I've been quite hooked on chai lattes recently after having a really good one at some food court near the Rocks. Never used to like it before honestly. I've tried quite a number from different cafes and takeaway stands so I've had a fair share of ok ones and some really bad ones.
Starbucks, George St - FAIL
d'ough ESPRESSO, World Square - OK
Workshop Espresso, George St - YUM
Tom N Toms, Bathurst St - FAIL
Some food court near the rocks - YUM
Taste Baguette, Sydney Uni - OK
Parma Cucina & Bar, Sydney Uni - OK
Danks St Depot, Sydney Intl Airport - OK
and the list continues...
If you're a chai latte fan like me, drop me a note to let me know where I can get a chai latte that will knock my socks off, be it in Sydney or Singapore!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Pilu at Freshwater: 'Just heck it and try something new'
Pilu at Freshwater
'On the Beach', Moore Road
Freshwater NSW 2096
Tel: 612 9938 3331
Website: http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/index.html
I have recently revived an old ideal which is to gain new experiences whenever possible. On most occasions when I have to choose, I would normally pick the familiar choice because I am afraid of risking my time and money on unproven quality. However I soon realised that this rational behaviour doesn’t pay off all the time. And thus I have decided that sometimes, I should just heck it and try something new. This attitude stuck with me on my recent trip to Sydney and one of the things it did was to lead me to Pilu at Freshwater.
Pilu at Freshwater is a Sardinian restaurant operating out of a conserved beach house tucked away in a residential area on the northern shores of Sydney. The food is relatively simple, and the focus is on the ingredients and the authenticity of Sardinian flavours.
The Roasted Scampi with Sea Urchin Butter was interesting because it was my first time having sea urchin butter. The exotic butter provided the prawns a more savoury and salty flavour and thus helped to whet my appetite.
The Ravioli of Potato, Mint and Pecorino served with Butter, Sage and Black Truffles that followed was also very decent. It was the little items like the butter and truffles that added flavour to the main ingredients and gave another dimension to the dish.
The Fregola with Tomato and Cured Meat Ragu managed to satisfy and yet remain moderately light. The flavours were rich, wholesome but not overpowering.
The second half opened with the Snapper Fillet with Vernaccia and Green Olives. The fish was well cooked but it was again the little guys that made my day; the acidity of the green olives balanced well against the oiliness and the olives also added a salty punch to the dish.
Pilu's signature Oven Roasted Suckling Pig was the last; its skin was as crispy as keropok and the meat underneath it was quite tender and juicy. However I found that the absence of fat robbed quite a bit of flavour from the dish.
What I liked about this restaurant besides its charm, was the fact that the dishes complemented one another very well. It wasn’t so much about how wonderful the individual dishes were but rather it was the whole experience; how one course led to the next, the contrasting flavours, the simple and honest presentations. It was definitely a rewarding experience and it would certainly present a problem the next time I visit Sydney because it would mean breaking my old ideal.
This post was contributed by guest writer, D.
'On the Beach', Moore Road
Freshwater NSW 2096
Tel: 612 9938 3331
Website: http://www.piluatfreshwater.com.au/index.html
I have recently revived an old ideal which is to gain new experiences whenever possible. On most occasions when I have to choose, I would normally pick the familiar choice because I am afraid of risking my time and money on unproven quality. However I soon realised that this rational behaviour doesn’t pay off all the time. And thus I have decided that sometimes, I should just heck it and try something new. This attitude stuck with me on my recent trip to Sydney and one of the things it did was to lead me to Pilu at Freshwater.
Pilu at Freshwater is a Sardinian restaurant operating out of a conserved beach house tucked away in a residential area on the northern shores of Sydney. The food is relatively simple, and the focus is on the ingredients and the authenticity of Sardinian flavours.
The Roasted Scampi with Sea Urchin Butter was interesting because it was my first time having sea urchin butter. The exotic butter provided the prawns a more savoury and salty flavour and thus helped to whet my appetite.
The Ravioli of Potato, Mint and Pecorino served with Butter, Sage and Black Truffles that followed was also very decent. It was the little items like the butter and truffles that added flavour to the main ingredients and gave another dimension to the dish.
The Fregola with Tomato and Cured Meat Ragu managed to satisfy and yet remain moderately light. The flavours were rich, wholesome but not overpowering.
The second half opened with the Snapper Fillet with Vernaccia and Green Olives. The fish was well cooked but it was again the little guys that made my day; the acidity of the green olives balanced well against the oiliness and the olives also added a salty punch to the dish.
Pilu's signature Oven Roasted Suckling Pig was the last; its skin was as crispy as keropok and the meat underneath it was quite tender and juicy. However I found that the absence of fat robbed quite a bit of flavour from the dish.
