SALT, 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, NSW, 02 9332 2566 Found on the ground floor of the Kirketon Hotel, Salt is a state of the art Sydney restaurant operated by Luke Mangan. Like its modern kit-out and cuisine, its wine list is up to the minute and contemporary. Both are also relatively concise and to the point, which is something I frankly appreciate since the chore of wading through page after page of edibles and drinkables shouldn’t really take as long as it sometimes does. There’s no lack of depth or interest and the layout is clear and easy to follow. Imported wines are dotted throughout. Darren Barnett and Luke Mangan offer an interesting and occasionally eclectic selection which includes labels like Lark Hill from Canberra, Garry Crittenden’s range of Italian varietals, Josmeyer from Alsace, Ashton Hills from the Adelaide Hills, Craig Avon from the Mornington Peninsula and Yves Cuilleron in the Rhone Valley. After lunch or dinner I recommend the short walk down the corridor into the cigar bar, where the cigars, spirits and exhaust fan all work together in perfect harmony.
