Kingsleys Blogger Dinner and The Re-Visit

I will admit that the first emotion I felt when I was invited to the Kingsleys Dinner – was fear.

I had written a not very flattering post about them late last year and secretly wondered if the dinner invitation was just a clever ruse and I would be unceremoniously kneecapped in the carpark.

But I shouldn’t have been so cynical – it was an amazing dinner – but as I said to my Mother-in-Law on the way in – it’s hard to judge a Restaurant at one of these dinners as they go "all out".

The food is sensational, the service perfect and everyone is on their best behavior. So while it’s great to get an insiders view of the Restaurant – I tend to reserve my judgment for when I go back as a paying customer.

Simpatico Paddington and the 1000 yard stare...

I remember those days. When everything went pear shaped and there was a siren blasting in your ears “Don’t make eye contact… Don’t make eye contact”.

Where walking through the busy restaurant was like navigating a minefield, trying to look calm and professional while maintaining a desperate 1000-yard stare. To make eye contact was to feel the wrath of hungry, often drunk and (where I was working at the time) a hail of self important abuse.

My lunch at Simpatico was nothing like that. It was a very quiet Saturday lunch – although we were there bang on 12 o’clock - and there was no chaos that I could see, that warranted the faraway gaze of our waitress. While we hovered at the front door waiting to be seated – she stared blankly at us for a good few minutes as if amused by our presence. And despite being told when I booked that they were full, she just waved at us and told us to choose any table we liked.

Once seated we had to find our own menus, go to the bar to request water and then wave her down to order coffee.

Our lunch wasn’t off to a great start – but it was more a case of “The lights are on but so is the answering machine…” rather than any lack of motivation or talent. Maybe she had a great date the night before?

Grill'd Burger - Absolutely drool-worthy

Its not often that staff in a Franchisee Restaurant express disappointment in what you’ve ordered. Although it’s definitely strange – on it’s own weird level – it shows a passion for food that you don’t really expect.

We’ve been meaning to go to Grill’d for a while now – it’s directly across the road from my Chiro so I need to walk past it at least once a week – salivating at the smell and size of the burgers people seem to be enjoying so much more because I’m not having one. To be completely honest – it’s one of the reasons I make my appointments early in the morning – to save myself from the horror temptation.

So when we finally made it in for lunch – I knew straight away what I would order – my undying love for pickles and mustard rendered me useless against any other choice but the "Mustard and Pickled".

Hubby – being anti-salad and “weird stuff” – started with a Big Queenslander and thus began the disappointment. After asking for all the salad to be removed, an extra slice of cheese to be added and DEFINITELY no Herbed Mayo – the Waiter was crestfallen and his disappointment was obvious.

“But now it’s just like one of those things from Maccas??” He whimpered into the Cash Register but Hubby was immovable.

I was intrigued that this Uni-Student type would care so much and it made me even hungrier.

The smells wafting out of the open-plan kitchen had me drooling even before we had a table – but I’m happy to report that even though we didn’t wait very long – it was worth every minute of suspense.

My burger was DELICIOUS!! And it actually looked like a burger. Like the stylised ones you see on TV- not the squashed, congealed and leaking lump you usually end up with via drivethru.

I was entranced. Succulent beef patty with sweet salad and tangy pickles – the Dijon mustard was slightly over generous but had a gorgeous kick that caused me to nearly inhale my burger with delight. I am officially hooked.

I’m not sure if the Waiter’s disappointment in Hubby caused him to go overboard on the presentation of his burger – but it was perfect – distinct layers of meat, egg and cheese. I’m sure this is what Maccas burgers are meant to look like – but never do. It was almost too pretty eat. (almost...)

The side of chips were absolute perfection. I actually feel comfortable saying that these are the best chips I have ever had. Cooked until crisp and golden and then seasoned with herbs and rock salt – the only thing that made them better was the Herbed Mayo. I can only assume that they make it fresh because it actually tasted like Fresh Herbs. Amazing. Who would have thought you would get such good quality from a Franchise??

Seriously - if you haven't been yet - it's time to make a date.

The Verdict: So far, the best burger I have ever had. Paired with the best chips I have ever had. An absolute winner.

Reccommendations: Your choice on the burger – I’m pretty sure they would all be good. But you HAVE to try the chips. And without being too bossy – you HAVE to have the Herbed Mayo as well.

