Aria Brisbane

Aria Brisbane
Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle Street Brisbane



Being an avid MasterChef Australia fan, I nearly flipped out after hearing that Matt Moran was opening an Aria restaurant in Brisbane. Sure, I knew about the restaurant in Sydney and it's amazing reputation, and I've seen Matt on OTHER shows (i.e. The Chopping Block) but what I was REALLY excited about was the chocolate tart from the finals.

It didn't really take me long to find time and make a booking. Unlike doing assignments and studying for end of semester exams, I can never be too busy/tired/lazy for a nice restaurant.


The restaurant is located on Eagle Street Pier, where the old Pier Nine was. The interior is classy, subtle and dim (which might be nice for the romantic type but not for me because I want good lighting for my piccies) and there's an impressive panoramic glass wall lining the riverside.

3 Courses (sorta) at the City Markets

Jan Power's Farmer's Market revisited for MORE GOODNESS
Dining Out

I'm hoping it's not too soon for another market thread but given that I didn't actually go into detail re: specific stall recs, I think I'm safe?

There are occasions, as we probably all have experienced, where I wander around not knowing what I feel like eating and then, having settled for something out of convenience, I see something and think 'ARGH. That is SO what I wanted'.

This happened a few times with me about the Jan Powers Farmer's Market in Brisbane City (Brisbane Square, George St)... after clinic, I grab some food and THEN remember that the markets are on and that I've missed out on getting something from there instead.

One time a couple of weeks back, I was fortunate enough to be reminded of the markets in time for dinner so I had a ball going through and picking out things that looked good.

Ended up having myself a bit of a 3-courser though two of the items are sweet (being the sweet tooth that I am, I couldn't resist) so you decide which is 'entree'.

Little Singapore in the City

Little Singapore
http://www.littlesingapore.com.au/



Little Singapore is the first of those super successful Sunnybank eateries (incl Little Hong Kong, Malaya Corner, Vietnam Corner and Sunnybank Oriental) that has transposed into the CBD. Perhaps it's a bit odd but I haven't ever been to the Sunnybank location but I've tried Little Singapore in the city twice.

Last night, I went with a group of girlfriends, 2 of whom live in the city so being in their neck of the woods, I trust all recs.

Having been insomniac for the couple of weeks (exam stress + general state of anxiety about life = zombie-ing around on zero sleep), I've pretty much lost my appetite.

Oyakodon

Oyakodon
Home Cooking



It's such lazy, hot weather. So much so that I've stopped trying to avoid conforming with the masses of people whinging about the heat.

This is me having a whinge...

PA ARPOUE RAPOF AOPRU EAPR AEWRPUAEW ERPUA FPAWURAEPRUEA RUAEPFU AOPRUAEW PRUAWE

*breathes*

(no that wasn't a secret code; I was merely stamping angrily at my keyboard, at random)

My dog was so inanimate in the heat that he started collecting fallen flowers on his back

Moving on... so, lazy times call for easy food preparation. Something clean and fast.

Chocolate Soldier

Chocolate Soldier
275 George St, Brisbane CBD



It's always exciting when new things pop up in Brisbane. My friend told me about Chocolate Soldier and my ears pricked up because, well chocolate anything already sounds promising. When we went, she was going through a brownie phase and ordered a blueberry brownie. From memory, it tasted pretty good but I know one sample isn't enough for me.

Soon, I went back to investigate further. (For the sake of knowledge, obviously).


In fact, I have been a total of 3 times. On each occasion, I stop by to get an item or 2. I've finally eaten enough from Chocolate Soldier to be able to give an adequate review.

Beijing House

Beijing House
1/45 Queen St, Brisbane CBD



I never really notice the Chinese restaurants in Brisbane CBD. Regional logic tells you that if it's authentic Asian you're after, you'll be better off in Sunnybank or the Valley. If anyone had asked me, I would have vaguely described one or two that I had seen along Queen St Mall.



Beijing House is one of those restaurants. It was quite random really; I was walking past with my friend and we were on our way to Cafe 21 in the casino when he got distracted by the lunch special signs at Beijing House. So, we decided to try that instead.

Spaghetti with Prawns and Rocket

Spaghetti with Prawns and Rocket
Home Cooking



I've been having the odd pasta craving or two that comes and goes. It's not enough to make me set out to an Italian restaurant but it's annoying when I don't get what I want (as I'm sure it is for everyone).

The solution was to find a really simple pasta dish that I could whip up at home. I was leafing through 'Jamie's Italy' by Jamie Oliver and spotted this recipe for spaghetti with prawns and rocket (or, as it's called in Italian, 'spaghetti con gamberetti e rucola') which had really basic, fresh ingredients but boy, the photo sure looked appetizing.

Taste Testing the new McDonald's Grand Angus Burger

Grand Angus Burger at Maccas
http://mcdonalds.com.au/



Sure you've all seen/heard the ads by now. There's no shortage of hype over the Angus burgers that have just been released in McDonalds' outlets around Australia. There are also other food blog reviews out there but I just can't resist putting my 2c in.

