Recently in Sydney Eastern Category

In celebration of the new year, I thought it would be suitable to look back at all of my best eats in 2009. Here, I've included some of my most frequently visited restaurants as well as a few memorable favourites.

Most Visited Casual Restaurant: Dong Ba Bun Bo Hue, Bankstown, NSW
I think I have honestly dined at Dong Ba at least once every fortnight in 2009 - joining the regular local slurpers of Bun Bo Hue, a Hue-style spicy noodle soup. It is only $7 and the food (they also serve plenty of other traditional Vietnamese eats such as my second most ordered dish here, the Cambodian Rice Noodle Soup) is served at lightening fast speed. Dining at Dong Ba in Bankstown is always a guaranteed fuss-free cheap and cheerful eat. Another bonus is that the menu caters for all possible cravings of anything Vietnamese so is sure to satisfy everyone. But the best part would probably be their drinks menu which includes the iced black coffee and the avocado milkshake.

Dong Ba
296 Chapel Rd South, Bankstown, NSW

Bun bo hue (Hue-style spicy noodle soup) at Dong Ba, Bankstown - My most visited casual restaurant of 2009

Most Expensive: Le Cinq, Paris
In May 2009, I left home for my first eating extravaganza in Europe. Let me just start off by confessing that I have a really bad habit of not checking prices whether it be shopping or food. My boyfriend almost passed out when he browsed through the 'host' menu at Le Cinq, which I had booked many months in advance. Thankfully I had the 'guest' menu which didn't have the prices so he was able to break the shock to me slowly. We soon justified to ourselves that because we had travelled all the way from Sydney to Paris, it would only be right if we allowed this one splurge and promised to be sensible throughout the rest of the trip. Le Cinq sits within Paris' most luxurious hotel - Four Seasons George V, and is the most elegant space I've ever dined in. Something like 440€ (AU$900 at the exchange rate during that time) excluding drinks and service charge and almost six hours later, we left gleefully with a massive dent on my credit card.

Le Cinq
Four Seasons Hotel George V
31, Avenue George V, Paris, France
www.fourseasons.com/paris/dining

Best Surprise: Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club
My boyfriend was transferred to Wollongong for six months for work, a few years ago. During a visit to some of his old workmates earlier in 2009, we were introduced to Wiseman Park Bowling Club. Tucked within a senior's bowling club bistro is this spectacular down-to-earth yet slightly fancy restaurant. Think traditional Mediterranean and remember to make a reservation if dining on a Friday or Saturday night as the secret is out, and this place is hawt!

Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club
Gipps Road, Wollongong, NSW

Favourite City Travelled To: Barcelona
My time in Barcelona can easily be summarized with daily visits to the Boqueria Market - the best market I have ever been to. The vivid display of fruits, seafood and jamon was an amazing sight and simply drool-worthy. The friendliness of locals shouting "hola" and the buzz in eating paella after paella, oh, and the shoes made Barcelona my favourite city visited in 2009. Hopefully I'll get a chance to visit it again soon.

Boqueria Market
www.boqueria.info

Fruit drinks display at Boqueria Markets, close up of paella and tapas in Barcelona

Most Visited Seafood Outlet: Ocean Foods, Drummoyne, NSW
Almost every drive on Lyons Road in Drummoyne has resulted in me stopping by at Ocean Foods. Their floor to ceiling glass walls means there's no running away from the grand display of fresh and ready to cook seafood and salads.

Ocean Foods
154 Lyons Rd, Drummoyne, NSW

Most Visited For Dessert: Mamak, Sydney, NSW
Roti and condensed milk are just made for each other. After countless dinners at other restaurants across the city, Sydney food bloggers, myself included, seem to always end up at Mamak for dessert. The roti tisu is a golden cone encrusted with butter and sugar that tastes heavenly with a swirl of condensed milk and sometimes, even ice-cream. If that doesn't have you drooling, the roti pisang will - with freshly sliced banana that caramelizes within a thin buttery roti. Oh, so good.

Mamak
15 Goulburn St, Haymarket, NSW

Favourite Late Night Dining: Wagaya, Haymarket, NSW
With ridiculous trading hours (Wagaya opens until 2am on most nights), private booths and a quirky touch screen ordering system, late night dining at Wagaya is perfect for those night owls (like me) who want a decent feed. I can't get enough of their soft-shell crab hand rolls, lotus root chips or takoyaki gratin. Unfortunately, all this late night dining has contributed greatly to my growing waistline... Hmm... Did someone say New Years Resolution?

Wagaya
Level 1, 78-86 Harbour St, Haymarket, NSW

Dining at Wagaya - Most Visited Late Night Dining Restaurant of 2009

Best Discovery of a Hidden Gem: Uchi Lounge, Surry Hills, NSW
Uchi Lounge is only a street behind the chaotic Oxford Street but upon stepping inside, you're in a whole new world. It is soothing and peaceful, offering a selection of Japanese sake cocktails and some scrumptious food such as their grilled eggplant with miso and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Uchi Lounge
15 Brisbane St, Surry Hills, NSW

Favourite Bar: Water Bar at Blue, Woolloomooloo
I was introduced to Water Bar after my 25th birthday dinner in 2009. It's the fine dining of bars. As well as offering all the traditional cocktail favourites, Water Bar also features a range of new concept drinks that utilises some surprising and experimental techniques. Elderflower martini with a cucumber air, the kaffir lime dacquiri with coconut foam or the spiced fig whisky sour are just a few to name. The only downside here are their trading hours, closing at midnight on most nights and 10pm on Sundays and Mondays.

Water Bar
6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, NSW

Favourite Brunch: Rhodes Phoenix, Rhodes, NSW
Yum-Cha, Dim-Sum, whatever two words you use to call the fine art of eating dumplings and other Chinese delicacies over tea with friends or family, is a weekend hobby of mine. Having discovered the Phoenix group in 2007 - there's four of them: Sky Phoenix, Hilltop Phoenix, Manly Phoenix and Rhodes Phoenix, I quickly became a regular at the Rhodes restaurant which is only a short drive from my place. 2009 saw me dining at Rhodes Phoenix more than ever before. I have such a weakness for their prawn toast!

