tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141085772024-03-14T21:04:19.864+10:00Rabbit Eats BrisbaneLife is one long gastronomic journey, sweet, sour, bitter, spicy.....So dig in and enjoy!!Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.comBlogger564125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-40955953089842800772012-01-04T11:52:00.001+10:002012-01-04T11:53:08.363+10:00[Broadbeach] Mme. GrenouilleIn case you are wondering........I am still alive.<br />
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Sorry for the lack of posts.<br />
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As you know I am back in Brunei for good. It's so hot here goodness :-(<br />
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Still waiting and waiting and waiting........to move into our new home.<br />
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Friends and colleagues,'it's considered fast [liao] you know.' <br />
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Goodness sake we've been back since August 2010. Ah well, this is Brunei's efficiency, just so you know and still waiting......but the accommodation is confirmed though.<br />
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I must continue the Brisvegas food story before I leave this blog for good. I still have not decided. To close this blog and start a new one or just rename the blog as it will be Brunei and beyond foodie stories from now on. Well, after my backlog on Brisbane and Oz's foodie posts, of course. If you have any thoughts just let me know.<br />
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Ah Mme. Grenouille, a wannabe french patisserie run by the Sushi Train gorup. I must say they are doing a good job. I still prefer Chouquette but they do a mean macaron and marshmallow especially anything with passionfruit. Wow, the flavours packed a punch and will have you crying out for more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6631815315/" title="Mme. Grenouille by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr"><img alt="Mme. Grenouille" height="463" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6631815315_3914b34134_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The coffee was so so but iced chocolate is da bomb. I think they are famous for their mango mousse cake. Macaron may look rough and lumpy but actually tasted quite good, soft and chewy shells with well flavoured ganache, do try the
passionfruit & malibu.<br />
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After tea-ing, we were all set for the beach then the pool and the spa. We had mee goreng and takeaway pizza for dinner. Then just lazed around in the Meriton apartment. <br />
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Wonderful day.Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-87424828362718405342011-09-17T10:35:00.003+10:002011-09-17T11:16:22.745+10:00[Brisbane] Yummylicious chocolate high tea at Monty's Chocolate, Paddington<div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Monty's Chocolate<br />155 Latrobe Terrce<br />Paddington, 4064<br /><br />Tel: (07) 3369 3135<br /></span></strong></em><br />Enter Monty's and you arrive at Chocolate heaven!! And possibly beyond hehe.<br /><br />Below is chocolate high tea set with two coffee or tea for AUD$15!!!! Yes F-I-F-T-E-E-N!!<br /><br /><a title="Chocolate high tea@Monty's by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079034730/"><img alt="Chocolate high tea@Monty's" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6079034730_3972cdbbe2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />As soon as this offer appeared on 'Jump-on-it', I straight away click 'buy' without giving it even 0.000001 second of thought. Hehe, what a bargain it turned out to be!<br /><br />Most most terrific way to spend a lazy afternoon sitting al-fresco, enjoying the best of chocolate. Ahhhh, such is the life, for a chocoholic that is.<br /><br />You get an assortment of the legendary Pralus single origin chocolate square and a Coppenneur vanilla/cocoa nibs milk chocolate; salted caramel chocolate balls; candy covered chocolates; two hand-made chocolates; two chocolate pots and two coffee or tea.<br /><br /><a title="Assorted Pralus@Monty's by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6078495555/"><img alt="Assorted Pralus@Monty's" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6078495555_85dfc338f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="418" /></a><br /><br />Pralus chocolates, needless to say are exceptional and our unanimous favourite is surprisingly Tanzanie because it has an end berry note to it (very subtle) which is what we detested before with acidic chocolate.<br /><br />What blew me away is surprisingly the Coppeneur Menavava because it is milk chocolate and I only eat dark chocolate. But Menavava is perhaps the BEST chocolate I have tasted so far. In terms of texture and flavour, it wins hands down and I hate vanilla.....the cocoa nibs lend a different texture while toning down the sweetness, very clever.<br /><br />Chocolate balls with liquid salted caramel and dusted with unsweetened cocoa is seductive and luxurious. A ball of this after dinner will send you to cloud nine regardless of what you ate for dinner (like junky pizza from chain pizza shops).<br /><br />Those hand-made chocolates are very good. We got the raspberry butter in dark chocolate (square) and berries puree in dark chocolate (ball). Both are delicious with an intense flavour. The owner explained that they only use seasonal fruits to cook the 'butter' or puree filling and really cooked them down, no preservative added.<br /><br />As for candied chocolate balls, we are not a fan. the candy coating was sweet. Well, they are sugar after all, duh... hehehe.<br /><br />Lots of people comes through Monty's door for the chocolate pot. It is simply melted chocolate you eat rather than drink and just slightly sweet with a hint of salt. Personally I am not a fan. Other than pure chocolate, I am not a fan of it in any other form, like chocolate cake, ice-cream, biccies, mousse, ewwww, get them away from me please.<br /><br /><a title="Hot chocolate@Monty's by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6078495937/"><img alt="Hot chocolate@Monty's" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6078495937_16661143d6.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Hmmm, luscious thick melty chocolate, are you hooked yet? Get yourself to Monty's Chocolate.<br /><br />And you are welcome, hehehe......</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-6059879786237696362011-09-17T10:24:00.002+10:002011-09-17T10:34:44.003+10:00[Brisbane] Madtongsan, Korean food at Warrigal Square<div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Madtongsan III<br />South Suburbs<br />shop 12/261 Warrigal Rd<br />Brisbane, 4113<br /><br />Tel: (07) 3841 1150<br /></span></strong></em><br /><br /><a title="Madtongsan@Warrigal Sq by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079028818/"><img alt="Madtongsan@Warrigal Sq" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6079028818_16af794b39.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Seafood pancake@Madtongsan Warrigal by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079028094/"><img alt="Seafood pancake@Madtongsan Warrigal" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6079028094_df2c881e50.jpg" width="433" height="500" /></a><br />Pancake was soggy and dotted with unidentified little pieces of 'muscles' seafood flavour.<br /><br /><a title="Bibimbap@Madtongsan Warrigal by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6078488721/"><img alt="Bibimbap@Madtongsan Warrigal" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6078488721_287b21f786.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Again the red pot of fiery soup contained the same unidentified seafood flavoured 'muscles'.<br /><br />I failed to understand why the place is so popular or anyone wanting to eat those unidentified forzen to death tiny muscles. Really, please enlighten me..........</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-82641089901436770672011-09-15T12:07:00.004+10:002011-09-17T10:23:55.771+10:00[Brisbane] Skybury coffee<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.skybury.com.au/"><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >Skybury Australian Coffee Centre<br /></span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >136 Ivicevic Road<br />Paddy's Green, Mareeba<br />Queensland 4880 Australia</span></em></strong><br /><br />If you are in the search of a local coffee within a reasonable food mile, look no further than Skybury.<br /><br />I was hopping from stall to stall at Queensland Food and Wine show 2010 (I know, this post is wayyyyyy overdue) when suddenly a pack of coffee was thrusted in my face and I had to take two steps back to actually see what was being 'thrown' (hehe) at me.<br /><br />Local coffee? Hmm, why not. Though I am not into drip or cafetierred coffee, I am keen to give this a try since it's local.<br /><br /><a title="Skybury coffee by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079014416/"><img alt="Skybury coffee" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6079014416_fa47ddc6ec.jpg" width="470" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Skybury coffee1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6078474825/"><img alt="Skybury coffee1" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6078474825_6f03b3d27a.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br />Pre-ground coffee is packed into a sachet which will fit most cup/mug top.<br /><br />Coffee itself smell really good and surprisingly smooth to the palate with a medium body. It's quite good for drip coffee. It's perfect for those on the go, all you need is a cup and hot water, voila! instant coffee that taste like it could come from a cafe.<br /><br /><a title="Pancake by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079016452/"><img alt="Pancake" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6079016452_5e76fcef35.jpg" width="496" height="500" /></a><br />Perfect pairing the coffe with pancake and ice-cream, yumm...<br /><br /><a title="Curry puff by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6078490467/"><img alt="Curry puff" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6078490467_96c3eaee3f.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br />Or if you prefer savoury, you could have asian-themed curry puff.<br /><br />You still can taste the coffee after eating these rather strong flavoured food. I reckon it's a keeper in the pantry.<br /><br /><a title="Curry puff inside by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/6079030544/"><img alt="Curry puff inside" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6079030544_65653949d8.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Curry puff cross-section.<br /><br />Enjoy coffee! Hooray coffee! Kudos to the coffee growers, you make our day (coffee drinkers at least)! Yay!</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-86665334137298336872011-08-03T08:58:00.009+10:002011-08-04T08:03:50.901+10:00[Mermaid Beach] Little Truffle<div align="justify"><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar<br />2444 gold coast highway, corner Bondi avenue<br />Mermaid beach 4218<br />07 55 265 033<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Web: </span></em></strong><a href="http://www.littletruffle.com.au/home/"><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Little Truffle</span></em></strong></a><br /><br />After leaving Kingscliff, we made our way to Tweed Heads to have a look at the oyster farm. Alas, the place was closed :-(.