Posts tagged Restaurant Review

Hair of the dog: Bloody Mary’s, Darlinghurst

Review September 14, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Bloody Mary's, Darlinghurst

I’m obsessed with Bloody Mary’s. Well, virgin mary’s cause I don’t do so well with alcohol (asian genes and all), but you get the idea. Bloody Caesar, Bloody Maria, Bacon fat vodka…whatever the combination, I’m absolutely there.

So when I saw this Buzzfeed article about a cafe called Bloody Mary’s, right here in Sydney, I knew I had to go.

Bloody Hell, $25

Classic Bloody Mary, $14

So, there were many bloody mary’s, as expected, but also a short food menu to soak up the potential hangovers.

Bloody Mary’s Beef Burger, $19

Yankee Doodle Classic Hotdog, $13

The verdict? Bloody marys with massive-ass toppers are good fun and beats crazy milkshakes anyday. Because cheeseburger > doughnut. The actual food on the menu did seem like an afterthought to the bloody mary’s, which I guess is a fair call, except when the Bloody Mary’s Beef Burger turned up fairly dry, both in topper form and full-sized form.

The buffalo wing topper was actually pretty good, and I wished we ordered that instead, but life is full of shoulda woulda couldas and this will be one of them.

I also got the Yankee Doodle Classic Hotdog, which was pretty punchy in flavour with chorizo and mushrooms covered in a creamy sauce. And cheese. Because cheese is delicious. A bit too much bread in each mouthful for my liking, but it was okay when you wash it down with your bloody mary.

Great theme, so-so execution. Go for the experience, but I’m not sure that it’s enough to hook me into coming back hangover after hangover. The drinks are pretty good, but incredibly..delicate for my unsubtle Asian palate. (Read: needs more tabasco. Always more tabasco.)

Go on and give it a go, though. I’d love to know what you think. And if you aren’t quite into it, as I was, well there’s always Gelato Messina’s Dessert Bar down the street.

This meal was independently paid for.

Bloody Mary’s
332 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Phone: 02 9360 5568
Website: http://www.bloodymaryssydney.com.au

Shanghai’d! Taste of Shanghai, World Square

Review September 6, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review: Taste of Shanghai, World Square

Dumpling frenzy is alive and well in Sydney, with every man and his dog attempting the iconic soup dumpling (xiao long bao) – little pastry wrapped parcels of engineering genius that explode with scalding hot soup the moment you bite into it.

What can I say? We’re gluttons for punishment.

Din Tai Fung has been known as the reigning lords of soup dumplings, and in Sydney, it seems, that claim has been challenged by fellow Chinese restaurant giant the Taste of Shanghai.

Pan fried pork dumpling

Of course, one cannot subsist on soup dumplings alone. Well, maybe we can, but probably shouldn’t. So you know, we order other things, too, just as a cover.

…and also cause I was starving.

Pan fried pork buns

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Braised bamboo shoot

Stir Fried Green Beans with Pork Mince

Olive Fried Rice

Deep Fried Chinese Milk Dough

And the verdict? They do actually serve up a variety of dishes quite well. The service can be a bit impersonal, but really, I wasn’t expecting too much from the gruff manner of the people seating us anyway. At least they’re consistent, right?

The actual soup dumplings pale in comparision to Din Tai Fung, but it’s a good effort, and better than many other places who attempt this structural masterpiece of a dish. Notable dishes include the braised bamboo shoots, olive fried rice and pan-fried pork buns – the fluffy bun equivalent of the soup dumplings, complete with explosive hot soup.

One warning, though, for the high blood pressured amongst us: the food is incredibly uh, seasoned, so you’re probably going to either need lots of plain rice and tea to cut it, or need to drink an entire lagoon of water afterward.

Mermaid sold separately.

This meal was independently paid for.

Taste of Shanghai
Shop 9.07, World Square Shopping Centre
644 George Street
Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9261 8832
Website: www.tosau.com.au/

Muummy dearest: Muum Maam, Surry Hills

Review August 26, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Muum Maam, Surry Hills

The horrible thing about having a new full time day job is being so out of the loop! Not that I’m complaining about the consistent income and getting to cook all day, but it does create situations where I’m at a loss about where to go for lunch.

