Master Tom and I were saddened by the recent news that a tsunami had hit Samoa. We stayed at Sinalei Resort last year, and we had a wonderful time on the islands. The resort was on the side of the island hit most soundly by the tsunami, with tragic losses, closing them down and destroying nearby villages.

Hellfire also feels a strong connection to Pasifikan culture, our beloved tribal beats played for many years at the club come from this part of the world. All this made us feel that it was time for us to give something back.

I am very proud of the patrons at our November 2009 Club Night who were generous in their donations to the Samoan Tsunami Appeal. Together we managed to raise an (uncanny) $666.00 which was deposited at the Bendigo Bank a few hours after we closed, proving conclusively that GOOD things come from BAD people.

Big shout-outs go to everyone who donated, but in particular to the owner of The Gaff who added $250 from the venue to our bucket, and to Barb who bared her breasts to encourage donations as she wielded our mighty bucket.

Even more uncanny was the fact that this turned out to be the 666th post on the Hellfire Blog - made me chuckle.

Sun 22/11 - Pay Elise (Show 2) 29755609
- Pay Fancy Piece (Show 1) 29755649
- Blog post re Samoan Tsunami Appeal
- Prepare images for Belvedere & Spigolo
Mon 23/11 - Pay Rent (Due 27/11/09)
- Write column - Wellington Lamb & Osvaldo mention
- Write copy for Alio, Le Pain Quotidien, Baroque, Belvedere, Din Tai Fung, Spigolo & Aperitif
- Drop into AMG office for stamps, copies & mail
- Start Hellfire Website Update
- Send copies to Justine (Tharen's)
Tue 24/11 - Work at Wet Set
Wed 25/11 - Review Blanco (before 7pm, Brendan)
Thur 26/11 - Spice I Am Luncheon, 12.30pm 296-300 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
- Ben Frost Exhibition, 6-8pm 82-84 George St, Redfern

Sat 28/11 - Ben & Jerry's Scoop-A-Thon, 9.30am Manly
- Launch Berklouw Books Wine Bar, 6pm

Tue 01/12 - Potential Review Spice I Am (Dee)?
Wed 02/12 - Review La Grillade, 6.30pm (Prue)

Sat 05/12 - Madellen's wedding - Mother's Birthday
- Ring Mother for birthday
Sun 06/12 - Lunch at Headland Hotel, 12pm for Mother's Birthday

Fri 11/12 - Carisbrook Xmas, 6.30pm

Thur 17/12 - Appointment with Vera, 1pm

Fri 18/12 - Hellfire's Fully Sick Xmas starring DJ Alan Thompson, Sean Barker & Debzillah Dior

This restaurant is a floor above and a cut above the standard Bondi Beach fare. The new Brutalist bare concrete bar with orderly rows of bottles and low lighting makes the recently launched wine bar a stylish and enticing place to peruse the chalkboard tapas menu.



Be seduced by the cool baby blues and resort-style lounges on the spacious sheltered balcony. Ponder the panoramic view with a glass of Fantinel Extra Dry Proscecco ($9) in your hand.



It is well matched with Seared Tuna Spoons with Tomato Salsa and Salmon Caviar ($12/4 pieces).



Move into the restaurant for Grilled Sea Scallops with Roasted Peppers, Tomato and Goats’ Cheese ($18), an unusual but accessible pairing with colourful presentation – it’s the kind of dish you want to be eating by the sea.



The mains I tried still had lipstick traces of winter’s cool kiss upon them. The 10 Spice Roast Duck with Apple Salad, Chestnuts and Celeriac Puree ($32) was tasty and nicely matched to an inexpensive import – the 2007 Louise Bernard Cotes du Rhone ($8/glass, $35/bottle).



Even more to my taste was the Double Lamb Loin Cutlets with Horseradish Crust, Golden Shallots and Beetroot ($36).



But the winning dish for this pleasant evening came in the form of a summery White Chocolate and Coconut Panna Cotta ($15) with glazed strawberries and a bright passion fruit sorbet.

