028. Birthday Celebrations: Glamorous Wok

Glamorous Wok - the name catches you doesn't it? I only wanted to go because of the name. I didn't know much about the place but feedback from friends was more than positive. I heard many glowing reviews about 'Glam Wok' being the most authentic Taiwanese in Brisbane. I'm not from Taiwan, nor have I ever been, so I wouldn't know about the authenticity but since my first visit, I have come back time and time again. The service is a bit hit and miss; being a first generation Aussie Asian who cannot speak fluent Cantonese or Mandarin, it can be a little difficult on the communication front but the food makes up for it. My first visit was with family for a birthday lunch so I was saved by my mother who could converse fluently with the staff. But on other occasions when I have visited with non-Chinese speaking friends, it has been a little difficult.  Food wise, the quality is great but not fantastic, definitely above average especially considering the area we are talking about here. I recommend the salt and pepper pork or calamari - I always order this. Their rice dishes, sadly, can be a little bit oily.

Among the plethora of Asian cuisines in the Sunnybank area, there isn't much in the way of Taiwanese fare that compares to Glam Wok. I would definitely recommend a visit just for the salt and pepper dishes with fried rice that has Chinese sausage in it. Yum yum!

 

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).