Rabbit Eats Brisbane

[Broadbeach] Mme. Grenouille

2012-01-04T11:52:00.001+10:00

In case you are wondering........I am still alive.

Sorry for the lack of posts.

As you know I am back in Brunei for good. It's so hot here goodness :-(

Still waiting and waiting and waiting........to move into our new home.

Friends and colleagues,'it's considered fast [liao] you know.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wonderful day.

[Brisbane] Yummylicious chocolate high tea at Monty's Chocolate, Paddington

2011-09-17T10:35:00.003+10:00

Monty's Chocolate
155 Latrobe Terrce
Paddington, 4064

Tel: (07) 3369 3135

Enter Monty's and you arrive at Chocolate heaven!! And possibly beyond hehe.

Below is chocolate high tea set with two coffee or tea for AUD$15!!!! Yes F-I-F-T-E-E-N!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

As for candied chocolate balls, we are not a fan. the candy coating was sweet. Well, they are sugar after all, duh... hehehe.

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.

Hmmm, luscious thick melty chocolate, are you hooked yet? Get yourself to Monty's Chocolate.

And you are welcome, hehehe......

[Brisbane] Madtongsan, Korean food at Warrigal Square

2011-09-17T10:24:00.002+10:00

Madtongsan III
South Suburbs
shop 12/261 Warrigal Rd
Brisbane, 4113

Tel: (07) 3841 1150

Pancake was soggy and dotted with unidentified little pieces of 'muscles' seafood flavour.

Again the red pot of fiery soup contained the same unidentified seafood flavoured 'muscles'.

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..........

[Brisbane] Skybury coffee

2011-09-15T12:07:00.004+10:00

Skybury Australian Coffee Centre
136 Ivicevic Road
Paddy's Green, Mareeba
Queensland 4880 Australia

If you are in the search of a local coffee within a reasonable food mile, look no further than Skybury.

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.

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.

Pre-ground coffee is packed into a sachet which will fit most cup/mug top.

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.

Perfect pairing the coffe with pancake and ice-cream, yumm...

Or if you prefer savoury, you could have asian-themed curry puff.

You still can taste the coffee after eating these rather strong flavoured food. I reckon it's a keeper in the pantry.

Curry puff cross-section.

Enjoy coffee! Hooray coffee! Kudos to the coffee growers, you make our day (coffee drinkers at least)! Yay!

[Mermaid Beach] Little Truffle

2011-08-03T08:58:00.009+10:00

Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar
2444 gold coast highway, corner Bondi avenue
Mermaid beach 4218
07 55 265 033

Web: Little Truffle

After leaving Kingscliff, we made our way to Tweed Heads to have a look at the oyster farm. Alas, the place was closed :-(.

Birds Bay Oyster Farm

Lunch was at Little Truffle.

Classical dining room

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.

We went for lunch and they have a simple lunch menu; two courses $35, three courses $42, both comes with a glass of wine.

Fried zucchini flowers filled with feta and capers, tomato relish

The other choice on the current menu is shaved Wagyu bresaola, celeriac remoulade, fresh horseradish.

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.

Moreton bay bug and prawn tortellini, sweet mustard fruit buerre blanc

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.

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!

Fish tempura and fried potatoes

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.

Roasted rack of lamb, onion jam 4 bone/8 bone 37/67

Big King ordered the lamb on my order haha.

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.

Assiette of desserts $29

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

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.

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.

[Kingscliff] FINS at Salt, encore

2011-07-11T17:28:00.006+10:00

Sometimes things are better left as good memories rather than reliving it.

We found ourselves at FINS again last wednesday night, driving from Broadbeach as we are staying at Meriton for the school holidays.

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.

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.

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.

Not a good start.

Big King ordered Fins Fish $41.90.

Fish of the day (jewfish) glazed in dashi and green tea with black sesame tossed pumpkin, cauliflower puree and finger lime pearls

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.

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.

I ordered basque barbeque, $49.

Chargrilled fish, octopus, prawn, scallop, cuttlefish and mussels with red wine braised cabbage, asparagus and handcut heirloom potato chips.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Very disappointing after driven a long way to get there and been served mediocre food.

Don't even make me start on the burnt bread and runny capsicum jam. Orz..........

[Kingscliff] Fins at Salt

2011-06-24T09:39:00.005+10:00

FINS Restaurant & Bar
5/6 Bells Blvd
Salt Village
Sth Kingscliff
NSW 2487
Tel: +61 2 6674 4833
Web: FINS

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.

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.

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.

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.

We were seated promptly and caught glimpse of Steve Snow before he disappeared into the kitchen.

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.

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.

Amuse bouche - Portuguese bacalhau ball and aioli

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.

Sashimi of fresh, local fish of the day on daikon pickle

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.

Entree - heart breads char grilled bio-dynamic sourdough, handmade and wood-fired in Byron Bay with house made capsicum, tamarind and mild chilli jam.

Hands down the BEST bread I have eaten so far, even the sourdough made from milled ancient Normandy heirloom wheat comes a close second.

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.

Kid's fish and chips

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.

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.

SNOWYS’ FISH
With Riesling, lemon and parsley, green beans, cauliflower puree and local Dutch Cream potatoes

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.

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.

Every mouthful is like an orchestra playing, each element finding its own place harmoniously.

CHILLI AS ANYTHING
Mauritian style king prawn and fish sambal, lotus wrapped rice and green papaya salad

Here comes again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FLOURLESS BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TORTE
With brûléed fresh figs, house made ice cream and organic raw cocoa

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.

Another view

LEMON MYRTLE AND NATIVE FINGER LIME PANNACOTTA
With ginger and finger lime syrup

And finally, please bear with me.

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.

I can't wait to go back!

[Holiday] Mongers Gourmet Fish and Chips, Byron Bay

2011-06-22T09:31:00.002+10:00

Mongers Fish and Chips
Bay Lane
(behind Beach Hotel)
Byron Bay

Now this place is known by many names; Gourmet fish & chips, Mongers, Fishmongers fish & chips; probably all host of many others I don't know about by the locals. Anyhows, I don't really care.

Bay Lane; a laneway of dining establishments.

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.

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).

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..........

There were also blackboard specials near the register.

Half dozen Sydney Rocks $12 (swimming in broken shells)

Now, you might wonder how I put up three (identical?) photos of the fish dish. Truth is I can't tell which is which.

Story was we ordered 2 different kinds of fish, one pan fried, one grilled, one spicy, one with herb/nut rub and different sauces.

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....

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.....

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.

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.

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.

[Holiday] Bamboo Restaurant, Santai Casuarina

2011-06-21T09:53:00.002+10:00

Santai Resort

9 Dianelle Drive
Casuarina
NSW2487
Website: http://www.santairesort.com.au/index.php

When I go on holiday, I like to do online extensive research for I am a control freak -_-".

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.

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).

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?

The apartments were exactly as pictured on the website, however, it was letdown by dirty balconies with worn-out rusty lounger with stained cushion.

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.

I will rate it as 4 star, nice and comfortable but far from 'luxury'.

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.

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.

So we drove over to check out Salt village and the stretch of restaurants, horror, horror, none were opened!!

Disgruntled on empty stomachs at 2.30pm, we made our way to Santai hoping to grab a bite at the resort.

More horror! The restaurant is not opened!! We ended up muching through chocolates and chips that I brought for TV snacks.

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.

Duck

Fish

Kid's fish and chips

Cheesecake

Chocolate mousse with coffee jelly (ambiguous ring of cocoa powder)

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.

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.

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.

Umm, good luck I hope they do well.

[Holiday] Byron Bay Farmers Market

2011-06-20T11:34:00.004+10:00

Mention Byron Bay and it conjures up images of surf and stretches of beaches.

But for a foodie, the MUST visit places is often the local delis and farmers markets.

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.

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.

However look closely and you will find some gems.

The fresh kind of fruit sticks/roll-ups. And available in ice-blocks.

Organic brown rice stall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And our lunch choice at a local upmarket fish and chip shop did not fare any better...........

[Brisbane] Mizu. Bellissimo.

2011-06-20T10:50:00.005+10:00

Mizu
2 Macquarie Street
Teneriffe BRISBANE
Open 7 days a week lunch and dinner
07 3254 0488

Bellissimo Coffee

30 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 6pm

When I think of having Japanese food, I always think of Mizu first.

Tonkatsu bento box $24

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.

Special lunch bento box $28

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

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.

The dressing for the salad is tasty and tangy and they sell it by the bottles at the counter.

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.

Hearty different breakfast which you will find nowhere else.

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).

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.

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.

Do give Bellissimo a go next time you are looking for good coffee.

[Brisbane] Bread basket, Banetton Bakery

2011-06-01T10:31:00.005+10:00

Got all this for only $19! from http://www.jumponit.com/brisbane.

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).

Wooh, flour heaven and thigh nightmare.

[risbane] Burger Urge, New Farm

2011-06-01T09:59:00.002+10:00

Burger Urge
542 Brunswick Street
New Farm QLD 4005
(07) 3254 1655

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.

Zorba the Greek lamb burger with sweet potato fries

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.

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.

ABC chicken burge with potato fries

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.

Al-fresco seating available out the shop-front, however you'll have to eat and endure every pedestrian's stare...

[Bisbane] La Linea Caffe, Coorparoo

2011-05-11T10:07:00.003+10:00

La Linea Caffe
200 Old Cleveland Road
Coorparoo QLD 4151
Tel:(07) 3847 6111

Chocolate and macademia cake

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.

Cake base is soft and fluffy, cream icing smooth and light.

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........

[Brisbane] Freestyle Tout, Emporium

2011-05-11T09:57:00.002+10:00

Freestyle Tout
Emporium
50/1000 Ann Street
Fortitude Valley, 4006
Tel: [07]3252 0214

After lunch at Guzman, we strolled to Freestyle Tout for our sweet fix.

A Little Bit of Queensland; macadamia white chocolate slice with caramel sauce &
white-chocolate-caramel-macadamia ice cream

Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake; with chocolate sauce, mixed berries, raspberry sorbet & chocolate sail

All desserts at AUD$15.90.

[Brisbane] Guzman Y Gomez

2011-04-15T13:28:00.005+10:00

Guzman Y Gomez
Emporium
1000 Ann Street
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
P: (07) 3188 1701

Website: Guzman Y Gomez

Takeaway joint with al-fresco seating.

Soft tacos, 3 for $10.50

Filling of your choice, black beans and salsa in soft tortilla. My favourite is the spicy chicken guerrero.

Burrito $10.50

Spiced and herbed rice, cheddar cheese, black bean, filling of your choice and salsa rolled in soft tortilla.

Black beans slightly hard, They could do with longer cooking times.

Frozen margarita $8.50

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.

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.

[Brisbane] Soman, not for the faint-hearted

2011-04-15T13:13:00.002+10:00

Soman
18 Sunny Ct Shop 22
Sunnybank, 4109

Duck pieces (head to tail -_- ") in spicy sauce

Steamed spare-ribs in gluinous rice

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.

Pumpkin in salted duck egg yolk sauce

Steamed and deep-fried mantou

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.

Having said that, the flavours were not bad, it will be agreeable to those who like spicy and can stomach super oily food.

[Brisbane] Kim Thanh on Hardgrave Rd, Westend

2011-04-06T14:20:00.008+10:00

Kim Thanh
Address: 93 Hardgrave Road West End Q 4101
Phone: 07 3844 4954

Opening Days: Monday to Sunday Public Holidays (Fr. R:5:30pm)

Web: http://www.kimthanhrestaurant.com.au/kimthanh/default.htm

I can't believe its taken me this long to write about Kim Thanh.

They have been operating for 20 years, obviously got a winning recipe in hand.

Located at the far end of the complex, it's hard for me to go past Trang's aromatic herbal duck noodle soup.

Been to Quan Thanh probably twice, not really impressed.

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.

Its not until I saw Gastronomy Gal's post on Kim Thanh that made me decided to give it a go.

GG did a fantastic write-up detailing the restaurant's history, personnel and their approach to food. It certainly sparked my interest.

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.

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.

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.

Duck noodle soup

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 :-(.

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.

Salt and pepper calamari

The serving was huge, calamari was tender but batter was a let down, its was soft and soggy.

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.

Ecclectic cafe on the Hardgrave stretch.

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.

[Brisbane] Mos Burger arrives in Brisbane!

2011-04-04T17:36:00.003+10:00

Mos Burger has finally arrived!

Its found its first Aussie home in Sunnybank Plaza. Next to HSBC by the roundabout.

Oh, it's a Japanese burger chain if you don't know it already.

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.

Since readers are irritated with pixelated face, I will leave the photos untouched from now on.

So if your face is shown in my photo and you want me to take it down, please drop me a line.

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.

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.

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.

[Brisbane] Piefection

2011-03-22T09:45:00.005+10:00

Piefection
1373 Logan Road,
Mt. Gravatt Central
Qld 4122

Website: http://www.piefection.com.au/

From the top, chicken and vegetables $4.80, lamb and rosemary $4.95 and JD BBQ pork rib pie $4.95.

The family's favourite has got to be the JD bbq pork rib pie. Punchy sauce and tender meat, it' a winner!

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.

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.

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.

You can opt to have mushy peas and mashed potato to go with your pies to make a more filling meal.

[Brisbane] Coorparoo markets

2011-03-16T10:44:00.003+10:00

Coorparoo Markets click for details

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.

Very well-stocked deli, everything you would expect to see/find in a fine deli and more. A wonderful additon to the market.

Boutique coffee stall.

My absolute favourite at the market. Wide range of Greek sweets and delicacies. Not to be missed if you were in the market.

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.

Level 1, you will find mish-mash stalls, selling everything from handbags to handmade soaps to kitchen stuff to old records and more.

Greek sweets from 'Mad about Greek'.

I especially love the shortbread crescent.

