Posts tagged Japanese

En Toriciya, Crows Nest

Best in Sydney Review
En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog Review

Oven Baked Truffle Cabbage: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog Review

I’ve always had a healthy respect for Japanese chefs and their craft – there’s something about the quiet reverence that they have for each ingredient, and all their techniques are based around elegantly bringing out unique flavours and textures that naturally occurs in the food. So when I had the opportunity to pick the brain of Chef Hikeaki Fukada of En Toriciya, I was absolutely ecstatic.

…Of course, it had nothing to with the fact that he fed me dinner as well. 馃槈


The Order:

En Toriciya Degustation, $60/pp ($80/pp with matching sake):

Kingfish & Jalapeno Carpaccio
Kasujiru Vegetable Soup
Oven Baked Truffle Savoy Cabbage
Yakitori (Momo and Tsukune)
Popcorn Prawn
Charcoal Grilled Black Cod or Wagyu Steak
Sushi Moriawase (+12 to upgrade sushi)
Chefs selection of dessert (Matcha Creme Br没l茅e and Adzuki Custard)


The Food:

Holy. Smokes.

I was not prepared for this. I walked into En Toriciya expecting a smart casual dining restaurant, only to be presented with a close-to-fine dining experience. The only thing missing was the lack of pretentiousness, which I was very happy to do without. I was also informed that Chef Fukuda was also a sake sommalier, and our dinner would be matched with different sakes of his choosing.

I was certainly not expecting the sheer education I was about to receive.

Kingfish and Jalape帽o Carpaccio: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewKingfish and Jalape帽o Carpaccio

We started with a very simple Kingfish and Jalape帽o Carpaccio – thin slices of kingfish were dressed lightly and topped with a small dab of what looked like jalape帽o pur茅e. Very refreshing, and just enough to whet the appetite. I was quite surprised by the Danemon sake that came with it – the richness was meant to bring out the flavour of the kingfish, but for my palate, it was oddly heavy to start the meal with. Still, an interesting choice.

Kasujiru Vegetable Soup: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewKasujiru Vegetable Soup

Then we moved on to the Oven baked Truffle Savoy Cabbage and Kasujiru vegetable soup. It is here I learnt that if it looks like miso, and smells like miso…well sometimes it’s not miso. Chef Fukuda shows us just how passionate he is about sake…by using the lees (sakekasu – residual by products from making sake) to thicken and flavour the soup. No waste!

Oven Baked Truffle Cabbage: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewOven Baked Truffle Savoy Cabbage

The Oven Baked Truffle Savoy Cabbage was so magnificent that I wondered if he was going to peak too early. With humble beginnings as a staff meal (where chefs are forced into ingenuity to make delicious meals for the restaurant staff out of whatever ingredients they have on hand) this cabbage dish has risen into such magnificence it should be called Daenerys. A soft truffle aroma laces through the robust char on the cabbage, which is then balanced by a tangy salty-sweet dressing.

This course was had with Asabiraki sake from the Iwate prefecture, which I’m told is famous for their rice. Fitting, then, that a complex sake plays a supporting role to such complex food. There is a typically Japanese sense of balance at play, and I’m loving every minute of it.

Tsukune (Yakitori): En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewTsukune (Yakitori)

Chicken Thigh (Yakitori): En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Thigh (Yakitori)

Next course: yakitori. Literally translating to “barbecued chicken”, we get two types for dinner – tsukune (chicken meatballs) and momo (chicken thigh). All fairly simply prepared – salt, smoke, and in the case of the tsukune, a light brush of glaze. Chef Fukuda tells me that he uses binchotan instead of regular coals – these Japanese “smokeless” coals hold the heat longer and more steadily, producing a better dish.

Popcorn Prawn: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewPopcorn Prawn

The Popcorn Prawn follows, and although it’s a fun dish topped with generous lashings of mayonnaise (oh Mayo, how I love thee), it wasn’t quite as finessed as the other dishes seemed to be. Some bits of the batter were a touch underdone and a bit gluey at the end of the mouthful, which I noticed only because the standard of his other dishes were so high to begin with.

Charcoal Grilled Black Cod: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewCharcoal Grilled Black Cod

We then moved right back up the scale, though, with Charcoal Grilled Black Cod and Wagyu Steak. I’m not entirely sure whether you’d usually have to pick one or the other for your degustation, but I know my life is much better for having tried the both of them. The Charcoal Grilled Black Cod was appropriately dark from the smoke and Saiky艒dzuke, a miso-like paste made by fermenting sake lees (At this point, Chef Fukuda is starting to look more and more like a man obsessed…something which I wholeheartedly appreciate), whilst still keeping the soft silky flesh that makes this my favourite way to have my favourite fish of all time.

Wagyu Beef Steak: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewWagyu Steak

The Wagyu Steak was no slack either – medium rare pieces of tender steak were topped with moromiso, which is a chunky miso condiment. Rich/salty/sweet bites had pieces of cucumber to cut it, and it was over all too soon.

