tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16288181212826009192024-03-14T02:49:34.123+11:00Buggles and Squeak : reviews for breakfast, lunch and dinner.The adventures of Buggles & Squeak as they eat their way around SydneyBuggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-41845394911377378692013-08-03T10:58:00.002+10:002013-08-03T10:58:52.390+10:00Review: Blancharu by Yomo<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shop 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21 Elizabeth Bay Road</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Elizabeth Bay, 2011</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P: 02-9360 3555</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch Mon- Sat 12-2 pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Dinner Mon- Sat 6- 10pm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Haru</span> Inukai has left the building, preferring to concentrate his efforts on a ramen outlet at Sussex Centre Food Court. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Masahiko Yomoda has taken over the reins - hence, we have<span style="font-size: large;"> Blancharu by Yomo.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight we are embarking on a 5 course tasting menu and are looking forward to the Japanese/French fusion.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URUK1qQTkQ4/Uei2ljecZQI/AAAAAAAAEcw/nR66bvUPgxI/s1600/puffed+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URUK1qQTkQ4/Uei2ljecZQI/AAAAAAAAEcw/nR66bvUPgxI/s400/puffed+rice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An amuse bouche of <span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>crunchy puffed rice</i></span> kicks things off - not big on flavour, yet still incredibly moreish - must be a textural thing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAV3A5-PCrE/Uei2nCDOOTI/AAAAAAAAEc0/x5Mm_61m7oA/s1600/egg+yolk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAV3A5-PCrE/Uei2nCDOOTI/AAAAAAAAEc0/x5Mm_61m7oA/s400/egg+yolk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, <i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Mirrin infused egg yolk with truffle polenta, serrano ham and parmesan foam</span></i> is to die for. The deep, earthy richness of the truffle is front and centre, offset by the subtle saltiness of the ham and parmesan and the creaminess of the perfectly cooked egg yolk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Truffle infused kumara gnocchi with a citrus sauce</i></span>, is less successful. The truffle flavour is quite subdued and the gnocchi are more polenta-ish in texture. A good dish, not a great dish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvQQGhRQQRg/Uei2p-0xNSI/AAAAAAAAEdI/4WUARt8z3Rk/s1600/beef+cheek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvQQGhRQQRg/Uei2p-0xNSI/AAAAAAAAEdI/4WUARt8z3Rk/s400/beef+cheek.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Soupe a l'oignon with beef cheek</span></i>, is a relatively bland affair. The dark broth promises much and delivers little - the small chunks of beef cheek also offer very little on the flavour front.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Le canard with dukkah and jus</i></span> is nice and pink with a crispy exterior. The dukkah adds a little nutty spiciness to the dish. Buggles enjoys this dish quite a lot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7bGj6ZacVc/Uei2rR7df-I/AAAAAAAAEdM/oKx99HjaIO4/s1600/flank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7bGj6ZacVc/Uei2rR7df-I/AAAAAAAAEdM/oKx99HjaIO4/s400/flank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Wagyu Flank a la Plancha with garden vegetables and ponzu</span></i> is very tasty. The combination of leanness with some marbling is interesting and as a cut the flank does have great flavour; cooked on a sizzling hot cast iron skillet is definitely the best way to enjoy it. The garden vegetables are served inside a bone - if there is marrow there as well it is not apparent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The selection of <span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>cheese</i></span> is fairly uninspired and is that a 'salada' a spy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP_nJ9NW67Q/Uei2vaS3EnI/AAAAAAAAEdk/TA4xs6SAf0Q/s1600/brulee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP_nJ9NW67Q/Uei2vaS3EnI/AAAAAAAAEdk/TA4xs6SAf0Q/s400/brulee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Dessert a la Yomo</i></span> is a creme brulee, which is more like a rice pudding topped with green tea ice cream. Once again not entirely successful flavour wise, but still quite enjoyable. Buggles, a fan of rice pudding generally, enjoys this quite a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The service is pretty good and the waitstaff are very friendly. The food had some highs and lows so I think a return visit may be on the cards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1460009/restaurant/Potts-Point/Blancharu-Sydney"><img alt="Blancharu on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1460009/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-22949001933321689242013-07-04T13:00:00.001+10:002013-07-04T14:33:30.696+10:00Review: Pony Lounge and Dining<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19-25 Grosevenor Street</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqSyehnOJ_E/Uc_ZyGj-rKI/AAAAAAAAEYs/-wXOnAgxb0M/s1600/interior2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqSyehnOJ_E/Uc_ZyGj-rKI/AAAAAAAAEYs/-wXOnAgxb0M/s320/interior2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neutral Bay</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Mon - Sat</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12pm - 3pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5:30pm - late</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sun</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8:30am - late</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">p. 02 9904 3422</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many</span> years ago Squeak had tried and enjoyed <span style="font-size: large;">Pony</span> at The Rocks, but for some reason we had never been together. We decide to make an appearance on the 'other' side of the bridge and see what <span style="font-size: large;">Pony</span> in <b>Neutral Bay</b> has to offer a couple of rumbling tummies this lazy Sunday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Toy9z0MZMNY/Uc_Z7Y3UAeI/AAAAAAAAEZU/vZnfxYSUyjg/s1600/spiced+treacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Toy9z0MZMNY/Uc_Z7Y3UAeI/AAAAAAAAEZU/vZnfxYSUyjg/s400/spiced+treacle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wandering in it is clear that Neutral Bay does not wake up quite so early as us, as the only people there are finishing up breakfast! I feel a little odd ordering my cocktail! Undaunted though we quickly decide to imbibe in some Pony Signature drinks with a <span style="color: #e69138;"> 'Lemon Time' </span>for me <i>(Tanqueray Gin, lemon juice, thyme, lemon syrup, egg white)</i> and Squeak runs with a <span style="color: #e69138;">Spiced Treacle </span><i>(Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, house made apple, sultana and cinnamon syrup, apple juice and Aztec chocolate bitters)</i>. They couldn't be more different from each other, but are both quite delicious.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qrcfA8ohZI/Uc_ZvEjW3LI/AAAAAAAAEYc/6QFsRKbuE0Y/s1600/almonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qrcfA8ohZI/Uc_ZvEjW3LI/AAAAAAAAEYc/6QFsRKbuE0Y/s400/almonds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decide to share a couple of small bits and bobs to start with and are immediately drawn to the <span style="color: #e69138;">toasted almonds with chilli and salt</span>. These emerge piping hot with a deceptively innocent chilli oil that provides a real kick after a few mouthfuls. Very more-ish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tq56-W_u9kE/Uc_Ztg1CCeI/AAAAAAAAEYU/Ij99Aa4ZsdQ/s1600/mozzerella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tq56-W_u9kE/Uc_Ztg1CCeI/AAAAAAAAEYU/Ij99Aa4ZsdQ/s400/mozzerella.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span style="color: #e69138;">Buffalo Mozzarella with an olive, celery, eggplant, caper and capsicum salsa</span> is disappointing. The salsa is very tasty but the mozzarella is a big let down. My first observation is that it seems just too cold and the texture is very odd in the mouth. To be honest - it isn't very good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next is the <span style="color: #e69138;">Citrus cured salmon with fennel, rocket and a soy lime glaze</span>. This is fresh and very tasty... the soy lime glaze and the fennel work really well with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then choose to have the <span style="color: #e69138;">Pork Cutlet with mushrooms, pearl barley, herb salad and crackling</span>. This feels very fresh and almost healthy. The pork is juicy and the crackling is sans fat (which is healthier I know!). The herb salad is delicious and brings some good flavour to the dish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSm8jUTCLJE/Uc_ZzyZC4yI/AAAAAAAAEY0/0vWiEKWzw3A/s1600/eye+fillet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSm8jUTCLJE/Uc_ZzyZC4yI/AAAAAAAAEY0/0vWiEKWzw3A/s400/eye+fillet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak goes with the very surprising <span style="color: #e69138;">Eye Fillet with dutch carrots, eschallots, red wine jus and a salsa verde</span>. These last two elements seems to be an odd match to me, but they apparently taste good. The cut of beef is quite small, but probably all you need. The carrots are generous, well cooked and tasty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously we order some <span style="color: #e69138;">chips</span> and a <span style="color: #e69138;">leaf salad</span> to share! Chips go down well... but are nothing particularly special.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEPIiPfBqA/Uc_Z3l8BAnI/AAAAAAAAEZE/0lAMO7Bd7wE/s1600/pear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEPIiPfBqA/Uc_Z3l8BAnI/AAAAAAAAEZE/0lAMO7Bd7wE/s400/pear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot go past any form of crumble or any form of tart so when they are paired together... what is a girl to do? For dessert therefore I order the <span style="color: #e69138;">Pear Crumble tart with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel</span>. The pastry tart shell is oddly hard to get through with a fork, but quite easy to eat in the mouth and the crumble is buttery and delicious. The pears are fantastic, the ice cream rich and the caramel glorious. I enjoy this dessert a lot.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It needed two shots!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak, usually, is not drawn to chocolate desserts but this one has something she cannot resist - orange curd. She orders the <span style="color: #e69138;">Jaffa Chocolate Terrine with honeycomb, orange curd and creme fraiche sorbet</span>. This is a rich and decadent dessert offset beautifully by the sorbet and the orange curd is lovely. Most things can be improved with the inclusion of a citrus curd we believe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall service is ok... perhaps a bit disinterested and the food is good (apart from that buffalo mozzarella!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkr2lVgawmQ/Uc_Z5ngy_LI/AAAAAAAAEZM/MFmRYU-biEs/s1600/interior1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkr2lVgawmQ/Uc_Z5ngy_LI/AAAAAAAAEZM/MFmRYU-biEs/s400/interior1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would we come back? I'm not sure.... but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the lure of</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> those desserts might be too hard to resist!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Buggles</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1560608/restaurant/Sydney/Neutral-Bay-Cremorne/Pony-Lounge-Dining-Neutral-Bay"><img alt="Pony Lounge & Dining on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1560608/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></b></i></span><br />
<br />Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-19754389260449718012013-07-04T11:44:00.000+10:002013-07-04T14:33:12.569+10:00Review: Old Town in Newtown<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">503 King Street</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqEYPrLUeLM/Uc_j3sxNHiI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/lAdBL5ue67M/s1600/menu1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqEYPrLUeLM/Uc_j3sxNHiI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/lAdBL5ue67M/s320/menu1-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newtown</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tues - Thurs & Sun: 5pm - 11pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">02 9557 4339</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It</span> is a cold and wintry night in what had been a cold and wintry week. There is just something about this kind of weather that just screams for Italian comfort food, so we decide to make the long trek back to the old stomping ground and give the <span style="font-size: large;">Old Town</span> in Newtown a go.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95R1t7JqT3c/Uc_j5tZHQ5I/AAAAAAAAEag/J5U4gpAX-Yw/s1600/DSC_0608-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95R1t7JqT3c/Uc_j5tZHQ5I/AAAAAAAAEag/J5U4gpAX-Yw/s400/DSC_0608-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Old Town is on King Street, but down towards the <i>New Theatre</i> and <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/review-pastizzi-cafe.html" target="_blank"><i>Pastizzi Cafe</i></a> end. The place is pretty empty when we arrive but some tables start </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to fill as the evening progresses. The </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Town</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> calls itself a cafe as opposed to a restaurant and the interior does feel more like that. Some homey touches suit the style of food though.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRuUjtD-SRk/Uc_j1Ip9_NI/AAAAAAAAEaA/uaXvvNdy9Ow/s1600/mushroom1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRuUjtD-SRk/Uc_j1Ip9_NI/AAAAAAAAEaA/uaXvvNdy9Ow/s400/mushroom1-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decide to just order a few things and share it all, so start with the <span style="color: #cc0000;">herbed ricotta and porcini mushroom bruschetta</span>. The mushrooms are delicious and abundant but the ricotta could be a little more herby..still it is a good start.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3O43z6rvNWg/Uc_j2EIp6EI/AAAAAAAAEaI/Wx8KL_KsWkY/s1600/polenta2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3O43z6rvNWg/Uc_j2EIp6EI/AAAAAAAAEaI/Wx8KL_KsWkY/s400/polenta2-001.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever since we tried the <span style="color: #cc0000;">polenta with gorgonzola sauce</span> at <i><span style="color: #38761d;">Cafe Sopra</span></i>... we've been hooked <i>(including some quite successful homemade variations)</i> so we simply have to try the the Old Town's offering. Presentation is cute and the crisp on the outside polenta with the deeply delicious gorgonzola sauce is very good. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6491_x1dyo/Uc_jwG4fw4I/AAAAAAAAEZw/lwfy7r14kOc/s1600/carpaccio-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6491_x1dyo/Uc_jwG4fw4I/AAAAAAAAEZw/lwfy7r14kOc/s400/carpaccio-001.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up we share the <span style="color: #cc0000;">beef carpaccio</span> which is served with greens, mushrooms, parmesan and finger limes (which I LOVE!). It is meaty and light at the same time with a bit of a different take on flavours than we have had in the past with carpaccio.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWzXcW2T1j4/Uc_jxifTuOI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/oQ_iXyiQW4w/s1600/steak1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWzXcW2T1j4/Uc_jxifTuOI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/oQ_iXyiQW4w/s400/steak1-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span style="color: #cc0000;">wagyu</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">steak with salsa verde</span> is served with some very moreish hand cut chips and aioli. The steak is really cooked beautifully with some of those nice charred bits that add great flavour. The salsa verde is also excellent - nice and sharp.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRZ_hjMm2Qc/UdTSHW266mI/AAAAAAAAEaw/J9Lf23lzmas/s822/oopssign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRZ_hjMm2Qc/UdTSHW266mI/AAAAAAAAEaw/J9Lf23lzmas/s200/oopssign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We then share a <span style="color: #cc0000;">tiramisu</span>. The fact there is no photo is really just a testament to our gluttony, rather than anything else. Flavour is great... boozy! But the inside is a bit too liquid... the sponge hasn't soaked up enough of it which is a shame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall the <span style="font-size: large;">Old Town in Newtown</span> hit the spot and we are quite likely to return when the desire for some comfort Italian food strikes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Buggles</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1718352/restaurant/Sydney/Oldtown-in-Newtown-Cafe-Newtown"><img alt="Oldtown in Newtown Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1718352/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span><br />
