017. That's Amore: Alimentari on Adelaide

Alimentari on Adelaide is a cute little deli come cafe on Adelaide Street in the city. What I like about this place is not just the food, but the deli/corner shop within the cafe itself. Selling Italian staples like San Pellegrino and pasta sauces, you can do a quick grocery shop whilst you wait for your meal.

I've been here a few times for a quick casual lunch (sandwiches, salads etc) and it hasn't disappointed. I finally had the time for a bit of a longer lunch and ordered food that wasn't pre-made. 

Prawn salad, steak sandwich, mushroom risotto and potato and sweet potato chips

My companions had positive feedback about their meals. The potato and sweet potato chips were complimented by a creamy garlic aioli. My dish was the mushroom risotto and unfortunately I was less than impressed. This dish lacked the depth of a usual risotto; it did not have the thick consistency of what a risotto should be and was to be quite honest, completely flavourless.

I would still come back to Alimentati, despite the abysmal risotto because their quick lunch options are on par and you can pick up a few deli goods while you're there. Just skip the risotto. 

Website: http://www.alimentarionadelaide.com.au/ 

016. Wagging our tongues: Wagamama

Working in the CBD, I have unlimited choices when it comes to casual lunch time dining. Wagamama's at Wintergarden is a favourite of mine. The usually quick, speedy and attentive service allows me to have a tasty meal with a friend during the lunch time rush and not actually feel rushed. Whenever I dine at Wagamama, I always without doubt get the same dish: Teriyaki Salmon. When you find a meal at a restaurant that is just always spot on delicious every time, it's hard to peel you away from a favourite.

On my last visit to Waga's, I was with my dear friend Brett . Our mandatory entree is the Sweet Potato Kusabi that comes with a delectable Wasabi mayonnaise. On this occasion, I took a mammoth decision and stepped away from my usual Teriyaki Salmon and went for two entrees; Chicken Gyoza and Beef strips with crunchy noodles.

Beef strips with crunchy noodles, Chicken Gyoza & Sweet Potato Kusabi

Verdict? I wish I had stuck with my usual meal. The gyoza were amazing as usual and I cannot fault thee. It was the noodles I had a problem with. The only part of the meal with flavour was the beef strips but you couldn't eat the beef together with the noodles. Granted this was supposed to be an entree, not a main meal, but logic tells me that two entrees can equal a main right? Right? (okay fine). So I was left a little peckish still (possibly because I only ordered 3 gyoza and left most of the noodles). Safe to say, I'm sticking with my old fav! 

015. Under the Asian sea: The Manor Chinese Restaurant

The southside of Brisbane is littered with late night informal and formal Asian dining  restaurants. Some good, some great, some terrible. Some cheap, some dirt cheap and some a little more pricey. The Manor Chinese restaurant is fantastic and although a little more pricey than the restaurants in the surrounding areas, you get what you pay for and service from the managers adds a bit of entertainment to your meal.  The quality of their food is superb and you get much more quantity wise than a lot of other places. Opening late for yum cha is an added bonus! The last time I went to the Manor, my companion was feeling wealthy and decided on lobster. The waiter was kind, informative and actually made sure we really wanted to go ahead with the order, and being around $130 per kilo, I'm glad she actually made it out like she cared for our wallets and not just wanting to take our cash (I'm quite weary of a lot of Asian places as a lot of Asian's I know, are money hungry). 

 Before

After

The lobster was cooked in a smooth ginger and shallot sauce and it was perfectly fresh. The $300 meal was 'worth every dollar and cent I worked for'. 

014. Singapore Sling

Around this time last year, I was on a Singapore Airlines flight going back home from Hong Kong. Needless to say, I did not want to leave so I drank my troubles away. On the plane ride back, I was reading the in-flight menu and saw they had cocktails. There was one that caught my eye which I decided to try; the Singapore Sling. I figured it would end up being some pre-mixed stuff, being on a plane and all. Totally wrong! Made fresh, this drink was DELICIOUS! Fast forward a year later and I finally get around to attempt to make this cocktail because every bar/pub/club I had been to since my trip from Hong Kong, I was unable to find the Singapore Sling ANYWHERE so I decided I'd have a go at making it. My first attempt, I put in a little less than the recipe says, I didn't want all the alcohol in it to be too overpowering. Because you can't really buy the ingredients in smaller bottles, I had to buy the 700ml ones and so I think I have enough alcohol to last me another year! My first attempt at making this, I was very pleasantly surprised and have made them a few more times since. Do try it, it is amazing!