Selection of sushi: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSelection of sushi: Otoro

And when you think you can’t eat any more, out comes the plate of luxurious sushi. Sea urchin, fatty tuna belly, and engawa (flounder fin – a recent obsession I picked up from my trip to Japan) were one of many pieces that lined the plate. Simple, and yet such a perfect way to end the savoury courses. And it didn’t even matter that I was fairly full: I always have space for sushi.

At this point, we were treated to Daikoshu, a sake that actually HAD THE WARM HONEY NOTES OF WHISKY. Mind blown. This super aged sake (no joke, Daikoshu translates to “very old booze”) was older than I am, and defied all my previous Riesling-like experiences with sake. Where it was usually fresh and dry, this was voluptuous and almost caramel – like in its dark sweet notes. Very delicious, and an absolute eye opener.

Matcha Creme Br没l茅e: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewMatcha Creme Br没l茅e

Adzuki Custard: En Toriciya, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog ReviewAdzuki Custard

Fitting, then, that we should sip it right before dessert. A Matcha Creme Br没l茅e and Adzuki Custard completed our meal, both with silky creamy textures and a sweet finish that wasn’t too cloying. With all the big hits through the evening, the dessert course didn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, but then again, I’d be asking for too much if I was expecting it from En Toriciya. A stellar performance: one I’m hoping to repeat.


The Service:

It’s not often that a restaurant’s service matches the quality of the food, but I’m very glad to report that at En Toriciya it’s a FULL experience. There was one waiter that really REALLY knew his shit. There was no question that we could throw at him that he couldn’t answer, and he only lacked a small nuance in detail compared to Chef Fukuda’s answers. Service that parallels the level of what I’ve had at Tetsuya’s, but in a much more comfortable setting. Love it.


Value for money:

At $60 per head for the degustation experience at En Toriciya, I think that you get more than your money’s worth. I was positively rolling out the door at the end of the meal, and my mind was still buzzing with the sheer variety of food that I was treated to. Chef Fukuda clearly puts a lot of thought into curating an array of treats, and like a good story, it leaves you walking away satisfied.


The Vibe:

En Toriciya is a fine dining restaurant hiding in humble surroundings, and that can be a little jarring for some. There isn’t a clear theme to the place, and for the uninitiated, you might even mistake this for just another local eatery where you can just pick up some hearty Japanese curry and make your way home. It’s clean and charming, but I wouldn’t expect theatrics and fireworks walking in. It’s very clear that the focus at En Toriciya is on the food and drink, the way Chef Fukuda wants it to be.


And finally,

I’ve always known that Crows Nest is home to some hidden gems (I’ve been to a few, lately) but I never expected to find a diamond quite like En Toriciya. Everything about this restaurant just resonated with the chef within me – the philosophy, the food, the single-minded obsession – and somehow they manage to artfully show off without the pomp and circumstance of other eateries with half the talent.

An absolutely stunning experience, and one I’m looking forward to repeating again and again.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of En Toriciya and Washoku Lovers.
En Toriciya
100 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest, Sydney
Phone: (02) 9438 1738
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/En-Toriciya/607809672663924

En Toriciya Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Yakitori Recipe

Recipe
Yakitori Recipe from Tea For Tammi. Sydney Food Blog

Yakitori is one of the simplest dishes in Japanese cuisine, and yet so commonly maligned. Literally translated into “grilled chicken” (yaki=grilled, tori=chicken), these chicken skewers are a favourite of the Japanese especially after a late night drinking, and are served up at various street stands shrouded in smoke emanating from hot coals. And making them at home can really be as simple as threading on some cubed chicken, and firing up that barbecue.

The secret to this amazing dish? Read More

Busshari, Potts Point

Review 9 Comments
Sydney Food Blog Review of Busshari, Potts Point

Soba & Somen, $20: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog Review

It’s been disgustingly hot, hasn’t it? And you know it’s bad, when the lovely manager of Busshari, Yuko, apologises profusely for the heat and assures you that the air-conditioning is indeed running, as you walk in the door. I can see what she means though – no sooner had I positioned myself at the counter, I was covered in a sheen of sweat.

DAMN YOU AND YOUR CRAZY WEATHER SYDNEY!

Needless to say, it was a really good time to be eating cold food – Yuko suggested the Seafood Sashimi and Seasonal Vegetable Salad, Soba and Somen, and we were definitely not going to turn that down.


The Order:

Ocean trout belly nigiri, $8 for 2pcs
Toro nigiri sushi, $12 for 2pc

Seafood sashimi and seasonal vegetable salad, $27

Deep fried flounder, $28

Grilled Scampi with sea salt, green tea oil, $26

Soba & Somen, $20
Chilled green tea soba and Somen with shiitake mushroom, prawn and radish wasabi

Matcha Ice Cream


The Food:

If you truly do eat with your eyes, then the food at Busshari is an exquisite feast. Everything came out looking stunning – piles of food artfully arranged on stone plates that conveyed a modern Japanese aesthetic.

Ocean trout belly nigiri, $8 for 2pcs: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewOcean trout belly nigiri, $8 for 2pcs

Toro nigiri sushi, $12 for 2pc: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewToro nigiri sushi, $12 for 2pcs

We started with pieces of Ocean Trout Belly Nigiri and Toro Nigiri Sushi. Tender melt-in-your-mouth slices of fish are wrapped around 2cm-wide batons of rice, forming the perfect mouthful. Unctuous, luscious, and luxurious, these easy bites were a great start to our evening.

