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.

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

Poppy Cakes - Blissfully full fat

I love, love, love other people's birthdays! There is something so special about helping people you love celebrate special milestones in their lives and birthdays are one of the perfect examples.
Tomorrow is the Journo's birthday but TODAY is girlie celebration day. She is one of the hardest people to buy gifts for - but she is so easy to feed. So today we are off to Onyx for cocktails and tapas - and they have been kind enough to let me bring cupcakes. Because after all, it's not a birthday if there's no cake!

The Journo and her Mum have trialled most of the cupcake shops in Brisbane, but to be honest, I can't remember their verdict on Poppy Cakes but I have read good things about them, and (most importantly) I really wanted to try them - so I schlepped up there this morning and got a nice little selection to try.

Belle Epoque Patisserie - I expected more... Chocolate

I have been a very naughty girl today... actually, lets be honest here - I have eaten so much crap this month that I should be asking Santa for Lapband surgery and Lipo...

Do you need more detail? Last week I ate out every night. Birthday Parties, Xmas Parties, Work Dinners and impromptu guests all mean that my kitchen is currently spotless... and my thighs no doubt a little bit thicker. *sigh*

To add to the list - tomorrow is the Journo's birthday - but we are celebrating today while the menfolk are away. And by celebrate I mean Cocktails, Tapas and Cupcakes... what better way to spend the day?

So it was up early this morning to go get said cupcakes and because you can't (well, aren't meant to) have cupcakes for breakfast - I called into Belle Epoque for a Cafe au Lait and Pain au Chocolat... When the Valley used to be my stomping ground, I used to look longingly at the Patiserrie window but never actually made it in. So today, while I am playing Bachelorette - I snuck in for a calorific breakfast treat.

Sushi Train - I choo choo choose you...

Another day, another work lunch. I almost make it sound like a complaint don't I? Well it's not - honestly!

On this occasion I had some clients from Toowoomba in town, and having bragged about my absolute favourite Sushi place the last time I saw them - I had arranged to take them out for some chopstick action the next time they made it to Brisbane.

So where is the best Sushi in Brisbane? Without a doubt - Sushi Station on Brunswick Street in the Valley. It is always ridiculously fresh, cheaper than the city outlets and the Chefs are always willing to make you anything that isn't already on the train.

My other favourite thing about this Sushi Train - is the Miso soup. It is divine. So divine in fact that I usually have at least 2 bowls of it... It just makes me feel so healthy and sustained... hard to describe, but after one bowl I feel cleansed. After the 2nd bowl - I feel a bit like the Dalai Lama... calm, content and at peace with the world. Even if it is only for the duration of lunch!

My other favourites are the Prawn, Avocado and Snow Pea Sprout Rolls, Chicken in Omelette Hand Roll and the Vegetarian Delight - Tofu, Carrot and Pickles wrapped in Sushi Rice and Lettuce. *drool*

I've been coming here for years - the Chefs recognise me when come in, which is nice - but what I really like is that they laugh at me when I bring my husband. Why? Well - because he doesn't eat Sushi. When he comes with me, we sit at the back of the restaurant and the Chefs just keep passing him plates of Gyoza and Tempura. Thats all he eats. Ever. They think it's hilarious.

3 Bistro - 3 out of 3

Part of my job is taking our Clients out for dinner meetings or reward nights, and I have to say - although it is definately still "working" - I enjoy it immensely. I have been able to go to quite a lot of restaurants I normally couldn't afford to, especially not this often.

After an inhouse conference at The Emporium Hotel, we retired downstairs for a quick cocktail and then dinner at 3 Bistro. Be warned, the bar is VERY small, really just a holding pen for diners waiting on their table to be free, or waiting on that last dinner guest to arrive... (I'm not throwing stones here - that guest is usually me, hubby was born without any concept of time - it's a genetic thing).

That being said though, quality should not be judged by size - and in this case, the drinks were great. We had a cachophony of drinks, and even while rattling off the list - the bartender didn't bat an eyelid and had them presented in minutes - highly impressive.

It's a little thing - but my tipple is Vodka, Lime and Lemonade - there is nothing I hate more than lime cordial... yes it has it's place - but in my opinion, that should be Kindergartens only... Anyway - I digress, Bistro 3 make my drinks the way I like them - in a short glass, with the vodka pounded into fresh lime, then topped with ice and lemonade. It really should be the only way.
Gianni's and watched in horror as a glass was pulled from the hot dishwasher, the bartender decided I didn't need ice and then made my drink with Vodka, Home Brand lemonade from the bottle and a super-generous glug of lime cordial... Yes it was during a Christmas function - but still... I begrudgingly paid $10 for that drink - but next time I think I'll offer to make my own...