I used this recipe: http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink3758.html

013. Sizzle Sizzle: Obaltan Korean BBQ

Obaltan Korean BBQ is a spicy little hot-spot on Elizabeth Street in the city that is so popular, the line on a Friday evening stretched out the door. You walk into a bustling restaurant with silver ventilation tubes above each grill flame. Korean BBQ has really started to take off in Brisbane and about time too. Critics say you don't go to a restaurant to cook your own food but a dining experience doesn't always have to be the static 'how would you like your steak cooked?' line. Obaltan offer various cuts of marinated and non-marinated meats; chicken, lamb, beef as well as a a great selection of fresh seafood for your barbecuing pleasure. Once you have placed your orders, waiters rush out with a host of Korean sides to accompany your meal; traditional Korean kimchi, cold potato salad leafy greens and a selection of sauces. 

 Selection of meats: pork belly, chili marinated chicken and beef ribs

Bbq-ing away!

Book ahead or get in early otherwise you'll be waiting a while!

Website: http://www.obaltan.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Obaltan

012. The hungry go marching one by one: Chocolate Soldier

I am a huge fan of anything chocolate and it's hard pressed to find a thick and rich (but drinkable) hot chocolate. I do love an Italian hot chocolate, however, when I'm in between meetings, I don't have the time to spoon my hot chocolate (Italian hot chocolate errs on the extra thick and gooey side of the hot beverage scale). I'm just going to say it...Chocolate Soldier's hot chocolates are amazing. I am yet to find a more creamy, chocolate-y and thick yet drinkable hot choc from anywhere else. Look how creamy it looks:

Hot Chocolate (mine's soy of course)

I usually dash off with a takeaway cuppa but it was the end of the working day so I was able to treat myself to a hot choc and carrot cake.

Cute as a button carrot cake

Yum. This cake was perfectly moist and complimented my creamy hot chocolate very well. I don't think they make their cakes themselves but wherever it's from, gimme more! It's not too big and not too small, just right!

Chocolate Soldier itself has cute decor; chocolate brown chairs matching brown tables...even their cupboards are made to look like blocks of chocolate. Very nice! I couldn't find a website  but find them at the bottom of the Telstra building on George St. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chocolatesoldier400

011. What noise do cicada's make?: Cicada

Cicada is one of many fine venues owned by the Cicada Group in Brisbane and presents itself as a classy restaurant slash bar. Beautifully presented venue with friendly staff, it's a favourite haunt of suits and office workers for after work drinks. This is evidenced by how incredibly packed it gets on a Friday afternoon.  I've frequented for drinks before but only just recently had a meal. I ordered the Calamari: calamari, salt & szechuan pepper, soft leaves, cucumber, cherry tomato, light chilli soy dressing. 

The calamari

My meal arrived promptly and it was very tasty. Crispy calamari with creamy and perfectly garlic infused aioli was balanced well by a fresh light salad. It was a perfect portion size for a not too heavy mid-week lunch! 

I am a huge fan of the restaurants owned by the Cicada group; Sparrow + Finch and Firefly being two of my favourite lunch haunts. 

Website: http://www.cicadagroup.com.au/index.php?categoryid=12

010. Oh-my-god-melt-in-your-mouth-delicious-brownies: Dello Mano

Moist, delicious, chocolately goodness in a 1inch square. If you have a severe sweet tooth and cannot resist a good sweet, Newstead based Dello Mano have handmade the most amazing brownies just for you. Wickedly rich, these little babies invite you to try, just one. One turns to two, turning to three, four and five. If brownies were considered luxurious, these are the creme de la creme of brownies. Ashton Kutcher apparently ordered a batch for a party in London. Ashton-effing-Kutcher! I challenge you to find a more drool-worthy brownie!