I have dined a number of times at this restaurant, and while it may fall short of amazing, it never fails to do a decent job. It is not an inexpensive restaurant, but the view's so good it might just be worth paying for.

You can see my previous visits HERE (February 2009) and HERE (June 2008).

Ravesi's
118 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Ph: (02) 9365 4422

This bright and airy cafe/restaurant has a nicely shielded (non-smoking) outdoor setting – a virtual oasis from the ravages of the Pacific Highway.



It’s a surprising find, located in the modern Urban Hotel across the road from the Royal North Shore Hospital. Their location informs their practice in a number of ways - relatives of seriously ill patients are particularly well looked after by the hotel - and the cuisine of Canadian Head Chef Christopher Shannon is healthy, produce-driven and (refreshingly) not too fancy.



General Manager Amanda Cottome explains that Shannon’s responsible for sourcing the locally produced chook; laughingly adding: “You know chefs!” His moist Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast ($29) makes me very glad they let him.



His aesthetic Panzanella Salad ($16) sings with vibrant tomatoes and chewy (Brasserie Bread) sourdough croutons.



A crunchy Herb Crusted Barramundi ($29) makes for a stylishly simple dinner;  the fish is set off by crunchy asparagus.



Good technique also shines in the texture of the delightfully simple Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta ($12).



My chocophobic dining companion eschews my Chocolate Caramel Tart ($12) but is dedicated in stealing segments of the great pastry shell.

The conference set will enjoy modern facilities and decent wine prices; I favoured the elegant 2006 St. Hillary Chardonnay ($8.50/glass, $43/bottle).

Sure Café
194 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
Ph: (02) 8436 8908

In the genteel surrounds of a quiet Annandale back street overlooking a peaceful, sunny vista, Rod Jones has opened the hip, local cafe of my dreams. The old general store is charmingly refitted. Rod’s poured his heart, soul (and considerable collection of antiques) into the newly-vibrant neighbourhood space, and it’s a fitting successor to his earlier (ever-popular) Cafe Niki in Surry Hills.



Young Head Chef Rebecca Chippington earned her place in the kitchen by winning a muffin bake-off. I hang my head in shame as I confess to skipping her baked goods in favour of Rod’s Mum’s Choccy Melting Moment ($3.50) - absolutely sublime.



I did check out Rebecca’s superb, gently cooked ‘six day old’ Scrambled Eggs with Avocado, Slow-Roasted Tomato and Fetta Salsa ($12);



and her lean and lovely Ultimate Cheeseburger with Dijonaise Potato Salad ($14).



An unlikely winner for me was the House-Made Granola ($9.50) with seasonal fruit, an orange reduction and awesome Evia gelatine-free yoghurt.



Lubricate your smile with well-made Morgan’s Coffee ($3.20),



spot-on hand-squeezed Juices ($3) or their own house-blended teas.



Carnival ($4) with papaya and coconut is my favourite.



I returned (with a modicum of embarrassment) the very next day for more yoghurt with rustic Ricotta Hotcakes and Berry Compote ($10.50).



Over the course of my visits I may have also tried a tasting portion of their Asian-Style Pork Salad ($14.50)...



...and eaten half of one of Bec's Awesome Ham Cheese Tomato Pan Toastie ($10). It really was awesome; and so is the produce they use. I feel the need to become a regular.

Revolver
291 Annandale Street, Annandale
Ph: (02) 9555 4727

‘Glamorous’ designer Yasumichi Morita has created a wood-wind cathedral of quivering Javanese wood batons inside this recently renovated space...



...but using your frosty cocktail glass as a make-shift snow dome over the Sydney Opera House is priceless.



Contemporary tradition meanders across the updated menu of Executive Chef Raita Noda. Start with the playfully tactile Chotto Collection ($23) of five tasty bar snacks including a curry pan and a mini cornet of marinated blue-fin tartare.



