Picky Piggies

We've been longing for an excuse to go back to Ormeggio, after an exceptional first visit (see bottom). This place had it all, the taste, creativity, plating, and atmosphere.

On our second visit, we got the "Long trip through Italy', which is a 12 course degustation for $175 pp. Each course is inspired by a region in Italy.

Two smaller degustation menus are also available for the faint hearted:
8 course $125 - A little trip through Italy
10 course $145 - A trip through Italy

We started our trip with three bite-size appetizers. Each dish was presented in its own unique way.

Parmesan biscuit - sweet corn

The waiter recommend us to start with the parmesan biscuitwas still cold, which is how it was designed to be consumed. The savory biscuit was cheesy while the sweet corn filling was creamy, however we found it a bit salty (unfortunately this turned out to be a recurring theme throughout the night).

Vitello tonnato

The crispy taco contrasted well with the creamy filling, but we couldn't really taste what we were eating.

Eggplant parmigiana

This dish was beautifully presented and turned out to be Mr Piggy's favourite dish of the night. The soft eggplant inside was enclosed in a crispy shell, and coated with powered tomatos. Topped with a generous layer of creamy white sauce on top. This dish ticked all the boxes.

Organic sourdough - homemade ricotta

Simply brilliant. The crust was crunchy, while the inside was spongy and soft with a hint of sourness. We liked the chive ricotta instead of the usual butter.

Yellowfin tuna crudo - bronte pistachio and ocean trout roe

The tuna was covered in a silky marinate that gave the fish a smooth and soft texture. It was very fresh and tasty and went well with the topping. You could really taste the shaved pistachio which gave it a nice nutty kick.

Cold spaghetti - mussels, msc king prawns and seaweed

The al dente pasta partnered well with the raw prawns and the sauce, which carried a light ocean scent and strong fish umami. Luckily the mussel flavour wasn't very noticeable, as it isn't one of our favourite things.

Asc cobia - wild mushroom, hazelnut and sage

This was another one of our favourites of the night. The fish was completely overpowered by the mushroom flavour, and in this case we didn't mind. It didn't have that fibrous texture that you normally get with cooked fish, but rather a cotton-like texture that was easy on the mouth.

It was mind blowing! We clearly saw and were told it was fish, but we genuinely thought it was a very mushroomy mushroom. Not sure if this was intended, but as mushroom lovers we really enjoyed the dish.

Bottoni filled with parmigiano reggiano and roasted malt

This dish emphasised the sensual experience of the exploding liquidy centres. We couldn't help but draw comparison to Lumi's mushroom agnolotti and Gastro Park's signature liquid butternut gnocchi.

We found the dish too salty, which detracted from the experience. It would have been better if the pasta was paired with a light and refreshing sauce instead of the parmasan soup, which was overkill.

Suckling pig porchetta

This was a deceivingly creative way to present a classic Italian dish. The meat was pulled apart and then recomposed, complete with a crispy skin on top. The dish would have been perfect had it stopped there. The green sauce on the side, which looks like paint, unfortunately also probably tasted like it (to be sure we haven't tried paint). Mr Piggy also choked on the shaved fennel, which was very fine. This was a wake up dish during our long trip!

Charcoal wagyu

The beef cheek was braised in red wine and had a subtle smokiness. The meat was so tender that a fork easily cut into it. A touch of yellow and red plum droplets added a bit of sourness and sweetness to lighten up the dish, in combination with mini cucumber and pickled turnip as garnish.

Strawberry prosecco

The strawberry prosecco sorbet was cold to the tongue and warm to the heart (from the burn of the alcohol), and left a tingly sensation.

Figs - mascarpone and balsamic

This was a theatrical finish to the trip, or at least it was supposed to be. It certainly grabbed our attention when our neighbouring table was served this dish and an icy fog travelled through the air.

Alas, it didn't happen when we got our dish. At least that didn't affect the taste. We couldn't come to the same conclusion on this dish, which didn't bother Mr Piggy, as he gladly finished my portion.

