Sandy Goodwich - Wollongong CBD

Corn pancakes with house smoked hock, apple slaw, hash, poached egg and chili.

I love the way key menu items and offerings are provided hanging on small vertical boards on the wall facing customers when they walk in.  The kitchen and preparation is set aside on a dedicated area of the two shop front site.  You have a choice of tables but as is often the case, the barista and order counter are close by side by side.  There is an Euro feel about the lay out, dishes are carefully formulated with attention to ingredients, texture and presentation.  Coffee blends utilised are Golden Cobra and 212 Roasters whilst meats are supplied from the local Keiraville Butchery.  Breads are provided by Berry Sourdough further down the NSW South Coast.  There is a buzz about sensitivity to customer and community requirements in food.   Preserves, pastries, chutneys, mayonnaise and pickles are made in house.    Sandy Goodrich is serious about engaging with the community part from just operating a cafe business.

For a quick takeaway,  I recommend the pomegranate glazed roasted pumpkin sandwich, replete with
dukkah, rocket, yoghurt dressing, tahini and smoked eggplant.   Otherwise,  most blokes may find a delight the slow roast lamb or pork, free range chicken and beef sandwich versions.  A light meal in contrast is the rice pudding served with mulled hazelnut.

There are obviously many brunch and breakfast related items on the menu.  There are lots of grains, vegetables, herbs and non-meats options, especially like the Egyptian beans, labna (a velvety cream cheese spread made by removing excess whey from salted yoghurt) , smoked eggplants, fried egg on flatbread - all very in tune with a much focused nutrition that echoes land, quality and cleanliness.  There is also an offering with poached quince and yoghurt sitting on top of cranberry and  almond muesli.

That does not mean you cannot have your in house cured bacon, hock and pork fry-up. It is also the variety of breads available that catches my eye - rye, multigrain, wholemeal, etc. Plates available during daytime include what I plan to have next - a Chinese inspired caramel pork omelette, accompanied by an Asian herb said and vermicelli (how Vietnamese!).

I was so glad to chat with Joyce, whom I know previously and who made a most delightful coffee.
The staff are busy but do make an effort to see how each customer is getting on with the chosen meal.
The road outside can be busy ( Princes Highway) but I do find inside is a refuge of delightful cuisine.
Sandy Goodwich also opens on two nights a week with a wine list selected by Deb Pearce (includes the rare finds from Lebanon). One of the sides served evenings is an unusual combination of hassle back sweet potato,  house bacon and golden syrup.  The fish pie, bone marrow and lamb croquette dishes are worth trying at night!

Sandy Goodwich is located at 2/363 Crown Street, Wollongong, towards the southern end of the city centre, opposite the post office.
The nearest cross road is Gladstone Avenue.
Telephone 612 4244 4690.
Opening hours - 7am to 3pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on weekends.  Dinners only on Thursdays and Fridays.
Monthly communal gatherings and cooking classes are hosted by Sandy Goodwich which also caters.

Braised lamb with pumpkin Hummus, beetroot, egg plant chips and chickpeas.

