Kindly Yours

Risotto with finesse - the Pollo E Funghi Rissotto, with a white wine sauce, chicken and mushrooms. This restaurant is a good recommendation from mates - and I loved this place from my first visit. Da Orlando reflects cuisine from Roman Italy  - and even if this Wollongong restaurant is located in unassuming surroundings, it draws its regulars and new costume.  There are two sessions for dining on weekend nights, something which I first observed in Asian restaurants in Sydney.    I like the pizza making oven, just behind the counter on the right hand side of the entrance.  That evening A and I chose to sit outside, even if it was a coolish night  - but you do not sit on the pavement, like in some other Sydney places, but more in a brick fenced portion outside.  The buzz that evening visited was family, group of blokes, couples and lots of children, oh yes it was indeed the school holidays.... Blokes will return for the ...

Cauliflower delight - crunchy, yummy and tastes better than it looks. I must say  up front that I love the way Jasmin1 prepared and served their veg creations. I particularly like their eggplants, cauliflowers and salad mixes. I can see that Jasmin1 is a family favourite.  There was a sizable birthday gathering the day we visited, with a long table full of little girls and a another half table seated by little boys. This created an atmosphere of homeliness and together with cuisine inspired by homeland traditions, the restaurant echoes what is is special about greater Sydney - no lack of choice, ability to saviour cooking styles from around the world and absorb in other cultures. I noticed the stained glass Moroccan lanterns and the geometric panelling of the decor. Lebanese coffee, Turkish delight and Baklava are of course made to accompany a menu structured into sides, mains, dips, sweets, salads, mixed plates and Mashawi .  The latter refers to the bar...

Vegetarian pie. The chicken pie with fennel and spinach had been sold out, so I settled for the option with mushrooms.  It a tad salty to me at the beginning but then the spread evened out. Nice chicken breast meat though and a good crust.   The size was just right for my needs. I liked the veg pie better.  It has a spicy Mediterranean flavour and textured ingredients.  A nice change from a potato and carrot variety. A contrast to meat pies, although I hang on to my lamb and pork varieties when I am on the run. I was tempted to get a sourdough but ruled out on that eventually.  The Groundbake opens early and is  worth visiting when you are on the beach.I will have to check it out again for other than pies..... My chicken and mushroom pie. Groundbake is a t 8 Surf Road, Cronulla NSW. Opening hours are from 6am to 5pm every week day and from 6am to 3pm on weekends. Contact + 61 2 9527 2253  

I had a most delicious Eggs Benedict with avocado slices recently.  The usual combinations with ham or smoked salmon were there but this was the first time I could combine poached eggs with something more flora.   The Mayo was not over the top but more like subtle under, which I did not mind, when compared with some other places.  It was an easy morning though and the Urban is rather in the residential heartland of Engadine, a southerly suburb of greater Sydney.  I have heard this place was dishing up interesting items for brunch and even if located away from the business hub, it does have its charm, like a hide away on the edge of a forest. Toby's Estate blends go with the cuppa.  The friendly staff suggested why not start with a cuppa.    I was captivated by the decor and look of the main counter, with unusual designs and colourful clutter.  Vehicle parking is street side and not hard.  The v...

My poached tiger prawns, with fennel, citrus, avocado, shallots and chilli. A refreshing clean look with pastel coloured floor boards. Sited at a buzzing foodie hub in South Cronulla Beach, the Gerrale Street Kitchen comes up with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.   Greeted at the entrance,  customers are led to their seats, which can be in an inner chamber for groups, bar like tables for four and along the long but well designed counter for independent on the run singles.  The restaurant runs deep inside, reminds me of a summery locale and the beach was within walking distance.   The menu has touches of California, Mediterranean, modern Australian.   The place was abuzz with yummy Mummies, day trippers and youngsters that moment.   Favourites of mine that jumped out of the menu were Zucchini and corn fritters for breakfast; the French Canadian toast with pecan crumble (!!!!), smoked bacon, banana slices, maple syrup and Mascarpone...

A city, town or village cannot remain the same as time goes on.  The nature of the beast or beauty, so to speak, is an ever evolving process towards a progressive future, or languishing in the past, or deteriorating due to socio-political forces at play. When time warps occur, the conurbation's parameters are frozen due to intended preservation of culture and lifestyle, or because of governing neglect or resource limitations or both.   The viability of a city that is embraced passionately by its residents, whether local born or emigrated from other lands, can depend on several critical influencing factors. Lack of cool. Where people can congregate to sit outdoors, at cafes, markets, gardens and bars, especially on weekends, this significantly adds to human participation to the economy and unique culture of a city.  Are there leading edge events regularly organised to bring in tourists and yet celebrate what is important to the locals?   Are there street ...

Singapore has the imaginary Merlion , a lion and fish hybrid proudly promoted by the nation state. Various Australian towns, both inland and on the coast, build large stone versions of their produce and products, ranging from sheep to mangoes and pineapples. Symbols and icons, whether for geographical places, sporting clubs or military regiments, can unearth much of history, native culture, local fauna and sense of humour. They also serve as mascots when in the form of animals. For example, the state of Western Australia features a termite eating marsupial, the Numbat, which can remind one of a alternative rock Meerkat with a striped coat. Stateside, Floridians in Palm Bay are proud of their Manatee, an ocean swimming cow like creature that is so unique. Bat viewing tourism is significant for Austin in Texas - these nocturnal creatures fly from nearby Mexico. Seoul has the Haechi, an imaginary fire eating dog offering protection from disaster and representing uphold...

Succulent and fresh sushi. The dining area is spacious and tables are laid out in a dark wooden theme, but with cultural reminders on the walls.  There is a vehicle car park beside this restaurant, which verges on to a rather residential area up a slope from the main hub of Engadine's business strip.  Not far from the main Prices Highway, it is accessible as well from the railway station. Greeted with a smile and enthusiasm, then followed up with a menu that contains the standard array of items one expects from a Sushi place.  I noticed there were both Udon and Ramen as well. Sumo wrestlers greet you in the dining room. Using a Bento selection seems to be a quick way of assessing the quality of food.  The Sapparo was refreshing and set the tome to relax with what Hoomiko can offer.  To me my box of delights was large in serving, especially the King Prawn Tempura fritters and a wholesome bowl of steamed rice was generous. The Sush...