Seafood sashimi and seasonal vegetable salad, $27: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSeafood sashimi and seasonal vegetable salad, $27

Then we got a bit more stuck in with the Seafood Sashimi and Seasonal Vegetable Salad. Whoever said that salads were measly rabbit food clearly had not seen this salad before. A veritable mountain of salad leaves were thoroughly covered in a sweet/savoury dressing, and adorned with a variety of fresh, sliced fish, assorted seafood, and finished with a nest of white radish and a Renkon (lotus root) chip. It was refreshing, simple, and oh so filling. Order to share, or as a main on a hot day. Either way, win-win.

Deep fried flounder, $28: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewDeep fried flounder, $28

The salad was immediately followed by another ‘wow’ dish: the Deep Fried Flounder. Pieces of fish are lightly battered and fried, and set on the crispy bones of the flounder bent into a graceful arch. I didn’t eat the bones this time – didn’t want to seem unladylike – but Yuko tells me that 1 in 3 customers down the whole thing, bones and all!

Grilled Scampi with sea salt, green tea oil, $26: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewGrilled Scampi with sea salt, green tea oil, $26

And then, we indulge my obsession with shellfish: the Grilled Scampi with Sea Salt and Green Tea Oil was soft and buttery, although I was missing any noticeable flavour of green tea. But really, we all know that I’d eat shellfish done any which way, so really, no loss there!

Soba & Somen, $20: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSoba & Somen, $20

And then the last savoury dish – Soba and Somen. Chilled green tea buckwheat, and wheat noodles are arranged in a waterfall, with little pots of sauce that you dip the noodles in and slurp up. The shiitake mushrooms – served on the side – were the best bit of this, though. Slices of rehydrated mushrooms are marinated in a sweet soy mixture, and the result is a meaty, moreish bite. So good.

Matcha Ice Cream: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewMatcha Ice Cream

And just when we thought that we couldn’t eat any more – who am I kidding? We were that full by the time we finished the salad – scoops of creamy matcha ice cream come out, anointed with sweetened red bean paste. Not quite the best of all the matcha ice cream I’ve had – ahh Meiji you maker of addictive frozen desserts – but it was pretty good, especially when you can get it for free!

Food: 1/1


The Service:

I know that it’s hard to comment on the service because I was dining as a guest, but from my vantage point at the counter, it did genuinely look like everyone was having a great time. Waters were consistently getting topped up, and orders were flying off the pass at lightning speed…did I mention that this was also one of the calmest kitchens that I’ve had the pleasure of watching? We felt like we were in very good hands, and it was an absolute joy.

Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog Review

Service: 1/1


Value for money:

Busshari is not where you go for a night out that’s light on your wallet, much like the rest of Potts Point. Not that it’s particularly taxing either, but $27 for a main-sized salad – even though it’s got lovely slices of fresh seafood – still would have me hard pressed to slap the “bang for your buck” label on it.

Seafood sashimi and seasonal vegetable salad, $27: Busshari, Potts Point. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSeafood sashimi and seasonal vegetable salad, $27

Still a nice restaurant for a classy dinner out, though. A worthy choice, especially if you’re in the area.

Value for money: 0.5/1


The Vibe:

I guess “casual” would be the best way to describe both the cuisine style and the crowd. There certainly wasn’t the hushed quietness of some Japanese restaurants I’ve been to, but Busshari also weren’t going out of their way to emulate the hipster crowd of the inner city. Go for a relaxed evening…because sushi and chill, right?

Vibe: 0.5/1


And finally,

I do absolutely feel like we were thoroughly spoilt by Chef Nobu – who has been at Busshari for the whole 10 years they’ve been open! – and the Busshari team. Chef steadily worked through the many orders that were coming through on the printer, expertly handling the many varieties of fish that they kept on hand.

If you’re into your sake, they also have a Yuzu sake in stock that is so deliciously light, it’s like drinking juice. Highly recommended, if you’re of the Sake persuasion. Trust me, you’ll want to be.

And don’t forget to flash your Washoku Lovers membership when you go to get a free scoop of matcha ice cream! Don’t say I don’t hook you up! ?

Bonus Points: 0.5/1

Washoku Lovers is a free membership programme that gives you perks to many Japanese restaurants in Sydney! We also have visited other restaurants participating in the Washoku Lovers programme, like Tamagetaya and Manpuku Ramen! To find out more about the programme and sign up, visit www.washokulovers.com.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Washoku Lovers.
Busshari
119 Macleay St
Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone:+61 2 9357 4555
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bussharipottspoint

Busshari Authentic Japanese Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Miyama, Sydney CBD

Review
Sydney Food Blog Re view of Miyama, Sydney CBD

Miyama, Sydney CBD. Sydney Food Blog Review

I think the 28th of December might have just been the worst day of my life. In a dramatic, inconsequential way, of course. It all started with a trek out to Ultimo for burgers. Pub Life Kitchen burgers that I’d heard so much about. Turns out, after a 20 min trek, we found out that GOOGLE LIED TO US.

