Capriccio Osteria, Leichhardt

I was invited to celebrate a friend's birthday at Capriccio Osteria and on the day, I ended up carpooling with friends to get here. This was probably the first time I've stepped foot in Leichhardt so was interesting to discover a long food strip filled with cafes and restaurants (mental note to visit again during the daytime). As there is limited street parking, it took a while before we found a spot a few blocks away and walked back to the restaurant.

Outside of Restaurant

Capriccio Osteria is just one of many popular restaurants on the main food strip that serves up some interesting Italian fusion cuisine.

Kirribilli Woodfire Kitchen, Kirribilli

Nestled in a cozy nook opposite Milson's Point train station is Kirribilli Woodfire Kitchen. Mr A and I went there on a complete whim on Sunday for a late lunch after seeing the colourful Jacaranda-lined McDougall Street, sprouting clouds of purple foliage in mid October through to November. (If you are going to venture there for instagram-worthy photos, please do keep an eye on the road and not hold up traffic).

Honestly, I had no intention of blogging about this place when we first walked in - another pizza and pasta joint, what's new? So apologies for the bad photos taken with my phone #nofilter

The restaurant has a casual dining ambience and also does takeaway and deliveries. Despite it's small size, the menu is ambitious. Basic pizzas are around $18 for a medium (11") and around $24 for a large (13"). Pastas are also at the $20 dollar mark with other mains such as T-Bone steak at $29 and salads in the high teens.

Afraid I wasn't going to finish a pizza on my own, I opted for a 11" vegetarian pizza whilst Mr. A chose Gorgonzola gnocchi.

Vapiano, Sydney CBD

Vapiano is conveniently located on the corner of York and King Street in Sydney CBD so it's a great place to meet for lunch/dinner. However, be wary of the long queues during peak (meal) times:

Pasta Queue

Pizza Queue

Surprisingly, on a Wednesday night, the pizza queue was near non-existent while the pasta queue was loonnnggg - my friend waited in line for ~15min before placing her order. It turns out the wait is because they cook the pasta in front of you and serve it to you immediately, whereas with the pizza, you just place the order and return to the counter when the handheld buzzer rings/flashes.

Kitchen Section for Making Pasta

Pasta

Pesto Basilio ($17) - Freshly Made Basil Pesto and Roasted Pine Nuts

This one was voted the best of the two pastas that we ordered - the pasta is cooked to al dente and mixed with a basil pesto sauce and covered in roasted pine nuts and mozarella.

All'Arrabbiata ($16) - Onion and Garlic in Spicy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Also cooked al dente and then mixed with a spicy tomato sauce infused with onion and garlic - the spiciness is mild so okay for those that can't handle the heat. The All'Arrabbiata was recommended by one of my friends (she always orders this one when she comes) but apparently it didn't taste as good tonight.

Pizza

Verdure ($18) - Grilled Eggplant, Capsicum, Zucchini, Mushrooms
on Homemade Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

The toppings were rather sparse and I personally didn't notice any/much grilled eggplant in the mix (do I spy a small diced portion near the centre of the pizza??).

Bruschetta ($18) - Garlic Marinated Tomatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
Fresh Rocket, Parmesan on Homemade Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

To be honest, the pizza base didn't seem any different from the other pizza. Also, it was rather difficult to eat the pizza by hand as the centre was weighed down by the toppings and the base wasn't crispy (rather limp, really).

By the end of the meal, we were all too full and didn't have any room to try out the available desserts, which do look tempting (I wonder if they do takeaway??):

Dessert Options ($7) - Tiramisu, Tim Tam Smash,
Panna Cotta, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Nutella Cheesecake

Overall, the pasta were definitely better than the pizzas - as evidenced by the much longer queue, I would say that a lot of other customers concur - but the portions are rather small for the (high) price you're expected to pay for the fresh pasta.

Bay Tinh, Malabar and Olio, St Leonards

Exciting blog entries are difficult when it's often only Uncle G and I ordering a couple of dishes. Over the months I've collected a number of small meals reviews which I can finally throw together into a proper entry. So here's the first in this series: quick meals in St Leonards/Crows Nest.