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not picky with food and I'm by no means a food snob. I love junk food as much as the next (normal) person. I have preferences, sure, but rarely do I outright hate on anything I eat. You'll find folk out there who 'never eat McDonalds' or 'never eat Subway' because it's too processed and chain-storey. Not me. I eat pretty much anything.

Korova Cookies

Korova Cookies
Home Cooking



I could have called these cookies a number of things. I've seen them referred to as ice-box cookies (because the dough is frozen in a log-shape before being sliced). Certainly the description 'crunchy, double chocolate cookies' would be accurate. The blog smitten kitchen, where I got this recipe from, calls these the 'world peace' cookies.



I settled with korova because it sounds kinda cool and sounds a bit like my name. As you might know from my 'about me' section, I'm fanatical about things that have my name on it (Cora wine, anyone?)

Mac n Cheese Special

Mac n Cheese Special
Home Cooking



This week, when I'm busy bludging around and trying to avoid study, I usually spend the afternoon having a nap. The downside is that by the time I'm actually supposed to be asleep, the brain's not tired anymore so I end up staying awake till past twelve.



Around 10pm, I start getting all kinds of food cravings. I call it the night time munchies. I worked out that even if I'm not physically hungry (as in, even after I eat something), I still want to eat probably just out of boredom. Once I start planning all the wonderful things I'm going to eat the next day, the anticipation makes it even harder to sleep. I must have some kind of crazy food-lover's insomnia.

BarBoo Gelato

BarBoo Gelato
Koisk 1, Market Square Shopping Centre, Cnr Mains Rd & McCullough St, Sunnybank



I was snooping around the photos on my computer and found a few places that were meant to be blogged many, many months ago. Fingers crossed that these reviews won't be TOO out of date.

BarBoo is a gelato bar in Market Square, Sunnybank. As far as I know, it opens from the afternoon into the wee hours of the night (i.e. at least mid-nightish).

Possibly black sesame and green tea

The flavors on offer change quite a bit. You can usually find popular chocolate brand flavors like Fererro Rocher and Tim Tam, plus some Asian flavors like green tea, black sesame or, (my favorite) taro.

Studying in Spring

I've been holed up at home for a couple of days trying to get some study done for the mid-semesters. Just about everything around me makes me want to do something else. ANYTHING ELSE. This (blogging), is just one example.


To help focus my concentration, I've blu-tacked 'study lists' for each of my subjects on the wall. I got this idea from a friend of mine who used to write lists on his wall so he'd wake up and get reminded to study. This works in theory but really, you grow to just ignore them. Can't say I'm not trying though.



Outside, the weather's fabulous. Not too hot or cold. We should enjoy this while it lasts. Brisbanians know that we get a depressingly short period of 'perfect' weather before it becomes sticky and steaming.

On a side note...

I was leafing through Australian Gourmet Traveller (September 09) and spotted an article with short quotes/tips from top chefs around Australia. When I saw THIS ONE, I stared...


The reason being, as you may or may not know, I daydream about being an amazing chef (pastry chef for preference) and opening my own restaurant or cafe... but I'm currently studying dentistry.

Funny, hey?

Bill Granger's Coconut Bread

Bill Granger's Coconut Bread
Home cooking



Prior to baking this bread, I had heard SUCH wonderful reviews. There are descriptions circulating the net detailing the coconutty aroma wafting out of the oven that were just irresistible. When I saw the recipe, I was surprised to see that the only coconut ingredient was shredded coconut... no extract, no coconut cream or milk. This didn't let me down; on the contrary, I was intrigued.

With icing sugar and a slathering of butter

After daydreaming about a coconut loaf baking in MY oven, I thought... that's it, I have to do this now. The ingredients are simple and stuff I had in my pantry. The steps are easy as well (only need 2 bowls; no need to cream butter).

Beer Damper

Beer Damper
Home Cooking



There's something really appealing about country-style food. I was leafing through a magazine recently (can't recall exactly what it was but there was a lot of celebrity gossip) when I stumbled upon a country-themed recipe section. Loads of good stuff: scones, chunky soup, pot pies etc.



When I think of country food, I'm thinking 'hearty', 'fresh' and lots of milk, eggs, cheese and herbs. Mmm... I spent a while copying out recipes by hand. One that I decided to follow through today was the beer damper recipe.

Top Noodle

Top Noodle
http://www.topnoodlejapanesestyle.com.au/



There's a Top Noodle tucked away in the corner of Market Square. I only found out 10 seconds ago that it's actually a franchise under Sushi Train. Due to the ambiguous logo where their 'T' is a swirl of noodles dangling from a pair of chopsticks, I've heard this restaurant referred to as Sop Noodle or even, Op Noodle.

I went a few times back in the bad old days with high school friends but haven't given Top Noodle another thought till I found a friend that's fanatical about this place. Unconvinced that it's necessarily better than every other Japanese eatery around, I thought I'd give it a crack anyway.

Bar Merlo for Breakfast

Bar Merlo
329 George St



Sometimes, uni starts unforgivably early. I realize that there are people out there who have to get up at 5 or 6am (or even earlier) everyday and don't mind it but I am REALLY not a morning person.