They were closed for the holidays

So Sam suggests heading to Sunflower Cafe for Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Because that’s always a winner. So we trek out to Broadway, and they were closed too. FML.

Then it was off to Ippudo, because the rest of Central Park (The Living Mall) seemed to be open. WRONG. The Universe didn’t want me to eat for some reason, and it was making it damned hard to get anything decent in the city.

And I was getting hangry.

Defeated, we dragged ourselves off to Central Station, ready to wave the white flag and go home, when a bright red sign from Miyama advertising ramen called to me.

Could this be salvation after all?


The Order:

Gyoza, $6
Eel Don,$13.90
Tan Tan Ramen, $10.50


The Food:

Okay, so maybe expecting one meal to save a bad day is a bit much for any restaurant. But this was one of those places where the food just didn’t stack up. It wasn’t inedible or anything, but it just wasn’t good.

Gyoza, $6: Miyama, Sydney CBD. Sydney Food Blog ReviewGyoza, $6

The Gyoza, $6, were little more than Chinese dumplings repurposed with a Japanese name. How can I tell the difference? Well the flavour and shape are way WAY different and a you can’t fool a lifetime of dumpling eating experience.

Did I also mention that the crispy dumpling bases were irrevocably soggy? Yeah, nah.

Tan Tan Ramen, $10.50: Miyama, Sydney CBD. Sydney Food Blog ReviewTan Tan Ramen, $10.50

The Tan Tan Ramen, $10.50, was meant to be a mix of peanut and chilli flavours, but instead was incredibly salty (and that’s really saying something coming from a salt lover like me), to the point where it overpowered any other notes that could’ve been in there. Otherwise, it was pretty unremarkable, with average noodles and average toppings, which is being nice since the egg was overcooked to the point of a grey ring around the yolk.

Eel Don,$13.90: Miyama, Sydney CBD. Sydney Food Blog ReviewEel Don,$13.90

The Unagi Don, $13.90, was arguably the best thing on the table, which really comprised of cooked rice, pre-packaged eel and pre-packaged pickles. Not really much to be said about their cooking abilities, unfortunately.

Food: 0.5/1


The Service:

You know that stereotype of Asian restaurants were it’s all fairly impersonal and you’d be lucky to get any attention at all? Well in this case it definitely was impersonal, but it was pretty hard to ignore us considering we were just about the only customers in the restaurant. They were nice enough whilst taking our orders, there was nothing much to write home about.

Much like the food.

Service: 0.5/1


Value for money:

What can I say? It’s yet another middle of the road score. It’s not expensive, especially for the CBD, but it’s not so cheap or generous that I want to repeat the experience either.

Half a point for not making me demand my money back. I guess. ?

Value for money: 0.5/1


The Vibe:

Ahh finally something to say. Unless you like the sound of random TV programmes playing in the background whilst you eat (ah, like an Asian childhood), then there is really nothing else to relax you, calm you, or anything, really. Just an empty restaurant, with a TV.

The Vibe: 0/1


And finally,

I finally remember why I waited so long to give Miyama a shot: I’d always seen the little sign on the way to and from Central Station, but there was always a better, more appealing option somewhere else. I really respect, though, that they haven’t gone out of business – I remember seeing the sign since my uni days, and without revealing my age, well, it’s been a while.

Otherwise, I’m sure there are better options around. Can I point you towards Haymarket, just a 10 minute walk away?

Bonus points: 0/1

This meal was independently paid for.
Miyama
849 George Street
Chinatown, Sydney, NSW
Phone: (02) 9212 5350

Miyama Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD

Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD: Goma Tsukemen, $13

I really dislike eating alone. Really, I do. I mean, I almost never ever order just the one thing, and the stares of judgement and mild disbelief from even the most polite waitstaff when I’m sitting, alone, at a table covered with food…well, even I get embarassed too, sometimes.

But sometimes, when you’re all alone in a strange city, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And in this case, Mugen Ramen was calling my name.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD: Tsukune, $15Tsukune, $15

Mugen Ramen, sister to Robot (a bar that lives right next door to it), is known for their Japas menu (Japanese tapas), and Tsukemen: dry ramen dipped in a thick gravy-like broth, perfect for summer where thick steaming bowls of soups have no place.

But ramen never stands alone. The Japanese, in their infinite wisdom have side dishes to accompany. Because variety is the spice of life, right?

Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD: Tsukune, $15

Tsukune, $15, is basically a chicken kofta. Seasoned chicken mince is shaped around a skewer and grilled, and youre encouraged to dip it in a fresh egg yolk. Chicken on chicken action, eyyy!

Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD: Pipi Sake Mushi, $15Pipi Sake Mushi, $15

I also can’t go past shellfish without ordering it, so I order yet another dish to go with my ramen. NO JUDGEMENT.

The Pipi Sake Mushi, $15, was a delightful little pot of buttery clams, much like white wine steamed mussels, buy smallet and, well, Japanese. The sake provided a light astringency that cut through the richness of the butter, and enhanced the sweetness of the juicy juicy clams. Yum.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Mugen Ramen, Melbourne CBD: Goma Tsukemen, $13Goma Tsukemen, $13

But the main event: Goma Tsukemen, a thick, salty sesame sauce that coats every strand of the thick ramen noodles. And even for an absolute sodium-fan like me, this was salty. Like screw-your-face-up-dry-your-mouth-out kinda salt levels. Delicious, but halfway through the bowl I was struggling to keep downing it despite the sharp pangs of saltiness on my lips.