Hazelnut eyes and pistachio nut bread from Mama Marilena. 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.

[Brisbane] Cafe Latino

2011-03-10T12:55:00.005+10:00

Don Churro/Cafe Latino
Shop 1 / 973 Logan Road
Holland Park

UPDATE 12/3/2011

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.

The signage says Cafe Latino but the website says Don Churro. I don't know which is which. No matter.

Cheese empanada $6

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.

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.

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.'

Yes, the girl has skill :-(. Grrrrrr.

This patron came in some 10 minutes after me and got his order BEFORE me.

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.

Princess refused to eat the churros and the chocolate sauce. Normally we'd fight for every single bite.

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.

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.

I am sure there are fans out there. Just not suiting our palate. We still like the churros at Eumundi market and QVM best.

Hasta la vista. Not.

[Brisbane] Caffe e gelato Milany

2011-03-04T17:48:00.003+10:00

Caffe e Gelato Milany
53 Racecourse Road, Hamilton, QLD 4007
p: 3268 2082
website: http://www.gelato-milany.com.au/

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.

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.

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.

Lots of flavours on offer, the most interesting being 'pink bubblegum'. I didn't try it though but I might.

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.........

Cute 'Pinocchio' for the kids. Princess ALWAYS want lemon and I chose watermelon cos you're allowed to choose two flavours.

Mini banana split (I chose pistachio and 'Milany' which is butterscotch. YUM)

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.

Tacky decor aside, the gelati is great! Princess declared Milany as her favourite gelati shop in town. Nuff said.

*********

Yesterday, Samantha Perkins said... in my Melbourne post in 2008(!!!)really(?), people still interested???! Seriously, I am honoured :-)))):-

I notice you pixelate people's faces in most/all your street photos.....why?
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!.

You do realise it's okay to take shots of people in public places?
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.....

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
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!!!

[Brisbane] Boutique market at Portside Wharf, Hamilton

2011-03-03T12:40:00.003+10:00

Lifestyle boutique market at Portside Wharf, every second and fourth Sunday of the month.

So why is the food-obsessed rabbit find herself at a lifestyle market?

Ta-da, these lovely macarons from Rafael Silva! They are $2 each and sold in packets of six and four.

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.

[Brisbane] The Deli New Farm

2011-02-25T16:00:00.003+10:00

The Deli New Farm
900 Brunswick Street
New Farm, QLD 4005

Website: The Deli

Calamari linguini $17.50

Linguini tossed in anchovy & chilli sauce, garlic & Italian herbs with grilled chilli calamari.

Italian apple cake

Highlight of the cake is the berry compote served by the side.

Great place to chill out and people-watching. The cafe can get very busy, a lot of traffic in that little Brunswick complex.

[Noosa] Burgers va va vroom at Burger Bar

2011-02-22T11:39:00.006+10:00

Burger Bar
Shop 4 Thomas Street
Noosaville – Qld – 4566

Website: Burger Bar

Last meal in Noosa and we opted for burgers.

At our time of visit, it was newly opened so I didn't know what to expect.

Lunch burger special $10

We got the chicken version with chunky chips served with homemade tomato sauce.

Honestly it didn't look much when arrived on the table but it sure smelled incredible.

One bite and I know why. The bun has been buttered and toasted lightly. The chicken pieces grilled to perfection. And those chips are the winner! So good I wanted a large bowl all to myself!

A man and son waiting for their takeaway burger munched on the chips and straightaway ordered another portion.

However, I'd say ditch the homemade tomato sauce. It's time consuming and didn't exactly tasted stellar. Chips still go well with good old ketchup.

Lamb burger - Top Bun $14

Needless to say, simply delicious!! Perfect moist lamb patty with delicious zingy coleslaw in warm buttery toasted bun. Yum.

I can't wait to go back to Noosa just to have the burger and chips again!

The owner/chef came out and asked everyone in the shop how were their burgers??

Oh, oui, they more than satisfy.

[Noosa] Bistro C

2011-02-10T14:03:00.003+10:00

Bistro C Restaurant & Bar
'On The Beach'
49 Hastings Street
Noosa Heads

After coffee at Costa, we went to check out other shops on Duke St and drove around the area, house-spotting.

Lunch was at the extremely buzzing Bistro C just next to Berardo's Bistro.

Local seafood Portuguse style-pan-seared with garlic, chilli and tomatoes served with crusty bread and saffron rice A$32

Seafood was extremely fresh and tender, cooked to perfection. Rice is fluffy and fragrant. The crusty bread is very tasty on its own but even better to mop up the olive oil sauce infused with the seafood. YUM!

Algerian style duck leg on pistachio polenta with buttered spinach, date and lime relish and pomegranate jus A$25

Well presented dish, taste even better. Tender duck, smooth polenta, smoky and savoury sauce. All went very well with each other. At first I thought the description had too many things going on but the flavours just worked so well!

Calamari and chips from kid's menu

Extremely tender calamari, executed perfectly and chips is crunchy and fluffy.

Flourless chocolate and macadamia pudding with honeycomb bacci and raspberry jus A$15

The food was SO good, we had to have dessert eventhough the tummy was very full. And boy did the dessert deliver!

Very tasty warm pudding, honeycomb was flakey light, bacci mousse smooth and light, not stingy on raspberry jus. I hate it when some restaurant's menu say 'warm' pudding and it came out cold and most restaurant will only do smears of raspberry coulis.

I am pleasantly surprised when dessert came. Beautiful both to look at and savour.

I want to applaud Bistro C's chefs for bringing out such high calibre enjoyable food.

[Baking] Chocolate mudcake

2011-02-10T13:51:00.002+10:00

Nobody can resist a rich moist chocolate cake.

Adapted from SHOP fashion cookbook; Rachel Ruddick's Italian mudcake.

400g dark chocolate
250g butter
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup brandy
6 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
2 cups almond meal
250g dark chocolate, extra
1 cup thickened cream

1. Pregeat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 23cm square cake tin.
2. Melt the chocolate with the butter in a large bowl over a pan of hot water, stirring to combine. Remove from the heat and add the water and brandy, stir until mooth, then allow to cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg wolks and sugar until thick and pale. Fold through the chocolate mixture with the almond meal.
4. Whip the egg whites in medium bowl until soft peak forms. Gently fold the whites through the chocolate mixture.
5. Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for one to one and a quarter hours until cooked. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tin.
6. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Melt the extra chocolate with the cream in a bowl over a pan of hot water, and stir until smooth. Refrigerate until thickened slightly and pour over cooled cake.

This is a sinfully rich cake (read: fattening), indulge with caution ;-)

[Noosa] Costa Noosa Espresso

2011-02-09T14:13:00.003+10:00

Costa Noosa Espresso
26 Duke Street
Sunshine Beach
Noosa
QLD 4567

For info, visit http://www.costanoosa.com.au/index.php

What better way to start a windy and chilly day on holiday than a cup of good coffee.

Latte, cappuccino and custard tart

Seriously good coffee! Make sure you drop by if you ever found yourself in Sunshine Coast.

[Noosa] Amo Gelato

2011-01-27T11:11:00.002+10:00

Amo Gelato
Corner Thomas Street & Gympie Terrace
8am to 10pm Daily

Went in search of dessert after dinner at Maisie's.

Mmm, I'd love to try Costa but I can't have coffee at night.

This is one scoop, very generous. Flavours are natural but less than intense. I think there are few places selling gelato in the vicinity but Amo is definitely worth stopping by if you are in the area.

[Brisbane] Little Hong Kong, Sunnybank

2011-01-27T10:56:00.002+10:00

Little Hong Kong
Market Square
Shop 23A
Mains Rd (Cnr Mccullough St)
Sunnybank 4109 QLD

Oriental eatery in Market Square with menu emphasised on roast meat, congee and noodles.

Roast pork belly (siew yoke) and roast pork (char siew) rice served with pickles.

Good roasts with smoky sauce, very tasty. Pickles is palette refreshing, cuts away the fat with its sweet and sour taste.

Cantonese fried noodles

Deep fried noodles with mixed seafood and vegetables drenched in savoury starchy sauce. Very tasty with the crunchy noodle providing an interesting texture.

Vietnam Corner's version of Cantonese fried noodles. The toppings came more than the noodles! Equally tasty.

[Noosa] Maisie's Seafood and Steakhouse

2011-01-22T12:37:00.002+10:00

Maisie's seafood & steakhouse
247 Gympie Terrace
Noosaville
QLD 4566
Telephone : (07) 5449 7497

Long established restaurant popular with locals and tourists. Decor is dated but has its charm being housed in a 100+ year old building.

Battered barramundi with salad

Barramundi was sweet and well-cooked. Salad light and refreshing. Good choice by Big King.

Nuggets and fries from children menu

Maisies fisherman's basket $ 26.50

I was very hungry and fisherman's basket on the menu looked enticing. The thing was MASSIVE. My jaw dropped when it came. Suddenly I was not that hungry anymore. Too much food to be taken in sight.

While waiting for the food to come, I spied lobster orders being ferried to tables by cheerful and friendly staff. I commented to Big King how small the lobster was and how to fill one's tummy?

Now I wished I had ordered the lobster when the humongous plate/bowl of fisherman's basket was place in front of me. Orz........I struggled to finish everything.

We walked along Gympie Terrace after dinner and spied the very savvy and buzzing IS Tapas Bar few doors away.

Next time.

[Brisbane] Breakfast at Sunnybank Oriental

2011-01-21T11:18:00.002+10:00

Sunnybank Oriental
Sunnybank Plaza
Shop 68
Mains Rd (Cnr Mccullough St)
Sunnybank 4109 QLD

When you are in need of congee and dim sum tidbits for breakfast, this is the place to be.

They offer a range of breakfast sets from A$5.90 onwards including a hot drink.

Congee and fried noodles set

Dim sum set

You place your order and pay upfront at the drink bar, the staff will issue you a number. Find a table and sit down, staff will bring your order to your table.

Taste is ok for cheap and convenient food. Parking is plentiful.

Donate to the flood relief appeal

2011-01-16T10:36:00.004+10:00

I don't know how to begin.

This harrowing mother nature disaster has knocked on Queensland's doors.

Not only did homes and businesses went under, many the city's multi-million infrastructure (Coronation Drive possibly going to slide) and massive developmets over the last few years faced massive destruction.

I am very lucky my suburb wasn't affected. I have been worried as I live close to the city. Just five minutes up the road, it's a different world..........

Life as usual in my suburb with people going about their lives. It's hard to imagine, just four days ago, I was in the local shopping centres and there was a mad dash to the shop with people clearing out milk (including UHT and tinned condensed and evaporated milk) and bread shelves and frozen chips and vegetables. It was sheer madness, I was so shocked and only left with a jar of instant coffee, a packet of biccies and a bag of frozen chips. People went away with trolly full and I was the only one with three items...........Seriously I was in shock.

Yesterday I went out to check on the supermarket and relieved to find stock has been replenished with no sign of price increase. Petrol stations have also reopened after being out for the last three days.

Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor have been dealing with the situation very well, kudos to them. The TV channels has been doing a great coverage to keep us updated.

Please give whatever you can to the flood relief , Queensland need your help and we thank you.

[Noosa] Mod Oz at Berardo's on the Beach

2011-01-12T14:48:00.004+10:00

Berardo's Bistro,
on the beach resort,
hastings street,
noosa heads, q 4567

opening hours
monday - sunday
breakfast from 7.30am
lunch from 12pm - 4pm
dinner from 5pm

Web: http://www.berardos.com.au/Bistro/Berardos/Home

Stunning view over Noosa main beach

Linguine, Local Prawns, Mussels, Scallops, Chilli, Garlic & Parsley $24(entree size)

One of the mussel had beard and hurt my tooth filling, ouch!! The dish came out less than warm, I heard the service bell rang three times before anyone bothered to walk over and serve the thing. Truly disappointing service.

Board special: Duck in filo served with olive tapenade and sweet potato mash

This was also entree size, tastewise, not agreeing with my palate. I like clean and uncomplicated flavours. But sometimes complicated can be good, all depends on the chef's skill.

Kid's menu: Fish and chips

This was horrible, the fish was cooked to death and had a rubbery texture. Very weird.

I read so much about Berardo's, all good things and came with HIGH expectation but left without bothering to try the desserts (a first for me!) eventhough the lunch hardly filled our tummy.

The idea of visiting the restaurant was quickly scrapped after this.

I am not saying the food was below par, well, except the fish, just you know, not my type of food.

呵呵相見不如懷念; 美食可是非常主觀的.

Lazed on the beach after lunch.

The only sunny day in two weeks. Started raining again the following late morning.

If GOD has a voice...............

2011-01-11T16:52:00.005+10:00

I always thought he would sound like Andrea Bocelli.

Until I heard Miljenko Matijevic.

Such a talented man with a hauntingly beautiful voice, no-one/nothing in the world over can compare (in my opinion, of course) with. Pushed Freddie Mercury right off my top vocalist of all time with a vengeance.

The man should be doing greater things than just cover albums and receives/deserves so much more accolades than the world has bestowed him.

It's the sort of sound/voice/music I think the world should be filled with. Well, my world, at least.

震撼 again and again.

THIS IS the voice of GOD. Period.

[Eumundi] Chocolate overdose at Cocoa Chocolat

2011-01-11T12:42:00.002+10:00

Cocoa Chocolat Pty Ltd
Etheridge Street
Eumundi
Queensland 4562
Australia
T: +61 7 5442 7841

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

Website: http://www.cocoachocolat.com.au/index.html

The shop was empty when I entered. But a succession of customers suddenly started to stream in and the spacious shop was suddely full with hardly any moving space after five minutes.

Lucky I was there first and got served immediately after quickly scanning the selection and making my choices.

Quite a number of customers looked and left without buying. I reckon it's the biggest loss of their day!!