Like when I met up with Simon, from The Heart of Food, and we just had no idea where we wanted to eat..

And the clock was ticking.

Crab and prawn rice net spring rolls with plum sauce, $6

Oh, didn’t I mention that my day job was actually a night job? Yeah. #ThisRestaurantLife.

Anyhoo, we ended up at Muum Maam, which seemed to tick all the boxes: close to the station, interesting food, and a seemingly quick turnaround time.

Wok-fried calamari, snake bean, snow peas & kafir lime leaves with red chili paste, $15

And I mean quick. All the food came out within the first 5-10 minutes, even with a slight queue happening because it was bang on lunchtime. And there didnt seem to be a drop in freshness or flavour at all! The Crab and prawn rice net spring rolls with plum sauce, $6, were an instant hit, with a flaky shell that ensured the requirement of a lint roller afterward. The hot, steaming filling was fairly generous, and the plum dipping sauce rounded out all the sweet/savoury flavours that the Thais do incredibly well.

The Wok-fried calamari, snake bean, snow peas & kafir lime leaves with red chili paste, $15 (one of the specials of the day) was mildly spicy, with tender rings of calamari on a bed of crisp vegetables and sweet steamed white rice. Comforting and fresh, this is one of those dishes that leave you so light, you feel like a responsible adult who’s eating healthily.

The pad kee mao (rice noodles stir fried with sweet soy) was good but not quite on the level of the others, which made me wish we spent the $14 on something else more interesting like a papaya salad instead.

The prices were just a touch elevated for Thai food in the vacinity, but it was reflected in the care that was taken in preparing the food. Nothing was just dumped unceremoniously on the plate (which has totes happened to me before), and the staff were polite, efficient, and happy to be there. All good points in my book.

Makes me wonder what the dinner menu is like. Have you been? What did you order?

This meal was independently paid for.

Muum Maam
Shop 1, 50 Holt Street
Surry Hills, NSW
Phone: 02 8317 4931
Website: http://www.muummaam.com.au

Nuts for Coconuts: Coco Joy, Bondi

Review August 23, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Coco Joy, Bondi Junction

You know how everyone has a strange food thing? I mean, I know someone who likes strawberry flavoured things, but not strawberries. Go figure.

Well I actually have a thing too: while I LOVE fresh coconuts, I never did like coconut cream, or milk. So when I got the invite to visit Coco Joy’s first retail store and sample their coconut-made products, I approached with one part excitement, one part apprehension..and 2 parts hunger.

Because hunger always wins.

The verdict? The Acai bowl is MASSIVE, but also a very satisfying breakfast. I’ve been on the fence about most acai bowls I’ve come across, but there was something about the semi-frozen fruitiness that was really appealing. The pina colada smoothie also had the same frozen fruitiness, so also a winner.

The ice cream, however, had me on the fence. Made with coconut cream, it didn’t turn out as smooth as dairy-made ice creams. The cookies and cream was still quite a satisfying flavour – made from a recipe provided by the man who invented the cookies and cream flavour himself – but the salted caramel was (I felt) overpowered by the coconut flavour, which kinda defeats the purpose.

I know that there has been a big trend of coconut being healthier for you and all that, but I’m really all about the flavours (assuming you don’t have an allergy to lactose). And I just don’t think that the ice cream really compares to the full flavours of dairy-made ice cream.

But on the upside, the menu items that fully utilise those coconut flavours – namely that Acai bowl and the Smoothies – are a great, delicious start to the day.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Coco Joy.

Coco Joy
Shop 5029, Level 5
Westfield Bondi Junction
500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Phone: 02 9389 1990
Website: http://www.cocojoy.com

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

Review August 19, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Rengaya, North Sydney

“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?

Premium 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!

Salmon Belly Sashimi, $17.90

Duck 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.

Assorted 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.

Premium 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!

BBQ Squid, $13.90

Foil 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.

Yukke 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.

Wa 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 brûlée – 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/

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar, Circular Quay

Review August 14, 2015

Back in the day, when Sam and I first started dating, we spent a lot of time by the waters near the Overseas Passenger Terminal. After all, the area was shut down due to renovations, meaning that we had a quiet area near the scenic waters to relax and get to know each other.

