Address: 372-374 Main Rd, Wellington Point QLD 4160
Tel: (07) 3207 3120
Website: www.tanjas.com.au
I can't remember what I had here which was notable but I think it was a pastry/pie of sorts where I ate everything on the plate. This is your standard strip shopping mall cafe but does a nice breakfast or light lunch well and if it's anywhere near where you live or a friend lives in Brisbane then you should give it a go!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sepia Restaurant
Address: Darling Park, 201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02)9283 1990
Website: http://www.sepiarestaurant.com.au/
So I got dragged into coming into trying this new restaurant, without knowing anything about the menu by my beloved sister who knows more about the world of fine cuisine much better than I. I believe this won the award in 2012 (or end of 2011) for best upcoming restaurant.
It was only later did I find out the genius behind this menu was no other than one of the head chefs who had spent years at Tetsuya's. Sepia is clearly a distinct style - deeper, heavier flavours and focusing more on artistic presentation & more experimental desserts.
The standout was definitely the venison, and desserts - who knew chocolate imitating dirt/twigs/tree bark tasted so good!
The service here is superb - attentive, courteous and not pretentious at all. Meals are well-priced and this is definitely somewhere I would take interstate travellers or overseas guests for a taste of modern Australian cuisine, showcasing our produce and creative spirit.
Tel: (02)9283 1990
Website: http://www.sepiarestaurant.com.au/
So I got dragged into coming into trying this new restaurant, without knowing anything about the menu by my beloved sister who knows more about the world of fine cuisine much better than I. I believe this won the award in 2012 (or end of 2011) for best upcoming restaurant.
It was only later did I find out the genius behind this menu was no other than one of the head chefs who had spent years at Tetsuya's. Sepia is clearly a distinct style - deeper, heavier flavours and focusing more on artistic presentation & more experimental desserts.
The standout was definitely the venison, and desserts - who knew chocolate imitating dirt/twigs/tree bark tasted so good!
The service here is superb - attentive, courteous and not pretentious at all. Meals are well-priced and this is definitely somewhere I would take interstate travellers or overseas guests for a taste of modern Australian cuisine, showcasing our produce and creative spirit.
Sammy's Kitchen Chinese and Malaysian Cuisine (Canberra)
Address: Shop FG09 Section 84, Canberra Centre, Canberra City ACT
Tel: (02) 6247 1464
Not the best value for Malaysian food, but they are in a convenient location and I can't go past their Gado Gado (pictured below) - contains vegetables but drowned in a thick, peanut butter/satay sauce. Its the best Ive had...
They also do other Asian staples such as honey prawns, sweet & sour whatever-meat-you-want-covered-in-batter, duck, spicy salt etc.
Tel: (02) 6247 1464
Not the best value for Malaysian food, but they are in a convenient location and I can't go past their Gado Gado (pictured below) - contains vegetables but drowned in a thick, peanut butter/satay sauce. Its the best Ive had...
They also do other Asian staples such as honey prawns, sweet & sour whatever-meat-you-want-covered-in-batter, duck, spicy salt etc.
Iori Japanese Restaurant
Address: 41 East Row, Sydney Building, Canberra City ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6257 2334
Website: www.iori.com.au
Trading Hours:
Lunch - Mon to Fri, 12pm to 2pm
Dinner - Mon to Sat 6pm onwards
Not the cheapest Japanese restaurant in town, but if you were to eat sashimi in Canberra this would be one of few places I would trust. It has an extensive menu of Japanese delights, with rich traditional flavours. This is as authentic as it gets (in Canberra), with a few fish heads sticking out so you know you are not at some white-washed version of Japanese cuisine.
Ph: (02) 6257 2334
Website: www.iori.com.au
Trading Hours:
Lunch - Mon to Fri, 12pm to 2pm
Dinner - Mon to Sat 6pm onwards
Not the cheapest Japanese restaurant in town, but if you were to eat sashimi in Canberra this would be one of few places I would trust. It has an extensive menu of Japanese delights, with rich traditional flavours. This is as authentic as it gets (in Canberra), with a few fish heads sticking out so you know you are not at some white-washed version of Japanese cuisine.