The shop was so busy, the owner herself came out and helped to serve.

There was a good selection and I brought home quite a few to try.

They were all very good. My favourite chocolate shop so far in Australia.

I recommend the passion fruit chocolate in either white, milk or dark chocolate. Princess liked the strawberry cream. The flavour was intense and quality of chocolate was superb. Big King liked the boozy ones.

[Brunei] Random dinner at Chempaka

2011-01-11T12:14:00.002+10:00

Dinner with friends in a make-shift eating place set up in owner's backyard.

Fried chicken wings coated in salted egg yolk.

Deep fried chicken fritters served with lettuce leaves and sweet chilli sauce.

Steamed spareribs.

Stir fried eggplant with minced pork.

[Singapore] Ramen Santouka

2011-01-05T15:09:00.003+10:00

Ramen Santouka
Central
6 Eu Tong Sen St, SG 059817
6224 0668

Subway: Clarke Quay

Open Daily 11am-9:30pm

Very busy at weekday lunch service. We waited for 20 minutes for a table. Some valuable time was lost looking for the restaurant which was tucked in an obscure corner of a side elevator. So we didn't manage to beat the lunch crowd :-(. It didn't help much the place is tiny, only about 20 plus seats.

The restaurant overlooked Singapore River. It will be a plus if you score the window seats.

Fried chicken with shoyu (soy sauce) ramen S$23

I had the fried chicken ramen set with a regular sized ramen portion, original set is a small bowl. I was rather shocked when the fried chicken came out looking overdone and each piece the size of my palm!

I needn't have worried, the chicken pieces were well marinated and juicy. For an extra dollar, you get a komi tamago, braised egg. It's good but I wished the yolk was more runny.

Tokusen Toroniku Ramen S$19.50

This was what drawn me to Santouka, grilled pork neck, limited to about 60 portions a day. I was curious about it being the restaurant's specialty and limited. Worthy of the price tag?

It didn't look much when arrived. I put a piece in my mouth (I know, extravagance much!), a wave of euphoria washed over me. Oh my gawd, the meat was soooo tender and melt in the mouth, it was so good, I wanted to swallow my tongue. I even ate the fat attached (I never ever eat fatty meat, I remove every bit of fat from meat before putting into my mouth), I don't like the taste and feel of fats in my mouth. But the fat on the grilled pork neck was so tasty, it didn't taste like fat at all. I can't believe I am talking about 'fats'.

Ooooh, I'll be back.

Mmm, on my next top ramen haunt list is Ippudo. I hope it lives up to its hype.

Eumundi Market

2011-01-05T14:46:00.002+10:00

School holiday in september 2010, weather was horrible, much more so than the last few weeks. It rained throughout the whole holiday with some scary thunderstorms on certain days.

No matter, we still feel like a beach holiday.

Road to Sunshine Coast, weather was dark and gloomy in the morning with some drizzle.

If you are travelling from Brisbane or south, you will definitely go past Ettamogah Pub at Aussie World.

Weather suddenly cleared when we arrived at Eumundi and we saw the sun for the first time in many days.

We came on a Wednesday, I was disappointed, there were lots of stalls but mostly arts, crafts and knick-knacks. There were only a few fresh produce and food stalls.

Spices and sweets stall. I bought some chocolates.

I bought only four to try. Heaven awaits me further up the road....

We bought churros with chocolate dip minus the cinnamon sugar. They were really good.

We saw lots of stalls of this kind in most markets we visited except of course the purely food and fresh produce markets. Those toddler's clothings were so cute. They are not cheap, most items selling at more than A$30.

We finished at Eumundi market after doing one round, the sun was shining bright and it got rather sweaty.

Next, we went up the road to look for Cocoa Chocolat.

[Singapore] The Buffet Hotpot @ M Hotel

2011-01-02T11:11:00.003+10:00

M Hotel Singapore
81 Anson Road
Singapore 079908

Hotpot dinner at The Buffet, level 2.

Chicken broth and tom yum

Once we sat down, the server quickly brought over a bowl of drunken prawns for each diner.

Seafood was extremely fresh.

Homemade green spinach noodle is good.

Small selection of desserts including mousses, fruits, nyonya kuih, durian penyet and ice-cream.

[Brisbane] Era Bistro

2010-12-16T10:30:00.004+10:00

Era Bistro
102 Melbourne Street
South Brisbane (Cnr Merivale Street)
phone: (07) 3255 2033

Before going out to a restaurant, I like to peruse their online menu (to death :^D) and always already know what I wanted before stepping into the door.

Recently Era Bistro's menu looks very inviting. I went to check it out and decided to try its pre-show dinner to get a little taste of what they can offer. The experience did not disappoint.

Pre-show dinner: $49 per person, in by 6pm and out by 7.15pm, choice of one main and one dessert from a seection of three respectively.

If I see duck or lamb on the menu, I look no further.

Roasted dusk breast and confit leg

The dish came out looking good and tastewise was good too. Breast meat was nicely pink and flavorful while the confit skin was crispy with tender meat. Sauce was savoury and smoky and it goes well with the duck.

Lamb loin with orecchiette pasta with jewel vegetables

The lamb was lightly marinated and then pan fried, delicious. Lamb was done medium, I breathe a sigh of relief when it came out sans the blood. Soup was tasty albeit a bit murky looking.

Dark Chocolate ‘Toblerone’ Parfait & Caramel Popcorn

Good parfait and ice-cream, smooth and creamy. Caramel popcorn flaccid and unnecessary. Something creative like a chocolate sand/snow or even praline would be more engaging.

Crème Brulee of Coffee, Milk & Cookies

This plate comes out boring but brulee was very well made with a crunchy sugar coating. Half the fun of eating brulee was the spoon hitting the coating and hearing that 'crack'. Milk ice cream like the chocolate version above was smooth and creamy and the 'sand' around it was a nice touch which lend another dimension to the otherwise plain ice-cream. Again cookies was unnecessary, they are quite hard and adds nothing to the otherwise perfect dessert but its great for the little one to graze on.

There is no children menu but the waitress said the kitchen can whip up some child friendly food. We ordered a ham and pineapple pizza for Princess and it came out big enough to feed two adults!! It was very nice of the restaurant willing to cater to customers need.

A good restaurant with good food and excellent service.

Oh, before I forget. A reader wanted to know where to get stroopwafels. You can get them from Pennisi Cuisine, 17 Balaclava Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 and certain Woolworths stores on the continental food section.

[Brisbane] Fishmonger's Wife

2010-12-01T10:20:00.004+10:00

The Fishmonger's Wife
6/86 Lytton Road
East Brisbane QLD 4170
(07) 3891 6464
12pm to 8pm Sunday to Thursday
12pm to 8:30pm Friday and Saturday
Website: http://www.thefishmongerswife.com/

Crumbed seafood basket AUD17.90

You get 4 whiting, 3 calamari, 2 prawns, chips, lemon and tartare sauce. Add AUD0.50 for beer battered chips.

Battered king snapper (AUD13.95) with beer battered chips (AUD4.25)

If I see snapper or red emperor on the menu, I looked no further. The batter was deliciously crunchy but the fish inside was even better. Soft buttery smooth and melt in the mouth flesh, the cooking time was spot time, few seconds more, the fish will be overcooked and few seconds less the thicker part will not be cooked through.

Beer battered chips are equally good, none of the soggy chips you expect from regular fish & chips shop. Crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They were still a little crunchy when cold, amazing.

Salt, pepper & garlic calamari AUD12.90

Cooked to perfection and nicely seasoned.

Kid's pack - 3 calamari and chips AUD5.95

Potato scallop @AUD0.95

Perhaps my favourite item from the shop. I have a soft spot for potato scallop.

******
The Fishmonger's Wife actually stopped by and asked me of my opinion on the food.

To be honest everything was soooo good, I refrained myself from saying too much (but has since updated with some comments, I do think people really want to know). If you read food directory sites or past reviews done, lots of angry voices from other states for the fact that The Fishmonger's Wife has won the coveted much-deserved Best fish & chips in Australia.

Now I haven't been to ALL fish & chips places in Australia so I don't want to form an opinion on that lest I start a war.

This place has become our family's regular fish & chip haunt and we don't even live in the vicinity. That says a lot when the other 2 members of my family are not even seafood eater.

You know, gotta try it to believe it.

[Singapore July2010] TWG tea

2010-11-30T10:02:00.003+10:00

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
ION Shopping Mall
2 Orchard Turn, #02 - 21
Singapore 238801

We ordered English Breakfast tea and Darjeeling tea. Both were very good. A pot of English Breakfast is SG10.50.

Apple and blackcurrant gateau

Apple mousse with some tea flavoured sponge and a layer of blackcurrant and some tea gelee. We had this in a tea set for SGD17.

I saw a lot of patron being put off by this cake. Their face grimaced when they saw the colour of the cake at the counter/patisserie trolley in the dining section. Some waiter was clueless and told patron it's pistachio mousse.

It was a good choice by me, the apple mousse was tangy and refreshing, soft sponge and well flavoured tea infused blackcurrent gelee.

Those grimaced missed out.

Chocolate fondant with ice-cream and butterscotch sauce SGD10

This a chocolate fondant? More like a chocolate cake. Very chocolatey, very more-ish.

Tea flavoured macarons @SGD2

These are tasty, flavours are good but I think the shell ought to be lighter.

The waiter who took my order was rude by telling me IMMEDIATELY when I finish my order and put down my menu,"We have a minimum order of a pot of tea each."

Eh hello, I already ordered A POT of English breakfast tea and straightaway tell him,"You HAVE to take this gentleman's order too (eyeing Big King who's still reading the menu), he hasn't even started!!"

Do we look like three paupers? He didn't even apologized. I was so mad, it's the first time I felt offended/mistreated in a dining estabishment. That include hawker/foodcourt/family restaurants/fine dining all over the world I have dined. I should refuse to pay service charge. Ah well, it's hard to be mean.......

And next 2 person table only had ONE POT of TEA on their table. Discriminate much, I feel like drafting my complain letter/e-mail now 哼,等着.

[Singapore July 2010] Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck

2010-11-18T10:32:00.003+10:00

Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant (Paragon)
290 Orchard Road
#05-42/45 Paragon
Tel: 6732 7838

As the tacky restaurant name suggests, they specialise in peking duck.

Duck (SGD68, whole) is roasted in lychee wood, thus the beautiful colour and juicy meat.

Normally I like my duck to at least have some marinades/aromatics, but in this case, it is superb just like the chef doing it au naturale.

We were first served the skin, advised to be eaten dipped in granulated sugar. It was a bit odd, but the skin was superbly crispy.

Rest of the sliced duck meat with skin were served in a duck plate, just like Quanjude.

The meat is moist and not too fatty, delicious eaten with cucumber and spring onions wrapped in soft and fluffy pancake with a smear of hoisin sauce. Sheer heaven!

Beancurd in crab roe and crab meat (SGD28)

Forgettable. My bad, it was not crab-by season. But I hanker after this exquisite dish as nobody does it in Brisbane.

Fried noodle with duck meat (SGD10)

This is second course of peking duck. Leftover duck meat on the bone was used in fried noodles.

Spinach beancurd (SGD14)

Homemade beancurd with spinach sitting on a bed of more spinach with a mushroom sauce. Default order in most Singapore restaurants. Imperial Treasure version never fail to please.

Another of my default order in Imperial Treasure chain of restaurant is deep fried yellow fish (SGD8.50 not pictured).

It is a small fish with sweet succulent meat and little bones. Doesn't look good on a plate but one taste, you'll be hooked forever.

[Sydney Jun2010] Adriano Zumbo

2010-11-16T12:53:00.003+10:00

Adriano Zumbo needs no introduction. He is Australia's answer to the world's famous Pierre Hermes.

I almost didn't go to his patisserie in Balmain due to rain and illness. But on the last day in Sydney, there was only a drizzle since morning and I felt better so Princes and me hopped on the bus outside QVB heading to Balmain.

I was so excited when I first saw the pink sign and the oh so tiny shop, so cute.

Everything looked so good behind the cabinet. Oh, calamity, what to choose??!

But I made my choice quickly as I excluded the chocolatey and caramely. I was not too happy when a Korean girl dragging her just-met skinhead european boyfriend squeezed past me, went straight up to the counter, cut everyone else's queue. Nobody chastised her but I gave her a dirty look. And she later returned some at the Adriano's chocolate cafe three doors up. Shot some murderous glances at Princess when she started singing loudly because she's happy.

Eh hello, she was the rude one in the first place, so I stared hard at the big pockmark on her face and fake some mock laughs. To be honest, I don't really think much of it in the first place. I don't judge a person by his or her looks.

Coincidentally, one of Adriano's girl staff also has a mark on her face which cover the bridge of her nose all the way across the eye and to the temple. But I find her pretty. Chinese has a saying "相由心生" which roughly means your inside will reflect on your looks.

The mean pockmark girl may think it's just queue cutting what's the big deal? Well, it's a matter of principle. If you are in a hurry or have some valid reasons and tell me in the first place, I wouldn't mind to let anyone go first. But if you do it purposely, it's a no-no in my book.

What a great pear of...........:Almond creme, pear vanilla creme patisserie, pate a choux sable, pear gel, almond crunch & almond struesel

You might recognise this if you follow Australia's Junior Masterchef. Glorious beauty, pear-fection.

This was set as the final pressure test for the two finalists, Jack and Isabella (last night) to determine who's the winner. Both the kids' versions looked really good. So talented and so young!

I think people should stop laughing at Queenlanders being the bogan in everything especially in the gourmet food/fine dining scene. The rest of the country was outrage when best fish & chips is won by Fishmonger's Wife in East Brisbane, best coffee a close tie between Merlo and Campos.

With recent major competitions on TV like Junior Masterchef, My Kitchen Rules and Australian Idol etc won by Queenlanders, I think people should really come to terms with the fact that Queenlanders are a force to be reckoned with.

