http://torobravo.com.au/
Last week my close friend Blossom had a showcase at the RAW artist exhibit. We all hopped along to show our support and afterwards, wandered through the valley for a bite to eat.
Showing posts with label Spanish Restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spanish Restaurants. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Spanish Feast at Toro Bravo
Toro Bravo
http://torobravo.com.au/
Last week my close friend Blossom had a showcase at the RAW artist exhibit. We all hopped along to show our support and afterwards, wandered through the valley for a bite to eat.
http://torobravo.com.au/
Last week my close friend Blossom had a showcase at the RAW artist exhibit. We all hopped along to show our support and afterwards, wandered through the valley for a bite to eat.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Ole Fuego for a Spanish Tapas Feast
Ole Fuego
http://www.olerestaurant.com.au/fuego-about-us/
Marc and I rarely go to the movies because I have the attention span of a goldfish and find it hard to sit still and not talk for close to 3 hours (aren't all movies these days just so LONG). However, we obtained some free tickets and when something is free, that changes things so despite my misgivings we made a date night out of it.
Indooroopilly shopping Centre is our new local shopping hub so that's where we headed for dinner and movies. It wasn't late night shopping night so the centre was fairly quiet but the dining strip along Station Rd still had some activity happening. We got a table at Ole Fuego and managed to get our order in before the kitchen closed.
http://www.olerestaurant.com.au/fuego-about-us/
Marc and I rarely go to the movies because I have the attention span of a goldfish and find it hard to sit still and not talk for close to 3 hours (aren't all movies these days just so LONG). However, we obtained some free tickets and when something is free, that changes things so despite my misgivings we made a date night out of it.
Indooroopilly shopping Centre is our new local shopping hub so that's where we headed for dinner and movies. It wasn't late night shopping night so the centre was fairly quiet but the dining strip along Station Rd still had some activity happening. We got a table at Ole Fuego and managed to get our order in before the kitchen closed.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Dinner at Moda Restaurant
Moda Restaurant
http://www.modarestaurant.com.au/
I'm not the kind of girl who only gets excited about fine dining. Most of my recent dinners with Marc have been spent at trendier, casual spots and during the day, I tend to bounce between cafes. Every now and again though, I do get in the mood for a proper sit down meal with several courses and a bottle of red. We scheduled such a dinner aside last weekend and I selected Moda out of my list of contenders.
I only knew of Moda by reputation, and the fact that it's located where Gianni's used to be. It's a smallish restaurant with a predominantly outdoor dining space that succeeds in achieving a contemporary garden party atmosphere in the middle of the city. Not bad. Marc commented that he liked the style of furniture, minus the chandeliers. I liked the chandeliers.
http://www.modarestaurant.com.au/
I'm not the kind of girl who only gets excited about fine dining. Most of my recent dinners with Marc have been spent at trendier, casual spots and during the day, I tend to bounce between cafes. Every now and again though, I do get in the mood for a proper sit down meal with several courses and a bottle of red. We scheduled such a dinner aside last weekend and I selected Moda out of my list of contenders.
A Spanish red, recommended by our waiter
I only knew of Moda by reputation, and the fact that it's located where Gianni's used to be. It's a smallish restaurant with a predominantly outdoor dining space that succeeds in achieving a contemporary garden party atmosphere in the middle of the city. Not bad. Marc commented that he liked the style of furniture, minus the chandeliers. I liked the chandeliers.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Ole Restaurant for Breakfast and Tapas Lunch
Ole Restaurant
http://olerestaurant.com.au/
I'd been interested in Ole Restaurant since it first opened. There was quite a bit of buzz online but I didn't cross paths with the restaurant so I didn't get a chance to see for myself. I tried suggesting it a couple of times while I was out in South Bank Parklands but my friends didn't bait. I took matters into my own hands and headed to Ole Restaurant for solo breakfast one morning. This was a couple of months ago. More recently, Nina and I were planning on a lunch catch up and Ole Restaurant happened to be on her 'to try' list so we went along with it.
I'll start with my breakfast assessment. This was also my first impression of Ole Restaurant. I liked that openness, bar stools and sunny decor (the pops of yellow and metal lattice ceiling are lovely). It was fairly quiet when I got there but I am known for early roaming so the restaurant had probably just opened.
http://olerestaurant.com.au/
I'd been interested in Ole Restaurant since it first opened. There was quite a bit of buzz online but I didn't cross paths with the restaurant so I didn't get a chance to see for myself. I tried suggesting it a couple of times while I was out in South Bank Parklands but my friends didn't bait. I took matters into my own hands and headed to Ole Restaurant for solo breakfast one morning. This was a couple of months ago. More recently, Nina and I were planning on a lunch catch up and Ole Restaurant happened to be on her 'to try' list so we went along with it.