Contact: Grill'd

Gusto da Gianni - Brisbane Portside

Today – one of those mortifying things that you usually only read about – happened to me.


Whilst I am not under any misconceptions that I have put on weight, and need to put some effort in to shift it – this has really only accelerated my plans to go on a diet.

A work acquaintance who I haven’t seen for about 6 months greeted me by placing his hand on my stomach and saying “What a special time for you – you must be so excited”. Before giving it a little rub and walking away with a big smile on his face.

Although there was a brief glimmer of hope that he somehow heard my tummy rumbling from the other side of the car park and assumed that my “Special Time” might be lunch – there was no mistake. He (wrongly!) thought I was pregnant.

In that split second that you have, in moments like these, to correct someone – I let it pass – as I wasn’t quite sure how to do that.

Era Bistro Brisbane - King of the Menu

King of the Menu. Do you play that game? Where the winner has the power of knowing that they have ordered the best items on the menu, and as such everyone else at the table has Food Envy?

I do. I am generally pretty quiet about it – I don’t like to let on that not only am I feeding my stomach, but also my ego. When I get to sit there smugly, happily taking in everyone’s jealous faces when they realize that I have ordered the star dishes. It really only ever comes unstuck when I eat out with people equally as competitive as me. Like my Sisters-in-Law.

On our visit to Era Bistro, I scoured the menu, seeking out the star ingredients and I was fairly sure that I had chosen well. It is a gorgeous Restaurant, dark and moody with efficient Waiters flitting around, dancing from table to table. The service is better than you would expect, with all the creases starched into place, cutlery gleaming and every whim attended to.

Being unable to pass them by – I ordered Scallops on a Cauliflower puree and was quietly ecstatic with my choice. Plump, perfectly cooked scallops that were still pink in the middle, sitting atop a velvet cream of cauliflower and dressed with the prettiest micro herbs they could find. My taste buds were doing the Macarena and smugness was setting in nicely.

Until I looked around the table and saw that SIL #1 was chewing with her eyes closed. Suspiciously I kicked her under the table and asked her how her entrée was. She couldn’t even speak. Just silently pushed her plate across the table to offer me a bite.

The Plough Inn South Brisbane - The Slow Burn of Love

“You know I brought a pretty girl here for a date once?” Says my husband, blue eyes twinkling.


Now you would think that I would get cranky, stomp off or maybe even throw my drink at him. But no. Cheeky bugger that he is – he’s talking about our first date.

There was no love at first sight for us. We actually knew each other for 5 years before even the first flicker of romance appeared. So I guess you could say that it was more of a slow burn… rather than a nuclear reaction.

After a brief flirtation while I was home visiting from London – we kept in contact and literally, on arrival back to Brisbane, he met me at the airport for our first date. After a 24 hour flight, me with bed head, questionable breath and enough luggage to floor an elephant – I’m honestly surprised he stuck around – I didn’t offer much by the way of a good first impression!

Our lunch at the Plough Inn all those years ago was good. Nothing phenomenal – just good, uncomplicated pub food. Which to be honest – that’s what it is. A pub. Maybe the food would have been better if it wasn’t competing for space with the 5 million butterflies that had also taken up residence in there, but it was fine.

The actual highlight of our lunch here was our waiter. Now the Plough Inn  doesn’t have Waiters as such. Mainly just staff that clear tables and make sure there’s no glass lying around. But at this time they had the most gorgeous Waiter who had Downs Syndrome; and he was so blissfully happy going about his duties – collecting glasses, clearing plates and making sure everyone enjoyed their meals.

He sat down with us while we were eating and regaled us with stories of working in the kitchen, how he was so good at helping the Chef because he did exactly what he was told to, and how he was secretly all the pretty Barmaid’s favorite because he picked them flowers for their hair. Never in my life have I been so charmed by such a sweet individual.

Even to this day, every time we pass South Bank, we remember him and how much he impacted our first date and the beginning of our relationship.

On this visit, it was a sentimental one – we sat at the same table, ordered the same drinks and reminisced over the years that have passed. Hubby ordered the Teys 250g Eye Fillet while I was content with a smaller meal of Salt and Lemon Pepper Squid.

