Sydney’s best waterfront dining….

By talesofatrufflepig in Rave Reviews.... hopefully, Sydney No Comments

Bar at the end of the Wharf

Chilled wine, comfortable couches, tasty tapas and uninterrupted views of the Sydney harbour tickle your fancy? Well, the bar at the end of the wharf will have you smiling your snout ear to ear. As the name suggests, the bar is one of the best venues in the city, jutting out from one the city’s iconic wharfs, home to the Sydney Threatre Company at Walsh Bay. The menu is small, but the bar is big, boasting two large outdoor decks and a spacious open space in the middle with old polished floors and quirky décor throughout. The ploughmans platter, sliders, hot chips with chipotle mayo and wild mushroom aranchini balls are the perfect snacks for sharing with friends while working your way through the cocktail and wine lists before a show.

The Bar at the End of the Wharf – Pier 4 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, NSW

The Bar at the End of the Wharf on Urbanspoon

 

Sean’s Panorama

Paddock to plate is all the rage, and no one does it better than Sean himself. The menu here changes daily and each meal uses mostly organic, fresh, seasonal produce sourced from Sean’s own farm or from other local producers. The menu usually includes 5 options for each course, around the $40 mark, with entrees and desserts around $20 or under. Don’t let the price tag deter you, you can BYO booze here and most of the mains are big enough to satisfy. I have been a couple of times now and always impressed with the food, incredible service and of course the amazing views of Bondi from the north end. Highlights to date have included twice fried chicken and braised beef.

Sean’s Panorama – 270 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach, NSW
Sean's Panaroma on Urbanspoon

 

Icebergs Dining Room + Bar

One of Sydney’s most well-known institutions, Icebergs, has one of the best venues in the city. Perched on Bondi’s south end, the famous white building is home to one of Sydney’s finest restaurants where locals, tourists and cool kids come to enjoy an Italian inspired dish. If you want to watch the waves roll in while enjoying a cocktail, cheese plate and delicious flash fried school prawns, the Icebergs bar is the place for you. Or if sensational seafood, incredibly pasta or simple, succulent steaks are more you style, you can enjoy all of those in the formal restaurant with panoramic views of the ocean and whale watching. Book ahead, especially in groups because this place is hot property!

Icebergs Dining Room + Bar – 1 Notts Ave - Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar on Urbanspoon

 

Otto Ristorante

Otto has become an institution and playground for the rich, a stunning restaurant where yummy mummies can play with their salads, men can slick back their hair with Rolex adorned wrists and compare each other yachts only a stones throw away. Despite the obvious pretention and my lack thereof, the staff are incredibly friendly. The cocktail menu includes all the classics, and the wine list is one of the best in the city. But, the real highlight is the food. Oysters, prosciutto wrapped breadsticks and handmade pasta with calamari sauce and king prawns would be worthy of a death row meal. So if you have a wide wallet or a special occasion to celebrate, to ought to go to Otto.

Otto Ristorante – Shop 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Rd Woolloomooloo, NSW

Otto Ristorante on Urbanspoon

 

Doyles on the Beach

Look up seafood in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Doyle’s restaurant at Watsons Bay. Well, not really, but it is famous non-the-less. Nestled right on the sand of one of Sydney’s stunning bays with district views over the east all the way to the Harbour bridge, Doyles is the place to enjoy food from the water while admiring it. I can thank Doyle’s for my first ever oyster Kilpatrick, which I have continued to have a love affair with ever since. Other delicious menu items include seafood platters for two with lobster, prawns, mussels, oysters and scallops ore the individually baked seafood pies, all of which will cost you a lot of pretty pennies.