Bay Tinh

Bay Tinh 

 I love vietnamese food and I always feel the North Shore doesn't offer enough. So I was set on trying something different on this night. Bay Tinh has a great selection and many items not available on your regular westernised Asian restaurant menu.

The Bonfire, what's inside? $28

 We go for the Bonfire on this occasion. It arrives at our table sitting in... ethanol? (that's my guess) and cooks infront of us for a good 15-20 mins. While waiting Uncle G digs into some Salt and Pepper calamari which unfortunately was not captured (sorry!).

Side of lettuce, mint, pickles, pineapple, bean sprouts and Harry's special anchovy sauce

 Still cooking, so let's explore our sides.. Mmmm can't wait.

Beef & prawn bonfire - finally ready

 The smell is AMAZING as the lid finally lifts to unveil the long awaited dish. Admittedly it would have been nice to see a more generous portion of protein but we're kind of used to the 40/60 meat/veg ratio.

Loading the rice paper, ready to wrap!

And the adventure begins. Wrap-me-happy! You want a little bit of everything on the rice papers then add a generous spoonful of sauce. Or just dip it in the sauce as you go if you're not sharing. It's absolutely delicious! Uncle G loved it too, even with all the veges. We especially enjoy the sweet refreshing juiciness of the pineapples and pickles. 

Malabar  (Crows Nest)

 This is our third visit to Malabar (my 5th without Uncle G) and its become a local favourite. The 'go-to' choice for 2 people is always the banquet menu which is $24.50 pp (lunch)/$37 (dinner): min 2 pax. 

Mini Masala Dosai

The Dosais' at this place is truly what keeps me coming back. I haven't been to India or many other Indian restaurants that offer dosai but in my books, this is FANTASTIC! The crust is so crisp and crunchy yet lighter than a crepe. It melts as you drizzle the curry sauce over it and soaks up all that tangy, spiced tomato goodness. I've tried the chicken and beef versions too, but the masala (filled with potatoes and onion) one is definitely my favourite.

Lamb pepper Roganjosh

 The lamb roganjosh is my favourite of the three mains in the banquet. It's overall mild, with a good pepper zing. The lamb portions are tender and falling apart, the sign of hours of stewing and love.

Butter Chicken

 I've been told by friends Butter Chicken is about as real Indian food as chop suey is Chinese. But hey, we order it everytime and love it. It's one of the few non spicy dishes Uncle G loves. The butter chicken here was just ok. It wasn't bad but I found it a little sweet for my taste.

Mixed Vegetable Curry

 Unfortunately the vegetable curry really misses the mark. Of the 3 times I've had the banquet, we barely touch the vegetable curry every time. It's filled with mushy frozen vegetables and not even the sauce makes up for it. Wish they just gave me some potato curry instead.

The lunch banquet is served with basmati rice, while the dinner banquet comes with naan as well as rice. It should also be noted, the basic dinner banquet also includes Pappadum w mint chutney, Patti Samosa, Chicken Tikka. These were lovely from memory and makes the extra cost worthwhile.

Once upon a time the lunch also had naan and both banquets advertised all you can eat mains. But unfortunately not anymore, nor is the quality as good as our first visit 2 years ago. This place is worth a try, especially for its Dosai but you better do it quick, before the quality slips anymore.

Olio 

I've visited Olio twice, the first visit in November 2014 then once again recently, early April 2015 and I've combined these two visits below. Please note the menu has changed? (or at least the specials have since 2014).

[2014] Mushroom, Haloumi & Slaw sliders w chips

We start with my favourite. These slides won me over and changed how I perceive vegetarian burgers. This dish was a demonstration of how much flavour and texture you can put into a well seasoned vegetarian burger. Too often have restaurants put a vegetarian item of the menu 'just for the hell of it', but this actually tasted amazing! And the cool, crunchy coleslaw was the perfect saucy salad for each slider. It was to my great disappointment these are not available anymore (cries in a corner).

