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| Chicken Schnitzel with salad, chips and pepper sauce. |
Chermside Tavern is usually packed during lunchtime or in the evening. But if you are ever around during lunch time, pop by for their lunch deals only applicable on Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm. Offering 5 different dishes, there sure will be one or two that you will want. From Beer battered fish, Chicken schnitzel, Salt n pepper calamari, Chicken caesar wrap and more.
After deciding to go to Portside Wharf since we were near, we couldn't decide what to eat. Though we wanted something simple and easy but quick at the same time, we ended up in Burrito Bar.. It's been a while since I've been to Burrito Bar in which previously I tried the Nacho Fries in Southbank. I don't usually eat Mexican food, but when I do, sometimes they do dissapoint but they may not.
The Bun Mobile has been one of the famous Brisbane food trucks, and of course it may have been because they were the first, starting back at 2012. They offer such a simple menu consisting of only 3 different buns with specials too can cater to any one, from vegetarian to meat lovers etc. Hand crafted steam buns filled with meaty fresh salad which may fill you up or just make you want to go for seconds.. Their location varies from day to day so do keep an eye out on their website for their whereabouts.
Ramen Champion is one of the few places focusing on Ramen located in Sunny Park just opposite Market Square in Sunnybank. Although one thought of mine was whether they could top the existing Ramen places.. The place from the front, does not really attract nor does its interior, no Japanese influence at all.
All the buzz about Chur Burger hyped up as soon as they opened their doors at the bottom of the new Tryp hotel in the Valley. With an anticipation through the social media pics, and also our never-ending burger adventure, we ventured out to Chur one night, to try it. A branch from Sydney, the much acclaimed Chur Burger has finally stepped into Brisbane soil, and maybe make a name for itself here too..
Midam Korean Charcoal BBQ is located at Sunnybank Hills, just behind Pinelands Plaza. They offer a wide range of Korean dishes, either a-la-carte or bbq buffet, though I think they specialize more on their Charcoal BBQ. From the outside, the restaurant may look small but when you step in, it is rather big.
Kushi Q offers traditional Japanese dishes, both eat in and takeaway is available. Located on Hawken Drive, easy access for students especially. Came here for lunch with a friend of mine and wasn't sure of where to eat but wanted to go somewhere around St Lucia. Students do get 10% off by the way, so make sure you do show your ID. It was really empty when we came in, there was only probably only one table filled and that's it.
Made's Warung aka. Warung Made is located in Seminyak and has been established since 1969, being one of the many favourite restaurants for locals, expats and tourists offering traditional Indonesian cuisine. Many people would recommend this restaurant and for those who like history, then this restaurant definitely has its own history. A western man who fell in love with the restaurant's owner's daughter. They do have their history in the restaurant in pictures in which you can see for yourself. A spacious restaurant with natural light and fresh air also shining upon the outdoor area, there is also a stage for events such as live performances. When we arrived, it was quite empty inside but since they had an outdoor and an indoor seating area, the outdoor area had a few diners though not as much as I thought there would be.
Nanny's Pavillion is one of the few cafes in Beachwalk, Kuta in Bali. The place do give you somewhat a homey feeling and I have just realised that they do have quite a number of outlets around in Indonesia, each of them named under various rooms that you would typically have in a pavillion, such as Bedroom, Kitchen, Library, Sewing Room, Terrace, Barn, Playground, Laundry room and so on. This one here, in Beachwalk was there 'Barrel Storage', which is presented by their wooden interiors as well, as their counters being surrounded by barrels (see the photos below). Its concept is based on a French American pancake restaurant.
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| Paddy field backdrop surrounded by seating areas.. |
I was approached by Ben from Benfatti Fine Italian Foods at the exhibition of Fine Food Queensland. I learnt a bit or two about their products and also how they are. I came home with a bottle of their Sicilian Cherry Tomato Sauce and could not wait to try and cook a pasta dish with it. Though I knew that I would be busy with uni, so this review got held up for a while which I do apologize for, but never fear, here it is now, officially online (since I have uploaded the finished pasta dish on my Instagram).
From the 6th October to the 16th November, you can indulge in 13 different countries cuisines which includes 30 food and drink available selections held in Treasury Casino. A food event which involves global food, just makes you that little lazier to hop on a flight and fly away, but now, you can gobble down your favourite global dishes right here in Brissie. The food will be featured across 6 restaurants and 4 bars, giving you plenty to choose from and of course, decisions decisions..
'A World of Yum' launch event was held the other day in the courtyard of the Treasury Casino Hotel in the CBD.