Well now that renovations are done and the dust has settled, Cruise Bar has reopened and looking to establish itself as a foodie destination. Touting a pan Asian menu on its second level (named Junk Lounge, named after the old world Hong Kong ships), Cruise Bar is jumping in with both feet…by offering Hainanese Chicken Rice.

DUN DUN DUNNNNN.

Because nothing throws down the gauntlet to a Singaporean like putting Hainanese Chicken Rice on the menu.

Lotus root chips with a spicy yuzu salsa, $9

We started off with a selection from the bar menu, because it’s never as much fun when you go straight to the main event. 😉

King Mushroom with Miso Glaze, $5

Tsukune. Chicken on sugarcane with warm tosa-zu & egg yolk, $4

Chef Richard Slarp – previously of Saké – clearly is a master of Japanese flavours and techniques. The Lotus Root Chips with Spicy Yuzu Salsa, $9, is a classy take on the beer snack, with salty crisps and a fresh, tangy topping spiced lightly with yuzu kosho: a Japanese condiment made from yuzu (a citrus that’s like a love child between grapefruit, lemons and oranges) and green chillies. Like nachos, but lighter, and Japanese.

The skewers of King Mushroom and Miso Glaze and Tsukune (chicken mince skewers) are also on point, with the chicken mince fall-apart tender and glazed with tosa-zu, a vinegar dressing that adds a light acidity to the mouthful. Like fairies prancing across your tastebuds. The yolk was sadly missing, but a quick chat with Richard revealed that he didn’t want to waste a whole chicken egg yolk on a single serving of skewer, which while understandable, kinda sucks because it means that you’re missing part of the experience. Especially when it’s printed on the menu.

Maybe a minimum order perhaps?

Black bean beef rib with kimchi steam bun, $6

Rice steamed roll with wood ear mushroom & tofu. Served with ginger, soy & sesame, $4

Other items also make a decent showing, with an impressive attempt at steamed rice rolls, otherwise known as cheong fun. You know those silky, translucent sheets of rice noodles that get rolled up with all sorts of amazing goodies at yumcha like a fragile asian parcel? Yeah, like that. Sure, it isn’t quite as thin and delicate as what we get from dim sum houses, but a spectacular effort for attempting such a difficult and finicky dish nonetheless. The result is something that is more similar to Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and that’s definitely a result that I can live with.

Pork belly banh mi slider with pickled daikon, cucumber & shallots, $7

The food inspired by other parts of Asia, however, doesn’t fair quite so well. The Pork belly Banh Mi Slider, $7, is served on a brioche bun, which while buttery and rich, isn’t what you want from a banh mi. Vietnamese pork rolls have always been served up on fluffy French style bread, with a crust that explodes all over you the moment you take that first bite. The super soft brioche bun seems like a misguided attempt at fulfilling the public’s expectations for both a burger and a pork roll, and disappoints on both counts. The sous vide pork belly with the bun ended up eating really dry, and has none of the juicy – sometimes bordering of sloppy – bite that you want from your pork roll! Hint of mayo, no pate flavour… Needless to say this one was left unfinished.

Hainan chicken rice with chilli, ginger & crispy onions, $36

And the main event: the Hainanese Chicken Rice, $36. Deceptively simple, the components to an authentic chicken rice are many: the rice, the chicken, the chilli, the ginger condiment, and the soup. The chicken, in this case, was overcooked. Traditionally, the chicken is poached in the residual heat of a big vat of chicken stock, and then unceremoniously plunged into ice water to halt the cooking process, resulting in silky flesh and a jelly-like quality to the white skin. Here, the chicken is simmered in chicken stock, and then left to cool in said stock, resulting in overcooked chicken. Added to the fact that chickens in Australia are super lean compared to those in Asia, you have a pretty dry bite. The rice and chilli was actually pretty spot on. The rice was cooked in chicken fat and stock- as all chicken rice should be – and the chilli (a fresh mixture of chilli and ginger pounded to a paste in a mortar and pestle) was the right mix of spice and freshness, and actually enhanced the experience. The ginger condiment was non-existent, and the soup carried a strange aftertaste of strong soy. Which while slightly out of place for my tastes, is perfectly acceptable in the variations of the dish.

