I picked up a Grand Ridge mixed six at the Good Food and Wine Show last Saturday. Last night the Natural Blonde was the first to face the elimination gauntlet.
So how did it go? Well not too bad at all. Brewed with orange zest and corriandor it's full of flavour, but not over powering. At 4.5% abv it's just as good as other low carb beers out there and packs as more flavor for sure.
A great mate for seafood, Thai, & Chinese dishes, or anything with a bit of spice. Great tasting and leaves room in the gut to knock back more than one. 4/5
Monday, July 19, 2010
Natural Blone - Wheat Beer
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Shinara Korean bbq buffet
We originally planned to go to Spanish Terras on Liverpool st. for dinner, but I'm a sucker for a good Korean bar-be-cue; and, at $24 a head it's hard to turn down an evening at Shinara.
There are heaps of Korean bbq buffets in town, but few have match the style and fresh selection as well as Shinara. Located on Pitt St. in the heart of the CBD it's the perfect place to fill up before a big night out on the town. It's dinner lighting is perfect for a date (just as long as you're both ready to pig out). Also a good place to take the family.
One thing that I don't like about most Sydney Korean bbq's is how it can become very smokey inside the restaurant, but thanks to the multi-level, high-ceiling design this is not an issue.
They have everything people come to expect on a Korean buffet, it's a real meat mecca-- samgyeopsal, bulgoggi, dak galbi, marinated pork and beef galbi, all parts of the chicken, and seafood faves like prawns and baby octopus.
I was thrilled to find one of my favorite Korean street foods on the buffet bar as well, ddokbokki *. It's Korean rice cake, processed fish cake, leek/shallots, and carrots in a thick spice sauce. It's amazing and really warms you up.
The one thing I was a little disappointed by was the presentation of the buffet. Most everything was just served in stainless, rectangular bins. I can understand the stuff that has to be kept warm, but the cool side dishes and kimchis would look much nice on some kind of plate.
*
Kronenbourg 1664 beer
Another good brew on hand; can't believe I waited this long to try it. A historic French lager. Cheers to the people at the 1664 set up, enjoyed the grog. Nicely done folks!
Good Food and Wine Show - Sydney
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the highly anticipated Sydney leg of the Good Food Show.
They describe themselves as "Australia's biggest gourmet deli, most fascinating kitchen shops and delicious restaurants", and it's all at the Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.
There are hundreds of booths on display selling cheeses, olives, and meats all over Australia. As well as many small regional and international sellers of sauces, marinades, lollies, jams, fruit/veggies, alcohols, and other specialties. Not to mention master class demonstrations by celebrity chefs like Matt Moran, Pete Evans, and Master Chef's George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.
So it's $28 for this amazing culinary experience, plus an extra $3 to purchases a taste testing glass. Where else can you try gourmet dishes and products and over 200 different varieties of wine, spirits, and beer.
The show boasts a wide variety of foods, but also has sections dedicated to kitchen appliances and useful utensils. For more info. read more into the blogs below.
One of my favourite sites was the Kikkoman sauces stall. They had there whole range on display and ready to try. As well as samples of chicken in their terriaki sauce. They also had a newly released cream cheese based sauce which was very palatable. Would go nicely with sushi or veggie rolls. The entire selection was available at four bottles for $10.
Another great exhibit was the "Alway Fresh" antipastos. The had some of my favourite olives out of any vendors there. The also have some nice red pepper tampenades and a surprisingly tasty beetroot relish - (incredibly delicious) I'm not really big on beetroot, but man this stuff was good. The representative said a lot of people said the same thing. All their products are really gooood, we scored an 8 product mix bag for $10 ($61 value), and you get a free mixed antipasto jar just for signing up to the mailing list.
Having lived in Korea, I was pleasantly surprised to see Max beer being represented at this years show. It was exhibited along side it's Chinese counter part Tsing Tao beer. Max is the number one beer in Korea these days and it's easy to see why giving the other three big ones(O.B., Cass and Hite) are known as "b.o.", "ass", and "shite". I've taken it to the "Max" many times since Korea. It's easy to drink and is now available at most bottle shops for $34aud. Cheap as!!! Tsing Tao is honestly a bit better in my opinion, though. Slightly more bitter and hoppy, and has a nicer appearance in the glass. A little more expensive as well. The good thing at the show was the generous rep. serving up samples, and the $2 bottles ($4 longneck).