Cross section pic of pear custard and pear jelly filled profiteroles sitting on a praline crunch base and separated by marzipan and white chocolate.

Roses are red, mandies are orange: Biscuit macaron, rose creme brulee, mandarin curd, mandarin creme legere

I also bought some macarons but they were wolfed down so quick, I forgot to take photos. To be honest, looking at the macarons rustic shells (top not smooth), I didn't have high hopes. But when you bit in, the shells are so light and slightly chewy and the ganache filling packed some serious flavour, it's one of the best if not the best I have tasted so far. For the first time, I fight with Princess for every bite. Safe to say, Big King never get to see even the crumbs hehe.

Words can't begin to decribe how good, great these work of arts are. You have got to make the PILGRIM yourself to his unassuming shop in Balmain to go on a gastronomic journey.

I can't wait for his book, out 2011!!

[Brisbane] God food and wine show 2010

2010-11-12T11:47:00.003+10:00

Good food and wine show, a foodie's heaven.

Celebrity theatre. I got tickets (free) to see Matt Moran and of course, George and Gary. I am so excited!

George's and Gary's shows were extremely popular. I was kind of shocked when there were some audiences who admitted they never watch Masterchef or that much interested in food. I mean hello! what are they doing there?? or at a food and wine show for that matter???!! Oh well, I guess all the free wine-tasting was already well-worth the ticket price. Not to mention free tasting of ice-cream, smoked salmon, ducks, all kinds of delicious dips (I am liking aged balsamic vinegar) and regional produce, all very exciting. A great day out!!

Matt Moran was very funny. He made lots of sarcastics jokes (in a good way) about George, Gary, Manu and vegetarians. He gave out a bottle of wine to a vegetarian, reason being,"they best get drunk when they go to a restaurant because there is nothing for them to look forward too." He might have offended some vegetarians along the way but I think he was spot on and I thought his cynical jokes were really humorous.

Matt Moran making some jokes on George. He had the whole theatre roaring.

Jacob's Creek's stand was just outside the celebrity theatre, I had several tastings there, hehehe.

There was a celebrity cupcake decorating war and Matt Moran won. I was disappointed Manu's cupcakes didn't look half as good as the man himself!

For a video link, click here.

Gourmet Garden cooking class.

I am seriously loving Outback Spirits stuff. They sell chutney's, sauces and jams with an indigenous food theme. My picks are pickled wild lime and green tomatoes chutneys. I tried the jams and they were delicious too.

They are based in Victoria and hadn't really done much show in the past. We are so lucky to have them at the Brisbane expo this year.

I heard lots of women discussing 'the rice cube guy'. Looker, dish, hot were some of the words used. Personally, I reckon the 'Chilean Food' guy gave him a run for his money. Smokey dark Latino, mmmmm.... Er, I should be talking about food and er....wine.

Only a housewife like me and the pensioners were interested, hahaha. They are doing a fantastic deal and I think this is one of the best household invention in many years.

Never-ending queue at Ben & Jerry's stand but it moved quickly.

Full generous scoop for free!! How generous! I can't say much for Movenpick nearby as they only offer a miserable teeny tiny taste on a teeny tiny spoon and they didn't acknowledge me or offer me a taste when I went to check out the flavours they offer(I was alone in front of their chiller). Later when I pass by again, I saw the Movenpick lady frantically serving a group of LV clad, high hair and expensive scarve draping across body, ladies. And I pass by again (the place is small!), they are serving Birkin clad lady and suit-up gentlemen. Oh man, I shouldn't have left my bubblequilt flap bag with double C logo at home, pffft.

Some very serious liquer.......served neat on the rock in tasting cup, wowowo....I knocked back a tiny sip and was light headed instantly. I think the alcohol content was some 46%. I am not used to such strong alcohol, I should carefully check on the bottle before knocking back, er I mean, tasting the stuff on offer.

Granite Belt, I have heard so much about it but when I went to try some relish and wine, I .......

I had tasted so much wine till I can't really remember which is which but there were some which stood out like the Finnish vodka, some strawberry wines I couldn't remember the name and Jacob's Creeks 2010 moscato both blanc and rose. They are so good, I did three tastings before I decided to bring them home.

I only concentrated on tasting sparkling wines and liquer at the show (sigh, there is only so much I can drink because I had to drive and I had a Nespresso to 'sober-up' before heading home kakaka). JC's 2010 moscato were only released two weeks ago, how lucky are we!! I got a free Pete Evan's cookbook for getting the moscato for only $30!

Mayfiels chocolates also had a stand and the chocolates were only $1.60 each! There were lots more stuff I wanted to buy but I was running out of time. I had so much food tasting that I had to forego lunch. What a pity. The exhibitors were really generous with the tasting portion except, you know who.

Nespresso was doing such a good deal at the show, selling Le Cube with the aeroccino for only $299!! Including the rrp$4xx bronze patina model! However, I had a taste of their coffee and wasn't too impressed, I was sooo close to bringing home one. Oh well.

The other exciting exhibitor was Thermomix, as seen on Masterchef and Iron Chef (Australia) but they retail for $1939.............

I am so there GFWS 2011!

[Sydney Jun2010] Mosaic, The Westin Sydney

2010-11-01T10:59:00.003+10:00

It was late when we arrived in Sydney. Raining. That went on for the next 3 days we were there.

At Westin, Big King did his checking in at the counter, Princess running around the lobby. "This place is beautiful, mummy," she kept yeling at me as she ran past me everytime -_-". Arrrrggghhhh, we were like a bunch of country bumpkin. I went straight to check out Calleija's window but the place was shut. I walked across to the GPO heritage wing and try to bath in the history. Eh.... no feel.

There were lots of after work crowds drinking at the bar downstairs. Lots of suits walked around the place especially after 5pm.

Mosaic's advertisement was everywhere, posters, flyers (a whole rack of it!) stating exactly the same thing. The restaurant was promoting their 2 courses for $58 and 3 corses for $68 and a sunday brunch at $65 per person.

We decided to give it a go on our last night there.

Mosaic seafood trilogy

Trilogy is made up of mulloway, mashed beans, potatoes; kingfish with vegetables; and deep-fried yabbies with vegetables.

The fish was well-cooked (kingfish a bit fishy though) and subtly flavoured with clean-tasting consomme style sauce. Vegetables were lightly cooked, nice and fresh. Yabbies were lovely and sweet. I enjoyed this though I can't say they are fantastic or to die-for. It's just well, a nice dinner.

Duck leg, sausages & speck, white beans

I had a nibble on the various items on the plate. Let's just say, the plate was too busy. There were way too many different things around (lots of other things in the beans) and the flavours were all over. I can't even remember what I ate and tasted some 2 minutes after tasting.

Fish and chips

This is Princess' order from the kid's menu. The serving is huge! It could easily feed two adults!!

However, the fish was cooked to death. Fish was hard and grainy, quite difficult to swallow. The batter and the fries were good and crisp though.

Mosaic trilogy

Since this dessert bear the restaurant's name, it's content must be the restaurant's signatures. The trilogy is made up of orange creme brulee, strawberry waffle and lime and white pepper ice-cream.

Creme brulee was nice and smooth, however, the orange flavour was so subtle, it was a little hard to detect. Waffles hard and chewy, strawberries quite tart, very forgettable. Ice-cream texture was good and smooth, lime is tangy and refreshing however, just a tad heavy-handed on the white pepper.

Raspberry tartlet

This was the biggest let-down. Tartlet case was extremely hard, there's no hope of even cutting it with a knife. Fillings was just melted chocolate and fresh raspberries with some nut pieces on top. Lucy from Junior masterchef could beat this with her creations anyday. Blah.

Enough with my rantings, I still think it is good value as we went for the $58 for two course selection deal.

Now the duck leg and the raspberry tartlet are no longer on their menu which is a good riddance, I would say.

[Brisbane] Nudo's on Mary

2010-11-01T10:42:00.002+10:00

Nudo's on Mary
62 Mary St
Brisbane CBD

Once in a while, I have cravings for oily fried kway teow (now, that's never gonna happen in my kitchen) and the place that comes to mind is always Nudo's on Mary.

Not that their version is the oiliest that you can find around. I just like eating their kway teow, plain and simple.

Fried kway teow

Prawn noodle soup

Noodles an vermicelli in spicy prawn broth served with prawns, fish cake, boiled egg and roast pork (char siew).

Lobak

Deep fried pork roll, kind of like spring roll.

[Sydney June 2010] Le Grand Cafe

2010-10-26T12:54:00.002+10:00

Le Grand Cafe
Grd Fl Alliance Française
257 Clarence St
Sydney NSW 2000

After an unfruitful rummaging through $1/$2 Japanese knick-knack shop on Clarence St, we decided to have lunch nearby. I wanted to go to Plan B initially but it is really just a takeaway joint beside Becasse and I didn't want to sit on the street, much too cold and it was drizzling.

So we went across the road and into Le Grand Cafe.

Croque-monsieur - $8.00

Although the cafe wasn't packed and only one other table waiting, the croque monsieur did not arrive some twenty minutes after ordering.

It's just a friggin toasted cheese and ham sandwich, how long can it be?? Sigh, by the time it arrived, my hot chocolate was half gone (I struggled not to finish it) and became cold chocolate. Worse still, the appetite was gone because the chocolate came in a big tall mug. I was full and sick from the chocolate. Grrrr....

Lucky I was sharing with Princess.

Though not hungry, we finished the sandwich quickly. The hot and toasted sandwich with melty cheese was very comfoting on a cold rainy day.

The much awaited desserts quickly arrived after the bread board was cleared.

Petit pot au chocolat - $8.00

Normally I shun chocolatey desserts, chocolate cake, chocolate ice-cream, chocolate whatever, I reject them all. I like to eat just plain chocolate and sometimes with fancy fillings.

But other choices look less appealing so I went for the chocolate pot. Looks plain and boring but the nut praline topping looked and smell delicious.

Digging in, the chocolate was extremely smooth and not too sweet. I understand why when I digged my spoon further in, there is chocolate truffle hidden inside and at the bottom sit a pool of caramel sauce. Surprise much. I quietly squealed inside my head as I revealed the treasure underneath.

Out of this world.

Tarte du jour, strawberry tart - $8.00

Even withough the glace, the strawberries were sweet. Custard a bit hard and too set for my liking. Tart bottom looked hard and heavy. Sure enough, I can't even cut through it with a knife. You will have to really force your knife through and then the pieces will fly away when you succeeded.

In the end I just eat it with my hands and fed Princess. The tart was too big a piece for princess to handle. Strangely, the pastry melted in my mouth and actually quite light on the palette. It was good.

The tart was less memorable, still, it was tasty with nice custard and delicious strawberries.

The chocolate pot is da BOMB!

It's a nice place to chill and away from the hustle and bustle of main street and busy shopping centres and food court nearby.

It you were lucky, you might catch Justin North coming in to check on his crew!

[Shopping] Skinstore Autumn Sale

2010-10-21T11:39:00.003+10:00

Get shopping and fantastic deals on the internet with the strong Australian currency now.

Skinstore from the USA is having a 20% promo on all its products. Its massive savings!

Get your much hyped Clarisonic here, it will be way cheaper than getting it from Myer.

I bought a pink Clarisonic Mia (USD149, before discount) with extra brush heads (2 for USD40 before discount) for only USD151.20. Shipping is only USD14.95 using USPS or if you are desperate to have it within a week use Fedex at USD34.95, ouch! personally I think it's not worth it.

There are also lots of other cult brands but sadly some can't be shipped outside the US like Skinmedica :-(.

Regarding the charger, it can be used in Australia with an adapter, you do not need a step down transformer. Yay, beauty!

Note: this is not a sponsored post nor do I work for Skinstore.

I trawled the net each day for bargains, kakakaka.

[Brisbane] Banneton Bakery, Woolloongabba

2010-10-21T10:54:00.003+10:00

Banneton Bakery
25 Balaclava St
Woolloongabba
Website: http://www.banneton.com.au/

There is also another shop at Ashgrove.

If you have been to Pennisi Cuisine, the Woolloongabba bakery is just two doors away.

If you haven't been to Pennisi, get there NOW!! It's a foodie treasure cove! There are products from all over the world including a chiller cabinet of wonderful cheese, smallgoods and pickled olives, Sugo Mi pizza base, pastizzis, Dutch caramel stroopwaffle (YUM!), nuts and pulses and a whole hoardes of other continental goodies.

Wall of fantastic wood-fired sourdough bread behind the cashier/counter.

My faourite is definitely the New York deli rye. Also available are turkish bread, foccacia, kaiser rolls, baguettes and various sourdough loaves.

They do simple breakfasts on weekends, the menu will be posted at the counter.

Bostok

Weird as the name may sound, this is actually a delicious combination of brioche bread topped with raspberry conserve and frangipane. Brioche is light and cake-like. Princess' favourite.

Blueberry friand

As easy as friand's recipe may look, it is actually quite a skill to get it right. Banneton's version is absolutely spot on. It may look and feel dense and undercooked when you cut into it but once you popped in your mouth, it straightaway crumble and melt away, extremely light on the palate. Now that's a well-made friand.

However..........there are bad friand days at the bakery........oh yes, do not buy if the top hasn't risen to a golden hue. I once bought a sticky undermixed friand with floppy sunken top, big mistake..........my bad, I should have known better.......

Apple nougatine

This is ordinary, I found the apple too cooked, mushed to nothingness almost like puree. Perhaps its the way it should be. just not my cup of tea. But the topping of nougatine is delicious. The pastry a bit wet and gluey, I prefer a light and crumbly tart case.

Nuts and grains sourdough loaf

The star of the bakery is definitely its range of bread. Like I mentioned before, I heart their New York deli rye. The smell was incredible and when I cut into it I realised it's the onions, delicious!

