Posts tagged Chorizo

Livin’ la vida: Los Vida, Crows Nest

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Prawn Ceviche, $13

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Chorizo Octopus Tacos, $8

Authenticity is a very finicky thing. We get so riled up about “this isn’t authentic (insert food here)”, that sometimes, we forget about the fun of it all. I know, because I do it too.

So it’s quite a relief to rock up to eat a cuisine that I have little experience with: this time, it’s Mexican.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Smoked Chilly Popcorn with Chorizo Chips, $7Smoked Chilly Popcorn with Chorizo Chips, $7

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Prawn Ceviche, $13Prawn Ceviche, $13

I’ve seen mixed reviews about Los Vida in Sydney’s CBD, but this brand new venue in Crow’s Nest also seems to be accompanied with a brand new menu, just to spruce things up a bit.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Los Vida Famous Fish Tacos, $5Los Vida Famous Fish Tacos, $5

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Lamb Barbacoa Tacos, $5Lamb Barbacoa Tacos, $5

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Chorizo Octopus Tacos, $8Chorizo Octopus Tacos, $8

So I did my food blogger duties and gave the new menu a workout, the only kind of workout I partake in.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Chilaquiles, $13Chilaquiles, $13

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Beef Ribs, $18Beef Ribs, $18

Sydney Food Blog Review of Los Vida, Crows Nest: Watermelon Salad, $12Watermelon Salad, $12

The Chorizo Octopus Tacos were an instant favourite, with the smoky paprika and tender octopus delivery punchy mouthfuls of flavour. The Chilaquiles was like hearty, grown up nachos that’s perfect to share, and the Beef Ribs had a sweet sauce paired with tender meat and tangy pickles.

I did have a bit of an issue that the Prawn Ceviche actually involved poached prawns in a tangy dressing (WHY U TOY WITH MY FEELINGS), which actually made for a nice mouthful, just not a ceviche. And I was looking forward to cured raw prawns in citrus.

But otherwise, it was all very enjoyable, with bubbly staff members and an upstairs/downstairs setup that gave the whole restaurant a lot of depth and a great ambience. Whether or not it was ‘authentic’ or not (as some of the reviews were complaining about) I really don’t know, and you know what? I don’t think I cared. It was a good lunch and a great day out, and I really want more of those Chorizo and Octopus Tacos.

Why do they have to be so small?

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Los Vida.
Los Vida
419 Pacific Highway
Crows Nest NSW
Phone: 02 9439 8323
Website: http://losvida.com.au

Los Vida Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

When the moon hits your eye: Pizza Design Co., Parramatta

Review
Review of Pizza Design Co., Parramatta | Sydney Food Blog by Tammi Kwok

Review of Pizza Design Co., Parramatta | Sydney Food Blog by Tammi Kwok

Subway has copped a LOT of crap, but you know what? They’ve got a good system going. People get to pick what they want for a single price point, and it’s quick and easy. The illusion of choice, without too much going on.

If only life was that easy.

Now what if you can apply a system like that to, say, pizza?

Review of Pizza Design Co, Parramatta

Pizza Design Co. in Parramatta has applied just such a system. The steps are simple: pick your base, sauce, cheese, toppings, and you’re all done! $15, and see you later.

Exactly like Subway, without the cookie at the end.

Review of Pizza Design Co, Parramatta

The pizza was actually surprisingly good. There’s something to be said about things hot from the oven, but even then, the base was a great chewy texture, the toppings light and relatively fresh, and it was a fairly good portion for $15. The service was polite and fast, and by people who generally look happy to be there.

We all know that this isn’t some top notch gourmet experience, but really, you weren’t expecting that were you? I know I wasn’t, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Not bad. Not too bad at all.

This meal was independently paid for.
Pizza Design Co.
279 – 281 Church Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: 02 9687 6667
Website: http://www.pizzadesignco.com.au

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Fifth Element: Element 6, West Ryde

Review
Review of Element 6, West Ryde

Review of Element 6, West Ryde

I’m not a morning person. Not by a long shot. But when you get woken up by, “hey let’s go see the sunrise together“, it’s a little hard to say no.

Well that, and the promise of breakfast.

And that’s what happened the morning that I found myself climbing steep hills in complete darkness. Not my finest hour, with sweat pants, a hoodie, and layers of clothing underneath. But sunrises are meant to be worth it, and here we were.

Funny thing was, we found ourselves in a spot we thought would have a nice view of the sun rising over the water, but instead had brown buildings in the way. Sexy. I was cold, tired and hungry, and the she-hulk was about to emerge.

Breakfast had better be worth it.

Review of Element 6 in West Ryde - poached eggs, chorizo, kale and spiced lentilsPoached eggs, chorizo, kale and spiced lentils

Located right across West Ryde Station, Element 6 sits amongst an Armenian grocer, Indian spice shop, Halal Butcher, and a Lebanese bakery. Kinda like the food version of It’s a Small World After All.

And food versions of things are the best versions.

Review of Element 6 in West Ryde - french toast with honeycomb, maple syrup and added baconFrench toast with honeycomb, maple syrup and added bacon

We ordered the Chorizo with spiced lentils and kale, and French toast, added bacon of course. And even though I felt like I earned a French Toast with the long walk, the Chorizo was way WAY more satisfying. Crispy salty chorizo, hearty kale, oozing eggs and sweet/salty spiced lentils made for a filling breakfast that also made you feel good about eating it.

Not that the french toast was bad, mind you, it just wasn’t as good. Especially since they seem to have used a crusty slice of sourdough as the base, which just doesnt help you get the eggy pudding consistency that youre looking for. So much promise, too much bread.

It had a great buzzing-cafe sort of atmosphere, and had polite, efficient service. Not quite as exciting as brunch in the city, but definitely great as a local weekend hangout!

This meal was independently paid for.
Element 6
65 Ryedale Road
West Ryde NSW
Phone: 02 8021 2838
Website: http://www.element6.com.au

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