Then there was the the Summerland Olives, my best of show for their range of olive products. Always Fresh had some lovely olives, but are mass produced to be sold at Woolworth's. Don't get me wrong, but they cannot compare to the refined quality of the Summerland Black Manzanillo & Kalamata olives. It's 100% Australian grown and owned in the Summerland region and has won a number of medals since it's establishment in 2001! They use all natural methods when "de-bittering" their products. I most fond of the spicy/savory dry cured olives and the sweeter dried kalamatas. They also have an eclectic range of other olive based products ranging from herb infused oils to all natural soaps.
for more info. stayed posted on in depth reviews on some of the products purchased... check them out yourself http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/
They describe themselves as "Australia's biggest gourmet deli, most fascinating kitchen shops and delicious restaurants", and it's all at the Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.
There are hundreds of booths on display selling cheeses, olives, and meats all over Australia. As well as many small regional and international sellers of sauces, marinades, lollies, jams, fruit/veggies, alcohols, and other specialties. Not to mention master class demonstrations by celebrity chefs like Matt Moran, Pete Evans, and Master Chef's George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.
So it's $28 for this amazing culinary experience, plus an extra $3 to purchases a taste testing glass. Where else can you try gourmet dishes and products and over 200 different varieties of wine, spirits, and beer.
The show boasts a wide variety of foods, but also has sections dedicated to kitchen appliances and useful utensils. For more info. read more into the blogs below.
One of my favourite sites was the Kikkoman sauces stall. They had there whole range on display and ready to try. As well as samples of chicken in their terriaki sauce. They also had a newly released cream cheese based sauce which was very palatable. Would go nicely with sushi or veggie rolls. The entire selection was available at four bottles for $10.
Another great exhibit was the "Alway Fresh" antipastos. The had some of my favourite olives out of any vendors there. The also have some nice red pepper tampenades and a surprisingly tasty beetroot relish - (incredibly delicious) I'm not really big on beetroot, but man this stuff was good. The representative said a lot of people said the same thing. All their products are really gooood, we scored an 8 product mix bag for $10 ($61 value), and you get a free mixed antipasto jar just for signing up to the mailing list.
Having lived in Korea, I was pleasantly surprised to see Max beer being represented at this years show. It was exhibited along side it's Chinese counter part Tsing Tao beer. Max is the number one beer in Korea these days and it's easy to see why giving the other three big ones(O.B., Cass and Hite) are known as "b.o.", "ass", and "shite". I've taken it to the "Max" many times since Korea. It's easy to drink and is now available at most bottle shops for $34aud. Cheap as!!! Tsing Tao is honestly a bit better in my opinion, though. Slightly more bitter and hoppy, and has a nicer appearance in the glass. A little more expensive as well. The good thing at the show was the generous rep. serving up samples, and the $2 bottles ($4 longneck).
Then there was the the Summerland Olives, my best of show for their range of olive products. Always Fresh had some lovely olives, but are mass produced to be sold at Woolworth's. Don't get me wrong, but they cannot compare to the refined quality of the Summerland Black Manzanillo & Kalamata olives. It's 100% Australian grown and owned in the Summerland region and has won a number of medals since it's establishment in 2001! They use all natural methods when "de-bittering" their products. I most fond of the spicy/savory dry cured olives and the sweeter dried kalamatas. They also have an eclectic range of other olive based products ranging from herb infused oils to all natural soaps.
for more info. stayed posted on in depth reviews on some of the products purchased... check them out yourself http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/
Flex Fit & Ezi Seal Lids
So this was originally one of our favorites at the Food & Wine Show. This is the "flex fit & Ezi seal lids" stall.
I was pretty amazing by the the demo guy, he really knew how to snap those lids on. I saw them on TV back home several years ago, but had not got to see them in action.
They are really useful around the kitchen if you need to replace the lids on some of your containers. They are reusable and made from an environmentally friendly microwave and oven safe material (up to 220*C). They will seal any container regardless of shape. Not only that, they can vacuum seal your containers. Just stretch the lid over the container like normal, lift a corner while pressing the air out from the centre, and reseal. That simple, but mind you this guy shows these things for a living.