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-56649565852848137372013-06-07T10:58:00.000+10:002013-06-07T10:58:52.470+10:00Review: Vicinity Dining<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">90-96 Bourke Rd <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHlQ3vj14jc/UamVzPh4OpI/AAAAAAAAETo/5slfstvuVy4/s1600/shot_1370053818440-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UHlQ3vj14jc/UamVzPh4OpI/AAAAAAAAETo/5slfstvuVy4/s320/shot_1370053818440-001.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alexandria 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fri 7am - late<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sat 8am - late<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sun 8am - 8pm</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vicinity Dining</span> is another of our 'new' locals and Buggles and I have dined here on many occasions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been here for breakfast (if you are over the queues at The Grounds, this is a great alternative) dinner, and today, another lunch.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNJvLjq6CSI/UamWDnh3FJI/AAAAAAAAET4/tWZCNlTA_UU/s1600/shot_1370053753988-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNJvLjq6CSI/UamWDnh3FJI/AAAAAAAAET4/tWZCNlTA_UU/s400/shot_1370053753988-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The restaurant is quite large, with separate bar and dining areas. The fit out is modern industrial, which suits the space and the location.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A glass of<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <i>pinot noir</i></span> for Buggles and a pint of <i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Bad Lands Pale Ale</span></i> for me, and we kick</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> things of with one of our favourite entrees;<i><span style="color: #a64d79;"> Roasted Vine Tomatoes, black garlic, sorrel, feta, grilled sourdough</span></i>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBbbE7GhsFc/UamVp2CIZrI/AAAAAAAAETg/XFIdIywq8aE/s1600/shot_1370054424998-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBbbE7GhsFc/UamVp2CIZrI/AAAAAAAAETg/XFIdIywq8aE/s400/shot_1370054424998-001.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, the tomatoes aren't as well roasted, they are still a little too firm and lack their usual sweet, intense flavour - the sweet, syrupy black garlic is, as always, spot on (it is the main reason we keep ordering this dish), the feta is rich, creamy and slightly salty. The citrusy tang of the sorrel works well with the tomatoes - however, today we are missing the usual char on our sourdough and this lets the dish down.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UwMG_s841k/UamU3Rf0puI/AAAAAAAAES4/8ne4N1uYK3s/s1600/shot_1370056569224-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UwMG_s841k/UamU3Rf0puI/AAAAAAAAES4/8ne4N1uYK3s/s400/shot_1370056569224-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For her main Buggles goes with the special of <span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>chicken breast from the wood fired grill</i></span> - remarkably it is not remotely dry, is very tender and the smokiness seems to intensify the chicken's natural flavours.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g5AbxkwWuY/UamVdNDwtfI/AAAAAAAAETY/MQH1rVdRQn0/s1600/shot_1370055946732-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_g5AbxkwWuY/UamVdNDwtfI/AAAAAAAAETY/MQH1rVdRQn0/s400/shot_1370055946732-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> rib sirloin</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, is wonderfully charred on the outside and tender, pink and juicy on the inside, the</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> charred onion shells</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> filled with a smoky </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">onion soubise</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are spectacular.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3fEUxbwtHA/UamVPJcigyI/AAAAAAAAETM/7zNoxo4nI4Q/s1600/shot_1370055969007-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3fEUxbwtHA/UamVPJcigyI/AAAAAAAAETM/7zNoxo4nI4Q/s400/shot_1370055969007-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We complement our mains with a serve of <i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Vicinity chips with a selection of salts (and aioli)</span></i> - yum!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akNwZAVPiGA/UamVBTVrpVI/AAAAAAAAETA/OrEIXw7EM9Y/s1600/shot_1370057785427-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akNwZAVPiGA/UamVBTVrpVI/AAAAAAAAETA/OrEIXw7EM9Y/s400/shot_1370057785427-001.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dessert is a shared event of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Chocolate mousse, roasted white chocolate crumbs and strawberry sorbert</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The mousse is light with a rich chocolate flavour, there is a bed off zingy strawbery jelly and sorbet captures the strawberry flavour perfectly, a really enjoyable dessert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The service has been a bit iffy in the past, but on our last two visits the service has been fantastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We love that Vicinity Dining is one our 'locals' and look forward to continuing to dine here on a regular basis.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1685635/restaurant/Sydney/Vicinity-Dining-Alexandria"><img alt="Vicinity Dining on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1685635/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-23514660979015225342013-06-02T13:40:00.000+10:002013-06-02T13:48:32.915+10:00Review: Movida Sydney<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">50 Holt Street,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBa2GbhFDb8/UahanXBnplI/AAAAAAAAESc/-GE9d9SGhzg/s1600/exterior2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBa2GbhFDb8/UahanXBnplI/AAAAAAAAESc/-GE9d9SGhzg/s320/exterior2-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(cnr Gladstone St),</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surry Hills, 2010</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ph: 89647642</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon-Fri 12pm - late</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sat 2pm - late</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun closed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buggles</span> and I have been wanting to dine at<span style="font-size: large;"> Movida</span> for quite some time now - today however, my visit is sans Buggles, she has been replaced by a few work buddies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The restaurant is large & airy, with lovely high ceilings - the tables are large & spacious and should easily accommodate the many share plates we plan to order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once seated, with drinks ordered, we set about trying to choose a selection of dishes from the rather extensive menu - our waiter assures us that he will not allow us to over order (something that could happen easily, with the wide variety of dishes on offer).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the <i>complimentary bread and olive oil</i>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the first dish to arrive is the </span><br />
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DE BUEY</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Air Baguette, Rost Biff
Wagyu, Tocino de Cielo, Pickled & Black Garlic)</i>. The air baguette is more like a hollow crispbread, draped with the rare, roast Wagyu. The </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">combination</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> of the beef and black garlic is divine and the crispbread lends the dish a lovely textural element.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The following dishes arrive in relatively quick succession;</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">CIGARILLO DE QUESO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Goat’s Curd and Quince
Cigar)</i> - a tiny mouthful of creamy, tangy goat's curd tempered by the sweet quince - divine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">PINTXO DE PULPO GALLEGA</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Octopus Pincho served with
Potato and Paprika)</i> - I do not eat octopus, but I am assured by those that do, that this is superb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">BOCADILLO DE CHORIZO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Grilled Chorizo and Padron
Sandwich)</i> - this spicy little sandwich went down a treat, it did have some kick to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">BUñUELOS DE BACALAO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Salt Cod Fritters with
Basque Pil Pil Sauce)</i> - some found these too 'fishy', others could only taste potato - go figure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">PATO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Crispy Duck Leg Braised in
Moscatel Wine, served with Pickled Cabbage)</i> - the duck was </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">deliciously</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">juicy</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and tender and the braising liquid I could drink all day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">CECINA</span><i> (</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Air Cured Wagyu Beef with
Truffle Foam & Poached Egg)</i> - without doubt, the dish of the day. Wafer thin slices of beef, with a glorious, intensely flavoured truffle </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">foam</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and a perfectly poached egg - this dish is not for sharing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">CARRILLERA</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Beef cheek in Pedro Ximenez
with Cauliflower Puree)</i> - </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">yielding</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> cheeks in a rich PX sauce, say no more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">PATATAS BRAVAS</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Confit Potatoes with a
Spicy Bravas Sauce)</i> - served crispy of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">outside</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, fluffy and light within - with a sauce that really packs a punch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">ENSALADA DE REMOLACHA</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> (heirloom beetroot salad) - simple, delicious.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Of course, as always, there is plenty of room for dessert.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE</span><i> (</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Spanish Doughnuts with Rich
Drinking Chocolate)</i> - the doughnuts are incredibly light, sweet & not remotely oily; the chocolate is rich and bitter; the combination - sublime.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6Lf_UGChVk/UahaNN6gYZI/AAAAAAAAESU/78QaqskmBTU/s1600/almondfondant1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6Lf_UGChVk/UahaNN6gYZI/AAAAAAAAESU/78QaqskmBTU/s400/almondfondant1-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">TARTA SANTIAGO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Almond Fondant with Fennel
Pollen Ice-Cream)</i> - like a chocolate fondant, but with an </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">almond</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> sauce - excellent.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRbZ47rfAzs/UahY3K8GyPI/AAAAAAAAERM/5lvZpBn2LSE/s1600/bocadillo-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRbZ47rfAzs/UahY3K8GyPI/AAAAAAAAERM/5lvZpBn2LSE/s400/bocadillo-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;">BOCADILLO DE HELADO</span> <i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Dulce Leche Ice Cream with
Mantecados & Banana in Butterscotch)</i> - rich caramel ice cream, shortbread, banana and butterscotch, can you really go wrong?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We really enjoyed our lunch at Movida, the food is spectacular, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">abundant and very reasonably priced. The staff are helpful and incredibly tolerant (mopping up red wine & glass shards!!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Buggles and I are already planning a return visit!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Squeak</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1687966/restaurant/Sydney/MoVida-Sydney-Surry-Hills"><img alt="MoVida Sydney on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1687966/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com1Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia-33.8906466 151.21292540000002-33.9170106 151.1725849 -33.864282599999996 151.25326590000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-79404640648239885572013-05-31T10:49:00.000+10:002013-05-31T11:06:10.878+10:00Review: Mary's - Newtown<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 Mary Street</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Mon-Fri 4pm to Midnight</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Saturday Noon to Midnight </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Sunday Noon to 10pm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's</span> no secret, we love burgers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Let's face it, sometimes nothing hits the spot like an uncluttered burger. I personally have never been a fan of the 'gourmet' burger - messy and piled high with every ingredient known to man.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">When it comes to burgers, simplicity is key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">The<span style="font-size: large;"> Mary's</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Cheeseburger</span> comes it at around the same size as a<i> McDonalds Cheeseburger</i>, so with a price tag of <span style="font-size: large;">$14 </span>(including a small serve of fries) - well, you have to hope this burger cuts the mustard!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">The patty is a combination of <i>brisket, chuck and rump</i> - however, as the patty also approximates a<i> Maccas cheeseburger patty</i> in thickness, you never really get to savour the flavour. It needs to be slightly thicker to allow this combination of beef cuts to really shine through. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Don't get me wrong, the burger isn't remotely dry, it is quite moist and delicious - I just want more meatiness. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The bun is sweet and yielding, there is a smattering of pickles and some lovely oozing cheese. The fries are crisp and not too oily - perfect really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Washed down with a couple of schooners of <span style="color: #f1c232;">Young Henry's</span> and we are done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Next time it has to be the <i>Fried Chicken with a side of mash and gravy</i>....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>Squeak</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1714417/restaurant/Sydney/Marys-Newtown"><img alt="Mary's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1714417/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span></span></div>
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-76323898386350271872013-05-16T15:51:00.000+10:002013-05-16T16:36:46.435+10:00Review: Kitchen by Mike - Breakfast<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">85 Dunning Avenue</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rosebery 2018</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">Monday – Friday / 7am – 4pm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Breakfast until 11.30</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Coffee and sweets all day until 4 pm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">So</span> today we took the 2 minute stroll to partake of yet another breakfast at our local <span style="font-size: large;">Kitchen by Mike.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The breakfast menu is relatively small, and today we are both in a </span><i style="line-height: 18px;">Hollandaise</i><span style="line-height: 18px;"> kind of mood, so Buggles opts for the</span><span style="color: #e69138; line-height: 18px;"> Eggs Royale</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> served with smoked salmon and I go for the </span><span style="color: #e69138; line-height: 18px;">Eggs Benedict</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> which generally comes with prosciutto, though I swap it for bacon.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs benedict with extra egg and fresh!!! tomato</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">As the serving sizes are very small, extras are a must and as they are priced between $3.00 & $4.00 a side, this can make for an expensive breakfast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I add an <i>extra egg</i> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">and <i>tomato</i> to mine & Buggles adds <i>avocado</i>- she did want mushrooms but apparently mushrooms are a weekend thing, go figure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">To wash this down we order a <span style="color: #e06666;">Mixed Berry Smoothie</span> and a <span style="color: #e06666;">Strawberry </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Lemonade</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Breakfast arrives and mine is looking a little sad, one tiny egg and a tiny serve of bacon - meanwhile Buggles receives hers with an extra egg, tomato and avocado!! Once my sides are returned to me with tuck in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When I have ordered a side of tomato in the past, it has been oven roasted & delicious, today it is a tiny, sliced, fresh tomato certainly not worth the $3.00 we were charged for it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">On the whole though, our breakfast is pretty tasty and the smoothie and lemonade are very, very good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The weekend breakfast menu seems to offer more -<i> mushrooms</i> for start, as well as<i> hotcakes with lemon curd</i> (these are spectacular), so even though the crowds are larger, perhaps we will reserve our breakfast visits for the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1651181/restaurant/Sydney/South-eastern-Sydney/Kitchen-By-Mike-Rosebery"><img alt="Kitchen By Mike on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1651181/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span><br />
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-79644563663894840712013-03-20T15:46:00.000+11:002013-03-21T09:55:57.632+11:00Buggles and Squeak : missing in action......finally settled, a return is imminent!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IrLpF3SVMo/UUk_7X_fezI/AAAAAAAAEK4/2U68IZIPO5c/s1600/kingfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IrLpF3SVMo/UUk_7X_fezI/AAAAAAAAEK4/2U68IZIPO5c/s400/kingfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingfish from a recent visit to Cara and Co - yes it was as good as it looks!</td></tr>
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Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-8376596868236913542012-10-13T12:27:00.000+11:002013-05-22T09:00:53.847+10:00Review: Crown Street Assembly - (now Bishop Sessa)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">527 Crown Street</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Lunch & Dinner</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So</span>, it is a quiet Wednesday evening and Buggles and I are in the mood for a bit of a cheeky mid weeker.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unable to decide on a location we aim the Mazda in the general direction of Surry Hills & decide to take it from there.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not far up from the Cleveland Street end of Crown, we spot <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crown Street Assembly</span> and decide to give it a try.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room is not large, but on this quiet Wednesday evening they have plenty of room for us.</span><br />