[Sydney June 2010] Bacco Pasticceria

2010-10-11T10:55:00.003+10:00

Bacco Pasticceria
Chifley Plaza
2 Chifley Square
Sydney

After lunch at Chat Thai, we walked around Haymarket.

The rain kept going and when it get really heavy, we hopped on the free green city loop bus and hopped off near Chifley Square. The rain was so heavy, we couldn't see past the window so we decided to get some sweets and head back to the hotel.

It was lunch time and the place was super busy.

Oh, everything looks good behind the glass. After consulting with Princess almighty we got the pear and caramel and chocolate mousse on a bed of chocolate crispy balls and a pistachio macaron.

The cake was very good but the chocolate balls were chewy. Pear and caramel were a great pairing! The mousse was smooth and flavorful. The poached pear was delicious, flavorful and hold its shape, not mushy! Macaron was disapointing though, the shell was dry and chewy and I can taste strong almond essence, ewwww. It's just almond essence is my 'enemy', I don't like it and it doesn't like me. I felt pukey and light-headed when I taste it, eww, eww, ewww.

I thought the gateau was fantastic and made a mental note to return and try the other offerings but the thought was completely forgotten when I met Justin North's exquisite creations and Adriano Zumbo's legendary creations. Watch this space.

[Brisbane] The Little Cube

2010-10-11T10:19:00.003+10:00

The Little Cube
千里香私房菜
Shop 90
Sunnybank Plaza
Tel: 07 3210 5775

Spicy Mung Bean strip

Sweet and sour pork

There should be another dish but it came some 40 minutes later after the econd dish was placed on the table. We had to ask twice and the wait staff did not come back with any explanation. What made it worse was it was very difficult to flag them down. When we decided not to wait anymore and leave, the dish suddenly appear.

Return factor: -1.0

While waiting (im)patiently for the last dish, I overheard the next table speaking to the Captain (Chinese way of describing head waitstaff) looking woman, I can't help it, the tables are too close to each other and I was bored out of my teeth.

Woman and man (speaking simultaneously),"The meat you used, are they fresh?"

Captain, very quickly continue,"Of course they are fresh, we only use the freshest ingredient."

Woman and man,"But the meat has this strong smell," without any chance of making themselves clear the Captain quickly intercepted,"oh, I guarantee the meat is fresh, it's the way the animal is slaughtered here, they don't drain the blood first hence the strong bloody smell linger on the meat."

Man and woman,"Oh really........" Didn't look or sound convinced.

Now of all my experience of buying/eating pork in Brisbane, I have never encounter such said pork that reeked of old fridge and foul blood.

It's never my intention to review/publish post of underperform restaurant/cafe in my own opinion but it was the exchange between the staff and the customers that I want to highlight. I would have the same conversation with the Captain myself (same sentiments with the complaining couple after eating the sweet and sour pork) had it not been for the bad experience and my intention of returning is zero. So I didn't bother.

In the end the couple took away the complained dish, now I don't understand why they did this after making the complain. We left our unfinished sweet and sour pork. Our last dish fared worse, it was all (chicken)bone and dried chilli pieces with crystals of undissolved MSG.

Well, the place is very popular with queues on weekend. It's just not agreeing with our palate, to each his/her own.

[Sydney Jun 2009] Din Tai Fung @World Square

2010-09-28T15:07:00.002+10:00

Din Tai Fung
644 George St
Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9264 6010

First night in Sydney...still raining.....orz.........

I made plan to meet with cousin, H, who lives and works in Sydney. Oh, I haven't seen him in ages, like, two years.

I gave him pandan chiffon cake and leftover cruller frm Chat Thai lunch. Hehe, hope he doesn't mind that it's not as good as his dad's.

This was the queue when we left at around 7.30pm. The place was half-filled when we arrived at 6-ish and thus were promptly seated.

We were so excited to be visiting Din Tai Fung Sydney as we remembered our meals from DTF Taipei with utmost fondness.

Default order, xiaolongbao, dainty little morsels of gastronomic delight.

Hmm, I popped one in my mouth and frankly speaking, taste was average and filling was a bit dry even with the soup swimming inside.

H had chicken chop served with fried rice. I stole some chicken from him. Yum.

Big (pork-chop face) King had what else but pork chop served with fried rice.

Fried rice here was rather good but still miles away from Taiwan's version who used top-notch rice (from who knows where) and spring onions from Yilan complete with wok-hei.

Oh, sesame paste noodles, my favourite. I had been dreaming about this for ages. Can't find the likes of this in Brisbane, sien. I had it mild, they normally comes spicier, as I am sharing with Princess.

Stir-fried spinach with garlic

Finally, some green for fibre. This was executed well and nicely seasoned to my taste.

[Brisbane] Shangpaign Shanghainese Cuisine

2010-09-24T13:55:00.003+10:00

Shangpaign Kitchen
Centro Pinelands
Pinelands Road
Sunnybank Hills
Qld 4109

There are not many Shanghainese restaurants in Brisbane, I can only think of three other on top of my head.

The newcomer to the scene is Shangpaign which in my opinion serves the best xiaolongbao (steamed minced pork dumplings) in Brisbane and kick-arse soup filled pan-fried buns.

Braised gluten 四喜烤麸

A classic Shanghainese cold dish consisting of gluten, peanuts, black fungus and shiitake mushroom. Salty and sweet with a hint of star anise.

Salted duck

Another cold dish, duck is nicely seasoned.

Xiaolongbao (steamed minced pork dumplings)

Ver tasty morsels of soup filled dumplings with thin and resilient skin. A must order.

Pan-fried pork buns

These are absolutely delicious! My personal top pick. Soft buns with crispy bottom filled with soupy minced pork filling (probably the same as the xiaolongbao's.) Heaven!

Yam and pork ribs in earthen? pot

Yam is hard and not cooked enough but ribs are soft and fell apart without much prying. Finger licking good, hmmm.

Garlic chicken

Deep-fried chicken pieces tossed in crispy seasoned garlic. The chicken pieces were mostly bones and the garlic is too salty. Presentation is good though.

Sweet and sour fish 衳鼠黃魚

Umm, the chef really should brush up their knife skill *cough* ahemmmm. Lacklustre and forgettable.

The restaurant itself is pretty tiny with 10 tables or so amd can get pretty busy. But turnover is quick and especially if you are a fan of xiaolongbao, it's definitely worth the wait.

[Sydney Jun 2010] Chat Thai

2010-09-07T09:43:00.005+10:00

Chat Thai
20 Campbell St
Haymarket
Website: www.chatthai.com.au

As soon as I saw Chat Thai featured in Food Safari, I made a mental note that I would make a visit if I were in Sydney.

My cousin strongly recommended it when I told him I was going to Sydney.

'It's very authentic,' he said. Magic word. Now I die die must go.

But weather was not kind to us when we visited, it ws pouring on our way from Westin to Myer, luckily the Myer building was connected to QVB via an underground passage.

We found the free CBD shuttle outside Sheraton, hopped on it and alighted at Chinatown. Campbell St was just a few steps away from the stop, opposite Capitol Building.

It was early when we arrived, the legendary snaking queue was nowhere to be seen. We scored a table easily.

The place was quickly filled up as the dining room was quite compact, long and narrow. The tables were within inches of each other and the patrons sit elbow to elbow.

Not a place for private chit-chat.

Crullers with kaya dip

My uncle made better ones :-(. Kaya was weak and very (too) lemak.

Suko thai AUD8.90 (with or without consomme)

Thin rice noodles in spicy chicken stock with fish paste dumplings, dried shrimps and pork loin; finished of with peanuts and finely sliced green beans.

Very tasty dish, the soup packed a punch and the flavour was incredibly complex. You have sweet, salty, sour and umami swmming in your mouth and the back of your head.

Khanom jeeb AUD5 for 4 pcs

Steamed wonton dumplings with chicken and prawn filling.

Very good eaten with the smoky sweet and salty chilli sauce.

Oh, before I forget, there is a reader who wants to know where to get cake flour.

You can get them from Chinese supermarket which will say low gluten flour in Chinese or you can use 'Lighthouse' brand 'Cakes, biscuits and pastry self raising flour' available from Coles or Woolworths.

X Factor 2010 Australia. Harry Abu's audition.

2010-08-31T12:30:00.003+10:00

This is the moment.

Brunei's Harry's chosen song to tell the world his inner turmoiling emotions.

Through tears before and during the actual audition he told the world he is gay and his parents resistance against it.

It was brave of him and I think there is no other more shocking/grander way to tell the world and his parents/friends/relatives back home in Brunei, if they don't already know.

Harry gave a very emotional performance and received standing ovation from some judges and spectators. It was a truly moving moment and I also shed a tear or two.

I wish him well and all the best in the competiton.

[Baking] Decadent treats: Pandan chiffon cake and custard cream

2010-08-19T12:54:00.005+10:00

If you read my blog regularly, you will notice that I hardly ever visit any cafe.

Cafe culture might be all the rage here but if you could whip up cafe offerings easily at home...........why bother wasting time and money to visit one.

Now if you could whip up a plate of fry-ups for breakfast or brunch in the time you take to drive out or walk to the cafe. Why waste time and petrol?

And if you could cook the stuff for say fry-ups (2 sausages, 2 bacon, hash brown, 2 eggs and 2 pieces of toast, grilled tomatoes) for less than $5, how is it justified paying around $16 for it in a cafe? Not guaranteeing you will even get gourmet sausages, free-range eggs, heritage tomatoes, nice streaky bacon and sourdough toast.

Not to mention the super cheap and fast pancakes you can make at home but in a cafe you will have to fork out around $13 for just a stack of maybe 3 pancakes with some sauce and maybe ice-cream.

It's all very well if people go out to cafe to chill-out, take a break from hectic work week. But I am a stay at home mum and I love to do cooking/baking. So naturally, cafe is just not an attractive option when I go out for food.

I was supposed to be talking about cakes and cookies but I digress.

There are always baked goodies at home; cheesecake, chiffon cake, devilish chocolate cakes, chocolate cookies, melting moments.

And especially when you have merlo coffee, Mariage Freres tea, Lupicia tea and my all time favourite Lipton intense in your cupboard (I don't profess to be a coffee or tea connoisseur, it's just a matter of taste like and dislike for me) , all the less reason to venture out of the house for breakfast, morning or afternoon tea.

But I still have my weakness for beautifully baked goodies from Chouquette and the awesome wood-fired grains and nut sourdough from Banneton Bakery and the macarons from Twist n Roll.

Pictured pandan chiffon cake was made with Leslie from ieat's fantastic recipe. I am still on the lookout for the perfect recipe for I feel the cake's texture could be softer like the result I get from my 4 eggs recipe. I have yet to adapt that recipe for a pandan version.

Custard creams which commonly known as melting moments is one of those thing you can't stop popping into your mouth. You just have to reach for another one after the last one. I got the recipe from a friend, S and the result was delicious and light eventhough there is no cornflour in the recipe, widely regarded as the reason for the lightness in melting moments.

Custard creams

160g butter

1/2 cup icing sugar

1 1/2 cup plain flour

1/2 cup custard powder

1. Beat butter and sugar till pale and flufy.

2. Sith flour and custard powder togther.

3. Gradually add to butter till mixed to a stiff paste.

4. Roll into balls, press flat. If desired, press with a fork for pattern.

5. Cook in preheated oven at 160 degree celcius (fan-forced) fo 10 to 15 minutes.

Icing

25g butter, softened

1/2 tsp finely grated orange/lemon rind

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

1/3 cup icing sugar

2 tsp custard powder

Happy baking!

[Brisbane] Malaya Corner

2010-08-19T12:38:00.003+10:00

Malaya Corner
Market Square
Shop 38, 319-341 Mains Rd
SUNNYBANK
QLD 4109

Prawn noodles

Mixture of noodles and vermiceli in prawn stock.

Stir fried carrot cake

Cubed steamed carrot cake stir fried with egg, sambal (spicy paste), chai poh (pickled vege), beansprouts and spring onion.

Cheap, no-frill place with efficient service.

[Brisbane] Bamboo Basket at Southbank

2010-08-10T12:24:00.003+10:00

Bamboo Basket
189 Grey St Shop 1003-1004
Brisbane, 4101

Busness was brisk but not very busy on a Sunday lunch time.

Service was hit and miss, it was difficult to flag down a waitress.

From the lunch menu, dumpling noodle soup. Unremarkable, soup was bland and noodles too soft fitting for baby's consumption. The dumplings' filling was good and was the same as the xiao long baos' meat filling.

From the a la carte menu, dan dan noodles.

Pretty disappointing as it came as noodles in sweet and sour broth with sprinkles of sesame and crushed peanuts on top. Needless to say, weird. But if haven't the faintest idea of a genuine version, you might actually enjoy this. The sweet and sour broth is pleasing to the palate. My benchmark will be Din Tai Fung's version though my favourite is from Imperial Treasure Nanbei in Singapore.

From the a la cate menu, pancakes with savoury chicken and vegetables filling. Quite tasty with generous fillings. I just wish it has some kind of sauce to go with it.

I forgot to snap the xiao long bao as we were too busy eating it while piping hot. Their version is decent, tasty meat filling with juice but I find the skin too thick.

Now these tasty morsels are hard to perfect. The skin has to be thin and resilient with standard 18 pleats and the filling has to be moist with right amount of soup so the skin is not torn when you tried to pick one up with your chopsticks. My favourite was those from Shangpayne in Sunnybank Hills.

[Brisbane] Salsa's, Mexican fast food at Westfield Garden City

2010-07-28T16:39:00.003+10:00

I often find myself in Westfield Garden City.

It has a fantastic library. I used to bring Princess there every wednesday for story telling and borrow some children books. After that, we will walk about the centre a bit and then had our lunch there.

