Osteria Balla

Restaurant: Osteria Balla

Location: Level G, Harbourside, The Star/80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

 

 

We have been lucky and have an uncle come help us at the restaurant and so mum has been able to sneak a few nights off again! In saying that, we were hoping to go and capture a few shots out in the CBD – however we found ourselves wandering in The Star for dinner as it was starting to sprinkle.

 

Chestnut's pappardalle with duck ragu' $26.00

We start with the pastas as our entrée; mum had the duck with traditional squares. It wasn’t something that tickled my fancy much, as I found the pasta a little harder than I usually like it.

Saffron potato gnocchi with spanner crab, chilli and garlic $29.00

I have been craving for gnocchi for as long as I remember, so seeing it on the menu was already settled. I’m not one that usually like to eat peas at all, at whatever cost I will push them to the side of the plate. But I found myself scraping down the plate; it was simply packed with flavour from start to finish.

Roast rosemary potatoes $10.00
Rocket and Parmesan salad $12.00

Not wanting to over order, we decided to settle for one main and two side dishes. The rosemary potatoes were so crunchy around the edges, the rosemary was subtle enough, a little overly salty for a few pieces here and there but that was not an issue! What can I say about the rocket and parmesan? Everything had the right amount to ensure it was nice and tasty!

Mum’s not much of a red meat eater, so we had the snapper baked in a bag! It’s my first time having fish cooked in a bag, and it was so awesome!! The fish was great; it simply melted in your mouth. I’m not a fan of olives, and the taste was fairly distinctive in this dish – but it was something I could bring myself to continue eating because everything else was just so delicious!

It was a great night, with attentive staff. You get a pretty good view of Pyrmont too, so that’s always a nice bonus.

Until next time,

- Cass x

Chanoma Cafe: Japadogs

Restaurant: Chanoma Cafe

Location:  Regent Place- 501 George Street, Sydney

Front to back: Kim-Mayo Dog, Tonkatsu Dog, Shrimp Croquette Dog

Sydneysiders will know this is where Azuma Patisserie used to be but the Azuma restaurants have now been replaced with Chanoma Cafe, Tenkomori Ramen House and the much talked about- Yebisu Izakaya (a post for later).  An unplanned visit to the Apple Store on an eeky Tuesday night made it perfect for a fast and not so fussed dinner. What’s better than to have a Japadog (Japanese fusion hot dogs) and a frappe to cure that Tuesdayitis and get you ready for Humpday.

Spicy meat lovers dog

Japadogs are given the choice of 3 options: Slovenia kransky, German blutwurst or Spanish chorizo. First up is the spicy meat lovers dog (kransky) $5.50 along with miso pork mince, white beans and mayonnaise in a soft, fluffy bun. I was sold at the creamy shrimp croquette dog $6.20. The freshly made croquette was crunchy on the outside and inside was filled with soft diced shrimp. The sauce on top was tartare-like with a hint of egg, the mystery of this sauce kept me wanting more.

Creamy shrimp croquette dog

The teriyaki chicken dog $5.50 is not a sausage but a battered and fried piece of chicken breast. This came with caramelised onions, topped with avocado and mayonnaise with a touch of wasabi (it probably could do without the wasabi but then it is Jap fusion here). Chanoma cheese dog $5.50 is a fan for the cheese lovers, which contained curry flavoured cabbage smothered with a generous layer of melted cheese. Apologies for the lack of photos of the teri-chicken and cheese dog from our first visit. We were simply too hungry T___T

Left to right: Yozu matcha frappe, Chocolate frappe, banana frappe

There has been mixed reviews on their drinks- either you get a great one or a not-so-great that you won’t come back (yep, that’s how badly you can miss). Luckily, a visit on the weekend brought me the knowledge that their banana and oreo matcha frappe $6.50 is amazing!!! Unfortunately, their yozu matcha drink was not. For our 2^nd and 3^rd visit, we ordered the azuki, chocolate and oreo matcha frappes (again and not shameful at all teehee). Here is a tip: make sure you mix that whipped cream well into your frappe.

