The Poet's Cafe

Based on a tip off from one of my lovely Twitter Followers, Spensley and I decided to head home via The Poet's Cafe, Montville. The Poet's Cafe makes a visual impact from the moment you arrive with the stained glass windows, honey toned interior walls overlooking a lush green garden. The dish above is Spensley's Poet's Egg Benedict with avocado which comprised of sourdough, roast tomato, crispy pancetta and truffled hollandise sauce. I didn't try any of this dish but eggs were bright and runny and Spensley praised the hollandise sauce's flavour.

I decided to order a rather hearty slow cooked beans with toasted sourdough, a thick lamb and fennel sausage and poached egg. This dish is not to be consumed in polite company as you'll need to balance the beans and the poached egg on your thick slice of sourdough and then pick the beans from the flavoursome sauce. The sauce had nice large chunks of cooked tomato and was creatively flavoured with star anise and cummin. Very interesting but by George it worked! While we both really enjoyed our meals, the portions were generous, I won't lie as I thought the whole experience was overpriced with a mocha or hot chocolate at $6 a pop and any additional sides adding up. So just be wary of your selections.

Rating: 3 out of 5. 

Address: 167 Main Street, Montville, QLD 4560. 

Open: Monday - Thursday: 9am - 6pm. Friday - Saturday: 9am - 9pm. Sunday: 8.30am - 6pm. 

Phone: (07) 5478 5479. 

Extract Espresso Bar

I love the city, the hussle, the bussle as people go around their business and make the bold decisions, the lovers, the power, the smoke and the sex. It's all there but blink and you'll miss unique little spots like Extract Espresso Bar nestled between Flowers by Jane, Children of the Revolution and Chocolates to Die For. Extract Espresso Bar opens at the crack of dawn, Monday to Friday for those filthy addicted addicted to sweet caffeine and also makes a range of simple, homestyle sandwiches and sweets that catering to those with special dietary requirements. The friendly staff are happy to arrange take away or bring your purchase to your table. Yes, your eyes don't deceive you, the establishment is bigger than it appears from the outside as there is a sneaky side passage that opens onto a quiet office building foyer. So if you're looking for a change of scene from your office or a uni bum looking for somewhere a little more stylish than the library than Extract could be the solution (psst they also offer free wi fi, talk the staff).

Though I'm quite partial to their Chocolate Croissants, there was a period a couple of years ago where their Toasted Vegetarian Sourdough Sandwiches were my breakfast du jour. They are really something to behold, grilled capsicum, zucchini, onion, spinach and the perfect amount of cheese to keep hundreds of taste buds happy. The fact I'm raving about a vegetarian sandwich is really saying something because given half the opportunity I'll always opt for half a side of the biggest animal within a 50km radius. So have a special dietary requirement? Looking for that perfect Toasted Vegetarian Sandwich? Or a Di Bella Coffee? Then hop off near Central and look sharp for Extract.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 7a/ 200 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday - Friday. Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: (07) 32213166.

James Street Bistro

You will have noted in the later part of the year that my blogging activities dropped off significantly and that was due to being involved in a number of wonderful activities including a filthy production called 'How to be a Man,' The Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, my contract expiring and the dash to secure work and being caught up in Christmas Chaos. Excuses, excuses ... but basically I barely got to see Miss Sarah, so we decided to rectify this by having lunch at James Street Bistro.

It's only been in the last few years that I have become a more frequent patron of James Street but I quite like how it has developed with an abundance of gourmet food, homeware, fashion, cinemas and lovely dining spots like James Street Bistro. I quite like the space, it's clean, modern, open plan and time from order to delivery is quite prompt whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Miss Sarah decided to order the James Street Bistro Burger. As you can see it comprises of a round of beef mince, bacon, lettuce, cheese, tomato, onion, mayonnaise and chips. It was quite a generous portion so make sure you are hungry before you order this beast.

I was in a small portion savoury kind of mood so I decided to order the duck which came on a bed of lentils and cabbage with port jus. The duck was moist, tender, well seasoned with a wonderfully crisp skin. The beans added freshness to the dish and I also delighted to find the lentils soaked up the port jus and provided the essential carbohydrate component to keep pangs of hunger at bay.

