Showing posts with label Brisbane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brisbane. Show all posts

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Red Robin Supper Club Presents Brunch

The Red Robin Supper Club (RRSC) is a social media success story with more than 900 hungry Facebook followers watching eagle eyed for Rory Doyle's next pop up service. Necessity is the mother of invention and when Rory found himself in the midst of the global financial crisis and with the end of his apprenticeship fast approaching he struck upon the idea of hiring an existing restaurant and opening it on a night when it wasn't usually open to serve his own unique menu. 

Genius stuff as not only do you build your profile as a chef, you know exactly how many tables you're serving but provide your customers with a unique experience. In the weeks leading up to an event Rory will set a date, release menu tib bits to keep you salivating before opening email reservations on a designated date and time. From there you draft your email, fire it off at 6pm on the dot, stand on one leg, sacrifice a small animal to whatever heathen Food God you pray to and hope for the best. Despite being on the other side of the world, for the first time ever I was successful in getting a booking, I was elated!  

Kale/Chorizo/Eggs
So on Sunday, April 14 Spensley and I set out across town for La Finestra at Camp Hill. We ensured that we had the appropriate amount to grab coffee from another store in the enclave as we were briefed earlier that alas the coffee machine would not be repaired in time. We forced ourselves past the girls at L'Miao Bakery, who were setting up their pop up stand, and were briskly seated by the front of house staff. Spensley picked the kale sauteed with chilli and garlic, crispy chorizo, eggs how you like them served on thick pieces of toasted sourdough. It looked absolutely amazing but I was looking for something a little milder and opted for the Crab Cake Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich.

Crab Cake Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich
The buttermilk biscuit was layered with rocket, sliced tomato, topped with the fried crab cake and a generous blob of zesty mayo. I could use a more aesthetically pleasing word like dab or quinelle but no it was a blob and it was completely necessary for tying the dish together. The buttermilk biscuit was beautifully light, slightly sweet and worked well with the fresh ingredients but the mayo gave the dish the moisture that you needed to work your way through it. It was gorgeous and we left completely full. But we couldn't come all this way without a piece of L'Miao Bakery. 

Nutella Crack Pie
Somehow in my haste I had missed the message on Facebook that the girls were taking pre-orders and was completely devastated to find the Pear and Honey Cake had sold out so instead opted to purchase a few pieces of the much-hyped Nutella Crack Pie. Crack Pie often sports an oat cookie crust which gives balances our the sweetness and the L'Miao offering is no different. Intense nutella flavour without being sickeningly sweet. L'Miao also specialises in gluten free and vegan treats so keep an eye out for their next pop up spot. It was an excellent morning so I highly recommend liking the RRSC and L'Miao Facebook Page and staying alert to ensure you can get onboard for the next pop up event. 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Tartufo: Tony's Italian Table

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of being invited by Karen Reyment (TheWordOnFood) to join her and a few other bloggers at Tony's Italian Table. Tony's Italian Table isn't the name of an event but a gorgeous new offering at Tartufo which allows groups of six or more to enjoy a multi course Italian feast. This offering is changed daily based on seasonal produce and naturally the whim of Tartufo Head Chef, Tony Percuoco. As a native of Naples, Tony is absolutely passionate about his food and this is evident from the care he takes to ensure special dietary requirements are met and the passion in his voice when he describes the source of his produce. All of the bread and pasta used in the restaurant are made on site and while the majority of the Tartufo produce is sourced from growers within a 200km radius of Brisbane, Tony can't ignore perfection so you will see the occassional distant treat such as Gippsland Veal or buttery Italian Proscutto. 
 
