Thomas Corner Eatery

Spensley and I keep extremely full schedules but after lengthy discussions we came to the conclusion that we ought to take a holiday during the May long weekend. So after shooing out all the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern actors and patrons with a long handled broom from the Brisbane Art Theatre courtyard, we jumped into the car to Caloundra. In return for Spensley doing the driving, I offered to buy him dinner and after some research and decided to book us in for dinner at David Rayner's Thomas Corner Eatery. Thomas Corner is stylish establishment but has a relaxed atmosphere helped along by the friendly but efficient staff who quickly seated us despite running late.    

We had a late lunch so we decided to start with mains. Spensley selected the papardelle with cultivated mushrooms, shallots, english spinach, pecorino, topped with a hot poached egg and dressed with olive oil and parsley. The pasta was perfected cooked and aromatic as the smell of the pecorino instantly perked up the appetite upon arrival. I was also impressed to note the inclusion of enoki in the mix. These delicate mushrooms have a wonderful crispy texture and are amazing stir fried.   

While I was disappointed to learn that the rabbit was unavailable, this was quickly dissipated by the arrival of the grilled Bangalow pork chop, celeriac, apple and fennel remoulade, crackling and white wine jus. The pork was rich, fatty and tender and offset by the celeriac, apple and fennel remoulade accented by pieces of crackling. 

For dessert we both selected the poached pear, chocolate sable, pistachio cream and chocolate sorbet. While we were both were expecting the pear to be warm as it was a fairly cool evening, but it was served ice cold which we believe was intentional. The chocolate sorbet was strictly for adult tastes with a rich, deep 80% dark chocolate accent and the pistachio cream bordered on savoury with pieces of roasted nuts. It was a lovely meal and it had to be as I had asked Spensley to drive an hour from Caloundra. On the way home he asked me, "did you have any concept of the distance when you made the booking?" I replied, "not really, I assumed the Sunshine Coast was all together." "I thought was much," he said. So, now I know.  

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 1/201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566.
Open: Monday - Friday: 11.30am, Saturday: 9am, Sunday: 8.30am. Breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Phone: (07) 5470 2224.
Price: Entree: $16 - $24. Mains: $29 - $35. Dessert: $3.50 - $14.

Taro's Ramen and Cafe

Being absolutely food obsessed, I'm constantly studying, cooking and consuming the subject matter so it's a rare occasion that I haven't heard of an establishment before. So when a potential speaker suggested, Taro's Ramen and Cafe I was a little surprised as I often grumble that in the Financial/Legal district of Brisbane there is a distinct lack of cheap and cheerful options. Well, hello Taro's! What a revelation! A clean, modern outdoor setting that is perfectly positioned to catch the breeze and overlooks the Storey Bridge. But wait that not all, it's also got a range of amazing tasty options on the menu.

After some deliberation I decided to order the Red Tonkotsu Ramen. The Red Tonkotsu provides you with gorgeous strands of chewy ramen in a rich pork bone stock, topped with soft slices of pork, seaweed, egg and a dash of chilli. Apart from the presentation, I was really impressed by the flavours, it was an extremely elegant meal and the chilli added a nice final accent to the dish.

My companion ordered Shio Ramen which you will note features a more moist curly noodle and a stock made from chicken, dried seafood and vegetables. He just so happens to a Taro's tragic as he admitted that it was the third time he had been back this week and I'm not surprised as the noodles really are very good. At the moment, Taro has a limited edition offering of Truffle Ramen for $35 a bowl. I must admit I'm intrigued so if anyone want to join me on this culinary tasting adventure let me know as I'd love an excuse to return to this lovely niche offering. Meals on average are approximately $15 and you will be receiving an authenic dish, made with passion and delivered with speed which makes Taro's a perfect location for a business lunch, or if you have time, stay a little longer.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 363 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD 4064.
Open: Monday to Saturday: Lunch and Dinner.
Phone: (07) 3832 6358.