Our favourite stall is undoubtedly Hanaichi but ever since Salsa's opened last year, it quickly became our second favourite.

My pick from Salsa's is the fajitas combo; fajita, spiced crinkle fries (must have) and a drink.

Salsa's version of fajita is herb and lemon rice with char-grilled chicken strips and vegetables rolled in a wrap. Very tasty.

[Brisbane] Yum Cha at Big Gun Chinese Restaurant, Underwood

2010-07-28T16:20:00.002+10:00

Big Gun Chinese Restaurant
Shop 7/2922 Logan Rd
Underwood 4119 QLD

The variety of dim sum at Big Gun is second to none in Brisbane.

This may be my favourite yum cha haunt at the moment but there are some hit and miss items like the chicken pie.

I favour this place over others because they do baos (buns) rather well. Dough was light and fluffy which showed that it has been well proved (traditional Chinese dough proving method for the cha siew bun with a smiling crack will take three days).

Their signature turnip pastry is indeed very good and I often find myself over order just to have some leftovers for lunch next day.

Sometimes you might see some unusual items on offer like fried milk pudding and pig's blood. The waiters will occasionally go from table to table bearing a tray of small plates of boiled vegetables, sweet and sour pork, roast meats and etc.

This place can get very busy on the weekends (but not to Landmark's extent) but turnover is quick.

[Brunei Dec 2009] Rest of chomps in Brunei

2010-07-26T09:39:00.002+10:00

Sorry for MIA for ages.

I went on a 3 weeks holiday and came back with viral infections :-(. Must have gotten it from the very sick lady who sat next to me and Princess on our flight back to Brissy. Grrrrrrr.........

Lunch at Le Taj, an Indian restaurant in Kiulap.

We had 2 set lunches, tandoori chicken with condiments served with pilau rice and chicken curry and condiments served with naan. Also ordered gobi manchurian (cauliflower in spicy and sweet sauce) from a la carte.

Lunch at Yappy Kopitiam at Kiulap.

We had penang fried kway teow (spicy fried broad rice noodles with clams and prawns), wantan kolomee (dry tossed noodles with dumplings) and chicken curry noodles.

Penang fried kway teow is especially good.

Dinner with ex-colleauges at the then newly refurbished Seasons restaurant at Centrepoint Hotel Gadong.

Buffet dinner on that night did not look particularly interesting or appetising or appealing so we all went for a la carte.

Clockwise from top left:-

Mango fish with rice, steak Diane, fettucine carbonara and spaghetti bolognaise.

Mango fish was good value with generous portions.

To be honest, these were eaten more than half a year ago, I have forgotten how they taste like. But the kway teow at Yappy was good so we encore on our last trip home in June this year.

[Brisbane] Sunny Court Restaurant

2010-06-10T12:04:00.004+10:00

This restaurant has a recent name change to Chongqing, for unknown reason as the chef and owner stay the same.

Crispy duck served with steamed buns

Duck was tasty and well marinated but a tad oily. Buns were soft and fluffy.

Stir fry eggplant

Not like Dainty Sichuan *sobs*, tasty nonetheless.

Sweet and sour fish

Very tasty with the sour from black chenkiang vinegar. Not your average chop suey shop sweet and sour.

Sour and spicy mung bean noodles

A fiery concoction of mung bean strips swimming in a pool of chilli oil doused with spices and vinegar. This dish was lacking in flavour somewhere. The experience made bad with burnt spices/chilles so there was a hint of bitterness. Why not like Dainty Sichuan *cry*

I want Dainty Sichuan :-((now closed, previously in Melbourne Chinatown).

***********************

I had this recent comment on my post on Jocelyn's provisions from way back in 2008.

This is what the reader said:-

It is not $15 for a slice of cake it is for a whole barcake, which is actually closer to 9/10 inches. That being said, though when the post was written I would recommend buying from the shop. In the past two years the prices have gone up and the quality no longer exists ( even in the lamb pies) due to an owner change. Do not bother with this shop as the food is days old( though the staff are forced to tell you it is fresh) and the quality of even a fresh product is questionable, if you MUST purchase something from this shop, stick with sweets as you are less likely to spend the next day on the loo.

I agreed with what he/she said, I had visited twice again after that initial visit and was surprised to find the range of products (at least my repeated purchases) had all tasted differently (a lot worse to be honest) and haven't been back since. Last visit was August 2009. However, the barcake at my time of purchase was more like 5.5 in by 2 in (which in my opinion is just a slice of cake) as you can probably tell from the picture which only span the size of 3 melting moments and those baci cookies at the side were miniature petit fours like 2cm in diameter.

On subsequent visits, I noticed the barcakes and melting moments were made a little bigger but baci were no longer seen.

[HK Dec 2009] Finally, last day in HK eats!

2010-06-10T11:31:00.003+10:00

We skipped the hotel's complimentary breakfast and opt for a dim sum feast in the Chinese restaurant downstairs.

All this food for only HKD 12x!! Bargain.

After breakfast, it was time to check out. We hopped on a taxi originally intended to go to HK station but the driver said he would take us all the way to the airport for HKD200.

Mmm, it was cheaper than going on the express so we agreed. The fare turned out to be HKD26x. So I suppose, you can actually bargain with the taxi driver but proceed with caution, you might get screamed at, some Hongkongers are not the friendliest people on earth............

A friend caught a taxi frm HK island to Kowloon and the driver yelled at her to get off the car and stop wasting his time after she paid.........*speechless*.

At the airport, we were met with a flight delay until 8pm *die*. The airline compensated with a meal voucher each.

Lunch at Hang Hiong utilising the voucher (not a lot of f&b establishments accept the voucher *vomit blood*)

Baked pork chop rice

Noodle soup

Xiao long bao (forgetable, filling dry but tasted alright)

Black sesame dumplings (below par, skin hard and thick with little filling)

We also bought some famous 'wife cakes', they were truly good. Sadly the same can't be said of their food.

After lunch, we hopped on a bus and went to the nearest outlet. Bleh, total waste of time.

Dinner was Cafe de Coral roast duck at the airport, which was, surprisingly good.

[Brisbane] Market Square Shanghai Restaurant

2010-05-21T10:53:00.003+10:00

Now I am not sure if this place even has an English name. Well, there is only one Shanghainese place at Market Square next to a hair salon so it's quite obvious.

Best value lunch option

For less than AUD10, you get 1 meat and 3 veg with an egg thrown in. This is considered superb value for Australian standard. In Brunei, you can get all this for less than AUD3!

Stir fried thick noodles

Nothing to shout home about.

Dumplings soup

Cheap eat and run place. Go for the value lunch option.

[Brisbane] Mehfil Indian Rasoi

2010-05-21T10:42:00.002+10:00

Mehfil Indian Rasoi
Shop 28B
1932 Logan Road
Upper Mount Gravatt
Telephone 07-32168444
Website: http://www.mehfil.com.au/

The popular thali meal (dine-in only)

You get 2 meat curries, 1 veg, dhal, raita, poppadum, naan, pilau rice and a piece of sweet.

Masala dosai

Filled with spicy potatoes masala served with dhal and a curry sauce. Dosai was well made, paper thin and crunchy.

Sigh....Indian restaurants here are not up to scratch. I miss Brunei's no-frills hole-in-the-wall Indian joints and the roti which kind of failed everywhere I have tried here from Melbourne to Brisbane.....

[HK Dec 2009] Day 4 What we ate

2010-04-28T11:06:00.004+10:00

Breakfast at Cafe de Coral

Sick of hotel's breakfasts, we decided to check out Hong Kongers' favourite local fast food joint.

Fried noodles

Oily and ordinary.

Maple syrup chicken chop set

Chicken chop tender and well marinated. Pan-fried radish cake is average, not too floury which is good.

The noodles was so blah, I decided to eat something nice and trekked up the street to buy egg tart from Tai Cheong. We were in Hong Kong for god's sake! Shouldn't be bogged down by sub-par food.

Ah bliss, those egg tarts never failed to please.

Tummy pleased, we made our way to Ocean Park.

Total waste of time and money. The only thing Princess enjoyed was those kiddy rides and we had better ones at our own backyard theme parks, Movie World, Seaworld so on and so on.

I even had asthma attack walking up and down the slopy roads. Not to mention the anxiety attacks earlier at the super long and scarily steep escalators at the bottom of those hills.

We had curry fishballs, mock sharks fin soup at the park and Princess had chips. All blah, must fuel the body with something nice when we escaped this nightmare place, grrrr, need good food!!

Tea at Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon (Landmark, Central)

Went with the intention of having the tea set but they were sold out, chan nian-ing...

Not even a macaron in sight, sob.....

Also can't see millefuille, cry..........

Opera slice

This was so more-ish, one of the best I have tasted, no joke!

Custard, chocolate and banana croissant

This is average (the croissant) but the filling is surprising tasty. Normally I shun banana whatever bake goods. I ordered this because Princess die die want almond croissant.

Not pictured but we also had a pear and caramel slice. It was so good I dived in and totally forgot to take a picture!

Kusmi caramel tea

Of course we had coffee too, it was decent. The tea tasted medicinal, liquorish/aniseedy which I personally dislike.

Dinner at Mak An noodles house

CWB branch

Dumpling noodle soup

The soup was seasoned OTT with white pepper and MSG. The wontons were tiny with little fillings. This can survived in good-food aplenty Hong Kong!? Seriously??

The noodles were springy, of course, for it reeks of alkali water. The lye was so strong it kind of seeped into the soup. Urghhh, total disaster bowl of 'thing'.

I can't believe Hong Kongers actually tolerate this 'thing'.

Dessert at Yan Wo soy products shop

Gloomy faced, I told Big-King I die die must eat something nice. We were in Hong Kong for @#$%'s sake. Morning episode coming back to haunt......

Cross the street and we arrived at a soy products 'specialist'.

Stuffed beancurds with fish paste

A man was pan-frying the stuffed beancurd near the entrance. The smell was amazing, it kept getting my attention as I was reading the menu.

Of course, I die die must try.

The stuffed beancurds were quite tasty and even nicer with the chilli sauce on the table. But they were quite oily. There were ladies on other tables using lots of tissues to soak up the oil.

Beancurd tau-fu-fah with black sesame paste

Tau-fu-fah was awesome!! Lose the black sesame paste, it got diluted by the syrup and made it looked and tasted yuck.

Princess die die wanted her daily dose of black sesame paste glutinous balls tong yun. I got a take-away from Lucky Dessert and they were blah tiny with little filling with super spicy gingery soup. But Princess enjoyed them nonetheless. Also had a take-away steamed milk pudding from Chui Yun, totally blah.

I wonder where I can find a good traditional dessert shop around CWB?

[Brisbane] Beastie Burgers

2010-04-09T14:57:00.003+10:00

Beastie Burgers
Shop 60D
Little Stanley St
Southbank 4101 Qld

Established less than 2 years ago, this little burger joint on the restaurant stretch of Southbank offers gourmet style burgers.

Brisbane has seen mushrooming of gourmet burger joints after rapid expansion of Grill'd. There is even one branch in my sleepy neighbourhood.

Pork burger

It was supposed to be served with apple sauce instead of sweet chili mayo you see on the pic but they ran out. What? At 12.xx less than 2 hours after opening??

But the mayo goes well with the tasty pork patty.

Lamb burger

This is a seroiusly huge burger. Lamb patty topped with grilled eggplant and sweet potato. The lamb patty was disappointingly bland and dry. The flavours of the condiments do not go well with each other, sweet potato does not go well with eggplant and capsicum sauce and avocado puree. I'd say replace the sweet potato with grilled capsicum (though I don't like it) or lose it altogether. It has no place here, just spoiling the harmony of taste.

Balsamic glazed fries with dip

An idea copied from Red Rock Deli gourmet chips flavour perhaps? Fries were hot and crunchy, nothing spectacular nor memorable.

Now, the herby salted fries at Grill'd are simply to die for, it's no.1 in Brisbane in my book and no.2 is Salsa's spiced Mexican crinkled fries *drool*

[HK Dec2009] Day 3 What we ate

2010-03-30T11:20:00.003+10:00

Breakfast

We had brekkie again at hotel. Three Western sets this time.

Lunch

After shopping around Causebay Bay, I can't wait to make my way over to Kowloon Island to visit my personal favourite Tam Chai to have sour and spicy noodles and grilled chicken wings.

Then we traipse over 2 streets away to have our favourite desserts at Tai Leung Pat Kei.

Black sesame dumplings in ginger broth, warm sesame paste and cashewnut paste

There was this "The 44th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo" going on at Victoria Park so we decided to walk a round there after a heavy lunch to burn some calories.

Inside the place was filled to the brim with people!! Especially the 'Ginseng, Dried Seafood & Soup Packs' Zone. OMG, nobody can walk in that zone, we were basically being 'pushed forward' all the way.

Prices were really cheap and I went away with 'some' stuff hehe. We left when we can't carry anymore.

Dinner

Due to previous night's experience in scoring a table at nice restaurants, I called to book a table. But still they were fully booked after 7pm on a weekday :-(. So we had an early dinner at 6.30pm and had to leave by 7.30pm. Not a problem, we are quick eaters.

Wu Kong at Times Square, Causeway Bay

Siao long (meat dumplings), we had 2 baskets.

Sweet and sour fish

Beancurd dumplings filled with vegetables

The filling was very tasty with a hint of sesame oil. This is a must order.

Honeyed ham

Chinese ham served with fried beancurd sheet in a bun drizzled with syrup. Super yummy! Another must order!

The food is of a high standard in this restaurant. It was as good as I remembered from my last experience at another branch at Peking Road, Tsimsachui.

[Brisbane] Lok Fook at Sunny Park

2010-03-18T11:41:00.002+10:00

New-ish noodle place (at least at my time of visit) at sleepy Sunny Park, opposite to the busy Sunnybank Plaza.