Though the food was wonderful, I found the service was lacking on this particular visit. So after being unable to flag down a staff member for a final coffee, we decided to seek it further afield. But other than this small blemish, I've always found James Street Bistro a dependable and consistent establishment. It's worth adding it to your date night/girl day/allBYmyyseeeeeelf agenda.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 39 James Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006.
Open: 7 Days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Phone: (07) 3852 5155.
Price: Breakfast: $9.90 - $22.90. Lunch: $14.90 - $32.90. Dinner: $22.90 - $32.90.

Grub Street

Grub Street is the local Gaythorne foodie haunt and despite the playful name, it is not located on Grub Street but on Samford Road. Owner and Chef, Travis 'Stix' Grigg is passionate about using seasonal and ethical produce (they use RSPCA approved free range eggs and pork) and offers a creative menu. In fact the current breakfast menu features dishes such as Orange and vanilla risotto with roasted apple and rhubarb, Beetroot cured salom with horseradish creme fraiche and chopped egg on sourdough toast and Asian pulled pork omelette with chilli jam, herb salad and black vinegar dressing. So I packed up some of my nearest and dearest friends and set off on a quest to Grub Street.

We arrived early and after scoping out the dining room (it seats 20) and the back deck, we decided to sit at a large table on the side. Pictured above is Amy's Mushroom duxelle with truffled pecorino scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs seem easy to accomplish but I've had them served rubbery and watery more times that I care for. Bleh. But behold the wonderfully light and silky scrambled eggs.

Though I was sorely tempted the French toast with caramelised pear and wattle seed ice cream, I'm a savoury person in the morning and selected the Haloumi and Zuchinni fritters with poached eggs, spinach, za'atar and smoky eggplant. Though it sounds like a heavy meal, the smaller portion size and soft poached eggs made it amazing and extremely moreish.

But if you aren't tempted by the menu, then be sure to ask about the specials. This is Grub Street's Strawberry pancakes with blood orange icecream and chocolate. Is and Amy reported that the icecream was amazing. So while I'm quite happy to wax lyrical and sing the praises of Grub Street's offering ... I will say I left angry as we were bundled out the door within the hour. I understand the establishment has limited room (20 guests in the dining room and three tables outdoors), but to be asked within the hour to wrap up twice in an hour is poor front of house management. Weekend breakfast is more than just the food, it is also the experience of being able to spend time with friends. Grub Street could have resolved the issue in three ways:

• Set expectations at the start by starting a weekend time limit.


• Purchase more outdoor seating.


• Ask politely if guests would be happy to move to a smaller table.

Though I'm still incredibly disenchanted by this, Grub Street is still worth a visit. Just be prepared to eat and quickly depart.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 1/440 Samford Road, Gaythorne, QLD 4031.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday. 7am - 2pm.
Phone: (07) 3855 9580.
Price: Breakfast: $6 - $18. Lunch: $10 - $18.

5th Battery

Sometimes you strike gold in the most unexpected places and I had heard whispers that there was a rather decent slab of it on Warry Street in Fortitude Valley. 5th Battery's industrial roller door is nestled amongst residential apartments but once you step inside you are greeted with light, colour, modern stained glass doorways and an atrium.

5th Battery is a unique establishment as they roast their own coffee. They offer two blends: Brother Espresso House Blend (the beans are sourced from Indonesia, India, Ethiopia and Nicaragua and blends fruity flavours with the aroma of spices and toffee) and Fifth Battery Seasonal Blend (this bend uses beans from Brazil, Ethiopia and Nicaragua and combines fruity notes with chocolate sweetness). Here is a photograph of my mocha, served in a cheerful red cup with a sensible handle (I have issues with handles that cannot fit my lady fingers through them as it makes me feel fat).

On this particular morning I was joined by the most awesome-tastic Carmen and Tania. The girls both decided to order a Breakie Burger as they had heard rumours that it was the must have item on the menu. The Breakie Burger features fresh avocado, prosciutto crudo, vintage cheddar, a sunny side up egg and aioli on two slices of organic sourdough. Tania is gluten free so to make up for the lack of bread the kitchen provided an additional egg and strangely neglected to add the cheddar. But our theory was it might not present well and perhaps the cheese was melted directly onto the bread. Either way, the team were pretty with their burger.

