Sydney Quickie - Gumshara Ramen

If you were to search the Internet for some of the must-eats to have in Sydney, you will without a doubt come across this name - Gumshara Ramen, in many lists. This stall is popular with both locals and tourist, looking for good, authentic ramen.

Located in Chinatown's Eating World food court, Gumshara is well-known for its soup. Pork bones are boiled for hours, resulting in a collagen rich, thick soup that fills your stomach and warms your soul.

The Tonkotsu Ramen is a favourite with its patrons. While it may seem like it a normal portion for one, the thick soup fills you up really quickly so it was good that Mister T and I shared a bowl. The char siu slices have a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the noodles springy and with bite.

Gumshara has ramen that I would definitely eat again the next time I am back in Sydney. I have my eye on the Super Mega Ramen, topped off with char siu slices and spare ribs, I am willing to starve myself a whole day to feast on it!

Gumshara Ramen
Shop 211 25-29 Dixon St
Haymarket, NSW 2000
Australia

Phone: +61 410 253 180

Sydney Quickie - Hard Rock Cafe Sydney

I remember the night Mister T and I were strolling along the Darling Harbour, we just wanted somewhere to sit down, have a drink and watch the world go by. As it was the weekend, almost all the restaurants and cafes in the vicinity were packed so we settled for drinks and nibbles at Hard Rock Cafe.

We opted for a seat on small outside terrace, away from the live band playing inside that evening. It was refreshing to be away from the crowds and still have a beautiful view of the surroundings. The service was pretty decent, with our server being very friendly and prompt with our order.

We started with some Potato Skins, and while they were nothing out of the ordinary, we were happy to have some carbs to go with our cocktails. They were what potato skins should be - well cooked baked potatoes topped off with some cheese and bacon.

We also ordered a serving of Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings, and preferred this to the potato skins. Tangy and tender, the wings make a great snack or starter should you find yourself at any Hard Rock Cafe worldwide.

The food at Hard Rock Cafe s nothing to write home about, but while it may be just passable, it made a good rest stop for us on a weekend night without reservations out at the Darling Harbour.

Hard Rock Cafe, Sydney
Level 2, Harbourside Centre
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Phone: + 61 (02) 9280 0077

I'm back!

Has it been six months since my last post?

The first half of 2014 has been a bit of a roller coaster for me. I have been dealing with some personal issues for a while now, and it is a pity that I have neglected this blog.

It is still a trying time but I am back and ready to blog!

Here's to better things for everyone! xoxo

Sydney Quickie - Adriano Zumbo Pâtissier (The Star)

It is impossible to not see this bright pink neon sign when you are at The Star. One of the few Zumbo shops located in Sydney, this location is unique for serving up Adriano Zumbo's creations on a conveyor belt!

The place fills up rather quickly, but you will be rewarded with a seat in no time as most people do not linger once they had their fill of the delicious sweets.

The range off the conveyor belt is not that plentiful, but offers a range that caters to almost everyone. I picked the Strawberry Shortcake and it was tasty. It was not the best Strawberry Shortcake I have had, but it definitely hit the spot for me.

The Doughnuts are available on the menu, and are made to order. This results in a serving of hot and fluffy balls of dough, filled with your choice of chocolate or caramel. Mister T enjoyed these plenty and I too have to admit that these were a lot better than the cake I had.

We purchased a bunch of Zumbo's Macarons (also affectionately known as 'Zumbarons'), but forgot to take a photo before they were devoured. Maybe it is because they are freshly made and never frozen, but these scrumptious bites are way better what I had recently.

Zumbo does its macarons extremely well, and I hope that they will soon set up shop in Queensland to cater to their fans here!

Adriano Zumbo Pâtissier (The Star)
80 Pyrmont St
Pyrmont, NSW 2009

Phone: +61 (02) 9810 7318

Sydney Quickie - Din Tai Fung (Westfield)

Din Tai Fung is a well known brand famous for their delicious Xiao Long Bao, a delicate soup dumpling originating from Shanghai.