<br /><br /><a title="Birds Bay Oyster Farm by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886854802/"><img alt="Birds Bay Oyster Farm" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5886854802_63b6bea67b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />Birds Bay Oyster Farm</div><div align="justify"><br />Lunch was at Little Truffle.<br /><a title="Lt Truffle Mermaid Beach by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886855036/"><img alt="Lt Truffle Mermaid Beach" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5232/5886855036_34233734f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Lt Truffle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886289439/"><img alt="Lt Truffle" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5886289439_0b92f408cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><em>Classical</em> <em>dining</em> <em>room</em><br /><br />There was a choice of either 'Modern' or 'Classical' dining room to choose from. Personally I prefer the 'Classical' because of the presence of table cloth. We went back another time to sit in the 'Modern dining room', it was pleasant but without table cloth the cutleries keep sliding everywhere around the table, quite annoying. However, 'Classical dining room' is near the back alleyway door whick keep opening and closing when the chef went in and out to get into the pantry/cool room, quite annoying too.<br /><br />We went for lunch and they have a simple lunch menu; two courses $35, three courses $42, both comes with a glass of wine.<br /><br /><a title="Stuffed zucchini flower@Lt Truffle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886855444/"><img alt="Stuffed zucchini flower@Lt Truffle" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5886855444_05f0b82a36_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" /></a><br /><em>Fried</em> <em>zucchini</em> <em>flowers</em> <em>filled</em> <em>with</em> <em>feta</em> <em>and</em> <em>capers</em>, <em>tomato</em> <em>relish</em><br /><br />The other choice on the current menu is shaved Wagyu bresaola, celeriac remoulade, fresh horseradish.<br /><br />Zucchini flowers was delicately deep-fried but the filling was too tart and heavy/stodgy for me. I prefer it to be lighter for an entree, say mousse of feta/salmon. But still, it was a tasty dish and goes well with the tomato relish which cuts right through the stodginess of the filling.<br /><br /><a title="Bug ravioli@Lt Truffle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886855810/"><img alt="Bug ravioli@Lt Truffle" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5115/5886855810_a6fa1e9c99_z.jpg" width="467" height="640" /></a><br /><em>Moreton</em> <em>bay</em> <em>bug</em> <em>and</em> <em>prawn</em> <em>tortellini</em>, <em>sweet</em> <em>mustard</em> <em>fruit</em> <em>buerre</em> <em>blanc</em><br /><br />It's hard to find well-made tortellinis. Little Truffle's version is perhaps the best I've had so far. The skin thin and resilient, filling smooth, well-seasoned. Very pleasant to eat especially with the sweet butter sauce. Princess was still singing praises for the sauce for the rest of the day. These days its hard to impress her unless you are outstanding. She turned her nose at her plate (mine and Big King's) at Manly Pavillion recently but that is another story altogether (yes, chialat, the place really buay tang, even plating was horrible). Both restaurants shared similar concept of food. Though without a hat, I much prefer Little Truffle, just that, it does not have a killer view like Manly Pavillion does but the food has class.<br /><br />The other choice for the main is red wine braised lamb shanks, creamed potato, red onion jam, green beans. I had the tortellinis both time we visited simply because they are absolutely delicious!<br /><br /><a title="Fish&potatoes@Lt Truffle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886855636/"><img alt="Fish&potatoes@Lt Truffle" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5886855636_8e69b35f59_z.jpg" width="640" height="472" /></a><br /><em>Fish</em> <em>tempura</em> <em>and</em> <em>fried</em> <em>potatoes</em><br /><br />Freshest of fish and crispy perfectly mushy potatoes with crunhy skin makes the Little Princess absolutely delightful. She refused to share her potatoes :-( and only allowed us to finish off her fish when she can't finish.<br /><br /><a title="Lt Truffle lamb by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886855994/"><img alt="Lt Truffle lamb" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5886855994_f7bf2e3346_z.jpg" width="640" height="443" /></a><br /><em>Roasted</em> <em>rack</em> of <em>lamb</em>, <em>onion</em> <em>jam</em> 4 <em>bone</em>/8 <em>bone</em> 37/<em>67</em><br /><br />Big King ordered the lamb on my <em>order</em> haha.<br /><br />The lamb came and we were quite disappointed, it was still a bit raw (still a little bloody) for us, we asked for medium. The sinew on the meat was still white and not even slightly charred. Should we send this back? We hardly do fine dining so we were unsure. In the end, we stick with it. The raw taste was quite unforgiving not even after dousing it with the thick and syrupy jus (aren't jus suppose to be flowing texture a little runnier than sauce?). It has a side serve of a tian of potatoes which was tasty. The chef seem to have a flair with potatoes.<br /><br /><a title="Assiette of desserts@Lt Truffle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5886856170/"><img alt="Assiette of desserts@Lt Truffle" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5886856170_8f049d1921_z.jpg" width="640" height="468" /></a><br /><em>Assiette</em> <em>of</em> <em>desserts</em> $<em>29</em><br /><br />Assiette - a selection of all items on the dessert menu comprising of petit blackberry soufflé, white chocolate sauce; vanilla bean panna cotta, strawberry jelly, rose granita; warm chocolate pudding, caramel, double cream, honeycomb<br /><br />Look at the magnificent souffle tower! And no it did not collapse even after I spent considerable time snapping it. It tasted as good as it looks. I don't understand when people mention souffle has to be devoured fast as it collapsed as soon as it was brought out. They should all come and learn from Little Truffle's pastry chef. Inside of the souffle was perfectly cooked, oozy but still hold its shape rather than those splat of failed marshmallowy inside you get at most restaurants. Having said that, the panna cotta was some of the worst I ate, it was extremely rubbery, if you stick your spoon inside, well, it will stick unless you pull it out hard hehe. But the rose granita was beautiful, I could have dunk bucket loads of this down my throat, hehe it was that good. Big King said chocolate pudding was good and inside meltingly oozy but honeycomb was extremely chewy, it stuck to my teeth and refused to budge for a long time. Darn.<br /><br />The second time we went back, the standard of the food was maintained with the tortellinis still smackingly good and panna cotta still rubbery, hehe. I like consistency at restaurants/F&B establishments. If you are anywhere near Mermaid Beach, give Little Truffle a try.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-80673873610736997832011-07-11T17:28:00.006+10:002011-07-11T18:37:02.430+10:00[Kingscliff] FINS at Salt, encore<div align="justify">Sometimes things are better left as good memories rather than reliving it.<br /><br />We found ourselves at FINS again last wednesday night, driving from Broadbeach as we are staying at Meriton for the school holidays.<br /><br />The restaurant was quiet when we arrived and only three tables were occupied the entire night. I would have thought it would be busier as it was school holidays. They actually started packing up the bar at eight when we were halfway through our meal.<br /><br />New menu was introduced but some favourites stayed on so we ordered two different mains from last time. Desserts options remain as last time, still unexciting.<br /><br />Princess ordered the same fish and chips (no photo) as last time. When it arrived, I can tell the fish had been overcooked from the (deep) colour of the batter, sure enough they were. The chips fared worse. The tempura coating was sparsely clinging on and the inside is chewy, reminding me of frozen McCains chips.<br /><br />Not a good start.<br /><br />Big King ordered Fins Fish $41.90.<br /><br /><a title="Fins Fish@FINS by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5925436434/"><img alt="Fins Fish@FINS" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5925436434_6d8f531cb9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />Fish of the day (jewfish) glazed in dashi and green tea with black sesame tossed pumpkin, cauliflower puree and finger lime pearls<br /><br />The fish was moist and succulent but a tad overcooked and flavour wise it was weak. I can't taste any dashi or green tea, it could have been plain pan fried fish I was tasting.<br /><br />And I wonder what sesame tossed pumpkin actually meant. Steamed pumpkin and then tossed. Pan fried and then tossed? Toasted black sesame? I couldn't see any black sesame anywhere on the plate. But we did see broadbean which is a better substitute I think. I had a taste of one of the pumpkin. God, it has so much fibre my face grimaced. At $41.90 a dish, I think it was unforgiveable. I didn't touch the dish after the pumpkin.<br /><br />I ordered basque barbeque, $49.<br /><br /><a title="Basque bbq@FINS by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5924874597/"><img alt="Basque bbq@FINS" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5924874597_d7e3265dd4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />Chargrilled fish, octopus, prawn, scallop, cuttlefish and mussels with red wine braised cabbage, asparagus and handcut heirloom potato chips.<br /><br />It was quite a sight when my dish came. I am pleased with the looks of it. Upon tasting, all the elements on the plate was lukewarm which quickly turned cold as the restaurant was freezing. I was less than happy but everything on the plate was cooked nicely except the fish which was chewy and overcooked. The best part of the dish is the vegetables, the sweet and sour cabbage complements those grilled seafood beautifully. The chips were sweet (yes, sweet, think oven roasted dutch cream potatoes, yum) and I like the smokiness of it as you can tell from the picture the way they were cooked. The star of the seafood is still the prawns. Juicy, sweet and succulent, a joy to eat, eventhough they are cold.<br /><br />The same desserts were orded as last time. This time I was less than happy with the ice-cream that came with the chocolate torte as it had big chunks of dark cocoa. Ewww, I don't take to bitter ANYTHING. The torte is still bitter, arghh, only guys who don't eat sweets will like it. What's sweets without being sweet? Waste of time.<br /><br />The panna cotta is still as good as before, I even rate it higher than the very sexy and wobbly lavender panna cotta from Rocksalt Modern Dining (Broadbeach). It has the same giving texture as Fins version but mouth feel wise Fins' was better, silkier.