Bunker

I've been hearing for months, whispers about a leafy coffee/chocolate mecca, located in Milton inside a World War Two air raid shelter. Normally I would act without a second thought but unfortunately Bunker is only open Monday to Friday, 6:30am - 3.30pm or Saturday, at the Kevin Grove Markets (5:30am - 1pm), times that sadly do not suit my hectic schedule. So now that I'm on holidays I grabbed my cousin, Yens and we headed off a pilgrimage to sample this much cavorted elixir.

We were lucky to find a street park as when we arrived the place was a hive of activity. But it didn't take long to place the order for a tea and a hot chocolate. Though the flavour of the day was chai, the staff very kindly offered to make me the dark jaffa hot chocolate which I had heard so much about.

When the drinks arrived I wasn't disappointed. Beautifully presented, velvety smooth liquid with accents of the finest orange chocolate. It was a world shifting foodgasm moment and I highly recommend you take the journey to Bunker for their fabulous elixirs as you really don't have anything to lose.

Rating: 4 out 5.
Address: 21 Railway Terrace, Milton QLD 4064.
Open: Monday - Friday. 6:30am to 3.30pm.
Phone: 0422 124 767

Naked for Satan

After Sarah and I had lunch at Mandalay Bay we dropped into the studio of the mad millinery genius Richard Nylon, viewed the Tutankhamum Exhibition (which I might add was beautifully curated as there were a number of signage points and you could travel the entire circumference of each display. However I was a tad disappointed that there wasn't the opportunity to view the death mask, sarcophagus or board a fun park ride. Seriously, hear me out. As the initial entry started with a short film and a verbal introduction in a fully enclosed room, I was expecting to be startled by a faux crisis and shuffled into a little red cart ... but alas I was wrong.) and made the decision to board a tram back to the hotel and freshen up. But we made a minor miscalculation, so we spent the next hour cruising the inner city streets of Melbourne on a City Circle Tram, until we were back at Brunswick Street and entering the coppery light of Naked for Satan.

As your eyes adjust, one of the first thing you will spot is the main bar's steam punk inspired copper drums. These drums are infusing a number of flavoured vodka's onsite and fit into the bar's back story of a Russian immigrant bootlegging in the nude. Though Naked for Satan appears to be quite small, continue walk up the stairs to an expanse of tables, hidden nooks and wait staff serving you drinks and gorgeous pintxos. Pintxos cost no more than $2 each and it's the perfect concept or a bar as the bread fills you up and as you pay per tooth pick, it means no squabbling over the bill! I'm not sure how much Naked for Satan loses on dishonesty but each guest gets their own little shot glass to place their tooth picks and all you have to do is take them to the counter when you are done.

Though there are a number of vegetarian options, the Naked for Satan pintxos bar concept really suits those who like meat, cheese and carbs. As I like all of these things, drinkies and a touch of naughty, I'd be more than happy to return there. Hope you get naked soon!

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065,
Open: Sunday - Tuesday: 12pm - 12am. Wednesday - Saturday: 12pm - 1am.
Phone: (03) 9416 2238
Price: Pintxos: $2 each.

Mandalay Bay

The funny about Australian capital cities is no matter which one you are in, there are always similar elements. For example the style of Brisbane Arcade is remarkably similar to the Strand (Sydney), Adelaide Arcade and Royal Arcade (Melbourne) and Brunswick Street in Melbourne has striking similar to Brisbane with its eclectic mixture of boutique fashion, bars and dining options. As Sarah and I ambled the full stretch of Brunswick Street, we decided it would be prudent to stop for lunch at Mandalay Bay.

The restaurant was basic but clean and we both quickly settled on bowls of steaming Pho. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup which comprises of rice noodles, flavoursome clear stock, topped with a choice of beef or chicken and dish of mint, bean sprouts, chili etc. The photograph featured above is my bowl of Beef Pho and it came out piping hot and perfectly seasoned. The tender beef was sliced thinly and I enjoyed every mouthful of this ample dish, sprinkled liberally with bean sprouts. They were just gorgeous as they quickly absorbed the flavoursome soup.

