly outing Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year luvvie! Xxx

Hi Esz- Thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends! I hope Santa brings you something lovely!

Hi Meg-Hehe cool!

Hi Heavenly Housewife-Darling thankyou so much! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family too! xxx

Hi Mark-Oh cool, welcome! You’re more than welcome!

Hi Cathy- Merry Christmas to you and your family too! You’re more than welcome and thankyou so much!

Hi Gera-Thanks for keeping us so educated! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family Gera!

Hi chinesechic-Thankyou! A Merry Christmas to you too! I hope yours was filled with much love and laughter Thankyou! Yes I’m crazy for retro style too!

Hi matilda- Merry Christmas to you dear Matilda and thankyou for your lovely biscuits. They were fantastic and filled the house with a beautiful vanilla and aniseed aroma Thanks for being such a loyal reader and hehe I love that, yes a extra glass of special bubbly would be lovely

Hi Greedy Diva-Thankyou so much and Merry Christmas!

Hi Amy-Hehe thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you too!

HI Midge-Thankyou so much! I hope you and your family had a great Merry Christmas!

Hi chocolatesuze- Merry Christmas to you too!

Hi so Spiffy- Merry Christmas sweetie! Thankyou so much, you are too kind! X

Hi Belle-Hehe thankyou so much! I hope you and William had a very Merry Christmas! Thankyou!:)

Hi betty-Oh really! It’s good but you have to walk through Kings Cross Definitely!

Hi virginia-You’re more than welcome, thankyou for reading! Oh that does sound divine and I’m drooling at the mere thought of it! Merry Christmas!

Hi grace-Haha that’s part of Grace’s rules huh? You are so wise! Merry Christmas Grace!

Hi Teena-Yes I know what you mean, I think we would have all liked a bit extra of the pork belly but alas it was impossible to split it!
53. Faith | December 28, 2009 at 5:43 am | #

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your gorgeous headband! That Mont Blanc sounds divine!
54. Not Quite Nigella | December 29, 2009 at 5:45 pm | #

Hi Faith-Aww thankyou you are top sweet! Oh what I would do for some more right now