To avoid walking to the bus stop, I usually hitch a ride with my dad who is one of those people mentioned above had leaves the house at 6:30am daily. Although this saves me a trip, I tend to arrive in the city a bit earlier than I have to. There's not many ways you can kill time in the mornings but a particularly enjoyable activity is having a good breakfast to wake me up.

Father's Day Special: duck legs, fresh mulberries and crispy potato

Confit of Duck Leg with Mulberry Red Wine Jus and Crispy Hash Brown
Home Cooking



Mum's birthday is always around the same time as Queen's birthday. Dad's happens to coincide with Father's Day. Last night, we had noodles with savory mince (noodles to represent long life).

As for today, I volunteered to make something special.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Home Cooking



I'm a little bit crazy about carrot cake. Just a little. I've survived my 'carrot cake obsession' phase and now consider my like of carrot cake to be within the realms of normality.



When I was obsessed/addicted/hooked/crazy/gaga over carrot cake, I ate it daily. I dreamt about it. Made carrot cake in loaf form, in cupcake form and on occasion, in an actual 'cake' shape.

I bought carrot cake from MANY cafes and analyzed and appraised (don't like the one from Brumby's; the one from Michelle's Patisserie is OK but gets 'too much' very quickly).

Thankfully, I got over that.

Madtongsan

Madtongsan Korean Cuisine
Shop 28, Elizabeth Arcade, 99 Elizabeth St, Brisbane



You should know by now that I love my Elizabeth Arcade eateries. After uni in the city, I welcome with open arms any cheap, convenient food outlet that has lots of options.

I don't frequently get cravings for Korean food but there's been a few bouts in recent weeks. Usually, an itching for Korean cuisine is represented by a change in the palate towards anything chili, garlicky or sour (or, more likely than not, all of the above).



Today, I was in the mood for Korean barbecue. I started having strange thoughts about sitting in a room full of people barbecuing pork belly and being smoked in the smells and flavors. Don't freak out on me now... I swear food dreams aren't an everyday occurrence for me. I haven't taken my love for food THAT far.

Having said that, when the mood strikes, why fight it?

The Neiman Marcus Urban Legend Cookies

Neiman Marcus Choc Chip Cookies
Home Cooking



I came across this recipe online a long time ago but didn't think much of it until it cropped up on a thread in Vogue Forums. There's a story behind the recipe, which I don't really imagine to be true, though I'm not too concerned about origin. Sure, it sounds cool if I say I baked cookies from a modern urban legend but what REALLY appealed to me was the fact that these cookies contain oat, grated chocolate AND chocolate chips.

The act of grating chocolate really scares me (you're trying to beat the clock to get as much chocolate shavings as possible out of the piece you're holding before it melts) but the thought of chocolate shavings melting into a cookie dough really appealed to me.



This is the first cookie recipe that I've taken really seriously. The only other choc chip/chunk cookie attempts in the past has been following this recipe which is simple, unfussy and so good that the cookies rarely get to cool down before they're all woofed down. I figured it's time that I gave a proper multi-step recipe a crack.

Back on the Baking Bandwagon

After a brief spell of retirement from cooking, I think I've just caught the bug again. That is, the Baking Bug. For me, cooking isn't actually a survival necessity (I have my parents, food outlets and at worst, canned soup for sustenance) so it really only works when I'm REALLY IN THE MOOD. Like painting and whatnot. You just can't force the creative juices.

Luckily, it is Time to don the apron again, figuratively speaking (I never actually wear an apron, the result of which is many embarrassing stains on otherwise nice items of clothing).



I have to say... I'm pretty enthused. As in... I'm dreaming about food. And I'm researching recipes. And when I find something good, I copy it down into my diary (the one that's meant to be for homework).

Obaltan

Obaltan
91 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

The window is so shiny... I just couldn't get an angle where nothing was reflected

Walking along Elizabeth St one day, I nearly jumped in shock when I saw this new restaurant. This might be an OTT reaction to most people but I'm such a city bum - I wander around the CBD almost on a day-to-day basis so I was surprised they managed to sneak a new restaurant in without me realizing.



The outside shopfitting hadn't been completed but they were already filled with people so I thought... this much hype must be a good thing. It wasn't long after that when I found an excuse to go with a couple of friends.

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles
Home Cooking



These cookies started out life as walnut, coffee splodge cookies but when I realized I had no brown sugar in the house, I improvised. It's one of those mysteries in life because I could've sworn I had at least 2 packets of brown sugar but well... try as I may, I could not spot even one packet. The oven was on, time was ticking, so I gave up.

Leafing through "How to be a Domestic Goddess" by Nigella Lawson, I desperately sought for a recipe that used similar ingredients as the walnut, coffee cookies. The reason being is that I had already measured out the flour and had butter, sugar, baking powder etc all ready on the bench.


Lo and behold: snickerdoodles. I had no idea what they were but the important thing to me was that they required just the amount of flour that I'd measured out. Horray! I was saved.