This is Sarah's Chicken Pho and the meal are worth above and beyond the $10 a bowl, price point. I really enjoyed the experience and wished this little restaurant was located back in Brisbane's Brunswick Street.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 183 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065,
Open: Monday - Sunday. 11:30am - 3pm. 5pm - 11pm.
Phone: (03) 9486 0880
Price: Entree: $4 - $9. Main: $9 - 19.

Willow and Spoon

It wasn't so long ago when I was bemoaning the lack of interesting cafes on Brisbane's Northside but I'm please to say that Willow and Spoon is another of these establishments working to fill the void. Despite Willow and Spoon being located on busy Samford Road, there is ample parking on side streets and you'll barely notice the traffic with the eclectic mixture of furniture and fresh plants.

Willow and Spoon continued to impress with its gorgeous menu. Presented on a wooden clipboard, Renee and I thought long and hard. Would we select 'Parlez Vous Franois?' A creme brulee french toast, raspberry and vanilla bean ice cream. 'Chloe's Wild?' Mushroom, garlic, spinach, tomato, haloumi and corn bread. 'The Swiss Miss?' Beef cheek, cauliflower gratin, tallegio cheese, foreign crumbs and poached egg. I really wanted to know more about these foreign crumbs ... but important business first, coffee! Willow and Spoon uses Blue Sky Coffee Beans and comes served in brightly coloured cups, with a unique collectible teaspoon and grated chocolate. I was impressed with the effort, but was I impressed with the coffee? It was serviceable but the milk lacked fullness and body. Renee wondered if it was cheap milk, I wondered if the steam wand was positioned too high, but we're giving the establishment the benefit of the doubt as we were later informed by the friendly and helpful staff that the coffee machine had broken down.

Renee ordered 'The Willow' consisting of bacon, eggs, tomato, braised red lentils and semolina toast. Though Renee was happy with her meal, though we both decided we were a little short on toast. I just love a poached egg between two slices of toast, so on one piece of toast simply won't do for me. But luckily, you can order toast as a side and my word it arrived fast. It was like magic!

I decided to order 'The Stateside' which consisted of shredded pork, pumpkin puree, home-style beans and a fried egg. Though I like a savoury breakfast, I prefer more retrained flavours in he morning so I have substituted a poached egg. Though the home-style beans were full of flavour it was tempered by the pumpkin puree. I really enjoyed this dish and I know I'll be back to enjoy this lovely local.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 28 Samford Road, Alderley, QLD 4051.
Open: Tuesday - Friday: 7am - 3pm, Saturday: 8am - 2pm, Sunday: 8am - 12pm.
Phone: (07) 3855 9580.
Price: Breakfast: $15 - $18. Lunch: $14 - $17.

Era Bistro

It has taking me three years part time to complete my Masters Degree. That's 36 months, 1095.7266 days, 1577846.3 minutes or in my world, ages! So after the graduation ceremony, the family ambled from the Queensland Performing Arts Complex to Era Bistro. Era offers modern Australian cuisine in a contemporary setting and is split into two areas, casual cafe style dining or the fine dining restaurant. Though I would have loved to have stayed outside, we decided to selected the fine dining area and indulge in the Discovery Menu. The Discovery Menu is Era Bistro's disgustation and is updated monthly.

The July Discovery Menu opened with Seared Scallops, Duck Rillettes, Girolles, Asparagus and Chorizo Veloute. I found the amount of seasoning confronting initally but as my taste buds adjusted, I came to appreciate how harmous this dish was. I adored the texture of the Duck Rillettes and if I wasn't being polite I would have lifted the dish to my face and licked up the Veloute Sauce. Veloute Sauce is a French sauce and designated as one of the four "mother sauces" (along with Allemande, Bechamel and Espagnole) by Antonin Careme.

The next dish to follow was Pig Trotter with Chicken Mousse, Soft White Polenta, Apples, Bacon and Calvados Jus. Pork and apple is a classic combination but I appreciated Marcus Turner's bold decision to use a cheaper cut of meat. This cut is full of collagen and when it is well cooked the Trotter just melts away. I thought this dish was quite beautiful.