While hubby is a tough customer when it comes to steak – he was pretty happy with his lunch. Given that it is a Pub, not a steakhouse or even a “proper” Restaurant – it was pretty good. The steak was well handled, cooked as requested and came with a generous serve of Steak Fries and Vegetables. I pinched the Coleslaw which was (surprisingly) homemade.

My squid was super-thinly sliced which just added to the appeal, both tender and crisp all at once and nicely seasoned. It came with a small side salad – and shock horror! – no chips! But that was okay – my expanding waistline really didn’t need any – and I just helped myself to hubby’s when he wasn’t looking. He’s not yet fully trained in this “sharing” thing… he still calls it stealing.

So tell me dear Reader, have you ever had a meal where the service completely surpassed the actual meal?

The Verdict: A great hangout if ever you’re around the South Bank area. Casual, easy going and unpretentious – it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s a good decent watering hole with a broad menu that appeals to families, young party goers and backpackers alike.

Recommendations: There is nothing earth shattering here – but you don’t come here for the food alone. The atmosphere is great, the food decent and the drinks aplenty. If you go on a busy day or weekend – make sure to arrive early to grab a spot on the deck to make the most of the views and cool breezes.

Contact: Plough Inn  

Cru Bar and Cellar - Above and Beyond

Sometimes I feel like I’m breaking some kind of unspoken rule. “Thou shalt not like thy mother-in-law”

Sometimes when I hear people whinging about how awful, inftefering and just plain mean their MIL’s are – I want to slowly back out of the room – like the prey escaping a pack of wolves.

The truth is – I have struck some kind of “In-Law Lottery”, where I honestly believe that although she is family by default – she has become a friend by choice.

So it was really nice to be able to have a couple of drinks with her this week while we waited for our class at the James St Cooking School to start (a whole other post…).

We ended up at Cru Bar on James Street where I have been a few times but this time I was struck by just how easily they get it right.

Salt Food Wine Rosalie - Breakfast Extraordinaire

I have well and truly missed the memo.


Today, I took hubby out for breakfast – and everything was going swimmingly well, until I heard him snickering at me.

“What?” I asked him suspiciously.

“Everytime you take a sip of coffee your whole head disappears. And you don’t have a small head either”.

Since when did Brisbane start serving coffee in bowls? And in Noodle bowls no less. While I am not complaining. I’m not. I love a big coffee with the rest of them – but surrounded by all the “Ladies who Lunch” at Salt Rosalie – I felt like a moron. The bowl was literally so big that I needed 2 hands to hold it. And apparently my face disappeared with every sip. Crazy!

But the coffee was good, it was hot and it was strong. So asides from feeling a bit silly – I enjoyed every drop.

I’d heard both good and bad things about Salt. That the food was good but the service was hit and miss. That the food was average but the service was fantastic. And seeing as it is straight across the road from my Chiro – I have walked past it almost twice a week without being brave enough to venture in.

Why “brave” you ask? Because it looks swanky. It is always filled with Businessman doing deals, Ladies who Lunch dripping in pearls, Yummy Mummy’s keeping an eye on their X5’s and very few people queuing for takeaway coffee – which is what I always want. Because, being honest, coffee is how I judge a place if I want to go back and spend money on breakfast.

So finally, with recommendations from Twitter friends and with hubby for emotional support – we venture in for breakfast.

The restaurant itself is gorgeous, lovely big lounge chairs, banquettes and outdoor dining. I wanted a table outside but they were full, so had to make do with an inside table and trying to take photos discreetly.

My coffee was great – asides from the noodle bowl issue – but hubby was not impressed with his ice chocolate. Presented in a smaller than usual cocktail glass, it had ice cream, ice cubes and about 2 inches of chocolate syrup in the bottom. And there was no whipped cream. Surely this is crime against Iced Chocolate???

Our breakfasts – served quickly and piping hot – were HUGE.
H.U.G.E.

The older couple at the table next to us – who only ordered coffee – gasped when they were put down in front of us. And I swear that the gentlemen’s eyes nearly boggled out of his head. If there is one thing that you cannot accuse Salt of – that would be stinginess. They would easily win the “Most Generous Breakfast” award if ever there was one.

Hubby ordered scrambled eggs with bacon and a side of Italian sausages. His meal on it’s own was massive, large chunks of buttered sourdough with at least 6 rashers of bacon, 2 grilled tomato halves and a large ramekin housing the uber rich scrambled eggs.