Here is a photograph of my second breakfast which was a delightful Almond Croissant. This particular morning I had managed to ruin my appetite my making myself a soft poached egg with ham on toast. So while I wanted to consume something more robust, I'm sort of glad as I would have a hard time choosing between the Smoked Salmon, beetroot relish, creme fraiche and baby rocket served on rye vienna or the Grilled marinated mushrooms with a side of organic sourdough served with fresh buffalo ricotta.

Does this breakfast sound awesome to you? Well the price will make you even happier as breakfast ranges from $3 to $10. What a steal! But if you can't make it into 5th Battery then I am sure a Brother Espresso could assist. They are all a part of the same chain but Brother Espresso tends to be more accessible with two stores in the central business district and another in Bulimba. So breakfast ... make it happen.

Edit [10 January 2012]: Since I wrote this article I've also managed to have lunch at 5th Battery and give my stamp of approval. Behold my beautifully tender Sirlion steak sandwich served on organic sourdough with spanish onion, roma tomatoes, vintage cheddar, baby rocket, mustard sauce and a petite salad. Sounds amazing yes, but don't get too fixated on the online menu as it isn't current. There isn't any soup or Sand crab lasagne with abalone cream. This made me sad ... well that was until my lunch arrived and all was forgiven.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 23 Warry Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4005.
Open: Monday - Friday: 7am 4pm. Saturday: 8am - 2pm.
Phone: (07) 3852 5396.
Price: Breakfast: $3 - $10. Lunch: $11 - $17. Coffee: $3.20 - $3.70.

Thai Wi Rat

Bean and I used to work in the same organisation and after accepting new positions, we realised that we work within walking distance of each other so agreed to meet for lunch in ChinaTown Mall. Tasty, budget friendly food was on the top of our agenda so we decided to settle on Thai Wi Rat. Thai Wi Rat doesn't look impressive from the outside but once you order at the counter, the service is brisk and the tables are clean. I actually find it quite pleasant to dine outside as you can enjoy the mall's water feature.

Bean decided to order a Thai Green Curry with some steamed rice. It was a good portion size and contained a variety of vegetables and slices of chicken. Also most importantly the sauce to rice ratio was right.

I know it isn't traditional but I am rather fond of Chicken Pad Thai and I was extremely happy with my dish. The noodles were wonderfully textured, the chicken was tender, sauce was flavoursome and the bean sprouts were a lovely accent. I polished off the lot and felt over full as ambled back to my desk. But I still hope that I will repeat this journey again in the near future.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 48 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4005.
Open: 10am - 9pm. 7 days a week.
Phone: (07) 3257 0884.
Price: Entree: $5.50 - $8.90. Main: $9.90 - $16.90.

The Chelsea

The very hip Eliza of Gastronomy Gal calls them PIE: Partner In Eating. Though I don't have a regular companion PIE, I do have a range of wonderful PIEs to call upon and this particular morning I had arranged to meet the fabulous Kate and Mister Spensley at the Chelsea. The Chelsea is located in the Barracks complex and every time I step inside it reminds me of New York. This bistro offers moderately priced meals, seven days a week in a central location (parking is free for the first two hours and the complex is connected to Roma Street Train Station). The coffee pictured above is a skinny mocha. My coffee was a good size, the milk was glossy and coffee was sweet, smooth and without any bite.

Though there were a number of imaginative dishes on the breakfast menu such as Kedgeree - Smoked king fish, poached eggs, curried basmati rice, tomato, coriander and yoghurt. I decided to selected one of the specials which was an omelette with smokey chorizo, roast capsicum and onion. Though I enjoyed this dish immensely as the fluffy texture was contrasted by the wonderfully bold flavours, I am still pining for one of my old favourites - Poached pear on homemade gingerbread with honeyed ricotta and pistachio. I'm still holding hope that it will return to the menu, but I'm sure I will continue to visit this lovely venue.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 61 Petrie Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064.
Open: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 7 days a week.
Phone: (07) 3367 1288.
Price: Breakfast: $5.50 - $17.50. Lunch: $9.50 - $23.50. Dinner: $23.50 - $38.50. Dessert: $12 - $14.50.