Shaked fries with soy butter

Shaked fries are available with seasoning choices: salt & pepper ($3.90)/wasabi/teriyaki/soy butter & dried seaweed flakes/chilli & garlic ($4.40). Waitress recommended the popular soy butter but we were disappointed as it lacked the rich soy butter flavour which we had anticipated. Instead, we got some pretty salty and addictive fries. To complete the night, we ordered the matcha soft serve $2.90. The soft serve was more icy than creamy but it did have a pretty strong hit of green tea!

We would definitely be back for the Japadogs and the frappes, it’s a cheap eat considering it’s located in Regents Place. Service was fast, waitresses were helpful and it’s conveniently located near the cinemas. No excuse to not grab a bite before/after a movie that is if you haven’t fallen for the smell of buttery popcorn already...

x

cee

UPDATE:  The kim-mayo dog $5.50 is a must try for kimchi lovers but tonkatsu japadog can probably give it a miss.

Good Food and Wine Show 2013: Cooking Class with Miguel Maestre

Event: Good Food and Wine Show: Cooking Class with Miguel Maestre

Location: Sydney Seafood School

 

 

Earlier in the month, I attended a cooking class with Miguel Maestre from El Toro Loco (The Crazy Bull). Or for those who like to watch TV, he’s the Spanish dude on “The Living Room” on Channel 10.

 

Miguel is simply amazing, he was funny, witty, and just a simple pleasure to watch and listen to if I must say. Oh, and of course – a great cook!

 

 

This was an introduction or opening (however you wish to take it) to the Good Food and Wine Show 2013. This year they will have new and old celebrity chefs such as Ainsely Harriot, Curtis Stone, Donna Hay, Tobie Puttock, Maggie Beer, Julie Goodwin, Michelle Bridges, and of course … Miguel Maestre!

 

ANNDDDD … because last year’s Cheese Alley was such an awesome success. This year, the Cheese Alley will have a larger seating area and will showcase 14 of Australia’s best cheese makers. So, all you cheese lovers should be feeling all gooey and excited for all that!!

 

2013 Show Dates:

Melbourne: June 7 – 10, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre

Sydney: June 28 – 30, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Perth: July 19 – 21, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre

Brisbane: November 8 – 10, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

 

There’s plenty more to see, taste and try for 2013! For more information do visit the Good Food and Wine Show website.

 

So … allow me to share the Kingfish Ceviche Miguel had shared with us!

 

This was a great dish, perhaps a good one to keep up your sleeve ready for when summer hits again as it is starting to get so cold!!

 

 

It was a hit with flavour, with some sweetness then ending with another hit as you take the shot of vodka after.

 

Serves: 2

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Equipment: Food processor, sashimi knife, chopping board, mixing bowls

 

Poached sweet potato:

Ingredients:

200ml (6 ½ fl oz) water

200g (7oz) caster sugar

1 star anise

1 sweet potato (250g/8oz), peeled, cut into1cm dice

Juice 1 lime

 

1.      Stir water, sugar and star anise in small saucepan over low heat, until sugar is dissolved.

2.      Add potato, boil gently until potato is just tender – drain.

3.      Place in a bowl, drizzle with lime juice.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small stick celery

1 long fresh red chilli

1 garlic clove

1cm piece fresh ginger

½ bunch coriander

Juice 2 lemons

Juice 1 lime

200g (7oz) sashimi grade kingfish fillet, cut into 1cm dice

½ Spanish onion, thinly sliced

1 ice cub

2 shots vodka

 

1.      Place oil, celery, chilli, garlic, ginger, coriander and half the lemon and lime juice in a small processor. Process until smooth. Place in a small serving bowl.

2.      Add fish, onion and ice cube. Stand for 4 minutes – this allows acid from the citrus juice to cook the protein in the fish.

3.     Place a shot of vodka in each glass. Add a splash of cloudy citrus juice from the fish.

4.      Serve ceviche with sweet potato and vodka shot.

Until next time,

 

- Cass x

 

Next Stop: Food was invited to the Good Food and Wine Show Cooking class with Miguel Maestre.