The 4 Italian sausages came on their own plate, with their own garnish – and I was impressed that they did this. It’s never happened at breakfast before – when you order a side – it usually comes out on your plate. This way makes it much easier for me to pinch things AKA: Sharing.

My breakfast was fantastic – poached eggs with bacon, avocado and hollandaise sauce. Also with the massive chunks of sourdough and a huge homemade potato hash cake dripping with a deliciously sweet tomato relish.

I didn’t manage to eat even half of this breakfast – and didn’t even attempt to eat the eggs. The avocado was a sensation – seasoned perfectly and wonderfully lemon-y, it cut through the richness of the whole dish.

All in all, it was brilliant and I’m embarrassed that I was put off for so long. Hubby, despite being disappointed in his Iced Chocolate conceded that if we lived closer to Salt, it would be our regular weekend haunt. That’s high praise indeed coming from him.

The Verdict: Very generous sized breakfasts, imaginative offerings and really good coffee.

Recommendations: If you don’t fancy drinking your coffee out of a bowl, maybe start with ordering a regular sized coffee. And then another one if you feel the need. It was my “large” coffee that was deemed bowl-worthy.

Contact:
Salt Food Wine
5 Nash Street
Rosalie
(07) 3367 0775

Pizzeria 1889 - Brisbane's best pizza? I think so.

My Dad is like every Boy Scout personified. He is prepared for every eventuality, every occasion and possibly even nuclear war.

This is why he stockpiles toothpaste. Why there are 6 bottles of BBQ sauce, 8 bottles of Chilli sauce and 2 tins of Treacle in my Mum's pantry.

This is also why, after trying them once in a dodgy Mexican cafe, my dad went out and bought an entire carton - yes you heard me, a CARTON, of Refried Beans. Just in case he might like to have them again one day.

There are also 2 bottles of every spice known to man, and equally as many jars of Jam. Yes Jam. My Dad loves anything that is friends with butter.

I missed his call the other morning - truth be known I had slept through both my alarm and his call, and I am fairly sure that I can expect one after he reads this. He takes his hoarding very seriously and will be upset with me for broadcasting it to the whole world!

So what is the point of all of this you ask? Well tonight I had Pizza for dinner from Pizzeria 1889 at the Barracks. Wonderfully, thin chargrilled pizza barely smeared with sauce and sprinkled with toppings in the way that the Italians do so well.

Less is more. Hear that Dad? Less. Is. More. *cheeky grin*

I've heard the rumours for a while. That Pizzeria 1889 made the best Pizza in Brisbane. A pretty tough call really, and one that I've been eager to try out.

So tonight, while my extremist husband is away 4WD'ing and god knows what else - I had pizza for dinner. Italian Sausage with Chargrilled Capsicums, Olives and Mushrooms.

Absolute perfection. The base was super crispy, charred in areas and with a light dusting of semolina that coated your fingertips. The capsicums were super sweet, the olives tart and the mushrooms... *oh, drool* - the mushrooms were divine. Fresh, earthy and slightly roasted - I would consider vegetarianism if I could eat mushrooms like this every day.

I especially like it when a busy place doesn't take your name or give you a number and then scream at you when your order is ready. They came out and found me, delivered it into my hands with a big smile and wished me a great night.

I felt equally as important as the dining-in customers - and you certainly don't get that often.

The Verdict: Awesome Pizza. Brilliant Service.

Recommendations: I would eat in. I road tested takeaway before going to the effort of bringing hubby here. But the vibe was so nice, I could have happily stayed for hours... and of course stopped off for a Movenpick ice cream cone on the way home...

Contact: Pizzeria 1889

The Pepper Lounge Jindalee - Potentially Great...

My husband's logic defies even me sometimes.


“It would be better without the egg”, he says – eyeballing his breakfast pizza, and poking at said egg with his knife.

“True” I admit, “but then it probably wouldn’t qualify as a breakfast pizza?"

Shrugging his shoulders as he scrapes the egg off – “It would still be better without the egg” he states. And that is that.

And so began our breakfast at Pepper Lounge in Jindalee – despite driving past it almost every weekend – we had yet to venture in for breakfast despite a phenomenal amount of whinging about how bad the local offerings were.

So after deciding to branch out and try somewhere other than K and K – we grabbed a stool and prepared ourselves for yet another Western Suburbs Culinary Disaster.

