tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62563320608889177852024-03-13T10:55:18.606+11:00the hungry duckthehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-19740450807832354922012-07-25T22:47:00.002+10:002012-07-25T22:51:53.513+10:00The Hardware Societe and Yak Bar, Melbourne<b><u>The Hardware Societe Cafe</u></b><br />
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118-120 Hardware Street<br />
Melbourne Victoria<br />
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03 9078 5992</h3>
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<b><u>Yak Bar</u></b></div>
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150 Flinders Lane </div>
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Melbourne Victoria</div>
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yakbarfood.com.au</div>
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03 9654 6699</h3>
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Remember when I said I would blog more? Fail. I've written nil blogs since Jan 2012. </div>
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Zilch. I must be the world's worst food blogger. Haha or just the world's most lazy food blogger. </div>
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But I'm back! Even if its just to quickly say hello to share my recent (2 months old) experience at two eateries in Melbourne. Hopefully this wont be the last you'll hear for me for another eight months. I'll try.. *try* to blog. I'm surprised this blog is still 16 on urbanspoon and I've reached 37,000 hits (wooohooo!) so the least I can do is blog a bit more. </div>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kdWo9z-cM48/UA_j-j9JTPI/AAAAAAAABp8/cjaxuuQ_YT8/s640/IMG_4538.JPG" /> </div>
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This must be one of the most popular cafes in Melbourne. We dropped by around noon on a long weekend for a late brunch in the freezing Melbourne rain and we're greeted by a deceivingly short line. Deceiving because the wait seemed like eternity. It was cold. We were hungry. Big groups kept taking our table. And everyone in the cafe seemed sooo happy. And <b>so warm</b>. And did I mention happy? Happily digging away into their chorizo baked eggs and whatnot. So I mentally opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate when they finally called our names for table....</div>
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And was it worth it? This was the prize on offer:</div>
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QYKRaJkhW6g/UA_j_q1-y7I/AAAAAAAABqU/73IYpPexa5E/s640/IMG_4556.JPG" /></div>
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The verdict? Honestly I can't give you a good one. I'm also a horrible food blogger because this is the <b>first time</b> I've ever had baked eggs for breakfast. So I didnt have anything to compare this to. The <b>baked eggs with chorizo and tomato served with bread</b> was a little overcooked for me.. I expected the eggs to be runny but instead it was solid and fully cooked. But the flavours were good and finding bits of chorizo in the pot made me really happy. So for me, I liked it. But I get the feeling that this could have been better if the egg was runny. </div>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jFtiBwm7Jt8/UA_j-oLlLjI/AAAAAAAABqE/4nDdqNliMXo/s640/IMG_4554.JPG" /></div>
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I cant remember what this is. But I remembered the dish looked nothing than what I expected. Average reviews from memory. </div>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aj0xqyD-lxA/UA_j-vyBnYI/AAAAAAAABqA/kMYlhJMK7aU/s640/IMG_4553.JPG" /></div>
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Oh man. Also have no idea what this is. I think its pork belly and some type of beans... A bit heavy for brunch. </div>
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Definitely try the baked eggs with chorizo and tomato, its good enough to give it a try at least once. The cafe was lovely, the atmosphere bustling and as a Melbourne institution its definitely a must try. </div>
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<b><u>Yar Bar Pasta Artigianale</u></b></div>
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We had dinner here on the second night and it was actually really really good. A close friend had recommended it for some of the best pastas in Melbourne and it certainly didnt disappoint. </div>
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<b>Selection of cured meats and marinated vegetables with fennel grissini </b></div>
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So good! Definitely recommend this. Also really good value.. $18.50. See! All restaurants should have websites and post up menus because otherwise its impossible to remember prices or even names..<br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c-ZNJ88l8C8/UA_j_2aU6OI/AAAAAAAABqc/IAYCMIjk-d0/s640/IMG_4593.JPG" /></div>
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<b>Chargrilled baby calamari with salsa verde and shaved white zucchini</b></div>
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Calamari was superbly fresh and the salsa verde matched the seafood perfectly. Must order this as an entree.<br />
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<b>Tagliatelle with pork rib and rosemary ragu</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Roast half duck with semolina gnocchi and orange jus</b></span></div>
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Half duck? Yes half duck. The serving was huge.</div>
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<b>Traditional Lasagne</b></div>
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This was so fresh.. the pasta sheets melted in your mouth. Didnt have that chewy texture that processed lasagne sheets have.<br />
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<b>Gnocchi of the day- beef ragu</b></div>
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Gnocchi is my absolute favourite pasta and if a restaurant serves gnocchi you'll pretty much guess what my order would be. This was one of the better gnocchi I've had. I think I would prefer a white sauce but I guess thats personal preference rather than anything else. The gnocchi had the right texture and was fluffy.<br />
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<b>Squid Ink Angel Hair Pasta</b></div>
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Didn't get a taste of this but it was very well received. </div>
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Overall? Recommend Yak Bar! Give it a try if you're in Melbourne =) And the wine list was good. Also it doesnt have those ridiculous lines that places like Mamasita or Chin Chin has. </div>
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Well thats it from me! Hope everyone has been well. </div>
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Eat well and thanks for visiting!</div>
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x</div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-37803719094985720662012-01-10T13:53:00.001+11:002012-01-10T13:55:19.896+11:00Why hello 2012..Happy new year everyone!<br />
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How time flies, it seems like just yesterday that I started putting this blog together. I know I've been a little slow with new posts but don't worry, one of my new year's goals ('resolution' sounds too intimidating and scary) is to blog more. Hopefully more blogs about cooking and less eating out :)<br />
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I'll be back this weekend with a blog about the <b>Sydney Food Blogger's Picnic! </b>Until then, hope everyone has had a great start to the new year and I will catch you guys soon.<br />
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x<br />
Jeannethehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-73426550494041374392011-12-27T21:16:00.003+11:002011-12-27T21:18:08.142+11:00Cru54 Kitchen & Bar, Spanish, Surry Hills<b>Cru54 Kitchen & Bar</b><br />
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54 Foveaux Street Surry Hills<br />
02 9281 1054<br />
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<a href="http://www.cru54.com.au/">http://www.cru54.com.au/</a> <br />
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Cru54 is a small funky tapas bar located a stones throw away from Central Station. Its just down the road from the Excelsior hotel so the area was buzzing with people. The food was quite good although personally I didn't think any of the dishes were outstanding. However this is a great place to share some food and sangria on a Friday night with friends. We ordered a number of tapas, mains and a salad to share.<br />
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<b>Patatas bravas con aiolo (Potatoes with brava relish & aioli)</b><br />
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This was okay but fairly average. Actually I think the kitchen forgot the aioli..<br />
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<b>Jamon Serrano, aged 22 months from Spain</b><br />
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Ever since the 'meat plank' from Jamie's I've been craving for some jamon or bresola. This had a deep flavour and was delicious.<br />
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<b>Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Orange & Asparagus</b><br />
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First of all, the goat cheese was incredible. Nutty, creamy and melt in your mouth. However the actual salad was so salty that even the orange failed to make an impact.<br />
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<b>Paprika dusted crispy chicken wings with Tequila Salmorejo</b><br />
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Tequila and chicken?? Hell yeah! Unfortunately we couldn't taste (or feel the effects) of any tequila. Perhaps they forgot that as well? Haha. But actually this was a really tasty and probably one of my favourite dishes of the night.<br />
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<b>Seafood Paella </b><br />
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This was quite good, definitely recommended if you're dining at Cru54.<br />
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<b>Pork Belly with marmalade braised red cabbage & aioli</b><br />
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This was the dish that we were all waiting for. Personally, I loved it. The crackling.. omgg.. delicious! But I think it depends on the piece of pork belly since the other people I dined with found this quite average. I liked it though :)<br />
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The bill came to $25 per head since we used a 25% off ent book voucher.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750628/restaurant/Sydney/Cru54-Kitchen-Bar-Surry-Hills"><img alt="Cru54 Kitchen & Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/750628/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-71861292952254375962011-12-21T22:44:00.002+11:002011-12-27T21:18:42.679+11:00Sushi e, Japanese, Sydney<b>sushi-e</b><br />
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Level 4, Establishment<br />
252 George St Sydney<br />
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<a href="http://merivale.com.au/sushie/">http://merivale.com.au/sushie/</a> <br />
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<i>"Imagine you’re in Tokyo dining at an enclave of modern Japanese expression. At the centre of a huge marble bar you watch head chef, Nobuyuki Ura, and his team serenely at work, precisely turning fresh fish into edible works of art. Welcome to sushi e."</i><br />
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Sushi e promises and delivers. From the moment we stepped into sushi e we knew that this was something special.<br />