Our Italian feast opened with beautiful crusty housemade bread served with organic extra virgin olive oil, marinated mixed Italian olives and platters of traditional antipasto. If you have a favourite item then I recommend you get in fast as in the tradition of a family feast it is first in best dressed. However Tony is aware that occassionally we have our favourites so each guest was served their own individual arancini ball. The recipe for the arancini are just as Tony's Mother used to make and filled with peas, parmesan, mozzarella and tomato. Absolutely delicious, fresh, balanced like all the dishes in this feast but for me the stand out dishes were:
  • Insalata Caprese
    Fresh sliced tomatoes topped with mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Vitello Tonnato
    Braised Gippsland veal served cold, thinly sliced, topped with a tuna mayonnaise of capers, anchovies and served with cornichons. 
  • Gnochetti Sardi Ai Piselli
    House made small shell pasta with onion, pancetta, fresh peas and pea puree, pepper and pecorino cheese.  
  • Semifreddo Al Torrone
    Hazelnut, nougat semifreddo (house made ice-cream terrine) served with crostoli and espresso sauce.  
Parking and public transport is highly accessible at the Emporium, the space is welcoming, the food was divine and service impecable. But apart from a huge thanks to Tony and his wife, Gordana, I wanted to also thank Karen for being such a warm host and the other bloggers on the table for their company: 

So might I recommend that you grab a bunch of six or so of your closest friends and take on the impressive feast that is Tony's Italian Table. You won't be disapppointed.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Address: 100 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006.
Open: Lunch and Dinner 7 Days.

Phone: (07) 3852 1500.
Price: $50 per person.


Ristorante Tartufo on Urbanspoon

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Kettle and Tin

If you're a regular at Anouk or Eurovida, you couldn't help but notice the haphazard colours of the former Pandemonium Cafe dissolve and give up to an elegant gunmetal gray shopfront. But what is? So when I heard along the grapevine that this site has been acquired by the owners of the New Farm establishment, Ponycat I started actively counting down and was even more excited when I heard it was open. So I grabbed Spensley and we made our way through the bracing cold to Paddington. Perhaps I had built up Kettle and Tin too much in my head because we entered the gate, we were stopped by a gentleman who automatically intoned, "we not ready for another 15 minutes." Maybe it was the lack of greeting, the hunger, the cold, the lack of coffee or a combination but I was annoyed as their Facebook page advises a 6.30am start. So after killing some time in the newsagency, we made our way back to the cafe and we greeted with a rustic but modern decor. The metal chairs are a tad cold on ones' backside in the morning, but I can assure you the coffee is taste, warm and the menu hearty.  

The photo doesn't do it justice but Spensley ordered the Parmesan and Spinach Egg White Omelet. This dish will keep the health conscious pleased with three parts egg white to one part whole egg. My partner is fond of sides, so disregard the mushrooms as they are just one of the optional extras you can add to your plate to fortify your stomach before you start your day.

I on the other hand was keen to try out the Eggs Benedict which was perfect. Crisp english muffins, a layer of caramelised leeks, house cured gravlax, running eggs and home made hollandise made for perfection. I would be delighted to have this dish as my last meal and despite my little service grumble, the food has me worshipping their feet. So visit!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 215 Given Terrace, Paddington, QLD 4064.
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 6.30am-4pm. Sunday 6.30am-2pm.
Phone: (07) 3369 3778

Kettle & Tin on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Attachment: Ruby Cafe June 2012 Menu

Please note this article was last updated Tuesday, June 5 and is an attachment to my January 2012 review of Ruby Cafe

Ruby Cafe has a new menu for June and Spensley and I, are eager to work our way through all the delicious combinations which capture the best of the season. I must say I had breakfast envy when Spensley's choice of salmon, baked eggs, caramelised leaks arrived. The gorgeous were generous and they were served with crusty sourdough. 

My dish also came with crusty sourdough but I admit the gamble of Breakfast Peas did not pay off. I love peas but admit I was tad disappointed to find the dish was a bowl of frozen peas with mint and batons of speck, topped with an egg. Perhaps Gourmet Traveller has spoilt me, but I had visions of pureed peas and mint, spread over crusty bread, with a poached egg and generous waves of crispy bacon of crumbled speck. The flavour combination has potential but you shouldn't have to chase your breakfast with a fork at 6.30am!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Smidgins: Aja Coffeehouse $10 Sweet Treats

So after our Kodoya adventure, we all decided it was time to sniff out some dessert so we decided to head back to the stylishly dark, Aja Coffeehouse (we stumbled across this venue on our last adventure). When we arrived there was a sign outside advertising three desserts for $10, how convenient we thought as we placed the order. As the minutes started ticking away we started to wonder how long it took to put a biscuit on a plate, but we well and truly shut up when these three works of stunning art appeared. Above is the meringue finished with passionfruit, chocolate and fresh strawberries.  