<br /><br />I don't know where to place the restaurant after the second visit. It has dropped from my MUST visit to borderly-go if you have nothing better to do.<br /><br />Perhaps the chef is having a bad day? Or Mr Snow was not in and the kitchen has gone slack? I mean overcooking fish is not acceptable in a restaurant specialising in just that. Has the Chef Hat Award judges ever visited the restaurant when Mr Snow is not in, overseeing his kitchen? </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Very disappointing after driven a long way to get there and been served mediocre food.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Don't even make me start on the burnt bread and runny capsicum jam. Orz..........</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-16116509716341622092011-06-24T09:39:00.005+10:002011-06-27T15:36:56.232+10:00[Kingscliff] Fins at Salt<div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >FINS Restaurant & Bar<br />5/6 Bells Blvd<br />Salt Village<br />Sth Kingscliff<br />NSW 2487<br />Tel: +61 2 6674 4833<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Web: </span></em><a href="http://www.fins.com.au/index.html"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">FINS</span></em></a><br /><br />I can't wait to write about FINS. But I need to clear the backlog posts in chronological order or I am not going to be bothered about writing them ever again.<br /><br />Now Fins? Steven Snow? Never heard? Snow's restaurant is in fact one hatted and he is a regular on the local lifestyle TV and regularly featured in local lifestyle magazine. You can read all about him and the restaurant's awards on the website.<br /><br />Bad seafood experiences of the last two meals meant I craved for anything other than seafood. On the day we visited, there was no poultry or red meat on the menu, it was ALL seafood. We decided against dining at Fins after perusing the menu which changes all the time depending on produce.<br /><br />Proceeded to other adjoining restaurants but the menu did not excite me, in fact, somewhat pedestrian. After some thought, we decided to go back to Fins.<br /><br />We were seated promptly and caught glimpse of Steve Snow before he disappeared into the kitchen.<br /><br />Princess saw him and asked, 'is that Matt Moran?' Haha, not every bald chef is Matt Moran darling. She knows all the Masterchef/junior masterchef/MKR contestants/judges/celebrity chefs' names. The 6 year old has a very fine palate who regularly gorges on macaron and drink regular coffee (not babycino, too weak she said, no taste kakakaka) and wanting to taste everything on sample offer at the market.<br /><br />The dining room is housed under an awning extended to the restaurant and decked out like a garden with trellis of flowers on pillars and pots of plant/bush (real) dotted around the dining area. Come nightfall the dining room is very dark, some might find it romantic but its not to my taste. I prefer modern/contemporary clean decor.<br /><br /><a title="Portuguese bacalhau balls and aioli by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858688680/"><img alt="Portuguese bacalhau balls and aioli" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5858688680_5502170116_m.jpg" width="240" height="209" /></a><br />Amuse bouche - Portuguese bacalhau ball and aioli<br /></div><div align="justify">Princess got this and it was gone so quick before I had a chance to ask for a taste. Not even the aoili was spared. She dropped some small chunks onto the plate while busy shoving it into her mouth and I quickly popped in my mouth. Smoky and sovoury with a light and crunchy coating. It was very good.</div><br /><a title="Sashimi on daikon pickle by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858688428/"><img alt="Sashimi on daikon pickle" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/5858688428_1eeb0dd03b_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" /></a><br />Sashimi of fresh, local fish of the day on daikon pickle<br /><br /><div align="justify">The sashimi was beautiful, however, the sweet taste was somewhat masked by the heavy pickle underneath. In my opinion, a few shreds of the pickle would have been plenty.</div><br /><a title="Bread with capsicum jam by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858689014/"><img alt="Bread with capsicum jam" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5858689014_93b8d90df2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Entree - heart breads char grilled bio-dynamic sourdough, handmade and wood-fired in Byron Bay with house made capsicum, tamarind and mild chilli jam.<br /><br /><div align="justify">Hands down the BEST bread I have eaten so far, even the sourdough made from milled ancient Normandy heirloom wheat comes a close second.</div><br /><div align="justify">The jam packed a punch without being too hot. I tried replicate the jam at home using capsicum, tomatoes, chillies and process it like a harissa paste. The taste was quite close.</div><br /><a title="Kids fish&chips by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858689334/"><img alt="Kids fish&chips" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5858689334_2808f5e464_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />Kid's fish and chips<br /><br /><div align="justify">I don't really want to repeat myself and sound cheesy but the chips are hands down the BEST I have ever tasted (and now I hanker after Heston's version after watching it on Masterchef, could it get better than this?). They were crunchy like a dream and inside is like creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes. The chips somehow tasted like the sea. I suspect they sprinkled something like a chicken salt but the seafood version which complements the exquisitely fried fish to a tee.</div><br /><div align="justify">Again, BEST fish and chips ever. We haven't been back to Fishmonger's Wife since. I only want to come back here for fish and chips from the kid's menu.</div><br /><a title="Snowy's fish by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858690030/"><img alt="Snowy's fish" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5858690030_f17382bf1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />SNOWYS’ FISH<br />With Riesling, lemon and parsley, green beans, cauliflower puree and local Dutch Cream potatoes<br /><br /><div align="justify">When this arrived, I am disappointed and secretly relieved this was not my order, the dish looked like something I can easily whipped up at home in like ten minutes. But oh ho, looks can be so deceiving. Nothing is ever blah, mediocre, pedestrian at FINS.</div><br /><div align="justify">The fish was so fresh, cooked to perfection and flaked away with just a tease from the fork. The beans and potatoes and cauliflower puree tasted so sweet and earthy, they could have been just plucked or dug from the garden. </div><br />Every mouthful is like an orchestra playing, each element finding its own place harmoniously.<br /><br /><a title="Chilli as anything by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858137801/"><img alt="Chilli as anything" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/5858137801_0d1b26bf97_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />CHILLI AS ANYTHING<br />Mauritian style king prawn and fish sambal, lotus wrapped rice and green papaya salad<br /><br />Here comes again.<br /><br /><div align="justify">Hands down the BEST prawn I have ever tasted. Mind you it may not be the sweetest or the biggest but the way they were cooked and flavoured is like an art, I think Mr Snow had done the prawns much more than justice. They died a beautiful death in the hands of a maeastro. The spanish mackerel was very good too, normally I shun mackerel, I practically ate the fish since forever, but this Spanish species were in a league of their own.</div><br /><div align="justify">The chilli tasted like our assam curry but several notches above. I wanna to barge into the kitchen and bow to the man but I restrained. Kekekeke.</div><br /><div align="justify">I got to say this dish is not without negative, for me at least. The papaya salad was tasty but I absolutely hate coriander. There was so much coriander in there, I gave up after two taste. What's worse is the coriander lingers in the mouth till the following morning!! Disaster! So Mr Snow should think about toning down the coriander, it just overpowers EVERTHING.</div><br /><div align="justify">And the rice :-(, I am Asian and somewhat an expert when it comes to cooking rice. My two cents, the restaurant should consider using another type of rice and steam it less in the lotus leaf. The leaf imparted a bitter flavour to the rice probably from spending too much time in the steamer. Having said that, the rice was cooked nicely and they were fluffy.<br /><br /><a title="FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858690334/"><img alt="FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/5858690334_273e3c1d25_z.jpg" width="640" height="501" /></a><br />FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE<br />With brûléed fresh figs, house made ice cream and organic raw cocoa<br /></div><div align="justify">I don't want to comment on this, I only appreciate eating chocolate in tablets or bars or handmade chocolates forms. But Big King said they are nice. The fig is somewhat bland, I don't know its purpose on the plate. The ice-cream is creamy.</div><br /><a title="FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858138779/"><img alt="FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/5858138779_74ce8c99a5_z.jpg" width="517" height="640" /></a><br />Another view<br /><br /><a title="LEMON MYRTLE AND NATIVE FINGER LIME PANNACOTTA by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5858139145/"><img alt="LEMON MYRTLE AND NATIVE FINGER LIME PANNACOTTA" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/5858139145_d6b8b58347_z.jpg" width="640" height="561" /></a><br />LEMON MYRTLE AND NATIVE FINGER LIME PANNACOTTA<br />With ginger and finger lime syrup<br /><br />And finally, please bear with me.<br /><br /><div align="justify">Hand down the BEST panna cotta I have eaten so far. The texture is like a dream, you gotta go try to believe it. The finger lime offered an interesting taste and texture and the syrup tied the panna cotta and crumble together. I didn't get to eat the crescent pastry. Princess' hand was too quick. It was gone as soon as the plate touched the table.<br /></div><div align="justify">I can't wait to go back!</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-88405466545215291872011-06-22T09:31:00.002+10:002011-06-22T10:25:12.382+10:00[Holiday] Mongers Gourmet Fish and Chips, Byron Bay<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Mongers Fish and Chips<br />Bay Lane<br />(behind Beach Hotel)<br />Byron Bay<br /></strong></span></em><br /></span>Now this place is known by many names; <em>Gourmet fish & chips</em>, <em>Mongers</em>, <em>Fishmongers fish & chips</em>; probably all host of many others I don't know about by the locals. Anyhows, I don't really care.<br /><br /><a title="Bay Lane by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5855194492/"><img alt="Bay Lane" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/5855194492_fdac5c556c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Bay Lane; a laneway of dining establishments.