We ended up going home with the the flex set which includes about 10 different sizes, a small flex set (great for snapping halved fruit/vegg), and the double thick lid set for sealing off casserole dishes, woks, pans, etc. (oven safe 240*C) total price: $50aud
But I'm not completely convinced that they are as great as they looked at the show. When we got home from the show of course one had to be tried out.
Test one was a simple stretch over a container, thought to be a standard task for such a product. All the flex lids have these four tabs around the outside to help secure the corners, well one of them ripped completely off when trying to secure my show salami in some rectangular tupperware.
In test two the flex fit lid showed some signs of redemption by successfully sealing a large, glass fruit bowl, full of bananas, an orange, and mandarins.
Test three evolved a a repeat of test one, we resealed the salami with another lid, only to find it had popped off over night in the fridge. Maybe the lid was two small.
The results are still inconclusive as it's 3 for 3 in sealing different containers of liquid.
.
4/5 It shows a lot of potential and is very versatile. The cookware lids are very durable; the large ones work as hot pot holders for the counter tops and the smaller ones work as oven mitts.
Not revolutionary, but a really smart product!
Stone & Wood pale lager
Stone & Wood brewery, one of several brewing companies represented at the Good Food & Wine Show, had two varieties on display for ale patrons to try. The lighter, Pale Lager (4.3%) and a fuller flavoured Draught Lager (4.9%). Both are smooth, satisfying brews; an embottled reflection of the Byron spirit. Good, cold, honest beer.
Not my #1 in Oz, but a very palatable bottle of grog. This is one you want to have on hand for whenever mates drop in unannounced. 3.5 of 5
click photo for more pics from the show
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Adria Rybar and Grill - Darling Harbour
Just as the name would suggest the Adria Rybar and Grill has menu that intends to take your tastebuds on a tour of the Adriatic sea region. They serve up dishes which draw inspiration from Italy to Greece.
The menu may be Meditterranean, but this place boasts an all Aussie attitude. With plenty of outdoor seating, and set on the Promenade at Darling Harbour it's a great place for the family/kids or with your friends before a night out at the nearby pubs and clubs. What makes this restaurant stand out isn't really the food. It's the beautiful setting and excellent service that sets this one a part.
There are five things that I really enjoy about Adria's:
1. location - set right on Darling Harbour, stunning at night
2. cocktails - mixed just right and nicely priced, freqeunt specials as well.
3. location
4. atmosphere - very open and airy. 150 outdoor seats, 100 inside and perfect lighting.
5. service - the service is very fast and attentive.
Now for the grub. So what do they offer? Chargrilled meats and seafood, rotisserie chicken, roasted whole fish and chicken, sausages, salads, pastas/rissotos, and regional specialties for starters. The wine list is pretty weak, but they make up for it with an impressive cocktail lineup.
Althought they have a wide variety of dishes, everything is a bit mediocre in both the flavour and presentation departments. With the beauty that surrounds the restaurant and an interior to further enhance the dining experience it's a pity that the food doesn't meet those same standards you would come to expect. With mains ranging from $20-40 it's not a bad price amongst the competitors in the area, however; in my opinion it's a bit too pricey for the quality. It's far from shocking, actually it's quite good...but not what you would expect looking at the menu on display out front.
Overall 2.5 out of 5...If you want a lovely evening on the harbour in a nice restaurant without paying an arm and a leg for it, give it a try. If you are looking for amazing, authentic Greek, Italian, Cretien fare then I suggest heading to some of the suburbs of the Inner West like Leichhardt for Italian or the Marrackville/Petersham neighbourhoods for other Mediterrean favs.
The menu may be Meditterranean, but this place boasts an all Aussie attitude. With plenty of outdoor seating, and set on the Promenade at Darling Harbour it's a great place for the family/kids or with your friends before a night out at the nearby pubs and clubs. What makes this restaurant stand out isn't really the food. It's the beautiful setting and excellent service that sets this one a part.