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We score a table by the window and peruse the extensive menu. It is a menu that seems to want to offer a variety of world flavours though - so it is hard to define the style of food they are going for. Despite that, it is a delicious sounding menu. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wine ordered, we settle in and await our starters.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First to arrive is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Quail and Ginger steamed buns with hoi sin sauce</span>. These are fantastic, the quail is juicy and tender, the ginger is not overpowering but adds a subtle heat - the bun is pretty good, if just that little bit doughy. We would certainly order this again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Proper Corned Beef with house mustard</span> - is also pretty good if a little too fatty (which is a very rare complaint of ours!) - the house mustard isn't what we expect, if more like a fruit jam than a traditional hot mustard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles' <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Crispy Skin Aylesbury Duck breast, spiced duck pie, glazed eggplant, dukkah and port sauce</span> is on the whole quite successful. The skin isn't very crispy, though the meat is cooked really well. The highlight for Buggles is the <i>spiced duck pie</i> which is like a sausage roll filled with deliciously flavoured, shredded duck meat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Bavette</span> is a bit of a disappointment. It arrives sliced and is quite overcooked and dry with the texture of roast beef that has been sitting in a bain marie for too long. The flavour is ok - but not sure I would order this again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The accompanying </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hand cut chips</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are also on the wrong side of 'crispy'. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our side of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">broccoli, breadcrumbs and egg</span> is quite tasty.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling pretty full at the stage, we unusually decide to share dessert. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Pain Perdu with candied popcorn ice cream & caramelised banana</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is good but not exceptional. The 'bready' bit is a tad dry, but the caramelised banana is very good. The ice cream while not big on popcorn flavour, is quite lush and creamy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crown Street Assembly</span> still seems to be finding its feet. While there were a few elements of our meal that were a bit of a let down, on the whole we quite enjoyed our visit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Service is very friendly and accommodating & we most certainly will try this place again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-74060937276953778962012-10-12T19:05:00.001+11:002012-10-12T19:06:52.184+11:00Review: Claude's (Bar)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10 Oxford Street, </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ph: 9331 2325</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Bar: Tues to Sat 6-11pm, Sat & Sun 12-3pm</span><br style="line-height: 15px;" /><span style="line-height: 15px;">Restaurant: Wed to Sat 6.30-11pm</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So</span> how long has it been? How long have we wanted to dine at Claude's - the answer is, a very long time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999; line-height: 15px;">Truth be told, I'm so ancient I could have visited when Damien and Josephine Pignolet were in their first flush of greatness. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; line-height: 15px;">It has only taken 31 years, but we are finally making the visit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Sure, much has changed in that time - we completely missed the Tim Pak Poy years and current owner and Executive Chef Chui Lee Luk has been successfully running the restaurant since 2004 - but better late than never I say!</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #999999;">So for our first visit we have decided on a leisurely Saturday lunch in the downstairs bar section (we shall save the upstairs fine diner for another time)</span><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">We arrive at around 12.45pm and our first surprise is a parking spot right outside the door, this is such a rarity in Sydney that we are dumbstruck for a while.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Our second surprise occurs when we enter the restaurant and are greeted by Louise Tamayo, who made our visit to Becasse last year, such a memorable experience.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Once seated, we embark on the difficult decision of what to order - there is simply too much that we want to try.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">We decide to kick things of wit</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #666666;">h the </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">House Made Pickles</span><span style="color: #666666;"> (<i>gin cucumber, oyster mushroom in soy & jackfruit in mustard</i>) - absolutely delicious. The light pickling and subtle saltiness really awakens the palate.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Next up we have </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Charcuterie,</span><span style="color: #666666;"> on this occasion <i>Duck terrine and Chicken liver parfait</i>. The terrine is rich, meaty and ever so slightly fatty, while the parfait is so light and lusciously creamy - it just feels so indulgent.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Fried Chicken with Cashew and Curry Leaf</span><span style="color: #666666;"> is truly spectacular.The golden crunchy exterior encasing juicy, tender thigh meat - it is a thing of beauty. The curry leaf adds just that hint of spice, accentuated by the sweet nuttiness of the cashew.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Next up is the almost favourite of the day - </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Spanner Crab with burnt butter crumbs on french toast.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The burnt butter crumbs and french toast are to die for, so rich and, well, buttery! The sweet delicate crab, oddly, isn't overpowered by the flavours; all components of the dish merge beautifully.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">The highlight of the meal comes with the arrival of the </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Beef Short Rib</span><span style="color: #666666;">. U</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">nctuously delicious, it sits on top of a stickily divine Cabernet sauce & is topped with the most gorgeous cafe de paris butter. Yes we have died and gone to heaven.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">We always love a cheese course, but sometimes we just can't manage - thankfully today is not one of those days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #666666;">The </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Toma della Rocca</span><span style="color: #666666;"> is sublime. A combination of cow, goat and sheep milk - it is soft, creamy with a slight acidic hit. We love it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Our first dessert is the</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> Burnt honey Souffle with white rum cream</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">. This is possibly the best souffle we have tried - it is incredibly light with no hint of egginess (something we loathe in a souffle) - the honey flavour is prominent, but not overpowering & the white rum cream we could drink by the bucket load.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Next, the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Lemon Custard</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> and we have another winner. The baked curd delivers a full blown citrus hit, curbed ever so slightly by the Jersey Milk Ice. The crunch provided by the meringues adds both texture and a slightly savoury flavour. Fantastic.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">While Buggles lays defeated I have room for one more treat - the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">i</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">ce of the day -</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> which today is blueberry. Creamy, lightly flavoured and a bargain at just $4 - I love every glorious mouthful.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">It goes with out saying that the service we receive from Louise is sensational - warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable; she really makes every dining experience that much more enjoyable. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Louise also informs us that Claude's has managed to land the services of one of our favourites from the <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/review-bentley-restaurant-and-bar.html" target="_blank">Bentley</a> crew, Abby Goodwin. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Claude's has now got to be one of the top contenders for Sydney's best waitstaff.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>Squeak</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750574/restaurant/Woollahra/Claudes-Sydney"><img alt="Claudes on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750574/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-31230520955325224112012-09-23T08:55:00.001+10:002012-10-03T17:16:03.990+10:00Review: Tetsuya's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3RN-FwBHrg/UEww5zECT9I/AAAAAAAAD88/712i6t7IecY/s1600/P1070383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3RN-FwBHrg/UEww5zECT9I/AAAAAAAAD88/712i6t7IecY/s320/P1070383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">529 Kent Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sydney</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9267 2900</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">info@tetsuyas.com</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>Lunch:</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Saturday from 12 noon</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Tuesday - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Friday </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from 6pm</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Saturday </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from 6:30pm</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrating 12 years together has to call for somewhere a bit special. Ahhhh.. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tetsuya's</span>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Long have I viewed it as an unattainable destination. Squeak's food idiosyncrasies have simply made it so - especially the seafood ones. However to the credit of most of Sydney's amazing restaurants who have modified degustation menus to cater for such quirks, as well as Squeak's more adventurous food spirit - we have finally eaten our way across Sydney and straight to the door of... Tetsuya's.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60WeT8s3DFc/UEwyF_cvL6I/AAAAAAAAD4s/AKY4_-r5988/s1600/P1070412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60WeT8s3DFc/UEwyF_cvL6I/AAAAAAAAD4s/AKY4_-r5988/s400/P1070412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will admit to feeling a little worried that we may feel let down. The downgrading of their status in the GFG from 3 to 2 hats a few years ago has made me wonder if we will feel just a little underwhelmed by the famed restaurant. As we navigate our way through CBD traffic and roadworks we enter the oasis that is Tetsuya's. From the first greeting at the entry we feel like we are in safe hands. The greeting is warm with no hint of pretension whatsoever, and the room we are led to is elegant and looks out onto the peaceful Japanese style garden.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sipping our unusual - but delicious - champagne aperitif we are led through the menu and very soon the fresh bread and the butter arrive. Oh my good god in heaven.... the butter! Butter whipped through with ricotta, pecorino and black truffle. I will return JUST for that butter. It is a flavour sensation, and as a result we eat far too much of it than can be good for us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">warm soup of celeriac and truffle</span> is the first course. It has a pure celeriac flavour which I love and the sliver of truffle contrasts beautifully. I have had truffle in the past and been (I will admit) a little let down by it... but the flavour here is gorgeous.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR-AdD0rE-U/UEwxJlVB0AI/AAAAAAAAD9M/idzv6MN-d7I/s1600/P1070393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR-AdD0rE-U/UEwxJlVB0AI/AAAAAAAAD9M/idzv6MN-d7I/s400/P1070393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">savoury custard with Avruga</span> emerges next. It is silky and flavourful and the avruga is delicious. There really aren't enough superlatives.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kthe-CWrrEg/UEwxLkZVi1I/AAAAAAAAD9Q/3n2DeIqvIFM/s1600/P1070394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kthe-CWrrEg/UEwxLkZVi1I/AAAAAAAAD9Q/3n2DeIqvIFM/s400/P1070394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak's ability to eat raw fish - and specifically kingfish - can be solely attributed to the kingfish ceviche served at <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/review-bentley-restaurant-and-bar.html" target="_blank">The Bentley</a>, so I am confident that she will be able to do the next dish. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Hiramasa kingfish with orange and blackbean</span> which arrives melds the flavours perfectly. Intense orange and sort of earthy blackbean fuses with a delicately 'meaty' kingfish - beautiful!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcC9vsgBmUI/UEwxTVBZgEI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/bPY9GIEWsaY/s1600/P1070399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcC9vsgBmUI/UEwxTVBZgEI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/bPY9GIEWsaY/s400/P1070399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next course of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">New Zealand scampi with chicken liver parfait and a walnut vinaigrette</span> is probably one of my favourites. The scampi is 'just' cooked - but barely. It provides a perfect texture to the meat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu4uvrgnc_A/UEwxWFuzPBI/AAAAAAAAD9c/kFoeXJP9Jjo/s1600/P1070401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu4uvrgnc_A/UEwxWFuzPBI/AAAAAAAAD9c/kFoeXJP9Jjo/s400/P1070401.JPG" width="373" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next dish to arrive is the much anticipated (probably more so by our waitress) Tetsuya's signature dish. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Confit of Petuna ocean trout with fennel and unpasteurised ocean trout caviar</span>. This is quite a large serving, comparatively speaking, and also is served with a fresh leaf salad. The trout is a feature to behold. The colour is vibrant and the contrast between the fish and the konbu coating in both flavour and texture is excellent. To be honest this is the dish that I, and Squeak, are most nervous about - in terms of testing her ability to eat fish. It comes through with flying colours however. I love it, but - more importantly - so does Squeak. A fabulous dish - but i will say it probably isn't my favourite on the menu.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJgyBOIMgsA/UEwxccxj96I/AAAAAAAAD9g/iZBsVRGIs0U/s1600/P1070405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJgyBOIMgsA/UEwxccxj96I/AAAAAAAAD9g/iZBsVRGIs0U/s400/P1070405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">steamed tian of spanner crab with curd, foie gras and junsai</span> is delicate and sweetly full of crab. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsNfdo9X0tU/UEwyLdHNAOI/AAAAAAAAD9o/qx5FlztPJfs/s1600/P1070414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsNfdo9X0tU/UEwyLdHNAOI/AAAAAAAAD9o/qx5FlztPJfs/s400/P1070414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">roasted breast of duck with eggplant and almond</span> is certainly a dish on the small side but the meat is cooked perfectly and the flavours work together. Delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9L_FUGTubQE/UEwyQhAXwtI/AAAAAAAAD9w/BV4ndnp6RNA/s1600/P1070418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9L_FUGTubQE/UEwyQhAXwtI/AAAAAAAAD9w/BV4ndnp6RNA/s400/P1070418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">seared fillet of Cape Grim beef</span> - which is also grass fed - is served with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">wasabi and braised mustard seeds</span>. Cape Grim beef has never let us down yet, and today is no exception. The braised mustard seeds are a revelation and bring a new, and delicious, element to the meat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Savouries over, we are moved along to a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">pear sorbet</span> to cleanse the palate. It achieves said job.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clfC8AxF0Zo/UEwyiL1iLgI/AAAAAAAAD98/sjBrGKDTtK8/s1600/P1070427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clfC8AxF0Zo/UEwyiL1iLgI/AAAAAAAAD98/sjBrGKDTtK8/s400/P1070427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Green apple and mint ice-cream with basil jelly</span> is the standout dessert dish on the day. It is so unusual with the ice-cream having a genuine, almost savoury, mint flavour as opposed to the fake mint found in ice-cream usually. The basil jelly is phenomenal. The combination is really interesting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-IUtfNVO18/UEwyoCbO4SI/AAAAAAAAD-E/Xbythxz44gw/s1600/P1070429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-IUtfNVO18/UEwyoCbO4SI/AAAAAAAAD-E/Xbythxz44gw/s400/P1070429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">floating islands</span> that emerge next with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">praline and creme anglaise</span> are a perfect way to end. They are light but provide enough of a surprise chocolate and raspberry hit to feel that dessert has truly been served.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlkgS3eIG04/UEwytHrVZ-I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/d5ib8cfsbNo/s1600/P1070433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlkgS3eIG04/UEwytHrVZ-I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/d5ib8cfsbNo/s400/P1070433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Petit fours</span> and tea coffee are served to round the meal off. The macaron has the right 'bite' and 'chew' to it, and the truffles with prune are lovely also. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The food is spectacular at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tetsuya's</span>. We absolutely love it, and are not left underwhelmed in the slightest. The setting as we gaze out into the garden is perfect and makes you forget where you are. What sets this apart though is the service. The service at Tetsuya's is phenomenal. Professional but warm, enthusiastic and genuine - right through until the end when we are ushered into our car... as if we are rockstars! We are truly at a loss as to why it doesn't have three hats! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes... Tetsuya's isn't cheap. With food, service, (<i>that</i> butter) and ambience like this however.. we are already planning our next visit!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Buggles</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/752206/restaurant/CBD/Tetsuyas-Sydney"><img alt="Tetsuya's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/752206/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-70482492555470208152012-09-11T06:25:00.000+10:002012-10-03T17:17:30.367+10:00Review: St Jude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dcs-NuBfEU/UEw8k9Po-uI/AAAAAAAAD-k/xxE1usT4T20/s1600/P1070371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dcs-NuBfEU/UEw8k9Po-uI/AAAAAAAAD-k/xxE1usT4T20/s320/P1070371.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">728 Bourke Street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Redfern</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ph: 93103523</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7am - late afternoon daily</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After</span> our recent amazing experience at <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/review-reuben-hills.html" target="_blank">Reuben Hills</a>, the hunt was on for yet another cafe to tickle our taste buds.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had passed by <span style="font-size: large;">St Jude</span> on a few occasions, however today, we decide to stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is relatively early (around 8), so the cafe is pretty empty and we score a table very easily.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The menu, while not huge, offers some interesting choices and today Buggles decides on the </span><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Corn and Pumpkin Fritters</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">served with a soft poached egg, avocado cream, hollandaise, shaved zucchini and baby spinach salad</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fritters are crunchy on the outside, yet lovely and creamy within. The egg is perfectly poached and the hollandaise adds a lovely, lemony zing. Buggles did add a side of <i>sausage</i> to the mix, which is plump, juicy and delicious! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All up Buggles is pretty impressed.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33KVf-qlfFk/UEw87minh8I/AAAAAAAAD_g/v1BvHwr4DlM/s1600/P1070378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33KVf-qlfFk/UEw87minh8I/AAAAAAAAD_g/v1BvHwr4DlM/s400/P1070378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I too, am pretty impressed with my choice of <span style="color: #76a5af;">Two Soft Boiled Eggs</span> <i>rolled in poor man's parmesan and bacon bread crumbs, served with toast, butter and tomato relish, </i>I also add a side of <i>hash brown </i>and<i> mushrooms</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I absolutely love the 'crumb' encasing the luscious soft eggs, although as is always the case with me, the more parmesan the better - so it could do with more throughout the crumb. The relish is rich and thick and has a great tomato flavour. I also love the hash brown which crispily golden on the outside and soft within. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The service is quick and friendly and the coffee and chai are pretty good as well.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only letdown is the takeaway chocolate brownie, which has a weird texture and almost no chocolate flavour.</span><br />
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</span> <i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1649015/restaurant/Sydney/St-Jude-Redfern"><img alt="St Jude on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1649015/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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</span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-61459721019249721962012-09-05T06:05:00.000+10:002012-09-05T11:01:15.967+10:00Review: Alio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w-beuHRi4o/UEVdOJCF-LI/AAAAAAAADzg/sHijBeA2wAU/s1600/room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w-beuHRi4o/UEVdOJCF-LI/AAAAAAAADzg/sHijBeA2wAU/s320/room.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 Baptist Street, </span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surry Hills</span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">02 8394 9368</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">alioptyltd@iprimus.com.au</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner </span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon - Sat from 6pm</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Buggles and I started 'dating' 12 long years ago, Alio was our go to restaurant. We loved kicking back with a Mojito and enjoying their take on modern Italian cuisine.</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the years our tastes have broadened and Alio seemed to get left behind.</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then late last year we attended an Italian Feast cooking class headed by Ashley Hughes and the memories came flooding back. </span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So at long last, we are returning.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We enter the restaurant and not a lot has changed, we immediately feel right at home. </span><br />
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<div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white;">Greeted warmly by Tracey, we are taken to our table and just like old times, immediately order a Mojito.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white;">However, it is not like old times, as this Mojito just isn't cutting it - it lacks flavour & seems a little 'watered' down.</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are have decided on the degustation and this is how it pans out....</span></div><div style="color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black;">Hand made grissini, olives, 40 month old Reggiano</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato and leek soup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bresaola - Pino’s air dried beef fillet with pickled beetroots, goats curd and walnuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coppa - thinly sliced with pickled onion and witlof</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops wrapped in pancetta on fennel puree and olive salsa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roast pumpkin ravioli with sage and walnut butter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef brisket with potato mash and watercress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blood orange sorbet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vxdR9VZwLU/UEVdWHtMOaI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MGEW6Zn3-cs/s1600/mead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vxdR9VZwLU/UEVdWHtMOaI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MGEW6Zn3-cs/s400/mead.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pears in mulled wine with frozen yoghurt</td></tr>
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</div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="color: white;">While the food lacks the 'wow' factor and there are no real surprises - a meal at Alio is always consistently good. It is the epitome of comfort food and sometimes that is exactly what you need, a big, comforting Italian hug.</span></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span></div><div style="letter-spacing: 0.05em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750056/restaurant/Redfern/Alio-Sydney"><img alt="Alio on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750056/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span></div></div>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-65882241099229773902012-08-21T06:23:00.001+10:002012-08-21T10:06:52.837+10:00Review: Reuben Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbVXgiIU6lM/UDKu0fDXsgI/AAAAAAAADy4/v7YJyXT64XU/s1600/exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbVXgiIU6lM/UDKu0fDXsgI/AAAAAAAADy4/v7YJyXT64XU/s320/exterior.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">61 Albion Street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surry Hills</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7days</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7am - 4pm</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having</span> been on our hit list for a good long while, we are finally heading to <span style="font-size: large;">Reuben Hills</span> for an early Sunday breakfast.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrive at around 8.15 and there is already a steady stream of customers taking their seats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room is quite narrow & long, with a somewhat warehousey feel to it. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6BpyNfUIQ/UDKuvtwgPDI/AAAAAAAADyc/wjSbEJV65ug/s1600/room1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6BpyNfUIQ/UDKuvtwgPDI/AAAAAAAADyc/wjSbEJV65ug/s400/room1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The menu is available all day and there are some really interesting choices.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIrSXDqDVAI/UDKuwnyO8CI/AAAAAAAADyk/4b9gCZ3RNgU/s1600/shake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIrSXDqDVAI/UDKuwnyO8CI/AAAAAAAADyk/4b9gCZ3RNgU/s400/shake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles kicks off with a coffee, but I cannot resist the <span style="color: red;">Salted Caramel Milkshake</span>. At $6.50 it is worth every cent. It is so lush and creamy and most importantly - salty. I love it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvRNlceaUlQ/UDKux8cqiII/AAAAAAAADys/ffVMWrCkw_M/s1600/reuben2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvRNlceaUlQ/UDKux8cqiII/AAAAAAAADys/ffVMWrCkw_M/s400/reuben2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love a Reuben, but what I love more is brisket - so the </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOT Reuben</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> should be right up my street....and indeed it is. Loaded with brisket that is pull apart tender, the meat is seasoned perfectly and has great flavour, add to that the tang of the pickled slaw, the abundance of manchego and the heat from the horseradish cream & this sandwich is an absolute winner - my only complaint, it could be bigger!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zfj6f9bWOY/UDKuy6S-HjI/AAAAAAAADyw/oHvV9IsXzsc/s1600/pork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zfj6f9bWOY/UDKuy6S-HjI/AAAAAAAADyw/oHvV9IsXzsc/s400/pork.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Baleada with pulled Pimenton Pork & Chimol</span> is also a clear winner with Buggles. A soft tortilla packed with tender, delicious pork and a light fresh salsa and yep, Buggles is one happy little camper!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast done and with bellies full we head off to Danks Street for our weekly grocery shop, vowing to return to Reuben Hills very soon.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1644205/restaurant/Sydney/Reuben-Hills-Surry-Hills"><img alt="Reuben Hills on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1644205/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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</span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-13933134975214635462012-08-19T09:23:00.000+10:002012-08-20T14:20:36.211+10:00Review: The Bar at the End of the Wharf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-410v3j7DyGU/UC1p9sAHuWI/AAAAAAAADw8/XqPeEkMRRb4/s1600/interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-410v3j7DyGU/UC1p9sAHuWI/AAAAAAAADw8/XqPeEkMRRb4/s320/interior.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pier 4</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hickson Rd</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Walsh Bay</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Monday to Friday</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Coffee and cake 10am - 3pm </span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Lunch 12pm - 3pm</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Bar menu 5pm - late </span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Saturdays</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Lunch 12pm - 3pm</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Bar menu 5pm - late</span></span> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So</span> tonight as part of our <i>STC subscription</i> we are off to see <i>'The Splinter'</i>, so rather than dine at our usual spot <i>Cafe Sopra</i>, we decide to give the relatively newly opened <span style="font-size: large;">'Bar at the End of the Wharf' </span>a go.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'The Bar' fills the space formerly occupied by </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Wharf restaurant</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and after the very lengthy walk down the pier, we are happy to settle into our seats and admire the best view of the harbour, Sydney has to offer.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kick things off with </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tempest</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Havana Club Especial, fresh lime, Bundaberg Ginger Beer and bitters)</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - topped with half a lime, it is cool, refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9SGABq0LAo/UC1p-NB1yZI/AAAAAAAADxE/FJR-X1sEmMA/s1600/menu1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9SGABq0LAo/UC1p-NB1yZI/AAAAAAAADxE/FJR-X1sEmMA/s400/menu1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The menu is designed for sharing, so we order 4 items and a salad assuming the plates will be staggered somewhat - unfortunately everything arrives at the same time - so annoying!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCwnsiMviS4/UC1qADWdroI/AAAAAAAADxc/uaMT_7Hc3_0/s1600/parfait1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCwnsiMviS4/UC1qADWdroI/AAAAAAAADxc/uaMT_7Hc3_0/s400/parfait1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chicken liver parfait with poached cumquats</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is really very good. The parfait is rich and creamy and the cumquats wonderfully sweet, served with slices of grilled sourdough we enjoy it very much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crispy School Prawns with Chipotle Mayo</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> remind me why I will never love prawns, too strong and 'fishy' in flavour, they also lack the appropriate amount of crispness - the mayo helps a little, but this just doesn't work for me. Buggles seems to enjoy this more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WXBJlIrTfk/UC1qBmvOsxI/AAAAAAAADx0/WxuDph4mKM8/s1600/arancini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WXBJlIrTfk/UC1qBmvOsxI/AAAAAAAADx0/WxuDph4mKM8/s400/arancini.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wild Mushroom Arancini with Shaved Pecorino,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on the other hand, are quite spectacular. The mushroom and pecorino flavours are very prominent and the arancini are soft and creamy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fCskl5udS4/UC1qBEc0WmI/AAAAAAAADxs/fVEBsH8Er28/s1600/sliders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fCskl5udS4/UC1qBEc0WmI/AAAAAAAADxs/fVEBsH8Er28/s400/sliders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wagyu Beef & Gruyere Sliders</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are also very good. The thick wagyu patty has great flavour and there is a generous serve of gorgeous melted gruyere. The bun is soft enough to soak up all the meat juices - very 'dude' food worthy indeed!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw4ILfhnNBU/UC1qCA7t-AI/AAAAAAAADx8/3G-sdTVGdi8/s1600/passionfruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw4ILfhnNBU/UC1qCA7t-AI/AAAAAAAADx8/3G-sdTVGdi8/s400/passionfruit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finish things off with the </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Passionfruit Charlotte</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Not much to say here really, other than it is fairly bland and uninspired.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the whole the food is pretty good and the serves are incredibly generous - we would prefer though, if all the plates didn't come out at once, two at a time would work well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sheer convenience of dining here prior to a theatre performance, will most certainly guarantee its success.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.....oh and by the way, the play - not so good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1656366/restaurant/Sydney/The-Rocks/The-Bar-at-the-End-of-the-Wharf-Walsh-Bay"><img alt="The Bar at the End of the Wharf on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1656366/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-20265592263199131372012-07-31T12:56:00.000+10:002012-07-31T12:56:41.563+10:00Review: Sixpenny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-2zidouYrA/UAx_M87PIKI/AAAAAAAADtU/O0pD9GihB0g/s1600/room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-2zidouYrA/UAx_M87PIKI/AAAAAAAADtU/O0pD9GihB0g/s320/room.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">83 Percival Rd</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stanmore</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">T. 9572 6666</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">e. info@sixpenny.com.au</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wed-Sat</span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner from 6pm</span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sat-Sun</span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch from 12pm</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> am having a 'Tom Cruise' moment right now - you know, one of those fist pump, jump on Oprah's couch kind of moments. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This moment has come about courtesy of <span style="font-size: large;">Sixpenny</span> and the stupendous lunch we experienced there recently.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me take you back to that day and how it all began...