I'll start with my breakfast assessment. This was also my first impression of Ole Restaurant. I liked that openness, bar stools and sunny decor (the pops of yellow and metal lattice ceiling are lovely). It was fairly quiet when I got there but I am known for early roaming so the restaurant had probably just opened.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Pintxo for Sangria and Tapas
Pintxo Spanish Taperia
http://www.pintxo.com/
It's impossible to turn your head these days without seeing a new 'tapas' establishment. Small plates for shared dining seems to be the trending food culture. There are plenty of restaurants that offer tapas-style menus that encourage this style of eating and the dishes can be anything from an array of international cuisine, but originally tapas was a Spanish thing. I know that there are other versions of the same concept in other countries (e.g. Chinese yum cha or Greek mezze) but on this occasion, Marc and I went to a Spanish tapas bar.
Pintxo is located on Brunswick St in New Farm. We walked there from the city and underestimated the distance so we got there late and nearly missed our booking. Luckily, the staff were very accomodating.
The restaurant is small but the space is divided up nicely so it doesn't feel cramped at all. They even have a tapas train, which is just adorable. We got there late on a Tuesday night so it was fairly quiet.
One of my favorite things about eating at a Spanish or Mexican restaurant is the sangria. I'm not huge on wine but I adore sangria. Pintxo has a couple of different flavors of sangria on offer. I went with peach sangria and Marc stuck with classic red. They were quite good. I found my flavored one to be a bit odd and preferred the red wine sangria.
We started with some bread with olive oil. I love a warm, crusty loaf with good, full-bodied olive oil. I was starving at this point and the bread tasted pretty damn good!
Next, we launched straight into the big plate of tapas. There was a lot of food on that platter and we were feasting with our eyes before we even sampled any. It's easy to get startled and impressed by a giant selection of food. My biggest problem was not knowing where to start.
I gradually worked my way from one end of the platter to the other. Many of the usual tapas favorites were present: meatballs, grilled chorizo, roast potato nuggets and pastries. In terms of flavor, it was a mixed bag for me.
I enjoyed the empanada the most because it was hot and crunchy. The meatballs were underwhelming. I've definitely had better. Chorizo and proscuitto-wrapped toast is difficult to comment on because there's not much cooking involved.
The salad was simple but zesty and refreshing. The potato nuggest were probably the most disappointing because they just weren't crunchy at all. I suppose the crumbed olives would be great for olive lovers but neither Marc or I are huge fans of olives.
We ended our meal with dessert. I broke the food blogger rule of 'needing' to order different things because we both wanted the churros. They were alright and hit the spot, curbing our sweet/fried cravings but not as great as San Churros. The chocolate sauce was a bit too out-of-the-bottle for my liking.
We didn't mind Pintxo but didn't think it was anything too spectacular either. It's a cute restaurant but for the most part, the food looked better than it tasted.
http://www.pintxo.com/
It's impossible to turn your head these days without seeing a new 'tapas' establishment. Small plates for shared dining seems to be the trending food culture. There are plenty of restaurants that offer tapas-style menus that encourage this style of eating and the dishes can be anything from an array of international cuisine, but originally tapas was a Spanish thing. I know that there are other versions of the same concept in other countries (e.g. Chinese yum cha or Greek mezze) but on this occasion, Marc and I went to a Spanish tapas bar.
Pintxo is located on Brunswick St in New Farm. We walked there from the city and underestimated the distance so we got there late and nearly missed our booking. Luckily, the staff were very accomodating.
The restaurant is small but the space is divided up nicely so it doesn't feel cramped at all. They even have a tapas train, which is just adorable. We got there late on a Tuesday night so it was fairly quiet.
Peach sangria and classic red wine sangria
One of my favorite things about eating at a Spanish or Mexican restaurant is the sangria. I'm not huge on wine but I adore sangria. Pintxo has a couple of different flavors of sangria on offer. I went with peach sangria and Marc stuck with classic red. They were quite good. I found my flavored one to be a bit odd and preferred the red wine sangria.
Bread and olive oil
We started with some bread with olive oil. I love a warm, crusty loaf with good, full-bodied olive oil. I was starving at this point and the bread tasted pretty damn good!
Tapas platter
Next, we launched straight into the big plate of tapas. There was a lot of food on that platter and we were feasting with our eyes before we even sampled any. It's easy to get startled and impressed by a giant selection of food. My biggest problem was not knowing where to start.
I gradually worked my way from one end of the platter to the other. Many of the usual tapas favorites were present: meatballs, grilled chorizo, roast potato nuggets and pastries. In terms of flavor, it was a mixed bag for me.