The memorable Sake Jelly Bar Cod ($21) drips umami as you unwrap smoky ribbons of konbu to reveal silky seared cod.



Our experienced server Iva Jezkova gently but firmly steers us towards the creative cubes and uniquely salted spoons of the Tuna Creation ($23) with a wonderfully confusing glass of the 2007 Chateau Riotor Rose ($11/glass, $58/bottle). She wins on both counts – the interactive dish has great palate length but isn’t built for sharing; while the salmon-pink wine contrasts sweet strawberries with reassuring dryness.



Lashing out on a Peppercorn Lobster ($19/100g, average weight 600-800g) proves a salty yet satisfying experience.



A steaming Ocean Trout Pot ($37) provides even more table theatrics plus a complex yet creamy foil to the extracted hunks of salty-sweet lobster. Chortling Japanese businessmen are also entertaining and entertained by the cuisine.



Sated and smiling I venture into the night, but not before we balance the salt with a sweet finale - this is the Apple Abstract ($17).



I also tried the Japanese inspired Petit Fours ($12). They won me on the savoury courses this time, well and truly. 

This is my third visit to this restaurant. You can read about my other visits HERE and even more recently HERE.

Ocean Room
Bay 4, Ground Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, George Street, The Rocks
Ph: (02) 9252 9585

Plentiful alcohol, women and fantasy themeing in Kings Cross usually means one thing - but at this iconic venue (dating back to 1979) you’re more likely to find the Queen of Hearts bearing a flaming Bombé Alaska, strange hats, group singing and a surprisingly good meal.



Sparkling La Vie Pinot Noir Chardonnay ($38) will help lubricate your all-important hat/wig/prop selection from the well-decorated walls. My dining companions took the time to assess a range of head-wear, all documented on camera; they were not the only ones doing this!



As you enjoy your selected entree from a list of six  - the Chicken Liver Parfait with Roast Honey Figs in particular is great – you are entertained at the table by a roaming magician and the elegant (and nicely made-up) hostess Prada Clutch.



Prada divulges she is one of Sydney’s “three singing drag queens” before ripping into a saucy version of Big Spender.



The crowd adores her, demanding an encore as I try a cheesy Twice Cooked Four Cheese Soufflé.



I am less excited by an entree of Grilled White Asparagus with Baby Beetroot, Rocket, Mint and Carrot Reduction, but rest assured, it's just unexciting as opposed to unpleasant.



For mains I favoured Roast Veal with Porcini Mushroom Gratin with a very orderly smear of beetroot glaze over...



...the nicely cooked Lemon and Dill Crusted Salmon Fillet (though I like the frothy citrus sabayon that almost encircles it).



The only failure was a slightly pedestrian (and a shade overcooked) vegetarian main of Gnocchi with Roast Pumpkin, Fresh Sage and Creamy Tomato and White Wine Sauce. It was however very accessible.



Bread, salad and a well-cooked bowl of vegetables fill out any corners, and when you consider the price - $59.50/head or $93.50/head with unlimited alcohol - it's a very generous menu!



As we finish our lovely 2007 Daniel Dampt Chablis ($55) the whole restaurant is up, dancing with joyous abandon. Grinning staff expertly sidestep as they clear plates; it’s all refreshingly attitude-free.



With each group booking, the hen, birthday boy/girl, or person who books gets a bit of a special treat - lights are dimmed and a Bombé Alaska is brought out, with a long pour of flaming alcohol added at the table before it is whisked away to be dished up for your party. When it is your table's turn, they play a selected song, and as your guests know it's their song, much hilarious dancing and singing occurs. I couldn't help but smile.

My smaller group selected dessert from a 'Lick Me' menu. The best dessert was this Gingerbread Creme Brulee with Muscat Poached Strawberry and Almond Foam.



The Milk Chocolate Fondant was nicely matched with poached rhubarb, rhubarb syrup and raspberry cream, but the pudding itself was a shade dry.



To be different I tried a Grand Marnier Macerated Berry Trifle with Eggnog - a very christmassy combination - I suppose that season is rapidly approaching.