Tasmania - Suggested Cafes and Restaurants

HOBART Central

Breakfast or Brunch

1.  Daci & Daci Bakers*** $$

http://www.dacianddacibakers.com.au

2.  Bruny Island Cheese Company*** near salamanca Arts Centre - providore

$$

http://brunyislandcheese.com.au

 3.  Remi de Provence*** - possibly best French in Tassie  $$$  also dinner and lunch - fine  dining

252 Macquarie Street, Hobart CBD - degustation

4.  Piegon Hole Cafe $$

http://pigeonholecafe.com.au

5.  Raspberry Fool  $$ deserts

85 Bathurst Street, Hobart

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HOBART CENTRAL

Lunch

1. Da Angelo Ristorante  at Battery Point - Pizza and Pasta $$

http://daangelo.com/molise/

2.  Wine Bar MONA ( Museum of Old & New Art) $$$

http://www.mona.net.au/mona/bars

3.  Salamanca Wharf Cafe*** at Battery Point  $$

17a Castray Esplanade, Hobart

4.  Providore     $$

100 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

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HOBART CENTRAL 

Dinner

1.  Smolt***  $$$   Italian and Spanish 

http://smolt.com.au

2.  Monty's on Montpelier $$$

http://www.montys.com.au

3.  Don Camilio  $$$  - Italian, possibly oldest in Hobart, sandy Bay south of CBD

http://www.doncamillorestaurant.com

4.  Le Provencal   $$$ - retro French

417 Macquarie Street, South Hobart

5.   Ethos Eat Drink  - modern Aus  $$$$  fine dining

http://ethoseatdrink.com/eatdrink/

6. Lebrina *** - modern Aus $$$$, in private home, fine dining

http://lebrina.com

7.   Me Wah - Cantonese, Seafood $$ at Sandy Bay south of CBD

http://www.mewah.com.au

Also in Launceston

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LAUNCESTON

Breakfast and Lunch:

Stillwater Restaurant Cafe & Wine Bar*** - fine dining  $$$ 

http://stillwater.com.au

========================================

LAUNCESTON

Lunch:

1.  Garden of Vegan*** -  low cost and value  $

39 Cameron Street, Launceston

2.  Sweet Brew - Desserts $$

93a George Street, Launceston

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LAUNCESTON

Dinner:

1.  Me Wah - Cantonese , Seafood $$

http://www.mewah.com.au

Also in Sandy Bay, Hobart.

2.  Black Cow Bistro - steaks, fine dining  $$$$

http://blackcowbistro.com.au

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FREYCINET, east coast of Tasmania

Tombolo*** - Fish and Chips  $$

6 Garnbet Avenue, Coles Bay

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SWANSEA  overlooking Freycinet Bay on Tasmania's east coast

Kate's Berry Farm  $$

http://www.katesberryfarm.com

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***must visits

New Zealand Remembers - National War Memorial, Wellington

The Northern Explorer - Palmerston North to Wellington

Pandoro Panetteria - Willis Street, Wellington New Zealand

A rather nippy morning in June.  Rush hour going to work, when coffee is most welcome.  An old building that hosts a bakery - and there are scores of people inside.  The outside does indicate sandwiches and pastries inside but really, there is more.   It is the aroma, the buzz, the eagerness of the customers waiting or seated inside.   The sky may be grey at this time of early day but there is light inside.   What are they making, what are they presenting, what are they serving?

It looks like the attraction is the artisan baked items, with a specific display on their own.  I see the cakes, pastries and breads - and then I know I am walking on to something unique.   From biscotti to crostini and brownies, each is calling out to tease your palate. To me at that moment it seemed I was facing the best of Kiwi baked delights smothered with Italian love.   The baked bread ranges through Tremezzino, gourmet burger buns, Ciabatta, Panini and more.

So is there any difference between a Kiwi and Aussie breakfast?  Mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, bacon strips, sourdough and a crusty corn fritter.  Still there is a difference in flavour.  Perhaps the local ingredients Kiwi side.  May be the breads taste better when it is colder outside, maybe it is the artisan effect when Pandoro make their non-yeasted sourdoughs -  which is their speciality.

Coffee served here is from a in-house blend of Allures and Coffee Supreme.  It is strong, enough to shake me off my reaction to the early Wellington morning for someone not used to such temps.   I really zoomed in on to the croissants and Brioche but decided finally on a big breakfast plate.  The lunch menu is limited, only offering muffins, sandwiches and savouries - so it is always to come here for a sort of late break and early brunch.

Pandoro also operates as a wholesale supplier based from both Auckland and Wellington, apart from its retail cafes.
This Pandoro Panetteria outlet is located at Willis Street, Wellington CBD, at corner with Bomd Street.
Telephone of Willis Street cafe: 644 4734230
Opening hours are from 7am to 4pm every day.

Two other cafes in the Wellington CBD are found at Woodward and Allen Streets.