Rhodes Phoenix
1/5 Rider Blvd, Rhodes, NSW

My favourite type of nightspots are the ones that have delectable cocktails and mouthwatering menus. It has to have both and not just one without the other.

Tapas and cocktails

I love Low 302 'cause not only does it satisfy my 'favourite nightspot' criteria, but it also has an amazing line-up of bands and some very cozy lounges.

Tonight, I'm here with Winnie who talks delightfully of her new life in China. She's been working overseas for a few years now and vividly tells me that her breakfast is often bought from a hole in the wall -literally. As I begin to image this whole new world of hole-in-the-wall eateries, I'm hit with a sensory overload of deliciousness. Fresh deep-fried breadsticks, just wrapped dumplings...

These thoughts soon fade as our parade of tapas and cocktails are served.

Awesome cocktails

My El Prata cocktail ($16) is a mix of orange marmalade, passionfruit and lime juice shaken with Aperol and Pisco, served short. Awesomeness is the only word I can use to describe it (sorry -been watching too much of How I Met Your Mother!).

The tapas range from $7 - 22 and are available both day and night. There are also seasonal specials which means there's no excuse for not visiting Low 302 week after week.

I can't decide between having the oysters au naturale or with ginger beer jelly so opt to have one of each. The ginger beer jelly is subtle in taste and adds to the oyster's plump natural creamyness.

Freshly shucked oysters with lime or ginger beer jelly (4 pieces for $16)

The zucchini flowers ($14) are stuffed with three cheeses and served with an intensely aromatic stringy bark honey. One of the specials today was a smoked salmon dip with Lavosh bread. It is a combination that is irresistable. We also have the chargrilled baby octopus ($14) with sticky balsamic dressed and seafood risotto balls (arancini, 4 pieces for $12) which are a divine snack -crunchy seasoned crumbs encase a mouthful of creamy risotto. Yum!

More tapas: zucchini flowers, arancini balls, smoked salmon dip

It was cute seeing the different shaped tapa plates piece together on our table like a puzzle that was meant to be together.

I've never said no to churros ($11) before and continue the pattern here. However, the dipping sauce is runny like a hot chocolate so we end up eating the cinnamon and sugar encrusted churros by itself. They're finger-burning hot but clearly not enough to share between two.

Another round of churros and cocktails anyone?

Churros with chocolate dipping sauce

Low 302
302 Crown Street, Darlinghurst / Surry Hills
Web: www.low302.com.au
Phone: (02) 9368 1548

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All day breakfast - coffee and fresh juice

What I've been doing a lot of lately, is surrounding myself with other motivated and passionate individuals who have left their secure full-time jobs and are doing their own thing. There seems to be more and more friends doing 4 day working weeks or even changing careers completely. The inspiration must be contagious.

On this particular day, I had brunch with the fabulous Mel (aka Fooderati). With both of us coming from advertising backgrounds, our passion for food and appetite for new experiences led us to leap towards new opportunities. As we caught up on each other's recent ventures, we soaked in a bit of sun and munched on a delightful breakfast at Pieno in Surry Hills -which is a relatively new little place adjacent to The Winery by Gazebo and opposite Thomas Dux Grocer on Crown Street.

I started off with a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. It was intensely citrusy and bitter sweet which was exactly what I needed.

I spent longer than usual browsing the all-day breakfast menu and finally put my new waistline reduction obsession aside and ordered the blueberry griddle cakes which were served with melted butter and maple syrup and dusted with icing sugar. They were moist and hearty and generous in serving size too as I only manage to finish off half the plate.

Blueberry griddle cakes (pancakes / hotcakes) with butter and maple syrup

Mel's sauteed mushroom bruschetta with an extra side of bacon was as enormous and hid beneath a promising garden of rocket. The scent of the toasted bread which had been lightly coated with garlic oil was divine.

Breakfast bruschetta of sauteed mushrooms with rocket and garlic oil and a side of bacon

Sometimes, there's nothing much better than a late morning start with a good breakfast!

Pieno
11/285A Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW
Phone: (02) 8354 1303

Gazebo Wine Garden's girls' picnics are such a wonderful offering. They're exactly my type of thing -a picnic where all you have to do is round up the girls! The food and wine is catered for, there's no worrying about picking the perfect spot or getting dirt on your pretty sundress. It's a bit like camping really. I enjoy the great outdoors but would never go camping au naturale... In fact, the only time I have ever gone camping was at Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay where we were steps away from electricity, toilets and BBQs. Brilliant I say!

The Girls' Picnic must be booked in advance and are available from noon til 2:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For $35 per person, you're greeted with a glass of bubbly and three tiers of delicious goodies.

At lunch with the girls -Maggie, Karen, Emma and moi

Glasses of bubbly

We decide to also share two jugs of Pimms & lemonade which are $25 a pop. The jugs are full of Pimms No1, Gordons gin, Rosso sweet Italian vermouth & strawberries, mint, cucumber topped with lemonade & dry ginger ale. It is refreshing, fruity and sweet.

The quirky furnishings and whimsical decor come complete with cute waiters dressed as lifeguards. Ours happily posed for us :)

Our lifeguard

Pimms and lemonade

Quirky decor

The picnic theme is brought to life with a wicker picnic basket, warm French baguettes and a convenient wooden chopping board and knife. Accompanying the bread are delicious marinated olives, an avocado and pistachio dip and a corn relish.

French baguette and picnic basket

Marinated olives, dips and relish

It was lovely to bask in the sun whilst feasting our eyes on a garden filled with beautiful vines, old Victorian chairs and cushions and enlivened with fresh flowers.

In the garden

Three tiers of delicious goodness

The first tier was salads. They were served room temperature which suited us well as we felt we were beginning to roast in the heat ourselves. There was pumpkin & feta, roasted almond salad, chat potato salad with mustard mayo dressing and green onion, mushrooms with pesto and a simple ratatouille with chunky pieces of cauliflower.

Salads

The second tier were meats and seafood. There was smoked honey ham with fresh iceberg lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes and chunks of cheddar cheese; piping hot deep-fried soft shell crab; cooked prawns, smoked Atlantic salmon, lightly peppered pastami, steamed mussels and pickles and cornichons on a bed of rocket -plentiful to go around.

Meats and seafoods

On the side we also add a rocket, pear, pinenut and parmesan salad which is a combination that can never go wrong.