[2014] Linguine with prawns, tomato, chilli and white wine $24

[2015] Linguine with prawns, tomato, chilli and white wine $24

 We ordered the prawn linguine on both occasions. It's actually pretty amazing when you see the two photos side by side, taken from 2 visits only 5 months apart. The first time the prawns were juicier and the dish had more sauce - you can actually see this from the photos. On my second visit the pasta dish was still nice, it was oilier but the favours were still true.

 [2015] Salmon and dill fish cakes with fennel & orange salad and saffron aoili $22

 The price was pretty steep for 2 fish cakes, especially for an entree size dish at lunch time. These were good, lovely moist fresh salmon goodness in a crunchy coating. The sweetness from the orange balanced the fennel and rocket nicely. Actually, I would be very happy to have this as a light lunch anyday - maybe not for $22 though.

[2015] La Ionica Chicken supreme with pearl barley risotto,
tomato, baby spinach, white wine and feta cheese $31

I rarely order this style of chicken because you always run the risk of the dry chicken breast. The crime of the culinary world. This one was ok. I felt the chicken could have been better seasoned but it was fine when had it with the barley risotto. Did I mention I loved the barley risotto? Yum!

Overall Olio's an enjoyable place to share a meal with friends but considering the price, probably more appropriate for dinner or a special occasion lunch. Unless you have an entertainment card, then it's a good place to go anytime!

Note: Malabar and Olio are both in the Entertainment book 2014-15. They attract 25% off the bill and 'Buy one main get one free' discounts respectively.

Pizza Pasta Bene, North Sydney

Pizza Pasta Bene, North Sydney

 For Chinese New Year, my father in law took us to dinner at Cala Luna in North Sydney. Here's a few snapshots of some of the highlights of that meal:

Pizza appetizer

Mixed seafood appetizer: spring rolls, fried calamari, prawn skewers, salmon steaks

Some kinda gorgeous, decadant dessert. 

Uncle G and I were so impressed by the pizza, we vowed to return in the near future. And that we did.

Pizza Pasta Bene and Cala Luna are owned by the same people, in fact the restaurants are linked and share a few menu items. We arrived and were seated in the blazing afternoon sun; thus it was not long before we had to request to change tables. 

I am uncertain whether they had a staff member in training (perfect on a lazy Thursday night) or the 'waiter' really the boss' son and not a waiter at all. But we were seated on the smallest table by the kitchen. It was another 10 mins before the manager himself came to bring us the menus, as we were more or less ignored by the young male waiter. 

As Uncle G examined the menu, I overheard a conversation between the manager and the waiter about us: "What did these people sit themselves? ... Thursday night that's the only customers we've got.. etc". I couldn't make out the complete conversation, but I can't say it made me very comfortable.

Agnolotti: hand made pasta, slow braised oxtail, eggplant, capsicum, garlic, herbs - $22

 Anyway, onto the food. The first dish we ordered was the Agnolotti. I LOVE carbs, and nothing hits the spot more than homemade noodles/ pasta. The pasta was al dente and wonderfully flavoursome in the ragu.

Cross section of the agnolotti

 Filled with the goodness of eggplant! I really enjoyed this but the carnivore Uncle G wasn't much of a fan.

Vitello Pizzaola: milk fed veal, capers, garlic, chilli, olives, oregano - $29

 We both felt the veal missed the spot (especially for $29). It wasn't terrible. It was just rather ordinary, 2 medallions of veal which were somewhat dry. It does feel like a dish you could whip up at home. The broccoli was also over cooked. But the little potatoes and corn was great!

Gamberi: prawns, mozzarella, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, chilli, basil $23

The crowning moment was when the pizza arrived. This was the entire reason we came here and it did not disappoint. There was a generous spray of fresh prawns, juicy mushrooms, poppin' cherry tomato goodness with a hit of chilli. But the thing that keeps me coming back is the base. It's that lovely rustic bubbly pizza base, super thin but still crispy at the bottom if you eat it quick enough. I'm glad the quality of this pizza has been consistent over our 2 visits.