I had much more fun than I had expected, and even my bemused guests seemed taken with the place. We concluded that we'd have never got here any other way, but we were glad it happened. I have a naughty urge to take my partner's and my family there for our next shindig... it'd be funny to see them deal.

Tharen’s
13-15 Kellett Way, Kings Cross
Ph: (02) 9326 9510

 

Perhaps the Malay tiger has been tamed a little too far at this cheap, cheerful entry from Samsudin Yunus (Sam Satay). The Eggplant Sambal ($10) failed to raise even a bead of sweat, but the silky wedges of eggplant were pleasurable anyway.



In contrast, the Penang Laksa ($12) was sour and fishy enough to scare away the unfamiliar. Forewarned is forearmed though, and the concerned staff were emphatic: “You won’t like this.” The Nasi Ayam ($12) was an inexpensive complete meal of chicken, great chicken rice and a bowl of chicken broth. The rice I'd order again.



Among the success stories were Abang Sam’s Famous Satay Sticks ($9 / 6 pieces) accompanied by a good peanut sauce, cucumber, onion and neat little squares of compressed rice.



Another success was the rich and complex Rendang Daging ($14) with falling apart hunks of beef.



My love of roti has almost become a fetish, so believe me when I tell you that they’re good here. I would order Roti Canai ($9/2 piece) which is best with the chicken curry dipping sauce (above) over the bland dhal (below).



While the pink and purple lighting are eye-catching from outside, inside there is a function centre feel – but as the name suggests, you’re welcome to bring the kids. My dining companion was a (discreetly) nursing mother, and the staff were warm and keen to see her new baby.



They’ll probably want an Ais Kacang ($6) because it looks like a shave-ice; it’s surprisingly complex within from palm seed, crushed corn kernels, grass jelly, red beans and brown sugar syrup.

Abang Sam Malaysian Family Restaurant
Shop 1, 214 Anzac Parade, Kensington
Ph: (02) 9662 6554

We tried out our first Home Degustation last night. The theory was, people either contributed $50 toward food costs, or a shared a talent or skill in lieu of cash. Guests were also given a wine varietal to bring along a bottle which matched a particular course. While we knew everyone, not many of the guests knew each other - they all came from different aspects of our lives. The significant other did an admirable job in the kitchen, and the guests brought some STELLAR wines, giving each person a great tasting selection with the 9 course feast.



We started with a welcoming cocktail, on this occasion we invented a Rhubarb & Cherry Bellini which was lovely, and admired by many. To get the ball rolling our amuse bouche was a Broccoli Veloute with White Truffle Oil, Grana Padano, Chives & Dill.

So this isn’t the cheapest pub bistro in Balmain – it’s also far from the most expensive.



I’ll admit to being won over by the outstanding value Sunday Seafood Platter ($49.50) which provides two people with a considerable feast: half a Western Australian lobster in Mornay, excellent chilli octopus, oysters au natural, garlic prawns, crumbed calamari and nicely beer-battered fish with chips and salad.



It went well with a bottle of 2007 Josef Chromy ‘Pepik’ Chardonnay ($35), which aided our 'philosophical conversation' no end.



Another good match came from a special of Pipsqueak Cider with Steamed Tasmanian Mussels ($22). While I appreciated the toasted Turkish for mopping up the pot of bacon, cider, cream and herbs, I did want for a couple more briny, black mussels – but perhaps I just wanted to draw out my riveting dining situation?



Tables 30, 31 and 32 are situated right at the kitchen pass where the food comes up, creating a quasi-chef’s table setting.



I smiled to hear ‘the customer is always right’ ring out from Sous Chef Peter Hlebnikov in the Panopticon kitchen.



There’s a rather pervy portal on the other side, and a salad bar to look through, as well as our tables on the pass. Hard to hide anything in there!



He ran a warm and encouraging ship behind a well-placed row of chefly tomes;



...and the cooking surpassed my (outdated) pub bistro expectations.