I bought this box from the Jan Power Farmers Markets at King George Square. 

How inviting do they look!

Check out their website and buy a carton or two online: http://www.dellomano.com.au/

009. Burr it's cold in here at: Antarctic Circle

Antarctic Circle is well-known and popular on the south side for really awesome Shabu Shabu (otherwise known as hot pot or steam boat). I, myself have visited a few times for said hot pot, but I have never tried the stone grill. Until a few nights ago.  

One of my housemates, Kris, and I decided to go out for dinner and arrived at Antarctic Circle at around 6:30pm. The restaurant was near empty. Usually I am apprehensive walking into restaurants that are empty, I take it as a sign that something isn't right with the place but as I mentioned, I have been here a few times before so I'm not too fussed. Kris and I are starving and pretty much already decided to have the stone grill. We're ushered to our table and the waiter asks if either of us have been here before. Kris hadn't so the waiter proceeds to explain how it all works. He's a friendly guy and is super helpful, however, I put his eagerness to explain everything on the menu down to boredom. We both order our stone grill dishes. The side dishes arrive promptly to our table: salad and pastry soup.

 Pastry Soup (chicken and corn soup with pastry baked on top)

The soup is lukewarm but is still kind of tasty. I'm not eating the sides because I'm saving myself for the main; Skewer special marinated with Antarctic Circle's own special marinade. I've ordered two lamb, two chicken and 1 beef skewer.

Lamb, Chicken and Beef Skewers with sad looking vegetables.

The skewers come out hot and sizzlin'. Unfortunately, the side of veges aren't so hot. The chicken takes forever to cook because the chunks are quite large and thick so I am forced to wait a bit longer. Once cooked, I'm not impressed. I don't taste any of the special marinade. Kris had ordered the Wagyu steak with mushroom sauce and I promptly swipe some of the sauce and order more. What a fizzer. For a restaurant that I have been to previously for their other main attraction, I expected much of the same quality. Lucked out this time. At least Antarctic Circle do a good Shabu Shabu otherwise I won't be back for the stone grill any time soon.

008. Pancakes for dinner

For dinner earlier this week, I had taken a huge dose of lazy. And in the ripe old age that I am in, I also forgot to buy my dinner items. Alas, a dilemma arose; if I eat, it won't be very nutritious. But if I don't eat, is it more unhealthy? My stomach growled with anger. If it could speak it would yell, 'Just eat something damn you!' So I opened the pantry and the answer was staring right at me:

To eat or not to eat...pancakes for dinner?

So I man up and drown my hunger with a good 'ol patch of pancakes...with butter....and cinnamon sugar:

Pancakes with butter and cinnamon sugar

I sincerely apologise, I am completely new to food blogging and as such forget to take photos of my food affairs before I tuck in. Nonetheless, Linda - 1, Hunger - 0.

007. Now who here loves a good ol' Asian feed?: Parkland Chinese Restaurant

Recently it was my mother's birthday and as the stereotypical Asian mother she is, she decided on Chinese food for the celebrations. And so we (7 of us, not all family) arrived at Parkland Chinese Restaurant. 

My brother and I tried to pre-plan a 'duck face'. Didn't work.

Parkland Chinese Restaurant is a new addition to the currently overcrowded but extremely popular Asian dining landscape that is Sunnybank. The moment you step into Parkland, you are reminded of a restaurant somewhere in the near vicinity. If you are a Sunnybank loyal, you will immediately figure out where from the moment you look down at your napkin. Sources say Parkland is owned by the same people who own Landmark (a well loved favourite and cemented presence in Sunnybank) and the quality of food confirms this. After about 10 minutes of squabbling over what to order, I pick up a banquet menu that sounds tasty and good to my wallet. At $16.90 per person, everyone chooses a main dish to share; rice, soup and fruit plate included. Although questionable is the caveat of payment by cash only, we still decide on the banquet and decide on 6 dishes; Braised Pork Belly, Soya Chicken with Ginger and Shallots, Salt and Pepper Pork, Pepper Beef, Ginger Pork, and Sichuan Chili Chicken.