What I liked about this restaurant besides its charm, was the fact that the dishes complemented one another very well. It wasn’t so much about how wonderful the individual dishes were but rather it was the whole experience; how one course led to the next, the contrasting flavours, the simple and honest presentations. It was definitely a rewarding experience and it would certainly present a problem the next time I visit Sydney because it would mean breaking my old ideal.
This post was contributed by guest writer, D.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
mamak finally.
Mamak
15 Goulburn St
Haymarket, Sydney
Tel: 612 9211 1668 (no reservations)
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm daily; open til 2am Fri & Sat
Website: http://www.mamak.com.au/
I made it. I finally made it to.... MAMAK!
It's hard getting a table at Mamak during dinner. Everytime I walk past the shop, I'd see a long queue snaking around the block. In fact, it's been this way since over a year ago when I visited for a holiday. Curious at how good the food actually was, I knew I had to pay a visit someday. For once, there was no queue in sight today. HOW LUCKY!
Roti is the signature at Mamak and the tossing of the rotis in the display window is definitely the draw for many customers. The Roti Planta which Sis and I ordered was pretty good; the dough had a good texture but could have been better if it was slightly thinner and crispier. The curry could be improved but it could be because I'm used to the chicken curry that I usually have back in Singapore.
I was however, really impressed with their Nasi Lemak and Kangkung Belacan. Although the rice could have been more fragrant, it was really soft and fluffy. The additional order of fried chicken and curry lamb which we ordered to go with the Nasi Lemak were both tasty and moist. I liked the sambal chilli which they gave for the Nasi Lemak as well.
The Kangkung Belacan was really tasty with quite a bit of heat. Sis mentioned that they did put quite a bit of dried shrimp in and that really helped make the dish tastier and better.
I'd have to say that prices are a bit steep considering what we'd get back home in Singapore but hey, one can't complain when it's as close to home, away from home. I'd still hesitate to say I'd definitely stand in line next time. Not because Mamak doesn't get the thumbs up. When you actually see the long lines daily (most days anyway) and have to deal with a rumbling tummy at the same time, you'd understand where I'm coming from.
15 Goulburn St
Haymarket, Sydney
Tel: 612 9211 1668 (no reservations)
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm daily; open til 2am Fri & Sat
Website: http://www.mamak.com.au/
I made it. I finally made it to.... MAMAK!
It's hard getting a table at Mamak during dinner. Everytime I walk past the shop, I'd see a long queue snaking around the block. In fact, it's been this way since over a year ago when I visited for a holiday. Curious at how good the food actually was, I knew I had to pay a visit someday. For once, there was no queue in sight today. HOW LUCKY!
Roti is the signature at Mamak and the tossing of the rotis in the display window is definitely the draw for many customers. The Roti Planta which Sis and I ordered was pretty good; the dough had a good texture but could have been better if it was slightly thinner and crispier. The curry could be improved but it could be because I'm used to the chicken curry that I usually have back in Singapore.
I was however, really impressed with their Nasi Lemak and Kangkung Belacan. Although the rice could have been more fragrant, it was really soft and fluffy. The additional order of fried chicken and curry lamb which we ordered to go with the Nasi Lemak were both tasty and moist. I liked the sambal chilli which they gave for the Nasi Lemak as well.
The Kangkung Belacan was really tasty with quite a bit of heat. Sis mentioned that they did put quite a bit of dried shrimp in and that really helped make the dish tastier and better.
I'd have to say that prices are a bit steep considering what we'd get back home in Singapore but hey, one can't complain when it's as close to home, away from home. I'd still hesitate to say I'd definitely stand in line next time. Not because Mamak doesn't get the thumbs up. When you actually see the long lines daily (most days anyway) and have to deal with a rumbling tummy at the same time, you'd understand where I'm coming from.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
lunch at Aoki.
Aoki Restaurant
1 Scotts Road
#02-17 Shaw Centre
Tel: 65 6333 8015
Website: http://www.aoki-restaurant.com.sg/webtop2/
Having lunches at some of the top Japanese restaurants is always a treat. You'd get a whole lot of quality for a fraction of what you'd pay for dinner. At the same time, I reckon it's also a good way to form a first impression of the place without burning too big a hole in your pocket.
D had the Nigiri Sushi set. The fish was fresh and I guess he liked it but he wasn't really blown away, unlike the first time we had lunch at Yoshida. Maybe it's expectations that brought him down because he had heard raving reviews before visiting.
I, on the other hand, ordered the Mazechirashi. Marinated pieces of fresh sashimi, uni, ikura and tamago castello (this was delicious!) on a bed of rice with freshly grated wasabi. Honestly couldn't ask for more. This is a dish I'd definitely go back for again and again.
The lunch set menus are priced very reasonably. The mains come with a little appetiser, mixed salad and a trio of desserts to round off the meal.
With a place like Aoki that serves a good lunch, I reckon dinner would be great. If I'm in the mood for a big splurge of course.