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been wanting to dine at Sixpenny for positively ages - I was tweeting the boys on a semi regular basis asking when they were going to open, were they taking bookings yet, etc. etc. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they finally did open, we never seemed to get our act together and actually book, and then before long, the rave reviews started & securing a table became a little more tricky.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...So this day started off as most Saturdays have for the last 4 months - up at the crack of dawn to get the house ready for inspection.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then with inspection number 112 over, we fire up the Mazda & make the very short trip to Sixpenny.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room is a lot smaller than expected, with around 9 well spaced tables all up, it is an intimate space, that feels really warm and comfortable.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKAG7EoQgXg/UAx_Kl9BHHI/AAAAAAAADtQ/rqbFC6pJMsY/s1600/malt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKAG7EoQgXg/UAx_Kl9BHHI/AAAAAAAADtQ/rqbFC6pJMsY/s400/malt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have decided on the<b><i> 8 course degustation </i></b>today and things kick of brilliantly with a largish <span style="color: orange;">sourdough loaf</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a mound of crispy, wafer thin, <span style="color: orange;">malt vinegar chips.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sourdough loaf is a credit to its 'mother' Bob - it has a gorgeous crust and a great 'sour' hit to it, matched with the creamy </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">house made</span> <em style="font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">mascarpone butter </span></span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it goes down a treat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Malt chips are a revelation, thin and transparent they pack more flavour than you think would be possible, the best salt and vinegar chips you will ever eat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up we have </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Cheddar Cheese and Onions</span>; <span style="color: orange;">Fried Mussels</span>; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Rye Bread with virgin butter</span>; </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Duck Tongue</span> and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Knuckle Sandwich</span>, these are matched with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>NV Centennial Blanc De Blanc Southern Highlands.</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <i>Cheddar Cheese and onions</i> is simply amazing - an intensely flavoured cheese oil (achieved by boiling cheddar cheese then collecting the fats and oils that rise to the surface), sits within the blanched onion and the combination is magical. The essence of the cheese is captured so perfectly in this dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The slightly grainy <i>virgin butter</i> is quite a surprise, it has great flavour and is not overwhelmed by the <i>dark rye bread</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <i>fried mussels </i>are oustanding, crisp on the outside and all plump, salty and juicy within. A real standout.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_h_7g--fZ0/UAx_PcM-qTI/AAAAAAAADq8/9QYC6tV3jqU/s1600/ducktongues.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_h_7g--fZ0/UAx_PcM-qTI/AAAAAAAADq8/9QYC6tV3jqU/s400/ducktongues.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles got to experience <i>duck tongues</i> at <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/review-vue-de-monde.html" target="_blank">Vue de Monde</a> and raved about them, so we are both quite looking forward to sampling them here. We are not let down. Served simply on a gem lettuce leaf the tongue is seared to crispy perfection, the interior however, is tender and somewhat creamy. Quite spectacular.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, the <i>Knuckle Sandwich</i> - pork for Buggles and jerusalem artichoke for me. Both are served with apple jelly on toasted brioche and both are truly divine.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX2zTi5_pRg/UAx_QsqE3MI/AAAAAAAADrs/8hXDNcoY8c8/s1600/milkchip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX2zTi5_pRg/UAx_QsqE3MI/AAAAAAAADrs/8hXDNcoY8c8/s400/milkchip.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Milk chips and green strawberries</span> <i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2011 Andrew Thomas Six Degrees Semillon Hunter Valley.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is quite an interesting dish. The melt in the mouth, wafer like Milk Chips do indeed taste like chips made from milk. While this dish doesn't pack a flavour punch, texturally it is very interesting and a great start.</span></div></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrX85AUYirI/UAx_R068lUI/AAAAAAAADrM/RKdYsYZatIk/s1600/crab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrX85AUYirI/UAx_R068lUI/AAAAAAAADrM/RKdYsYZatIk/s400/crab.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Crab, Silky Macadamia and Camomile </span><i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2010 Mount Majura Chardonnay Canberra District</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh my God - this dish is sublime. The sweet crab meat is enhanced by the gorgeous macadamia milk. The flavours are clean, with each component very well defined. We love the different textures as well, with the silky smooth crab combining nicely with the crunch of the macadamia nuts. Truly memorable.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzFH-rIx59k/UAx_S9I5yyI/AAAAAAAADrg/qkkcx9JL9hs/s1600/potato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzFH-rIx59k/UAx_S9I5yyI/AAAAAAAADrg/qkkcx9JL9hs/s400/potato.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Roast Sweet Potato, Fish Roe and Whey Sauce</span> <i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2007 Patina Fume Sauvignon Blanc Orange</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another winner here, with the perfectly roasted and slightly caramelised potato, enveloped in the lovely whey foam - the fish roe is subtle is flavour and certainly does not overpower the dish.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa1ZKsVNJjo/UAx_UaJXj7I/AAAAAAAADrc/2a6jeh4XAUY/s1600/fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa1ZKsVNJjo/UAx_UaJXj7I/AAAAAAAADrc/2a6jeh4XAUY/s400/fish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Snapper/Pumpkin, Pumpkin Seed Cream, Soft Leeks</span> <i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2011 BK Wines Pinot Rosé Adelaide Hills, SA</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles and I veer off the same path for a moment, as she has this dish with snapper, while I take the vegetarian route and go with the pumpkin. Both versions are equally successful, the snapper is soft and silky, while my pumpkin is roasted and beautifully caramelised. We love the pumpkin seed cream topped with a generous smattering of very salty, crushed pumpkin seeds. This dish is one of my favorites.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qFSy8BXtyQ/UAx_XCnjaeI/AAAAAAAADr0/OB2JzcouecM/s1600/hangar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qFSy8BXtyQ/UAx_XCnjaeI/AAAAAAAADr0/OB2JzcouecM/s400/hangar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Coorong Hanger, Smoky Cabbage and Mustard Leaves</span> <i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2010 Grove Estate Nebbiolo/Primitivo Hilltops</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hangar steak is seared perfectly, leaving it wonderfully rare. The meat packs a real flavour punch and is probably the most gamey of all beef cuts. The smoky cabbage puree is not overly strong, the balance between it and the meat is spot on. Totally delicious.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqS-6cGpoq8/UAx_YvourEI/AAAAAAAADr8/WsHKBIntrW0/s1600/rhubarb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqS-6cGpoq8/UAx_YvourEI/AAAAAAAADr8/WsHKBIntrW0/s400/rhubarb.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A pre dessert of </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">candied rhubarb and whey macarons</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is a great way to transition to the dessert component of our meal. I love the rhubarb in particular, with its chewy consistency and incredibly tart flavour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB5CrxrTGTk/UAx_Z9ZzQjI/AAAAAAAADsE/AfxEKlyFZtM/s1600/ginger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB5CrxrTGTk/UAx_Z9ZzQjI/AAAAAAAADsE/AfxEKlyFZtM/s400/ginger.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another fave of mine. Jerusalem Artichoke poached in ginger syrup sits alongside some diced candied ginger and a soft ginger pillow. Not a fan of ginger at the best of times, I however, love this dish. The heat from the ginger is quite mild and the flavour is astonishing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZZ5EpAaXsk/UAx_awnPStI/AAAAAAAADsM/S6eqVJo3yh4/s1600/beetroot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZZ5EpAaXsk/UAx_awnPStI/AAAAAAAADsM/S6eqVJo3yh4/s400/beetroot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;">Beetroots, Mead, Steamed Brioche and Honey Ice Cream</span> <i>w/ </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2010 Lerida Botrytis Pinot Gris Canberra District</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A firm favourite with Buggles, this dish is astounding. The beetroot (poached in mead) has a slight chewiness to it which is quite pleasing, the brioche is sweet and airy and honey ice cream is rich, creamy and a little flowery.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35tDVRoZeow/UAx_ckQZ_HI/AAAAAAAADsU/-wxEfP-X61I/s1600/rye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35tDVRoZeow/UAx_ckQZ_HI/AAAAAAAADsU/-wxEfP-X61I/s400/rye.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frozen Rye Milk</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">w/ Bethany Old Quarry Frontignac Barossa Valley</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Probably the biggest surprise of all, is this dish. Who would have thought that rye could taste so good. The frozen rye milk is a bit like white chocolate in texture, the rye 'ganache' within is very creamy and the crumbs on top are very reminiscent of eating Milo straight from the tin. Spectacular.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um3h4zoq0RA/UAx_dwF_YQI/AAAAAAAADs4/T0i_ZakAqNM/s1600/cookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um3h4zoq0RA/UAx_dwF_YQI/AAAAAAAADs4/T0i_ZakAqNM/s400/cookie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finish of with </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> tea and coffee</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and the </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">cookie jar</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, consisting of house made versions of l</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">amingtons, monte carlo, kingston & ginger snaps</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Each one so much better than the original it replicates.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To complement this amazing food journey, Sixpenny has some of the best service we have experienced in a restaurant thus far. The waitstaff are incredibly knowledgeable, they take the time to engage in conversation & explain dishes in a little more depth - and while I don't profess to know that much about wine, I found the mainly New South Wales wine matches to be very good and most enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sixpenny</span> is a restaurant we are bound visit again and again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1643686/restaurant/Sydney/Marrickville/Sixpenny-Stanmore"><img alt="Sixpenny on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1643686/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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</div>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-76291558680286801192012-07-19T13:01:00.000+10:002012-07-19T13:01:35.863+10:00Review: Catalina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XNO20--OEI/T_4HgYmtZzI/AAAAAAAADmI/F6IWNBnOD3A/s1600/P1060966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XNO20--OEI/T_4HgYmtZzI/AAAAAAAADmI/F6IWNBnOD3A/s320/P1060966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lyne Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rose Bay</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t. 93710555</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> reservations@catalinarosebay.com.au</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon-Sat Lunch/Dinner</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Noon - Midnight</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun Lunch only</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Noon-10pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We</span> awake to a glorious winter's day; the sun is shining, the birds are singing and we are on holiday - it really doesn't get much better than this....well, yes it does, if you throw in lunch by the water!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With this in mind, we bundle ourselves into the trusty Mazda & make our way to <span style="font-size: large;">Catalina</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parking sorted (in a 12 hour zone, no less), we make our way inside. The restaurant is spacious, bright & inviting & complements it's glorious harbourside location.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cym5ZMcGk0/T_4H6oBr2MI/AAAAAAAADng/FUk7VmDnMJ4/s1600/P1060976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cym5ZMcGk0/T_4H6oBr2MI/AAAAAAAADng/FUk7VmDnMJ4/s400/P1060976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are seated outside, on the terrace - and glass of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sauvignon Blanc </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in hand, we soak up the sun's rays, while awaiting the arrival of our first course - savouring the delicious</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> sourdough</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">baked on the premises daily</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) and lush, creamy, salty butter.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fklT-ozX94/T_4H2ssTG4I/AAAAAAAADnQ/V-KJKBTsG34/s1600/P1060969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fklT-ozX94/T_4H2ssTG4I/AAAAAAAADnQ/V-KJKBTsG34/s400/P1060969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles' entree of</span><span style="background-color: black;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;"><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Crisp confit pork belly, with pear compote and quinoa salad</span></span>,</i> </span>is a clear winner with her. The belly is tender & moist, but could do with a little more crisp in its crackling. The quinoa having soaked up the porky juices, packs a flavour punch, while the pear compote's sweetness, tempers the richness of the pork. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N92JRWZUAfA/T_4HzzYg6oI/AAAAAAAADnI/37mhWrANZcY/s1600/P1060970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N92JRWZUAfA/T_4HzzYg6oI/AAAAAAAADnI/37mhWrANZcY/s400/P1060970.JPG" width="371" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My <i>Pickled baby beetroot, caramelised onion, witlof, toasted walnut and gorgonzola dolce tart</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is spectacular. The pickled beetroot is a little tart, but also sweetish and I certainly cannot complain about the abundance of gorgonzola! It is a classic dish, presented beautifully and I enjoy it immensely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wine topped, and after an apology for the delay, our mains finally arrive.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SeOrrXOeS8/T_4HixyKe9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/0j6DqCAwOcY/s1600/P1060982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4SeOrrXOeS8/T_4HixyKe9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/0j6DqCAwOcY/s400/P1060982.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Pan-fried snapper with potato and garlic mash, served with lemon caper butter</em></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #6fa8dc;"> </span>is the choice for Buggles today. We never eat fish at home, so she does tend to get her fix when we dine out. She has chosen well today - the snapper is plump, moist, gloriously flaky with a nice crisp top. The mash is rich and buttery with just a hint of garlic; the lemon caper butter that tops it all is silky and smooth, with a delicate citrus hit. Perfection. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mf2Dt-lqpFg/T_4HpnRMxBI/AAAAAAAADmo/sggGd7PMTqc/s1600/P1060979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mf2Dt-lqpFg/T_4HpnRMxBI/AAAAAAAADmo/sggGd7PMTqc/s400/P1060979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">It is no secret that I love beef in pretty much all it's forms. So of course, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Riverine beef tenderloin with fondant potato and truffle mushroom duxelle</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">is exactly where I am heading today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beef is cooked perfectly, it really couldn't be better - it is so tender, juicy and delicious. I love the earthiness of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the fondant potato. Certainly a winner with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We accompany our mains with a lovely fresh </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">garden salad</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> & some </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">green beans</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> topped with flaked, toasted almonds - both very enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dessert brings us to the dish that neither one of us can ignore, <i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Salted peanut praline and caramel parfait</span></i>. An inspired choice, as it turns out, the parfait </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is so smooth and velvety</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has a wonderful, caramel flavour that goes hand in hand with the crunch and saltiness of the praline, we relish every mouthful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We end our meal with a coffee each and a serve of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">petit fours</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The service at Catalina is another feather in its cap - warm and relaxed, we are made to feel welcome from the outset and it made our lunch that much more enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can't wait to return to Catalina for one of our quarterly <i>'Ladies who Lunch'</i> events!</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750492/restaurant/Sydney/Catalina-Rose-Bay"><img alt="Catalina on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750492/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span><br />