The Lighthouse Victoria Point - Fantastic Fish and Chips

Just like the humble hamburger – fish and chips is something that is so easy to do. Yet so easily, and so often, completely crucified. Having lived in England for almost 4 years, I have eaten my fair share of Fish and Chips – and to be perfectly honest, I think most of them were pretty revolting.

My very first meal in London, having limited choices around our Hostel and being much too overwhelmed by the size of Tesco to cook, was Fish and Chips. The fish was bright orange and chewy, the chips soggy – and my requested gravy was a polystyrene cup with a scoop of Gravox and the instructions that I should “add some hot water and give it a shake when I get home”.

Memorable for all the wrong reasons, it certainly set the bar very low for all future orders.

Thanks to a hot tip from a friend on Twitter – Hubby and I with dog in tow, hunt out The Lighthouse for some famed Fish and Chips – apparently the best in Brisbane.

It was a hot day, so hot in fact that the bitchumen was starting to liquefy and Joey didn’t want to get out of the car. The heat also meant that every beach and picnic table within the greater city limits was also taken. Have you ever tried to eat Fish and Chips in the back of a 4WD with a drooling dog, desperate to share your lunch? I don’t recommend it. Not at all.

Asides from having to beat off a persistent German Shepherd and battle hubby for equal portions of Calamari – I can unequivocally say, that the Lighthouse Fish and Chip Shop at Cleveland – is the best I have ever had. E.V.E.R.

We had a large piece of Cod, 2 serves of calamari, the biggest serve of chips I have ever seen with 2 soft drinks for the humans and bottle of water for the canine. All for under $25. An absolute bargain.

Next time though, I would leave the dog at home, and I would have lunch on their deck. With sweat running down my face and the hot concrete burning through my thongs I was overcome with jealousy at the lucky (read: much smarter) patrons who had secured a nice, cool, shaded table and were knocking back icy cold drinks.

The Verdict: Easily, the best Fish and Chips I’ve ever eaten. I just wish it wasn’t so far away… because if we go to the beach and don’t take the dog – I’m almost certain he’ll dig up my garden in retaliation.

Recommendations: I don’t like fish much, so can’t comment on the quality, but hubby was super impressed both on size and taste. I, on the other hand, LOVED the calamari and the chips were deliciously golden and crisp. They also package it up like a gorgeous big platter – which, although it does take away from those childhood memories of wrapped newspaper – this is slightly more sophisticated, and I like it.

Contact: The Lighthouse

Magnolia at Brookwater - Expect the Unexpected...

I've never really been much of a "Brand" girl - I'm quite low maintenence, I sleep in til 8am and still make it to the Office by 9am (as long as traffic is kind). I don't wear heels and I probably couldn't pick Nicole Ritchie out of a crowd.

A memory that has been scorched into my mind is when the Louis Vuitton store first opened in Brisbane - not really my kind of thing (I mean really - a handbag that costs more than my mortgage??) but J wanted to have a look. So I politely hung around, "ohhed" and "ahhed" at all the overpriced luggage and then - actually spied something I liked.

Not that I would have bought it anyway - but I innocently asked the Sales Girl how much it was - only for her to look me up and down, raise an eyebrow and spit out "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" - before spinning on her 6" heels and sashaying back to the Cash Register.

That event has pretty much scarred me for life. It was the first time that I had ever been so blatantly judged and dismissed by someone who didn't know me.

Comfort at my Table - Happy in my Heart.

I knew something was wrong the moment I walked in the door. There were people smiling.

On a Monday morning.

On a Monday morning, the first Monday back at work after Christmas holidays.

Part of me wanted to hiss and back out the door away from all the crazy people – but then I saw what they were smiling about. It was good coffe, and right here in the heart of Milton.

After my car park chat with Peter and Janie from Bunnyconnellen  – they told me about their friend that had just opened a new café in Milton. I was excited – if these people knew half as much about good coffee as they did about good olives – I was there.

Watt Modern Dining - Watt The???

I've been out of the game for a little while now. It's been about 4 years since I pulled my last beer, cleared my last table and yelled at my last Chef. But I'm fairly sure there's a few things that haven't changed:

1. You should welcome guests into the Restaurant, not look at them and wonder if they are lost. Then look at them again like they are something you found on the bottom of your shoe. (Something brown...)