The dry iced mascarpone balls balanced well with the sourness of the balsamicy figs, or so according to Mr Piggy.

Peach punch - yuzu, lemon, pineapple, lemonade $13

Plum house made kombucha $8

The peach was probably the better drink, and was very peachy and refreshing. However, the kombucha was an experience. Unlike the usual bottled kombucha, flavoured with some kind of juice, this one felt like the plum was fermented too and the result was a plum wine/kombucha cocktail. The plum added a layer of sweetness that balanced well with with the bitterness from the tea.

Food: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

Highlight:

Eggplant parmigiana
Cobia that tasted like mushroom
Drinks

Lowlight:

Dishes were generally too salty
Green sauce for the porchetta
Swollen feet and sore bottoms at the end of the looong trip (we recommend you arrive at 6pm if you plan on taking the long trip)

Website: http://www.ormeggio.com.au/
Address: D’Albora Marinas, Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Hours: Mon-Tue Closed
Wed-Thu 6pm-11pm
Fri-Sun 12am-11pm

Phone: (02) 9969 4088

First Visit...

Our first visit was from a while ago, we got the 10 course degustation. Because it has been a while, I can no longer recall what each dish tasted like, but our overall experience was fantastic. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

Hightlight:

We liked all the dishes!

Lowlight:

None

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Sydney sweet toothers look out! Dulcet Cakes & Sweets is the newest sweet stop for dessert lovers, located just few minutes away from Burwood Station.

What an awesome cake, must praise the effort!

Black Sesame Mousse $9.5/Peach Early Grey Mousse $9.5

Aren't they just too cute to be eaten? Well unfortunately that's what they are made for 😋

The sesame mousse has a matte marble-like surface that is made of nutty sesame mousse, while the center is filled with matcha cream. A simple, but delicious cake.

From a bird's-eye view, the peach cake actually looks like a peach with a glossy surface and a hint of darker pink shade in the middle. The center is filled with early grey tea mousse, however the tea flavour wasn't very visible. On the other hand, the peach jelly was very peachy and fragrant.

Chocolate Mille Crepe Cake $9.8

We loved this chocolate mille crepe cake, it was rich and creamy. The texture was soft and layers were done properly.

Jasmine Flower Tea $7

This floral tea was a bit disappointing, it tasted quite bland (almost like water).

Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Atmosphere: 6.5/10

Highlight:

Chocolate mille crepe cake

Lowlight:

Jasmine flower tea

Website: https://www.facebook.com/DulcetCakesSweets/
Address: 31 Belmore St, Burwood NSW 2134
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm

Phone: (02) 8937 2582

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When you think of Easter what's the first thing that comes to mind? Easter eggs, hot-cross buns? Well this Easter you can spoil yourself with a little Easter treat at Chez Sun with their festive cakes. We managed to get these 'Easter Eggs' on our second visit as on our first visit they were all sold out by the time we got there at around 3pm.

Chez Sun has a wide selection of cakes and drinks, and also offers a high tea experience.

The decoration features some classic as well as some modern elements including a fireplace, soft padded bench seats, and candles etc. Without doubt, the environment makes a perfect chill out place for a Sunday afternoon tea, whether you are catching up with friends or going out on a date.

Easter Egg $12.5

When we got the cake, it was simply adorable. It was like a tiny egg sitting on a chocolate nest. It was a cruel moment when we had to cut the cake. I was ready to crack it open given it's egg-like shape and name. However, the shell is actually soft. The delicate shell is filled with a creamy dark chocolate mousse with blood orange and vanilla in the center.

Easter Egg $12.5

This blue Easter Egg is built in a similar way. The center is filled with vanilla mascarpone mousse and blueberry and wild strawberry jelly with a raspberry sponge. The sweetness of the mascarpone balanced well with the slightly sour jelly.

English breakfast tea $5

English breakfast tea served in beautiful vintage English teapot.

Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6.5/10
Atmosphere: 8/10

Highlight:

Creativity

Lowlight:

Combination of flavours could be better

Website: http://chezsun.com.au/
Address: 251 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Wed 8am-5pm
Thu-Sat 8am-10pm
Sun 8:30-6pm

Phone:(02) 9331 2332

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I happened to stumble across Bird's Nest Restaurant when we visited Brisbane and recognised that co-owners Emi and Marie were former contestants for The Hotplate and had won the grand final. I had been looking forward coming here.

An open kitchen provides a view of the chef cooking the yakitori skewers.

Mini tama $6

These soy infused bite-size quail eggs were the perfect snacks to start off the night. Each egg was cooked to my liking with a soft centre and full of flavour.

Nama gaki 1/2 doz $18

Our friends ordered the oysters, and they found the oysters super fresh and creamy, and that the yuzu dressing completed the oysters very well.

Wafu Caesar salad $12

I enjoyed this Caesar salad, which had a Japanese twist. The bonito flakes and the soft boiled egg teamed up to give the salad it's unique flavour and texture.

Sasami $10 w/ mayo & crunchy garlic (Left); Tsukune $11 w/ raw egg yolk

The sasami-chicken tenderloin was juicy and tender, nice contrast with the crunchy garlic.

The tsukune-minced chicken meatballs had a semi sweet glaze that sealed in the chicken flavour. When dipped in the egg yolk the meat turned silky and smooth and almost felt like it melts in your mouth.

Negima (chicken thigh with shallot) $10

This is probably one of my favorite skewers when I have yakitori, the meat is so tender and juicy and the shallot aroma is absorbed into the meat during the grilling process.

Buta Bara (Pork belly with kimchi mayo) $11

The meat wasn't greasy at all and had a nice grilled flavour.

Kakuni (slow cooked pork belly) $10

The pork belly was cooked until nice and soft and finished on the grill.

Shirogoma panna cotta $6.5 each / Houjicha ice cream $5

The white sesame panna cotta was so creamy and nutty, and I loved the syrup on top. The houjicha ice cream was rich and smooth too.

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10

Highlight:

Very fresh ingredients
White sesame panna cotta, just can't get enough

Lowlight:

None

Website: http://birdsnestrestaurant.com.au/
Address: 702 Ann Street Fortitude Valley
Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat: 12am-3pm
Dinner Mon-Sun: 6pm-late
Phone: (07) 3257 2305

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Sick and tired of the standard brunch menu? We are... and today we are feeling adventurous for something unexpected. Gauge locates just few minutes away from Queensland Museum & Sciencentre. The cafe has a small but punchy menu.

Black garlic bread, brown butter & burnt vanilla $14

We were intrigued by the name of this dish, and were expecting something that tasted like normal garlic bread, but a bit black. It triggered my sense of obligation as a foodie, as a must try dish. The texture was great, it was moist and soft, almost cake-like, however it tasted nothing like garlic bread. The bread was lightly sweetened and doesn't have much garlic flavour to it. When you smear on the silky burnt vanilla butter it was like heaven!!! It was so good that I finished it before I realised it 😅

Blood pancake, cured pork shoulder, soft egg, smoked sabayon $21

We are not big fans of black pudding, however piggy was feeling brave to give this dish a try as it sounded interesting. The sabayon sauce was smooth and creamy, great company for the pork. The black pudding was surprisingly palatable, if you like black pudding then you may like this a lot.

Spring greens, sunflower tahini $6 + heritage breed bacon $6

The broccolini was fresh and crisp with nutty tahini sauce on top.

Food: 9/10
Service: 7/10
Atmosphere: 6/10

Highlight:

Black garlic bread so moist and soft!
More burnt vanilla please!
Sabayon simply gorgeous

Lowlight:

Garlic bread was a bit small, can't get enough of it

Website: https://www.gaugebrisbane.com.au/
Address: South 4101, 77 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Hours: Mon-Wed: 7am-3pm
Thu-Fri: 7am-3pm, 5:30-10:30pm
Sat: 8am-3pm, 5:30-10:30pm
Sun: 8am-3pm
Phone: (07) 3638 0431

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