Finally, if you're less fascinated by a bustling kitchen pass than I am, there are plenty of other areas in the hotel in which to dine.



On the left you can see a room that seemed quite family friendly, and on the right is the upstairs smoking terrace.



I even spied a curious lounge room you can be in when you're not in your actual lounge room setting that appealed to my quirkier side. With more pub visits like this one, I will make great inroads into my pub aversion. Shock therapy works!

The Royal Oak Hotel & Restaurant
36 College Street, Balmain
Ph: (02) 9810 2311

I returned to Rozelle’s gastro-pub hero to try the cuisine of current head chef, Leigh McDivitt; and if you haven’t been back recently, you probably should too. My smile began with an amuse bouche of Sweetcorn Soup with Basil Oil - really outstanding, and definitely the standout of the sweetcorn soup category for me thus far.



I was also pretty impressed with the stand-out Sommelier (and Restaurant Manager) Nicholas Luhman who triangulated from two people's (differing) personal preferences a superb wine in the Central Otago 2007 Rippon Riesling ($55). It matched our entrees rather well too! And it doesn’t get much better than the Rabbit, Chestnut and Foie Gras Terrine ($23)...



That is until you try the Seared Scallops with Morcilla, Chorizo, Truffled White Bean Puree and Coriander ($22). Both the produce and the cooking helped make this the best scallop dish I’ve had so far this year. Look at 'em fat, golden beauties, so succulent and moist inside!



Eye-catching plating in mains like the Thirlmere Duck Breast with Lentils, Beetroot, Parsnip, Orange and Pistachio ($38)...



...and the Pan Roasted John Dory with Squid Ink and Lemon Gnocchi, Confit Cuttlefish and Shellfish Bisque ($34) reminded me of Thomas Johns’ now defunct Pello, where McDivitt spent some time in the kitchen. My only quibble would be their high level of salt and the way portion sizes feel inadequate unless you order three courses plus sides.



However, our decadent side of Truffle and Parmesan Potato Puree ($10) lived up to our server’s enticement: “It’s the naughtiest thing, especially when you eat it on bread rolls at 11pm at night!” That was gobbled up so quickly you'll have to suffice with a photo of our half-side of Green Beans with Preserved Lemons and Almonds ($8/ full serve) which was also quite delicious.

All up the meal was pricey, but certainly very memorable - I predict I will return.

The Restaurant at 3 Weeds
197 Evans Street, Rozelle
Ph: (02) 9818 2788

Inspired by Jules and her wonderful tale about how she found Boba, I thought I would tell you about the newest members of our family.

After the untimely death of poor baby Quisling, I felt very sad. By and large I have managed to get most of the money we spent on him back from the breeder, including nearly all of the substantial veterinary costs (she owes about $1000 still). With the returned (blood) money we bought not one but three kittens, Major Minke Minx (from Minsk), Goreme Kitomine and Satan Presley.



Here is a shot of the youngest family members in our bed, Satan at the rear, Goreme at the left, Minke in the middle and their older brother Truffles de Rouge on the right.



We got three sterling cats. Goreme is the cat of Daddy's heart, and eased his losses of his long-time familiar, Leon Trotsky (who died naturally at sixteen in June last year), and Quisling (who we had to have put to sleep to end his suffering at sixteen weeks in January of this year). He's a noble, exotic boy, but a one-person cat, his heart beats for Daddy. He's been likened to Audrey Hepburn, which is quite accurate. Daddy thinks he's like Lawrence of Arabia. I favour Yul Brynner.



Minke is a cats first cat. He is very fair with his attention, and loves everyone like a celebrity loves more fans. He has an inner certainty that everyone will love him, and why shouldn't he think so? He has special time with all of the other cats except for Bella, who can't abide his bolshy vanity. It tortures his soul that she doesn't find him appealing, so he constantly tries to win her over too. He has the sunniest disposition overall, and Mummy and Daddy are both his biggest fans.