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We started with a selection of three sashimi. The flavours were so delicate. I definitely recommend these, they were incredible. <b> </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Kingfish topped with slices of ginger, chives and sesame seeds, drizzled with garlic oil immersed in ponzu and seared with smoking hot olive oil. </i><br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Snapper topped with sesame seeds, chives, lime juice sprinked with english sea salt and drizzled with white soy based dressing</i>.<br />
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<b><i>Spicy scallop flame seared under black mountain chilli and spicy mayo, baby leaf salad</i></b><br />
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If you dine at sushi-e you must order the sashimi. Everything is of the highest quality and oh <b>so</b> fresh. We ordered the scampi and salmon belly nigiri and requested them to be lightly seared. Best scampi sushi I have ever had in my life.<br />
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The <b>Dragon Ash</b> roll is very popular amongst diners and I noticed that several other tables had also ordered the same roll. This was seared salmon inside-out wrapped with prawn and mayo flame seared topped with fried onion and ponzu dressing. I also tasted some really fresh crisp pickled ginger.<br />
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We had the <b>fried chicken kaarage</b> and the <b>prawn siu mai</b> as sides. The prawn siumai was fresh and pipping hot and delicious. The kaarage crispy and succulent.<br />
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By this stage we were <i style="font-weight: bold;">extremely</i> full but the main act was still to come. For our main to share we had the <b>balmain bug tempura</b> which is bug tail tempura tossed in a rich spicy chilli dressing and chives and served with dressed salad greens. This dish actually really reminded me of tofu adegashi.. but instead balmain bug adegashi! I loved this, incredible flavours. A must order.<br />
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Overall- a great dining experience. If you want outstanding Japanese, this is the place. If you also want to impress someone this is also the place to take them.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">The Good:</u> Incredible food and attentive service. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">The Bad:</u> Pricey but then again past diners include Kanye West, Jason Derulo and Leonardo Dicaprio.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/752131/restaurant/CBD/Sushi-E-Sydney"><img alt="Sushi E on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/752131/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-81438817949929490802011-11-14T20:59:00.003+11:002011-11-19T14:38:32.496+11:00Jamie's Italian<b>Jamie's Italian</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>107 Pitt Street</div><div>8240 9000</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/sydney">http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/sydney</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lines often signify great things. The apple iPhone 4s. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Din Tai Fung. So if you see the line outside 107 Pitt St be aware that yes, it is the new Jamie Oliver restaurant. Yes its the first of Jamie's Italians in Australia. Yes there is a min 20 minute wait to get a buzzer. And yes its another hour wait after that buzzer to actually get a table. But dont worry, it serves some pretty good pasta and its served by some pretty good looking waiters. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-218AF89d4Pg/TsDeh282GpI/AAAAAAAABiI/Vp5QToCYWGE/s640/IMG_3068.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We start off with the <b>must order antipasti plank </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($13 per head)</i>. When I say must order,<b> every</b> table orders this. And for good reason, its damn good. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ba6VZlMMDs8/TsDeFK1FheI/AAAAAAAABhI/4JvifOUxKNE/s640/IMG_3074.JPG" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d_mSXRdG3RY/TsDeDB2IlaI/AAAAAAAABhA/m3hUqPKFKCI/s640/IMG_3076.JPG" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pN5iZb8aw4c/TsDeLJRrIqI/AAAAAAAABhg/fIiF54_UprM/s640/IMG_3077.JPG" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>We also share a <b>Crispy Squid served with really garlicky mayo </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($12)</i><i>. </i>Crunchy goodness.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AOLoOk7MjM8/TsDd8E6lrbI/AAAAAAAABg4/Xt3lfOs8xT8/s640/IMG_3071.JPG" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Our mains were the <b>Bucatini Carbonara </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($12)</i><b>, Truffle Risotto </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($17)</i> and a special of <b>Pork chop served with Pumpkin <i>($26)</i> </b>(in order). </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_UZCJf3Us0/TsDeMLjq9bI/AAAAAAAABho/3l4mVcnwJBo/s640/IMG_3083.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UYwsopmW0hI/TsDeJeN6OWI/AAAAAAAABhY/yQmZKuDkqC8/s640/IMG_3082.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uTzvQPGwpEs/TsDeHxbOZTI/AAAAAAAABhQ/qwy7Mbc0kBk/s640/IMG_3081.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For desserts we had the <b>Our Special Tiramisu </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($9)</i>, the <b>Creamy Panna Cotta </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($8.50)</i> and <b>The Ultimate Brownie <i>($8.50)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G79xaB4Y3gY/TsDeXPctk9I/AAAAAAAABh0/VMcnNRTwGVE/s640/IMG_3085.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xrsEoVwqpA0/TsDeW-PN7pI/AAAAAAAABhw/9I2_nH88vHQ/s640/IMG_3086.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oRLWzOeookk/TsDecgrHvJI/AAAAAAAABiA/VUKAqWtLung/s640/IMG_3087.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The damage was $45 each which was actually quite good considering it was basically a three course meal and we ordered some sparkling water. I guess its also a bit of a novelty- I mean come on. It is Jamie Oliver. I liked it but wouldn't really say that its worth waiting an hour for. </div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Reasonably priced food, celebrity chef (ish), cute waiters and cool atmosphere</div><div><br /></div><div><b style="text-decoration: underline; ">The Bad</b>: Feel sorry for all the people who were still in line at 9pm waiting</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1580178/restaurant/CBD/Jamies-Italian-Sydney"><img alt="Jamie's Italian on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1580178/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><b> </b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-42077344760334895782011-11-14T20:19:00.004+11:002011-11-19T14:38:52.470+11:00eat drink blog conference<b>eat drink blog conference 2011</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="http://eatdrinkblog.org/">http://eatdrinkblog.org/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On the 5th of November <b>87</b> bloggers, including yours truly, attended the 2011 eat drink blog conference at the Electrolux showroom in Mascot. This was one hell of an event. One that went for 17 hours (yes basically 17 hours of eating and drinking) and three much needed coffees. </div><div><br /></div><div>A big amazing shout out to the guys at <b>Toby's Estate</b> for serving some damned good coffee. If it wasn't for these guys the 87 bloggers may have all passed out from food coma before dinner like I almost did. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what was the conference? It was basically a way for bloggers to get together and discuss issues like <b>seo, writing </b>and <b>legal </b>as well as a day of constant eating. When I say constant, I mean <b>constant</b>. To start, lets all say hello to the<i style="font-weight: bold; "> Delice Tower</i> kindly donated by <b style="font-style: italic; ">Lindt. </b>This poor baby was nothing but an empty shell at the end of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Fq_7If8s1w/Tr4UCXEpooI/AAAAAAAABdk/oeun_M5KsUc/s640/IMG_2824.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also had the opportunity to take bread making classes by <b>Brasserie Bread,</b> singaporean crab classes by <b>Kingsley's Crabhouse</b> and believe it or not, a lamb butchery class run by the <b>Meat and Livestock Association</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Lars</i> Executive Chef of the Kingley's Group showing how to make the<i style="font-weight: bold; "> perfect</i> singaporean chilli crab. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OP6fSNNYbWE/Tr4UWterMtI/AAAAAAAABd8/3CGWuU7l2Fk/s640/IMG_2884.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Souvlaki for the Soul <a href="http://souvlakiforthesoul.com/">http://souvlakiforthesoul.com/</a> also ran a Food Styling class which was hilarious and educational. Yes we all know what its like walking into Ikea with the intention of just buying a lamp but coming out with $500 worth of random shit. lol</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QfX_2veQm94/Tr4UYbToqtI/AAAAAAAABeE/ZiQINCA0z8M/s640/IMG_2889.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were then treated to an <b>amazing</b> three course meal at Kingsley's Steak and Crabhouse Woollomoolloo. The waterviews, the amazing atmosphere, the delicious food and the warm greeting from Lars made it a night to remember. </div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout those seventeen hours I met a lot of people who were as diverse and different as can be. Some of them were full time mothers, some corporate high flyers and some who started blogging as uni students. Even the lawyer who gave us a talk on Copyright Law was an obsessed foodie! Also food blogging isn't about fine dining or showing off who ate at the most expensive restaurant. Its about a group of people who genuinely have a common passion coming together and sharing that passion. I hope you guys enjoy reading my posts but most importantly- please don't take it too seriously. At the end of the day we're just a bunch of ordinary people who really like our food. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dm9mDAuCJeo/TsDgS1cWCXI/AAAAAAAABic/NTUCYlyvlZo/s512/dollyjing.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, thank you to the organisers of the <a href="http://eatdrinkblog.org/">http://eatdrinkblog.org/</a> conference for inviting me and organising such an amazing day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Simon <a href="http://theheartoffood.com/">http://theheartoffood.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jen <a href="http://www.jenius.com.au/">http://www.jenius.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reema <a href="http://www.tummyrumble.net/">http://www.tummyrumble.net/</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Trina <a href="http://www.thegourmetforager.com/">http://www.thegourmetforager.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-88468094140077390072011-11-14T15:11:00.007+11:002011-11-19T14:39:13.932+11:00The Commons<div><strong><u>The Commons Local Eating House</u></strong></div><br /><div>32 Burton Street </div><br /><div>Darlinghurst NSW </div><br /><div>9358 1487</div><br /><div><a href="http://thecommons.com.au/">http://thecommons.com.au/</a></div><br /><br /><div>The Commons is styled like a farmstyle eating house but with restaurant quality food. Its situated in Darlinghurst but also a short walk from Town Halll station. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5_yn-cET5Wo/TsDcKpHpOJI/AAAAAAAABeQ/06zFbUMBqSU/s640/IMG_2959.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>On Sundays they have a reduced menu, but at amazing prices. Most of the entrees are $10-$15, all mains are $20 and the first glass of house wine is $5. An offer too good to resist.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Kba5EdR4P8/TsDcO4eSHXI/AAAAAAAABeg/BdlWG02184M/s512/IMG_2968.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Personally I was amazed by how good the food and service was. I'll definitely be coming back here and recommend all of you to give it a try :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kRSWm2HYSMs/TsDcM89YCrI/AAAAAAAABeY/UZ0b3WDxsH4/s640/IMG_2965.