<br /><br /><a title="Mongers fish&chips@Byron Bay by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854643151/"><img alt="Mongers fish&chips@Byron Bay" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/5854643151_460b91f8b4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />We walked in at 11.50am, the place is opened but lights off (pretty dark in there). A lady was at the counter staring at the cash register. Didn't once look up when we approached. Two minutes later, she (was finally awake?) told us, 'we opened in 10 minutes.' I asked if we can just sit and wait, she looked at me blankly and said, 'come back ten minures,' then diverted back her gaze/attention to the register.<br /><br />I almost did not go back after the cold encounter but reviews about the place had been glowing and locals rate it as their favourite fish and chips in the WHOLE of Australia (probably those never venture out of their locals, I later cynically figured, I know I am evil, grrrr).<br /><br />We were back in the shop 10 past 12pm and it was still dark, never once did the lights were flicked on. Well, fine, we can always sit out so we can actually see what we were eating. I thought too much, it really wouldn't have mattered anywhere I sat, dark room, under broad sunlight, reasons revealed later..........<br /><br /><a title="Mongers menu by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854643429/"><img alt="Mongers menu" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5854643429_2de0274b7f.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />There were also blackboard specials near the register.<br /><br /><a title="Oysters by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854643721/"><img alt="Oysters" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/5854643721_764435829e.jpg" width="500" height="393" /></a><br />Half dozen Sydney Rocks $12 (swimming in broken shells)<br /><br /><a title="Fish 1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854644041/"><img alt="Fish 1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/5854644041_966639460d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a title="Fish 2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5855195860/"><img alt="Fish 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/5855195860_aee351b958.jpg" width="500" height="385" /></a><br /><a title="Fish 3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854644579/"><img alt="Fish 3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/5854644579_352267ca61.jpg" width="500" height="385" /></a><br />Now, you might wonder how I put up three (identical?) photos of the fish dish. Truth is I can't tell which is which.<br /><br />Story was we ordered 2 different kinds of fish, one pan fried, one grilled, one spicy, one with herb/nut rub and different sauces.<br /><br />When they arrived, both fish looked exactly the same, you can only tell the difference by the colour of the sauce in the plastic container. Oh, I am eating the one with tartar, and oh I am now eating the one with herb mayo....<br /><br />The kumara chips were drenched in oil and tough with a little crisp, you know how your thin chips taste like if its been out exposed to the air for a few days.....<br /><br />The fish, oh, where do I begin......Princess asked after taking one bite, 'is this chicken?' Orz, I was a bit cross after tasting but Big King actually laughed and said,'its not but we can pretend its chicken'. Kakakaka, Chinese had this saying, 'find a bit of happiness in dire situation'. We couldn't finish the 'chicken' although we were starving after markets and walking around town, then chased away and sat in the playground before coming to this 'Gourmet' fish & chips.<br /><br />My advice is, sometimes extensive research won't do you any good. Taste is a very subjective thing. Just go where the lines/locals are. In this case (Byron Bay), I noticed a lot of suits and ladies who lunch sitting comfortably inside Utopia just at the start of Bay Lane. The waitress looked attentive, bubbly and smiley and pretty if I might add.<br /><br />The patrons looked like they were enjoying the food and the ambience. A big contrast to the experience we just had, 2 tables (presumably tourists who were lured by guides and reviews) occupied in the darkest dining room. It wouldn't have mattered if the place was dark or bright, the food tasted all the same with colder than cold staff.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-88218724898712512892011-06-21T09:53:00.002+10:002011-06-21T11:06:16.655+10:00[Holiday] Bamboo Restaurant, Santai Casuarina<strong><em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Santai Resort</span></em></strong><div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >9 Dianelle Drive<br />Casuarina<br />NSW2487<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Website: </span></em><a href="http://www.santairesort.com.au/index.php"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.santairesort.com.au/index.php</span></em></a><br /><br />When I go on holiday, I like to do online extensive research for I am a control freak -_-".<br /><br />I want to stay comfortably within the budget and eat the best local food. Shopping is secondary activity. It is always about food, food and more food. Call me obsessive if you want.<br /><br />I knew I was very much into food when all I can recall from my early travel memories were this and that I ate. I associate a place with food it is famous of; the likes of Sibu kanpua (dry toss noodles/kolomee), Kuching laksa (and Hungry Horse at one point for its mashed potatoes, urghhh to die for!! I wonder if its still there, I haven't been to Kuching in 20 years!! =X) and Singapore's cakes at Le Meridien (however food was mediocre some 30 years ago when it was barren of any international cuisine/food outlet and the hawker food can't even compare to Malaysia's offering).<br /><br />Ah, I digress, I should be writing about Santai at Casuarina. Hmm, what do I make of it. Would I rate it as luxury like its website proclaimd to be and the 'award-winning' Bamboo Restaurant?<br /><br />The apartments were exactly as pictured on the website, however, it was letdown by dirty balconies with worn-out rusty lounger with stained cushion.<br /><br />As it was next to a reserve/forest/jungle, there were lots of creepy crawlies everywhere you turn and some made it inside the apartment. The price to pay for being so close to nature, haha. Princess and me found two spiders when we checked out the second bedroom where she will be sleeping. We screamed so hard, hehe, ahem, ahem. Luckily the resort was pretty empty when we were there. That must be why we were put in the BEST apartment.<br /><br /><a title="elax room@Santai Casuarina by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854965646/"><img alt="elax room@Santai Casuarina" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/5854965646_351ed64087_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br />I will rate it as 4 star, nice and comfortable but far from 'luxury'.<br /><br />Santai Casuarina is actually in Kingscliff, a little over an hour from Brisbane; down the road from the glitzier Salt village which house Mantra, Peppers and a block of restaurant with an IGA express at the end.<br /><br />We drove into Kingscliff city centre first, looking for a bite to eat. Imagine our horror when we found out the little town is DEAD (on a Thursday), no nice restaurant/pizza place is opened. The only place open is some cafe and some takeaway possibly a fish and chip shop. Ah, so disappointed, I don't want cold sandwich or cold salad for lunch on holiday *sulk* I want REAL food.<br /><br />So we drove over to check out Salt village and the stretch of restaurants, horror, horror, none were opened!!<br /><br />Disgruntled on empty stomachs at 2.30pm, we made our way to Santai hoping to grab a bite at the resort.<br /><br />More horror! The restaurant is not opened!! We ended up muching through chocolates and chips that I brought for TV snacks.<br /><br />Imagine the sigh of relief when I found out the restaurant is opened for dinner so we went down for an early dinner at 5.30pm after beach play and a dip in the resort pool and spa.<br /><br /><a title="Bamboo at Santai Casuarina by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854412357/"><img alt="Bamboo at Santai Casuarina" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/5854412357_b1dc3bd29b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Duck dish @Bamboo Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854964448/"><img alt="Duck dish @Bamboo Santai" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/5854964448_bb4fba23ba.jpg" width="500" height="378" /></a><br />Duck<br /><br /><a title="Fish dish@Bamboo Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854964904/"><img alt="Fish dish@Bamboo Santai" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/5854964904_3ca491443b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Fish<br /><br /><a title="Kid's fish&chips@Bamboo Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854412883/"><img alt="Kid's fish&chips@Bamboo Santai" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5854412883_da89e78fc7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Kid's fish and chips<br /><br /><a title="heesecake@Bamboo Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854965118/"><img alt="heesecake@Bamboo Santai" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5854965118_eecdb2ea74.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Cheesecake<br /><br /><a title="Chcolate mousse@Bamboo Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5854413563/"><img alt="Chcolate mousse@Bamboo Santai" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5854413563_6607024141.jpg" width="388" height="500" /></a><br />Chocolate mousse with coffee jelly (ambiguous ring of cocoa powder)<br /><br />As you can probably tell from the lack of descripton on the dishes, the memories were hazy. I can't remember what I ate. Duck was still pink but tough, fish was overcooked, the cheesecake gluey (from too much gelatine) and the chocolate mousse too sweet and a bit pedestrian.<br /><br />The mains were lacking in flavours and the desserts below average. You can see from the chocolate mousse pic that the coffee jellies were not even cut properly. The mousse itself was very sweet and the meringue on top was worse, serious sugar overdose. The cheesecake on the other hand needed less gelatine and more sugar. The thing was tart but the topping of nuts and raspberry coulis/puree was tasty, eaten together, they are fine.<br /><br />All in all, less than mediocre food. But the manager was attentive and informative (to be expected when there were only two tables the whole time we were there) which makes the whole dining experience bearable. I was skeptical and suspicious when he said they get very busy on friday and saturday nights.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Umm, good luck I hope they do well.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-11963145678434674702011-06-20T11:34:00.004+10:002011-06-20T12:12:08.521+10:00[Holiday] Byron Bay Farmers Market<div align="justify">Mention Byron Bay and it conjures up images of surf and stretches of beaches.<br /><br />But for a foodie, the MUST visit places is often the local delis and farmers markets.