Cha Cha Char (Brisbane)
Address: Shop 5, Plaza Level, Eagle St Pier, Brisbane QLD
Ph: (07) 3211 9944
Website: www.chachachar.com.au
Highlights - must try the 'moo juice'which has now been renamed to 'beef jus dipping sauce'. It is reminiscent of a thin veil of vegemite reduced with beef stock... love that yeasty-bite of flavour!
Cha Cha Char prides itself on doing good steaks, but of late it has really ramped up its menu to include a diverse range of mains featuring modern Australian cuisine. A really nice place with non-pretentious staff with views of the river and well-executed meals.
Ph: (07) 3211 9944
Website: www.chachachar.com.au
Highlights - must try the 'moo juice'which has now been renamed to 'beef jus dipping sauce'. It is reminiscent of a thin veil of vegemite reduced with beef stock... love that yeasty-bite of flavour!
Cha Cha Char prides itself on doing good steaks, but of late it has really ramped up its menu to include a diverse range of mains featuring modern Australian cuisine. A really nice place with non-pretentious staff with views of the river and well-executed meals.
Coyote Cafe
Address: 220 Northbourne Ave, Braddon ACT 2612
Tel: (02) 6257 7777
Trading Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm
This is a random best-kept secret located within a business building in the middle of Northbourne Ave, the main arterial road in Canberra. Since they only trade during the weekdays I would recommend it as a suitable stopover if you are driving through Canberra and want inexpensive, casual modern Australian cafe food.
I can't go past the French Fries with ranch dipping sauce - they use this special cajun seasoning (which seems to contain both sugar & cinnamon, but strangely works) which is to die for...
Tel: (02) 6257 7777
Trading Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm
This is a random best-kept secret located within a business building in the middle of Northbourne Ave, the main arterial road in Canberra. Since they only trade during the weekdays I would recommend it as a suitable stopover if you are driving through Canberra and want inexpensive, casual modern Australian cafe food.
I can't go past the French Fries with ranch dipping sauce - they use this special cajun seasoning (which seems to contain both sugar & cinnamon, but strangely works) which is to die for...
Jakarta Indonesian Restaurant
Address: 2/702 Brunswick St, Newfarm (Brisbane) QLD 4005
Ph: (07) 3358 5715
Website: www.jakarta.com.au
Trading Hours: Dinner - Tues to Sunday 5:30pm till late
They do a fantastic satay chicken (written as sate on the menu) - Indonesian style is more like a bbq sauce, so sweet flavour with very little spice. It is a much smaller serving (comes in 6 or 8 sticks but they are smaller compared to the usual shish kebabs you come to expect) and served on a sizzling plate.
Also notable for chilli fiends is the 'end of the world' chilli sauce. This is an additional condiment you can order on the side to add to your nasi goreng or the like. Definitely one of the hottest I've ever had and definitely lives up to its name...
Ph: (07) 3358 5715
Website: www.jakarta.com.au
Trading Hours: Dinner - Tues to Sunday 5:30pm till late
They do a fantastic satay chicken (written as sate on the menu) - Indonesian style is more like a bbq sauce, so sweet flavour with very little spice. It is a much smaller serving (comes in 6 or 8 sticks but they are smaller compared to the usual shish kebabs you come to expect) and served on a sizzling plate.
Also notable for chilli fiends is the 'end of the world' chilli sauce. This is an additional condiment you can order on the side to add to your nasi goreng or the like. Definitely one of the hottest I've ever had and definitely lives up to its name...
The Bourke Armoury Bar/Cafe/Restaurant
Address: 655 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9614 2622
Does a really lovely Soy Mocha with a coco-nutty flavour... yum!
Ph: (03) 9614 2622
Does a really lovely Soy Mocha with a coco-nutty flavour... yum!
Cafe Portofino (Brisbane)
Address: 650 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005
Tel: (07) 3358 4002'
Email: fabio@morganti.com.au
A best-kept secret in the trendy part of Brisbane - authentic Italian sweet delights and with a strong coffee if you are so inclined.
The overall vibe is quite boutique, flavours are not overly sweet (more a bitter, dark chocolate is used) so definitely caters to the more traditional European tastebud.