 

 

Méjico – “Mortar and Pestle to your Table”

Restaurant: Méjico

Address: 105 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
 

Although it’s a bit late to say this, but I’m LOVING the wave new Mexican restaurants opening in Sydney. Mexican flavours are amazing with their clever use of herbs, chilli and booze. So after seeing so many Instagram pictures of Mejico’s guacamole, I decided to come with my sister. 

As it was a spur of the moment decision to come here, we didn’t make a reservation. We waited at the bar area where there were attentive staff serving us very nice cocktails for around half an hour until we got a table for two.

 

The tables were nicely spaced and I love their use of pink of their wall and chairs.

Market Fresh Guacamole; Served with golden plantain chips $9

 

Here in Mejico, they make their guacamole on your table, so it is guaranteed fresh! From memory, they put in onions, a bit of chilli, herbs and of course avocado. We added a bit of salt and the guacamole was PERFECT.

We had a chat with the waitress while she was making the guacamole and she was surprised how many photos she found on Instagram on Mejico. I happily informed her that she’ll be in mine too :)

Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviches $16

The tanginess from the ceviche along with the freshness of the kingfish increased my appetite. I also liked the onions mixed with the kingfish.

Grilled Ocean Trout Tacos $16

 

The colour of the trout was beautiful and it was cooked to perfection.

Portobello Mushrooms & Croquetas $28

The mushrooms were tasty and the crunchiness from the croquettes brings it to another level. The addition of the queso fresco cheese was brilliant!



Queso Fresco $9

I’ve never had Queso Fresco cheese before and the texture is really interesting. It’s like a cross over of ricotta and haloumi. It was delicious and it was quite light as well.

Roast Pumpkin $8

 

I guess the Mexicans really like their Queso Fresco because it was in this dish too. The pumpkin was sweet but it lacked salt. 

Milk Chocolate Shot $6 

Since I wanted another drink AND dessert, my eyes lit up when I saw the chocolate shot and it didn’t disappoint me. The tequila was strong at first taste but it was balanced out by the rich chocolate.

To wrap the post up, Mejico offers wonderfully flavorsome food which were served quickly and the staff were friendly. You can’t go wrong with their table made guacamole! They also got an extensive tequila list which I have yet to try, just remember to book in advance to avoid the wait (although the wait will never be as long as the wait of their neighbor Jamie’s Italian).

Xx
Feli

 

La Citta: overcooked, over expected, over ...

Restaurant: La Citta
Location: 11 Degraves Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

 

Have you ever thought about whether things are jinxed? We’re not sure why, but it seems like our last Melbourne meal (yes, it’s only been two times and we have already come to this

conclusion) is always a disappointment.

 

 

Not having a last meal planned, we walked past Degraves St every morning and saw the array of cafés and were eager to try at least one of them. Not wanting to make a haste choice, we had walked the street up and down at least twice to be sure we had not gone into the wrong café.

Unfortunately they didn’t have a table for 4, so we split our tables. Feli and I sat alone, as Candice and her mum had sat a few tables away.

Chocolate malt shake with ice-cream $5.50

Feli saw the Chocolate malt milkshake with ice cream and was excited thinking there would be some ice cream to eat as well. But it was just a milkshake WITH ice cream already blended, but it was still very delicious. There was a perfect balance of flavours with the chocolate and malt, perhaps a malteaser shake?

Banana, milk, honey, yogurt with cinnamon shake

My banana milkshake nice and smooth, you could smell the banana when the glass was placed on the table.

Smoked Salmon $4.50, Hollandaise sauce $4.00, multigrain sour dough toast $5.50

As they could not change the Eggs Benedict’s bacon to smoked salmon – the waitress advised that Feli could have the just a mixture of everything on the plate. However the hollandaise sauce was not very appetizing, the poached egg was cooked flawlessly with a runny egg yolk.

Spanish scrambled eggs with parsley, tomato, chorizo and chilli on multigrain $16.50

The scrambled eggs were overcooked, but the tomatoes offered a freshness to the whole dish, especially with the pepper from the chorizo.

Perhaps we always work our expectations up with walking into a café thinking we won’t go wrong. So, have you had “bad” experiences in Melbourne?

 

Until next time,

 

- Cass x