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We ordered the <strong>sourdough toast w/anchovy butter <em>($7). </em></strong>I've never had toast with anchovy butter but this was really good. There was no fishy taste, it was more of a salty savoury taste. Definitely recommended. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0lD_M30hutc/TsDcbBBvQ0I/AAAAAAAABeo/7IwhnWp_aX0/s640/IMG_2969.JPG" /><div><br /><div>We shared the <strong><em>stuffed zuchinni flowers ($14)</em></strong> which were amazing. Seriously so ordering these again. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qpkGWvVFPiA/TsDcb0AewsI/AAAAAAAABes/nY8s18By1-E/s640/IMG_2971.JPG" /></div><br /></div><div>I absolutely <b>love</b> gnocchi. If a restaurant serves gnocchi I'll often order it. This was by far the best gnocchi I've ever had. The mushrooms, the flavour.. delicious! The pasta was so rich and creamy. Actually I'm really glad we shared all the dishes as this was quite heavy and probably too much for one person. My favourite dish of the night :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0Cui1CvBK4/TsDcbyNjdYI/AAAAAAAABew/HqCu4Sk744k/s640/IMG_2972.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of our mains were all amazing. We shared the <b>Fillet Mignon</b>, the <b>Crumbed Latchet </b>and the <b>Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs and Chicken </b>(As well as the gnocchi) between four and were absolutely stuffed. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yaNw4NGXFjk/TsDcpCT7kfI/AAAAAAAABfA/dez33LY6Pec/s640/IMG_2973.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9MvldC_vDTs/TsDcrWHD4SI/AAAAAAAABfQ/HvtrXyqtIPU/s640/IMG_2974.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qxOp8jq9Mrg/TsDcqnMcy-I/AAAAAAAABfI/kp1xwXfWQUk/s640/IMG_2977.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>To top it off we then had a <b>huge</b> chocolate cake called <b>The Duchess </b>from Christopher's cakes. Now this was no ordinary cake, this was a <b>massive</b> cake that would easily have fed a party of thirty. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wGyGQN_92FE/TsDc3IxkTbI/AAAAAAAABfY/GpXlgnwaOJc/s640/IMG_2989.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We actually ended up sharing the cake with the waitresses/waiters/kitchen and also the table of 6 people next to us and still managed to take a quarter home (Yes. It was that big.). </div><div><br /></div><div>An amazing night. Thank you to the Commons for their wonderful and warm hospitality. We will be seeing you more often :)</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Warm service, casual atmosphere, delicious food, gnocchi!! and great value</div><div><br /></div><div><b style="text-decoration: underline; ">The Bad:</b> Nope. None whatsoever. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1484710/restaurant/Sydney/The-Commons-Darlinghurst"><img alt="The Commons on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1484710/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.christopherscakeshop.com.au/">http://www.christopherscakeshop.com.au/</a></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-52507597669457988262011-10-24T23:47:00.004+11:002011-11-14T20:50:05.189+11:00The Victoria Room, High Tea, Sydney<b>The Victoria Room</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Level 1, 235 Victoria Street</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.thevictoriaroom.com/">http://www.thevictoriaroom.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>9357 4488</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last post for the month (I hope!). Its time to take a break from all this eating. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoy high tea. I think its a great way for girls (and boys) to get together, connect and chat over some nibbles, tea or wine. Its one of those things where its not about the food, its not about the tea or the wine- its about the chit-chat, the conversation and being able to enjoy each others company :)</div><div><br /></div><div>And I mean, who can dislike high tea if its somewhere as nice as this?</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iwRi3Zld41g/TqVeieB-v7I/AAAAAAAABYE/zbvXaDgvn3E/s640/IMG_2802.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Crave Vintage High Tea Special ($45)</i> which includes a three tiered high tea, loose leaf tea or coffee and a flute of Brown Brothers Champagne.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q4rVBLPg6H8/TqVezpCArjI/AAAAAAAABYs/qfI5OcczSp0/s640/IMG_2776.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2urAQRC9wDQ/TqVex-9h5zI/AAAAAAAABYk/Ep-rGyVAfuo/s512/IMG_2781.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Sandwiches!</i> I'd just come back from the gym so I demolished my share in like 10 minutes. They were not too bad. There were some chicken, smoked salmon and some cucumber sandwiches I think. To be honest I was too hungry to remember the names.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wRyGsS8oXJI/TqVeoMQWOiI/AAAAAAAABYc/zixhq6F1LIA/s640/IMG_2788.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Sweets</i>. This tier had lavender shortcakes, rose jelly, hummingbird cupcakes and these DELICIOUS fruit lemon custard tarts. I <b>loved</b> the lavender shortcakes and the tarts. The shortcake was really floral and each bite actually made me feel like I was standing in a lavender field.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RknA290JP8A/TqVeoL7y61I/AAAAAAAABYQ/87ruX9v44d8/s640/IMG_2787.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Scones with fresh cream and jam</i>. I think one was plain and one was sweetbread.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vx70nPN3lbU/TqVeoM2xZSI/AAAAAAAABYM/mKaVmg-yfIc/s640/IMG_2786.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were served by a really sweet waitress who actually wrote the words 'Thank You' on our bill. Quite liked the personal touch. </div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Beautiful surroundings, the atmosphere, the lavender shortbread & the fruit tart, good service</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad</u>: I don't think this place has air conditioning (correct me if I'm wrong)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/752358/restaurant/New-South-Wales/The-Victoria-Room-Darlinghurst"><img alt="The Victoria Room on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/752358/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-7723406229448908122011-10-24T00:25:00.006+11:002011-10-25T00:05:47.705+11:00Xanthi Bar and Restaurant, Sydney<b>Xanthi Bar and Restaurant Sydney and Sunday Night Easy Listening</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Level 6 Pitt St Mall</div><div><br /></div><div>9232 8535</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://xanthi.com.au/">http://xanthi.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A quick post as its drawing close to 1am. Sunday night easy listening (which I haven't done for a while now) is the newly released <b>Damien Rice- One</b>. Its a cover of U2's One and it grows on you although at the start I didn't love it. </div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QOLNiYp56E4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Xanthi is the newly established Greek eatery in the level 6 Pitt St mall Dining complex. The restaurant was fully booked out so we dined in the outside bar area which was also very nice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each table is given some complimentary nuts to start.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aniu-EtItSQ/TqQWAHkvbpI/AAAAAAAABXM/d-aDKzNqrgw/s640/x7.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Service was impeccable and our wine was poured by this lovely gentleman who was more than happy to pose for a shot. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C3PN77mWPH8/TqQV9jeobmI/AAAAAAAABXE/1VZ-Utvdj2M/s512/x6.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">2009 Matinia Antonpoulous ($48.00)</i> and it tasted very gentle, clean and clear. Its a aromatic white grape wine. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FpJUNbVLRhQ/TqQV8a8Va6I/AAAAAAAABW8/niEYPjNwiXs/s512/x8.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Hot Smoked Eggplant Dip ($10)</i> was the first to arrive. This is a freshly smoked eggplant dip made fresh with coriander, cumin, lemon juice, bechamel and grated kasseri.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDaC7TimNDg/TqQWSO7mgyI/AAAAAAAABXw/P1IMV__yNm8/s640/x5.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">BBQ Haloumi ($10)</i> which was mind blowingly good. A must order if you enjoy haloumi :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W7MTI5p-Cew/TqQWRXtQjrI/AAAAAAAABXs/7PB8iWFBsDM/s640/x4.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Zucchini fritters ($8.00). </i>T found an ingenius way of eating this.. mix in some of the hot smoked eggplant dip and the flavours are amazing. Delicious. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--HMt17qkQ_o/TqQWQj3DDnI/AAAAAAAABXk/sVH7mfS6gwk/s640/x3.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The stand out dish. The <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Fried School Prawns ($9)</i> are absolutely amazing. They taste a little like salt and pepper squid, but more sweet. They're also dressed with some flaked almond dressing. So good! You also eat the whole prawn at once so its crunchy :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2cZhKayMAZc/TqQWBzh9VDI/AAAAAAAABXc/4wwAGE__Ri4/s640/x2.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of our meats from the spit- <i style="font-weight: bold; ">250gm of lamb ($36)</i>. Fail. I forgot to take a photo of the pork that we also ordered :( We ordered a bit too much actually.. haha</div><div><br /></div><div>This was extremely good. The lamb was tender and very flavoursome. I loved the yoghurt on the side. The pork was also very good. I would suggest you order one less dish than us if you also have a table of 4 as we struggled to finish. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zx3y8Wgf_v4/TqQWBjtHEEI/AAAAAAAABXU/om-L3v_NG0s/s640/x1.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The experience? Thoroughly enjoyable. Also very reasonably priced as it worked out to be $40pp but we had drinks and ordered too much.</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> The fried school prawns, the haloumi and the cooked-to-perfection lamb. And the service :)</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> Not being able to get a booking as its so popular! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1581525/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/Xanthi-Bar-Restaurant-Sydney"><img alt="Xanthi Bar & Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1581525/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-91442022655227393532011-10-22T14:16:00.000+11:002011-10-25T23:28:38.369+11:00Wombok and Pork Mince Stir Fry<strong>Wombok and Pork Mince Stir Fry served with Brown Rice Recipe</strong><br /><br /><br />I've have this super easy recipe to share with you guys! I've been cooking alot for the last few weeks as its:<br />1) healthier<br />2) saves me lots of $$<br />3) did I mention healthier?<br /><br />You can substitute the wombok for any type of white chinese vegetable like chokoes, cabbage or zucchini.<br /><br /><strong>Time to prepare:</strong> 5-10 minutes<br /><strong>Time to marinade: </strong>At least an hour<br /><strong>Time to cook: </strong>20 minutes<br /><strong>Serves: 4</strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Ingredients:</em></strong><br />500 grams of lean pork mince<br />Some ginger<br />Half a wombok, sliced more thickly at the leafy parts<br />Salt & Pepper<br />2 tablespoons light soy sauce<br />1 tablespoon dark soy sauce<br />1 teaspoon chinese cooking wine<br />1 teaspoon peanut oil<br />some cooking oil<br /><br />3 cups of brown rice<br />800mL of water (about 3/4 of your pot)<br /><br /><br /><strong>1. </strong>Cut up the ginger into little tiny cubes.<br /><strong>2. </strong>Mix the lean pork mince with the ginger, light soy sauce, the dark soy sauce, the cooking wine, some salt, pepper and peanut oil. Cover and marinade for at least an hour.