<br /><br />So when we went for a day out in Byron Bay, our first stop has to be the farmers market at Butler Street Reserve (every Thursday and Saturday) which is close to town.<br /><br />If you are used to Jan Powerhouse and Westend markets, Byron Bay market might disappoint you as this is on a much smaller scale with some repeat produce/goods/merchandise stalls.<br /><br />However look closely and you will find some gems.<br /><br /><a title="Byron Bay farmers market1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5810456296/"><img alt="Byron Bay farmers market1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/5810456296_baacefd023.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Byron Bay Farmers Market2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809891651/"><img alt="Byron Bay Farmers Market2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/5809891651_1acf769611.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Byron Bay Farmers Market3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5810456810/"><img alt="Byron Bay Farmers Market3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5810456810_f1e3c90bb0.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Byron Bay Farmers Market5 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809892371/"><img alt="Byron Bay Farmers Market5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/5809892371_314887a699.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />The fresh kind of fruit sticks/roll-ups. And available in ice-blocks.<br /><br /><a title="Byron Bay Farmers Market4 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5810457072/"><img alt="Byron Bay Farmers Market4" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/5810457072_633086644e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Organic brown rice stall.<br /></div><div align="justify">Now this is the kind of stall I am excited to see at any farmers market. Specialist produce/product and not some boxes of stuff you pick up a the local wholesale market and then resell at another market.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Quiche & gateau at Santai by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809892439/"><img alt="Quiche & gateau at Santai" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/5809892439_5734d013a1.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />I also picked up some baked goodies from the pastry stall. A humongous raspberry and white chocolate muffin . Chock full of raspberry puree/preserve in the middle and generously dotted with white chocolate chunks, however, texture was dry. I choked on first bite (too dry, stuck to the back of the throat and refused to budge for quite sometime, nightmare!) and refused to go back for second. Princess ate majority of the white choc chip and turn up her nose at the rather tart raspberry puree.<br /><br />But the quiche I also got was a different story. Well made thin and flaky crust with tasty savoury custard and nicely seasoned roasted vegetables. The quiche is a winner.<br /><br />After doing a round at the market, we walked around the town centre for a bit. To be honest, the place look no different than Gold Coast. So if you are used to Noosa's atmosphere, you won't like much of what you will see here.<br /><br />We saw a French (looking) patisserie shop with a equally French sounding store name, L'Ultime at 5 Lawson St and decided to takeaway a chocolate theme gateau. Hmm, lets just say if you live in Brisbane and regularly visit Le Bon Choix or Chouquette, you might want to give this place a miss. I don't mean its all bad but when you are on a holiday, you want to make sure you eat the best local food and sadly L'Ultime is not up there.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And our lunch choice at a local upmarket fish and chip shop did not fare any better...........</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-78118231020021254732011-06-20T10:50:00.005+10:002011-06-20T12:45:06.477+10:00[Brisbane] Mizu. Bellissimo.<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Mizu<br />2 Macquarie Street<br />Teneriffe BRISBANE<br />Open 7 days a week lunch and dinner</span></em></strong><br /></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">07 3254 0488<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Bellissimo Coffee</strong></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>30 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. <br />Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 6pm<br /></strong></span></em><br />When I think of having Japanese food, I always think of<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Mizu</span> first.<br /><br /><a title="Katsu bento by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809869731/"><img alt="Katsu bento" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/5809869731_e0384a5ecb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><em>Tonkatsu bento box $24</em><br /><br /><em>Deep fried panko crumbed pork fillet with Japanese BBQ sauce, fresh sashimi, crispy tempura of prawn and vegetables and rice in a traditional bento box served with dipping sauce, fresh salad and miso soup.</em><br /><br /><a title="Mizu Bento by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5810434002/"><img alt="Mizu Bento" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/5810434002_049c0709bc_z.jpg" width="640" height="458" /></a><br /><em>Special lunch bento box $28</em><br /><br /><em>Chef’s selection of two daily special dishes, fresh sashimi, crispy tempura of prawn and vegetables in a traditional bento box. served with dipping sauce, fresh salad, rice and miso soup</em><br /><br />Mizu serves up really good value lunch bento boxes. Do drop by when you are in/near the lively Teneriffe area. Especially good is the big prawn tempura with juicy fresh prawn encased in the lightest crunchy batter.<br /><br />The dressing for the salad is tasty and tangy and they sell it by the bottles at the counter.<br /><br />You can turn up on the weekends and savour Japanese style brekkie and expect to find grilled fish, cucumber or daikon pickle, miso soup, rice, chunks of tasty fried chicken karaage and some seasonal veg simmered in dashi.<br /><br />Hearty different breakfast which you will find nowhere else.<br /><br />After lunch at Mizu, we normally pop over to Chouquette for a bit of Parisien patisseries or over to James St for a caffeine fix. There are lots of choices including Campos, Merlo, Caffeine Espresso and the less than a year old Bellissimo (and my current fav).<br /><br /><a title="Bellisimo James St by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809873495/"><img alt="Bellisimo James St" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/5809873495_1c24ca3b04_b.jpg" width="800" height="800" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Bellisimo Coffee by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5809873161/"><img alt="Bellisimo Coffee" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/5809873161_9f2c2f0d58_b.jpg" width="534" height="800" /></a><br />Most popular blend is the Emporio. It delivers hint of chocolates with a rich and full body while very smooth on the palate at the same time. Very easy-drinking.<br /><br />Depending on the mood and time of day, sometimes I prefer the darker Italian roast and enjoy the smoky nutty finish on the back of the palate.<br /><br />Do give Bellissimo a go next time you are looking for good coffee.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-46340152038443535262011-06-01T10:31:00.005+10:002011-06-01T10:41:47.618+10:00[Brisbane] Bread basket, Banetton Bakery<div align="justify"><a title="Banetton bread basket by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5763584498/"><img alt="Banetton bread basket" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/5763584498_50dd473a51_b.jpg" width="579" height="800" /></a><br /><br />Got all this for only $19! from <a href="http://www.jumponit.com/brisbane">http://www.jumponit.com/brisbane</a>.<br /><br />You get New York Deli rye (sourdough and my personal favourite), multigrain (sourdough), brandied fruit (sourdough), two plain croissants, one chocolate croissant and a bar cake (I chose carrot cake).</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Wooh, flour heaven and thigh nightmare.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-43488151626136758512011-06-01T09:59:00.002+10:002011-06-01T10:29:12.086+10:00[risbane] Burger Urge, New Farm<div align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><strong>Burger Urge<br />542 Brunswick Street<br />New Farm QLD 4005<br />(07) 3254 1655</strong><br /></span></em><br />I can't believe it's taken me this long to write about Burger Urge, it's like a Brisbane institution. It was there long before Grill'd came along and still happening.<br /><br /><a title="lamb burger@Burger Urge by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5763581568/"><img alt="lamb burger@Burger Urge" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/5763581568_aecc86dc29_b.jpg" width="800" height="489" /></a><br />Zorba the Greek lamb burger with sweet potato fries<br /><br />Ground lamb patty topped with onion jam,haloumi cheese, whole egg mayo and pesto on a bed of cos lettuse and tomato. This is a monstrous thing for me to tackle. You'll need the size of Mt Everest mouth to successfully have a bite of every ingredient. I ate my burger with knife and fork for the first time.<br /><br />The burger is very good, I especially like the squeakiness of haloumi cheese contrasting against the minced texture of patty and crispiness of salad, very interesting marriage of good flavours.<br /><br /><a title="Chicken burger@Burger Urge by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5763034413/"><img alt="Chicken burger@Burger Urge" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/5763034413_0ef72545ae_b.jpg" width="800" height="650" /></a><br />ABC chicken burge with potato fries<br /><br />Marinated chicken breast, crispy bacon, avocado top with egg mayo on a bed of cos lettuce and tomato. Chicken breast is well cooked, still tender but I reckon the star of this burger is the crispy and smoky bacon which pull everything together. It's delicious heaven everytime you bite into the burger with a crunch and then the salty, smoky bacon hit the palate. Mmmmm.<br /><br /><a title="Burger Urge@New Farm by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5763581662/"><img alt="Burger Urge@New Farm" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/5763581662_d8b6fa13b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /><br />Al-fresco seating available out the shop-front, however you'll have to eat and endure every pedestrian's stare...</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-68106766602138072812011-05-11T10:07:00.003+10:002011-05-11T10:21:08.623+10:00[Bisbane] La Linea Caffe, Coorparoo<em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">La Linea Caffe<br />200 Old Cleveland Road<br />Coorparoo QLD 4151<br /></span>Tel:(07) 3847 6111<br /></em><br /><a title="Choco&macadamia torte@La Linea by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5621250966/"><img alt="Choco&macadamia torte@La Linea" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5621250966_cff75f01ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="618" /></a><br /><em>Chocolate</em> <em>and</em> <em>macademia</em> <em>cake</em><br /><br />The cake is delicious! All the cakes are freshly made on the premise. None of the stodgy and stale ones you get, well, at least me, at most cafes.