Having been deprived of eating these amazing dumplings for some time now, I was keen to have quick fix while we were in Sydney, the only state in Australia Din Tai Fung has called home. Mister T and I arrived at the Westfield food court during lunch hour so it was difficult to navigate our way around the many office workers eager to grab a table and tuck into their meals. The interior of this food court was classy. High ceilings and wall to floor windows, the design seems to deviate from the typical food court layout I have seen in Australia so far. It is spacious and would make a perfect lounging spot during quiet periods as you rest your weary feet with a nice cuppa and delicious grub. This has officially become my favourite food court in Australia.

The line for Din Tai Fung was long but moved quickly as they has a team of staff taking orders swiftly. We got a small serving of their popular Xiao Long Baos and they were good. The dumpling skin was thin and soft, and the broth in the dumpling itself was tasy and moreish. It was good to see that they have small packets of vinegar and ginger on hand, an easy and efficient way for customers to have the necessary toppings without worry of making a mess.

Din Tai Fung has an enormous following wherever they open. Their dumplings are great but does not mean that you should skip the rest of the menu. I would have ordered their Fried Rice and Pork Chops, and the many other dumplings that they have on offer too if it were not for the fact that we had a heavy meal prior to this.

It is obvious that the establishment is doing great here in Australia, so here is my question - Din Tai Fung, will you open an outlet here in Brisbane soon, pretty please?

Din Tai Fung (Westfield Sydney)
Shop 504/5, Level 5
Westfield Shopping Center
Pitt Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 (02) 8246 7032

Hello Weekend - Sushi Sushi (Chermside)

I have always been a huge, huge fan of sushi and it is definitely a struggle for me to not have easy access to reasonable priced nigiri sushi here in Brisbane.

Until I found Sushi Sushi.

A nation wide chain, Sushi Sushi is one of the few food court stalls that in my opinion do better nigiri sushi than their sushi rolls. Their business at Westfield Chermside is always brisk, with a good crowd during meal times. You can choose to pick the sushi rolls and nigiri sushis you want, or opt to buy a pre-made box set of sushi.

Their fresh salmon nigiri sushi is a delight to have, as the slices of fish are firm and sweet. We also chose some of their aburi sushi from the ala-carte range and were pleased to have tasty unagi and salmon sushi. It would be perfect if the sushi were torched just before serving, to give the warm exterior, but I shall not complain.

The sets are great to have when you want variety and do not mind a little treat. With a few slices of sashimi, some maki rolls and nigiri sushi pieces, you are guaranteed a delicious meal. You can also get some sides such as seaweed or squid included, if you are willing to pay a little more and choose the bigger bento set.

It may not have the class of Sono but Sushi Sushi definitely delivers for a food court stall. The food is always fresh and good though may be pricey if you want to have a good and filling meal there. Did I tell you that they also allow you to order online? I think it is brilliant as you can now order big platters of sushi and/or sashimi for the next party you host!

For the convenience and quality, Sushi Sushi is now one of my go to places for a quick fix of sushi. I cannot wait to try ordering some platters online!

Sushi Sushi (Chermside)
Shop 387
Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre
Cnr Gympie and Hamilton Roads
Chermside, QLD

Phone: +61 (07) 3359 3331

Sydney Quickie - Reuben Hills

Mister T and I decided to make a quick visit to Reuben Hills, a popular cafe close to the Sydney CBD. We arrived a little past 9am on a Friday morning and were surprised to find it packed! We perused the menu as we waited patiently in line for a table.

Perhaps we were still full from our late night dinner at Golden Century, so we decided against The Not Reuben Sandwich and opted for two milkshakes and the really f**king great Fried Chicken.

Service was prompt and polite, and our meal was served really quickly. Our two milkshakes - Salted Caramel and Espresso & White Choc were a little runny but the flavour of the latter made up for that. The Salted Caramel was not what I expected, with it being more on the caramel side, and the tiniest, tiniest hint of salt making its presence felt.

The Fried Chicken too was not as "f**king great" as we had hoped for either. Awesome that it came in bite size pieces, we wished for a crunchier and tastier batter. The pickled chillies were surprisingly addictive, with its briny, vinegar taste cutting through the grease of the chicken.

Reuben Hills is a place to be seen at, and definitely worth hanging out with friends. While the walls may be bare concrete and the interior mostly in grey and brown, there is a certain level of warmth and comfort that is perfect for having a nice cuppa. Would love to come back the next time and try their famous sandwich!

Reuben Hills
61 Albion Street
Surry Hills, NSW

Phone: +61 (02) 9211 5556