I have noticed there are a number of negative reviews about this place, which I somewhat understand. The service is average, food is pricey for the quality (except the pizza, that's worth it) but they do have promotion nights e.g. 2 for 1 pizza Tuesdays etc. I haven't tried the other pizzas and pastas at this place but certainly, if you get the Gamberi Pizza and the Agnolotti, I feel you will not be disappointed.

La Ricetta Italian, Cow & Moon Gelato, Enmore

Aunt-T is a year older again! Uncle G has chosen to treat me to an Italian feast in Enmore. I haven't been to the Newtown area in a while. It was great to see the hustle and bustle of King St & lap up the smell of Thai radiating from the 342 million Thai restaurants there (each sustained by hungry uni students on a budget).

La Ricetta

La Ricetta recently became my father in-law's favourite restaurant. Its dishes are "authentic and flavorsome" we've been told. Well I like to keep things real - I'm not Italian, I don't know what's 'authentic', but the food was quality, full of flavour and overall enjoyable.

Frozen Strawberry Daquiri $13.50

Now, I'm under the impression (unless stated otherwise) Daquiri's are alcoholic? The specials board certainly didn't say anything about 'mocktails'. Never the less it was DELICIOUS! Was there alkie? That's questionable, but you could taste fresh crushed strawberries, it was so lovely and refreshing we wanted more!

Calamari e gamberi fritte $18.90/ 28.90 [Entree pictured]
Calamari & prawns floured with salt & pepper, shallow fried w garlic aioli

If there is only one thing you need to know about Uncle G, is that he is a creature of habit. So I consider myself in a good position to judge a good 'Salt and Pepper Calamari(or squid)'. These ones were definitely decent. To be honest I couldn't remember too well because they were outshone by the prawns. These were fresh, plump & juicy with just enough crunchy coating (so its not too heavy/oily) and perfectly seasoned. As good as the ones from my favourite takeway shop at the Fish Markets! The most unfortunate thing was there were only 2.

Pappardelle ragu con porcini $17.90/ 23.90 [Entree pictured]
(Egg pasta with ragu of pot-braised beef, porcini mushrooms & napoletana)

I've had many 'ragu's and this is definitely one of the most outstanding. As you work your way through the perfectly al dente ribbons, you will find it generously latticed with slow cooked beef, falling apart with a gentle twist of the fork. Uncle G and I demolished this in no time! 

Risotto granchio $18.90/ 24.90 [Entree pictured]
(Risotto with fresh blue swimmer crab, basil, barlic, chilli, cream & napoletana) 

We were served one course after another, so by the time this arrived I had forgotten what I ordered. I looked at the risotto with small white pieces of protein popping throughout and thought "I wonder why I ordered chicken risotto". It wasn't until I had a spoonful that I realised they were indeed, generous portions of crab meat. Enough said. This risotto was divine and generous! I would definitely order this again. 

Grigliata mista di mare $37.90
Grilled king prawns, scampi, calamari, fish, mussels (and clams)

I initially wanted the 'hot pot misto mare', but father-in-law recommended this version instead. The seafood was once again fresh. Especially the prawns, fish and clams. I felt the hot pot version may have been a better choice though, as the mussels and calamari could do with more flavour. And we were only given half a scampi (boohoo), so you'll have to fight for it if there's two of you.

Cow and Moon Gelato

Queues have been going around the block since this article was published. Just five minutes down the road from La Ricetta was the best gelato in the world, so how could we refuse? 

Mesmerised by the exciting array of flavours, we eagerly choose 4 to sample: Malto Bliss, Mandorla Affogato, Cookies and Cream, Hazelnut Roche.

If I have to be honest, I hyped myself up too much for this "world best gelato". Certainly it was good, but I would be reluctant to wait in a 30 min queue for it. My favourite was Malto Bliss. I can't explain what the flavours reminded me of, but the solid choc bits and light chocolatey flavours really worked for me. The award winning Mandorla Affogato was good and had plenty of texture throughout. But as a coffee fan, I found it a little sweet for 'Affogato' and think I prefer more intense, less sweetened coffee flavours eg Movenpick's Cappuccino. Uncle G monstered down his Cookie and Cream and Hazelnut Roche. These were pretty good too. I guess overall they were very good gelatos so long as your not expecting a mindblowing experience.