Rocket salad

Finally, we ate our way up to the top dessert tier which we had been eyeing from the start. Moist chocolate brownies went hand in hand with fresh pieces of rockmelon, strawberries, watermelon and marshmallows.

Dessert

Leave the picnic rug at home and hop on down to Elizabeth Bay...

Gazebo Wine Garden
2 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay
Phone: (02) 9357 5333
Web: www.thegazebos.com.au

Two months ago, I turned 25 and there was plenty to celebrate. In between all the drama of a quarter-life-crisis, I'd resigned from my day job to pursue the free-spirited life of an entrepreneur.

So the last thing I wanted to do was organise a function. But I did it anyway.

Velero sits on Woolloomooloo Wharf and offers sexy alfresco dining. Their fuss-free function menu featured various options including the $55 set menu which is what I went for.

Sourdough with marinated olives and my cocktail (I forgot what it was...)

Tapas to share
Marinated olives with herbs, garlic, chilli, lemon, orange and fennel seed
Freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters dressed with lemon
Croquetas de Jamon
Roast mushrooms with chilli, garlic, herbs & Manchego
Deep-fried cuttlefish served with smoked chilli aioli
Pan-fried chorizo picante with chickpea puree and peppers

Mains, a choice of
Roast wild barramundi with chorizo, roast peppers, chickpeas, herbs and olive oil
Grilled Jindalee sirloin with patatas a lo pobre and roast garlic and paprika butter
Roast spatchcock with pan fried wild mushrooms, cavalo nero and tozino
Fettuccine with portobello, pine and porcini mushrooms, parmesan and parsley
Seafood paella with prawns, mussels, cuttlefish, chorizo and saffron

Sides to share
Rocket and manchego salad with herbs and PX balsamic
Patatas Bravas: fried potatoes with salsa picante and aioli

Sydney rock oysters, deep-fried cuttlefish and roast mushrooms

The Sydney rock oysters were served au natural -they were tasty and seductive. The cuttlefish was my favourite of the tapas. They were cooked to perfection... Piping hot and not too chewy.

Croquetas de jamon and chorizo

The croquettes (or in Spanish: croquetas) were scrumptious too. Inside the lightly breaded fritters was a fluffy smooth mix of mashed potato and ham. It was just what we needed to combat the cold breeze.

Rocket and manchego salad with herbs and PX balsamic

As for the mains, strangely enough, everyone pretty much ordered either the paella or the sirloin. However, the unfortunate thing about fusion restaurants is not knowing what you'll be getting. Velero, being a mix of Spanish and Italian, was supposed to give us the best of both worlds. And it did, until the paella was served. Because it wasn't served on a traditional paella pan, we didn't get the crisp bottom layer of golden rice and the half of a lemon was most definitely more than enough. According to my guests, the serving size varied from one to another as well.

But the good news is that everyone who ordered the steak (including me) gave it the thumbs up. The paprika butter was so flavoursome, it added another whole dimension to my Jindalee sirloin -which by the way, was a perfect medium.

Side dish of patatas bravas

Seafood paella

Grilled Jindalee sirloin with patatas a lo pobre and roast garlic and paprika butter

Overall?

Hit: We had really lovely service matched by the beautiful waterside views of the city skyline and promenade.

Miss: The food was a slight let down and there was a $5 per person cakeage fee.

Group photo

P.S. There's still 6 days left to bake a tart for your chance to win a $175 Julie & Julia prize pack. 5 runners-up will also win double passes. Click here for more information.

Velero
Shop 2, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo
Phone: (02) 9356 2222
Web: velero.com.au

After a series of strange coincidences involving the random discovery of connections between friends, clients and the chefs at Marque, I just knew it was where I had to take Zen on his birthday.

Thankfully Mark Best and Pasi Petanen are both savvy Twitterers, so I managed to book a table for two via a quick tweet!

We arrived prompty for our 7pm reservation and were greeted by Mark himself -who two nights ago was awarded (a very well deserved win of) Chef Of The Year.

We started with Marque's signature beetroot macaron with foie gras. The meringue was light and airy and literally melted in my mouth the instant it touched my tongue. I love the beautiful decadent flavours of the foie gras left lingering behind. It was a dish Mark has thoughtfully shared with Centennial Parklands Dining, where I first fell in love with this dish and Brett Graham of The Ledbury, where I had a second encounter.

Beetroot meringue with foie gras

It was clear to Zen and I that we would be opting for the degustation tasting menu (eight course for $145 plus $75 for matching wines). Unlike other three-hatted restaurants, Marque does not bring out the degustation menu at the start. We were asked to list foods we were allergic to or didn't like to eat and as simple as that, the party in our mouths begun.

For those wondering, you do receive a detailed personalised dated copy of every course and wine you ate and drank at the end of the meal. I think the anticipation it builds course after course is a rather ingenious touch.

First up was the classic molecular gastronomy example which Marque attributes to Alain Passard. It was a marvelous play on hot and cold as well as textures and taste. Each time we dug in the crisp grissini, a new flavour evolved. The playful mix of vinegar and apple cider left me buzzing for more.

Chaud-froid free range egg

I didn't take a photo of the bread on this night as I was sure the eight courses would be enough food porn for one post. We were offered a white or my personal favourite (I had at least 2 slices of these), the rye and caraway seed bread. The soft chewy texture and the dark taste was accompanied with a lovely soft butter.

Then next Mark surprised us with a sea urchin custard with mandarin and green tea powder. The custard was light and fluffy. The subtle sprinkle of green tea powder was refreshing with the delicate sea urchin flavours. It was really a dish you had to close your eyes for to savour each and every taste.

Sea urchin custard with mandarin and green tea powder

The first course took on a whimsical approach to textures. There was a coarse powder (popcorn dust), slippery softness (almond jelly), foam (almond gazpacho, sweet corn) and something that pops (avruga), all which accentuated the natural sweetness of the hand picked blue swimmer crab.

Almond jelly with blue swimmer crab, almond gazpacho, sweet corn and avruga

When the second course was brought out, I was rather regretful I had failed to mention goats cheese in my list of foods I don't enjoy. Regardless, I popped the bocconcini which let out a small burst of goats curd. The strong aroma quickly mixed with the slithers of mint, red onion and globe artichoke. The taste was clean and refreshing.