<br /><strong>3. </strong>To cook the brown rice: place the rice in a pot of water and bring to boil. After it has boiled, turn the heat down to med-low and simmer for 30 minutes. At 25-30minutes test that the rice is soft but still chewy. Remove from heat, drain the rice and put the rice back in the pot for 2 minutes to dry.<br /><strong>4.</strong> Heat up some oil in a pan. Place the wombok, some water, some soy sauce and salt and cook for about 5-10minutes until the wombok is soft. Remove from heat and drain.<br /><strong>5. </strong>Heat up some oil in a pan. Stir fry the marinated mince pork until it is fully cooked (about 10minutes). Remove from heat.<br /><strong>6. </strong>Cook the mince and the wombok together for about 2-3 minutes and let the flavours combine.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>And voila!</strong> A simple, healthy and yummy dish that reminds me of home cooking (except for the brown rice part)thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-38931356574880182322011-10-20T21:31:00.005+11:002011-11-19T14:40:08.245+11:00Quarter Twenty One<b>Quarter Twenty One</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Level 5, Westfield Sydney</div><div>Pitt St Mall</div><div><br /></div><div>(02) 8064 7900</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>www.quartertwentyone.com.au</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Take the express elevators up and on your right will be Quarter Twenty One. Sleek, modern and contemporary, the restaurant has been on my 'must try list' ever since it opened. So when Quarter Twenty One announced they would be participating in this year's Crave Sydney Food Festival 'Lets do lunch' promotion, my tastebuds were already salivating in anticipation. ready for the lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward two weeks later and finally we have lunch! I was joined by the lovely <a href="http://cupcakiedolly.blogspot.com/">Dolly</a> and the awesome KSY. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't the ladies in this photo look so carefree and happy? Wish I could have long breezy lunches every day :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2tNc06H2bv0/Tp_5FSIXhBI/AAAAAAAABWU/YDCzAL_Kouc/s640/IMG_2685.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were served some complimentary bread to start. The butter that was served with the bread was really cool, it was foamy rather than hard. The bread roll was warm and freshly baked.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LRQFUDDanCQ/Tp_5OaCqnfI/AAAAAAAABWk/9ADjHC4V60Q/s640/IMG_2686.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Slow-cooked short rib of beef, spring vegetable ragout and fondant potato</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>The beef is slow cooked for <b>38 hours</b> which meant it was <i style="font-weight: bold; ">incredibly tender. </i>The flavour was also spot on but I found my rib a little fatty though. I loved the spring vegetable ragout! It was colourful, vibrant and an array of textures. It makes the dish look really beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UZajnt4kJOY/Tp_5QN33rnI/AAAAAAAABWs/Fv9SwYUKoes/s640/IMG_2691.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iepGQ9oIVto/Tp_5BgPziMI/AAAAAAAABWM/zZT3bYOSxTQ/s640/IMG_2692.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The 'Lets do Lunch' promotion also includes either a glass of Brown Brothers red or white wine, coopers beer or sparkling water for $38. If you can spare an hour during your lunch break, I definitely recommend you try the Quarter Twenty One 'Lets Do Lunch'. Also the three guys sitting across us ordered an <i style="font-weight: bold; ">amazing</i> looking dessert which I think must have been the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">warm 68% alto beni zokoko chocolate pudding, orange & tonka bean ice cream</i>. The dessert looked so good that I think I'll be coming back just for it..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Good location, Ambience, Fantastic friendly service</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> I didn't get to try that dessert! Damn :(</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1591083/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/Quarter-Twenty-One-Sydney"><img alt="Quarter Twenty One on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1591083/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-18002816802620605242011-10-15T15:19:00.002+11:002011-10-20T21:57:33.125+11:00Chophouse Steakhouse, Sydney & News<div><b>Chophouse</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>25 Bligh Street</div><div>Sydney </div><div><br /></div><div>1300 246 748</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.chophouse.com.au/">http://www.chophouse.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy weekend everyone! This post is a bit delayed (oops). Its been hard to find time to blog but here we go! Other interesting news:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Adriano Zumbo</b> has just opened the newest addition to the Zumbo chain at <b>The Star</b>. <a href="http://www.star.com.au/dine/the-chefs/adriano-zumbo.html">http://www.star.com.au/dine/the-chefs/adriano-zumbo.html</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Also every foodie is awaiting the opening of David Chang's <b>Momofuku seiobo </b>at the Star. Seems like there is no chef that money cant buy. <a href="http://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/seiobo/">http://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/seiobo/</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>The restaurant <b>Bilson's</b> has closed down after a financing rescue package fell through. Devastating news. </div><div><br /></div><div>And Jamie Oliver's hotly anticipated <b>Jamie's Italian </b><a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/home">http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/home</a> opens <b>24 October</b>. Bookings are available for groups of 6 or more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will also be attending the eat.drink.blog blogger's conference on the 5th of November! <a href="http://eatdrinkblog.org/">http://eatdrinkblog.org/</a> There is a photo comp for anyone who is interested :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now back to Chophouse.. </div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived on Saturday evening and were seated at one of the booths. The restaurant is quite large and looks very spacious as the walls of the restaurant are lined with mirrors. Every table is given some complimentary bread to start with. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NuYl4mN5NUU/Tpj8N_tsMQI/AAAAAAAABVQ/OlHQNGKFrLU/s640/IMG_2595.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered a pinot and a merlot. I ordered the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Joseph Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir ($12.50)</i> which was light bodied and clean. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rEhJxv_0Azo/Tpj79C7n_pI/AAAAAAAABU4/pyus_YNla1Y/s512/IMG_2599.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>To start we were served some <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Pork Scratching, served with smoked salt, vinegar and chilli, </i>compliments of the house. These were so naughty but so good! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_pvuT2CS1uI/Tpj8WsxD0HI/AAAAAAAABVY/3ERUE23j918/s640/IMG_2601.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Crisp Pork Belly & Sea Scallop, Chinese cabbage, coriander, pea shoots & soy vinaigrette chopped salad ($22)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>I never thought that I would go to a steakhouse and rave about the salad. I mean the steak was great but.. in terms of salads, this salad is like the <b>king </b>of all salads. Seriously guys, you have to order this. Fricking damn awesome. The pork belly was actually crispy! None of that fatty stuff. And the scallops were huge, plump and fresh. Also the serving size was huge! <b><i>Sooooooo good!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dDfxENghHBg/Tpj8l75fzPI/AAAAAAAABVw/67Uvr7DTYNQ/s640/IMG_2607.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We both ordered the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">F1 Wagyu Striploin MB4+, harissa & jus 300g ($49.9)</i> which was the smallest 'proper' steak on the menu but still really big. I really struggled to finish mine. Maybe it was because of the giant salad and cauliflower gratin we also ordered.. Must learn not to overorder!</div><div><br /></div><div>The steak was divine and so tasty. We ordered medium and medium rare and we got exactly that. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EMfvOG7BDAU/Tpj8eAR3N4I/AAAAAAAABVg/KcgiWUDmUZM/s640/IMG_2604.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3-PDjt2E494/Tpj8e1Cyz2I/AAAAAAAABVo/989hq3eyM4o/s640/IMG_2606.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Didnt really understand what the lemon was for though. Do you guys put lemon on your steaks? I've never been served lemon on the side before.. was slightly confused. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On the side we shared the <i style="font-weight: bold; ">cauliflower gratin ($8).</i> Cauliflower+cheese, sprinkled with breadcrumbs and baked. I call this 'comfort food' because its just so warming and hearty. I really liked this :) Would also definitely recommend this as a side dish order. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_K4VKKLqp-Y/Tpj8MzYkQ7I/AAAAAAAABVI/3cEWVhPnwr8/s640/IMG_2610.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>On the Saturday night we went there was also a band playing. The girl sung an acoustic version of Damien Rice/U2's <i>I still haven't found what I'm looking for</i> which is one of my all time favourite songs! Best night ever. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HBPuf7q-90I/Tpj8G2haIGI/AAAAAAAABVA/uI4SVnt4h5w/s512/IMG_2602.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Fantastic steaks, the pork belly salad (<b>MUST ORDER</b>), nice atmosphere</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> This area of the CBD can be a bit of a ghost town on weekends. </div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1446831/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/Chophouse-Sydney"><img alt="Chophouse on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1446831/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-19189192652788900952011-10-15T15:08:00.006+11:002011-10-18T22:40:13.704+11:00Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe, Sydney<b>Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Darling Park</div><div>Darling Harbour</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.guyliancafe.com.au/">http://www.guyliancafe.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So much for going on a diet. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They opened a Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe in the new Darling Park entertainment precinct. Theres also new restaurants and a new park in that area.</div><div><br /></div><div>The cafe is quite big so I don't think you'll ever have to wait for a table. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fGitGlf-xW8/Tpj60fiohTI/AAAAAAAABTE/EDp-Y5hF_-0/s640/IMG_2683.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>They also sell a huge range of cakes, desserts, pastries and chocolates. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z4l2N3bmno0/Tpj65wCWxQI/AAAAAAAABTQ/1HMJ-K90l1c/s640/IMG_2682.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cRaeNIeqFKY/Tpj7Xp1NdnI/AAAAAAAABT4/VehFXWaS1UE/s640/IMG_2681.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Milk Hot Chocolate </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>How cute! There's a chocolate seashell in each cup :) You just pour the hot chocolate in. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rF5GFUVOndI/Tpj7A-ZJseI/AAAAAAAABTY/UeTchNxQWO0/s640/IMG_2676.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xmu5gMsgFsw/Tpj7DJNoVzI/AAAAAAAABTg/qnfNp9ry47A/s640/IMG_2678.