Close-up
I enjoyed the empanada the most because it was hot and crunchy. The meatballs were underwhelming. I've definitely had better. Chorizo and proscuitto-wrapped toast is difficult to comment on because there's not much cooking involved.
Another close-up
The salad was simple but zesty and refreshing. The potato nuggest were probably the most disappointing because they just weren't crunchy at all. I suppose the crumbed olives would be great for olive lovers but neither Marc or I are huge fans of olives.
Churros con chocolate - classic Spanish donuts with brandy infused chocolate dipping sauce
We ended our meal with dessert. I broke the food blogger rule of 'needing' to order different things because we both wanted the churros. They were alright and hit the spot, curbing our sweet/fried cravings but not as great as San Churros. The chocolate sauce was a bit too out-of-the-bottle for my liking.
We didn't mind Pintxo but didn't think it was anything too spectacular either. It's a cute restaurant but for the most part, the food looked better than it tasted.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Kuala Lumpur 2 - La Bodega
La Bodega
http://www.bodega.com.my/labodega/
The first of my KL restaurant posts feature La Bodega, a tapas restaurant near The Pavilion in Bukit Bintang. We walked around for AGES before deciding 'what the heck, let's just chose something' and walked into this place. I recall the criteria at the time being something along the lines of 'I'm not sure what I feel like eating but if I see it I'll know' and 'they better serve drinks'.
We picked a nice outdoor table and started off by poring over the drinks menu. It didn't take very long to make a decision. Spanish restaurant. Sangria. Simple. We ordered a jug to start with.
http://www.bodega.com.my/labodega/
The first of my KL restaurant posts feature La Bodega, a tapas restaurant near The Pavilion in Bukit Bintang. We walked around for AGES before deciding 'what the heck, let's just chose something' and walked into this place. I recall the criteria at the time being something along the lines of 'I'm not sure what I feel like eating but if I see it I'll know' and 'they better serve drinks'.
We picked a nice outdoor table and started off by poring over the drinks menu. It didn't take very long to make a decision. Spanish restaurant. Sangria. Simple. We ordered a jug to start with.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cocktails and Tapas at Subsolo, Sydney
Subsolo Spanish Restaurant and Bar
http://www.subsolo.com.au/
Saturday night, our good friend Dani decided she would take us 'Asian-clubbing'. Being a Sydney local, she was also responsible for feeding us beforehand. We met up at Subsolo, which is an underground Spanish restaurant. Despite having a booking for 8:30, our table wasn't ready for a significant period of time... so we stood around waiting for a bit.
The place was packed! There was a festive, happy vibe about the restaurant, which lightened the underground feel. I liked the rustic brick walls with red lamps and gothic chandeliers. Noice.
http://www.subsolo.com.au/
Saturday night, our good friend Dani decided she would take us 'Asian-clubbing'. Being a Sydney local, she was also responsible for feeding us beforehand. We met up at Subsolo, which is an underground Spanish restaurant. Despite having a booking for 8:30, our table wasn't ready for a significant period of time... so we stood around waiting for a bit.
The place was packed! There was a festive, happy vibe about the restaurant, which lightened the underground feel. I liked the rustic brick walls with red lamps and gothic chandeliers. Noice.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Ortiga Restaurant
Ortiga Restaurant
http://www.ortiga.com.au/
Last night I had one of those dining experiences that must be shared right away. Most of my posts are written up to a week after the fact but this time, I just can't wait that long. Although I didn't get much sleep last night and I'm tired and I'd rather be online shopping, I've got to document the memory before it fades and I start omitting details.
I know I say this about lots of restaurants but Ortiga has been on my 'must visit' for a long, long time... ever since the day I first saw it when I had dinner nearby at Mint. Mint is long gone but I still remember seeing the legs of cured meat hanging in the restaurant and thinking "I want to go there". At the time I hadn't made the connection that Isis used to be in that exact location but I soon learned that Ortiga was the follow-on.
http://www.ortiga.com.au/
Last night I had one of those dining experiences that must be shared right away. Most of my posts are written up to a week after the fact but this time, I just can't wait that long. Although I didn't get much sleep last night and I'm tired and I'd rather be online shopping, I've got to document the memory before it fades and I start omitting details.
I know I say this about lots of restaurants but Ortiga has been on my 'must visit' for a long, long time... ever since the day I first saw it when I had dinner nearby at Mint. Mint is long gone but I still remember seeing the legs of cured meat hanging in the restaurant and thinking "I want to go there". At the time I hadn't made the connection that Isis used to be in that exact location but I soon learned that Ortiga was the follow-on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)