Doyles on the Beach - 11 Marine Pde, Watsons Bat - Sydney, NSW
Doyle's on the Beach on Urbanspoon

 

Hugos Manly

Gourmet pizza and cocktails on the water, what more do you want? Hugos has snagged some stella realestate on Manly’s wharf and has become one of the best places to enjoy a snack, meal, drink or night out in the northern suburbs. With views of the harbour and Manly’s esplanade, you can sit and enjoy people and boat watching while working your way through the menu. The pizza list is long, luscious and leaves you stumped on what to order, so pack up the pigs and head down there for a party. My suggestions would be the slow roasted pork belly or the lamb with potato, feta and olive pizzas.

Hugos Manly - Esplanade Manly, Sydney NSW
Hugos Manly on Urbanspoon

 

Oink oink,

Truffle Pig.

Hobart’s Cutest Cafés……

By talesofatrufflepig in Rave Reviews.... hopefully, Tasmania, Truffle Travels.... 4 Comments Tags: , , , , ,

Hobart is a stunning, unpredictable city that will have you running from the rain only moments after basking it’s in the sun by the water. As a result, the city is full of cute, quirky cafes that pay homage to Hobart’s volatile weather, many have large windows to view the city’s natural beauty and plenty of cosy nooks and crannies to curl up and warm up in. In true Hobartian style, guests are always greeted with a laid back smile and welcome to stay as long as they want. So grab a good, and head to one of these gems with an empty belly:

Jam Jar Lounge

Great coffee, smiling service, comfortable couches and crazy art – what more could you want? I was completely seduced walking into Jam Jar, at first by its (almost) floor to ceiling windows facing Battery Point’s stunning Hampden Road, but then by the simple, quirky interior of its front room. Filled with antique chairs surrounding a grand piano, a large community table lit up by the drop blubs above, a bench seat along the windows, old fire places, black board walls covered in drawings of jam jars, a large collection of board games and a cabinet full of enticing food, I knew I was going to be staying for a while. On my walk to the toilet I found out Jam Jar just got bigger, better and more beautiful. The café is full of secret spaces for intimate dates, reading the paper, cramming study or enjoying a beverage and a snack while listening to the soothing sounds of jazz and folk. Outside is a beautiful garden terrace littered with tables for those looking to enjoy a meal in the sun. The staff at Jam Jar are just as welcoming and the Japanese chef is busy creating classics like caeser salads and French toast, as well as Japanese curries for something different.

Jam Jar Lounge – 45 Hampden Rd, Battery Point, TAS 7004

Machine Laundry Café

As you might have guessed this café is also a Laundromat and the fit out is as retro as the idea. From the outside you wouldn’t be drawn in by its blue and yellow plastic chairs tucked into the back corner of Salamanca Square but once inside you feel like you’re in a 50’s diner with bright, vinyl leather seats with a view of the industrial machines go around and around. Not only does this place completely charm you with its theme and friendly staff, they also do a brilliant breakfast, and fantastic coffee. The Old New Egg Dish is an original spin on normal breakky ingredients and a delicious way to start the day. It is made up of garlic rubbed sourdough smothered with a sweet beetroot relish and a generous serve of feta scrambled eggs tumbled onto the top, and of course with a side of bacon…. Perfection!
Machine Laundry Café – Shop 12 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS 7004

Daci & Daci Bakery

Who would have thought you could find a stunning, sweet filled parisan bakery in the heart of Hobart? Not me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I did. Make sure you set aside some time for your visit, because like me, you will be going around in circles trying to figure out what to choose while marvelling at the macaroons and meringue and being torn over what tantalizing tart to take. Each and every item is a masterpiece and they almost look too good to eat! This little slice of heaven is just around the corner from the Brooke Street ferry terminal, so it is the perfect pit stop for picking up coffee, breakfast or lunch on the go if you’re heading on a tour or if you want to have a picnic in the nearby Saint Davids park. The salmon and asparagus tart, croque monsieur and almond croissant are all to die for.
Daci & Daci Bakery – 11 Murray St, Hobart, TAS 7000