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mocha</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AtEFRegB3YI/Tpj7QFIxwGI/AAAAAAAABTw/lcNNQrn4-Cc/s640/IMG_2680.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>They were also giving everyone a free chocolate with every drink. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EOUXU3p3_zk/Tpj7J1H9qXI/AAAAAAAABTo/He9kyMuEgpM/s640/IMG_2679.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Great place for a chilled casual catch up with a few friends :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Now excuse me while I go to the gym. Bye guys! </div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Friendly service, spacious cafe, no waiting, great location</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> Not much to fault. Just maybe those extra kilos you'll gain..</div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-48811132212337582862011-10-15T14:54:00.004+11:002011-10-18T22:41:24.508+11:00Musashi, Japanese, Sydney<b>Musashi Japanese Restaurant</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>447 Pitt Street</div><div>(Cnr of Pitt Street & Campbell Street)</div><div><br /></div><div>9280 0377</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://musashirestaurant.com.au/contact-us.php">http://musashirestaurant.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last minute impromptu dinner at Musashi! Crap thing about dining out on a Friday is that if you don't organise and book ahead you'll end up like us: waiting half an hour at Chat Thai before giving up and waiting another 20 minutes at Musashi. </div><div><br /></div><div>Musashi is a casual Japanese restaurant near Haymarket. Its always busy and the food is consistently good (or at least consistent). The interior is also kind of cool. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6lae_hlSQh0/Tpj7byo-AtI/AAAAAAAABUI/tl1uycMf13s/s640/IMG_2654.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We share the <b>Tofu and Seaweed salad<i> ($8.80)</i></b><i> </i>and the <b>Takoyaki <i>($8.80)</i></b><i>. </i>We were like <i style="font-weight: bold; ">really</i> hungry so failed to take a photo of the takoyaki before it was demolished. Got a pic of the salad though! The salad was really healthy :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dMxU7xIkVoE/Tpj7k5c2L0I/AAAAAAAABUQ/oCXxGhaQLtM/s640/IMG_2655.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I ordered the <b>Seafood Udo</b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">n ($15.80). </i>I always order this :) The soup is delicious but also very clean, doesn't have that MSG taste. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELLKVhrLh5Q/Tpj7qsXM3pI/AAAAAAAABUY/Q18bBov4lvY/s640/IMG_2659.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys all ordered the <b>Musashi Bento Box </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($24.80)</i> which is <b>huge</b>. It comes with sashimi, sushi, croquettes, prawn tempura, salad, brocolli, potato salad and teriyaki chicken. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_ZZcID00O6w/Tpj7rjW7rsI/AAAAAAAABUg/6vqoxHSf-0Q/s640/IMG_2662.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sQ7jri2q-BQ/Tpj72VLaqJI/AAAAAAAABUo/7gs4OX2N5pY/s640/IMG_2664.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>K ordered the <b>Pork Katsu Don </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($15.80). </i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></i></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vQSv9gG9SHI/Tpj7aSHigbI/AAAAAAAABUA/L9krAVjz55g/s640/IMG_2673.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall a good experience. There might be a wait but the food is consistent and doesn't damage the wallet. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Great food, consistent and affordable</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> Might need to wait for a table. The toilets are a bit dodgy.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751562/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Haymarket/Musashi-Sydney"><img alt="Musashi on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751562/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-79293754273179909812011-10-10T21:13:00.008+11:002011-10-15T14:49:03.948+11:00Chophouse Meat Masterclass, Sydney<div><b>Chophouse</b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>25 Bligh Street Sydney</div><br /><div>1300 246 748</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.chophouse.com.au/">http://www.chophouse.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><i>Bookings Recommended</i></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have a confession to make. I like steak. Okay, thats a bit of an understatement. I <i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">love</i> steak. If I'm eating out at a restaurant, there is a one in two chance I'll order steak.</div><br /><div>Why you ask? Well one reason is because eating steak makes me happy (steak does to me what chocolate does to normal people).. but to be honest the real reason is because I cannot cook a decent steak to save my life. Until now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was luckily enough to get tickets to Chophouse's Meat Masterclass which was fun, entertaining and educational. Thanks to Chophouse for the tickets :) </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ex7Y94O0pCY/TpLGK-thR1I/AAAAAAAABSo/QE5fnFuD0c4/s640/IMG_2354.JPG" /></div><br /><div>On arrival we were greeted by <i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Eric Tan, </i>Head Chef and <i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Stu</i>, Sous Chef of the Chophouse Restaurant. Eric was an amazing host and his passion for food really showed. Everytime he explained or showed us how to do something about food, his eyes would light up. He was also extremely welcoming and even made us coffee while we were waiting for the last few bloggers. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>First up we were given a short overview about the suppliers of the best steaks, different types of cuts, the difference between those cuts and different cooking methods. Remember when I said Eric & Stu were amazing hosts? Haha they even demonstrated where the different cuts of steak are from.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VrrbKhaD0HA/TpLGGvIQ9GI/AAAAAAAABSc/jc5hg8aVHcU/s640/IMG_2409.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Eric then introduced us to the <b>tomahawk</b>, a <i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">massive</i> full rib steak on the bone. I think this one weighed 1.2kilograms.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IxOOyb-9K_M/TpLGHWADVXI/AAAAAAAABSk/znRuWFE5zkQ/s640/IMG_2415.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We were then given a run through of how the steaks are prepared and cooked. The entire process is quite meticulous, from carefully apportioning and weighing each steak to testing the temperature of each steak before resting.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chophouse Restaurant was one of the first steakhouses in Sydney to use a broiler (the Chophouse's one is affectionately named <i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">George</i>) to cook its steaks. Using a broiler means less cooking time and also the steaks are more likely to be consistently cooked. But exactly how many people own a broiler? I mean they cost $65k! So because of that, we learned the different methods of cooking steak and how you can even cook a perfect steak in your own home. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b><i>D & I getting ready to get our hands dirty</i></b></div><br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><br /><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6aI_e0c6atA/TpLGOGkYDAI/AAAAAAAABSs/41x8_aA3ILY/s640/IMG_2449.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>We learned how to cook steak on a pan, on a chargrill and got an idea of how to cook steak with a broiler. </div><br /><div><i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">George, the mean steak cooking machine</i></div><br /><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uhFUMWUAduo/TpBSzs0OCtI/AAAAAAAABR4/0c9L2DGQeig/s640/IMG_2508.JPG" /></div><br /><div>To be honest.. with all this cooking I was starting to get hungry! I think everyone else felt the same way too. Imagine ten hungry food bloggers descending on ten perfectly cooked steaks and one pork chop..</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NmekaJg95rY/TpBTE7HOarI/AAAAAAAABSI/NhU_Aq32eJg/s640/IMG_2562.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The steak cooked in the broiler definitely won over the others. It was so much more juicy and also it was consistently cooked on the inside and nicely seared on the outside. All the steaks were delicious though! It just goes to show that you can cook the perfect steak with any equipment, as long as you control the temperature properly.</div><br /><div>We were then spoiled even further with a take home carepack from the Chophouse restaurant, each with a steak for us to cook at home, some instructions and a block of delicious honeycomb chocolate (which I have since demolished).</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IGKsCAF9ppM/TpBTPDarjWI/AAAAAAAABSQ/oUl_r3T6mpI/s640/IMG_2587.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Thank you so much to the team from <b>Chophouse</b>. I had such a wonderful time.. So much that I made a reservation for dinner that night hehe.. but that is another blog post :)</div><br /><div>And just to finish this post, I would like to share with you 8 steps to cook the perfect steak, courtesy of the Chophouse. We tried this at home on Monday and believe it or not, I think I can finally cook steak properly :)</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UqPwKybHgOw/TpBTUHFizoI/AAAAAAAABSU/xRvYS13XQSY/s512/IMG_2589.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The trick was to use an oven.</div></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-62050674848124420432011-10-08T23:13:00.006+11:002011-10-18T22:42:35.662+11:00Azuma Sugarhit<b>Azuma Kushiyaki Bar & Grill</b><div><b>Sydney International Food Festival- Sugarhit Event</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>501 George Street</div><div>Sydney</div><div><br /></div><div>9267 7775</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.azuma.com.au/kushiyaki/home.php">http://www.azuma.com.au/kushiyaki/home.php</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You've just got to love Sydney sometimes. Not only do we have some of the best restaurants in the world, we also spend a <b><i>whole month</i></b> (Yes guys. A whole frickin' month) celebrating food. Food oh glorious food. So if you haven't made arrangements yet, definitely check out the www.cravesydney.com website and maybe try a Sugarhit, Lets do lunch or a pop up dinner. And please tweet me about how it went!</div><div><br /></div><div>And when this is all over in November we can all talk about how badly we should join a gym. </div><div><br /></div><div>So on Friday a few of the bloggers and I (the lovely <a href="http://www.sugarpuffi.com/">sugarpuffi</a>, <a href="http://www.missklicious.blogspot.com/">misskilicious</a>, <a href="http://vxdollface.tumblr.com/">vxdollface</a>, <a href="http://oh-ayana.livejournal.com/">ayana</a>, <a href="http://http//the-creamy-middles.blogspot.com/">the creamy middles</a>, <a href="http://idreaminchocolate.wordpress.com/">idreaminchoc</a>) went to check out Azuma's Sugarhit. (This is the one near the cinemas, not the Chifley Azuma btw)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The sugarhit was a selection of Asian desserts served with either Brown Brothers dessert wine or green tea for $20. Obviously I got the dessert wine :) </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s9OaH2MpERU/TpA-3MTh3jI/AAAAAAAABRg/dcL7U3nabzI/s640/IMG_2343.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VgrKXXZws9w/TpA-28ltsDI/AAAAAAAABRc/XYGW1kwwwzU/s512/IMG_2344.