Beautifully crisp and dense shortbread with strawberries and cream. Garnished with delicate mint leaves.

The final piece we selected with this orange and almond cake. A little more dense than the others, but again beautifully presented. There were a couple more options on the menu but this was truly bang for the dollar and a great way to finish up a Friday night in the city. So make the time to suppose this new Elizabeth Arcade establishment which opens Monday to Thursday (7am - 4pm) and Friday (7am - 9pm). I've already decided to return for dinner, so will be back with a review soon.

Kodoya

Though it has now been a number of months since I finished my project at the Cancer Council Queensland, I still catch up with Carmen and Tania. So on Friday night, we left the boys at home to have dinner a Tania's ye old faithful, Kodoya. As you can gather from the name, Kodoya serves Japanese cuisine and is cluttered amongst all the cheap and cheerful Asian eateries in Elizabeth Arcade. The Chicken Katsu Curry that Tania and Carmen selected set them back $9.80 and you can customise the amount of chili included in your meal from a basic one to a challenging champion level for $5.  

I decided to get my naughty katsu fix via the Tokyo Ramen at $8.90. The dish comes with the egg noodles, nori and half a boiled egg. Though it isn't Taro's beautiful handmade ramen, it is extremely serviceable with its chewy texture and the speed that the meal was delivered was extraordinary which more than makes up for the establishment's basic layout.

Tania also ordered these morish Crab Cream Croquettes which were amazing but at some point I must return with my little brother as I spotted the Takoyaki. We both have fond memories of street food and Takoyaki is a favourite. Will you beat us to it? Let me know.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: Shop 29-30, 99 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday - Saturday, Lunch and Dinner.
Phone: (07) 3229 3993

Kadoya on Urbanspoon

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Parkland Chinese Restaurant

April always signals to me the coming of Ching Ming (also known as the Clear Bright or Tomb Sweeping Festival) which means a trip to Mt Gravatt to attend to my Father's grave site. You may assume that this would be a simple process of cleaning the tomb but also involves preparing ceremonial food (which may include a entire chicken with head and feet intact, fish, roast pork, vegetarian cuisine and rice), drink and paper offerings (including clothing and paper money). As the journey takes some time, the family often continues onto yum cha and during this year's journey we choose 'Parkland Chinese Restaurant.'

Parkland is a relatively new venue having opened a year ago and is a sister to Landmark. The restaurant's furnishings are clean and I was impressed to be quickly presented with a pot of tea and a large hot water thermos to ensure the tea remained free flowing. As you can see from the images the items we selected were of a more traditional nature and the family was extremely impressed by the Pig's Blood. It was fresh, silky smooth while maintaining its shape. The chef's inclination appears be towards chilli as the Tripe and Chicken Feet Rice were quite spicy which was a nice change towards the gentle nature of the Salted Pork and Preserved Egg Congee. As a child of a chef who specialised in yum cha, I admit to being an extremely hard marker but I was quite impressed with the taste and offering. I recommend taking a group of friends to fully enjoying this establishment.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: Sunny Park Shopping Centre, Cnr of Mains and McCullough Road, Sunnybank, QLD 4109.
Open: Seven Days a Week, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Phone: (07) 3345 4588.
Parkland Chinese Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Spoon Deli: Paddington

Spensley and I make time to have breakfast once a week, which feels like an excessive indulgence to me but if we didn't we simply wouldn't see each other due to the busy working and extra curricular schedule we both maintain. We were both desperately hungry when we reached Sassafras' door only to find it closed so decided to head across the road and chance Spoon Deli. The establishment has ample alfresco dining which makes it a perfect stop for cyclists, the cake cabinet hosted a drool worthy red velvet cake, my coffee was passable but that's where the positives end.