Fine salad of globe artichoke 'cru' with goat curd bocconcini

The presentation of the third course was visually intriguing. The button mushrooms were treated and sliced in such a way that they were unrecognisable. However, when tasted, the complete earthiness reveals the mushroom's identity fairly instantly. The bitter vibrant red cubes of Campari were strong and mighty, adding oomph to each mouthful of the gorgeously steamed scampi.

Steamed scampi with fish floss, scampi anglaise, campari and turnip

After the third course, we received another treat from the kitchen. This crab custard with foie gras was one of the most spectacular things I've had to date. Perhaps because it's appearance is understated. The saw dust texture on top was frozen foie gras. The rich creamyness and cold taste was strangely very well matched with the warm crab custard. It was so divine, words cannot describe.

Crab custard with foie gras

Forth course was cured duck ham with jelly-like parmesan gnocchi, fresh and braised endive and duck liver. Although I absolutely adore seafood, at this stage, I was quite excited to be moving onto the meats! Overall, the different flavours made a delightful dish with the duck ham being the standout.

Duck ham with braised and fresh endive and parmesan

OMGosh. I didn't realise it was possible to pair all of my favourite things into one. The pork jowl was slow cooked into a beautiful tender piece which had just the right amount of fat. The bed of spinach which hid the plump juicy oyster was an Asian inspired winner and the matchstick bundle of shaved truffle was even more flavoursome. I loved this course to bits!

Slow cooked pork jowl with spinach and pacific oyster

Sixth course. Just look at how juicy the Angus sirloin is -it was seared to perfection. And served with onion three ways. There was the miniature croquettes, sliced with chive vinaigrette and pureed with a beautiful smokiness. Inbetween were also two dollops of blood sausage mousse.

Angus sirloin with boudin noir, onion croqeuettes and smoked onion puree

I must have been so busy with eyeing the seventh course of Sauternes custard that I forgot to take a photo! The burnt caramel topping was delectably paired with the sweetness of the Sauternes custard.

And last but not least, roast pineapple in Szechuan pepper, orange and butter, served with chocolate soil and Manjimup truffle ice cream. The pineapple had a lovely malted texture with a hint of spice. I am undecided about the truffle ice cream, I may prefer keeping truffle within savoury dishes only. But the texture of the chocolate soil was both fun to look at and taste!

Caramelised pineapple with Manjimup truffle ice cream

We had our tea and coffee, some awesome salted caramel chocolates and bitter bon bons! The sugar coated bon bons burst to reveal an assortment of bitter liquers. I didn't fancy the bitterness but the pinch of salt within the caramel chocolates were fantastic.

Me

Zen, the birthday boy

A dinner at Marque is definitely a memorable fun filled adventure which tickles your taste buds and excites your imagination. Our wines were served by the sommelier assistant, Zoltan, who described like poetry where each wine came from and why it was paired. The service was just enough and the food was nothing short of spectacular. It was the perfect place to celebrate with a special someone.

Happy birthday Zen!

Marque Restaurant
Medina Apartment Building
4/5 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW Phone: (02) 9332 2225
Web: marquerestaurant.com.au

I'm a big fan of Time Out. I would never visit a city without first consulting the local Time Out guide.

Time Out Sydney's Food Awards 09 winners were announced this week, so let's see who made the cut:

People's Choice
Winner: Glebe Point Diner, Glebe
Runners-up: Bodega, Surry Hills; Quay, The Rocks; Marque, Surry Hills; Longrain, Surry Hills

I'm a bit ashamed that I haven't yet dined at Glebe Point Diner. There are all round positive reviews from other food bloggers, namely, The Unbearable Lightness of Being Hungry, Double Cooked, Lemonade Land and Steph's Food Journey and along with mountain loads of press and editorial reviews, Glebe Point Diner is an obvious people's choice.

Best New Restaurant
Winner: Rockpool Bar and Grill, Sydney
Runners-up: Sepia, Sydney; Spice Temple, Sydney; Etch, Sydney; The Beresford, Darlinghurst

Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne is an absolute favourite. While I haven't been to its Sydney sister, can anyone tell me if it's any different?

Etch is simply full of pretty spaces and their macaroni is to-die-for. The revamped Beresford trattoria is also a clear winner (runner-up in this case) with the locals.

Best Cafe
Winner: Cafe Sopra, Waterloo
Runners-up: Deus ex Machina, Camperdown; Wall, Surry Hills; Ruby's Diner, Waverley; Kazbah, Balmain

Anyone who has been to Kazbah's breakfast banquet will be an advocate. Hmmm, why isn't Dank Street Depot a runner-up?

Best Desserts
Winner: Universal, Darlinghurst
Runners-up: Pier, Rosebay; Quay, The Rocks; Longrain, Surry Hills; Rockpool, The Rocks

I haven't been to Universal, nor Pier or Longrain. But if Quay is any benchmark for the winner, I have to get myself to Universal. I adore Quay's eight texture chocolate cake and their pear creme caramel, sauterne jelly, pear icecream and caramel cream!

Best Steak
Winner: Fix St James, Sydney
Runners-up: Bistro Moncur, Woolahra; Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney; Tabou, Surry Hills; Mad Cow, Sydney

Wow, I haven't been to any of these places. What about Prime? Chophouse?

Best Fixed Price Menu
Winner: Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Surry Hills
Runners-up: Assiette, Surry Hills, Atelier, Glebe; Vini, Surry Hills; Marque, Surry Hills

Best Seafood
Winner: Sepia, Sydney
Runners-up: Tetsuya's, Sydney; Manta, Woolloomooloo; Fish Face, Darlinghurst; Pier, Rose Bay

Am I the only one who hearts Flying Fish, Masuya and Ocean Room?

Best Burgers
Winner: Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney
Runners-Up: Plan B by Becasse, Sydney; Ruby's Diner, Waverley; The Burger Joint, Darlinghurst; Paul's Burgers, Sylvania

You will have no doubt seen my recent list of where to find the best burgers in Sydney. I still stand by it -although from reading the comments, I need to get myself to Rockpool Bar & Grill and Counter Burger!