2. If said guests order a bottle of champagne at 10:05am, and your liquor licence doesn't start until 10:30. The answer is not "No" with a head toss. Can I suggest instead "Our licence doesn't start until 10:30 but I'll order it now for you and bring it over when I can". Just a suggestion...

3. When the menu says I should get pinenuts with my Mushrooms and Polenta, then I think I should get them...

4. When FIL asks for poached eggs, I think it is reasonable that he actually gets poached eggs - not the scrambled eggs you somehow thought he would enjoy more.

The Cupcake Parlour - Generous in more ways than one

I was pretty sure she hadn't already had any because I'd been in the line with her for at least the last 10 minutes - but my heart lurched with excitement when this stranger, hugging her box of cupcakes to her chest, grabbed my arm and said dreamily "These cupcakes are soooo good..."

Then with her big eyes and satisfied grin - she disappeared into the crowd and I was left to battle it out for one of the last remaining cupcakes at The Cupcake Parlour .

I must have changed my mind at least 7 times while I was waiting to order and just as I was sure I had decided - someone would order something gorgeous and I was left faltering again.

The one that took my eye the most was topped with coconut so when it was my turn I asked for a run down of the remaining flavours. He pointed at my favourite and said "Vanilla with Coconut Frosting" - I was disappointed - I had expected something a little more exotic.

So like the true Chocolate-Skank I am - I went with the "Chocolate Marble" - topped with nothing less than a whole Guylian Chocolate. *drool* Talk about generosity.

He was intruiged why I didn't go with my first choice - "I like coconut, but I just expected something... different?" I said. "Trust me, you'll like it" - and with that - he popped it into my cakebox free of charge.

Want to know what makes a foodie happy? Food.

Want to know what makes a food blogger happy? Free food.

The Vanilla-Coconut was simple and wonderful. A nice, light but dense cupcake, topped with a coconut infused frosting and garnished with a generous puff of shaved coconut. Refreshing in it's simplicity. I'm so glad he insisted I try it. Next time I'm just going to ask him to choose for me.

The Chocolate-Marble was a chocolate delight. A dense cupcake that you could actually taste the quality Cocoa in - it was a flavoursome little cake with a nice kick. The chocolate frosting was delicious - but what really sealed the deal for me was the Guylian shell on top. It was 3 different types of chocolate that all complimented each other nicely without being too sickly sweet. A real triumph.

At just $3 a cupcake - it was much better quality than the price suggested. Next time I will be making sure I try the Lemon Sorbet (the excited girl took the last of these) and a Melting Moment (that actually has a whole biscuit on top!!)...

Contact: Cupcake Parlour

(The Cupcake Parlour has a store at West End but I bought mine from their stand at the Powerhouse Markets.)

Christopher's Fine Food - Very Fine Indeed

While I don't like to brag (too much) - I have acquired a very well trained husband. (This is not to be confused with the rare breed of Perfect Husband - see: Onion Jam Post for details on where his shortcomings lay...)

I'm yet to have an opinion on whether my Mother-in-Law trained her husband, or whether he is naturally a bit of a Romantic - but I love that between the two of them they have raised a boy who randomly buys his wife flowers because "he loves her", cooks dinner "because it's his turn" and takes me out for dinner because he's decided that "It's Date Night".

I was reminded of this recently when we spontaneously decided to take MIL out for breakfast (She's a hairdresser and my hair was looking particularly "Side Show Bob"...) and found out that it was also her and FIL's 37th Wedding Anniversary. Too cute for words was the massive bunch of flowers he had run home during his coffee break and left in the kitchen with a note that said "Came home for a quick kiss".

So feeling celebratory - we decided to forgo the pedestrian Coffee Club and Toscani's in lieu of Christopher's Fine Foods. 37 years deserve something a little bit special, and for the South Side - Christopher's is the definition of special.

The Chelsea Cafe - A Comedy of Neglect

“Is that sausage cooked?” I asked hubby tentatively, “Probably not” he grumbled. A pink middled sausage was really just the final straw for him, after a comedy of errors – he was all out of patience and was beyond caring if his snags were cooked or not.

As a Diner – I think one of the most frustrating things is to be waiting for a table and watching other people get seated before you… especially when they arrive after you.