<br /><br />Cake base is soft and fluffy, cream icing smooth and light.<br /><br /><a title="La Linea2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5621250706/"><img alt="La Linea2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5621250706_0341717ea0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><br /><a title="La Linea1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5620662543/"><img alt="La Linea1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5620662543_1195fc62b0_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Coffee used is Dibella. Great place for coffee and cakes in somewhat culinary desert Coorparoo Logan Rd main drag. Oh, please don't tell me at least there are Sitar and Tomato Brothers. Please........</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-47452544400552198392011-05-11T09:57:00.002+10:002011-05-11T10:07:19.220+10:00[Brisbane] Freestyle Tout, Emporium<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>Freestyle Tout<br />Emporium<br />50/1000 Ann Street<br />Fortitude Valley, 4006</strong></em></span><br /><em>Tel: [07]3252 0214<br /></em><br />After lunch at Guzman, we strolled to Freestyle Tout for our sweet fix.<br /><br /><a title="A Little Bit Of Queensland@Freestle Tout by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5596523163/"><img alt="A Little Bit Of Queensland@Freestle Tout" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5596523163_3db203079a_z.jpg" width="640" height="600" /></a><br />A Little Bit of Queensland; macadamia white chocolate slice with caramel sauce &<br />white-chocolate-caramel-macadamia ice cream<br /><br /><a title="Warm flourless chocolate cake@Freestyle Tout by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5596523255/"><img alt="Warm flourless chocolate cake@Freestyle Tout" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5596523255_ed2bf4b969_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a><br />Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake; with chocolate sauce, mixed berries, raspberry sorbet & chocolate sail<br /><br />All desserts at AUD$15.90.Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-12906489879671210672011-04-15T13:28:00.005+10:002011-04-15T17:48:08.671+10:00[Brisbane] Guzman Y Gomez<em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Guzman Y Gomez<br />Emporium<br />1000 Ann Street<br />Fortitude Valley QLD 4006<br />P: (07) 3188 1701<br /></span><br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Website: </span></em><a href="http://www.guzmanygomez.com/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Guzman Y Gomez</span></em></a><br /><br /><br /><a title="Guzman Y Gomez by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5597104558/"><img alt="Guzman Y Gomez" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5597104558_36fb30f9b5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Takeaway joint with al-fresco seating.<br /><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Trio of tacos by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5596522745/"><img alt="Trio of tacos" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5596522745_7930e9a061_z.jpg" width="640" height="448" /></a><br />Soft tacos, 3 for $10.50<br /><br />Filling of your choice, black beans and salsa in soft tortilla. My favourite is the spicy chicken guerrero.<br /><br /><a title="Burritos by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5597104848/"><img alt="Burritos" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5597104848_f969dcb66a_z.jpg" width="640" height="481" /></a><br />Burrito $10.50<br /><br />Spiced and herbed rice, cheddar cheese, black bean, filling of your choice and salsa rolled in soft tortilla.<br /><br />Black beans slightly hard, They could do with longer cooking times.<br /><br /><a title="Frozen margarita by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5597104924/"><img alt="Frozen margarita" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5597104924_68d666b1be_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" /></a><br />Frozen margarita $8.50<br /><br />I love the frozen margarita! It doesn't matter if it came from a pre-mixed cocktail, its strong enough for me and crazily sweet which I like.<br /><br />I still miss El Polo Loco in the US :-(. I just wish at least Taco Bell would come. There is Mochachos which originates from South Africa in Westfield Garden City which I haven't try. I just couldn't go past Hanaichi. Think I'll make an effort next time.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-77101144448486784862011-04-15T13:13:00.002+10:002011-04-15T13:28:08.193+10:00[Brisbane] Soman, not for the faint-hearted<em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Soman<br />18 Sunny Ct Shop 22<br />Sunnybank, 4109<br /></strong></span></em><br /><a title="Spicy duck by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5596495265/"><img alt="Spicy duck" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5596495265_04a4a876c1.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Duck pieces (head to tail -_- ") in spicy sauce<br /><br /><a title="Steamed spareribs in glutinous rice by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5597078230/"><img alt="Steamed spareribs in glutinous rice" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5597078230_1f2aed626a.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Steamed spare-ribs in gluinous rice<br /><br />The only three or four items on the menu not spicy. You can probably tell from the picture the glutinous rice was not even cooked.<br /><br /><a title="Pumpkin in egg yolk sauce by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5596495571/"><img alt="Pumpkin in egg yolk sauce" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5596495571_e8a991fb2d.jpg" width="500" height="378" /></a><br />Pumpkin in salted duck egg yolk sauce<br /><br /><a title="Steam&fried mantou by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5597078446/"><img alt="Steam&fried mantou" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5597078446_7fd55c8eda.jpg" width="500" height="390" /></a><br />Steamed and deep-fried mantou<br /><br /><div align="justify">The dishes were all pretty average. Spicy was VERY spicy and the dishes were swimming in oil (except the mantou and the steamed spare-ribs of course). I was gagging after 4 bites. Tons of food left and had no intention of doggy-bagging the leftovers.</div><br />Having said that, the flavours were not bad, it will be agreeable to those who like spicy and can stomach super oily food.Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-72423112682648565522011-04-06T14:20:00.008+10:002011-04-07T12:42:30.626+10:00[Brisbane] Kim Thanh on Hardgrave Rd, Westend<div><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Kim Thanh<br />Address: 93 Hardgrave Road West End Q 4101<br />Phone: 07 3844 4954<br /><br />Opening Days: Monday to Sunday Public Holidays (Fr. R:5:30pm)<br /></span></strong></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Web: <a href="http://www.kimthanhrestaurant.com.au/kimthanh/default.htm">http://www.kimthanhrestaurant.com.au/kimthanh/default.htm</a><br /></span></em><br />I can't believe its taken me this long to write about Kim Thanh.</div><br /><div> </div><div>They have been operating for 20 years, obviously got a winning recipe in hand.</div><div><br /><a title="Kim Thanh Westend by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533639064/"><img alt="Kim Thanh Westend" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5533639064_aa43bcc05e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Located at the far end of the complex, it's hard for me to go past Trang's aromatic herbal duck noodle soup.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Been to Quan Thanh probably twice, not really impressed.</div><br /><div> </div><div>We walked up to Kim Thanh eons ago saw the huge dark dining room with little patrons. That really put us off considering we went past very busy Trang and Quan Thanh. We had no clue of Brisbane dining scene then.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Its not until I saw Gastronomy Gal's post on Kim Thanh that made me decided to give it a go.</div><br /><div> </div><div>GG did a fantastic write-up detailing the restaurant's history, personnel and their approach to food. It certainly sparked my interest.</div><br /><div> </div><div>On the day we went, for lunch, there was only one server (probably the owner himself) manning the entire huge dining room. Fortunately, there were only four tables of us. Still, he was running around the place like a headless chicken ALL the time. </div><div><br /><a title="Grilled pork vermicelli@Kim Thanh by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533056377/"><img alt="Grilled pork vermicelli@Kim Thanh" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5533056377_97b4abe49e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Above is grilled pork vermicelli salad. The grilled pork is delicious and nicely marinated but a tad less than lukewarm. I understand restaurant wanting to part cook some food ahead but they just need to make sure they reheat thoroughly. I would have sent this back if the pork was tough.</div><div><br /><a title="Beef vermicelli salad@Kim Thanh by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533638562/"><img alt="Beef vermicelli salad@Kim Thanh" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5533638562_b0bf34a223.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />We ordered grilled pork vermicelli but came grilled beef version. It was sent back and promptly replaced by the pork version. I must say the beef version looked and smell incredible! You can see from the picture the beef was still pink, I bet it was perfectly cooked. But alas, we don't eat beef. Pass.</div><div><br /><a title="Duck nodle soup@Kim Thanh by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533056279/"><img alt="Duck nodle soup@Kim Thanh" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5533056279_0eb46be39b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Duck noodle soup</div><br /><div> </div><div>I half expected the duck noodle soup to look similar to Trang's but instead came a bowl of clear soup with some roast duck pieces drowned in a sea of chives and green onions. I was disappointed, who wants to eat roast duck simmered to death in soup :-(.</div><br /><div> </div><div>I needn't have to worry about putting bland muscle pieces into my mouth. One sip of the soup and I am in duck heaven! The soup was clearly made from lots of duck bones, probably from unsold duck from previous day but boy did it pack a punch. The duck pieces was moist and still flavourful but I hated the chives though. It would have been just fine with some green onion toppings and lettuce leaves.</div><div><br /><a title="SaltnPeppa calamari@KimThanh by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533056461/"><img alt="SaltnPeppa calamari@KimThanh" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5533056461_980b5b73d8.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Salt and pepper calamari</div><br /><div> </div><div>The serving was huge, calamari was tender but batter was a let down, its was soft and soggy.