Best Cheap Eat
Winner: Black Star Pastry, Newtown
Runners-up: Din Tai Fung, Haymarket; Guzman y Gomez, Newtown; Mamak, Haymarket; Gumshara Ramen, Haymarket

Seriously, how can anything beat Mamak? OK, maybe #chronic ramen is close, but a pastry shop? It must be bloody good, and I have yet to try. But the bigger issue here, is how 6 xiao long bao (soup dumplings) for $8.80 can be considered a cheap eat!

Best Sandwiches
Winner: Malibu, Surry Hills
Runners-up: Pilu Kiosk, 'On the Beach', Freshwater; Big Bite, Sydney; Hong Ha, Hurstville; Plan B by Becasse, Sydney

Best Patisseries
Winner: Adriano Zumbo, Balmain
Runners-up: Croissant D'Or, Potts Point; Yellow, Potts Point; Bourke Street Bakery, Surry Hills; Sweet Belem, Petersham

Ah, Zumbo. Post-Masterchef, Zumbo appears to be the real winner with endless queues and requests for his macarons, croquembouche and the chocolate mousse cake.

Best Noodles
Winner: Gumshara, Haymarket
Runners-up: Pho An, Bankstown; Twisted Noodle Bar, Sydney; Menya Noodle Bar, Sydney, Tan Viet, Cabramatta

I think ramen should be in its own category. But regardless, you'll still find me every fortnight slurping up $7 noodles at Dong Ba in Bankstown.

Best Thai
Winner: Spice I Am, Surry Hills
Runners-up: Longrain, Surry Hills; Sailor's Thai, The Rocks; Chat Thai, Sydney; Crocodile Senior, Sydney

Best Yum Cha
Winner: Fisherman's Wharf, Pyrmont
Runners-up: Marigold, Sydney, Sunny Harbour Seafood Restaurant, Hurstville; Sky Phoenix, Sydney; Golden Unicorn, Maroubra

Best Tapas
Winner: Bodega, Surry Hills
Runners-up: Ash St Cellar, Sydney; Delicado, McMahons Point; Sean's Kitchen, Pyrmont, Catalonia, Kirribilli

Bodega, can anything beat it? I think Spanish Terrazas, Velero and Cantina may be close contenders for runners-up.

Best Pizza
Winner: Lucio Pizzeria, Darlinghurst
Runners-up: Pompei's, Bondi Beach; Rosso Pomodoro, Balmain; La Disfida, Haberfield; Pizza Mario, Surry Hills

Errr, Pizza e Birra anyone?

So what do you think? Are these the winners or losers?

Burgers are made across Sydney every day -in homes, at the corner milk bar, in fast food joints and pubs. Over the last few years, we have seen more gourmet burger restaurants pop up to glamorize the bun and patty formula. Some of them focus on our health concerns by offering gluten free or leaner options and others attempt to lure us with a sexy brand personality and fancy must-have sides.

So where are Sydney's best burgers?

Plan B
204 Clarence Street, Sydney
Plan B is of course Justin North's (of Bécasse) cafe which feeds many with affordable take away lunch choices. Mention Plan B to any foodie and you'll hear about the 600-day grain fed wagyu burgers. It is understandable why there's such a big following. Priced at only $10, the combination of a glossy brioche, a generous sized melt-in-your-mouth wagyu patty topped with melted aged cheddar cheese, pickled beetroot and caramelised onion is just impossible to resist.

Grill'd
57 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest, and all over Victoria and Queensland
Thanks to the team at Undertow Media, who brought Grill'd to my attention, I was able to trial the first Sydney store with a $20 voucher -and let me just say, I'll be back. I simply love the cheeky burger names (some to name are The Zen Hen, Hot Mama and Baa Baa Burger), the rosemary sprinkled thick cut chips, the retro store layout and the fun culture within the staff. With bun choices of panini, traditional, gluten free or bunless they've got everyone covered. These burgers are packed to the max and will have your jaws aching. Price ranges from $8.90 to $11.90.

Grill'd: Hot Mama burger: Grilled 100% lean beef, roasted peppers, dill pickle, tasty cheese, tzatziki, salad and harissa paste

Grill'd: The Zen Hen burger: Grilled chicken breasts with all the fat trimmed, tangy satay sauce, coriander, shredded carrot, salad and herbed mayo

Burgerlicious
130 Liverpool Street Sydney (also in Darlinghust, Newtown and Bondi)
When I used to work near World Square, Burgerlicious was a favourite lunch destination. All burgers can be served as wraps or as a salad and they also do a mean nacho. I loved the Zorbar, an ingenious combination of beef, grilled onions, fetta, roasted eggplant, lettuce, tomato, olive tapenade, semi-dried tomatoes, tzatziki and tomato relish. The burgers are slightly cheaper here, leaning towards the $8 mark, making it a real meal deal.

Cafe Giulia
92 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale
Cafe Giulia is the only reason I would ever wake up early on a week day. They have an amazing breakfast menu and by lunch, a to die for offering of some brilliant burgers -including the grilled fish with lettuce and homemade tartare, or the classic hamburger with grilled beef, tomato, lettuce, marinated beetroot, bacon and egg! Cafe Giulia also serve classic European pastas (I can't get enough of the spicy chorizo, tomato and chilli penne), stews, salads and bagels (I absolutely adore the grilled prawns with watercress, roast tomatoes and tahini). The burgers are priced from $6.90.

Fox Studios Backlot Cafe
Frank Hurley Grandstand, via the Professional Entrance, Fox Studios, Moore Park
Now, you can only get to this cafe if you enter via the professional entrance, which means restricted access from the public; hence why I try to schedule any client meetings I have with Fox, just before lunch time. I haven't tried anything else other than the delicious chicken and avocado sandwich on Turkish bread toasted, or this scrumptious chicken burger, complete with guacamole. If only all workplaces had a cafe like this downstairs!

Fox Studios Backlot Cafe: chicken burger

Fox Studios Backlot Cafe: Chicken and avocado on Turkish bread

Where do you think the best burgers in Sydney are?

I think Uchi Lounge is the perfect place for a first date. Now, I've been with Zen for almost 7 years and can't quite remember what first dates are like, but how can an equation which includes awesome sake cocktails, a drool-worthy bar menu and an intimately lit room go wrong? The bar is quirky and the restaurant upstairs is Modern Japanese glam.