Jeremy's on Albert

It isn't uncommon for me to have a biscuit in my mouth as I am frantically running along somewhere. I will only stop when I've found someone suitable to shout at and a year ago I used to encounter the same gentleman before I entered class. He was an old world sort, sporting a three piece suit and an analytical expression. This gentleman is Mister Manning and it seemed too soon that he finished his course and departed back to Hong Kong. So when he recently returned to Brisbane, we caught up for dinner at Jeremy's on Albert. I really like Jeremy's for breakfast as it has a good selection, relaxed and occasionally offers live music. However it is a very different beast in the evening and is perhaps a little too stiff for my liking.

I decided to order the Trio of Wild Mushroom Risotto and I must admit it quite confronting to be faced with a pool of oil. Though the mushrooms had the most gorgeous texture and the dish was pleasant, I find it difficult to fully appreciate a meal when it is poorly presented. We faced a similar presentation issue with Mister Manning's Liquorice Panna Cotta, Raspberry Tapioca and Mint Dessert. I've had a number of really wonderful experiences at Jeremy's so I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and suggest that perhaps it was the chef's eyes had gone on a holiday?

Red Wine Poached Pear with honeyed walnuts and a mascarpone cream. Though I really love toffee and nuts, they were difficult to work through as we had a lot of catch up. The staff were attentive and I am just hopeful that this evening was just a minor hiccup in the usual performance.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 93 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday - Friday: 7am - 10pm. Saturday: 7am - 12pm. 5:30pm - 10pm.
Phone: (07) 3210 6529.
Price: Dinner: $21 - $38.

Qwerk Espresso

Sometimes in our haste we miss the best things in life, so this morning I made a snap decision to stop and check out Qwerk Espresso. Qwerk Espresso is a brand new cafe in Wilston and is open for coffee, breakfast and lunch, seven days a week between 7am and 2pm. The cafe has a lovely eclectic collection of furniture and when you venture inside, it's welcoming with its honey wood panel floor. Though my intention was to stop for a Hot Chocolate, my eyes soon spotted a couple of small stands bearing exquisite morels and I knew I just had to have one.

I decided to settle for a gorgeous Pear Tart and it came served with creamy tangy lemon yoghurt on an Eco Vision plate (these plates are made from the leaf sheaths of the Areca Palm and therefore completely biodegradable) . This yoghurt is made on site and just like the Pear and Hazelnut Tart is exquisite. The pastry was crisp and light, the pear moist and singing with caramel notes that can only come from love and care. The team obviously loves their new cafe and I think you ought to also stop and check it out.

Edit:

Since I wrote this review, my little brother and I have been back for breakfast and here are some photographs of the breakfast we enjoyed. Gorgeous ripe avocadoes on toast with a dask of balsamic and spicy home made baked beans with sausage for a savoury kick.



Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 45 Kedron Brook Road, Cnr of York Street, Wilson, QLD 4051.
Open: 7 Days a week. 7am - 2pm.
Phone: N/A.
Price: Coffee from $3.50.

Hanaichi Sushi Bar + Dining

Thousands of individuals pass, converge or meet daily in the Queen Street Mall and perhaps a hundred or so will take the Wintergarden escalator to seek out Hanaichi Sushi Bar + Dining. Though this busy sushi bar often has a line spilling into the corridor it moves fairly briskly and you soon find yourself at the Sushi Bar.

The Sushi Bar gives you prime position to view the chefs crafting nigiri or slicing sashimi. I began my journey with a classic Salmon Nigiri, before moving onto something more modern ... the California Roll. The California Roll is a style of sushi engineered for the American palette. It replaces the traditional tuna with a seafood stick or crab salad, adds avocado and places the chewy nori inside. The Hanaichi version uses crab salad and comes served in a set of three. You only see two pieces as I forgot to take a photo until I halfway through my first piece. Oopas!

I've always been a fan of the texture and smokey flavour of Eel Nigiri but on this occasion I found this particular dish to be somewhat dry. It is disappointing as traditional Japanese preparation of eel is really interesting. The flesh is grilled over hot charcoal, then steamed to remove excess fat, then seasoned with a sweetish sauce and grilled a second time.

As I was locked into hosting an event that evening, I decided to have a naughty Tempura Prawn Nigiri. So what can I say about Hanaichi Sushi Bar? It's easily accessible, fresh and good for an instant hit of sushi or a lightning fast catch up with a friend.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 171 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: 7 Days. Lunch: 11:30am - 3pm. Dinner: 5:30pm - Late.
Phone: (07) 3221 1450.
Price: Sushi: $3.50 - $7.00.