Moving on to the dinner, the service was great considering we had a large group and they'd had a few drinks... I have to say I was impressed. I started with the Mooloolaba prawn starter, I'm always a sucker for a seafood entree, and I wasn't disappointed. The prawns were cooked perfectly - one was actually underdone, but in the spirit of sashimi, the prawn was good enough quality that this wasn't an issue.

To be honest I found the menu at Bistro 3 a little strange, not quite Fine Dining - although the quality of the furnishing's would say otherwise, not quite Cafe fare - but there's a burger and Chicken Kiev listed... In the way that a Bistro is midway between these points - I guess they have named the Restaurant well. That being said - I'm married to a Butcher and rarely feel the need to order steak in a Restaurant, unless it sounds amazing, or there's nothing else that interests me. In this case - it was a little of both. I love a well made Bearnaise sauce, and that coupled with creamed potatoes and bacon wrapped tomatoes just sounded divine.

And there was nothing else that grabbed me.

Although my hand was forced, the steak was great. Perfectly cooked, well rested and a Bearnaise sauce as good as any I had while frequenting French Restaurants overseas. It was definately one to tell hubby about when I got home.

Now - I'm going to admit something that not too many people know about... I always choose my dessert before anything else. In the same way that some people match wines to their meal, liqueurs to their coffees... Dessert is my passion and I would eat it first if people didn't laugh at me!

So when we got to Bistro 3, the first thing I did was ask to see the dessert menu. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a complete chocolate-whore. I try, I honestly do, but I see the word - and my decision is made. Although, in my defence - how good does this sound: Warm Chocolate Fudge Sundae, White Chocolate and Raspberries. OMG. Sounds like heaven to me!

Emporium Hotel Brisbane - It's official, I'm in love!

Having recently gotten married and come back to work with mild post-Honeymoon depression, we got a surprise cheque in the mail from some overseas family congratulating us on the wedding.

Rather than being boring (read: responsible), I decided to surprise Hubby with a special overnighter in the city with dinner and cocktails - something we almost never get to do anymore since we left the Valley and the luxury of being able to stumble home after a few too many... now one of us (usually me) has to drive, schlepping our sorry butts back the 'burbs.

After a lot of research on Trip Advisor and asking my resident snobs for recommendations - I decided on the Emporium Hotel in the Valley, only slightly concerned because they were almost booked out and the only room available was for a Standard Suite. For me - those two words don't go together. Standard = Average; Suite = Awesome. I was a little bit uneasy not knowing what to expect, having being burnt before by over-glamorous Hotel website photography.

Checking into the Hotel was a fabulous experience - and not just because Hubby had no idea until we had literally handed our keys to the Concierge - but because of all the little tricks that make it a true 5 Star Hotel.

#1, I love it when Concierge ask you your name so that they can park your car - then discreetly pass the details to Reception so that they can greet you by name at the desk and have you paperwork ready.

#2, I love it when they actually make notes in bookings and act on it. They congratulated us on our wedding, there was a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for us in our room and Concierge appeared with 2 Cocktail Vouchers as a gift. What an impression!

FYI - The Cocktail Bar is absolutely divine and is not to be missed. (Trust me on that one - leave yourself time and room for at least 2-3 drinks here...)

The rooms themselves are worth every penny. While some will argue that they are masculine - and they would be right - the colours, textures and quality of all the furnishing truly add up to a decadent experience. And for those of us that honestly can't take another frilled curtain or rose motif - the bold, masculine colours are a welcome change.

The beds are ridiculously comfortable and a pillow menu is available, the TV is bigger than the couch and behind some very clever bifold doors there is actually a full kitchenette.

But I save the best for last - the bathroom deserves to be on MTV Cribs - all grass and chrome, with Molton Brown toiletries and uber-soft robes and towels - I guarantee you'll cry when you have to leave. (I know I had to prise hubby from the room with every ounce of strength I had.)

We have stayed here twice now, and anytime I'm asked for a Hotel reccommendation - Emporium is top of my list. With James Street Markets and all the Emporium Restaurants at your disposal - it's a great place to grab breakky the morning after too...

The Verdict: True Luxury in the Heart of the Valley

My Recommendations: Make time to have a cocktail in their stunning bar, Go for a midnight swim on the rooftop pool and be prepared for withdrawl symptoms the moment you check out...