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Anmitsu </b><i>(Assorted seasonal fruits, tapioca pearls, shiratama rice dumplings covered in kinako powder served with Japanese brown sugar syrup)</i> and <b>Hand-made white sesame ice cream</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The anmitsu was absolutely gorgeous. This was by far the best dessert of the night. The fruits were so fresh and the flavours were light but intense at the same time. Go good! The white sesame ice cream was also good but quite unusual because this was the first time I've tried white sesame ice cream. It also wasn't very sweet. </div><div><br /></div><div><https: com="" dmounyzh2u4="" 5peo3si="" aaaaaaaabrk="" tqk="" s640=""></https:></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DMounYZH2u4/TpA-5Peo3sI/AAAAAAAABRk/N7Kh5F6-tqk/s640/IMG_2345.JPG" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sake sample</b>, <b>Japanese green tea tiramisu </b><i>(shochu soaked sponge fingers layered with mascarpone, fresh cream & matcha powder), </i><b>handcrafted chocolate</b><i> (dark & milk chocolate praline with caramel ganache enrobed in dark chocolate with an explosive finish)</i><b> </b>and <b>sake sponge bliss</b> <i>(bite sized morsels of butter cake soaked in fine japanese sake)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The chocolate was literally explosive. Hidden within the chocolate was little bits of those like popping candy bits.. really fun to eat :) The green tea tiramisu was really indulgent and rich. The only one I didn't really like was the sake sponge bliss.. I wasn't really feeling the bliss with that one. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rt4CZTKCDx8/TpA-5nm4SAI/AAAAAAAABRo/ZqCguW9Kwww/s640/IMG_2346.JPG" /></div><div><br /><br />I had a lovely time and thanks to Betty for inviting me. The SIFF festival only runs for October so if you haven't a sugarhit yet, get booking! Enjoy :)</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Getting that sugar high and then being hyperactive for the next few hours</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> They dont let you share the sugarhit, so everyone has to get one. Lame because one sugarhit is big enough for two people.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1419297/restaurant/CBD/Azuma-Kushiyaki-Sydney"><img alt="Azuma Kushiyaki on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1419297/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-14060563109651717162011-10-03T00:49:00.005+11:002011-10-03T01:34:45.793+11:00Vessel Italian & Bar, Sydney and Sunday Night Easy Listening<b>Vessel Italian & Bar </b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>1 Shelley Street Sydney</div><div>Macquarie Group Building</div><div><br /></div><div>9295 5070 </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.vesselsydney.com.au/">http://www.vesselsydney.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been listening to a lot of Adam Levine lately (Stereo hearts, moves like jagger & won't go home without you). He makes me feel like a teenage fangirl again! hahaha. Anyways I'm going to choose Wont Go Home Without You as this week's song because this is like an <b>awesome</b> song to sing to with friends when you're all drunk.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VlMEGBsw6j8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now back to business. </div><div>Vessel Italian & Bar is the restaurant downstairs of the Macquarie 'cube' building.. It actually does really good pizzas (which are half price on Wednesdays at the bar). </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think very many people know about the restaurant since there were quite a few empty tables. Its actually a really nice restaurant and very close to King Street wharf. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XkOw7Vi_4f4/TohriWNU7II/AAAAAAAABQ0/tWp9J0BWFfo/s640/IMG_0282.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order the mojito and espresso martini to start. After trying the espresso martini, I immediately regretted ordering my mojito. The espresso martini was really yummy!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q-Hbk4sJZyg/TohriT5U3yI/AAAAAAAABQw/Sdl8r4Bqa3c/s512/IMG_0287.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Salt cod & potato croquettes with aoili <i>($12)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>I didnt like this :( I dont like salt cod, it tasted really fishy and weird. Bad choice. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5z6vyVGa10/TohsVkLk1SI/AAAAAAAABQ8/N6Z5G3Vb_Ck/s640/IMG_0291.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seared scallops with artichoke puree, almonds and breadcrumbs <i>($19.50)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>This was quite nice except a little overcooked.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mcmPKywwguo/Tohsfj8QljI/AAAAAAAABRE/3llGxwBTlSs/s640/IMG_0293.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Buffalo mozzarella with eggplant, pine nuts, green olives, tomato & basil <i>($17.50)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ydjdNIbqt54/TohrixdkTPI/AAAAAAAABQ4/_NDGP_Aq158/s640/IMG_0290.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seared kingfish with squid, globe artichokes, peas and kifler potatoes <i>($34.50)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>The kingfish was cooked really well and I was surprised by how big the portion was. However the artichokes were tough and chewy and I dont think they cut out the artichoke heart properly.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6PRWDVNvyvM/Tohsuhw9PRI/AAAAAAAABRI/sosDaqN7M4A/s640/IMG_0297.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pan roasted duck breast with baby beetroot, beans, watercress & walnuts <i>($33)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>This was not too bad.. The watercress was a bit bitter and I think this dish needs something sweet to add a different depth of flavour. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-77gifLOj77E/Tohsb19LCCI/AAAAAAAABRA/2TYqwR0oPvA/s640/IMG_0294.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Espresso martini, the gourmet pizzas, friendly service and the location</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> I've learned that I do not like salt cod.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1539208/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Darling-Harbour/Vessel-Sydney"><img alt="Vessel on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1539208/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-23335432089184458572011-10-03T00:18:00.006+11:002011-10-03T01:47:49.248+11:00New Shanghai, Chinese, Chatswood<b>New Shanghai</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Lower Ground Level,</div><div>Chatswood Chase</div><div><br /></div><div>9412 3358</div><div><br /></div><div>Bookings only on Mondays-Wednesdays</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't realise New Shanghai had so many branches around Sydney. I guess the good thing is that if you're ever craving a dumpling fix, you've got four different suburb options :) Chatswood, Ashfield, Bondi Junction and Charlestown Square. Huh. Thats really random since Charlestown Square is a regional shopping centre near Lake Macquarie..</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k92n4XysicM/TohG4oPDO5I/AAAAAAAABQg/LGkYBPO8l28/s640/IMG_2278.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you like Shanghainese food, dumplings or just chinese food in general, you've got to hit up New Shanghai :) I remember there was a period of time where I was addicted with this place and went like five times a month. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order two soups to start off with because 1) the hot & sour soup is really yummy, and 2) it was a cold night. These were <i><b>$4.80</b> </i>from memory. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Chicken and Corn Soup</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q0s-dFFhmNo/TohF8PVwXBI/AAAAAAAABP4/LPB1eKZNogE/s640/IMG_2280.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Hot & Soup Soup with pork and prawns</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-58S3YGwSQyc/TohF86u1ReI/AAAAAAAABP8/m89KTcVSBpo/s640/IMG_2281.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yay! <b>Xiao Long Bao</b> or otherwise known as <b>Steamed Mini Pork Buns. </b>Dip these in vinegar & soy sauce and enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oLgGUtstBVE/TohGYgP6nGI/AAAAAAAABQM/pDRinJUA2TM/s640/IMG_2286.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Drunken Chicken</b></div><div>I think this is poached chicken in rice wine. The flavour is quite unusual so maybe steer clear unless you've tried this before.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H4-xQsvvNyE/TohGlp77crI/AAAAAAAABQU/oiFhkNTBqYI/s640/IMG_2288.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Green Onion Pancake</b></div><div>I didn't get to try this but it looks really nice and crispy.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xU1nDtBoH6o/TohG1mAbF4I/AAAAAAAABQc/l5wr2C5kPU4/s640/IMG_2290.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jellyfish and beansprout salad</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Jellyfish you ask? Yep thats right. I used to eat this all the time at home and never really questioned it until one day I asked my mum 'What's this?'. She said it was seaweed.. haha. But seriously, its quite yummy. Its crunch, light and has no fishy taste.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5UJYXOcGfSA/TohGqlJv-8I/AAAAAAAABQY/p2tv2Zi8jN8/s640/IMG_2289.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Shanghainese stir fried noodles with pork and vegetables</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGvLEoh0OTY/TohGBGkOtcI/AAAAAAAABQA/kWOYojIzuq8/s640/IMG_2282.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deep fried calamari with salted egg yolk</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was really good! If you like the taste of salted egg yolk, you must order this. Delicious. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lt4q62lWzgg/TohGVhfp9wI/AAAAAAAABQI/L0qlsjoyaos/s640/IMG_2283.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Braised pork belly with sweet soy sauce</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o6j0a5dZ0RU/TohGU9QqfPI/AAAAAAAABQE/YS5hAYe0dcE/s640/IMG_2284.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deep Fried Chicken with special garlic and chilli sauce</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O1IBN8lov5Y/TohGlREChzI/AAAAAAAABQQ/_doAHef0vOo/s640/IMG_2287.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The verdict? Thoroughly enjoyable :) I wish they would open one in the city though. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Ridiculously cheap- the meal worked out to be $15each. Delicious food.</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> The wait for a table can be quite long.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1511245/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Lower-North-Shore/New-Shanghai-Chinese-Restaurant-Chatswood"><img alt="New Shanghai Chinese Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1511245/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-27483987760031962622011-10-02T23:51:00.004+11:002011-10-03T13:44:09.027+11:00BBQ Madness, Woolloomooloo Wharf Barbecoa<b>Woolloomooloo Wharf Barbecoa</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Day 1 of the Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>What better place to spend the Saturday afternoon with something off the spit while sipping a classic South American cocktail than Woolloomooloo Wharf?</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder how many people can actually spell Woolloomooloo properly without having to double check with google. Hah! I certainly cannot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta love the long weekend! I headed down to Woolloomooloo with a few friends on Sat to check out the BBQ Madness. We were lucky since it didnt rain and the weather was actually nice enough for a long stroll around the city. I remember around this time last year they had the Breakfast on the Bridge event which was freaking awesome. Shame it got replaced by Breakfast on Bondi this year. Sorry but having breakfast on the Sydney Harbour Bridge kicks ass over Bondi Beach any day. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2UjmKg9sGg4/TogQmVXovZI/AAAAAAAABPc/_sSjuq3Gp0o/s640/IMG_2270.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yaf8S53LV5Q/TogRDAjCaFI/AAAAAAAABPw/q-kZl-CyR94/s640/IMG_2259.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was actually quite surprised as to how small the event was. There were only about 5 stalls and 1 cocktail bar. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We started off with <b>Otto's Bistecca Di Manzo, Wagyu flank steak with south american quinoa salad</b>. This was the stand-out dish of the event. The quinoa salad was delicious and the wagyu oh-so-very tender. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a-Jpg0LJb7w/TogPuhzmAuI/AAAAAAAABPA/mpHAmswUpZQ/s640/IMG_2261.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cq-18ugHzoE/TogP2FYCm0I/AAAAAAAABPI/PEiBHYuUK4g/s640/IMG_2263.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We then tried <b>China Doll's Rum Glazed BBQ Pork Rib with Palm Heart Pineapple Salsa</b>. Palm heart pineapple salad? I didn't really know what that was but the pineapple salsa was a perfect partner to the rich juicy fatty pork. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FJADgyF2EKs/TogQDRZbfII/AAAAAAAABPM/Fjz5l7gEvuA/s640/IMG_2266.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LDASAmoSJWs/TogPxymKnTI/AAAAAAAABPE/aqD6URlvxdI/s640/IMG_2262.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kingsleys! </b>I've never been to Kingsleys actually.. They offered a <b>South American BBQ Plate </b>which included <b>Chorizo, Rodrigues Morcilla and Chicken hearts</b>. Yum. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9mWcscZdj78/TogQIv6f2_I/AAAAAAAABPU/mkh-Pz24qn0/s512/IMG_2267.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NG6Tg-khlSA/TogQyR4c4SI/AAAAAAAABPk/KO4em5PAUV4/s640/IMG_2271.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love <b>Aki's</b>. They had either a<b> lamb or chicken plate</b> and were sweet enough to let me mix them. Thanks guys! This was really tasty :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v5aIHDeNFVo/TogQDi0A9XI/AAAAAAAABPQ/ik1VE4lHBPg/s640/IMG_2264.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least we tried <b>Manta's Whole King Prawns, preserved lemon, garlic and parsley</b>. How does one preserve lemon? I don't think the lemon was preserved.. it looked & tasted very fresh. Love the presentation of this dish (And every other dish actually). Everything <b>looked so good</b> that eating it kind of made me sad. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FT-VuxFsu9A/TogQdMTopII/AAAAAAAABPY/x93rgS4e7h4/s512/IMG_2268.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ISr33avrjtg/TogQ8st7j-I/AAAAAAAABPo/XISxWvWmXeU/s640/IMG_2275.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hooray! So excited about the Sydney International Food Festival. Can't wait for brunches, lunches, high teas and sugar hits. And night noodle markets! </div><div><br /></div><div>Want more information? Check out the website :) <a href="http://cravesydney.com/">http://cravesydney.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy eating and hope everyone enjoys the last day of their long weekend! </div><div><br /></div><div>xx</div><div>J</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750042/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Woolloomooloo/Akis-Sydney"><img alt="Aki's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/750042/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751217/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Woolloomooloo/Kingsleys-Steak-Crabhouse-Sydney"><img alt="Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751217/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751446/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Manta-Woolloomooloo"><img alt="Manta on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751446/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750536/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Woolloomooloo/China-Doll-Sydney"><img alt="China Doll on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/750536/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751665/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Woolloomooloo/Otto-Ristorante-Sydney"><img alt="Otto Ristorante on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751665/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-45321080286466718602011-10-01T12:32:00.004+10:002011-10-01T13:05:44.661+10:00Chat Thai, Thai, Sydney<b>Chat Thai</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Level 6</div><div>Sydney Westfield Pitt St Mall</div><div><br /></div><div>9221 0600 </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://www.chatthai.com.au/">http://www.chatthai.com.au/</a> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Bookings Recommended</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FmR30SXMRaw/ToZ9G91XgiI/AAAAAAAABOY/hiRD2Him9Xg/s640/IMG_2237.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So. There is <b>another </b>Chat Thai in Sydney.. I bet the question in your mind is- is the line as long as the Haymarket Chat Thai? Sadly.. Yes. We arrived a little before 7pm but there was already a decent line of people waiting for a table. </div><div>Is the food as good? Well.. I think I should leave that up to you guys to decide for yourself.. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z9ccgPEFPNI/ToZ9K49SJzI/AAAAAAAABOc/BnST4DIU4QM/s640/IMG_2240.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ku8KOa1QwlU/ToZ9LVV6XsI/AAAAAAAABOg/_n-R2OIzLpQ/s640/IMG_2239.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The menu has improved in the sense that it now offers more than the standard thai fare. Anyways. Still worth trying but I think I like the original better.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G-xPB87JbVU/ToZ9SldqbnI/AAAAAAAABOk/uapv8vwXhcI/s640/IMG_2244.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fried de-boned chicken wings sauteed with in smoked chilli jam sauce</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>De-boned chicken! I love it. No need to awkwardly eat this with your hands. Or a knife/fork. I think people who eat chicken wings with knives & forks are hilarious. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-agUWKsxlpFs/ToZ80__FUAI/AAAAAAAABOQ/WXjY4-guXx8/s640/IMG_2252.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Stir Fried crisp pork belly and wild ginger with red curry paste</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Hmmmm.. the pork belly wasn't crispy or crunchy. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALgDTf-F1v0/ToZ8rnl6yOI/AAAAAAAABN4/HASWoal9trw/s640/IMG_2247.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spicy char grilled beef salad</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was very flavoursome.. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uz57rBoYiKQ/ToZ8r89E60I/AAAAAAAABOA/N3Ji69qNGZw/s640/IMG_2248.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Crisp whole snapper in roasted chilli and garlic sauce</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was really good! Quite spicy but if you enjoy chilli this is really yummy. This and the chicken wings were my 2 favourite dishes of the night. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVwnrm43Kh8/ToZ8ySiHrFI/AAAAAAAABOI/-j-uDUiAkEw/s640/IMG_2250.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Red curry of roasted duck with pineapple and holy basil</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FPyHJ-cLRUM/ToZ8ysBBvKI/AAAAAAAABOM/8yrinQQQeOI/s640/IMG_2251.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall? It was okay. I guess you get what you pay for.. All up the bill worked out to be $25 each which was quite reasonable since we ordered 5 mains. Not much to say honestly as the experience was quite average.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good: </u>The location, price</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> the lines..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1602246/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/Chat-Thai-Westfield-Sydney-Sydney"><img alt="Chat Thai Westfield Sydney on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1602246/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-19664301868950006732011-09-25T16:39:00.009+10:002011-09-25T17:59:24.860+10:00Kam Fook, Yumcha, Chatswood<div><b>Kam Fook</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Shop 600, Level 6</div><div>Westfield Shoppingtown</div><div>28 Victor Street Chatswood</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kamfook.com.au/index.htm">http://www.kamfook.com.au/index.htm</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How was everyone's weekend? Hope everyone had a swell weekend :)</div><div><br /></div><div>You know Kanye only needs 1minute and 43seconds to go from gangster to pure freakin awesomeness. Which brings me to this Sunday's song. Its not particularly good but it will leave you thinking 'WTF'. So enjoy :)</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L53gjP-TtGE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, back to business. </div><div><br /></div><div>The line for this place was crazy long. We were told it would be a 2 hour wait for a table for 5 but luckily we managed to find an 'express' lane.. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Beef tripe</i> (I think)</div><div><br /></div><div>Think I was the only person who ate this. I was really yummy though!! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FoDwkT3f_ag/Tn7R8ENiInI/AAAAAAAABNI/frluEqX8xyg/s512/IMG_0253.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pork and vege dumplings</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z4BNpZW4KPw/Tn7R_uG4D7I/AAAAAAAABNM/4sFpVOfRRmU/s512/IMG_0254.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chives dumplings</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6VCwS72qnI/Tn7SAcRjxPI/AAAAAAAABNQ/a_KH32faK2g/s512/IMG_0255.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Siu Mai </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WZJHIM3h164/Tn7SJwlnm3I/AAAAAAAABNU/eMleZy2GnM8/s512/IMG_0256.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rice sticks? </b>(Sorry don't really know the name of this)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ljP2o6jKxS0/Tn7SO1RmcDI/AAAAAAAABNY/jwAYcF7F7Vc/s512/IMG_0257.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Stewed pork</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><im src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2yqA7bdvvwg/Tn7SPXEyCFI/AAAAAAAABNc/JXkVwVuUdAs/s512/IMG_0252.JPG"></im></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2yqA7bdvvwg/Tn7SPXEyCFI/AAAAAAAABNc/JXkVwVuUdAs/s512/IMG_0252.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also ordered a few other dishes but I sort of forgot to take photos. I don't actually know the names of the above dishes.. normally I just point to order haha. Which is why I love my Cantonese friends who do the ordering :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good:</u> Fresh and tasty yum cha. Good variety of dishes on offer</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> Extremely busy on weekends </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1443363/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Lower-North-Shore/Kam-Fook-Chatswood"><img alt="Kam Fook on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1443363/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-43170124834769214422011-09-24T17:21:00.002+10:002011-09-28T23:08:17.997+10:00ZenQ Desserts, Desserts, Chatswood<b>ZenQ Desserts</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Level 2, Victoria Street Entrance</div><div>Westfield Shoppingtown Chatswood</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It seems like asian style dessert houses are all the rage<span><span>. </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>ZenQ is a Taiwanese dessert restaurant which has launched its first Australian restaurant in Westfield Chatswood. Currently there are 10 ZenQ restaurants in Taiwan, Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau and it is the first restaurant to launch outside of Asia.