Asleep on my feet is Satan, the new lil' cat of my heart (lucky hearts have lots of room), and the perfect remedy to Quisling’s death. They both made me fall in love with them instantly, but they’re as different as night and day. So finally I feel our family is complete.  (My partner sighs with relief I am sure). So I leave it to the universe to see if the breeder returns the rest of the cash. If she doesn't, it's on her head and heart. Mine is filled with the love of cats, with a soft spot for a little white cat called Quisling who I wish I'd had the chance to see grow up.



I'll leave you with Truffles, caught stealing money and jewels from my handbag. Cats aren't bad really, they're just drawn that way.

 

New owners and a fresh lick of paint have revitalised this neighbourhood space in the busy Rozelle shopping strip, just a hop, skip and a jump from the weekend arts and crafts market.



In the kitchen Cissy Azar’s modernised menu shows influence from her time at Simmone Logue’s in Balmain. High quality soft wraps make her massive Breakfast Wrap ($13.50), filled with bacon, moist scrambled eggs, haloumi, rocket and onion jam, a winner.



A Zucchini Fritter Stack ($15) (pictured here with optional bacon $3 extra) is also tasty, mostly due to the house-made tomato relish.



All day breakfast makes night owls like me very happy - and in my book it’s always the right time for Vanilla French Toast ($13.50) with fresh strawberries, bananas, cream and your own mini bottle of maple syrup to drown at whim.



A healthier option from the daily lunch specials was the pleasant Lamb Backstrap ($18) with a light herb and macadamia crust, and hand-cut oven baked chips.



Over the course of two visits, I tried the Belaroma Coffee in a well made Latte ($3) and a robust Iced Coffee ($4.50). The robustness was my fault for skipping the cream in favour of only ice-cream, so be a devil and have them both!



I liked the framed film and gig posters decorating the walls, they make a nice point of interest for a solo diner to examine while they wait for their meal. I loved that the cafe has a word and city of the day - on my first visit, these were "entropy" and "Laolao" respectively. On my second visit, my companion gave them a word for a future day: anarcho-syndicalist. They were delighted.

The Coffee Bean
612 Darling Street, Rozelle
Ph: (02) 9818 1607

Walking along Oxford Street with a powerful thirst, I was tempted back here by an another easy-drinking jug of Margaritas Espana ($35/carafe). The delightful citrus-vanilla flavour comes courtesy of Licor 43 and complements a well-presented Scallop and Prawn Stuffed Piquillo Pepper ($5/piece) rather nicely.

I recall from a previous visit (HERE) that the Jamon Bread ($5) – grilled, garlic-rubbed Sonoma sourdough topped with rocket and jamon - is also a great drinking companion.



The regularly changing specials board produces a generous bowl of nicely cooked Steamed Mussels ($12) with tomato, white wine, saffron and coriander; it could only be improved by a little bread to enjoy the briny liquid.



An interesting Chickpea Salad ($14) with grilled peppers, Manchego, cucumber, mint and onion proves to be a compelling and plentiful foil to the Char Grilled Angus Beef ($20) served with a green Chimichurri sauce.



Keep an eye out for the seasonal Padrón peppers, served up last season with Hummus, Spiced Ground Lamb and Olive Sourdough ($12). Walk-up diners are welcomed in, though often to stool-style seating. After a few selections from their cocktail and wine list (which includes offerings from Argentina, Chile and Spain) you probably won’t care where you’re sitting.

Cantina Bar & Grill
245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9357 3033

While not in the hippest part of the Surry Hills groovy ghetto, this light and airy, modern space won me; over-delivering on my expectations. I found it hard not to covet their super sexy 1968 Vespa.

A complimentary plate of grilled bread and warmed Ligurian and Sicilian olives helps one peruse the menu in a leisurely fashion.



