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