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4S-OQIObmr0/Tn7Rz2dVxnI/AAAAAAAABNE/af72xRFUDzE/s640/IMG_0261.JPG" /></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3P25Pwh52QQ/Tn7RebusRJI/AAAAAAAABM4/C_EVgHCtkWU/s640/IMG_0263.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>There were some pretty strange things on the menu. For example.. tuna salad toast dessert. Weird. If anyone has ever tried this please let me know how it was.. I'm both curious but also slightly disgusted. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ei6_xNmdZ3w/Tn7RbhLTvuI/AAAAAAAABMw/Yw0QkqcueRA/s640/IMG_0264.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Menu</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ifCjDLsxXCc/Tn7ReHNmAxI/AAAAAAAABM0/jo-jOYFesec/s640/IMG_0265.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order the watermelon and mango shaved ice <i style="font-weight: bold; ">($8.80)</i> which was probably a bad choice. Thanks A.C! BTW remember to invite us to your future yacht parties when you're CEO ok? :D</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rmuqEvynfNs/Tn7RuYF4JQI/AAAAAAAABM8/t_ePPPtlmR0/s640/IMG_0268.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_42IZpcyzNk/Tn7RyX707UI/AAAAAAAABNA/YHOulEsst2Y/s640/IMG_0269.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>How did it taste? Like sugar and ice + hundreds and thousands. Not particularly interesting. Personally I found ZenQ overrated.. but that might have been because we didn't try any of the traditional desserts. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Taiwanese dessert house and wide variety of desserts</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad</u>: Overpriced for whats on offer. The oolong tea drink was around $7. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-62511564611127074442011-09-20T22:32:00.012+10:002011-11-19T14:40:36.506+11:00District Dining, Modern Australian<b>District Dining</b><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><br /><div>17 Randle Street</div><br /><div>Central, Sydney</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>9211 7798</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.districtdining.com.au/">http://www.districtdining.com.au/</a></div><br /><div>I've been looking forward to fooding at District Dining for months. When a few friends agreed to celebrate the end of exam (singular) by giving District Dining a go, I didn't hesitate to book lunch four weeks in advance (haha).</div><div><br /></div><div>The restaurant is in Surry Hills but to be honest, its actually opposite Central Station. This is great in terms of convenience (wooo no need to organise car pool pick up/drop off).<br /></div><br /><div>Apologise for the slightly lopsided photos. We were given 20 minutes to order before the kitchen closed, hence less focus on photo taking and more focus on menu ordering. </div><br /><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mmso6n3P4vg/TniIJdMkOMI/AAAAAAAABLw/Vds3N2mAm3E/s640/IMG_0142.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We share the <b>Kingfish, wasabi pannacotta, quinoa and ponzu<i> ($19)</i></b></div><br /><div>Can I just say that YES! this does taste as beautiful as it looks. Wasabi pannacotta?! What an ingenius idea. I actually thought this was wasabi mayonnaise at first but it didn't have the right texture for mayonnaise. Absolutely gorgeous AND delicious. Must try.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-81xzBhlpH2A/TniH3qrSA1I/AAAAAAAABLk/fnLGNqPepjY/s640/IMG_0151.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We also order the <b>Crispy Pork Belly, asian style salad, chilli and peanuts </b><i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">($24). </i>This reminds me of Longrain's eggnet salad. This was refreshing, crunchy and very flavoursome. Recommended by Miss Piggy :) I don't know how to write the code for links so please refer to the side bar for foodie blog links! (IT fail.)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UKzCzuS6-mo/TniIBWGDVxI/AAAAAAAABLs/rCBwNIi4l88/s640/IMG_0148.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The <b>mushroom risotto, truffled marscapone and parmesan crisp </b><i style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">($25) </i>is the best damned risotto I've ever had. Creamy risotto rice grains covered in buttery marscapone. Mushrooms galore. Delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_timMpykU4/TniH56gfEFI/AAAAAAAABLo/W7VwipMFPlc/s640/IMG_0152.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And what better way to accompany a meal AND reward oneself for finishing an exam other than by eating hot chips. Reminds me of High School :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>French Fries</b> <b><i>($7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5CEaw61jnfc/TniHw9_KAEI/AAAAAAAABLg/z00vdBk54Es/s640/IMG_0154.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Good</u>: The Mushroom Risotto, the Kingfish and the Pork Belly. Wow 3/3 stand out dishes. Kitchen for lunch opens until 3pm. Modern interior. Great value $75 for 3!</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Bad</u>: Nothing I can think of :)</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1554294/restaurant/New-South-Wales/District-Dining-Surry-Hills"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; HEIGHT: 36px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="District Dining on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1554294/minilink.gif" /></a></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-77400753917429074112011-09-20T22:02:00.004+10:002011-09-28T23:08:37.312+10:00King 143, Modern French<b>Restaurant King 143</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>143 King Street</div><div>Sydney 2000</div><div><br /></div><div>9231 0143</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.king143.com.au/">http://www.king143.com.au/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You probably walk past Restaurant King 143 every day without knowing it. Its right opposite the Lyric Theatre and its an excellent choice for pre-theatre meals. They also have a four course menu for $60 pp that includes tea &coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its located just around the corner of Pitt St mall and easy to miss unless you're looking out for the yellow 'Restaurant King 143' sign.</div><div><br /></div><div>Run by chef Toshi Ishihara, the restaurant offers modern French inspired cuisine with a touch of Orient. The Japanese lady who served us (I think it might have been Ishihara's wife?) was sooo sweet. Best service I've had in a long time :)</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Its a cute restaurant and has a very old-fashioned homey feel. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h9onXWwAUkA/TniBqYPOsHI/AAAAAAAABLA/rWOGkCz9aHE/s640/IMG_0157.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We're served complimentary bread as a starter. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sR_Tps4MOws/TniBf1k5TXI/AAAAAAAABK0/Fc4WpyIGj9Y/s640/IMG_0162.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And order complementary drinks to our meal:</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RoaD19CcqmM/TniBrndU4_I/AAAAAAAABLE/nopK0SOhhng/s512/IMG_0160.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We order a <b>Grilled Prawns and Avocado salad </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($19.00)</i> as an entree to share. Delicious, fresh and tasty. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SwlriiM7EuA/TniEauUt6wI/AAAAAAAABLQ/7oBN4kWZg6k/s640/IMG_0165.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I order the special of the day, the <b>Pork Chops with White Wine served with steamed greens </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($26.00)</i>. This must be the healthiest dinner I've had all week (quite sad actually). </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qipbK3RLDPA/TniBhigd64I/AAAAAAAABK4/rYgja2Y5-mc/s640/IMG_0170.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>L orders the <b>Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potato </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">($26.00)</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zjVhxxhINDs/TniBi7fqRxI/AAAAAAAABK8/xVL697a2faQ/s640/IMG_0168.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What a find! Its honest, simple and <b>good</b> food without all the glitz, glamour & pretentiousness. I'd definitely recommend it :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Great value, great location (right off the corner of Pitt St mall) and genuine service</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad:</u> The decor is 'homey' but some might think its outdated..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751215/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/King-143-Sydney"><img alt="King 143 on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751215/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6256332060888917785.post-23161811692807126052011-09-19T23:07:00.001+10:002011-09-28T23:08:48.272+10:00Cafe Cya, Korean<b>Cafe Cya</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>G2 624 George Street Sydney </div><div>(In the alleyway between MacDonalds and the Metro Hotel)</div><div>Sydney</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you like Korean food? I'm sort of going through a Korean food phase and Cafe Cya is one of my favourite Korean restaurants in the city. The food is always good however the service is sometimes questionable.. You've got to find your own table, ask repeatedly for water and chase up on your order as they are likely to forget/lose it. But the food is good and cheap so I don't mind. You get what you pay for right?</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gDp1xh4sLpE/TniIP-jheVI/AAAAAAAABL0/mylTirlU028/s640/IMG_0120.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Complimentary side dishes</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>These are refillable and unlimited (by the way). OH and Cafe Cya is BYO. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-faQ9vjHBG2Y/TniIY0VSb5I/AAAAAAAABL8/V1XLwWjm2UU/s640/IMG_0123.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fish Roe and Tofu Hotpot</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I love this! I usually order this when I eat Korean haha. The soup is sooo tasty and has just the right amount of chill without burning my throat. I love the texture of cooked fish roe. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FZHI7NVDG7s/TniIghixhxI/AAAAAAAABMA/kHNF5-SJtWo/s640/IMG_0124.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Japchae with Beef</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This is Korean potato starch noodles with beef and vegetables. I've actually <b>never</b> had beef japchae before but this was really yummy! There's more flavour than seafood japchae as the bulgogi sauce (I think its that?) is infused into the japchae. Really yummy</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MxY6riYS90Y/TniIR1tpwdI/AAAAAAAABL4/HCVXm6wJEpE/s640/IMG_0122.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chilli Marinated Chicken </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e9cB8uz-IHs/TniIkpC84HI/AAAAAAAABME/7lmMX9KE6gU/s640/IMG_0125.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was really tasty and addictive! I don't know how they marinate their chicken but eating this reminds me of the happy feeling you get after eating a full blown MSG meal. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Good</u>: Cheap! Three dishes for $40. Yummy food and unlimited free side dishes</div><div><br /></div><div><u style="font-weight: bold; ">The Bad: </u> Service is often reminiscent of an Government agency..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1450371/restaurant/New-South-Wales/CBD/Cafe-CYa-Sydney"><img alt="Cafe C'Ya on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1450371/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a></div><div><br /></div>thehungryduckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323788739658224231noreply@blogger.com4