Despite the slight seasoning issue – didn’t stop me from eating it all, though! – I really did enjoy the food at Mugen. The basement dining area added to a wonderful underground dining sorta vibe, and well, it just helped me hide from the shame of eating all those dishes by myself.

Service-wise, well, I think there could be some improvements. I made sure to go for a late lunch (2:30pm) on a weekday in order to have my pick of tables, and even though the restaurant was nearly empty, the waitress tried to insist that I sit at the adjacent table to the one I wanted, which was more dimly lit. When I asked why, she said that they might need to seat a larger group and that I might need to move should they need the table back.

Fair enough, though I don’t see why that should happen in an empty restaurant, right? Well, 2 people came along, and then she promptly asked for the table back. At this point, the restaurant was 60% empty!! Even the customers waved me back down and said that they didn’t mind sitting at the next table. I don’t really know what was going on, but it wasn’t necessarily the nicest experience.

But, if you’re not too fussed on service, it’s worth a summer lunch. The food is intensely satisfying, and a classy take on comfort foods. My sorta comfort food, anyway.

Just remember to go with friends. Maybe you’ll get better luck with the tables.

This meal was independently paid for.
Mugen Ramen
11 Bligh Place, CBD
Melbourne, VIC
Phone: 03 9620 3647
Website: http://www.mensousaimugen.com

Mugen Ramen & Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Limited..Edition Coffee Roasters, Surry Hills

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Edition Coffee Roasters, Darlinghurst

Garden of Valhalla, $16, Edition Coffee Roasters: Sydney Food Blog Review

I can count on one hand how much I know about Nordic culture:

  • 1. Alexander Skarsgard
  • 2. IKEA
  • 3. Gravlax

And that’s it. That’s really it. So when Aaron suggests lunch at Edition Coffee Roasters, where “Nordic and Japanese aesthetics meet“, I really didn’t know what to expect. An image of a Japanese Viking popped into my head, and beyond giving me the giggles, gave me no other clue as to what I was going to be in for.

So we follow Google Maps down Liverpool St, pass avant garde furniture shops (are they called lifestyle design, now?) and straight into…well, a MUJI catalogue. I kid you not – a small sun-drenched cafe filled with white tiles and light wood. Very Swedish, and very MUJI. Welcome to Edition Coffee Roasters.

We pour over the very short menu and make our decisions as I am thoroughly distracted by the beautifully carved wooden handles of the cutlery. Can I pop a couple into my handbag without them noticing? Surely they won’t notice if a couple forks go missing?

Thankfully the food arrived before I talked myself into a life of crime, and the cutlery in question was now to be used.

Garden of Valhalla, $16, Edition Coffee Roasters: Sydney Food Blog ReviewGarden of Valhalla, $16

The Garden of Valhalla, $16, was a riot of colours and flavours, pairing an orange mayonnaise with cos lettuce, radish and boiled potatoes. The cherry on the cake was the coffee cured egg yolk, and provided a sticky saltiness that added a hint of richness that grounded an otherwise delicate dish.

Mushroom Pond, $12, Edition Coffee Roasters: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMushroom Pond, $12

On the more Japanese side of things, the Mushroom Pond, $12, provided a lusciously rich and aromatic take on the comfortingly chewy wheat noodles know as Udon. One of the more well-known Japanese noodles, udon is commonly used in noodle soups and stir-fries (yakiudon). Here, it’s infused with a mushroom sauce to a deliciously nutty brown, and the mushroom cream added a finishing touch, much like vanilla ice cream finishes a warm brownie beautifully.

Fisksoppa, $19, Edition Coffee Roasters: Sydney Food Blog ReviewFisksoppa, $19

Showcasing the Nordic influence was the Fisksoppa, $19. A delicate shard of pastry, balanced on the top of a creamy blue cod and burnt eschallot stew. It was flavourful, though quite a bit more subtle than the other dishes at the table.

Edition Coffee Roasters is certainly providing so much more than just coffee. It’s an experience: transporting you to a whole other world that’s serene and calm, and filled with expertly prepared and sophisticatedly executed food. Mind you, you are paying rather dearly for the privilege – the Mushroom Pond could’ve been finished in a couple bites if I wasn’t deliberately taking my time.

Go with friends. That way maybe you can finish their food too. ?

This meal was independently paid for.
Edition Coffee Roasters
265 Liverpool Street
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
E-mail: info@editioncoffeeroasters.com
Website: http://editioncoffeeroasters.com

Edition Coffee Roasters Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

It’s not easy being green: One Tea Lounge and Grill, Sydney CBD

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Gyokuro Green Tea

Green Tea is touted to have many health benefits, like antioxidants, and…yeah whatever. To be honest, all I care about is that it’s so DAMNED DELICIOUS.

I know you feel me when I say matcha errthang.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Gyokuro Green TeaGyokuro Green Tea

Well, David – owner of One Tea Lounge and Grill – seems to feel the same way, using green tea as a component in 80% of the menu. Of course, it helps that his mum is an expert in the stuff, what with having her own store and all.