L-R Braised Pork Belly, Soya Chicken with Ginger and Shallots, Salt and Pepper Pork, Pepper Beef, and Ginger Pork.

My mother tucking into the Sichuan Chili Chicken (this mo'fo was hot!)

If you've ever eaten at Landmark, you always leave with a huge smile on your face and your belt unloosened a few spots. Parkland is no different. The food is of the quality you expect from Landmark. The Braised Pork Belly melts in your mouth and the Salt and Pepper Pork is crunchy and delightful. Generous servings are dished out leaving you with just enough room for fruit. My two favourites mains were the Soya Chicken and the Pepper Beef, however, all dishes were obviously prepared by an experienced chef.

I can't say much about the service unfortunately. It was a hefty 30-40 minute wait for one dish to even come out, let alone the staff forgetting our 6th one.

Overall, the food is of fantastic quality for a decent price. If you have patience, then I recommend going to Parkland for the food and the food only. Otherwise, Landmark is just around the corner (slightly better service).

006. A slice of Europe in Paddington: Eurovida

Paddington is home to some of Brisbane's most unique boutiques and sophisticated restaurants and cafes that are full of character. Paddington is also home to a classy little European cafe/bar called Eurovida. Chill with a nicely brewed coffee or relax with a well made meal, Eurovida is a beautiful little cafe that is worth stopping your shopping for.

My friend Tash and I have made notes to ourselves to become regulars here and it is easy to see why. If food is an art, then Eurovida are exceptional artists. Not only is food here presented too beautifully to eat, but once you do, you keep going back until your stomach cannot take it anymore. On our first visit, we sat down for a relaxing brunch. Our second, a chilled coffee break whilst out shopping. This third time was right on the dot of lunch service. We both ordered a toasted peasant loaf sandwich comprising of grilled chicken breast, French brie, wood smoked bacon, tomato, rocket, red pepper and garlic aioli with a side of chips and aioli to share. 

One word, delicious!

This sandwich has the perfect mix of ingredients. The creamy aioli compliment the brie and the chicken quite nicely. The bacon adds just enough saltiness to the entire dish. Don't have much else to say other that it was delicious! I polished mine off with a glass of iced sparkling apple juice.

Drop by Eurovida next time you're in Paddington. You won't regret it. Promise.

Website: http://www.eurovida.com.au/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eurovida

005. The villagers are a'coming: The Villager Hotel

185 George Street, Brisbane. Once home to a bar very ingeniously named George on George St, the newest inhabitants, The Villager Hotel is the newest kid on the block! They've just celebrated their first birthday and if they keep producing their goodies, I envisage many more birthdays to come.

The Villager Hotel: Gastrobar AND Supper Club. Isn't Brisbane upping their ante with sophisticated culinary gems like The Villager Hotel?


The Gastrobar is designed as a comfortable casual venue that allows you to indulge in a homely but oh so modern meal. The Villager offer delights from Wagyu burgers to grilled swordfish on truffled mash and everything delicious in between. If you're in a hurry, stop by the side walk window and pick up a gourmet toasted sandwich and coffee to go. If you have time, I highly suggest picking a few items from the tapas menu. Below is a picture of a tapas plate I greedily ordered:

L-R: Salmon Mousse Tartlets (to die for!), Prawn Croquettes with Harrisa mayonnaise and Tomato, Feta and Basil Bruschetta. 

Open til 2am (extremely rare in "Bris-Vegas") the Supper Club is located upstairs and offers an intimate venue (at night, lit by candles) for a more formal dining experience. Tucked away around a corner of the Supper Club is a chilled but beautiful space dubbed 'The Library'. Grab your friends for a night of cocktails and tapas to match and chill on the chocolate couches.


Offering a delectable range of quality and beautiful presented food and drink, The Villager Hotel is delightful venue for any occasion. On a first date? Tick! Hens night? Tick! Birthdays, company sponsored events or just because you want a bloody good cocktail? Tick, tick tick!