There are five things that I really enjoy about Adria's:
1. location - set right on Darling Harbour, stunning at night
2. cocktails - mixed just right and nicely priced, freqeunt specials as well.
3. location
4. atmosphere - very open and airy. 150 outdoor seats, 100 inside and perfect lighting.
5. service - the service is very fast and attentive.
Now for the grub. So what do they offer? Chargrilled meats and seafood, rotisserie chicken, roasted whole fish and chicken, sausages, salads, pastas/rissotos, and regional specialties for starters. The wine list is pretty weak, but they make up for it with an impressive cocktail lineup.
Althought they have a wide variety of dishes, everything is a bit mediocre in both the flavour and presentation departments. With the beauty that surrounds the restaurant and an interior to further enhance the dining experience it's a pity that the food doesn't meet those same standards you would come to expect. With mains ranging from $20-40 it's not a bad price amongst the competitors in the area, however; in my opinion it's a bit too pricey for the quality. It's far from shocking, actually it's quite good...but not what you would expect looking at the menu on display out front.
Overall 2.5 out of 5...If you want a lovely evening on the harbour in a nice restaurant without paying an arm and a leg for it, give it a try. If you are looking for amazing, authentic Greek, Italian, Cretien fare then I suggest heading to some of the suburbs of the Inner West like Leichhardt for Italian or the Marrackville/Petersham neighbourhoods for other Mediterrean favs.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Churrasco - Brazilian BBQ by the Beach
If you are near Coogee Beach and aren't affraid to strap on the ol' feed bag every now and again, then head on down to Churrasco, Brazilian BBQ joint. Now, if you don't eat meat it's probably best to stay off the beach. As you approach the glass modern style saloon doors you can smell the mouth watering skewers of scotch fillet, peppered sirlion, ribs, chicken sausages, pork, lamb, and all other things meaty roasting away over a huge fire pit inside. They also have grilled pineapple, cheesy bread, and grilled cheese! The best part is, it's all you can eat for about $35, hard to beat that really.
There is no waiting either, the servers wander about the restaurant with fresh platters and hot skewers of meat. Diners are given a small paper disk when seated, one side is green for "gimme more meat" and the other side red for "my pants are about to split". Take a break and enjoy a Coopers Pale or Heinikin draught. Then flip it back to green and start all over again, there's no cut off.
This all sounds too good to be true, and it almost is, but of course there are some cons to the place. Having a menu like this and a price so nice one can expect it to be crowded almost any night of the week. Books are a must. Even if you make reservations you will probably find yourself to crowded to enjoy all the meats and sides dishes being thrown on your table. Also, between the chattering crowds, the staff buzzing around constantly, and the noise from the open kitchen it's a bit hard to have conversation over dinner. Not a problem if you're with people you're comfortable with, but due to the noise and stuffing of the face it isn't the most romantic place for a first date. It is also a little dark.
Other than that, no real complaints. All the food is great. Unlimited sides of rice, potatoes, and beans, and the meat is just so soft and tender it melts in your mouth. Truly cooked to perfect. What about the service? In my experience, it was super fast and friendly. This is a place you'll keep coming back to!
There is no waiting either, the servers wander about the restaurant with fresh platters and hot skewers of meat. Diners are given a small paper disk when seated, one side is green for "gimme more meat" and the other side red for "my pants are about to split". Take a break and enjoy a Coopers Pale or Heinikin draught. Then flip it back to green and start all over again, there's no cut off.
This all sounds too good to be true, and it almost is, but of course there are some cons to the place. Having a menu like this and a price so nice one can expect it to be crowded almost any night of the week. Books are a must. Even if you make reservations you will probably find yourself to crowded to enjoy all the meats and sides dishes being thrown on your table. Also, between the chattering crowds, the staff buzzing around constantly, and the noise from the open kitchen it's a bit hard to have conversation over dinner. Not a problem if you're with people you're comfortable with, but due to the noise and stuffing of the face it isn't the most romantic place for a first date. It is also a little dark.
Other than that, no real complaints. All the food is great. Unlimited sides of rice, potatoes, and beans, and the meat is just so soft and tender it melts in your mouth. Truly cooked to perfect. What about the service? In my experience, it was super fast and friendly. This is a place you'll keep coming back to!
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