Overall, not something I would revisit personally, though for $36, it is a fairly generous portion size and I love the theatrics of serving up the clear soup in a French press, so that you can savour it however you like.

Sesame Ball with split bean, coconut & caramel, $8

Dessert came in the form of a MASSIVE sesame covered ball, with a sticky crust and a fluffy interior reminiscent of mung bean pastries of my youth. The coconut cream and strawberry pieces transport you to a warm holiday spot, and was actually pretty satisfying shared between two people.

I can see Cruise Bar as a great place to spend a Friday night out with friends – the small bites went down pretty well, and the small sizes allow you to pick and choose exactly what you’d like to have. They have some teething problems, sure, but I think that comes with any restaurant that is freshly opened. For example, the waitress, while cordial and polite, didn’t seem to have knowledge of the specifics of the menu – but that can be trained with time – and actually took down one of my orders wrong. Which is kinda not cool considering it was a pretty empty restaurant when we went. The chopsticks-only place setting proved slightly problematic when we were served rice with soup, and the very wide share table made it a touch awkward to share food, sometimes.

But it IS beautifully decorated, and looked out into the twinkling lights of the city, so the you can see just how much potential the experience could have! Just a few tweaks over time, and I’m sure it’ll be spectacular. But in the meantime, go the Japanese inspired dishes. Trust me.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Cruise Bar.

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar
Level 2 Overseas Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW
Phone: 02 9251 1188
Website: www.cruisebar.com.au/

Training like a pro: Sushi Train, Neutral Bay

Review August 12, 2015 1 Comment

Sydney Food Blog Review of Sushi Train, Neutral Bay

Sushi trains have always been a guilty pleasure for me. In Singapore, they are associated with low quality sushi, as the price wars for who can offer up the cheapest plate takes its toll. But does it stop me? No, not really, because just like an addict, I NEED MY FIX.

Now I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs with sushi trains in Sydney, but when I’m promised authentic sushi in this convenient delivery format?

Well, we’ve established that I’m an addict right?

First sign that we were going to have a good relationship? KEWPIE SACHETS.

Yes you heard me. Little sachets of delicious tangy Japanese mayonnaise just circling the sushi train conveyor belt, beckoning you with its siren’s call of creamy decadence. If nothing else, this has sold me.

But it didn’t actually need the kewpie to up the ante. (Who am I kidding, we all need kewpie.) The sushi was fresh and well balanced, and actually fairly good value for money.

No, they didn’t skimp on the good stuff, like some trains out there.

They even had the more creative items like Seared Scallops with Miso Garlic. Crunchy shards of fried garlic add a whole new dimension to an otherwise light and fresh sushi roll, and created moreish bites that kept me coming back for more.

But maybe, uh, keep a few mints on hand?

But if the fried garlic isn’t your thing, there’s also the usual favourites on hand, like the various nigiris, maki rolls and gunkans.

For the hot food lovers amongst us, there are options like
gyozas and agedashi eggplant, but be warned, it doesnt quite compare to the amazing sushi.

Other than it being slightly out of the way, Sushi Train in Neutral Bay actually makes for a great date night destination. Lush dark wood fills the interior, and the food is slightly exotic but not too intimidating. The staff are friendly and non-intrusive, and you know that everything is going to be of consistently good quality. Is it the best selection of sushi I’ve ever had? No. But it sure strikes a fantastic balance between quality, value for money, ambience and accessibility.

And I would know, because I eat A LOT of sushi.

What strikes me as odd is that it’s not quite the same as other Sushi Train outlets that I’ve been to – there is a very marked difference in standards, and it almost seems like this one is a different restaurant entirely to the rest. In a good way, of course.

But who am I to question it? Just pass me the next plate!

Washoku Lovers is a free membership programme that gives you perks to many Japanese restaurants in Sydney! If you have your black Washoku Lovers card, flash it at Sushi Train Neutral Bay to get a free serving of sake! 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 Sushi Train Neutral Bay and Washoku Lovers.

Sushi Train
306-308 Military Road
Cremorne, NSW
Phone: (02) 9908 8891
Website: www.sushitrain.com.au/

De…Luxe Woollahra

Review August 3, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Luxe, Wollahra

From cafe, to bakery, to restaurant, Sydney’s Luxe seems intent on TAKING OVER THE WORLD. Okay, maybe I’ve been watching one too many action movies, but you get the idea.