To cleanse the palate a small glass of peach sorbet was served. The peach flavour was evident and the sorbet had a balanced and natural sweetness.

Black Angus Beef Fillet, Spinach, Dauphinoise Potato with Red Wine Jus. This was a robust, comfort food dish. You would think that the Black Angus Beef Fillet was the star, but everyone at the table just loved the Dauphinoise Potato. Though you can never go wrong with cheese, cream and potato, there is something so dainty about dissecting the paper thin slices of potato.

I assumed that the next course would be served as a share plate, but it can individually plated. The Ashgrove Farm Cheddar (Tasmania) was mild and worked well with the Lavosh. Mind you I had no other choice as I had already enjoyed the French Buche D'Affinois Brie with Walnut Taste and a generous spread of Fig Chutney.

Era's dessert menu looks like a window into Heaven as it currently features:

• Hot Apple and Apricot Strudel, Butterscotch Sauce and Cinnamon Ice


• Strawberry Cream, Milk Crumbs, White Chocolate Sponge, Strawberries and Chantilly


• Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, Biscotti and Chocolate Sorbet


• Hot Banana and Chocolate Beignets, Honeycomb, Peanut Butter and Milk Sorbet


• Upside Down Lemon Tart, Blackcurrent Coulis, Lime Curd and Meringue


• Churros (Spanish Cinnamon Doughnuts) with Hot Chocolate Sauce

So I was slightly disappointed with July's choice of Chocolate Parfait, Cardomom Custard, Mandarin Puree, Cocoa and Citrus Glass. However the Chocolate Parfait was just so much lighter than I expected, once it melted in your mouth it was like mousse. Roll the parfait with cocoa crumbs and oh my goodness amazing! In fact the whole experience was just gorgeous, the Discovery Menu is $85 per person, or $130 with wine. Best enjoyed on a Saturday night, celebrating something special.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 102 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101.
Open: Lunch, 7 days a week: 11:30am - 2:30pm. Dinner, Monday to Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm.
Phone: (07) 3255 2033.
Price: Entree: $21 - $27, Main: $39 - $43, Dessert: $9 - $16.

Au Cirque

One of my favourite things things to do is to rise early, fossick through the Brisbane Powerhouse Markets and then head to Au Cirque for breakfast. I recommend getting to Au Cirque before 9am in the morning as you will find parking difficult (though Au Cirque has a brand new car park which I am loving) and could be left waiting in line. Though the staff will fetch you a coffee, it can be mighty cold in the concrete shade of Brunswick Street. But once you enter, Au Cirque is wonderfully warm, I love the way the sunlight filters through the room and how your senses are delighted by the rose wallpaper and the smell of fresh lillies.

The breakfast menu at Au Cirque features a number of wonderful dishes such as Sweet Corncakes with smashed Avocado and Tomato Salsa, Porridge with Winter Spiced Poached Fruit and Toasted Banana Bread with Ricotta and Honey. But if that doesn't tickle your fancy, then turn around and cast your eyes towards the black board containing the specials. The dish pictured above is Hot Smoked Salmon, Poached Eggs on a Parmesan Rosti with Beurre Blanc Sauce.

Here is a photo of the Chowdown. I would have taken photos of everyone else's breakfast but we were too busy chatting and getting our brood on for photos (a recent study claims that brooding men were more attractive). So in summary, great friends with a fabulous breakfast. I recommend trying it sooner than later.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 618 Brunswick Street, New Farm, QLD 4005.
Open: Breakfast and Lunch, 7 days a week.
Phone: (07) 3254 0479.
Price: Breakfast: $3.50 - $15.50.

Montrachet

Located in the inner city suburb of Paddington is the charming Montrachet. Opulently decorated the restaurant features warm red, brown and gold colours and whisks you away into another reality. Over the years I'd heard only glowing reports about this restaurant so I decided it was time experience this bastion of French cuisine and was joined by the lovely Alex, Kate, Kat and Patrick.