</div><div><br /><a title="Springrolls@Kim Thanh by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533056207/"><img alt="Springrolls@Kim Thanh" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5533056207_b389c85acf.jpg" width="500" height="318" /></a><br />Springroll was tasty, again not heated through. But its ok as there is no taste of it being previously frozen stuff. If they heat them further, they would have been burnt.</div><div><br /><a title="Hardgrave Rd by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533639162/"><img alt="Hardgrave Rd" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5533639162_320303acb5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></div><div>Ecclectic cafe on the Hardgrave stretch. </div><br /><div> </div><div>It would be a toss between Trang and Kim Thanh if we go to Hardgrave Rd from now on, no longer being a no-brainer on Trang.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-49000196554343662372011-04-04T17:36:00.003+10:002011-04-04T18:03:12.799+10:00[Brisbane] Mos Burger arrives in Brisbane!<div align="justify">Mos Burger has finally arrived!<br /><br />Its found its first Aussie home in Sunnybank Plaza. Next to HSBC by the roundabout.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Oh, it's a Japanese burger chain if you don't know it already.</div><div align="justify"><br />Opened on 1 April and now having a trial sale, so only six items were on the menu. Of these five were beef burgers done in different ways like, vegetables with thousand island dressing, cheese burger, the classic Mos with meat ragu sauce, I can't remember the other two. And then there is the ever popular chicken teriyaki. My favourite rice burger with seafood patty is on the menu but unavailable at the moment.</div><br /><div align="justify">Since readers are irritated with pixelated face, I will leave the photos untouched from now on.<br /><br />So if your face is shown in my photo and you want me to take it down, please drop me a line.<br /><br /><a title="Mos burger@Sunnybank by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5587729193/"><img alt="Mos burger@Sunnybank" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5587729193_ff74208275.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Saturday morning at 1100ish, second day of trial sale, there was a line but its moving fast. Just that there is a wait for the food. We ordered chicken teriyaki set with chips and iced lemon tea and a beef burger with salad. Chips was hopelessly soggy and drink was bland but the burgers were very good. The food came after about 20 minutes wait. Bearable.</div><br /><div align="justify">The burgers are smaller than Macca's so it might not be enough for the average Aussie. You might need to order two. But with burgers this good (if they keep up the standard), I don't think there will be any complaints.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Mos Burger Sunnybank by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5588321854/"><img alt="Mos Burger Sunnybank" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5588321854_aefe2937cd.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">There is also an outside seating area. I can't wait for the rice burgers to come on! Though I am somewhat disappointed with the very limited menu compared to Mos Burger in other countries.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-4807655463526639382011-03-22T09:45:00.005+10:002011-03-22T10:27:25.765+10:00[Brisbane] Piefection<div><em><font style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" size="4"><strong>Piefection<br />1373 Logan Road,<br />Mt. Gravatt Central<br />Qld 4122<br /></strong></font></em><br /><em><font size="2">Website: </font></em><a href="http://www.piefection.com.au/"><em><font size="2">http://www.piefection.com.au/</font></em></a><br /><br /><a title="Piefection@Mt Gravatt by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533617896/"><img alt="Piefection@Mt Gravatt" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5533617896_34de52b94f.jpg" width="500" height="359" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Piefection by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533617952/"><img alt="Piefection" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5533617952_440a60e747.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Piefection pies by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5533035733/"><img alt="Piefection pies" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5533035733_26d157713e.jpg" width="414" height="500" /></a><br /><div align="justify">From the top, chicken and vegetables $4.80, lamb and rosemary $4.95 and JD BBQ pork rib pie $4.95.</div><br /><div align="justify">The family's favourite has got to be the JD bbq pork rib pie. Punchy sauce and tender meat, it' a winner!</div><br /><div align="justify">Chicken and vegetable pie did not work for us because bell pepper of any sort is an unwelcome vegetable in this household. But flavour is good and all the pies are chock full of fillings.</div><br /><div align="justify">But the least favourite has to be the lamb and rosemary pie. We find the meat dry and the sauce tasted a bit bitter and dry (? can I say it this way cos that's how it felt) probably from rapid reduction taken further than ideal.</div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">All in all, we still find the pies are nicer than others we have tried before. The pie crust is nice and light and filling is generous. </div><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">You can opt to have mushy peas and mashed potato to go with your pies to make a more filling meal.</div></div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-76638148163428186852011-03-16T10:44:00.003+10:002011-03-16T11:13:58.766+10:00[Brisbane] Coorparoo markets<div align="justify"><a href="http://coorparoomarket.com.au/">Coorparoo Markets</a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6600;">click for details<br /></span></em><br /><a title="Coorparoo market8 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5514055898/"><img alt="Coorparoo market8" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5514055898_ee7dab429c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Coorparoo market1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5514055164/"><img alt="Coorparoo market1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5514055164_54e39f37e9.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Everything looks fantastic. I love their mini pudding/cakes, absolutely decadent. Princess gets all excited whenever she sees the stall and refuse to leave empty-handed.</div><p align="justify"><br /><a title="Coorparoo market2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513459641/"><img alt="Coorparoo market2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5513459641_3fe398ce9f.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Very well-stocked deli, everything you would expect to see/find in a fine deli and more. A wonderful additon to the market.<br /><br /><a title="Coorparoo market3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513459741/"><img alt="Coorparoo market3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5513459741_b0a1d5c35d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Boutique coffee stall.<br /></p><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Coorparoo market4 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5514055536/"><img alt="Coorparoo market4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5514055536_0831791d6b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />My absolute favourite at the market. Wide range of Greek sweets and delicacies. Not to be missed if you were in the market. </div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Coorparoo market5 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513460003/"><img alt="Coorparoo market5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5513460003_f1bcd2eeb5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />I am at the market after school drop-off, early-ish and found this stall closed some times. I would get a couple of croissants from them if they are open when I visit.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Coorparoo market7 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513460145/"><img alt="Coorparoo market7" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5513460145_6c382209d2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Level 1, you will find mish-mash stalls, selling everything from handbags to handmade soaps to kitchen stuff to old records and more.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Greek sweets by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5530864024/"><img alt="Greek sweets" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5530864024_57734e67c3.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Greek sweets from <em>'Mad about Greek'</em>.<br /><br /><a title="Greek sweets1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5530864132/"><img alt="Greek sweets1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5530864132_664424f592.jpg" width="500" height="319" /></a><br />I especially love the shortbread crescent.<br /><br /><a title="Mama Marilena by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5530864238/"><img alt="Mama Marilena" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5530864238_6c74eabcb2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Hazelnut eyes and pistachio nut bread from <a href="http://www.mammamarilena.com.au/index.htm">Mama Marilena</a>. These are great for nibbles, in front of tv, computer or any other time. Princess find them too hard cos she's at the stage with wobbly tooth. </div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-72211944996669293942011-03-10T12:55:00.005+10:002011-03-12T15:16:35.508+10:00[Brisbane] Cafe Latino<div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Don Churro/Cafe Latino<br />Shop 1 / 973 Logan Road<br />Holland Park</span><br /></strong><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">UPDATE 12/3/2011</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">I went down to Holland Park local shops just now and found Don Churros had been replaced by Greedy Monkey Cafe. They are offering coffee for only $1 a cup.</span></em></div><br /><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify">The signage says Cafe Latino but the website says Don Churro. I don't know which is which. No matter.<br /><br /><a title="Cafe Latino 1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513366619/"><img alt="Cafe Latino 1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5513366619_e96dafa372.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Cafe Latino 2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513366777/"><img alt="Cafe Latino 2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5513366777_d960ca3afe.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;">Cheese empanada $6</span></em></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Despite the picture showing a side serve of salsa. I only got a lone empanada. My guess is the salsa is extra $$. Fried to death, so much so that the cheese inside had split and the dough was rock hard. For that kind of price, you expect much much more.