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