A Legno Pizza ($20) surprised with big taste from pancetta, porcini, Italian sausage, garlic, basil and boccocini on a deliciously thin base.  The pizzas are not wood fired - apparently council rained on the wood fire oven parade - but wood fire ovens have a few downsides I'm told. They only work properly for one pizza (that is, if you open the door to stick in the next person's pizza they lose too much heat) so they have imported a high tech Italian pizza oven, and it does an amazing job.



The aged Beef Carpaccio ($19) with springy rocket, Parmigiano Reggiano and a fifteen year old balsamic reduction goes down very easily. If you've always wanted to try carpaccio, this is a great one to start with.



Crisp ricotta stuffed Zucchini Flowers ($17) contrast well with a light tomato and champagne sugo.



The spirit of Italian generosity is evident in the Confit Duck-Leg Risotto ($26), heavy on the duck and big on flavour from more porcini mushrooms.



The hand-made mint pappardelle served up with a slow cooked Lamb Ragu ($22) demonstrates their commitment to sourcing the best produce. The mint in the pasta is quite clever; it cuts against the heaviness of the rich lamb a treat! I laughed to find out it is the same pasta maker that I purchase my pasta from.

Staff like Floor Manager Danny Emery demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm for the job; his suggestion of an easy-drinking, affordable 2008 Pasqua Soave ($7/glass, $24/bottle) was a welcome contrast to our selected mains.



A neighbouring patron remarked: “I live around the corner and I’ve been here three times in the three weeks that it’s been open.” After eating the rather adult caramelised Banana and Chocolate Calzone ($12) made using their exceptional pizza dough and drizzled with butterscotch sauce, I knew I’d be returning too. This is one of the best desserts I have had for ages, and certainly the best dessert calzone I've tried.



An Affogato ($10) with hazelnut liqueur probably pushed me over the edge with the stunning calzone, but it did show off good coffee. The owner has a couple of specilist cafes so coffee is also a strong point - well made Lavazza.



The owner is also an importer of Italian products, so you can expect the best in the restaurant. One of his products is Santa Vittoria water, used as a decor element in the restaurant. My last photo is of art on the way to the bathrooms - it was quite lovely, made with layers of Japanese wrapping paper.

Legno
529 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9698 8225

Hola! Stumble on in for a refreshing and rejuvenating Besame ($15) built on Tequila, strawberry liqueur, fresh berries and ice, served up with a Mexican brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Hair of the dog don’t come any more hairier than their Bloody Mary ($15).



It's big on flavour but it accents the Huevos Rancheros ($14) well. That’s bacon and eggs topped with green salsa on a bed of corn tortilla for us gringos; and like the rest of their food, it’s served up on beautiful Mexican crockery.



Up the heat with their superb Chipotle Salsa ($2), lower it with Crema ($2) or a thirst-quenching Mexican Flavoured Water ($3.50) - a cordial, best in Jamaica (hibiscus) flavour. 



Chipotle Chicken Flautas ($12), rolled corn tortillas, make for a perfect midday snack under the faux stone Aztec calendar at the handful of tables adjacent to the sunny Crown Street entrance.



If the sun hurts, slink on down to the well-decorated basement where at night you can enjoy authentic Mexican offerings including Sopa Azteca ($12), a spicy tomato soup over crunchy tortilla strips; chipotle and tequila marinated prawns in Camarones a la Diabla ($25); and the cheesy simplicity of Queso Fundido ($12) stuffed with chorizo, mushrooms and chilli. You can read and see pictures of these dishes in my earlier review HERE.

Agave Restaurante Mexicano
2/410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9326 9072

Head on back a block or so from the hectic beach strip into a casual, laid-back space, skanking to the reggae beat of Bob Marley.



You’ll find retro Formica tables, a magazine rack filled with surf and skate mags with names like Slam and Stab, and a simple chalkboard menu that takes you back to yesteryear.



The neighbourhood vibe sees loads of smiles flowing back and forth over the wooden counter, but it’s the Famous Handmade Chips ($3) that will really get your nostalgia flowing. Hand cutting is three hours work every single day, but these crunchy, golden beauties justify every second of labour. Smile at the memories as you unwrap them in a paper-lined newsprint bundle with a nicely battered piece of New Zealand Hoki ($4.50).