Luxe started from a little cafe in Westfield’s Bondi, and then proceeded to open a bakery in Newtown to control the quality of the baked goods they serve. And now, they’ve moved on to restaurants, opening the first one in Singapore earlier this year, and now a beautiful location in Woollahra accented in white and gold.

Very…lux!

Grilled Octopus with Chui’s XO Sauce

And with Chef Chui Lee Luk on board – whom I had previously met at Asia Town – I jumped at the invite to sample their new winter menu.

We started off with Grilled Octopus with Chui’s XO Sauce. Tender pieces of octopus are balanced with cooked capsicum, and Chui’s take on the omnipresent XO sauce that is used everywhere in Asian cooking. Traditionally, XO sauce is made with dried shrimp, scallops, chinese dried ham, chilli, garlic and ginger (amongst the bazillion other ingredients that could be in there). Here, Chui uses bacon instead of chinese ham to echo the other parts of the Luxe menu that already uses bacon.

And really, there’s always a reason to use bacon.

Roasted Barramundi, Plum Pickled Eggplant, Ginger Butter Sauce

For mains, we were served up the Roasted Barramundi, Plum Pickled Eggplant and Ginger Butter Sauce, and Balsamic Glazed Duck to share.

Balsamic Glazed Duck

And of course, veggies, because…something something balanced diet.

Broccoli and Hazelnuts

Luxe Slaw

Chui has extensive experience as a chef and an intimate understanding of Asian ingredients, and it definitely shows in the conception and execution of this menu. The umeboshi (Japanese plum) pickled eggplant delivered pops of tartness which made the Roasted Barramundi incredibly more-ish, and the slaw and broccoli lightened up the rich, dark balsamic glazed duck.

Pear and Apple Tart

And even though we ate SO MUCH – I can’t help myself – I actually walked away still feeling light and food coma-free! Even with a Pear and Apple Tart for dessert, it was a nice kind of full. I would have liked to see more Asian elements from Chui given that I know how well she can manipulate the ingredients, but it’s really decent food in very posh surroundings. I really liked how they married the “luxe” decor with a relaxed cafe style service, and a menu that sits somewhere in-between.

If this is the winter menu, I really need to go back and have a look at their lunch!

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Luxe Woollahra.

Luxe Woollahra
118 Queen St
Woollahra, NSW
Website: http://luxesydney.com.au

More than just dumplings: Din Tai Fung, Chippendale

Review August 2, 2015

Sydney Food Blog Review of Din Tai Fung, Central Park

Din Tai Fung. Soup dumplings. I swear there is no other association. It’s always been the place where families go to celebrate special occasions, and order steaming baskets upon steaming baskets full of juicy, soupy signature xiao long baos.

And other stuff. There’s always other stuff.

Silken Tofu with Pork Floss and Century Egg, $8.80

Other stuff, like the Silken Tofu with Pork Floss and Century Egg, $8.80. Century egg is fermented to create that black jelly-like texture, which provides rich notes to the light tofu and sweet pork floss. I only eat century eggs in very specific circumstances, and this is one of them. There’s just something so light and refreshing about it, and yet it whets my appetite for more.

Spicy Shrimp and Pork Wonton with Dry Noodle, $13.80

The Spicy Shrimp and Pork Wonton with Dry Noodle, $13.80,also hit all the right notes, with silky wonton skin, savoury chilli oil, and tender, springy noodles. There’s just something about this that reminds me of wonton noodles of my childhood, except executed with so much more finesse, and biased as I am, that chilli oil just makes it.

Crispy Fried Chicken with Chilli, $16.80

Green Bean with Minced Pork, $15.80

Steamed Pork Dumpling,$10.80

But of course, dumplings. Must have dumplings. The Steamed Pork Dumpling, $10.80, never disappoints, with its paper thin skin filled with a juicy pork filling, bursting with soup the moment you bite into it. And the most impressive thing isn’t that each dumpling portion is weighed and steamed to an exact science. No, it’s really that the experience at Din Tai Fung is the same ALL OVER THE WORLD.