The Jubilee Hotel

Unless I've been called away by work or am dying from Ebola, you will find me on Monday nights at the Jubilee Hotel waiting to inflict audiences with my bumbling brand of humour. The Speakeasy is ImproMafia's free theatre-sport style comedy show and allows new improvisers to refine their craft with a few seasoned performers to keep things moving along nicely. Since the start of the year I've watched the Jubilee Hotel attempt to shift their offering to something more upmarket with items like Salmon Rissoles and provide more choices than you could poke a stick at. Luckily the Jubilee Hotel kitchen has seen the light and returned to focusing on good, ample pub food and are now offering 10 meal choices for $12, all day Monday to Thursday. Miss Amy and I can attest to the fact it's good, the Beef and Guinness Pie (pictured above) is large enough to feed two and comes served with creamy mash potato and a puff pastry lid. The beef is moist, flavoursome and perfect rainy weather cuisine.

However if you're looking for something a little more naughty, my pick is the pan fried Chicken Schnitzel served with mushroom sauce, thick cut chips and salad. There is ample space to dine, plenty of free parking if you enter via Gregory Terrace and best of all there is free comedy on a Monday. So roll up! Roll up! Enjoy some ample pub food and watch me openly embrace and full frontal snog failure on stage in the face.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 470 Saint Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006.
Open: 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Phone: (07) 3252 4508
Price: Entrees: $5.50 - $9.00, Mains $12 - $28, Desserts $7.50.

Otello on Oxford

As the older, slightly mad grandchild I was tasked with taking a gaggle of younger cousins rifle shooting. The pay off was a lunch allowance so after a morning on the range, I took the boys to Otello on Oxford. Otello on Oxford is a small Italian restaurant in Bulimba. The restaurant is mainly alfresco dining and offers a range of savoury and home made desserts. In my youth I used to dine there quite regularly and admired the consistency and balance of their creamy pasta sauces. The sauces always had enough taste and body, but were light enough to leave you feeling full, without feeling bloated. The photo above is their Gnocchi with two cheeses and mushroom.

Maybe I was inspired by the gorgeous Italian waiter but I decided to select something different and ordered the Fettuccine Tricolori. This dish was tomato fettuccine enveloped in a cream sauce, served on a bed of pureed asparagus with flaked salmon and pecorino. Though I really adore asparagus I felt it was a touch over powering but the salmon was amazing. So moist and flavoursome.

My brother on the hand decided to be a little more homely in his tastes and ordered an Irish Coffee and the Roast Chicken Risotto and each grain had the perfect bit of spring that can only come from experience. I've been dining on and off at Ortellos for more than five years and am yet to have a bad experience so if you're after pasta and a slice of Tiramisu, it's well worth the visit.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 1/180 Oxford Street, Bulimba, QLD, 4171.
Open: 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Phone: (07) 3217 9809
Price: Mains $15 - $30.

Jong Ga

Perched on the top of a hill, overlooking St Paul Terrace is the Korean Barbecue Restaurant, Jong Ga. You always notice the restaurant due to its prominent location and traditional Asian roof design but there is very little to persuade a passer to stop at this restaurant due to its isolated location. But Jong Ga has survived for years and it is obviously that patrons travel to this solely to this location for the restaurant's all you can eat Korean Barbecue. $28.80 will provide you with a range of meat, seafood, sushi and stir fry dishes. Drinks can be purchased at an additional cost.

The staff members who greeted us were friendly and the barbecue plate was changed on a regular basis. As you can see from the photo I selected some prawns, wagyu, spicy chicken and marinated beef. I really enjoyed the marinated beef and this would be my pick along with the gorgeous clear glass noodles. The interior isn't amazing, I would steer clear of the sushi, the restaurant is hot and you will smell like you came from a crematorium but if you are hungry and want to consume meat with a side of meat, well this is the place for you!

Rating: 3 out 5.
Address: 316 Saint Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 7:30am - 6:00pm.
Phone: (07) 3252 3559.
Price: All you can eat buffet $28.80. Lunch special available, Saturday and Sunday.