Contact: Emporium Hotel

Wagamama... Waga-Love.

Oh Waggie's how I love you! – it’s just like going to a friends house! Warm, Fun and Comfortable – I’ve eaten at them all – they have outlets in Chermside, Emporium Fortitude Valley and Wintergarden - by my favourite is by far the Emporium Centre chapter.

You would think they would all be the same – being a Franchise – but no, the Valley Wagagmama seems to be slightly more fun, more irreverent and, in true Valley style - nice and edgy. The staff are more willing to have a joke with you, sit down and point out their favourites and smile cheekily while your face turns beet red from the super spicy Chilli Ramen. (The also didn't kick us out the night my sloshed Mother-in-law kept pinching our waiters bum - they get massive points for that - although we did leave a tip!)

There’s just something about this place that keeps us going back (and not just the Frequent Noodler Points) – we have all our more casual occasions here – meet the new girlfriend, pre-Xmas dinner, sneaking out from work lunch, planning revenge on the ex… it caters for all of them. I love the fact that the tables are communal – that you’re forced to sit next to strangers and strike up a conversation to get them to pass the soy sauce, I love that the food comes out in it’s own special time encouraging everyone to steal from the person (un)lucky enough to get their meal first and to give food envy enough time to fully set hold.

I love that it’s a Japanese restaurant but there’s not a nori roll to be seen – I prefer Sushi Station for that, thank you very much! And I love that the food is always divine, in the same belly rubbing way that dinner at your Nana’s is. It's good, new-fashioned comfortfood in a massive Ramen bowl. It’s always good, always fast and always cheap. What more could you want for casual night out with your mates?

Verdict: It’s everything a meal with friends should be – tasty, fun and irreverent – and fast enough that you can still do something afterwards. I've been here so many times I have honestly lost count... and I'm yet to have a bad meal here. That says a lot in my book!

My recommendations: The Apple, Mint and Lime Juice; Chicken Katsu Curry (the Vegie version is just as good!); Chicken Ramen; Gyoza and Chilli Squid.

Contact: Wagamama

Freestyle Tout - the gateway to bigger pants

When I was a kid, my Dad always used to say “There’s a separate stomach for dessert – have you ever noticed that no matter how full you are, you always have room for dessert? That’s because you have two stomachs.” He was my Dad and I always grinned, wide eyed at him when he would tell me this and if I’m being honest, I was well into my teens before I questioned his grasp on biology.

But there’s something to be said for Freestyle Tout – we always go there after dinner at Wagamamas which is just across the carpark in Emporium. And let me tell you, we have rarely left Waggie’s without huffing and puffing about how full we are, rubbing our belly’s like we’ve traded with Buddha for the night… and yet we always have room for Freestyle.

To put it bluntly – the desserts here are phenomenal, in size, flavour, imagination and height. They tick every box possible.

My favourite is without a doubt the chocolate Sundae, loads of ice cream, cream, chocolate sauce and marshallows all served in a dish bigger than my vases at home (I kid you not). It is every child's dream come true.

In winter, when it’s just too teethchatteringly cold to eat ice cream – I can’t go past the Sticky Date Pudding, super moist pudding in a pool of butterscotch sauce, ice cream and cream – you can feel the cavities setting up camp with each mouthful, but it’s so worth it, and funnily enough, it’s not sickly sweet like you would imagine. (My next visit I'm determined to bypass the favourites and try out the White chocolate and raspberry brioche dumplings... *insert drool here*)

Hubby – who isn’t really a sweet-tooth at all – is usually the one steering me towards Freestyle, because he claims he has Pavlov’s Dog syndrome as soon as he sees the sign across the carpark! His favourite? The Satisfaction dessert cocktail – a sinfully delicious and headspinning concoction of Bailey’s, Kaluha, Tia Maria, Franjelico, ice cream and cream, drizzled with honey and layered with a chocolate swizzle stick. For the pure heaven of dessert here, I’m happy to drive home (because God knows how much booze is in that cocktail!)… although the seat does need to go back a few notches to allow for the Buddha belly!

Verdict: Wear your Frank Barone (Everybody loves Raymond) pants and enjoy every monuthful. They do have a "regular" menu as well, but it's just for the minority - you don't come here to eat "regular" food - it's the sugar highway and you're either with us or against us.

My recommendations: Chocolate Sundae, Crème Brulee, Sticky Date Pudding, Dessert cocktail.
Details: Freestyle Tout