From drinks to food, just about everything is tinted a beautiful shade of Jade.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Matcha Yuzu Frozen TubesMatcha Yuzu Frozen Tubes

We were spoilt with David getting behind the bar to personally create our cocktails. Using matcha to create a green tea syrup, he then mixes it with tangy yuzu juice and other fruits to create a refreshing mix that’s served up in test tubes, with billowing dry ice for effect.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Gyokuro smoked octopus with avocadoGyokuro smoked octopus with avocado

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Takocini, $9Takocini, $9

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Matcha Fries ($4 for half serve)Matcha Fries ($4 for half serve)

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Popcorn curry chicken ($5 half serve)Popcorn curry chicken ($5 half serve)

Food-wise, the small bites ranged from the more obvious Matcha Fries, which were topped with a green tea and nori mixture, to the more subtle Gyokuro smoked octopus with avocado. The octopus was creamy and rich, cut by a light smokiness, and the Popcorn Curry Chicken was a perfect snacking accompaniment to our cocktails.

The Takocini was a particular standout: part arancini (Italian rice balls coated and deep fried) and part takoyaki (Japanese Octopus balls made from a wheat flour batter and fried in a cast iron pan), these little morsels on a bed of green tea mayo was just all moreish. Also high on the so-addictive-it’s-like-crack scale, the Matcha Fries. Served with a curry sauce, it reminded me of my childhood in Singapore where Maccas had curry sauce available to be eaten with a seaweed flavoured bag of fries.

Because you ain’t done fast food till you’ve done Asian fast food.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Ramen Burger with Beef, $13.80Ramen Burger with Beef, $13.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Matcha Baoger with Tofu, $13.80Matcha Baoger with Tofu, $13.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Black Pepper Unagi Matcha Bento, $20.80Black Pepper Unagi Matcha Bento, $20.80

On the mains front, they’ve got all the Japanese classics like Bentos, Sizzle Hotplates, and Wagyu Beef, all with a modern twist, of course.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Spicy Cheese Pork Sizzle Hotplate, $13.80Spicy Cheese Pork Sizzle Hotplate, $13.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Volcano Wagyu BeefVolcano Wagyu Beef

The Ramen Burger has come a long way since I first tried it at the Night Noodle Markets. The noodle ‘buns’ are satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, and held together really well, even though the beef patty made it a touch too thick to eat as a burger.

For the rice lovers, the Black Pepper Unagi Bento features a soft green tea rice, that adds a very mild and complementary note of bitterness to the whole dish. Or if you prefer a one-dish rice thang, then the sizzling hotplate is something worth ordering. Owner David honestly states Pepper Lunch as his inspiration, and I think you can never have enough of a good thing. He’s changed it up by adding an egg pour, so that you get flecks of hotplate-fried egg through your sizzling rice! Add to that chilli pork and cheese, and you’ve got yourself a cold-weather winner.

And if you’re trying to impress someone – or potentially maim them, haha! – you have to go the Volcano Wagyu Beef. Beautifully marbled pieces of wagyu are seared on a hotplate, and served with a billowing volcano of FIRRRRREEEEEE…and red wine jus. But really, I’m a sucker for theatrics, and the pyrotechnics got me.

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Matcha Lava Bomb, $20Matcha Lava Bomb, $20

Sydney Food Blog Review of One Tea Lounge, Sydney CBD: Matcha Lava Bomb, $20

The desserts, too, have gotten the matcha treatment. The Matcha Lava Bomb is basically a lava cake that’s had a lovechild with a crepe suzette: the cake gets doused in orange liqueur and set on fire. Cause everything is better when it’s been set on fire.

To be brutally honest, the food, while good, isn’t super amazing. But the whole experience though, is a barrel of fun. David really understands what it means to be a diner, and he makes sure that everything from the service to the ambience is deliberate and thought out. It really speaks to the story behind One Tea Lounge – it’s dedicated to Daisy, David’s fiancee who passed away from cancer last year. It was always her dream to open a restaurant, and really provide the ‘hospitable’ in ‘hospitality’. And I respect that David is trying to carry out her dream.

I would recommend heading down to One Tea Lounge and Grill in a group – it’s much more fun that way. Otherwise, why not say hi to David at their Night Noodle Market stall? It’s not 100% confirmed, but if the previous years are any indication, they’ll be there. =)

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of One Tea Lounge and Grill.
One Tea Lounge and Grill
Upper Ground Floor
73 York Street, Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 8318 2246
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ONEtealounge

One Tea Lounge and Grill Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Most important meal of the day: Sokyo, Pyrmont

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Sokyo, Pyrmont

Sydney Food Blog Review of Sokyo, Pyrmont: Eggs Benedict

I am not a breakfast person. Far from it. And whether not it’s contributed to my ever burgeoning waistline – although I do think it’s more to do with all the delicious food that I’m inclined to consume – I still maintain that I will only eat breakfast if there’s something delicious that’s worth the effort it takes to wake up in the morning.

Can you tell that I’m not a morning person?