A big thanks to Uncle G for organising this dinner. It was lovely and I'd definitely return to La Ricetta and Cow&Moon again. It's not the cheapest but its quality Italian.

Note: Cow and Moon Gelato is in the Sydney, Sydney North Entertainment book 2014

Signorelli Gastronomia, Pyrmont

As part of my latest (bi)monthly bookclub meeting, a group of friends and I organised dinner at Signorelli Gastronomia - an Italian restaurant in Pyrmont that was part-taking in the Good Food Month with a Vertical Garden dessert!

Restaurant from the outside

The restaurant is less than 10min walk from Pyrmont bridge and is actually around the side of the Accenture building. My walking buddy (from Wynyard) and I almost walked past the restaurant as the exterior isn't very prominent and is sort of hidden behind trees and cars parked on the street.

Upon walking through the entrance and down a set of stairs, you walk by the open kitchen on the left (with windows along the wall for customers to peer inside and get a glimpse into the workings of their kitchen) and racks filled with purchasable goods (such as pasta, risotto rice, pasta sauce, biscotti) on your right before you come across the reception area.

Since we booked a table in advance, we were quickly led to our table and offered table drinks whilst we wait for our late-coming friends:

Watermelon gazpacho - offered to customers on arrival (free)

Picture of the back of their menu, which acts as the place mat for each customer
It looks like they change their menus on a monthly basis as the menu
presented on the table listed out unique specials/events for Oct and Nov. 

When all my friends finally arrived (by which time, I was starrrrvvinnnggggg...), we were ready to order our food. The pizzas came out soon afterwards (15-20min after ordering), along with the two pastas that we ordered:

Pizza with Italian sausage, gorgonzola and potatoes ($24)

Pizza with three mushrooms, taleggio and parmesan ($25)

Calzone with ham, mushroom and ricotta ($23)

Pasta of the Day - squid ink fettuccine with large prawns, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs (M=$30)

Orecchiette with pan-roasted pork and fennel sausage, mushrooms, white wine sauce,
fresh herbs, finished with soppressa wafer (E=$18; M=$27)

The pizzas were good (or it could have been the hunger) but could have been improved with a bit more seasoning (none available on the table). The squid ink fettuccine was more of a novelty and interesting to eat although the pasta, having been be cooked 'al dente', was a bit too firm for my taste - I prefer not to chew so hard in order to eat pasta. The orecchiette wasn't cooked al dente so was easier to eat.

Finally, it came to the highlight of the evening - the Vertical Garden Dessert! Every table in the restaurant ordered this after 8pm (it was literally flying out the kitchen in a constant procession!).

Good Food Month - The Vertical Garden Dessert Offer
The bespoke creation by our Celebrity pastry chef Vincent Gadan - frozen nougat, rose blossom loukoum, 
lychee jelly and pistachio wall with a glass of Yalumba wine ($20pp)

Close-up of dessert.... nomnomnom...

This was by far the best dish of the night - beautifully presented and the flavours were amazing! The only element of this dish that I wasn't sure about was the lychee jelly. which was seriously wobbly and mushy (could have done with a bit more gelatin?) ...

I absolutely loved the frozen nougat - however, by the end, it was a total sugar overload due to the addition of the rose blossom loukoum (a.k.a. Turkish delight) in the frozen nougat. It could be improved with something slightly savoury to offset the excessive sweetness (even with the pistachio wall, raspberry coulee and choc biscuit crumbs/dirt).

Overall, the meal cost $42pp - a bit steep for the likes of me (given the fact that it WAS pizza and pasta, followed by a sugar-filled killer dessert). I would definitely recommend people go for any desserts that they might have on offer in the future for Good Food Month/Sugar Hit.