Assiette

To celebrate our anniversary I decided I wanted to share a beautifully executed gastronomic experience with Spensley in Sydney. With Quay is booked out for dinner until March, would it be possible to find a restuarant with amazing food, a relaxed environment and didn't cost the first born child? After a lot of research, I decided to settle on a modern French restaurant in Surry Hills called Assiette. For us, non-Frenchies Assiette means 'plate' which is the perfect name for this no fuss modern French diner by Warren Turnbull. Once we were welcomed at the front door, a friendly staff member showed us to our table. Crisp linen, a room of clean lines broken up by a sexy peak into the kitchen and a trio of artwork depicting a playful woman's expressions. After a quick peak at the menu to ensure we weren't missing anything we proceeded with the degustation beginning with hiramasa (Kingfish) ceviche with coconut, heirloom tomato, jalapeno and yuzu. The challenge of ceviche is always taking the best fresh raw fish marinating it with citrus juice and a touch of spice but ensuring the fish isn't overpowered and this dish does it. The hiramasa was the star with uplifting citrus notes and the coconut milk balanced beautifully against the blanched tomato.  

The next dish that followed was Jannei goats' curd, vinocotto, figs, golden beetroot and cereal. I love all these flavours but the magic touch was the toasted cereal which added texture and additional sweetness.

The third dish was Glazed Silver Lake smoked eel, black sesame, grilled leek and onion puree. The black sesame and onion purees worked well with the smoked eel but I found the texture to be quite dense dense and the baby leek was challenging as even in gourmet food death it fought against being consumed. But I didn't mind as leek has never been one of my favourite vegetables. 

After the first three meals were served in quick succession we took a small break before moving onto Bass grouper with saffron parsnip, mussels, dulse and candied lemon. Though the bass grouper was lovely the most incredible component of this dish were the silky mussels so delicate that they came apart violently with a fork and dissolved in the mouth.

Crispy-skin quail, picked carrot, Szechuan salt and ginger vinegar signaled the end of the seafood dishes. Well presented, the quail was beautifully moist, tend and the picked carrot made for an easy flavour transition.

The Milly Hill lamb loin, aubergine puree, baked Jerusalem artichokes and balsamic jus was probably the most traditional dish featured on the degustation. Every component was beautifully cooked and I was almost fooled into thinking the Jerusalem artichoke was a potato. Delightful. 

Pre desserts are always a great way to cleanse the palette as even with the perfectly balanced portion sizes, moving from the rich lamb to a chocolate marquise would have been death. So we lingered for a while with this refreshing pana cotta with blood orange foam.

Our final dish was this ultra decadent Chocolate marquise and sorbet with salted caramel ice cream and cocoa nibs. It was gorgeous but I will admit I was judging it against the one I had earlier in the week at One Eleven. The One Eleven version was a little more tuned to my personal tastes with the fresh raspberries but if you like chocolate on chocolate, then this is heaven. Though I've given some personal thoughts on the flavours don't be fooled as the experience was impeccable. The venue is comfortable, staff are friendly and warm, food is divine but you only have until 22 December to enjoy Assiette as they will be closing their doors. Warren Turnbull will be relocating to New Zealand to focus on his more casual dining offerings. A true loss to Sydney, so if you have the opportunity try to sneak in while you still can!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Address: 48 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
Open: Lunch, Thursday & Friday (12pm - 3pm), Dinner, Wednesday – Sunday (from 6pm).
Phone: (02) 9212 7979.
Price: Degustation $105 per person. Matched wines $65.

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: 

• Eat, Drink and Be Kerry
• Itty Bitty Bites
• Miss Lolly Loves Food
• Rhubarb Whine
• Tiffin

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.