In greater Auckland, you an find Pandora cafes at Mount Wellington, Parnell (its original home), East Ridge, Mount Eden and in the CBD along Queen Street.  Christmas is a great time to consider Pandora as well - the festive tarts are lovely!  And the whole business is still family owned.




 

The Northern Explorer - National Park New Zealand

The ferns, grass and native vegetation - relatively untainted, with still the trekking spirit nurtured.

The daily train from Auckland's Brittomart Station to Wellington City terminus rolls on past coniferous as it makes progress  in the early afternoon through the centre of North Island New Zealand

Life fights on, even in cold temperatures, little flora persist amongst difficult conditions.

Farming country, plains and valleys - the classic country New Zealand.

The viewing coach lets passengers embrace the fresh air, natural smells and captivating sights more readily than within an enclosed cabin.

A wet climate adds to the allure of the Long White Cloud - and engenders the right mix of factors supporting sheep and cattle farming.

Through mist and toil, the ground is so fertile to make my life grow.

Climbing uphill, one builds character and dignity - and takes pride in the effort to persist and overcome.

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side"

Valley deep, mountain high.

Self explanatory, 3pm on a June Monday.

Terra Mia Italian - Wollongong CBD

Caviatielli al Ragu di'Salsiccia  - the pasta is close to be like Gnocchi but different.  Served with a pork sausage Ragu sauce but does not have potatoes.

A delightful find, a unique menu that emphasises more another than meats and seafood.   There is the aromatic stuff in the morning, especially from small sized omelettes ( frittatina) ; big sandwiches made from pizza dough ( panuozzo ); uovo (eggs) served with a wide choice of accompaniments like pork sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, pancetta and freshly wood fired breads ; and croissants like almond coated ones and Sfogliatelle.

The coffee is strong and bold as one can expect.  Pasquale Crocamo, the person behind this relatively new place has a mission to combine the best ingredients and traditions from various parts of Italy with the best ingredients that Australia can offer.

The female staff member is very patient and focused on explaining the menu to non-Italian speakers like me.  The guy who attends to the cash register is enthusiastic and engaging as well.
Every time I drive past this place during evenings, there is a buzz inside.  It has both indoor and outdoor seating.  Italian is widely spoken here - and echoing the heritage of any of the Illawarra demographics.

Touches of Italia sprinkle on the menus for Colazione (breakfast), Pranzo ( lunch) and Cena (dinner).  Yes, the menu is all written in Italian - and it is a fun opportunity to see if you had paid enough attention at school during the second language sessions!  The joy and intensity of both Italian cuisine and language is in pronouncing it, so there you go, one has an enjoyable time even before the drink and food arrives.

Pomodoro, Funghi, Proscuitto, Radicchio and Marinara have all crept easily into the Australian dining scene and sub-conscious.  The menu, whilst not extensive, is short on Dolci (dessert) and my blokey mates may find the lack of meats a bit disappointing.  The wood fired pizzas are mostly available with cheese, herbs, tomatoes, Proscuitto and spinach.  Pastas are confined to four types - Spaghetti, Ravioli, Caviatielli and Rigatoni.

The healthy benefits from the offerings at Terra Mia cannot be under estimated as there is an absence of sweet and protein temptations that can be the hall mark at its competitors.

Terra Mia is at the same time a pizzeria, cafe and deli.  It is located at the corner of Kembla and Burelli Streets in Wollongong CBD.
Shop 1, 63 Burrelli Street, Wollongong NSW2500.
Look for the Woolworths store in Wollongong city centre, walkable from the lower side of Crown Street Mall and across the road from the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and wollongong Art Gallery.
Telephone 0431 702 715
Opening Hours from 730am till late for dinner on most days.
Would I return?  Yes, I am eyeing the Pizza Bismarck, a concoction for breakfast time, with ham, cheese, tomato and egg as ingredients.
There is also this intriguing salad combination that captivated me - Grana Padano matured cheese, speck, spinach and pine nuts drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Grano Padano is one of those long European traditions, the cheese has a grainy texture and was first made 900 years ago.