The decor is soothing and the peaceful ambiance complements it well. For a tiny lounge tucked behind Oxford Street, I was surprised.

The bar downstairs

Uchi doesn't take bookings on Friday or Saturday nights, but Amanda and I frown when we're advised the restaurant has reached its capacity and soon after the waiter steps away to chat with the boss, and we are offered a table downstairs. They don't normally serve the restaurant menu downstairs so I'm glad he has made an exception.

I ordered the Zen Booster cocktail which was only natural since it held the name of my other half. I'm not a big drinker so thought the mix of passionfruit sake, vodka, cointreau and organic apple and carrot juice was a little harsh. I much preferred Amanda's Crunchy Tiger. The sweetness of the mango juice mixed with passionfruit sake, vodka, cointreau was delicious.

Zen Booster sake cocktail

Crunchy Tiger sake cocktail

While analysing the menu, we were served these complimentary homemade rice cakes (or should I call them crackers?). They were still warm and tasted freshly toasted. I heart the basic flavour of toasted soy sauce on a crisp rice bed.

Complimentary rice cakes

Both Amanda and I are big foodies so don't be astonished by the amount we have ordered and demolished :)

The first dish we had were mussels with chilled wasabi and coriander. These were slightly disappointing as the mussels were over-cooked. But the flavours were nonetheless refreshing. Next were oysters with umeshu (a Japanese liqueur made with ume plums) vinaigrette. The texture of the vinaigrette was jelly-like and totally unexpected!

Chilled wasabi and coriander mussels

Fresh pacific oysters with umeshu vinaigrette

My favourite of the night was the following dish -grilled eggplant with miso and a sprinkle of parmesan. I simply loved the saltiness of the parmesan and miso mixed with gorgeously textured eggplant. However, the serving size only included half an eggplant so a whole would have been a bliss.

Grilled eggplant with miso and parmesan

The specials menu included 2 eye catching dishes which we just had to order. One of them was the shallow-fried soft shell crab wrapped with hijiki, edamame rice and snow peas. Whilst the filling was scrumptious, I was deeply disappointed by the oiliness of the beancurd sheet which encased it.

Shallow-fried soft shell crab wrapped with hijiki, edamame rice and snow pea, served with wasabi mayo

Inside the soft shell crab roll

The other dish we ordered from the specials menu was this yuan-grilled Suzuki jewfish with organic sesame oil and tamari, served with bamboo shoot rice and blanched bok choy. The bamboo rice was the best!

Yuan-grilled Suzuki jewfish with organic sesame oil and tamari, served with bamboo shoot rice and blanched bok choy

Ah, finally, our last main dish of medium rare beef steak with chilled wasabi mash. The mash must've consisted of fresh wasabi -its sharpness was so aromatic. And the accompanying sauce which I can't recall was so luscious, we found ourselves mopping it up with every piece of perfectly seared steak.

Medium rare beef steak with chilled wasabi mash

Dinner ended sweetly with desserts of their signature green tea and cinnamon creme brulee and houjicha (oven-roasted green tea) pannacotta. The crystalised toffee was as it should be -a thin glossy sheet. Cracking it has always been a secret pleasure of mine. The green tea and cinnamon custard beneath was silky smooth. But the pannacotta left me speechless as I continuously devoured spoon after spoon. Its refreshing houjicha essence paired with a light-as-air texture was sublime.

Green tea and cinnamon creme brulee

Houji cha pannacotta

Amanda et moi

The next time you need a quiet bar/restaurant for a date or to catch up with friends, check out Uchi.

View Larger Map

Uchi Lounge
15 Brisbane Street, Darlinghurst
www.uchilounge.com.au

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the launch of Way2go, a bi-monthly user-generated magazine backed up by NRMA which offers inspiring and entertaining stories, personal tips and advice from passionate travellers. Call it Magazine 2.0 if you like.

The magazine is packed with real life experiences and quirky photography and travel tips. My favourite in this first issue was the DIY security with a rubber doorstop! The magazine even offers some awesome prizes for great stories.

Just before I take you behind the scenes to this media launch party, I am proud to announce the first giveaway on JENIUS! Scroll down to the end of this post for more info on whats up for grabs and how to win. I'm overwhelmed with excitement as PR and media agencies begin to embrace bloggers as this means there's plenty of good stuff coming your way. This recognition is rather flattering and I must admit that I'm enjoying the opportunity to network with some amazing people (as well as the free food, of course!).

Aerial view of function

The Way2go launch party was held at Mezzaluna, a modern Italian hotspot on Victoria Street, Potts Point. The restaurant was staffed by its 2 owners, bartenders and wait staff. I found myself rotating between the gorgeous warmth on the outdoor terrace which had a stunning view of the city skyline and the air-conditioned floor which featured a scrumptious array of traditional Italian bites.

Food on offer included this oven roasted stuffed suckling pig, freshly shucked oysters, grilled eggplant and zucchini, celeriac salad, crab and fish cakes, risotto balls, salmon carpaccio, figs wrapped in finely sliced proscuitto and much more. I finished off with not one but two servings of fresh gnocchi, the first with tomato sauce and the second with gorgonzola & cream sauce. It then only made sense to pair it with two pieces of chocolate and ricotta filled cannoli. Delish!

Oven-roasted stuffed suckling pig

Celeriac salad

Fresh figs wrapped with prosciutto

Mushrooms with blue cheese

Grilled zucchini and eggplant

Marinated capsicum

Crab and fish cake balls

Risotto balls

Lamb rolled in poppy seeds

Carpaccio of salmon

City views

Gnocchi freshly made

Fresh gnocchi cooking with tomato sauce

There was a business card pot competition which I coincidentally won as well! You can tell how thrilled I was in the pic below. It was the first time I had ever won anything decent! With $200 worth of lunch or dinner, I'll be back soon to try the a la carte menu.

Me winning business card pot prize

Cannoli

I left the night with a goodie bag of NRMA Publishing mags and a very cool USB key-chain photoframe! And there's something for you too... (scroll down a tiny bit more)

Goodie bag

Win 1 of 5 one-year subscriptions to the Way2go magazine!