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</span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-60262109899465515982012-07-05T11:37:00.001+10:002012-07-05T11:55:05.488+10:00Review: Blacksheep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z7sTOIOzkU/T9wppwRnQQI/AAAAAAAADjk/GoI7pwxSE_0/s1600/room2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z7sTOIOzkU/T9wppwRnQQI/AAAAAAAADjk/GoI7pwxSE_0/s320/room2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">256 King Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newtown</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Mon - Sat: 12pm - midnight</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Sun: 10am - 10pm</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blacksheep</span> is a relatively recent addition to King St, taking over where Funky Bar ended. Newtown can be an interesting place to eat. For a long time it has seemed that the food had to be secondary to the company. Now with the recent openings of places like <b><i>Bloodwood</i></b>, <b><i><a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/review-hartsyard.html" target="_blank">Hartsyard</a></i></b> and <b><i>Spencer Guthrie</i></b> we can happily start to enjoy both. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blacksheep</span> isn't attempting to be a fine diner; it kind of wedges in nicely between casual cafe and restaurant and offers a variety of share plates - which works well for us prior to a spontaneous <i>Dendy</i> visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fit out is pretty similar to the old <i>Funky Bar</i> - moody and dim and, despite the fact that it is quite a large space, there aren't a huge number of tables. Today though we are the only ones in - probably because it is still pretty early. Not being sure of portion sizes, and due to the fact that we are tempted by quite a number of dishes, we probably over order. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8lyOHOgYDQ/T9wpuFwy9kI/AAAAAAAADj0/JRtnL2XvIZQ/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8lyOHOgYDQ/T9wpuFwy9kI/AAAAAAAADj0/JRtnL2XvIZQ/s400/chicken.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Spicy Wings with dipping sauce</span> are an absolute must. They are hot, uber-crispy and moist inside which is what we like. There is a nice hit of spiciness to them and coupled with the dipping sauce they start us off very nicely.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nscCOPxNVg/T9wpr9Q-c3I/AAAAAAAADjs/3ne_1cnF5uo/s1600/corn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nscCOPxNVg/T9wpr9Q-c3I/AAAAAAAADjs/3ne_1cnF5uo/s400/corn.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">mini corn cobs</span> are fantastic! The corn is sweet and crunchy and the chipotle mayo and cheese that lay atop the cobs add some smoky heat. They're really good.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">curly fries</span> that emerge are crunchy examples of deliciousness and certainly abound in quantity. Can you go wrong with fried potato? Probably - but not here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did decide that some greenery is important so order the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Broccolini with goat cheese and almonds</span> and it is fresh and well cooked. Not a lot more to say - if you like broccoli you'll like it, if you don't - you won't.</span><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Pulled Beef roll with a reduction sauce</span> has Squeak's name written all over it and we are very surprised at how large it is when it arrives. The sauce is needed to give it moisture and a little more flavour. Overall we are a little disappointed with it. A little bland, and too much bread.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NEUWrO5fXTc/T9wp7HeyrXI/AAAAAAAADkc/CNJGPdelk14/s1600/sliders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NEUWrO5fXTc/T9wp7HeyrXI/AAAAAAAADkc/CNJGPdelk14/s400/sliders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">sliders </span>promise much, but we are left a little disappointed with these also. The haloumi one isn't really cooked well so it is a bit rubbery and the other two are okay, but nothing to write home about (<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I actually think the Event Cinemas Gold Class Sliders are better!</span></i>)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are well and truly stuffed (and yes, I promise we didn't finish it all!) so dessert is well and truly not an option.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The verdict on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blacksheep</span>? We probably wouldn't order the beef roll or sliders again, but the other dishes were so tasty that we certainly plan to return next time we want to have a quick bite before a flick.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Buggles</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1674532/restaurant/Sydney/Blacksheep-Newtown"><img alt="Blacksheep on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1674532/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-82896877566955156642012-07-02T15:13:00.002+10:002012-07-03T07:45:01.547+10:00Review: 4fourteen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24VnFPssd6w/T9wnrRafk1I/AAAAAAAADh0/dXCTgi5mOPM/s1600/interior1_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24VnFPssd6w/T9wnrRafk1I/AAAAAAAADh0/dXCTgi5mOPM/s320/interior1_wm.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">414 Bourke Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(enter via </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">72a </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fitzroy St)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surry Hills</span><br />
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<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">restaurant@4fourteen.com.au</span></span></span></span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles & Squeak have been long time devotees of all things Colin Fassnidge (right back to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Le Grande Bouffe</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> days!) so when news of the opening of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4fourteen </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">filtered through to us we were counting down the days until opening. We manage to snaffle a lunchtime reservation and one beautiful Friday we make our way to Surry Hills - excited to sample the new fare.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4fourteen</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is quite a large space and it is decked out in a very urban, but warm, way with lots of exposed brick, beams and timber with a large open kitchen. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZV6ITCX4dI/T9wn3ZXXg3I/AAAAAAAADiU/2YHJ8Y4XR-w/s1600/bread_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZV6ITCX4dI/T9wn3ZXXg3I/AAAAAAAADiU/2YHJ8Y4XR-w/s400/bread_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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We grab a table off to the side so we can people watch, munch on some excellent bread and sip on our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Sangria</span> while we peruse the menu.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USXyZE-XzDY/T9wn9uZz5II/AAAAAAAADik/Ae7pl-W0YMM/s1600/chicken_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USXyZE-XzDY/T9wn9uZz5II/AAAAAAAADik/Ae7pl-W0YMM/s400/chicken_wm.JPG" width="327" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are certainly ghosts of <b><i><a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/review-four-in-hand-restaurant.html" target="_blank">Four In Hand</a></i></b> in the menu, which is fine by us, but with some new twists. Dishes are designed to share which is a great way to get a sense of the whole menu. We decide to each start with a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> '</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Chicken Wing'</span>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This really is an individual 'two-bite' serve of a crispy chicken wing with one of the smoothest liver parfaits I've had in a long time, with crispy tortilla and quince chutney. This is a delightful multi textured couple of mouthfuls. We easily could have had two of these each. They were delicious.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2iCoRoijbA/T9woAtxilrI/AAAAAAAADis/I7YKK2yhLkA/s1600/beef_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2iCoRoijbA/T9woAtxilrI/AAAAAAAADis/I7YKK2yhLkA/s400/beef_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As not so astute readers will have ascertained from even a casual glance at our blog, any dish that mentions beef, bone marrow and licorice in the same sentence will surely be ordered. At <b>4fourteen</b> this comes in the dish named <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Licorice 'Beef and Bone' (for 2)</span>. The way this dish is served simply adds to the charm of the dish. It is a feast to behold! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beef is so beautifully soft and flavoursome and combines with the crispy bone marrow bombs, the smoky potato puree and the smattering of root vegetables all amidst the delicious cooking juices. It is a dish designed to warm the heart and works all the better for being shared.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk8qIJp_Op4/T9woC6GtLsI/AAAAAAAADi0/31jLxn5Ach8/s1600/carrots_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk8qIJp_Op4/T9woC6GtLsI/AAAAAAAADi0/31jLxn5Ach8/s400/carrots_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dish did come with carrots, which we didn't realise earlier, so we had ordered the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Orange and Ginger Carrots with cumin and yogurt</span>. They were absolutely delicious. The carrots were chunky and cooked just right. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RftgjIsYsJ0/T9woFLYPY6I/AAAAAAAADi8/-TGu9yDrLC8/s1600/cocktails_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RftgjIsYsJ0/T9woFLYPY6I/AAAAAAAADi8/-TGu9yDrLC8/s400/cocktails_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple more cocktails wash this all down. A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Winter Heat</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">(raspberry, basil,cranberry, licor43, smirnoff vodka)</span> </i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Passion #4 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">(passionfruit, ginger, lime, gingerbeer, smirnoff)</span> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">do the trick nicely.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desserts do stump us a little... they all sound so good. We decide upon the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Bounty</span> and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Donut and Apple</span>. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifeP8-qIOug/T9woHwXTHDI/AAAAAAAADjE/9AQpoMwTSNA/s1600/bounty_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifeP8-qIOug/T9woHwXTHDI/AAAAAAAADjE/9AQpoMwTSNA/s400/bounty_wm.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Bounty</span> is a very pretty dish and certainly tastes delicious. You cannot go too wrong with a chocolate and coconut combination and this dish certainly delivers on both counts. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDiGFTcAtn8/T9woKueMZ7I/AAAAAAAADjM/SBRZEhuJh-8/s1600/donuts_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDiGFTcAtn8/T9woKueMZ7I/AAAAAAAADjM/SBRZEhuJh-8/s400/donuts_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot go past much that involves the term 'donut', so i am very keen to try out the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Donut and Apple</span> dessert. There are round balls of sugary cinnamony goodness matched with an apple jelly and sauce. The apple sauce tastes like just that - apple sauce, but the jelly has me remembering the childhood chewy 'Toffee Apple' treats in terms of flavour. I enjoy it... but I'm not sure I enjoy the two together.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Service at <b><i>4Fourteen</i></b> is, on the whole, excellent. Our main waitress is very good - knowledgeable and warm, whereas one of the others is quite aloof and a bit too cool for school!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vDTZlfTmpI/T9wn7cZHhrI/AAAAAAAADic/1H65d6r1GUs/s1600/interior4_wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vDTZlfTmpI/T9wn7cZHhrI/AAAAAAAADic/1H65d6r1GUs/s400/interior4_wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We certainly enjoy our meal at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4fourteen</span> and plan to return very soon. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Buggles</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1635577/restaurant/Sydney/4Fourteen-Surry-Hills"><img alt="4Fourteen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1635577/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-66957633965925543802012-06-27T18:48:00.001+10:002012-06-27T18:49:52.039+10:00Review : Hartsyard<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srku90_8p9c/T-geW4A9uGI/AAAAAAAADl4/Ef4qJF_FpXA/s1600/exterior2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srku90_8p9c/T-geW4A9uGI/AAAAAAAADl4/Ef4qJF_FpXA/s320/exterior2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">33 Enmore Road<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newtown<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8068 1473<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">e: hello@hartsyard.com.au</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mon-Tues : Closed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wed-Sun : 5.30pm till late</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> know, I know we are very late in coming to the table on this one - seems every blogger & reviewer has been here before us & pretty much said it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So why you may ask, are we even bothering with this blog entry? Because the food at <span style="font-size: large;">Hartsyard</span> is so good & we want to shout it from the rooftops, that's why.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Truth be told, we have had our table booked for a couple of weeks - as soon as we looked at the menu and read <i>'fried chicken'</i> and<i> 'poutine'</i> we were in.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we arrive on this ultra cold Saturday evening to a restaurant that is warm and very inviting<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_y2R-vj0WKQ/T-geG3-IHhI/AAAAAAAADk4/tmMZFJDVyO4/s1600/interior1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_y2R-vj0WKQ/T-geG3-IHhI/AAAAAAAADk4/tmMZFJDVyO4/s400/interior1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room has been designed by Ashley Couch and what a great job she has done. We love the industrial aesthetic & have stolen a few ideas for our new apartment!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nRbUloqdaQ/T-geE7U4wPI/AAAAAAAADkw/fois3mQQKBg/s1600/menu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nRbUloqdaQ/T-geE7U4wPI/AAAAAAAADkw/fois3mQQKBg/s400/menu.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once seated, Naomi explains the menu to us; Seed - smaller plates, Feed - larger plates. Easy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The menu is designed to be shared, so share we will!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We order some <span style="color: #990000;">sparkling water - house carbonated</span>, $4pp for an unlimited supply.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCAsLOjXThE/T-geIhq63_I/AAAAAAAADlA/wIclgrVvyD4/s1600/mule.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCAsLOjXThE/T-geIhq63_I/AAAAAAAADlA/wIclgrVvyD4/s400/mule.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamaican Mule</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cocktails next - and it is an <span style="color: #990000;">Enmore Collins</span> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tanqueray gin, HY ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh mint</span>) for Buggles </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a <span style="color: #990000;">Jamaican Mule</span> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Appleton rum, fresh lime, ginger ale, bitters</span>) for me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtaoKyXGSWQ/T-geKjIT3UI/AAAAAAAADlI/LwiMIINevAc/s1600/radishes3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtaoKyXGSWQ/T-geKjIT3UI/AAAAAAAADlI/LwiMIINevAc/s400/radishes3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first of our dishes is </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Radishes'</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Smoked butter, onion, rye bread crisps</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">), this dish is amazing, the radishes are yummy & the smoked butter, sweet onion purée and rye bread are all divine. How can a dish that reads so simply, pack such a flavour punch?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFuLbIc5XiQ/T-geMtlBC_I/AAAAAAAADlQ/J9t8QAAm_Zk/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFuLbIc5XiQ/T-geMtlBC_I/AAAAAAAADlQ/J9t8QAAm_Zk/s400/salad.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of flavour, </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shaved Mushroom & Raw Artichoke Salad</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Celery heart, parmesan</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) almost completely blows Radishes out of the water! The parmesan crisps and celery heart really make this dish sing - we could order this time and again, it is just so good.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85a5ueiT7Xg/T-geOeXP03I/AAAAAAAADlY/RUa_Kp0McEI/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85a5ueiT7Xg/T-geOeXP03I/AAAAAAAADlY/RUa_Kp0McEI/s400/chicken.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course we could not go past, </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cold-smoked Fried Chicken</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buttermilk biscuit, low country sausage gravy</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) - sublime. The skin is so utterly crispy & the sous-vide meat is so moist and juicy. The scone like biscuit is perfect for soaking up the real surprise on the plate - the low country sausage gravy, which is rich, creamy & chunky!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was determined, prior to arrival, to order the <i>Poutine</i> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oxtail gravy, fried potatoes, crispy beef threads, cheddar and beer sauce</span>). If a dish ever screamed my name, that one does. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QlEkkvklQE/T-geQmkN91I/AAAAAAAADlg/S49Mt8ZzCjg/s1600/rib2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QlEkkvklQE/T-geQmkN91I/AAAAAAAADlg/S49Mt8ZzCjg/s400/rib2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, we decide instead to go with the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">S</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mok</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ed beef short-rib</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sunga’s Kimchi, bone marrow</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). The meat has a great smoky flavour & topped with the unctuous bone marrow it is completely decadent - one small complaint would be that a couple of the portions were a little sinewy and chewy - but I quibble. The Kimchi is another winner, particularly with Buggles and she has no problem polishing off most of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now comes the time for dessert or </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Out to Pasture'</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> & while we do indeed toy with the idea of ordering the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Potato Pie</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> we really can't help but order, what seems to be, the most popular dessert of the evening....</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peanut Butter + Banana Sundae</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pretzel ice cream, banana doughnut, salted fudge</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) - and what a choice it is! Wickedly salty, lusciously creamy, decadently rich, it truly is one of the best desserts we have had in a good long while.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With food this original and good & with such friendly, knowledgeable & accommodating staff, <span style="font-size: large;">Hartsyard</span> really does tick all the boxes. This is one restaurant we hope will be around for many, many visits to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1681698/restaurant/Sydney/Hartsyard-Newtown"><img alt="Hartsyard on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1681698/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span></div>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-16366621765476434502012-06-22T18:15:00.000+10:002012-06-22T18:15:20.378+10:00Review : Glass Brasserie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9V64T_abg4/T9wjdyhU0tI/AAAAAAAADgM/UQYBOuPscrU/s1600/room1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9V64T_abg4/T9wjdyhU0tI/AAAAAAAADgM/UQYBOuPscrU/s320/room1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Glass Brasserie</span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Level 2,</span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">488 George Street,</span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sydney</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"></span><span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tel: (02) 9265-6068</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon-Sun 6pm - late</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So</span> after our fabulous breakfast at <span style="font-size: large;">Glass Brasserie</span>, we decide to return for dinner and then a night at the Hilton</span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been needing a little time out - what with our current rental being up for sale and the endless open homes. Yep, time for a little relaxation.</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrive at the Hilton and settle into our room at around 3.30pm. It is a cold, wet, miserable Sydney day and the first thing we notice is how cold our room is. </span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A quick check of the air-con tells us the room should be a pleasant 22 degrees - not so, the room is freezing. </span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We try to up the ante on the air-con, but it seems stuck at 22 degrees - a quick call to reception is no help, they offer blankets - come on this is the Hilton - we don't want blankets! So we shiver for the next hour or so. </span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another call to reception results in an engineer coming to our room - he can't seem to sort out the problem either.</span></span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We head down to dinner hoping the air-con situation will be sorted by the time we return.</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once seated for dinner we knock back a couple of cocktails and decide on what to order. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B26JVSPauQo/T9wjb65qEpI/AAAAAAAADgE/kXYtZ7C_gDQ/s1600/menu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B26JVSPauQo/T9wjb65qEpI/AAAAAAAADgE/kXYtZ7C_gDQ/s400/menu.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are in a 'share plate' kind of mood, so we go with 3 dishes from the <span style="font-size: large;">Tapas</span> menu to begin with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the 3 dishes aren't brought out one at a time and somehow room for all three has to be found on our smallish table.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQYAHZvcG2o/T9wjiVs9sFI/AAAAAAAADgc/h1V2KxXlG_4/s1600/bresaola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQYAHZvcG2o/T9wjiVs9sFI/AAAAAAAADgc/h1V2KxXlG_4/s400/bresaola.JPG" width="353" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Bresaola, onion relish, grilled bread</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - is very good. The bresaola has great flavour & the onion relish adds a lovely sweetness.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP4v-mrEPXI/T9wjkeIOB0I/AAAAAAAADgk/QFcjQkEtlLc/s1600/parfait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP4v-mrEPXI/T9wjkeIOB0I/AAAAAAAADgk/QFcjQkEtlLc/s400/parfait.JPG" width="330" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Chicken liver parfait, truffle butter & pear chutney</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- is spectacular. The parfait surrounded by a thickish layer of fat is smooth, rich and creamy. The pear chutney counteracts the richness, sadly - I am not aware of any truffle butter.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJX5g-N2vr8/T9wjgdMimDI/AAAAAAAADgU/Ji9JsWRkCNo/s1600/bone+marrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJX5g-N2vr8/T9wjgdMimDI/AAAAAAAADgU/Ji9JsWRkCNo/s400/bone+marrow.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3n8UvEoEmjA/T9wjmU0OHWI/AAAAAAAADgs/TMK3kGM7Tj8/s1600/marrow2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3n8UvEoEmjA/T9wjmU0OHWI/AAAAAAAADgs/TMK3kGM7Tj8/s400/marrow2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The highlight of the tapas menu for us, however, is the <i><span style="color: #674ea7;">baked bone marrow with shitake duxelle, parmesan & </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">black olive</span></i>. The buttery marrow, is enhanced by the deep earthiness of the duxelle, while the parmesan and black olive, with their subtle saltiness, really help to bring out the flavour. The crispy grilled bread and fresh crunchy parsley salad complete the dish - truly a memorable moment in our meal.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m23TJvoBh0c/T9wjprNpVjI/AAAAAAAADg0/yO6rppriKqI/s1600/sirloin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m23TJvoBh0c/T9wjprNpVjI/AAAAAAAADg0/yO6rppriKqI/s400/sirloin.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles orders the <i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Rangers Valley NSW sirloin, </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">sauté spinach, tempura zucchini flower with </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">corn & goats cheese</span></i> - what she receives, however, is the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Rangers Valley NSW scotch fillet </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>French fries and béarnaise</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the error is pointed out to the waiter his annoyance is palpable. Not sure why his annoyance seems to outweigh hers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, Buggles receives the correct dish and she is quite impressed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The steak is cooked beautifully and has a bold meaty flavour, the zucchini flower is plump full of creamy goat's cheese and is fantastic- not remotely oily. Buggles declares her sauteed spinach to be an absolute winner - not often you can say that about spinach! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2qUUcsWJ-4/T9wjsaZxq0I/AAAAAAAADg8/PjoK9_LQ7Lg/s1600/beef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2qUUcsWJ-4/T9wjsaZxq0I/AAAAAAAADg8/PjoK9_LQ7Lg/s400/beef.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Beef fillet, braised Wagyu brisket, parsley puree, </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">mustard leaf, honey roasted garlic</span></i> is also very good. The fillet is a lovely medium rare, while the brisket is rich, flavoursome and melt in the mouth. I top my fillet with the sweet honey roasted garlic & the combination is quite divine. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRKxEZ9dstA/T9wjukFOXmI/AAAAAAAADhE/2Qu9yak4xJU/s1600/fries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRKxEZ9dstA/T9wjukFOXmI/AAAAAAAADhE/2Qu9yak4xJU/s400/fries.JPG" width="396" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">parmesan and truffle French fries</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that accompany our meal are to die for - so often parmesan/truffle fries fail to deliver on those two key components, these deliver in abundance!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVP31zIFf9w/T9wjwiVC8tI/AAAAAAAADhM/600NgTCuBNI/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVP31zIFf9w/T9wjwiVC8tI/AAAAAAAADhM/600NgTCuBNI/s400/salad.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">mixed leaf salad </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">isn't too bad either.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jQihfk2ryA/T9wjyyf_NxI/AAAAAAAADhU/d95B1xbMgY8/s1600/souffle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jQihfk2ryA/T9wjyyf_NxI/AAAAAAAADhU/d95B1xbMgY8/s400/souffle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Onto dessert and Buggles is surprised by the rich toffee flavour of the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">toffee soufflé with pecan butter ice-cream</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. So often a souffle can be nothing more than a soft pillow of egginess - this one packs a punch and really delivers on the promised flavour. The pecan butter ice-cream is rich, creamy & nutty. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsRx2PEzuAQ/T9wj0Y8UM9I/AAAAAAAADhc/28N-RgPWjf0/s1600/liquorice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsRx2PEzuAQ/T9wj0Y8UM9I/AAAAAAAADhc/28N-RgPWjf0/s400/liquorice.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decide on the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Liquorice parfait 2012 “Signature”</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - it is very good, but I would have loved the liquorice flavour to be a lot more pronounced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Service from our main waitress is very good, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">she is very friendly & efficient</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The waiter who brought out our food, we feel, was quite rude & shouldn't have displayed his annoyance at THEIR obvious mistake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, meal over we head back to what we hope is a warm room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alas, this is not to be - the engineer could not fix the air-con and room smells like an electrical burnout.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it is time to pack up our things and move to another room, when really at 10.30pm, all we want to do is relax - that was the whole point of this exercise after all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Squeak</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750936/restaurant/CBD/Glass-Brasserie-Sydney"><img alt="Glass Brasserie on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750936/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></i></span><br />
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</span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-23969760519299244332012-06-16T16:14:00.000+10:002012-06-16T16:14:10.769+10:00Review : Bar Mattino - Sunday Roast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhc6f1_oo98/T9waE9_cUuI/AAAAAAAADf0/-pyFPwiaM70/s1600/menu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhc6f1_oo98/T9waE9_cUuI/AAAAAAAADf0/-pyFPwiaM70/s320/menu.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">96 Abercrombie Street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Chippendale</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ph: 9699 1442</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">e: <a href="mailto:barmattino@aol.com">barmattino@aol.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 17:00 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It</span> is no secret how much we love <span style="font-size: large;">Bar Mattino</span> - it is our favourite cafe, hands down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Regulars for breakfast, we have only popped in for the Sunday Roast on a couple of occasions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Recently we stopped by for the <em>Roast Lamb</em> & the <em>Roast Chicken</em> (both massive and equally spectacular) - but today we are here for the king of roasts, that's right <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><em>The Mighty Roast Beef</em></span>!</span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Piled high with </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">roast potato</span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, piping hot luscious </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>pumpkin mash</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, the most divine </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>pickled cabbage</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">vegies</span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, an impressive </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">yorkie</span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> plump full of </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">gravy</span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and a mound of perfectly cooked (medium rareish), tender & moist </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">beef</span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - this is what a Sunday roast is all about - enough said!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As massive as the roast is, we can always manage to squeeze in dessert (admittedly this time we did have to share). The <em><span style="color: #e69138;">bread and butter pudding</span></em> is another winner - this buttery, chocolaty extravaganza with its rich, creamy vanilla custard really hits the spot on a coolish Sunday afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bar Mattino is now licensed, so you can enjoy glass of wine (or beer) along with your meal.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Service as always is welcoming - Sigrid & Sebastian make their guests feel right at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are, and always will be, unashamed fans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Squeak</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750192/restaurant/Sydney/Glebe/Bar-Mattino-Chippendale"><img alt="Bar Mattino on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750192/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-54518690268409994152012-05-23T10:52:00.002+10:002012-06-07T15:46:24.394+10:00Review : the corner house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdmgGDSsjxc/T7RHioB30TI/AAAAAAAADYY/R_QNIlN5KR0/s1600/exterior1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdmgGDSsjxc/T7RHioB30TI/AAAAAAAADYY/R_QNIlN5KR0/s320/exterior1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">281 Bondi Rd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bondi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">02 80206698</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:info@thecornerhouse.com.au">info@thecornerhouse.com.au</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-corner-house/321298368852?ref=search" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/tchbondi" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">Tues-Sat 5pm - midnight</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">Sun 5pm - 10pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">After</span> our fabulous lunch at <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/review-panama-house.html" target="_blank">Panama House</a>, it just stood to reason that we needed to visit its (big) sister restaurant - <span style="font-size: large;">the corner house</span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So thanks (again) to Nat from <a href="http://folke.com.au/" target="_blank">Folke</a> & boys from <em>the corner house</em> - we are heading out this Wednesday evening to do just that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>The corner house</em> is situated just down the road from Panama House, in a space formerly occupied by Castile Pizza. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are seated in the front section of the restaurant overlooking Bondi Rd, we snuggle into our corner bench, enveloped by the warmth of the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, prior to our visit we had read Simon Thomsen's review, with all it's talk of hip, young things & music loud enough to rival a rock concert - well not tonight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tonight, it is blissfully quiet & relaxing - sure there is the odd 'hip, young thing', but there are also families enjoying a night out. Tonight it has the feel of an up market 'local' - somewhere for family & friends to come together and enjoy great food and wine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The blackboard menu lists about 6 pizzas, they all sound incredible but we decide on the <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>'Gonzo'</em></span> - <em>Sauteed Swiss browns, button mushrooms, fontina cheese, torn oyster mushrooms, roasted garlic & thyme dressing. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While we await our pizza we tuck into some <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>bread drizzled with olive oil</em></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em> </em>& enjoy a glass of wine each - a <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>Malbec</em></span> for Buggles and a <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>Pinot Gris</em></span> for me. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjs1f_IXrqU/T7RHRLwqXmI/AAAAAAAADXg/gMZjWI1eWXM/s1600/gonzo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjs1f_IXrqU/T7RHRLwqXmI/AAAAAAAADXg/gMZjWI1eWXM/s400/gonzo.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our pizza arrives and scissors in hand we set about cutting this baby up! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We love this pizza, the base is thin, light & crispy - the perfect vehicle for the generous smattering of earthy, plump mushrooms. The garlic flavour is pronounced, but it also has a slight sweetness to it. I adore fontina cheese, so the oozing mass of it on this pizza goes down a treat - its flavour perfectly complementing the mushrooms. This is what pizza is all about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a look over the rest of the Italian inspired</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">menu and Buggles decides on, <em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Caramelised onion & potato gnocchi, beef cheek and beetroot ragu with fresh horseradish cream</span></em>, for her main.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is a very rich and hearty dish - the beef cheek is abundant & its richness is somewhat tempered by the slight sweetness of the beetroot. The gnocchi are light & fluffy, without a trace of stodge - the horseradish cream adds that slight bit of heat. A great dish on this coldish night.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaioaPaHxWE/T7RHTJtcHRI/AAAAAAAADXo/KM4WN3_dcSc/s1600/steak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaioaPaHxWE/T7RHTJtcHRI/AAAAAAAADXo/KM4WN3_dcSc/s400/steak.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I decide on <em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Rib Eye served medium rare (of course) with glazed eschallot & cafe de paris butter</span></em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The menu doesn't say if this is a grass fed steak - it has the great flavour that seems to come from grass fed beef, but it is also very tender. The glazed eschallot is lovely and sweet, while the cafe de Paris butter is perhaps not as spicy as some others I have tried. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVOnIOZSp2U/T7RHV7hQIJI/AAAAAAAADXw/F8Jancegrkw/s1600/salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313px" qba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVOnIOZSp2U/T7RHV7hQIJI/AAAAAAAADXw/F8Jancegrkw/s400/salad.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We accompany our mains with a really fresh & delicious <span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>Shredded iceberg, <span class="st"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial;">Radicchio</span></span> & tomato salad</em></span>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ab_pHWVoRs/T7RHencCvuI/AAAAAAAADYI/67QNLtVmpXY/s1600/catalan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ab_pHWVoRs/T7RHencCvuI/AAAAAAAADYI/67QNLtVmpXY/s400/catalan.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Full to the brim, we can but share a dessert of <em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Crema Catalana</span></em>. The caramel top is perfectly scorched and once cracked reveals the gorgeous, citrusy custard - it is rich, creamy and indulgent - perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are as equally impressed with <em>the corner house</em> as we are with Panama House - these guys really know their stuff. The spectacular food at <em>the corner house</em> is matched by the down to earth & incredibly knowledgeable service. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dining here is an absolute pleasure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Squeak</em></span><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1546655/restaurant/Sydney/Bondi-Bondi-Beach/The-Corner-House-Bondi"><img alt="The Corner House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1546655/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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* <strong><em>We would love to hear if your experience dining at the corner house matched ours</em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-26916065863218313462012-05-20T15:14:00.005+10:002012-06-20T07:57:57.535+10:00Review : Hilton Breakfast (Glass Brasserie)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYKfh5NoK7I/T7hysn58M9I/AAAAAAAADdQ/H-O-A93ObkY/s1600/exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYKfh5NoK7I/T7hysn58M9I/AAAAAAAADdQ/H-O-A93ObkY/s320/exterior.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hilton Sydney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Glass Brasserie</span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Level 2,</span> </span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">488 George Street,</span> </span><br />
<span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sydney</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"></span><span class="address_section"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tel: (02) 9265-6068</span></span><br />
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<span class="address_section"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">monday - friday 6am - 10am</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">saturday - sunday 7am - 11am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As</span> anyone familiar with our blog knows, breakfast is one of our favourite meals. So when<strong> Lorna O'Neill</strong> (many thanks Lorna!), from <strong><a href="http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/" target="_blank">Hilton Sydney</a></strong> invited us to sample Executive Chef <span style="font-size: large;">Carl Middleton's</span> new breakfast menu - well, it was hard for us to say no.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carl's resume <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is</span> very impressive. Coming to the Hilton fresh from his stint as<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Group Executive Chef, <em><strong>Lilianfels Spa & Resort</strong></em>, he headed the kitchen at <em><strong>Darley's</strong></em> where he achieved a Good Food Guide Chef's Hat back in 2011.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Middleton's new role at Hilton Sydney, also sees him taking responsibility<span style="line-height: 115%;"> for <em>hotel dining, Zeta Bar, Marble Bar, Caffe Cino, in-room dining</em> and <em>events</em>. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prior to Lilianfels, Middleton served as Executive Chef at the <em><strong>Four Seasons</strong></em> in Sydney where he oversaw all hotel dining as well as the hotel’s restaurant, <strong><em>Kable’s</em></strong>. Middleton has also worked as Senior Sous Chef at <strong>Quay</strong>.</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Arriving at 8.30am this Sunday, the restaurant is a hive of activity. The space is gorgeous and eating breakfast in such an amazing room really adds to the indulgence of it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are lead to our table overlooking George Street, order two coffees (single origin, of course) and, while we await their arrival, restaurant supervisor Ken talks us through the <strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chef's Signature Dish</span></em></strong>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_pvsG32mOM/T7hcUexnyLI/AAAAAAAADZI/uZQB2CpIvNw/s1600/signature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_pvsG32mOM/T7hcUexnyLI/AAAAAAAADZI/uZQB2CpIvNw/s400/signature.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <span style="color: #cc0000;">Signature Dish</span> - <span style="font-size: small;"> <em>beechwood house smoked salmon with English potato scones, pan roasted asparagus, free range scrambled eggs & baby watercress</em> - arrives and it presents so prettily. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The salmon is cold smoked and therefore not cooked, the texture is delicate & the slices are generous and sliced on the thicker side. The salmon is really clean, fresh and the flavour is quite mild - it is immensely enjoyable. The free range scrambled eggs are not mushy, they are on the firmer 'chunkier' side and have a really lush, creamy texture. The English Potato scones are a hit with us both- they have a somewhat 'doughy' texture with chunks of potato throughout, they are really well seasoned and have a great potato flavour. The pan roasted asparagus in also beautifully seasoned & still retains some bite. We really love this dish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ken now invites us to sample the <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">restaurant buffet</span></em>. The assortment of breakfast items available is extensive to say the least.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that yolk!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hot buffet service offers breakfast favourites including - <em>bacon</em> (the eye and our much preferred 'streaky' portion are offered separately), <em>sausages, hash browns, roast tomato, scrambled eggs, poached eggs</em> (which contrary to so many other buffets, retain the runniest yolk), <em>baked beans</em> and <em>mushrooms</em>.</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PL44qw0gAug/T7hc_V-PEMI/AAAAAAAADbA/Q_EL7JNzf-8/s1600/create.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PL44qw0gAug/T7hc_V-PEMI/AAAAAAAADbA/Q_EL7JNzf-8/s400/create.JPG" width="335px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choosing the buffet also allows you to put together the <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chef's Signature Dish</span></em> yourself - with all the individual components available, along with directions on how to assemble it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFdCn2SHiJw/T7hcgKOiFuI/AAAAAAAADZo/5ikxxU605tU/s1600/cold2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207px" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFdCn2SHiJw/T7hcgKOiFuI/AAAAAAAADZo/5ikxxU605tU/s400/cold2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS4OJIKylBI/T7hdEKuOCXI/AAAAAAAADbQ/UkXHiHcvtuk/s1600/shots2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS4OJIKylBI/T7hdEKuOCXI/AAAAAAAADbQ/UkXHiHcvtuk/s400/shots2.JPG" width="342px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5LOGSM67Qc/T7hdMNaR0EI/AAAAAAAADbw/17tvYsMFL3M/s1600/bircher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5LOGSM67Qc/T7hdMNaR0EI/AAAAAAAADbw/17tvYsMFL3M/s400/bircher.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hICOA7iJKFk/T7hdPx-nqII/AAAAAAAADcA/l2RhBiTKjPQ/s1600/fruit+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hICOA7iJKFk/T7hdPx-nqII/AAAAAAAADcA/l2RhBiTKjPQ/s400/fruit+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The buffet also includes an amazing assortment of<em> cold meats, cheeses, cereals</em> (including Whisk & Pin), <em>yoghurt</em> (the yummy Yalla), <em>juices</em> (and juice shots), <em>bircher muesli, Yakult, porridge, fruit</em> and so much more.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW3VIauzs1o/T7hci6SuxnI/AAAAAAAADZw/WGLO3Lo6HHU/s1600/Asian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227px" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW3VIauzs1o/T7hci6SuxnI/AAAAAAAADZw/WGLO3Lo6HHU/s400/Asian.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congee</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It also includes Asian influenced items such as <em>Congee</em>, <em>Chicken dim sum</em> and <em>fried rice</em>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iejl6CymvM/T7hdUjT8MCI/AAAAAAAADcQ/sV6AY44a7dU/s1600/honeycomb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211px" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iejl6CymvM/T7hdUjT8MCI/AAAAAAAADcQ/sV6AY44a7dU/s400/honeycomb.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjTv9xi7nKc/T7hdfVfuWUI/AAAAAAAADc0/tcpcZVLgUAU/s1600/croissants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210px" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjTv9xi7nKc/T7hdfVfuWUI/AAAAAAAADc0/tcpcZVLgUAU/s400/croissants.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUZpXwxHCZw/T7hdhkQBRjI/AAAAAAAADc8/aABYcRujoSA/s1600/jams.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUZpXwxHCZw/T7hdhkQBRjI/AAAAAAAADc8/aABYcRujoSA/s400/jams.JPG" width="248px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzNZ3xdDspU/T7hc0f32KQI/AAAAAAAADag/XGXrwyF4rWU/s1600/donuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252px" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzNZ3xdDspU/T7hc0f32KQI/AAAAAAAADag/XGXrwyF4rWU/s400/donuts.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTowuk_y12Y/T7hc3tQn07I/AAAAAAAADao/4BzVy7xHAto/s1600/danish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262px" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTowuk_y12Y/T7hc3tQn07I/AAAAAAAADao/4BzVy7xHAto/s400/danish.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEhkJXiA1aE/T7hdWxaWjgI/AAAAAAAADcY/zI2ck8OVSKM/s1600/gluten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEhkJXiA1aE/T7hdWxaWjgI/AAAAAAAADcY/zI2ck8OVSKM/s400/gluten.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving over to the pastry section and we have - a variety of <em>muffins, croissants</em> and <em>danish</em>, a huge array of <em>homemade jams</em> and some <em>fresh honeycomb;</em> a selection of <em>bread</em> for toasting, and some truly more-ish <em>jam doughnuts</em>.<br />
You really are spoiled for choice.<br />
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Normally a breakfast buffet tends to leave us (and the food) a little cold - but we have to say that the <em><strong>Hilton's Buffet</strong></em> has really won us over.<br />
The food is cooked really well, is very fresh with certain individual components really standing out - i.e. hash browns, potato scones, sausages, poached eggs, doughnuts and bircher muesli - so much of it is so good though.<br />
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As we leave the restaurant, we are already discussing a return visit, perhaps next time after an overnight stay....</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeak</span></em><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750936/restaurant/CBD/Glass-Brasserie-Sydney"><img alt="Glass Brasserie on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750936/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628818121282600919.post-72318218283485694422012-05-17T09:49:00.001+10:002012-05-17T09:57:40.161+10:00Review : Mad Spuds Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsb7oEl4rAg/T44v-ZmFjNI/AAAAAAAADQs/iEVxfgeNQQw/s1600/intext.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsb7oEl4rAg/T44v-ZmFjNI/AAAAAAAADQs/iEVxfgeNQQw/s320/intext.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">479 Crown Street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Surry Hills</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ph: 02</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 9698 8108</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">E:<a href="mailto:info@madspuds.com.au"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">info@madspuds.com.au</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-Spuds-Cafe/143235835715213#!/pages/Mad-Spuds-Cafe/143235835715213" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mon closed</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tues-Sat 8am-6pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">Sun 9am-6pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">We</span> are a bit perplexed as to how a cafe going by the name of <span style="font-size: large;">"Mad Spuds",</span> has escaped our attention for so long. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buggles and I are long-term lovers of the humble spud - and are constanly on the search for inspired potato offerings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So finally having heard about Mad Spuds (thanks to them following us on<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/bugglessqueak" target="_blank"> twitter</a>), we quickly decide a visit is in order - and soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">According to the cafe website, Mad Spuds sources their organic potatoes from Robertson, NSW. The potatoes are grown </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in rich red volcanic soil, and watered from natural springs and are an excellent source of fibre, low in fat and the skin is rich in vitamins and minerals - you don't need to convince us!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So this Saturday morning as we awake with a craving for a spuddy breakfast, we make our way to Mad Spuds Cafe.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mad Spuds is a couple of doors away from another fave of ours <a href="http://bugglesandsqueak.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/review-four-ate-five.html" target="_blank">'fouratefive'.</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We grab a table and look over the 'spud' laden menu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The whole trip over all I could think about was potato - yet after looking at the menu, what actually takes my fancy is <span style="color: cyan;">Toasted banana bread with ricotta, strawberries & rose water</span> - and can I say, it is an inspired choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The bread is lightly toasted and is very moist - it is full of banana flavour. It is topped with lush, creamy ricotta; scrumptious candied walnuts and sweet, juicy, fresh strawberries - the accompanying strawberry & peach(?) purees are divine. There is the slightest hint of rosewater - enough to make it perfect.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuF39c5x7ps/T44wDt9rDYI/AAAAAAAADQ8/PjCYxOwFruo/s1600/chorizo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257px" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuF39c5x7ps/T44wDt9rDYI/AAAAAAAADQ8/PjCYxOwFruo/s400/chorizo.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Buggles goes with <span style="color: cyan;">Chorizo Bruschetta - local chorizo, grilled tatti bread, haloumi, fig and spinach</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The chorizo is rich and meaty with a hint of spice - the haloumi is well cooked and 'bendy', it's saltiness really complements the 'revelation' on the plate that is - the <span style="font-size: large;">grilled tatti bread</span>. This fried potato bread is crispy and slightly chewy with a satisfying potato hit. Buggles is very lucky that I choose to let her enjoy it alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also each order a side of the <span style="color: cyan;">cheesy, crispy spud skins</span> - no more needs to be said really, except that they are as delicious as they sound. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So there ends breakfast number 1 at Mad Spuds Cafe - to say there will be a number 2, number 3, number 4..... is a given.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Squeak</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Buggles and Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08608532188635524921noreply@blogger.com0