What is the rare English word I find in the Italian menu of Terra Mia?  "Poached"

Watergrill, Kirribilli Club Sydney

Enough said - the Watergrill at the Kirribilli Club is upstairs and so commands a captivating panoramic view of water, bush and sky at the northern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.   Add to this a perfect winter's day where the sun shines intently, the air is coolish but guests were all tucked inside behind glass windows.  This is another outlet of a chain that operates in Girraween and Cronulla as well in greater Sydney.  Here you can sample not only the food, but a portion of lower north shore residents, visitors and tourists, families and other groups, having a good day in!

Vehicle parking can be a challenge in this petite suburb of Lavender Bay with its narrow and sloping roads and almost all metered parking requirements by Council.  There are only 65 vehicle parking spaces provided by the Club with a FIFO policy and no reservations allowed - parking tickets need to be validated at the Club's reception and paid on leaving.

Strong on seafood, emphatic on the Aussieness of grilling, celebrating both the produce of the garden and paddock, the Watergrill menu is extensive, generous and pays attention to ingredient and cooking styles.   Asian choices have crept in - oh I see Penang curry chicken and Sichuan flavoured ones, plus tofu served with Enoki mushroom slices on steaming rice!   The tapas plate, at around 25 dollars, caught my eye - breaming with five spice powder flavoured pork belly cuts, crumbed fried Brie with relish of cranberry and duck meat spring rolls accompanied with Hoisin sauce.

Of course, the hot or cold seafood platters are inevitably available, reflecting the origin of Watergrill from the Shire in southern Sydney.   There is an interesting salad offering that throws in balsamic cabbage, rocket, feta cheese, pearl cous cous and pulled pork - perhaps a rather optimal lighter choice.

A room with a view.

Coffee can be pretty standard as this is part of a club but I reckon people love to come here to gather the clan, to savour special occasions and to see what can be achieved with good old produce from both the Aussie heartland and multicultural inspirations. Barramundi is grilled to be served with Kalamata olives, sundries tomatoes, Kipler potatoes and wilted spinach.    There is a gourmet salmon and prawn pasta selection heaped with capers, fresh Dill, garlic and Spanish onions.   Your mate can have the Souklavi skewers with Tzatziki, whilst you can still have your 300 grams of pork cutlets, Scotch fillets or surf and turf combos.

I noted the beef Fajita that comes with avocado Guacamole , caramelised onions, sour cream and tortillas.  Prices of mains are from mid to high 20s.   Service was not to complain of on  rather busy Sunday afternoon.  The logistics that day inside the kitchen must have been over whelming. And id fellow lunchers still have room to spare, there are the usual bright gems from the dessert menu - chocolate fondant, cream brûlée, cheese plates and sticky date pudding!

A limited menu is available away from the rush eating hours, after 230pm and before dinner time.
There are separate winter and summer menus, a couple of us visited in early winter.  Kids would love the ambiance here as there is space for them to wander.  I had no issues with my mains, delightfully garnished with thoughtful sides.



The Watergrill Restaurant is located at the Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent at Lavender Bay.
There is a distinct cafe area separate from the dining area - window seats are better secured in this cafe spot on busy days and nights.
Gluten free or vegetarian selections are indicated in the menu.
Telephone: 612 9945 2245

The BullnBear Cafe, Bar and Restaurant - Wollongong CBD

Lunch on the run - the lentil burger.

Just a block away from the Hotel Illawarra, near the junction between Princes Highway and Victoria Street, the BullnBear opened only a few months ago and has been picking up the pace with customers.   To me, I love the practical pricing, the location, the staff and the two tiered levels of the site.  Not only open for breakfast and lunch, increasingly parties with small groups are being held there.  The walls remain rustic - perhaps there is a Spanish hint here?  They are within walking distance of the GPK shopping centre in Wollongong city centre and especially from the lane that leads to Sifters Espresso. 