But you know which culture does breakfast really well? The Japanese, that’s who. With rice, fish, pickles and soup, they really give meaning to “feasting like a king”. And if there’s any day where I get to have breakfast like royalty, it’s my birthday, dammit!

Sydney Food Blog Review of Sokyo, Pyrmont

So Sam brings me to Sokyo, where they offer up dishes like an Eggs Benedict, complete with crispy bacon, brioche and miso hollandaise, and the more traditional Choushoku breakfast, with grilled fish (pictured above), pickles, rice, miso soup, chawanmushi and edamame beans.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Sokyo, Pyrmont

Sydney Food Blog Review of Sokyo, Pyrmont

The Choushoku Breakfast was, well, it was a bit lacking, especially with my high HIGH hopes. There was a ton of rice with not quite enough to go with it, throwing the whole tray off balance. What was there, though, was insanely delicious. The grilled tooth fish was silky smooth and buttery, and the chawanmushi was cooked just rice to showcase the sweet egg custard. It just didn’t have…enough of it to truly hit the spot. Not for a glutton guts like me, anyway.

The Eggs Benedict ticked most of the boxes for what you want from an eggs benedict – buttery hollandaise, unctuous brioche, crispy bacon etc – but I was kinda missing the fusion elements of it. Sure, the hollandaise has miso in it, but it wasn’t particularly salient when had together with the poached eggs and brioche.

That’ll teach me to have high expectations. DAMN YOU BREAKFAST.

Although, I hear the dinner is extremely good…

This meal was independently paid for.
Sokyo
Level G, The Darling at the Star
80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9657 9161
Website: www.star.com.au/Sokyo

Tamageta Ya, Neutral Bay

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice, $18.80

I have found my Mecca. A place where I can go to for some spiritual healing. Where I can congregate with other people similar to me and bask in the glory in something bigger than myself.

That something, is Japanese food culture, and that place? North Sydney.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Yuzu Honey Hi ballYuzu Honey Hi ball

I can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to discover this treasure trove of Japanese grocers, restaurants and general awesomeness. But now that I’ve found it, I’m not going.

AND I’M TELLINGGGG YOUUUUU…

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Fried Crab Claw Croquette, $8.80Fried Crab Claw Croquette, $8.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Grilled Engawa and Grilled Salmon Nigiri, $12.80Grilled Engawa and Grilled Salmon Nigiri, $12.80

Hidden in an alcove of Japanese restaurants is Tamageta-ya. When you first walk into this cozy eatery, you are enthusiastically greeted by a chorus of Japanese staff members, as well as delicious smells emanating form the kitchen. Here, they serve up Japanese classics, with a few modifications.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Mentai Cheese Gyoza, $8.80Mentai Cheese Gyoza, $8.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Salmon Avocado Roll, $5.80Salmon Avocado Roll, $5.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Pop Corn Roll, $6.80Pop Corn Roll, $6.80

The maki rolls and nigiri are all served with black rice. Full of nutrients and higher in fibre than regular sushi rice, black rice is still maintains a soft stickiness that I expect from Japanese rice, and succeeds where brown rice fails. And bonus points because it actually has quite a bit more flavour than regular sushi rice, so double win right?

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: pickled ginger

And let me take this opportunity to share a little public service announcement: you know how dipping a sushi roll into soy sauce just makes everything super salty and fall apart? Well, enter your friend – pickled ginger. Simply use the pickled ginger to brush on the soy, and voila! Reasonably seasoned sushi. #winning #lifehack

You’re welcome.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Chicken Cutlet on Egg, $13.80Chicken Cutlet on Egg, $13.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice, $18.80Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice, $18.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: BBQ Eel Set, $19.80BBQ Eel Set, $19.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamagta Ya, Neutral Bay: Premium Wagyu Beef Steak, $10.80Premium Wagyu Beef Steak, $10.80

Besides the sushi selection – I highly recommend the engawa for it’s amazing texture and tender flesh – they also have hearty mains like Japanese curry and a chicken cutlet on egg that’s served in what looks like a massive ladle.

How’s that for presentation?

The curry was my favourite, because you can take the girl out of Singapore but you can’t take the Singaporean out of the girl. Japanese curries are a little sweeter, but there’s just something about this massive serve of curry and rice that is comforting AF. There’s nothing like a huge bowl of noms to make me want to loosen the top button on my eating pants.

Psych! There is no button on my eating pants.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamageta Ya, Neutral Bay: Tokyo Tower, $7.80Tokyo Tower, $7.80

Sydney Food Blog Review of Tamageta Ya, Neutral Bay: Chocolate banana sundae, $5.80Chocolate banana sundae, $5.80

And of course dessert, because I’m greedy like that. The Tokyo Tower is a classic Japanese parfait, with cornflakes, ice cream, red bean paste, and mochi balls. Very pretty, very Japanese, and incredibly filling. The portion sizes here are certainly not small – don’t let the little old Japanese lady customers fool you! I had to be rolled out of there at the end of the night.

At Tamageta ya, there’s does seem to be an emphasis on the complete meal. They provide ample options from starters, to mains, to desserts, and even have an extensive drinks menu that feature classic Japanese cocktails made with quality whisky. They even have a lunch deal where it’s cheaper to order your food with a drink than just the dish by itself. I know, the math did my head in too, but it’s definitely the case!

