Posts tagged Wagyu Beef

Yakitori Yurippi, Crows Nest

Review
Yurippi, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog Review

Skewers getting barbecued, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review

Remember the Cliff Dive? Well guess what? Yurippi of the amazing skewers have now opened their own place in Crows Nest! The vision of owner Tin was more yakitori and less tuck shop, and it’s here that he really gets to stretch his wings to fulfil that dream.

Like all foodies, it actually runs in the family. Tin’s grandfather was a chef in Hokkaido for a hotel, and after a spell of fighting the urge through becoming an engineer, Tin is standing in amongst the smoke, serving upwards of 500 skewers to hungry customers every day!

So, how does it all stack up?

The Skewers, $2.90 each

Chicken and Shallot Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken and Shallot Skewer

The Chicken Thigh and Shallot was succulent and juicy, set off with a sweet soy sauce that just brought it all together. Delicately smokey from the coal and binchotan (High grade Japanese charcoal) – let me take a moment to mention how baller their ventilation is – these skewers consisted of perfect, balanced bites.

It’s very obvious to me that the care and attention to detail that I first noticed all that time ago is still very present, and I’m reaping all the benefits! Score.

Chicken Liver Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Liver Skewer

Chicken Heart Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Heart Skewer

Chicken Gizzard Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Gizzard Skewer

The offal options on the menu also receive the same attentive treatment: the Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart and Chicken Gizzard were all grilled to perfection, and seasoned with a light but firm touch. Like a parent who knows what’s best.

And they really know best.

Pork Belly Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewPork Belly Skewer

The Pork Belly and Pork Jowl were also masterclasses in barbecue. Thin slices of Pork Belly were threaded onto skewers and seasoned with a sprinkling of salt. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the first bite gave me the “holy crap this is so amazing feeling”, and Jen, my dining partner, feels exactly the same way. Clean flavour of pork, only slightly enhanced by the savoury overtones of the salt. Like a good wonderbra. ?

Pork Jowl, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewPork Jowl

And the Wagyu Beef with Homemade Marinade. Oh the wagyu. Need I say more?

Wagyu Beef Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewWagyu Beef Skewer

W-A-G-Y-U

Not into the meat fest? (You should be) The Shiitake Mushroom with sweet soy was also a delight, with the mushrooms tender but not too, well, mushy, retaining its firm bite. So. Good.

Special bonus points!

Ox Tongue Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewOx Tongue Skewer

If you wanna turbocharge your experience, the Chicken meatball with 63C egg, Slow cooked Ox Tongue with miso sauce and Miso Sake Black Cod are just the things to order.

Tsukune Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewTsukune Skewer

Also known as Tsukune, the Chicken Meatball is pretty much like a Japanese chicken kofta, and is traditionally served with a raw egg yolk to dip it in. Here they cook the eggs to 63C (where eggs were naturally born to be cause it’s so darn delicious), and serve you the whole egg, with a soy based sauce that turns this rich bowl into an unctuous treat. You can dip the skewer in or eat the skewer whole and then finish with the egg.

I suggest the latter. Go on. You know it.

Miso Cod Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMiso Cod

Miso Black Cod is also as silky and buttery as it promised to be, and while the treatment isn’t anything particularly new, I don’t think there’s any reason to improve upon perfection. Delicious delicious perfection. Black cod is quite hard to find in Sydney, and I’m just glad I’ve got another supplier for my growing addiction.

The Sides

Mentaiko mashed potato, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMentaiko mashed potato

You also need sides to go with your skewers, and the Gyozas come with Hane, which translates to “wings”. A slurry of starch and water gets poured into the pan for extra crunch, and the Gyozas get little flaps, which is where the wings get their name from!

Gyoza with Hane, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewGyoza

Chicken Karaage, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review Chicken Karaage

And if you’re of the fried chicken persuasion (who isn’t?) the Mini Karaage is like the popcorn version of the Japanese fried chicken classic, served up with a side of premium kewpie Mayo. PREMIUM KEWPIE. I didn’t even know there was even such a thing. More creamy and less tangy. Mmmmm. More fat.

Look for the yellow cap, I’m told. I know I’m going to be hunting this shizz down.

Final Thoughts

Tamagoyaki getting sliced, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review

I know it’s boring reading a review that’s wholly positive, but you know what? I’ve got nothing but love for Tin and his team. They are genuinely happy to be there, and the fact that they’ve been through other career options before coming together means that it’s a conscious decision to be there, and boy do they make it count.

The space is intimate, and the open kitchen lets you be privy to all the buzz on the kitchen. I love the izakaya feel of the place – small drinking houses that are very popular amongst Japanese business people – and the small bites pair really well with their rather large alcohol selection.

Or ramune. I suggest the ramune. ?

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Yakitori Yurippi.
Yakitori Yurippi
7 Falcon Street
Crows Nest, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8041 9261
Website: http://www.yurippi.com.au

Yakitori Yurippi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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

What’s the…Rush Hotdogs and Burgers, Surry Hills

Review 1 Comment
Review of Rush Hotdogs and Burgers in Surry Hills

Review of Rush Hotdogs and Burgers in Surry Hills

You know when a restaurant catches your eye while you’re walking, and you look at it and think, “oh I should try that sometime”, only to never make it back? Well that happens to me A LOT, especially in a suburb like Surry Hills. Hip, trendy cafes on every corner, options galore, and enough variety to leave the most dedicated gluttons entertained for months.