Philly cheesesteaks has gone back as far as we can imagine it to, reminds me of those street hotdog vendors in America in which you would see basically everywhere. Since the American feel has been booming here in Brissie, I do have to say, sometimes you don't really need the up-end restaurants to have a decent hearty or that American authenticity taste. Located in West End, PJ's Steaks do serve your freshly baked roll filled with rib eye fillet with assorted ingredients or toppings, and of course, topped up with cheese.
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| so-called Chicken Karaage Curry |
Oh Himawari, what happened? I remembered the first time I tried Himawari was in Elizabeth Arcade in the CBD, way back years ago. They have another branch which is in Sunnybank Plaza. We decided to come here for lunch, since we were wanting Japanese curry for lunch during the time. Unfortunately, it was disappointing...
Brisbane's own street event featuring the delicious bunch of Brisbane's best food trucks & vans all coming to one venue on one night, this Friday on the 17th October. Join your favourite food trucks including The Bun Mobile, Chocolate Komberry Co, Gourmet H-Dogz and so much more..
An all-age event so bring your children, bring your mates, bring your lovers to this food-ful event. Have I also said that there will be live music and themed bars too?
Don't miss out, put this in your diary, cancel your not-so-important plans and make plans to come to this event. I'm sure you won't regret it, you will definitely leave with a smile on your face and it'll definitely be a great start to the weekend~
Hatch n Co has been one of the most talked about restaurants since it open their doors. Being one of the popular restaurants in the Gasworks Precinct in Newstead, I do have to say, it is definitely a good lunch or dinner spot. At night, sitting outside would give you the nice view of the changing coloured lights of the Gasometer area whilst also getting fresh air. I do recommend making reservations since they do get booked out quite easily. Coming here for my mum's birthday was quite a minute-thinking-moment since I had a few places in mind but finally made my decision and chose to have a birthday lunch here.
Located in the Runcorn Shopping Plaza on Warrigal Rd, opposite Warrigal Square, a few variety of different restaurants are offered including Korean BBQ, Korean Dessert, Chinese hot pot and 'Ren', a Japanese restaurant amongst it. A few tables were filled but the restaurant weren't fully filled and this was on a weekend. The menu had a good range of different Japanese cuisines with reasonable prices.
Good Ol' Dominos, they've recently released their new Pulled Pork range which consisted of three different varieties of Pulled Pork pizzas. Now, pulled pork is everywhere at the moment, it's basically a hit in restaurants around here. Don't let the name 'pulled pork' hold you back or under estimate it, it's not as easy as you think to cook pulled pork. Pork meat pulled apart? Well, not exactly.. it's pork meat being slow cooked at a low temperature until it becomes tender to pull itself apart without you having to put extra effort by getting your forks and pulling the meat off each other.. Domino's gave me the chance to try their new range and who could say no to pizza and pulled pork? Oh, and also without having to move an inch or get out of the house and drive to pick it up..
Gallery Cafe is situated right at the centre of the mall in front of David Jones in Westfield Chermside. I would always walk past it but never tried it though I have tried their sister restaurant in Carindale. We decided to have a quick not-so-filling-lunch as we weren't that hungry and whilst walking past it, we thought we would try the place.
Another New Farm based brunch place, Ponycat located in Brunswick St in New Farm is at the corner amongst other restaurants and shops. One of the things that caught my eye from the online photos I have seen were the chalked menu on the counter and the graffiti art walls. Oh, also the food I guess, but it seemed more of classic meals instead of fusionised or hyped up dishes offered when compared to the other brekky competitor eateries around in Brisbane.
Hong Depot, a Korean restaurant offering both A-la-carte and BBQ. Though its location is a bit out of place, the corner of Melbourne St in West End, opposite where Coles is, and close to the well-known Three Monkeys.. I don't usually go for Korean in West End, a bit off for me as my usual Korean restaurants would either be in the CBD or in the southside..
Apologies for the delays and the absence of the posts.. I've been extremely busy with uni studies, since mid-sems has been over-taking my time and I've also been getting so much lack of sleep :( But now since I'm having a 'little' bit of time on my hands, what better way to use that time to blog... I have so many photos to show you, so many queuing posts coming up which has been screaming to get uploaded online.. I'm getting there, I'm getting there..
So let me start off, with a sweet start.. Wunderbar Bakery Bistro is a German eatery located in Teneriffe. Offering both desserts and light meals, coffee and alcohol. I remembered when this place used to be Passione and I loved their waffles especially and was quite upset when I found out they had closed down. There are German restaurants in Brisbane however, not bakeries.