Spring for the Home-made Sauces ($2.50/each) – Creole Tartare for the fish; Fresh Herb and Garlic to dip your chips; and Spicy Citrus and Ginger to suit a lightly grilled piece of Atlantic Salmon ($10.50).



A plump Fish Burger ($6.50) surprises with beetroot, but I’m won over immediately so it must be true blue. Vegetable oil helps the food feel surprisingly light, so throw down an extra buck for a lovely golden ring of nostalgic pleasure - the Pineapple Fritter ($1) - eaten too quickly to get a photo, so it must have been good!

The Original Fish and Chip Company
163 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach
Ph: (02) 9130 4582

A few days back I mentioned the 'Magpie Incident', I recently got some more shots courtesy of the photographer we were shooting with, Kellyann Denton, so I thought I would share...



We tried numerous ways to collect the intruder. All bar one (mince) were made of fail.



Pointing at the door didn't help either. Satan and I watched from a safe stairwell vantage point.



The magpie watched back from his vantage point, er... inside our house.

 

The tantalising flavours of the Banana Flower Salad ($10.90) with prawns, chicken and mint, have drawn me to this tiny hole-in-the-wall setting three times already in the last month! I put my obsession with this happy, hawker-style food down to the warmer weather.



You too can celebrate the start of summertime with a tangy Lotus Root Salad ($10.50) packed with prawns and sliced pork belly.



These salads travel well, and can be supplemented by products from the great ‘Snakebean At Home’ range of pantry, fridge and freezer items on display in store.



Talented Chef Nhut Huynh has also released a cookbook called Little Vietnam (RRP $49.95). 



You have the opportunity to try out recipes like his unusual ‘Dragon’s Eye’ Steamed Omelette with Prawns ($11.00) in your food order.



If you’re up for crunch, try the Soft Shell Crab ($22.50) which sits on an excellent green papaya and green apple salad.



If you’re partial to rich and heady flavours, try the Viet-style Braised Pork ($13.90) cooked with star anise, young coconut and whole eggs.



However if it’s comfort you’re after, go for the Roast Eggplant Mash with Spicy Chicken ($13.75). A warm bowl of it makes me as happy as a pig in mud!



And there are plenty of other dishes on the menu equally as good!

Snakebean Asian Diner
95 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9380 8808

If you’re a believer in the old adage: “Never shop when you’re hungry”, here’s a great way to combine a spot of grocery shopping at Westfield Bondi Junction with a good value meal. The art deco facade of the hotel extends into the shopping centre itself.



Inside the diner level, the faux deco renovation gives vanishing point views down an unbelievably long bar, twisted burnished gold walls and comfy white booths – super feminine!

 

Multiple styles of seating to choose from - table, lounge, booth or bar stool.



Ease the pain in your weary tootsies with an Apple Strudel Martini ($15) set off by a spiced brown sugar rim; or a gloriously pink, light-hearted glass of Pizzini Rosetta Sangiovese ($9.50/glass). As you can see by my photo, I chose to sit in a booth, and also drank one of their signature Scarlett Pash ($15) cocktails. I preferred the martini.



The recently refreshed menu sees a well executed Ham and Pineapple Pizza ($17) arrive on wooden paddle, resplendent with good double smoked ham and plated well for sharing.



My Stick’s Pinot Noir ($9.50/glass) is the perfect foil to the 300 gram Grain Fed Sirloin ($20) with Café de Paris butter, fries and a Greek salad.



The dish of the night is the well-cooked Pork Belly ($20) garnished with lemon and a Thai-style salad of apple, mint, coriander and roasted peanuts.

To top it all off, you can park for free in the Westfield (after 5pm) until 1am. But if you come home that late with booze on your breath, I doubt your partner will believe you were just doing the grocery shopping.

The Eastern Diner
The Eastern, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction
Ph: (02) 9387 7828