Roast pork (charsiew) noodle.

Deep fried dumplings.

Soup was bland and dumplings were cooked to death. Charsiew was soso, I can't even remeber how they taste now. Quite forgettable.

Mmm, not my cup of tea.

[Melbourne Oct2009] Rest of what I ate.......

2010-03-18T11:01:00.002+10:00

It was a shame I was very sick in Melbourne, there was so much good food that I missed, orz.......

Fish ball and fish cake noodles and jellyfish salad at Kum Den

The famed homemade fishball and cake were indeed tasty and bouncy.

Jellyfish was forgettable and smell a bit fishy, I suppose it's inevitable as they were frozen stuff.

Er, I think there is a mistake on the address on the bill, it's supposed to be 'Waratah Place', an alley off Little Bourke St, between Swanston and Russell.

Braised sea cucumber and fish maw AUD38

A visit to Quan Ju De is not to be missed if you are in Mebourne. Despite some bad press and reviews, I still think it's worth a visit there. You don't necessarily had to have duck there, they do very good dishes other than the duck.

We of course also ordered the default roast duck (half, not pictured) AUD40. This time round, the duck meat was moist but not fatty which I like and prefer.

Our other default order was Wuxi ribs AUD28 (not pictured). I haven't tasted a better version. The meat was flavorful, tender and moist and just fell off the bone, cooked to perfection.

Le Petite Gateau: Chupa Choc AUD7 and nougat praline millefuille AUD7

Princess looked forward to afternoon tea and our haunts were Laurent Patisserie, Le Petite Gateau and Koko Black (for the legendary iced chocolate AUD7.20).

Le Petite Gateau is the only patisserie I am impressed with in Melbourne CBD. Laurent, I have blogged to death and gotten quite sick with but it's location is convenient.

[HK Dec2009] Day 2 in Hong Kong, what I ate.........

2010-03-10T11:35:00.004+10:00

Breakfast

Free at hotel.

Set B

We only ever eat Set A & B.

Lunch

Chui Wah Macaunese Restaurant

There are several branches throughout HK and Kowloon. The branch we visited was the one on Lockhart Road as we were nearby shopping for shoes.

Hokkien fried rice

Mixed chop set rice

Consisted of chicken chop, pork chop, hotdog, ham and chicken wing served on rice. Some greens were served on side.

Portuguese tart

Afternoon tea

UCC Cafe at Apita, Taikooshing

Winter special: Chocolate waffles served with ice-cream and fruit; coffee

We shopped up a storm at Taikooshing. By the time we decided to buy a luggage to put all our shopping in, I am super tired and my feet were killing me.

UCC Cafe was right next to luggage department so me and Princess went in to have a waffle and coffee while waiting for Big King to finalise the purchase.

Dinner

KFC

There were queues everywhere at every restaurants' doors.

It was raining and we were super hungry so we decided to just cross the road and patronise KFC. It was our last resort, but we actually had our best meal of the day!

Mushrom rice and portuguese tarts were nice. The tarts were a lot nicer than what we had in the arvo.

Supper

Yishun

We went back to the shops behind Sogo to look for Princess school shoes at Clarks.

After making the purchase, we walked a few doors away to Yishun to have the famed double skin steamed milk.

It had been raining since the morning and I was feeling a bit under the weather so I ordered steamed milk with ginger juice.

The ginger was very strong, I actually had difficulty taking a second bite but I managed to finish about 3/4 and felt energised after eating. It warmed the body up insantly starting from the tummy and spread to rest of body slowly. I felt it boosted my immune system, hehe.

I still think Australian Dairy Co. in Jordan is best for steamed milk.

[Brisbane] Little Taipei Foodcourt. Yang Mama

2010-03-03T15:53:00.003+10:00

Little Taipei is located at Market Square, Sunnybank, above High Fresh Supermarket.

Dingy stairway leading to air-conditioned food court on the first floor.

There are four other stalls to choose from; steak/chop on hotplate stall, Korean food stall, Sichuan food stall and an Easyway drink stall.

The other vacant stall lots were pretty run-down and filled with junks.

Fried fish fillets in noodle broth.

Fish fillets were cooked perfectly and seasoned nicely. I am sure they were the cheap frozen basa fillets probably those imported ones from Vietnam. Still, they tasted pretty good for fried fish fillets and no funny fishy smell.

Noodle broth was the thick starchy type with lots of onion pieces swimming around. It tasted quite ordinary and bland with a hint of bonito.

I doused the broth with lots of vinegar, it kind of liven up the flavour.

I think it was only AUD8, I'd say it's not bad as you get three pieces of sizeable fish fillets.

Gadgets Mania!

2010-02-23T12:25:00.003+10:00

A lot more gadgets would have found their places in my kitchen if not for the fact that my kitchen and pantry are real tiny; not to mention already crammed and bursting XD..........

Commercial grade ice-cream maker

Plus point: no pre-freezing of pan (my freezer is absolutely filled to the max!), end result is firm.

Minus point: super noisy! Not ideal if you live in apartment with thin walls. The outside of pan gets freezed up rather quickly. the unit will stop automatically when paddle is struggling to churn while the middle is still runny. But a little mixing and it's good to go again.

I got mine from Everten. This is hard to find in shop let alone getting it cheap online. But Everten's price was reasonable at AUD448.

Other goodies from Everten, from top left clockwise: Dreamfarm potato masher, Mundial take-apart kitchen shears, chicago metallic swiss-roll pan and kyocera ceramic peeler.

A brief shop at Peter's of Kensington once a year's massive sale is inevitable......
.

From top left clockwise: Salter aquatronic scale, V&B espreso new-wave spoon, ice-cream scoop, madeleine pan and in the middle Cuisinart waffle maker AUD63.

Every kitchen should have an aquatronic scale (measures both solid weight and liquid ml in both metric and imperial measurement) if you are serious about baking. Chuck out the measuring cup/jug/bowl!

The Cuisinart waffle maker retails for AUD99.95 in shop, even if there is a sale (which is normaly 15%), ordering it online is wayyyy cheaper, even with the shipping thrown in.

Myer's offer of 15% discount and double points on Dyson range, if you have a Myer one card, is simply irrestible.

The above picture showed the result of first vacuuming. Holy moly the dust and what not collected was WAY over maximum capacity!

This only happens nowadays if I don't empty my unit in a month!!!

I can't imagine what we were living with before we got the Dyson, SUPER SCARY!!

If you can afford one, go for it, don't even hesitate! Especially if you are asthmatic and have little ones at home.

Princess got her first asthma attack last year and we quickly bought a Dyson after that. She haven't had any serious attack since. Touchwood!

OK, I know this is lame, what?? a pan??

The Calpalon non-stick pans (I have 2 different sizes) really had seen their better days. this time round instead of shopping and looking up reviews for expensive, heavy duty non-stick pan, I got myself what seem to be the craze among Taiwanese and Korean housewives.

Korean made marble non-stick pan coated with gold and silver specks.

I got mine from Hanaro Mart at Times Square in Sunnybank. They are only AUD24. The brand I got was heavier than others and has got the extra gold coating.

Now I know silver has anti-bacterial function but gold? Hmm, I don't know what it does really.

Korean writing from the non-stick pan, someone please enlighten?

After 4 months of intensive use, it still looks spanking new without a single scratch (I use wooden spatula) and the coating has not gone-off like those Tefal/Calphalon/Scanpan. Fingers crossed, I have found myself a gem. Let's see how it does after a year.

Neighbourhood Thai Restaurant

2010-02-16T10:34:00.006+10:00

Mixed entree

Sweet and sour chicken rice

Sat down, need to flag down waitress several times before she actually acknowledged me.

Entree came in 10 minutes after ordering. Good. But other tables who ordered after me ALREADY got their first dish.

The waitress did not come and clear the plate after we were done. I waved and said 'excuse me' to no avail. She ignored me. After about 10 minutes, she came to clear the plate. No words exchanged, she did not even make eye contact.

Then it was THE LONGEST wait for a plate of stir fry tomatoes and chicken pieces with PRECOOKED rice.

The rice arrived friggin FORTY FIVE minutes after our entree plate was cleared.

Other tables came and went. We were the first patrons and last to leave the restaurant. Sat down at around 12.15pm and left at 1.50pm!! We only came in for a quick lunch! Hah, a joke.

Obviously anyone other than black haired were treated like VIP and we were left forgotten. The cook actually brought out our plate of miserable rice. The waitress hovering over blonds and brown hairs' table chatting away animatedly.

It was the first time I did not finish my food in a restaurant and left without a doggy bag even and vowed not to step foot in anymore neighbourhood Thai establishments.

Suffice to say I did not leave a tip.

[Gold Coast] Chocolicious

2010-02-16T10:17:00.003+10:00

Chocolicious
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Broadbeach

A reader recommended this place for their signature iced chocolate drink.

So off I went in search of the said drink when we went Pacific Fair.

Tada! Iced chocolate!

To be honest the pale colour of the concoction did not scream 'Yummy!' when it arrived at the table.

But one sip me and Princess started 'fighting' over who get the next sip after Big King's turn.

So it's me turn, Princess turn, Big King turn, Princess turn, me turn, Princess turn, me turn, Princess turn then Princess turn................

Awwww, it really was a delicious drink. But I woudn't call it refreshing because of the cream and all.

Brought home an assortment of chocolates. I must say the flavours were quite subtle, I can't tell one flavour from another, orz........

Maxim's Frozen Snowskin Mooncakes 2009

2010-02-09T13:38:00.004+10:00

Black one is sesame flavour with some kind of nut, our family favourite.

The chocolate skin is mango with chocolate rice crispies.

The green coloured one is most probably plain with just mung beans.

This year's version (2009) was tastier than last year's (2008). I suppose it's an improved recipe.

Looking forward to this year's mooncakes. I hope Big Gun makes a custard baked skin version (fingers crossed).

Speaking of Big Gun, it is currently my favourite place for yum cha!! They make the most kick-arse custard bun ever!

[Gold Coast] Yuuga

2010-02-09T13:04:00.002+10:00

Yuuga
Modern Sushi Dining
38 Cavill Ave
Surfers Paradise
QLD 4217

First visit 19/09/2009 for dinner

Uzaku AUD5.80

Barbequed eel with cucumber salad in vinegar dressing.

Kid's meal (dinner) AUD13.80

Superb value!

Thee were omelette, prawn fritters, potato salad, fried chicken and chicken minced patty.

Ice-cream which comes with the kid's meal.

Newstyle sushi set AUD28

Superb technique in rice pressing. Fish/topping did not separate from vinegared rice and rice did not crumble and fell apart after a bite or even 2 bites.

Impressive.

Fish was aburi-ed nicely, raw calamari and scallop were sweet and melt in the mouth. The beef was sweet and tender. The roe fresh and crunchy.

Yakisoba AUD16

Fried noodles covered in omelette and drizzle with mayo and worchestershire tasting brown sauce.

Revisited 09/01/2010 for lunch

Unagi set lunch (I think it was AUD19)

Ladies set lunch AUD15

Now this was ordered out of curiosity as to how savoury adzuki sticky rice (only cooked on special occassion) taste like.

Mmmmm, I like the er, green tea panna cotta.....XD

Kid's meal (lunch) AD12

Presentation and taste wise a far cry from the dinner version.

The ice-cream came san the chocolate drizzle and cornflake.

[HK Dec09] Lucky Dessert

2010-01-27T14:05:00.004+10:00

Lucky Dessert
Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay
(opp World Trade Centre)

Mango and pomelo dessert

Lucky's signature dessert.

I guess it's the syrup-ed mango pieces that set it apart from other dessert shops. Most shops use fresh mango pieces which I personally prefer.

I can only think of one reason for Lucky to use stewed mangoes in syrup. To prolong the shelf or fridge life.

It has lots of followers but sadly I am not one of them. It was just like eating canned mango.

Durian and pomelo dessert

Another signature item. But to me the sour and tart pomelo does not go well with durian. I felt like eating tempoyak (fermented durian) in a dessert. If you don't find that scary, that means you have no idea what tempoyak is or how it taste and smell like.

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of tempoyak especially eaten with ambuyat (sago gruel) but to find something similar in a dessert?? It's like having fermented shrimp paste sweet soup.

This is a VERY popular dessert shop (with several branches) in HK, just not my cup of tea that's all.

[Gold Coast] Waves Restaurant breakfast buffet

2010-01-22T16:43:00.002+10:00

Breakfast station offered the usual fare; bacon, tomatoes, scrambled eggs, sausage and a live omelette station.

Salad and fruit bar

Juices

Cakes, croissants and muffin

Patio seatings

[Shopping] Oroton

2010-01-22T16:37:00.003+10:00

I went into Oroton today to have a look at the sale items and went away with 3 bracelets.

Black snake and blanchefleur snake

These 2 are for my lovely sis and I got myself havana soil.

I suppose my sis already guessed which one is theirs respectively.

[Gold Coast] Dessert Factory (now closed). Mme Grenouille

2010-01-21T11:48:00.004+10:00

Mme Grenouille
Ground floor of Meriton Building Broadbeach
Info: http://twitter.com/MmeGrenouille

Dessert Factory is now closed (previously at Q Super Centre) and now operating as Mme Grenouille.

Green tea and red bean roll, chocolate and custard puff.

Not pictured but demolished quickly by Princess and me were black forest cake(best ever have ever tasted!) and crispy top choux puff pastry filled with custard (also very good).

Mme Grenouille is now operating as a French Patisserie and cafe. Opening 7am to 7pm daily (closed Sunday).

Opera cake and mango mousse (signature and top seller).

They also do macaron. I had a passion fruit and malibu macaron. Very nice.

Sad news, no more black forest and choux puff *cry*.

Please bring back Dessert Factory!!