More than coffee are the Spanish and Euro beers stocked at BullnBear. 

La Vizcianto - with smoked salmon that gives a special texture on the palate.

The few times I have been there the staff are kind enough to let the guests linger and enjoy the place, suggesting some items to further consider in a relaxing environment.  For quick stays, you can use one of the small tables in front of the bar or sit outside on the pavement.  The place is also worth strolling to.   The El Gordo, or Big Breakfast, is an excellent choice and Scott did enjoy this selection - somewhat modern Aussie with a twist, as you are provided with chorizo and spinach with the expected servings of bacon, sourdough, tomato, eggs, mushroom and avocado.  I enjoyed a total salad one late morning with Michael as we sat at a window side table.   I reckon there is wholesome food here, with choices for different palates and appetites.  The coffee complements the food - and I have a fav staff here who is always smiles even when busy, a rare gem!

Tapas evenings have commenced in August - this is a good development on the Wollongong foodie scene, which has limited choices for Euro small snacks like Greek and Spanish, unlike Surrey Hills in downtown Sydney or Brighton Le Sands at Botany Bay.  Snacks like these go well hand in hand with cocktails, alcohol and liquor.


The BullN Bear is located at 2A Victoria Street, Wollongong CBD.
Telephone 612 4231 4315
Opening hours are from early morning till late arvo everyday, with dinners only on Fridays and Saturdays.


 

MoChi Restaurant, Wollongong NSW

From 12 o'clock clockwise - the black Jiaozi, the barbecued pork bun, two types of Shuimai, the Har Gou and the Xiao Long Bao.

Opening week in July at MoChi was a flurry of activity and customer interest.  The owners, the Sheppards, already operate Caveau, a small French dining restaurant across the road and which the Sydney Morning Herald has consistently renewed its one Hat rating.  Occupying two shop lots, Mo Chi is spanking clean with neutral hues (Nest Emporium), friendly staff (ground and first point of contact) and with a spacious feel.  The bar is upfront so one can ponder on its offerings whilst waiting for a table.  There is an in-room divider blocking up the inner third of the place, perhaps catering for any private functions cordoned off from the main dining floor.

The lunch express came in a single bamboo basket, with a section of yum cha dishes, including some of Hong Kong's Four Heavenly Kings but excluding the steamed cakes.  The prawn and pork filled Har Gou with a whitish outside layer was good to the taste, but the Shuimai's two choices - one with sticky rice, more Indo Chinese than southern Chinese and another with rather dry minced pork and prawn - were disappointments.  The wanton skin selected to wrap the Shuimais were rather thick and so affected the delicacy of what should be a more refined prepared snack.  The barbecued pork bun was more passable in presentation, especially its fluffy steamed dough, but they can look to improving the marinade of the pork fillings.

The black coloured Jiaozi tasted flat even if it was an interesting attempt at it.  I did like the Xiao Long Bao (the Shanghai inspired steamed bun with soup inside).

In the brave new world of culinary adventure and frontiers, we have Koreans and Japanese celebrity chefs dabbling in fusion, especially with French cuisine.  At Mo Chi we have Australian background owners experienced in French cooking venturing on to southern Chinese dishes, utilising ethnic backroom teams. We also have people of south-east Asian backgrounds combining the best of ingredients from a tropical setting fused into so-called modern Australian cuisine.  Results can vary but the important things is the continuity of such interchanges in cooking styles, especially in clever use of local and overseas ingredients and coming out with a why not taste.

Mochi is located at 157 Keira Street, Wollongong city centre.
Open from Wednesdays to Sundays from noon for lunch and from 6pm for dinner.
Telephone: 612 4244 5811
Vehicle parking can be on side streets like Market or Victoria, or one can park at the shopping centre a block away.
The wine list is good and especially chosen to match the nuances of southern Chinese food.
Would I return? Perhaps from dinner, where I am told that the barramundi and crabs are worth trying.
I am eyeing as well the slow cooked duck leg with star anise, perhaps a real test of Chinese and French classic styles.