Well one such restaurant came back up again, while I was taking a long, late night stroll with Sam: Rush Hotdogs and Burgers sits on the corner of Elizabeth and Albion, and after months of “maybe I’ll make it next time”, we finally made it.

Review of Rush Hotdogs and Burgers, Surry Hills - El Cabrones (Wagyu Beef Burger, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Guacamole, Onion, Chipotle, JalapeñoEl Cabrones (Wagyu Beef Burger, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Guacamole, Onion, Chipotle, Jalapeño

Now you can’t go to a burger joint without actually ordering a burger, so we got the El Cabrones with a side of chips, and chicken wings.

Review of Rush Hotdogs and Burgers, Surry Hills - Chicken WingsChicken Wings

The El Cabrones – wagyu beef patty, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, chipotle, jalapeno – was a bit like a really precocious child: it held so much promise, but was unfortunately a bit of a non-event. A beef patty so overcooked it was like cardboard, totally tanked the careful work that went into creating a riot of flavours that were nicely balanced. And if I wanted to be disappointed, I’d just go step on a weighing scale.

The Chicken Wings, though, thankfully salvaged the whole experience. Well seasoned on the outside, hot and juicy on the inside, and totally tastes of chicken that has been brined. And anyone who takes the effort to brine their chicken is okay in my books.

Maybe the hotdogs will be better.

This meal was independently paid for.
Rush Hotdogs and Burgers
240 Elizabeth St
Surry Hills, NSW
Phone: (02) 9211 9045
Website: www.rushhotdogsandburgers.com.au/

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Having a Cow: Gyuzou Japanese Barbecue, Sydney

Review
Aerial shot of the barbecue filled with wagyu beef pieces and vegetables

Aerial shot of the barbecue filled with wagyu beef pieces and vegetables

If I had to be reborn as an animal for food, I’d definitely choose to be a Wagyu cow. A morbid thought? Maybe. But these cows have got it gooood.

This is would be a life where being fat is a good thing, and you spend your living days eating, drinking booze and getting massaged! What’s not to love about that?

Well, there’s that bit about being eaten. But wagyu beef gets treated with such reverence that I’m sure it’ll make it worthwhile.

So it makes sense that Japanese yakiniku – aka Japanese barbecue – features little to no marinade or seasoning, to showcase the raw flavour of the beef. And at Gyuzou in Sydney, the cow is built right into the name, so I was over the moo-n to be invited to sample their menu!

100%Assorted Wagyu Platter, $25.50

It seemed to make sense to start with the Wagyu Platter, $25.50. You get a variety of cuts, including my favourite part of the beef, the short rib. Yes yes you get more fat in the prime cuts of meat, but really, the short rib is where you can taste all the amazing beefy flavour, and with just a bit more cooking, a deliciously firm but tender texture.

Large Intestine, $6.50Large Intestine, $6.50

And I ordered the Large Intestine, $6.50, because I’m Asian. And also because you can really tell how a restaurant treats their meat in their treatment of their offal. Offal needs NEEDS to be fresh, and cleaned properly or it will smell to high heaven the moment it hits the heat.

This, thankfully, was one delicious plate. Lightly fatty – so decadent! – and with just the the tiniest amount of bite, these pieces didn’t even need to be marinated, in my opinion.

Pro tip: Cook it low and slow on the edges of the barbecue, and give it time to render out some of the fat, causing the all-important flare ups that will give you that classic barbecue smoky flavour.

Salmon and Kingfish Sashimi, $9.00Salmon and Kingfish Sashimi, $9.00

Of course, you can’t do Japanese food without the other thing that stinks to high heaven if it isn’t fresh – sashimi! At Gyuzou, it definitely is, though I question the decision to serve it over ice. On one hand, it keeps the fish cold because it can get pretty warm while that barbecue is sizzling, but on the other hand, things get a bit watery as the ice melts. And well, you get the wet fish reference right?

Okonomiyaki, $5.50Okonomiyaki, $5.50

Okonomiyaki, $5.50, is basically a Japanese cabbage and beef/seafood pancake covered in mayo (that magically delicious word again!) and a brown Japanese barbecue sauce. Personally I like okonomiyaki a little firmer, but it was still the flavours you’d expect, so it was okay.

Wagyu Tataki, $8.90Wagyu Tataki, $8.90

So back to the beef we go. The Wagyu Tataki, $8.90, very simply features thin slices of seared rare beef laid over thin slices of red onion, with a light soy based sauce on the side. Good, but not great, especially next to the stellar barbecue.

Green Tea Parfait, $7.90Green Tea Parfait, $7.90

And just to round things out on a sweet note, the Green Tea Parfait, $7.90. It may look simple, but it’s got a circus of sponge cake, green tea jelly, whipped cream, matcha ice cream, and chocolate wafer cigars. A good way to finish, though part of me wonders if I should have ordered more beef and intestine.

It was a very pretty setting, and a great experience for date nights. If you are a bit worried about the lack of marinade, let me assure you that the trio of sauces more than make up for it. The yakiniku, shiotare, and tabera rayu, provided enough salt, tang, and umami flavours to change it up with every bite. I particularly enjoyed the tabera rayu, which was like a chilli and garlic mixture that just brought out the Singaporean in me.

Mooooooo.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Gyuzou Japanese BBQ.

Gyuzou
Corner Of Day St X Liverpool St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9268 0410
Website: http://www.yesfood.com.au/gyuzo.html

Japanese BBQ Yakiniku GYUZO on Urbanspoon