Spensley decided to selected the Eggs Benedict with Salmon. It was the better choice out of the two dishes as the yolks were beautifully runny, wilted spinach and a bright hollandise sauce.

I selected the Pumpkin and Zucchini Fritters and was rather disappointed. The fritters consisted of two triangles of flour, it was difficult to find any traces of vegetable and it was bland even with the selection of sauces on the side. I found the Spoon Deli experience overpriced, underwhelming and would recommend avoiding this establishment and rethinking your options.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
Address: 107 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, QLD 4000.
Open: Seven Days a Week, Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: (07) 3367 0722.


Spoon Deli Cafe on Urbanspoon

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Desperately Seeking Chocolate Coins

It seems like yesterday but once again I'm faced with the annual challenge of a suitable gift for Mister Barlin's birthday. I love giving gifts but find it difficult to putting together something inspiring and unique for men and after some thinking, I settled on a jar of chocolate coins but alas, these are very much a seasonal product so when I searched through various department and specialist stores at Chermside, I came up with nought. Where was I going to find the rest? After snatching up four bags in Big W CBD, I recalled the TV advertisements for Tom's Confectionery Warehouse, a crazy Brisbane icon that indeed trades every day 8am - 9pm except Christmas. So with Spensley in tow, we arrived to find every chocolate and sweet under the sun including these giant Easter Bunnies. You can purchase this one kilogram rabbit as shown by my lovely assistant for less than $30.
After composing ourselves, we found the chocolate coins we sought, piled them into a pretty jar and popped it into the post. A creative, unique and attract gift sourced for another year. Huzzah!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Toby's Estate

The mood was dark and the heavy rain was blowing sideways as I staggered through the Queen Street Mall in a desperate bid to avoid supermarket tea. T2 and the Tea Centre weren't open, but Toby's Estate was and on a shelf in front of a counter sits a range of loose leaf available in attractive metal tins or silk pyramid tea bags. I triumphantly clutched my Toby's Breakfast Blend (a combination of Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling and China Keemun leads), paid for it and started to dash out the door when a staff member thrust a card into my hands for a free coffee.

So that's my epic story of my obsession with tea and how I managed to score a free coffee before my morning catch up with Sam. Toby's Estate was originally suggested by Sam and I was keen to try it as Sam is quite canny about these things, being a keen cook and connoisseur.

The Toby's Estate began over 10 years ago out of one man's garage and you guessed it, his name is Toby. From those humble beginnings, Toby's Estate has now grown into a national empire supplying beans and servicing the caffeine depend with its own chain of cafes. Toby's Estate Brisbane discreetly popped up in November and has become a favourite of addicts travelling the migratory path between the Queen Street Mall and the Queensland University of Technology. The interior is modern, comfortable and no fuss much like the food.


This particular morning Sam purchased a bagel with cream cheese and I selected a ham and cheese croissant. No whinges from me, as I couldn't fault a hot meal, with melted cheese and garnished with hunger. But it was really the coffee that was the star, velvet consistency with a distinct and noticable bean. I enjoyed my Toby's Estate experience so if you're heading that way, do stop in for a coffee or grab a tin of tea.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 79 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday to Friday, Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: 1300 679 750.


Toby's Estate Espresso Bar on Urbanspoon

Friday, February 17, 2012

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.


Taro's Ramen & Café on Urbanspoon

Anouk

The first time I attempted to visit Anouk it was closed for the Christmas/New Year period, the second time I made the attempt, Mister Spensley slept through his alarm and upon reaching consciousness apologised profusely. But by this time I had boarded a bus and was heading into work, so we made plans to visit this Brisbane breakfast institution the next day. Third time lucky as the boy wonder managed to awaken from his slumber and find some suitable attire.

The first thing you notice when you enter Anouk is the ample space, light sand blasted bare brick walls and maple tones. This makes Anouk a pleasant place to fully wake up in, coupled with the wait staff's understanding that the first coffee of the day is imperative. Though our coffee was delivered promptly, it took a little while longer to place a food order but this could not be helped with only one staff member to man the coffee machine and another to take orders and deliver food. Spensley decided to order the breakfast hash with a side of poached eggs (pictured above) and when it arrived I must admit I had a bit of food envy. The potatoes and spinach looked amazing but like Spensley, I wasn't certain if it was able to shine without the viscous yolk to help it along.