It's nice to see brekky places in the north side or south, not having to always it being around the CBD area.. Little Pawpaw is under the same group of Pawpaw Cafe, Mons Ban Sabai, Green Papaya and Picnic. Hidden in a suburban area of Chermside, though not too close to Westfield Chermside, going by car is preferable.. It was quite troubling to find it, since having thought that it would be near the main road side, but instead, was at the far end of the other side..
Miel Container (Premium Homemade Burger) lies at the corner of Mary and Albert St., easily noticeable with its bright red shipping tin with seats both inside and outside. A simple but eye catching joint offering the food where we all know, everyone loves, which is.. Burgers, of course.. This isn't your fine dining, nor your food court food, what reminds me of this were the American street food, selling simple but delicious food where you won't be able to resist to try when you walk past..
Teneriffe Festival occurred on the 5th July at Teneriffe of course.. It's the fifth year that this event has been held and yet, it is still growing with new delights and entertainment.. With all the glorious food stalls, ranging from hot dogs to fairy floss, bakeries of pastries and macarons, dumplings or paellas and so on.. Entertainment such as competitions, live music, fashion shows and more.. This post won't be a review but just snippets of the Festival in photos....
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| Spanner Crab Spaghetti, tomato, chilli and basil |
With all the buzz that has been happening in the CBD or around it, more restaurants or more cafes opening up, don't under estimate or forget about those restaurants that may be away from the city centre but offers great food. Here we have Billykart Kitchen, owned by celebrity chef, Ben O'Donoghue and his wife, Dee, located in Annerley in a suburban area.
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| Too Bao To Handle, Too Cold To Hold |
Okay.. I finally tried Kwan Bros, though after a long delay of not trying them when they opened. I finally visited Kwan Bros and made new friends along the way too. Kwan Bros is the newest establishments of Damien Griffith's line up of restaurants, following Alfred and Constance, Alfred's Pizzeria and Chester Street Bakery. Though parking may be a hassle once you realise it's in the Valley, but don't worry, Kwan Bros offers free parking right in front of the restaurant, just remember to get it validated. Before I go on, Kwan Brothers isn't really your typical asian restaurant, nor is it your typical western restaurant, I may just call it as a fusion.. but, not as a fusion of normal typical asian food, but focusing more on street food. This includes, hawker markets of Singapore, street carts of Bangkok and Izakayas of Tokyo.. Now, where should I begin?
Though this may not be Le Bon Choix in the CBD, this place may be known as the original Le Bon Choix until it changed its name to French and Mor. Offering a wide variety of freshly baked breads, salads, sandwiches and of course, offering Le Bon Choix cakes. Located in Albany Creek in a humble shopping complex, we came for brunch or maybe it was lunch, I can't recall.. there were a few parking spots available though it may get filled quickly.
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| Smoked Salmon & Spinach on pesto scrambled eggs |
Little Larder lies at the corner of Moray St and Barker St, named one of the best brekky place around in New Farm, we came here. We arrived in the morning and it was quite not too hard finding parking since there were street parking available. Seats were available but limited as the other tables and seats seemed to have been filled.. Before coming, I had a quick look through at the menu online so I had an idea of what to order.. well, unless something changed my mind..
Just recently I was contacted to try Brumby's Bakery's new Gourmet cookies with Lindt chocolate for the Winter season. I do love my cookies, my chocolates, my baking, though not so much when it comes to sweets or even desserts that are too sweet. Sadly I didn't hear the knock in the morning, but when I was checking the mailbox, I found a little box placed in front of my front door. It was quite hot during that time so I was quite scared that it might melt or maybe the ants might have gotten to it before I did..
Was wandering around Toowong one day and found this cafe in the corner in front of Toowong Village. I've kind of seen it but maybe didn't really pay much attention to it as it didn't really appeal to me as much. Though on this day, for some reason, I ended up here.. I've only glanced across it when going from Uni to Train Station but I guess it was time for me to try it as it seemed kind of the only decent cafe around..
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| New Shanghai Xiao Long Bao |
Fine Food Queensland, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre July 14, 2014
I know, I know.. this may be very late to post but I have quite been busy and since currently being on uni holidays, I might say.. I do have more time to do this and that and trying to update and post as much as I can, though maybe not too much because then the blog will get bombarded.. Well, here is my review of the annual event of Fine Food Queensland which was also held in Western Australia but Fine Food Queensland was held this year in April. For a thorough introduction regarding the event, please click Fine Food Queensland and read about it.