[Gold Coast] Watermark Hotel

2010-01-21T11:43:00.003+10:00

Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast
Website: http://www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au/

Lobby

Ocean view

Superior room with 2 double beds

Bathroom

Pool

Waves Restaurant

Amalfi Bistro

[Gold Coast] Ichiban Boshi

2010-01-21T11:35:00.002+10:00

Ichiban Boshi
Shop1, Cecil Hotel Complex
Scarborough St
Southport QLD

Shio ramen

Spicy ramen

Gyoza, rice and pickle. Comes with a set.

[HK Dec 2009] Shanghai Restaurant on Jardines Bazaar

2010-01-05T15:13:00.003+10:00

First day in Hong Kong. It was late afternoon when we checked into the hotel.

We were staying at Holiday Inn Express behind Times Square, a fantastic location!.

We met up with my friend Leng Nui San for dinner. We went shopping at Sogo while waiting for her to finish work. Too many shops and stuff in Causeway Bay, my eyes and feet cannot keep pace.

By the time she came we were famished! Straight away she brought us to this ancient Shanghai restaurant on Jardines Bazaar. You should see the waiters, they were all, well, a-n-c-i-e-n-t. I can picture them working since their teenage years but I can't imagine whiling their time away all these years.

You know how fast-pace everything in Hong Kong is. In this place, it's like the time stood still. Aged tables and chairs which must tell lots of interesting stories, slippery tiled ancient floor. Slow movement of staff.

I kind of like it, its more humane, full of characters.

Pan fried bun filled with pork

Why the lone bun?

I was too eager to tuck in till Leng Nui San reminded me to take photos. This lone bun is waiting for its owner, Leng Chai Mason (obviously Leng Nui's husband), who was on his way.

Mock crab

It's really just stir fried egg whites. You stir the yolk into the whites (which will resemble crab roe) and eat with dashes of vinegar.

Double cooked pork

I prefer the veges rather than the meat in this dish. They are crunchy and flavoursome.

Chinese leaves with ham

Chicken and dumplings in claypot

Once again, I almost forgot to take photo, there was no more dumplings! Princess alone ate 6!!

Braised bamboo shoots

I love bamboo shoots but still a far cry from Taiwanese version.

Smoked fish

A real Shanghai delicacy. Smoked fish coated in sweet glaze. I love it.

Red bean pancake

Deep-fried pancake filled with red bean paste.

I stuffed myself silly though most dishes were quite oily but they were tasty. It's not the type of food you can get in Brunei or even in Shanghainese restaurants in Brissie.

Thank you so much Leng Nui San for giving us a wonderful treat.

Happy New Year 2010 to Everyone!

2010-01-05T14:38:00.002+10:00

Apologies for the long absence.

Since October 2009, I have been very sick, on and off, took a trip to Melbourne in late Oct, then busy organizing Princess' school business, I only felt better come first week of December 2009, by then its time to organize stuff for the trip back home to Brunei.

Took a little detour to Hong Kong for some retail therapy and of course the food. Recharged our battery in Brunei and now we are back in Brissie, still in holiday mod.

I'll sart my first 2010 post with a Hong Kong entry.

[Brisbane] Decadent high tea at Club Sofitel

2009-11-19T11:04:00.003+10:00

Sofitel
249 Turbot Street
Brisbane QLD 4000

High tea available daily from 2pm to 4pm. AUD38 per person.

Host at Club Sofitel located on level 30.

Gastronomic delights presented in an artistic purple tower.

We were served 3 person's share of food. Princess is 4 (and under) and got complimentary food.

City skyline view from level 30.

Bubbly is included with refills, not sure how many times though.

Princess get a glass of juice.

High tea is not completed with a pot of tea.

We were served Ronnefeldt English Breakfast tea. Tasted funny. Macam air longkang, eeyer.

Top left to right: chocolate cup filled with custard and strawberries, cream swan puff and Opera gateau.

Bottom left to right: pistachio macaron, cupcake topped with pashmark (persian fairy floss) and lemon meringue tart.

Savoury, we have sandwiches (egg salad and ham & fig jam) and also scones (plain and raisin) with cream and strawberry jam.

All pastry items were delectable except the puff which is a bit dry and the scones were stone cold.

Especially good was the Opera gateau. Big King ate 2 pieces despite bursting from all the other food. Princess ate most of her share @_@.

I look forward to trying out other high tea offerings in Brisbane.

[Brisbane] Freestyle Tout

2009-10-20T14:53:00.004+10:00

Freestlye Tout
Emporium
50/1000 Ann Street
Fortitude Valley, 4006

White Chocolate Raspberry Brioche Dumplings with liqueur raspberries, vanilla bean ice cream & your choice of white/dark chocolate dipping sauce

Brioche dumplings were a tad oily and a bit of sugar overkill. Just look at that thick sugar coating. I managed to pry some away and got my fingers oily in the process. An appetite turn-off moments with messy, sticky and oily fingers.

However, the filling was hot and tasty and oozed out when you bite into the dumplings. Princess loved them but left me even messier (possible??) and this time the fillings and sauce got onto my palms and then trickle down the arm. Worse when she requested MORE MORE MORE chocolate sauce! Walao!! Smoke coming out of me ears by now.

Orzzzzz, loys of bad words buzzing in the head. Calm, calm, amitaba. Gosh, while eating also need to chant %$@#. Si beh kanasiao.

Baked Cheesecake with white chocolate sauce & honeycomb semifreddo (gluten free option available)

Cheesecake has a good creamy texture but tasteless?!? Forgot to put sugar?

Not a big problem as the chocolate sauce is sticky and sweet and for you to dunk your cheesecake in. The pairing is good. I don't wanna say awesome. Later people suan me again, lu ho chia, wa bo ho chia.

Semifreddo was creamy and er ......... creamy =]. I don't wanna say again, later people say lu bo ho chia, wa ho chia, lu beh hiau chia.

All in all, a nice dessert cafe (not many of these around) to while away a free arvo.

After eaten these lovely desserts (哈,才怪), the tummy was full till the next day. 其實都不消化這次肯定撐死又肥死. 賠死($$$)氣死(wasted calories).

Both desserts are AUD14.90.

這可是間西人人氣店. Wa beh hiau chia lor.

[Brisbane] Sunnybank Oriental Restaurant

2009-10-20T14:33:00.003+10:00

Sunnybank Oriental
Sunnybank Shopping Centre
68 Mains Rd
Sunnybank 4109 QLD

Claypot herbal and rice wine chicken

Sweet and sour fish

Plus soup of the day, plate of vegetables (garlic/oyster sauce) and plain rice made up the set menu for two for AUD38.90.

The place was a bit quiet for a Sunday night, only 4 or 6 tables were occupied.

Princess was happy with her white rice alone. Go figure.

[Brisbane] Nudo's on Mary

2009-10-08T14:07:00.003+10:00

Nudo's on Mary
62 Mary St
City, 4000

Only al-fresco seatings available.

The place was deserted when we arrived, around 13 15 for lunch.

What, no crowd? The food must be so so, I thought to myself. The 'good food is where the crowd is' sensor is ON.

But I was super hungry and parking was tricky.

OK, let's give it a chance before my legs bring me over to Jackpot/the Korean place nearby.

The menu was short and looked very similar to your neighbourhood takeaway.

Disappointed, I couldn't make up my mind as to what to order.

Now the chefs has won a gold medal in some cookery contests and lauded with their innovative and tasty dish. Maybe there were only 3 contestants (hehe), no no, my bad, just joking.

Decided to stick to our all time favourite.

Char kway teow (stir fried broad rice noodles)

One taste and I was smiling. Decidedly a better version of all the Malaysian/Chinese restaurants (here in BrisVegas) I have been to, this one is full of wok hei (breathe of wok) and chock full of ingredients including seafood, chicken and lup cheong (chinese sausage). Seasoning was also to my palate, not too salty nor bland.

I rate it very high though I cook a mean fried kway teow too.

With high anticipation, my order came.

@_@, very big portion, as you can see from the photo, the salad covered the noodles!

Noodles with shredded chicken and jellyfish

This is perhaps the most interesting item on the menu. It is normally two separate dishes, tossed noodles and chicken & jellyfish & cucumber salad. It's a novelty to marry the two.

The noodles was done to my taste too, springy and just the right seasoning. The shredded chicken tender and moist (though it is chicken breast), I believe, the chicken rice will not be too bad too.

Only gripes, the jellyfish smell a bit and not too crunchy.

All in all, still a value for money dish.

I can recommend this too if you can stomach jellyfish.

While we were eating, the chef was cooking curry paste in the kitchen. The smell wafted to our noses and kind of whet the appetite. The paste smell delicious and I made a mental note to try the curry next time.

[Redcliffe] Morgans Seafood

2009-10-08T13:31:00.005+10:00

Morgans Seafood
Bird Of Passage Parade
Scarborough boat Harbour, Redcliffe QLD 4020
(07)3203 4592
Website: http://www.morganseafood.com.au/

Morgans seafood market and takeaway

Seafood counters

Takeaway counter with selection of seafood

Sydney's Coffin Bay Oysters from Oysters Bar

Fisherman's basket/variety pack

Selection include pineapple fritters, calamari, surimi stick, vegetable springroll, fish bites and chips.

Hake, bug tails and scallops (underneath the fish fillet)

The place was super busy on sunday and our order took around 45 minutes! The drive from Brisbane to Redcliffe, though not really far, took a little over an hour.

Outdoor seating was plentiful but a clean freak will probably, well, freak out. I scrubbed the tables and chairs with tissues doused with hand sanitizer. I almost fainted when the tissues turned BLACK instantly upon contact.

Not a pleasant experience for me, especially when the fish smell a bit and Princess refused to eat after one bite.

If you are hankering after some decent seafood alfresco style, I highly recommend you head to Mooloolaba. Though the chairs and tables (either at the deck above Mooloolaba fish market or those outside Fisheries on the Spit) looked tatty and old and scruffy but they are surprisingly clean. You might have guessed I did try wiping/scrubbing the tables and chairs before sitting down.

There are better ways to spend a lazy Sunday.

[Brisbane] Neway Karaoke Restaurant

2009-09-24T15:23:00.005+10:00

Newway Karaoke Restaurant
Shop 30/358 Main Road
Sunnybank, 4109
(next to KFC)

This is where we ended up after being turned away at Sunny Court (on a saturday night).

Sunny Court (which specialises in Sichuan cuisine and steamboat) was so busy, hardly fit in with current economic situation. Other restaurants were not doing so great. One day we went into Oriental (sunday night, should have been extremely busy), there were only 4 or 5 tables occupied.

Anyway, the restaurant was quite small with no more than 15 tables. But the menu is extensive with specials scribbled on paper plastered all over the wall and a 'Today Specials' board. Headache for first time patrons. So many choices, what to order??

Sweet and sour pork rib rice set (from today special board and comes with a drink and soup of the day)

Hokkien fried rice

We also ordered herbal chicken hotpot which is difficult to photograph as its just a pot of boiling stock spiked with wine and a plate of raw chicken pieces. Mmm, not very nice-looking.

I actually enjoyed the food but Big King commented the place has this musty smell which is really off-putting so we haven't been back since.

There's still too many other new places to try nearby anyway.

Air ticket booking woes

2009-09-24T14:37:00.006+10:00

An expensive birthday present I gave myself this year.

Departure of AUD200 booking fees with Flight Centre.

Having been disconnected with the 'real' world for what feel like an eternity (after Princess was born and I stopped working), it has made me totally naive and gullible like a 15 year-old (I mean the brain function not my looks obviously).

I let my guard down when people are friendly and helpful. I used to be suspicious about people's intentions as soon as they act nice. What to do? I was in this 'people eat people, dog eat dog, people not people, people are ghost' (direct translate in Chinese) world. The protective sensors/radar were very strong in the blood-y (not trying to swear here, direct traslate from Chinese 血淋淋) world.

How hard is it to go into travel agents or use the internet nowadays to book a ticket? You would say, aiyoo peanuts lah.

My case of looking for flights back to Brunei:-

Case 1: Internet booking

Search for fare with Royal Brunei Airlines online. The result is 'No fares found'. Eh? WTH??

Search with travel agent and travel site like Expedia online. The results came back AUD4xxx and above but when tried to reserve, no seats available on my chosen dates. Oh well, tough luck.

Case 2: Travel agents

So I thought I would try my luck with going in person into travel agents. Jetset and Harvey gave me some numbers AUD$1,2XX. But when I ask them to do me a quote, the reply being, 'oh I can't seem to be able to quote, the system wouldn't allow me to and the flights looked pretty full.' Huh, like that also can?? WTH?? Don't want any business issit?

So enter Flight Centre (another branch from previously, obviously), wow, extremely nice and friendly staff, able to quote me AUD$1,5XX but heck, system say tickets had been sold out at that price. The next available price is AUD2,225 per ONE ADULT. I pondered for a while and thinking someone else is picking up the tab and the staff seemed nice and sincere, I made a booking.

And was told after confirmation of booking that I need to pay a booking fee. WTH?? By now, my energy has been drained and the brain fuzzy with all those episodes. Without thinking, I paid the fee.

Received feedback today that those tickets I booked were too expensive. Need to find alternative. What? Singapore Airlines all booked out the week and after??? WTH?? Then Big King tried calling directly to RBA today, we were told we've been taken for a ride! WTH?? The quote from RBA is only AUD2,8XX for THREE persons (2 adults and a child).

Now the reason I didn't call RBA in the first place is because the lines are FOREVER engaged. You can't even get through. When the call is finally connected, you were forever being put on hold. It's a miracle Big King got through to an agent this morning.

Obviously I cancelled Flight Centre booking straightaway and lost my booking fee which is non-refundable but transferable. I don't think I'll be doing anymore business with them even if I have money to burn, hah.

A very expensive lesson learned.

Sigh..the world is still ugly.......

Looks like a case for Office of Fair Trading.