And that’s so hard to do when it’s a global brand.

Black truffle pork dumpling, $4.80 per pc

Speaking of which, I was so glad to see that they also brought their Black Truffle Pork Dumpling, $4.80 each, to Sydney! After stalking it through Instagram for aggeeess, I finally get to try these lightly truffle perfumed mouthfuls that leave a lingering sense of both luxuriousness and poverty.

Signature Drinks

Maybe we could wash it all down with a Yuzu Peach drink? Refreshing, citrusy, and utterly delicious.

Golden Taro Bread, $6.80

Now, on to desserts!

Golden Lava Bun, $7 for 3pc

The Golden Lava Bun, $7 for 3 pcs, is the wet dream of all salted egg yolk fans out there. The rich custard is made from the salted yolks of duck eggs, which give it a slightly grainy texture, oozing out of a sweet fluffy bun. YAAAASSSSSS.

I’m really quite impressed by the consistency across countries, and by their professional looking earpieces. I mean, any service staff walking around looking like the secret service has to know what they’re doing right?

And added to all of that, Din Tai Fung at The Living Mall is located near massive windows, letting in beautiful afternoon light, adding to a beautiful mood while enjoying your meal. Ticks all of my boxes, for sure.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of The Living Mall.

Din Tai Fung
2nd Floor, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW
Phone: 02 8072 9427
Website: https://www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au

The Most Important Meal of the Day is..? Criniti’s, Woolloomoloo

Review July 29, 2015

I have something I need to admit. I, Tammi, am a breakfast skipper. Now DON’T JUDGE ME. I just never seem to wake up hungry, and I like to do all my eating in the later part of the day. And after it became acceptable to eat bacon at any time of the day, the morning meal just didn’t seem so special anymore.

But when someone offers you ribs at breakfast? Why, don’t mind if I do.

Italiano, $19

I’ve always associated Criniti’s with nighttime food: long ass pizzas, huge platters of pasta and antipasto, tipsy people hoeing right in…so when I got the invite to have breakfast by the water, I was absolutely intrigued.

Was the stigma of having pizza for breakfast finally going to be lifted?

Well, not quite.

They did do some massive breakfast platters, and The Italiano, $19, provided an absolute bounty salty meats in the form of bacon, prosciutto, porchetta, sausages…with some grilled tomato and crumbed eggplant, because veggies. It was quite enjoyable with chilli on the side, and if you weren’t an absolute glutton like I am, it would have been plenty for two.

Rustico (3 egg Omelette), $14

The Rustico, $14, was a 3 egg omelette that is slightly less impressive. The eggs came out just a touch on the dry side, and when had next to the punchy, salty flavours of the other dishes, it fell on the flat side of bland.

Uncle Cosimo, $19

But I’ve promised ribs, and ribs I will deliver. The Uncle Cosimo, $19, (which is a pretty gangsta name, I think), has fried eggs with braised pork ribs, and a tomato based sauce/stew in a cast iron pan. The pork ribs and tomato sauce were quite sweet, which totally makes me happy because I like me some sweet/savoury combos. I would have been totally happier if the eggs were baked into the tomato sauce, but hey, why nitpick?

The thing is, Criniti’s has never made themselves out to be the very height of haute cuisine. They just want to provide a decent dining experience with food that doesn’t take itself too seriously, a lovely ambience, and friendly service. And they’ve definitely achieved that.

And bonus points that the breakfasts aren’t too busy, which just makes a lazy brunch bu the water all that much better.

Posts tagged Restaurant Review

Hair of the dog: Bloody Mary’s, Darlinghurst

This meal was independently paid for.

Bloody Mary’s
332 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Phone: 02 9360 5568
Website: http://www.bloodymaryssydney.com.au

Shanghai’d! Taste of Shanghai, World Square

This meal was independently paid for.

Taste of Shanghai
Shop 9.07, World Square Shopping Centre
644 George Street
Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9261 8832
Website: www.tosau.com.au/

Muummy dearest: Muum Maam, Surry Hills

This meal was independently paid for.

Muum Maam
Shop 1, 50 Holt Street
Surry Hills, NSW
Phone: 02 8317 4931
Website: http://www.muummaam.com.au

Nuts for Coconuts: Coco Joy, Bondi

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Coco Joy.