I decided to order the omelette and it was beautifully fluffy in texture, well presented, generous and filled with crumbly prosciutto and accented by cherry tomatoes. I really enjoyed the additional options of herb butter and lemon, but thought the tomatoes could have been halved to make it more user friendly and allow for a more even roasting to promote the fruit's natural sweetness. But these comments are just a minor technicality as I really enjoyed my breakfast and Anouk experience over all. The menu changes seasonally so I strong suspicion that I will be back.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 212 Given Terrace, Paddington, QLD 4064.
Open: 7 Days a Week. Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: (07) 3367 8663.
Price: Breakfast: $3.50 - $16.80.


Anouk on Urbanspoon

Monday, February 6, 2012

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.


Extract Espresso Bar on Urbanspoon

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Dandelion and Driftwood

A catch up with Miss Sarah was overdue so we decided to head out to Dandelion and Driftwood at Hendra. Though we had both heard great things about the establishment, we were blown away by its modern but warm interior filled with long wood tables complimented with ghost chairs and the formally attired staff. The establishment's passion for coffee and tea passion is noticeable and it was refreshing to be offered a variety of coffee and tea blends and be provided with notes with each cup. Miss Sarah has trained her palette to accept her coffee black, but I'm still inclined to have mine with milk. My mocha was very well balanced, with the coffee as the shining star and the chocolate merely a lingering after taste.

Dandelion and Driftwood has a lengthy sandwich menu but I was looking for something a little different and selected the Salmon Two Ways. There was a lovely vegetable dense pattie, smoked salmon and rocket dressed with lemon and tiny capers. This was a wonderful flavour combination and filling without making you feel bloated.

Miss Sarah selected a filled croissant which left room for investigate the beautifully displayed range of treats. We followed our savoury course with a dainty lemon yoghurt cake and a moreish red velvet cake. The red velvet cake was brilliant in colour, moist and topped with a vanilla icing and shaved flakes of chocolate. It's a wonderful place for a Sunday morning breakfast, or anytime you'd like to escape for something light to eat or drink with great company. Parking is a breeze, so grab a friend and start up the car.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: Shop 1, 45 Gerler Road, Hendra, QLD 4011.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 8am to 4pm. Sunday - 8am to 2pm.
Phone: (07) 3868 4559.

Dandelion & Driftwood on Urbanspoon

Sunday, January 15, 2012

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.

James Street Bistro on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Wagaya

From the moment you enter Wagaya, you immerse yourself in another dimension. One of shadowy walnut booths with delicate cut outs and a dedicated touch screen computer to take your order. The meeting of old world aesthetics with new world technology, is very Japanese and was an efficient system for my lunch date with Bean. However I am fairly certain this system could be quite dangerous in a larger group, sake fueled scenario so take heed hipsters.

Bean ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry. Depending on what touch screen icon you select you have the choice to have a side order of salad or rice, miso soup and pickles.

My order came with two pieces of gyoza and takikomi. Takikomi is a boiled rice dish which seasoned with dashi, soy sauce, vegetables and occasionally meat. The dish was developed out of necessity as though rice has been an Asian staple for centuries, it was an expensive commodity in the past and to make it go further, Japanese households would boil it with vegetables like potatoes, beans and grain such as millet.

Here is a photograph my order, the Mentai Tonkotsu Ramen. Though it doesn't look appetising from the photograph, it was soothing noodle dish and though the whole set appeared far too ample, I somewhat managed to fit the entire meal in before Bean and I had to go out separate ways back to work. The speed the order arrived was amazing and makes Wagaya a fun choice for a working lunch.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
Address: Level 1, 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006.
Open: 7 Days. Lunch: 11.30am - 2.30pm. Dinner: 5:30pm - Midnight.
Phone: (07) 3252 8888.
Price: Entree: $2.20 - $12.50. Main: $11.50 - $19.50.

Wagaya on Urbanspoon