Kindly Yours

Marinated grilled squid - highly recommended. Sited in the hub of Nippon cuisine in Sydney's lower north shore, Sushi Studio emphasises on Nigiri , but what I discovered was the variety of other creative dishes from a multitude offered in an extensive menu.  I reckon their interesting speciality is rather in the small but creative snack dishes that one may not find sufficient eaten on their own, but stand up to promote diversity and delectable experiences for the palate when shared.  So when a group of five was organised, I jumped dot to the opportunity on a rather busy Friday evening, populated by revellers across pubs, trendy cafes and ethnic restaurants. Sushi Studio has also made available a sake tasting degustation.  The place was recommended by a restaurant co-owner from Bondi Junction, the other significant hub of Japanese residents in the greater Sydney area. Dengaku eggplant with a twist, savoury sauce and miniature tofu squares. Grilled salmon...

Wall mural and graffiti along small lanes have become an iconic symbol of the Melbourne city landscape. Early opening for this cafe, so after a long day in the evening - baristas, bars and brunches are innovative in Melbourne. Southern section of Hardware Lane. Greek and modern Australian fusion with imagination at Jimmy Grant's (here at the Emporium) South Indian roti canai  finds a new home along Lonsdale Street. My fav Greek restaurant in Melbourne - Tsindos. St Francis Church, now surrounded by modern trappings. Yum cha at a Gold Leaf restaurant outlet in suburban Burwood - braised chicken feet ( Fong Chau ) , battered yam ( Wu Kok ) and S iew Mai (steamed prawn and pork dumpling).  Chinese name references are in the Cantonese language.  Photo credit - Ms Suan Chee. At dawn, overlooking the Southern Cross Station The inner sanctum of the restored Melbourne GPO, which now houses an H & M store...

At Stagger Lee's, you get rustic charm, great coffee, a hipster crowd and a lively evening out. Fitzroy, the name evokes Melbourne, an alternative lifestyle and so Melbourne itself. Also hosting a football club significant in the tribal sports culture of this city, it is only a few blocks away (really two kilometres)  from the Victorian Parliament House.  It has heritage sites, a long road to walk in quiet hours and even boasts the birth place of Saint Mary MacKillop, the nation's first Catholic to be bestowed with such honours.  Its very location attracts twenty somethings and so there are the inevitable unique cafes, ethnic food outlets and old frontages of terrace shops. I am captivated by the Perseverance Hotel, for it does look like in dire need of a restorative make over.  And I want to go back to the Fitzroy Town Hall!  And Fitzroy hosts the popular Fringe Festival for Melbourne.   The Fitzroy Baseball Club, the Lions, has existed s...

Beauties in rows! Just before steaming them - the outer skin should not be overly red, the banana leaf must not stick to the snack sand have lots of patience and tender care in making this snack. These snacks should not be overly sweet, nor can they turn hard too fast and must have the texture of having undergone experienced hands. The mould patterns must be clear and show detail.  They are savoury on your palate and go well with tea. All prepared to make the outer skin. Glutinous rice flour. Edible red food colouring. Fresh banana plant leaves. A bamboo steamer. Deft experienced hands. Mung beans. Some sweet potatoes. A carefully chosen wooden mould for beautiful tortoise top patterns. Mindfulness that the dough does not stick to the mould. A sense of expectation. Ability to form tight  balls in a size to fit the mould you use.  Warm weather helps, like back along the Straits of Malacca or beside the South China Sea.  Have friends a...

Final preparations just before lunch hour. Yamato - the name usually refers to an ancient reference for Japan up to the 8th century AD, but it also specifically indicates a province in Nara Perfecture in Honshu Island.  The Nippon script for this name is a combination of characters meaning great and harmony.  The Yamato Izakaya in the heart of Sydney CBD is an oasis huddled away amidst the teeming streets of Koreatown, a corporate banking building and looking out into a modest plaza.  Guests are greeted enthusiastically and with a verbal fanfare. The ingredients utilised are fresh, the pricing is value and the service is friendly and responsive.  On Thursdays and Fridays, complimentary wine and ice cream is provided.  The ambiance is cool and away from the stark Sydney sunlight, but seating can be filled up quickly during popular days. Getting into a summer's day. Yamato serves cod, soft shell crab, salmon and scallops - and what I love best...