Guyliannnnnnnn... Oh, chocolate goodness.. Oh, Lindt, Godiva, Haigh's, Hersheys, Royce and so many more chocolate brands that you could ever think of. Well, I think they really need more specialized chocolate stores in Brissie I might say, other than San Churros or Max Brenner or Monty's or Dello Mano and so on. Originated from Belgium in 1960, sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, you may know their famous Guylian seashells too and they still remain faithful to their original praline recipe..
One of the many Korean BBQ places in southside is Goong Charcoal BBQ Korean Restaurant on Pinelands Road, just on the 2nd level of the asian food precinct just right next to the petrol station. Parking is a bit tight since it does get filled quite easily and since many people just don't have the right manners or do whatever they like, sometimes there are parking issues where people do end up parking in not-allowed spaces or even go on top of the grass or block doors and so on.. They were serving both a-la-carte and a $25 buffet at the time and we felt like having Korean BBQ, so we opted for the buffet.
Pizza Capers, a Brisbane pizza chain specializing in gourmet pizzas and also offers a range of pasta and salads. A new limited edition range called 'Inferno Challenge' which involves a range of 2 pizza choices having that kick of spicyness more than your usual pizzas. The aim of this is basically to test your ability to handle the hotness.. Oh, and plus.. did I say that free mini Tabasco sauces was involved?
Lindt Chocolat Cafe located at Darling Harbour was where we went for dessert after a yummy dinner nearby.. Last time I visited the Lindt Chocolat Cafe was the one at George St from what I can recall.. I've always liked Lindt desserts oh and especially their cakes.. Quite a chilly night so a hot cuppa would've been a good warmer..
Fish Market Cafe & Christie's Seafood Excellence, Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont, Sydney
Christie's Seafood Excellence July 04, 2014
Sydney Fish Market is one of those destinations you must definitely go to when visiting Sydney or even in Sydney. The freshest seafood you can find, from oysters to sashimi, from fried or grilled seafood, anything you can think of about seafood, you can get it here. We ate at 2 places 'Fish Market Cafe' and 'Christie's Seafood Excellence' which was just by the main entrance. There are many different stalls offering different types of seafood but some are just simple competitors offering similar seafood, which most are from the very best local markets.
Though widely known for its breakfast dishes and its individuality in them, came in a bit too late one day so only a few of the breakfast dishes were available. Ended up choosing from their lunch menu but I reckon their breakfast will probably be as good. A bit quiet for an early lunch time, with only a few tables filled, but as time passed by, more people started to come in. Named one of the best, and currently the best breakfast spot in Brisbane, and I won't need to go against it either, and you'll see why..
'The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf', an American coffee chain that started back in 1963 and has evolved till now to being the largest and oldest privately held coffee and tea chain in the US.. Using only the top 1% of Arabica Beans, roasted at a specific degree to develop that richness on its final taste, may it be light or medium roasted. Their tea comes from lush tea plantations in Sri Lanka, China, Kenya, Japan and others.. Their branch has grown so much, in South East Asia too being one of the competitors in coffee chains along with Starbucks Coffee etc.
Starbucks Coffee offers your usual drinks and also assorted cakes and sandwiches. Having a branch basically everywhere, though in Brisbane may not be as much, they do have a high rating and turnout as in customers wise. The American chain seems to be doing well worldwide. Whilst waiting for my flight to Singapore, I couldn't be bothered walking around the airport or such so decided to have drink and a nibble and Starbucks was just the place to be.
Ta Wan, a chinese restaurant offering a wide range of Chinese dishes but specializing in porridges. Branches around Jakarta and Surabaya is widely known amongst the locals. Came here for a quick dinner before going to Spazio for late night drinks, quite busy as it was dinner time and usually since the population here is more than it is in Aus, the restaurants do tend to be filled quite quickly.
It's been awhile since I've gone out for Greek food, and what better way to go out and book a table (in advance) to Char Char Yiros. At first, I wasn't sure whether to book Char Char Yiros or Lefkas or even Little Greek, but made up my mind and here it is.. Bookings do tend to get full quickly so I would recommend booking in advance in any of these three Greek restaurant as you can probably tell when you walk around West End, they are usually packed as when you walk past..
Boncafe Steak & Ice Cream is one of the many restaurants offering Western food at a somewhat affordable price. They specialise in steaks that focuses on quality and price. Though it cannot be compared to upper-class western restaurants, this restaurant and branches around the city has been serving since 1977. Serving steaks on hot plates,