Thanks to Zing, 5 lucky JENIUS readers will win an one-year subscription to the Way2go magazine!

To enter, simply leave a comment in 25 words or less about why you want this subscription to the magazine. Be the most creative to win.

Sorry, this promotion is open to Australian and NZ residents only.

Entries close on Friday, 27th February 2009 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 and will be notified via email for their address.

Good luck!

Way2go magazine is on sale bi-monthly at newsagents across Australia for $5.95. Issue 1 is out now. For more info, visit the official site.

Oh, the food was fabulous, I'll definitely be back.

How often have you said those words after having a satisfying meal? Well, I've committed that crime too many times. Sometimes I'd go back for that one specific thing they left me craving, other times it'd be to see a cute waiter (ha!). There's something unique about all my favourite restaurants, and the reason I love Rise, is because of their genuineness, quirky service and innovation. Plus, for their 3 year anniversary, there's even a special Omakase degustation running between 17th - 22nd June for almost half price.

So naturally, I went on the first available day, booking the 8pm session in advance... knowing that it'd be another long evening in the office. No one likes timed seatings, but hey, from a restaurant owner's point of view, it's basically doubling the revenue prospects of each table! And at $36 per person, I'm not complaining.

I've been down with the flu for a couple of days, so it was sparkling water for me, and this luscious lychee cocktail for Zen.

The first dish was produced and brought out in masses. Behind the sushi bar, I admired the quick production line. There were boxes of washed and perfectly trimmed witlof leaves and more. The tuna tartare is a staple item on the Rise menu, regularly making an appearance in the seasonal plate. It was nice to see it used as the main entree ingredient. I also couldn't get enough of the wasabi flavoured guacamole.

I think Rise had discovered the secret to making the best clear soup stock and I'm so glad they've kept using it. The soup was warm, cleansing and delicious. Somewhere amongst the dumpling-looking calamari tortellini, rocket and cherry tomatoes were bits of kaffir lime leaves -so fragrant they are!

When the assorted sashimi platter was served, I understood why we weren't forking out the usual $60. To my shock, they had reduced the 4 servings of fresh sashimi to 2. See my previous posts here and here as proof. Nonetheless, the salmon and kingfish was fantastic. Its texture was so delicate and the flavours... mmmm.... the flavours enhanced every morsel in the shot glass.

The seasonal plate was good but not great. I didn't like how the wonton cup had been fried so early that it lost its crunchiness.

The main dish was chicken. That's right, plain joe... But wait, there was a twist... the lemongrass scented coconut cream worked wonders for this otherwise boring dish.

And lastly... the pannacotta, tapioca rice pudding looked like a 3 year old's wacky Hulk experiment but tasted of something familiar to fine dining. It was the combination you wish you had thought of. Yum!

I don't know what it is, but there's something good they're doing right. It seemed like the general consensus around the dining floor was that most had dined at Rise several times before.

Happy 3 year anniversary, Rise!

Rise
www.riserestaurant.com.au

Read about my previous visits here and here.

It's been a while since I've last food blogged. To be precise, it's been over 3 weeks of the flu, fever, cold, cough and aching joints. But seeing that my taste buds had started to come back to life, Zen and I decided to Rise again! Hooray to yummy sashimi!

The downside to dining out so soon was my excessive coughing. Not only did I feel like a nuisance for constanltly coughing, but I accidentally (and rather embarrasingly) blew out the tealight candle numerous times! Thank goodness the staff were always so friendly in offering to re-light it.

Starters were rice paper rolls with cured salmon omelette. The smoked ocean trout accompaniment and hummus was so good.

Next was the clear soup, which was a lovely variation to my first visit. It was just as refreshing and left me lingering for more... mMmMmM...

The sashimi was what we had really come here for. The sauces bring out the delicate textures of the fish so well. Each were beautiful in it's own way... some of them had a soy base, others with hints of miso and sesame and another with something vaguely reminiscent of ponzu.

The main dish was also simple in execution. The Tonkatsu sauce was rich and tangy... I mopped it all up with the potato croquette!

I'll probably be back to Rise soon. They have birthday specials for members!

Rise Restaurant
23 Craigend Street, Darlinghurst

Zen was back on Friday night after his first working week in Wollongong; so we caught up over an initimate dinner at Rise. Heading straight to Darlinghurst after work, we were rather early... though this meant we were able to grab the cosy window seat :-)

The menu was really impressive and forced a battle in my mind between the degustation or the a la carte. There's actually 30% off the Omakase menu on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, but we decided go for the whole experience anyway. The degustation it was.

First of the 7 dishes was the chicken and tofu salad. The tofu was chilled and silky soft. Its flavour was so refreshing with the crisp spanish onion and shallots, and the chicken was tossed in a flavoursome sesame and miso sauce. Mmmm, give me more.

Next was the soup, which was cleansing and fragrant with kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass. The fried tofu and calamari mince had such a nice complimenting texture.

Aww, sashimi. Check out this piece of artwork! It was so beautiful... each shot glass was filled with such tender flavours.

And then we had the seasonal plate which consisted of:

The pasta dish featured lightly blanched rice noodles with shredded green papaya and a large scallop which was seared to perfection. Topped with dill, coriander and chilli, this dish was uber tantalising.

I heart Rise.

Rise Restaurant
23 Craigend Street, Darlinghurst
Phone (02) 9357-1755　
Web http://www.riserestaurant.com.au

Happy birthday Tim!

On Tuesday night, we were here to celebrate Tim's 22nd birthday... well... I was more or less there to flex my photography skills. LOL. And surprise, surprise... Zen and I ended up indulging ourselves with a scrumptious 3 course meal.

J'adore restaurant is all about intimacy. There's the fireplace, the slinky booths and the candlelit tables... However, with the Tuesday specials (2 for 1 mains), I was surprised to find that at 8pm, it was still relatively empty.

For entrees, Zen decided to go for what I would normally have ordered -the pork belly. He assured me that it was perfectly cooked and so satisfying to devour.

I had the giant quail with ginger syrup glaze. Driven by both curiousity and greed, my temptations overpowered me. How big could a giant quail really be? The quail was ever so tender. Its outside was glossy and tanned with sweetness. It was no longer a question of size. The bigger, the better.

Next, Zen opted for the chicken. It was too buttery for my liking... but he seemed to enjoy it.

