missdissent

Some people have pubs in their blood; fourth generation hotelier Kim Maloney is a prime example.

The first pub he bought was the Student Prince, which has morphed into Sydney’s most glamorous bordello: Stiletto. He now operates Sydney’s St. James, Maloney’s, Sanctuary and Shark hotels, plus The Clock Hotel in sunny Queensland.

It follows then that his newly renovated Star Bar is a slick operation, drawing influence from hotspots like Melbourne’s Silk Road.

The $2 million facelift contains references to the building’s previous inhabitants Planet Hollywood, and 1930s predecessor Plaza Cinema, with a 62-seat cinema in the original style.

“I’m a great meat eater, I love my steaks, the 400g Rib Eye ($33) here is beautiful,” says Kim.

It should be – his kitchen coup is 2014 Good Food Pub Guide Best Steak winner Danny Russo.

Russo supplements the meat with modern Italianate dishes from heaving Antipasto Platters ($17) to...

...Verdura Pizza ($16), to...

...a fun Russolini Parma Burger ($17) boasting crumbed Angus patty, melted mozzarella and Napoli sauce. (This is a mini version.)

Bring friends to go the whole hog with his Italian Family Feast ($38/person).

Russo sagely advises: “drawstring pants are a prerequisite” if you intend to add on a Slow Roasted Suckling Pig ($420/whole). Groaning, I concur.

It eats well with Birra Moretti ($7.50) and lovely Italian Slaw ($6).



*This was my PUB OF THE WEEK on 2GB 873 Fresh! with Luke Grant & Luke Mangan
on Sunday 15th December, 2013: http://www.2gb.com/article/fresh-sunday-december-15

Star Bar
600 George Street, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9267 7827