Oh, and you’ve got your Washoku Lovers card? Flash it when you drop by for lunch and you’ll get to get the “Today’s dessert” for free! Any excuse to have dessert is a good excuse.

Washoku Lovers is a free membership programme that gives you perks to many Japanese restaurants in Sydney! We also have visited other restaurants participating in the Washoku Lovers programme, like Suminoya and Oiden! To find out more about the programme and sign up, visit www.washokulovers.com.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Tamageta Ya.
Tamageta Ya
Shop 5, 197 Military Road
Neutral Bay, NSW
Phone: (02) 9953 6678
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamageta-ya/688951367784037

Tamageta-ya Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

I saw the angel in the marble: Rengaya, North Sydney

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Premium Wagyu Amusement, $49.90

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” – Michelangelo

I think I finally understand what Michelangelo meant. I mean, I was never really good at Art History, but when faced with such beauty, I think there’s no way I can miss what he meant.

Because surely, he was talking about the marble in a 9+ piece of wagyu beef right?

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Premium Wagyu Beef Sashimi, $18.90Premium Wagyu Beef Sashimi, $18.90

Wagyu literally translates to “Japanese cow”, and refers to a breed of cow that naturally produces meat with an amazing amount of marbling. And you know what this fat does? It gives you a super tender, deliciously melt-in-your-mouth piece of meat.

And I am TOTALLY addicted.

Rengaya, in North Sydney, has a wide selection of wagyu beef available for their Japanese tabletop BBQ, and we were totally spoilt when we got invited there for dinner!

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Salmon Belly Sashimi, $17.90Salmon Belly Sashimi, $17.90

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Duck with BBQ Sauce, $24.90Duck with BBQ Sauce, $24.90

Of course, wagyu wasn’t the only thing on the menu: Japanese restaurant staples like salmon sashimi and salads were also options for us to choose. The BBQ menu also had items like duck and – the all important litmus test for how they treat and store meat – offal.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Assorted Ambles, $19.90Assorted Ambles, $19.90

Curiously labelled Assorted Ambles, the the offal in this case was a selection of intestine, tongue, liver and kidney. Marinading provided two functions – to flavour the meat and to help it last longer in storage. The result, is a series of mouthfuls that are deliciously savoury, and a perfect match to fluffy Japanese rice.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Premium Wagyu Amusement, $49.90Premium Wagyu Amusement, $49.90

But the main event is always the wagyu, and there is a platter with an assortment of cuts to suit our needs. Because I don’t discriminate when it comes to meat. =)

Bright red wagyu so fresh you can eat it thinly sliced as sashimi – seriously, you should try it sometime. It’s so delicate! – These mouthfuls of meat pair especially well with the smoke off the hot coals.

Speaking of mouthfuls, it’s a very good idea to order the salad leaves with accompanying sauces, so that you can wrap up the meat, Korean BBQ style. Because…salad. And also because it’s freaking delicious. Don’t say I don’t tell you about the good stuff!

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: BBQ Squid, $13.90BBQ Squid, $13.90

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Foil Yaki Garlic, $8.90Foil Yaki Garlic, $8.90

And if you’re afraid of getting attacked by vampires on the way home – or, you know, you just really like garlic – the Foil Yaki Garlic is an insanely good excuse for anti-vampire breath. Peeled garlic is basically cooked over the barbecue in melted butter, and the rich smokey flavour puts a satisfying end to any True Blood fantasies you might have ever had. Or will ever have.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Yukke Bibimba, $19.90Yukke Bibimba, $19.90

Not keen on barbecue? (What’s WRONG WITH YOU) Then there are also a la carte selections like the Yukke Bibimba, which, like the Korean Yukke, features amazingly fresh raw beef on a hot stone bowl of rice and vegetables. The Oxtail porridge was also rice and full of flavour, if not a touch heavy on the chilli oil.

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney: Wa Dessert PlatterWa Dessert Platter

And just when we thought that we couldn’t eat anymore, dessert. Because…do I really need to justify why I’m such a fatty anymore? You read the blog right? In the haze of my resulting food coma, I remembered being pleasantly surprised by the creamy matcha creme br没l茅e – breaking open that caramel top always makes my day – and not much else.

This is definitely one of those places that you’d want to go with a group – otherwise be prepared to be so stuffed cause you’ll just want to order EVERYTHING – and if you’ve got your Washoku Lovers card on you, you can also get a portion of Premium Beef Rib (2pc) & Premium Beef Loin (2pc) for $20 ($35 RRP). Win-win, right?

Also, great way to test potential dates. If they are still interested after the Foil Yaki Garlic, they’re a keeper. =)

Washoku Lovers is a free membership programme that gives you perks to many Japanese restaurants in Sydney! We also have visited other restaurants participating in the Washoku Lovers programme, like Suminoya and Oiden! To find out more about the programme and sign up, visit www.washokulovers.com.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Rengaya and Washoku Lovers.
Rengaya
73 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW
Phone: (02) 9929 6169
Website: www.yakiniku.com.au/rengaya/

Click to add a blog post for Rengaya on Zomato