And I went for the bouillabaisse which was rich in flavour. Its distinctive aroma was so delicate... although a little overwhelming without slices of the trusty bread. The potatoes on the other hand were the ideal wedge. Crispy and flavoursome all around with a soft hearty centre.

At this stage, Zen was already prepared to skip desserts... but I had come prepared with my eyes on the brulee with sago and fresh lychees. MmM... It didn't disappoint. The brulee was a creamy mixture of starchy sago and Malibu. Its caramelised crust proportion was perfect.

Generous servings and with some intriguing dishes.

J'adore Lounge Bar & Restaurant
1A Burton Street Darlinghurst

Operating hours:
Tuesday to Friday - midday till 2.30pm & 6pm till midnight
Saturday: 6pm - midnight
Sunday & Monday: closed or open for special reservations/function

Bookings and enquiries: 0405 395 248 or email anya@jadore.com.au
Website: www.jadore.com.au

Arun Thai is nothing like your corner Thai takeaway. The interior is sophisticated, the menu is classy and the service is thoughtful. The staff were dressed in matching uniforms, and each dish on the menu was carefully marked with its degree of hotness.

Zen and I were starving, and cautious about over-eating... so we skipped the starters, and went straight for the mains. I can never pass on Thai soup. I love the unique texture and the spices... ooh yes, the spices! We ordered the Tom Kha Gai to share, which was a pricey $11. The waiter then warned us of the small serving size, and true, it wasn't enough to share... but the flavours were eccentric.

At this stage, the restaurant was full to capacity... Still, it's not an excuse for the mildly disappointing beef stir-fry. The beef was dry and chewy and sat scattered over the plate... soaking in its own juices. It was nothing like the harmony of chilli and basil I had salivated over.

Massive pan-fried scallops hid beneath a mountain of lettuce, mint leaves, shallots, ginger, onion, carrot and coriander. The scallops were big, tender and so meaty! It balanced well with the dynamic dressing...

The soft shell crab also lacked imagination. The entire crusty crab was served as 1 large piece... and was encased in a heavy batter.

Unsatisfied with our meals, we decided to treat ourselves to dessert. I really wanted the black sticky rice pudding which was served with custard... but unfortunately, they'd run out of custard... so I opted for the fresh mango with sticky rice and coconut cream instead. The mango was everything summer could be... sweet and exotic... the sticky rice and coconut cream was a little bland, but the mint leaves provided a refreshing touch. During the 15 minutes we waited for our desserts, we were asked three... or maybe four times by different waiters if we'd like to order dessert. Call it attentive if you like, but I thought it was a little disorganised.

Overpriced? Maybe. Would I dine here again? Probably not. Arun Thai has a great ambience, and the dishes are no doubt authentic... though lacking a bit in the quality aspect, but I'd rather dine at any Newtown Thai outlet for half the price.

Arun Thai Restaurant
28 Macleay St Potts Point
Phone: (02) 9326 9135

Lesson learnt: always order what the restaurant specialises in. I don't know what drove me into order tempura and teriyaki chicken at a place named Sushi Tengoku. It could have been the cold windy wet weather... or maybe it was Zen...

So after a late night at uni, Zen and I decided to stop by this small neon-lit restaurant, which we'd always driven past. Sushi Tengoku was packed with local "honkie" families. As soon as you enter, you're exposed to a fresh but fishy scent. I sat on the only available table, and waited for it to be cleaned whilst listening to everyone's conversations about food. Every table seemed to prize what they had ordered... fresh sashimi, and sushi of every sort... mMm...

Overall, the sushi was amazing... and is probably the only thing you should order. It's all extremely fresh, well-priced and offers a vast variety of fresh seafood and sashimi. I'll definately pass on the hot food next time round.

Sushi Tengoku
121 Anzac Parade Kensington
Tel: (02) 9663 3388

Bookings are recommended.

What a nice ending to a very hectic week. The Eyeblaster AU team switched on our Outlook out-of-office assistants, and diverted our direct lines for what we hoped to be a peaceful Friday afternoon... Lunch was served at the Moore Park Golden Century Seafood Restaurant. The ceiling to floor windows exposed us to the lovely landscaped streets of the Entertainment Quarter. The interior was spacious and airy... also unexpectedly quiet.

A little disappointed that this seafood restaurant didn't have any soft-shelled crab, we ordered two servings of the salt & pepper squid.

The wasabi beef was one of this restaurant's specialties, but I found it a little too sweet, and was missing that little extra kick of hotness from the wasabi. I've had this dish before at TingHa Restaurant at Parramatta, where the beef was actually green. Overall, it was quite nice and tender.

Moore Park Golden Century Seafood Restaurant
Shop 1/F, 220/888 Bent Street
Entertainment Quater, Cnr Lang Road & Driver Avenue, Moore Park
Tel: 9358 4488
Web: http://www.goldencentury.com.au/

I've heard lots about Ichi-Ban Boshi. Some friends would rave on about the value for money and others loved the quality of the soup base. Then there's the talk of collagen in the Tonkotsu... I had to try it for myself!

Zen ordered the Udon Set, which featured a salad, a mini katsu-don, and the udon ($13).

Ichi-Ban Boshi
http://www.ichibanboshi.com.au

Bondi Junction - 360 Oxford Street
Town Hall - Level 2, The Galleries Victoria, 500 George Street
Strand Arcade - Level 2, Strand Arcade, 193 Pitt Street

Hot braised beef sandwich with caramalized onions, jus and cripsy potatoes

Toasted rueben sandwich (corned beef, sauerkraut and tilsit cheese)

Lemon Tart

Bruschetta

Chicken and Avocado Panini

Interior of Red Star

Fettucine with Creamy Pesto, Chicken and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Penne with Spicy Italian Sausage, Olives, Tomatoes and Parsley

Zucchini and Chicken Pizza

Steak Panini

Steak Panini with mixed salad leaves, tomatoes, caramelised onion and aioli

Red Star is a small pizza cafe on Bourke St, Waterloo, that I have grown to love. It may be a lengthy wait for your food, but it is sure worth it!

Red Star - Pizza Cafe
782 - 822 Bourke Street Waterloo
Phone: +61 (02) 8399 1719