To console ourselves that our holiday was almost over – I took hubby out to breakfast to The Chelsea. I had heard good things about The Chelsea, and considering we have eaten at almost every other Restaurant at The Barracks  - I didn’t really think we could go wrong.

To start with – they didn’t have any tables – but for Saturday morning breakfast, I’m happy to wait for one. We sat at their bar area while we waited… and waited… and waited. And proceeded to watch 3 other couples get seated before us. We asked the waiter again if we could get a table and were told that he would seat us as soon as one became available… we watched another couple take that table – and then just resigned ourselves to staying put.

Vapiano - My only reason to pay for parking in the city.

Tell me this - when was the last time you walked into a Restaurant and saw the Chefs making the pasta you were just about to eat?

Or what about the last time you got to chat with your Chef while he whipped you up a quick Pappadelle Carbonara?

Or - just for fun now - when was the last time there were fresh LIVING herbs on your table, and a nursery within arms reach where they lovingly tend to them for your eating pleasure?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you might have had trouble answering those questions...?

Well if you want to change all that - I can tell you where you will get all of the above and more. Much, much more. You'll find it all at Vapiano on Albert Lane, Brisbane City.

Mugshot Coffee - Awesome Coffee in Auchenflower

Monday's are my nemesis.

If ever there is a day where something, or everything, will go wrong - it is almost always a Monday. This is the day that my alarm clock doesn't go off, that all the towels are in the wash and when I forget to swap my Uggs for work shoes...

But today, everything ran smoothly and I was actually in the car and on track to get to work EARLY. Almost unheard of. So to reward myself for this little fluke of nature - I decided to finally treat myself and try the elusive coffee shop that I pass daily in peak hour traffic and wonder what it's like.

Mugshot Coffee - by the way that I travel - has to be one of the most inconveniently located coffee shops in Brisbane. On the corner of Milton Road and Ridley Streets in Auchenflower, you either have to park and walk, or attempt the trifecta of crossing 4 lanes of traffic, parking and then making it out again. But today - seeing as I was doing so well for time - I thought why not, lets mix it up a bit!

I'm happy to report that the coffee is great. It was great on every level to be honest. The coffee itself was nice and mellow, the milk not warm - but not scalding, and you could actually taste it. Always a positive!

Its always a relief to see the Barista making themselves a coffee (as I did this morning). Not all Barista's drink where they work you know... I also like the fact that they have a sense of humour. When I asked for a "large" - he asked me if I considered the biggest cup the large. which got me mildly excited that they had special, hidden, bigger cups for blatant caffeine addicts like myself. No, apparently not - he had just learnt the hard way that size is a matter of perception.

I had to choke back a laugh when I saw that their Loyalty Program was called "Ugly Mug". Now that is what I call memorable!

While I waited for my coffee he suggested that if I didn't already have all my Xmas presents - he had a cacti breeding program out on the deck - thinking that he was joking - I stuck my head out to have a look... and yes, he really did.

So although I don't feel the need to get a cactus - I will definitely be going back for more coffee. Traffic permitting of course!

Contact:

Mugshot Coffee

Cnr Milton Road and Ridley Street

Auchenflower

Fresh Sushi Co James Street - Big on Flavour... and the purse strings.

"You get what you pay for". A fairly simple statement, but one that I adhere to strongly - especially where Ice Cream and Sushi are concerned.

I recently grabbed a quick lunch at The Fresh Sushi Co - and it was fantastic. There is no doubt about that whatsoever. But considering you can get a handroll at any Sushi "hole in the wall" for about $2.20, and probably just a little bit extra at my favourite Sushi Station on Brunswick Street - I was completely pampering myself when I paid a whopping $8 for a Tempura Prawn Handroll, $6 for Prawn Salad Handroll and $4 for Miso Soup. That's an expensive takeaway lunch - but it was very nice. $18 and "still hungry" nice... but still!

If its quality Sushi and Sashimi you want - this is as good a place as any to start. They have all the staples and considering that they are attached to one of Brisbane's nicest Fishmongers - you have to assume that the fish is so fresh it's still flopping around out the back.

And the bonus is that it's part of the James Street Markets - the attached Fishmonger had me drooling for Fresh Seafood and lucky I'm travelling to my Parents for Christmas or I would have remortgaged our house stocking up on seafood...

Contact:

The Fresh Sushi Co

James Street Markets

James Street

New Farm

Ph: 3852 6659