Tel: (07) 3358 4002'
Email: fabio@morganti.com.au
A best-kept secret in the trendy part of Brisbane - authentic Italian sweet delights and with a strong coffee if you are so inclined.
The overall vibe is quite boutique, flavours are not overly sweet (more a bitter, dark chocolate is used) so definitely caters to the more traditional European tastebud.
Balha's Pastry (Lebanese Sweets)
Address: 761-763 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Tel: (03) 9383 3944
Website: www.balhaspastry.com.au
How do I describe Balha's? Find the bling-est marble stone building on Sydney Rd equipped with fancy columns and set on 2 levels, and you have arrived at your destination.
My favourite Baklava place - a long way drive to from NSW, but the serving sizes and balance of flavour is just perfect. The composition of sweet, nutty flavour encased in a sticky & flaky pastry is just superb. A must-do each time I drive through Melbourne and brilliant gift to share with those you love with a sweet tooth!
Tel: (03) 9383 3944
Website: www.balhaspastry.com.au
How do I describe Balha's? Find the bling-est marble stone building on Sydney Rd equipped with fancy columns and set on 2 levels, and you have arrived at your destination.
My favourite Baklava place - a long way drive to from NSW, but the serving sizes and balance of flavour is just perfect. The composition of sweet, nutty flavour encased in a sticky & flaky pastry is just superb. A must-do each time I drive through Melbourne and brilliant gift to share with those you love with a sweet tooth!
Orita's (Japanese Fusion)
Address: 34 Jackson St, Toorak VIC 3142
Tel: (03) 9826 2111
Website: www.oritas.com.au
Trading Hours: Lunch Tue-Sat, 12pm till 3pm; Dinner Tues-Sun 6pm till 11pm.
Hipster Doofi
Hey guys! It has been over a year since I've posted and I'm sorry if you have checked back expecting something entertaining/interesting here.
I have been doing my part for society, stuffing my face where possible and just embracing everything that life has to offer.
This year I learned that a few of my loved ones (and new friends) developed health problems that significantly limited the type of food they could eat - Celiac disease, an allergy to 'toxins' in the air, and a horrible disease where water was being coughed out of the lungs. This is had me thinking, and I became much more appreciative of the things that I could eat - no nut allergies, intolerance to yeast products or seafood (I think).
We all obsess over our weight, but don't for a moment take for granted your health. We only get one body - so look after it, you get out what you put in.
On another note, over the past couple of years, much to my dismay, food blogging has become 'cool' and every 2nd person is suddenly bringing an entourage of DSLR cameras to every known food establishment and sharing with the world their views via a variety of social media which has become more accessible with the growth of smart phone usage.
In light of sparing the world form ANOTHER food blog, I am releasing all my post drafts I never went back to edit, and am cleaning out my drawer of business cards to make sure all the ones worth keeping are listed here with my recollections of what I ate there for the benefit (or detriment) of the general public.
At this time, I will also be relocating from my base in Canberra to the big bad world that it is - Sydney.
The world needs less talk, and more action :)
I have been doing my part for society, stuffing my face where possible and just embracing everything that life has to offer.
This year I learned that a few of my loved ones (and new friends) developed health problems that significantly limited the type of food they could eat - Celiac disease, an allergy to 'toxins' in the air, and a horrible disease where water was being coughed out of the lungs. This is had me thinking, and I became much more appreciative of the things that I could eat - no nut allergies, intolerance to yeast products or seafood (I think).
We all obsess over our weight, but don't for a moment take for granted your health. We only get one body - so look after it, you get out what you put in.
On another note, over the past couple of years, much to my dismay, food blogging has become 'cool' and every 2nd person is suddenly bringing an entourage of DSLR cameras to every known food establishment and sharing with the world their views via a variety of social media which has become more accessible with the growth of smart phone usage.
In light of sparing the world form ANOTHER food blog, I am releasing all my post drafts I never went back to edit, and am cleaning out my drawer of business cards to make sure all the ones worth keeping are listed here with my recollections of what I ate there for the benefit (or detriment) of the general public.
At this time, I will also be relocating from my base in Canberra to the big bad world that it is - Sydney.
The world needs less talk, and more action :)
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