Website: http://www.thevillager.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagerHotel

004. Brew me a cuppa: BREW

Brisbane city is attempting to inject some of the Melbourne-esque culture into the city by creating decorated laneway spaces that play host to artsy, vintage style cafes and coffeehouses. Burnett Lane in the CBD is an alleyway in between a 7-Eleven and a duty-free store that houses a cute, quaint and trendy coffee/bar called BREW.

BREW takes you into another world. You forget that you just stepped from the noise of the Queen Street Mall and into a quiet coffee shop by day and lively bar by night. As a licensed venue, they poke fun at younglings, with cheeky writings on the wall

but they serve up some wickedly wonderful cocktails. Light meals and tapas are offered to compliment your alcoholic beverage. They even leverage the fact that New York Slice is a few metres away and serve up hot freshly cooked pizza. Pizza and alcohol, now that's what I'm talkin' bout.


Coffee, coffee, coffee. The relationship between city slickers and coffee is akin to a fat kid and his cake. You cannot work in the city without walking past about 8 coffee shops along the way to your office. My workmates cannot go a day without a coffee or two. I, myself am not a huge coffee drinker (hot beverage of choice; a creamy soy Chai Latte with honey), however, my work colleagues can vouch for the well-roasted coffee that BREW produce. Ask for whatever you like, they will endevour to cater to your coffee needs (lactose intolerant over here). Although coffee shops can be found everywhere, it can be hard to find a place where the perfect cuppa is BREW'ed (eh eh) just right. BREW is a rare gem. And evidenced by customers who come back time and time again. Pick up a coffee card and get your 10th one free! Ask the Barristas for a pot of honey with your Chai Latte, it's divine! 


Website: http://www.brewgroup.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BREW/109191132475915

003. Sweet, sugary, sticks of goodness: Churros

A churro, sometimes referred to as a Spanish doughnut, is a fried-dough pastry-based snack that originated in Spain.^{[citation needed]} Churros are also popular inLatin America, France, Portugal, Morocco, the United States, Australia, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands. There are two types of churros in Spain. One is thin (and sometimes knotted) and the other is long and thick (porra). They both are normally eaten for breakfast dipped in hot chocolate or café con leche. (Wikipedia, 2011)

Ahh churros. Those wonderful, sugary doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate, sold primarily at theme parks (at least in Australia). I cannot imagine a person who could not enjoy a churro. Typically made in a star-shaped stick, there are many activities one could do with a churro. Eat it (obvious and most delicious choice), poke children with it or play Star Wars with it.


I bought a wonderful cookbook called 'MoVida: Spanish Culinary Adventures' by Frank Camorra & Richard Cornish which contained a simple recipe on how to make churros. My only foray into cooking sweets before this were baking simple cakes and cupcakes, making icecream and chocolate moulds. So I decided to give it a try and they turned out wonderful (if I do say so myself).

I didn't have a star-shaped pipe at the time so yes, they do look like little logs. I also did not have a huge deep fryer so again, yes, they are little logs. But my god, they were delicious. I could not have been more impressed with myself for cooking something so delicious and not screwing it up first time. They are deceptively simple to make and I highly recommend making them. As for the hot dipping chocolate, I need to perfect that.

001. The Beginning

I shall begin this blog post with the mandatory self-introduction. My name is Linda and I am a food-a-holic. I was prompted to start a blog, namely one about food, for a number of reasons. If you know me in real life, you know that I LUUUUUUUURRRRRRVE food. Eating it, cooking it, mushing it around on my plate (then eating it). 

I used to write a lot, now I eat a lot. So why not try combine the two? My aims for this blog are:

• to document my forays into the food industry; food writing, tasting, cooking, products, restaurants etc and,
• to have a crack at writing proper and somewhat publishable articles/blog posts. But I will probably throw some casual entries too (bear with me purists!) 

I would describe myself as a (very) amateur cook but a food enthusiast. I have a love/hate relationship with food; a true food romancer.  I usually eat then pat my food baby (and usually with a huge grin on my face). With that being said, let's get this show started.