Montrachet has sitting times, so we settled down to business of ordering quickly and I decided on the Carré d’Agneau and the Grand Marnier Souffle. The Carré d’Agneauis comprised of a baked lamb rack resting on cauliflower puree, a petite lamb pie and carrot jus. The lamb was well seasoned and moist and the pastry of the petite lamb pie was just divine. If that pie was my last meal on Earth, I'd be pretty happy and all the dishes were served with fresh bread to allow you fully savour the rich sauces.

The Souffle was the dessert du jour at our table and it was beautifully presented and light. Though it wasn't a bad execution, I felt the example I was presented with at Alchemy was of a higher standard. The evening was full of good company and merriment but sadly the experienced by damaged at the end of the evening by the waitress.

We waited patiently for our change and after an extended period of time decided to enquire. The waitress returned with the change and stiffly commented, "ordinarily that would have been a tip." We were all taken aback by the rudeness and it disappointing to end the evening on that note. Montrachet is beautiful, the food is gorgeous but it obvious that the venue has a skewed perception of profits and dining experience. There is no where for customers to wait with the bar area being utilised for dining and the wait staff must slide the tables out to allow guests to maneuver in and out. Montrachet is still worth a look and would have rated as a lower end 4.5 star experience bar the final exchange.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 224 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064.
Open: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 12pm. Dinner: Monday - Thursday: Sittings at 6pm and 8:30pm.
Phone: (07) 3367 0030.
Price: Entrees: $12 - $28. Main: $38 - $42. Desserts: $9.60.

Brodburger

I've always regarded Canberra as a beautiful but soulless town so it was refreshing to discover Brodburger. Brodburger is a Canberra institution and is prepared and served from a little red caravan by the lake. The photo doesn't depict it but by the time Mellie, Aaron and I came to collect our burgers there was a real crowd.

So what is a Brodburger? A standard Brodburger is a fantastic culinary execution of a homemade burger featuring a soft bun, thick beef patty, salad, lashings of aioli, tomato relish and your choice of cheese (swiss, brie or blue). However there number of other options including chicken (pictured above), fish, vegetarian and the Brodeluxe which features eggs and bacon.

To fully appreciate the joy of the Brodburger you must be (a) hungry and (b) have plenty of time. There is only one window to collect and order from and they appear to do this in batches. Once you have ordered your meal, it can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour to finalised ... but once you have the gorgeous burger in your eager little hands, you won't be disappointed.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: Bowen Park Carpark, Bowen Drive/Wentworth Avenue, Barton ACT 2604.
Open: Lunch - Tuesday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 2pm. Dinner - Wednesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - midnight.
Phone: 0424 635 824
Price: From $9

Sono Japanese Restaurant: Brisbane City

The original Sono Japanese Restaurant nested in Brisbane's Central Business District is a world away from the rush of the Queen Street Mall below. Walk up the stairs and you are drawn into another world, with all the wait staff dressed in Yukatas. The Yukata is much more practical than a Kimono in this setting as they are easier to wear and made of cotton rather than the lined silk structure of the Kimono.

The gorgeous Evonne had picked out Sono to celebrate her birthday and the trusty band of seven were escorted into a small wood panelled room and with a pit below the table to allow guests to comfortably place their legs.

I ordered some Salmon Sashimi and a Prawn Tempura and Salmon Roe Hand Roll. As always the Sashimi was beautifully fresh and the hand roll was satisfying with its crisp tempura batter and the savoury accents of the roe. The other than the food, what impressed me about Sono were how accommodating the wait staff were. The birthday girl has a number of food allergies and they were kind enough to check and ensure none of these were included in the dishes.

I didn't have any dessert but some of the other guest did and this is a photo of the Flaming Mount Fuji. This glorious dessert is layer of sponge, topped with green tea ice cream and meringue. This is then lit on fire in front of the guests, yummo!