Coco Joy
Shop 5029, Level 5
Westfield Bondi Junction
500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Phone: 02 9389 1990
Website: http://www.cocojoy.com

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

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/

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar, Circular Quay

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Cruise Bar.

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar
Level 2 Overseas Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW
Phone: 02 9251 1188
Website: www.cruisebar.com.au/

Training like a pro: Sushi Train, Neutral Bay

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Sushi Train Neutral Bay and Washoku Lovers.

Sushi Train
306-308 Military Road
Cremorne, NSW
Phone: (02) 9908 8891
Website: www.sushitrain.com.au/

De…Luxe Woollahra

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Luxe Woollahra.

Luxe Woollahra
118 Queen St
Woollahra, NSW
Website: http://luxesydney.com.au

More than just dumplings: Din Tai Fung, Chippendale

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of The Living Mall.

Din Tai Fung
2nd Floor, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW
Phone: 02 8072 9427
Website: https://www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au

The Most Important Meal of the Day is..? Criniti’s, Woolloomoloo

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Criniti’s.

Criniti’s
Shop 2, 6 Cowper Wharf Road
Wooloomooloo, Sydney, NSW
Phone: 1300 274 648
Websoite: http://www.crinitis.com.au

This meal was independently paid for.

Bloody Mary’s 332 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst Phone: 02 9360 5568 Website: http://www.bloodymaryssydney.com.au

This meal was independently paid for.

Taste of Shanghai Shop 9.07, World Square Shopping Centre 644 George Street Sydney, NSW Phone: 02 9261 8832 Website: www.tosau.com.au/

This meal was independently paid for.

Muum Maam Shop 1, 50 Holt Street Surry Hills, NSW Phone: 02 8317 4931 Website: http://www.muummaam.com.au

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Coco Joy.

Coco Joy Shop 5029, Level 5 Westfield Bondi Junction 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction Phone: 02 9389 1990 Website: http://www.cocojoy.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/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Cruise Bar.

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar Level 2 Overseas Passenger Terminal Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW Phone: 02 9251 1188 Website: www.cruisebar.com.au/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Sushi Train Neutral Bay and Washoku Lovers.

Sushi Train 306-308 Military Road Cremorne, NSW Phone: (02) 9908 8891 Website: www.sushitrain.com.au/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Luxe Woollahra.

Luxe Woollahra 118 Queen St Woollahra, NSW Website: http://luxesydney.com.au

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of The Living Mall.

Din Tai Fung 2nd Floor, Central Park 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW Phone: 02 8072 9427 Website: https://www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Criniti’s.

Criniti’s Shop 2, 6 Cowper Wharf Road Wooloomooloo, Sydney, NSW Phone: 1300 274 648 Websoite: http://www.crinitis.com.au

Bloody Mary’s
332 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Phone: 02 9360 5568
Website: http://www.bloodymaryssydney.com.au

Taste of Shanghai
Shop 9.07, World Square Shopping Centre
644 George Street
Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9261 8832
Website: www.tosau.com.au/

Muum Maam
Shop 1, 50 Holt Street
Surry Hills, NSW
Phone: 02 8317 4931
Website: http://www.muummaam.com.au

Coco Joy
Shop 5029, Level 5
Westfield Bondi Junction
500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Phone: 02 9389 1990
Website: http://www.cocojoy.com

Rengaya
73 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW
Phone: (02) 9929 6169
Website: www.yakiniku.com.au/rengaya/

Junk Lounge at Cruise Bar
Level 2 Overseas Passenger Terminal
Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW
Phone: 02 9251 1188
Website: www.cruisebar.com.au/

Sushi Train
306-308 Military Road
Cremorne, NSW
Phone: (02) 9908 8891
Website: www.sushitrain.com.au/

Luxe Woollahra
118 Queen St
Woollahra, NSW
Website: http://luxesydney.com.au

Din Tai Fung
2nd Floor, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW
Phone: 02 8072 9427
Website: https://www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au

Criniti’s
Shop 2, 6 Cowper Wharf Road
Wooloomooloo, Sydney, NSW
Phone: 1300 274 648
Websoite: http://www.crinitis.com.au