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">It didn't help I had to wait friggin 25 minutes!! for a deep fried piece of dough with sad split cheese filling. There was only one customer waiting for his coffee and churros before me.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Princess took one look at the inside of this thing and said,'it's ok mommy, I am not hungry, you can have it all.' </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Yes, the girl has skill :-(. Grrrrrr.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Cafe Latino 3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513962998/"><img alt="Cafe Latino 3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5513962998_531b34ea5a.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />This patron came in some 10 minutes after me and got his order BEFORE me.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Geram. I had to ask twice about my order. First time one server said, 'oh', walked back to the kitchen and never be seen again. Second time, another server didn't even answer me and walked back into the kitchen. I think my order was forgotten, just like the empanada was left in the fryer too long, forgotten too. Answer girl, I need some answers. Maybe she didn't speak English, only Latino. Heh.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Churros@Cafe Latino by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5513366991/"><img alt="Churros@Cafe Latino" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5513366991_b822f8819b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Princess refused to eat the churros and the chocolate sauce. Normally we'd fight for every single bite. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">She said,'this is NOT chocolate sauce,' and made a face at me while throwing the hard oil-soaked churro back into the bag. Hey, the kid is happy even with cadbury, she's isn't picky normally. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I tried to eat two sticks of churros with a glum face before finally giving up. It was to be Big King's dessert that night. Hohoho.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I am sure there are fans out there. Just not suiting our palate. We still like the churros at Eumundi market and QVM best.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Hasta la vista. Not.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-84860914635139620042011-03-04T17:48:00.003+10:002011-03-04T19:15:40.109+10:00[Brisbane] Caffe e gelato Milany<div align="justify"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Caffe e Gelato Milany<br />53 Racecourse Road, Hamilton, QLD 4007<br />p: 3268 2082<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">website: </span></em><a href="http://www.gelato-milany.com.au/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.gelato-milany.com.au/</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em><br />Browsing through bargains sites like Jump-on-it, Spreets, Cudo etc has been my daily ritual. You can totally expect massive savings on most deals offered.<br /><br />As soon as I saw Milany's offer of paying just $9 for $19 worth of spending in store, I can't click to buy quick enough. Only one voucher is allowed per person and I bought another one under husband's name :P.<br /><br /><a title="Milany3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5492960525/"><img alt="Milany3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5492960525_0eced88784.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Decor is a bit ........ What's with the drape across the ceilings? Is it a new trend I don't know about? Well, what do I know, I ain't no interior designer.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Milany1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5493552358/"><img alt="Milany1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5493552358_8ef4d96a3f.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Lots of flavours on offer, the most interesting being 'pink bubblegum'. I didn't try it though but I might.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Milany2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5493552466/"><img alt="Milany2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5493552466_f4fc8bc485.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Apart from ice-creams, there are some dessert options in the chiller for non ice-cream eater. Really, they exist?? Get-outtahere. The cakes and pies looked good though. Just, nobody seems to be interested.........</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Milany4 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5492960663/"><img alt="Milany4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5492960663_0f4ef37dd4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Cute 'Pinocchio' for the kids. Princess ALWAYS want lemon and I chose watermelon cos you're allowed to choose two flavours.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a title="Milany5 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5492960773/"><img alt="Milany5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5492960773_60939a9cce.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;">Mini banana split (I chose pistachio and 'Milany' which is butterscotch. YUM)</span></em></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I hadn't had banana split for, um, too long. Nostalgic much. It was the in thing to order when I was maybe five. Back then I never get to order because I hate bananas (slimy, sticky, ewwww, hated it as a kid) and also ice-cream was considered luxury item in the house let alone paying hiked-up restaurant/ice-cream parlours prices. No chance.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Tacky decor aside, the gelati is great! Princess declared Milany as her favourite gelati shop in town. Nuff said.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*********</div><div align="justify">Yesterday, Samantha Perkins said... in my <a href="http://rabbitsimsparadise.blogspot.com/2008/02/melbourne-2008-dessert-trampoline.html?showComment=1299144773254#c8850999234284433948">Melbourne post in 2008</a>(!!!)really(?), people still interested???! Seriously, I am honoured :-)))):-</div><div align="justify"><br />I notice you pixelate people's faces in most/all your street photos.....why?<br /><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Umm, lets see, I have not gotten their permission to publish their faces, some specifically requested me to do so and I don't want getting no lawyer's letter saying I have invaded these people's privacy and asked me to compensate them with $2 million or even $200!.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><br />You do realise it's okay to take shots of people in public places?<br /><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Yes, its one thing to take photos in public and another to publish it. Really, it's ok to publish without these subjects permission/knowledge?? I don't know.....I am not familiar with privacy law and am not taking any chances.....</span></em></div><div align="justify"><br />Sorry no offense, it's the first time I've seen anyone do it. It makes me think those people are wanted criminals or perverts :P<br /><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">None taken. I did it when I saw other bloggers do it. And if these people are crim/perv, all the more to show their faces rather than hide it!!!</span></em></div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-72515064602580677692011-03-03T12:40:00.003+10:002011-03-03T15:59:03.874+10:00[Brisbane] Boutique market at Portside Wharf, Hamilton<div align="justify">Lifestyle boutique market at Portside Wharf, every second and fourth Sunday of the month.<br /><br /><a title="Boutique market@Portside1 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475915866/"><img alt="Boutique market@Portside1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5475915866_77fc1585e1.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Boutique market@Portside2 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475915974/"><img alt="Boutique market@Portside2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5475915974_c48f9cd3e0.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Boutique market@Portside3 by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475317579/"><img alt="Boutique market@Portside3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5475317579_4c51f4a373.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Portside Hamilton by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475317681/"><img alt="Portside Hamilton" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5475317681_d68a4f948d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Doggie@Portside by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475317773/"><img alt="Doggie@Portside" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5475317773_d07cfc2317.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Cruise ship@Portside by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475916280/"><img alt="Cruise ship@Portside" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5475916280_c82f9d3e91.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />So why is the food-obsessed rabbit find herself at a lifestyle market?<br /><br />Ta-da, these lovely macarons from Rafael Silva! They are $2 each and sold in packets of six and four.<br /><br /><a title="Macarons by Rafael Silva by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5475317919/"><img alt="Macarons by Rafael Silva" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5475317919_e81ac4828b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </div><br /><div align="justify">If you like these dainty treats, Rafael's were one of the better ones you can find in Brisbane, the other contender being Twist'n Roll macarons available at Powerhouse market.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14108577.post-15440494747260902502011-02-25T16:00:00.003+10:002011-02-25T16:19:32.373+10:00[Brisbane] The Deli New Farm<div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>The Deli New Farm<br />900 Brunswick Street<br />New Farm, QLD 4005<br /><br /></strong></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Website:</span></em><a href="http://www.thedelinewfarm.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The Deli<br /></span></em></a><br /><a title="Calamari linguini@New Farm Deli by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5432206881/"><img alt="Calamari linguini@New Farm Deli" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5432206881_a0de5fee13.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><em>Calamari linguini $17.50<br /><br /></em></span>Linguini tossed in anchovy & chilli sauce, garlic & Italian herbs with grilled chilli calamari.<br /><br /><a title="Italian apple cake@New Farm Deli by Rabbit Sim, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitsim/5432206759/"><img alt="Italian apple cake@New Farm Deli" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5432206759_59d6bd199d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#33cc00;"><em>Italian apple cake</em></span><br /><br />Highlight of the cake is the berry compote served by the side.<br /><br />Great place to chill out and people-watching. The cafe can get very busy, a lot of traffic in that little Brunswick complex.</div>Rabbit Simhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15810937472903748077noreply@blogger.com2