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: Level 1, Tattersalls Building. Corner Queen and Edward Streets, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Lunch from 12pm. Monday - Friday. Dinner from 6pm. Monday - Saturday.
Phone: (07) 3220 1888.
Price: Sushi from $6. Entrees from $9. Mains: $19 - $55. Desserts from $8.

Alchemy

Boasting stunning views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River and nestled at the back of the colloquially named "Hopoate Building," is Brad and Angelica Jolly's baby Alchemy Restaurant and Bar. Alchemy has a contemporary feel with warm chestnut wood tones, highlights in red and a charmingly dispersed polycarbonate pieces, which immediately sets you at ease. The staff are friendly and helpful but it didn't stop Stevenson commenting that our waiter bore a striking resemblance to the husky voiced radio announcer, Howell Granger from Black Books. This kept the gorgeous Kate and I amused all evening as he mimicked, "you look Fran-tastic."

Our adventure down the Alchemy culinary rabbit hole began with bread and an elegant quinelle of honeyed butter, while we mused over the menu. Choices, choices ... 'Rack of Lamb with Grilled Spring Onions, Braised Baby Gem and Salsa Verde,' 'Poached Ocean Trout with Green Olive Puree, Brioche Crumbes and Vanilla Veloute,' 'Five Spiced Duck Breast with Rhubarb Jelly, Roasted Root Vegetables and Madeira Jus.' I decided to take a bold step and select the latter. Duck isn't a bold culinary choice, I hear you scoff. Of course it isn't, I just have little faith in its preparation outside of a Chinese Barbecue Shop. I desperately wanted Alchemy to prove me wrong and they did! The duck was beautifully tender, lapping up the Madeira Jus, while the skin was well seasoned and gave a wonderful lift to the taste buds. It was a well put together dish but the only disappointment was the potatoes were under cooked. However my slight disappointment was quickly eased with dessert.

This gorgeous creature is a 'Soufflé of Caramelized Spiced Apple and Brown Butter and Raisin Ice Cream.' It came served in a small copper pot and was finished at the table with a quick intent of a spoon and a cascade of cream. I would be quite happy to have this Soufflé as my final meal on earth, so light with lovely nutty accents. So a night with great company, sensational food and gorgeous atmosphere creates a memorable Friday. Alchemy, you're amazing.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday - Friday. Lunch 12pm - 3pm. Dinner 6pm - 10pm. Saturday. Dinner 6pm until late.
Phone: (07) 3229 3175
Price: Entrees from $22. Mains: $38 - $47. Desserts: $8 - $17.

Sono Japanese Restaurant: Portside

Larger than its Brisbane City Sister, Sono Japanese Restaurant: Portside seats 200 people and features contemporary styling with river views. If you are keen to try Teppanyaki or dinner in the seated dining area I would recommend booking ahead as the restaurant is full even on a Sunday evening. Thus Miss Amy and I ended up at the Sushi bar with the lonely business men.

I started off this Japanese cuisine adventure with Miso soup. I love the robust flavour of miso, punctured with rings of finely diced, sheets of wakame and cubes of tofu. Wakame is an edible seaweed and native to the coasts of China, Korea and Japan. It has recently appeared off the coasts of New Zealand and the United States of America and efforts are underway to eradicate the plant as it holds the dubious honour of placing in the top 100 most invasive species in the world. I would merely suggest eating more of it as it's delicious.

Miss Amy ordered the gorgeous Zenzaru soba. It's a cold buckwheat noodle that comes with dipping sauce and a serving of tempura pawns and vegetables. As you can see it looks amazing.

When then went to share a large sashimi combination platter and it came magnificently presented in a wooden boat. There was a selection of beautifully fresh tuna, salmon, kingfish, scallops to delight the ardent seafood lover. Sono is worth making time for and its strength is in the atmosphere and fresh produce.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Address: 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, Brisbane, QLD 4007.

Open: Lunch from 12:00pm Tuesday - Sunday. Dinner from 6:00pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Phone: (07) 3268 6655.
Price: Sushi from $6. Entrees from $9. Mains: $19 - $55. Desserts from $8.