1 Scotts Road
#02-17 Shaw Centre
Tel: 65 6333 8015
Website: http://www.aoki-restaurant.com.sg/webtop2/
Having lunches at some of the top Japanese restaurants is always a treat. You'd get a whole lot of quality for a fraction of what you'd pay for dinner. At the same time, I reckon it's also a good way to form a first impression of the place without burning too big a hole in your pocket.
D had the Nigiri Sushi set. The fish was fresh and I guess he liked it but he wasn't really blown away, unlike the first time we had lunch at Yoshida. Maybe it's expectations that brought him down because he had heard raving reviews before visiting.
I, on the other hand, ordered the Mazechirashi. Marinated pieces of fresh sashimi, uni, ikura and tamago castello (this was delicious!) on a bed of rice with freshly grated wasabi. Honestly couldn't ask for more. This is a dish I'd definitely go back for again and again.
The lunch set menus are priced very reasonably. The mains come with a little appetiser, mixed salad and a trio of desserts to round off the meal.
With a place like Aoki that serves a good lunch, I reckon dinner would be great. If I'm in the mood for a big splurge of course.
the laksa search.
I am now on a mission to find a decent laksa in Sydney. I went to a recommended one at TGV today and sorry to be rude but it was rather crap. It's not that it tasted bad but it just wasn't LAKSA.
So I'm moving on, continuing my search if there is even one to be found. Drop me a note if you have one to recommend.
So I'm moving on, continuing my search if there is even one to be found. Drop me a note if you have one to recommend.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
bangbang espresso bar & café
Bangbang Espresso Bar & Café
113 Reservoir St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel: 612 9281 0018
Opening Hours: Weekdays 8am - 4pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm
This was one of the places I wanted to go to during my last visit to Sydney in May. What caught my eye was the fact that this place is opened by an ex-DJ of Ministry of Sound from the UK! An award winning one to boot. After reading a couple of reviews which seemed quite favourable, I finally made my way there with D when he came to visit.
We missed out on having breakfast (we were late, my fault) which was really what I had wanted to try but settled for lunch instead. So D order the Bangers & Mash which I thought were pretty good. The mash was especially smooth and the savoury gravy with the onions were a perfect complement. I had to stop myself from constantly reaching over to D's plate for the mash. That's how much I liked it.
I had the so-called "healthier" option which was called a Fish Sarnie (effectively what was a Fish Finger Sandwich). It was simple with 3 freshly fried fish fingers with homemade tartar sauce sandwiched between 2 slices of sourdough bread. I did enjoy it but I thought the fish fingers were slightly over fried on that occasion. Nonetheless, was still a good choice. Next time though, I'm heading straight for the mash.
The other thing I love about the cafe is that drawing on the wall. It was basically drawn over the whole wall and even on the ceiling as well. I guess I liked the idea of how the owner was really making the place 'HIM' by having the headphones drawn and how it stood for what he was doing before moving to Australia and making a switch in careers. Basically I was drawn in by how the whole place was set up with the light bulbs, communal tables and all.
Am definitely going to return to try the Breakfast Stack (see here). And maybe the Wagyu Burger too which supposedly is a popular item. Hopefully soon.
113 Reservoir St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel: 612 9281 0018
Opening Hours: Weekdays 8am - 4pm, Saturday 8am - 2pm
This was one of the places I wanted to go to during my last visit to Sydney in May. What caught my eye was the fact that this place is opened by an ex-DJ of Ministry of Sound from the UK! An award winning one to boot. After reading a couple of reviews which seemed quite favourable, I finally made my way there with D when he came to visit.
We missed out on having breakfast (we were late, my fault) which was really what I had wanted to try but settled for lunch instead. So D order the Bangers & Mash which I thought were pretty good. The mash was especially smooth and the savoury gravy with the onions were a perfect complement. I had to stop myself from constantly reaching over to D's plate for the mash. That's how much I liked it.
I had the so-called "healthier" option which was called a Fish Sarnie (effectively what was a Fish Finger Sandwich). It was simple with 3 freshly fried fish fingers with homemade tartar sauce sandwiched between 2 slices of sourdough bread. I did enjoy it but I thought the fish fingers were slightly over fried on that occasion. Nonetheless, was still a good choice. Next time though, I'm heading straight for the mash.
The other thing I love about the cafe is that drawing on the wall. It was basically drawn over the whole wall and even on the ceiling as well. I guess I liked the idea of how the owner was really making the place 'HIM' by having the headphones drawn and how it stood for what he was doing before moving to Australia and making a switch in careers. Basically I was drawn in by how the whole place was set up with the light bulbs, communal tables and all.
Am definitely going to return to try the Breakfast Stack (see here). And maybe the Wagyu Burger too which supposedly is a popular item. Hopefully soon.
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