Pigeon Hole Cafe

Fancy dining in the bakery that all the best restaurants source their bread from? Or is drinking flawless coffee with views of the mountains and water more your thing? Well you’re in luck, because you can do both at Pigeon Hole Café. Here they adopt the “less is more” approach when it comes to their menu – it is short and sweet but full of seasonal, gourmet dishes that are done well. You won’t find your run-of-the-mill ham, cheese, tomato sandwich here, but you can get delicisous panini’s with braised leek, thyme and asagio or a wagyu brisket with cabbage and gouda. But be prepared to wait, this place is tiny and forever busy, but the friendly staff will let you know how long coffee and food orders will take.
Pigeon Hole Cafe 93 Goulburn Street, Hobart, TAS 7000

Basket & Green

Hugging one of North Hobart’s thorough fares, Elizabeth Street, Basket & Green is the ideal place to watch the world (well, Hobart), go by while enjoying a caffeine fix and some food. The space is large, open and welcoming, with two entire walls made up of windows where you can perch yourself and flick through the many books, magazines and trinkets around the place (the whole outside window is lined with retro and antique phones). Or, if you’re feeling more sociable there are plenty of small or large community tables you can choose from. The menu is full of interesting and delicious dishes including rhubarb muffins, rabbit pies, toasties and veggie burgers. Needless to say, there is something here for everyone.
Basket & Green – 179 Elizabeth St, Hobart, TAS 7000

Tricycle Café:

Salamanca is the hub for nightlife, art and history in Hobart, and is the city’s most iconic location with sandstone buildings lining the stunning wharf. If you are visiting, or living in Hobart, there is no doubt you will spend a lot of time there. So after admiring all the galleries, boats and buildings the area has it offer, Tricycle Café is the perfect place to grab a coffee. Conveniently tucked at the back of the Salamanca Art Centre, you can refuel for some more culture and history with a healthy breakfast trifle or beetroot salad.
Tricycle Café – Salamanca Arts Centre, 77 Salamanca Pl, Hobart, TAS 7004

Smolt

Typically known for its fantastic fine dining and function venue, Smolt is also a wonderful café during the day. With its open, airy space and modern fit outfit, it is a refreshing change from the old building conversion many of the best restaurants around town can be found. Smolt is the ideal venue on a nice day as the majority of the restaurants walls and windows open up giving diners to opportunity to have a lazy coffee or breakfast while watching Salamanca Square come to life. The food here is amazing and a must, the baked eggs with mushroom and feta are perfection and they do a damn good coffee too!
Smolt – 2 Salamanca Sq, Hobart, TAS 7004

Oink Oink,

Truffle Pig.

 

Basket & Green on Urbanspoon

Machine Laundry Cafe on Urbanspoon

Smolt on Urbanspoon

Jam Jar lounge on Urbanspoon

Pigeon Hole on Urbanspoon

Daci & Daci Bakers on Urbanspoon

Tricycle Cafe & Bar on Urbanspoon

Top 5: Brisbane’s Best Pizzas….

By talesofatrufflepig in Brisbane, Rave Reviews.... hopefully No Comments

 

pizza

1. Beccofino

The owner of Beccofino is your typical Italian – passion, firey and a wizard when it comes to preparing pizza. He has perfected the art of “less is more” with his thin crust bases, fresh ingredients and scarce use of the freshest mozzerella you can find. The chilli and prawn with rocket and pork and fennel sausage pizzas are the winners for me. But make sure you get there early to get a seat on the weekends or be prepared to sit by and watch the beautiful people of Teneriffe from the bar while you wait.

Beccofino on Urbanspoon

2. Two sisters

Two Sisters is casual suburban eating at its best. This hole-in-the-wall in Milton is a secret spot of mine that I don’t tell many people about, but now I am a Sydney-sider I will spill the beans. These pizzas are delicious – they’re not to heavy and a good mixture of meat and seafood options. Or, if you want both, get the Happy Bill – perfect combination of prawns, bacon and veggies. Two Sisters is an ideal place for a BYO dinner or a lazy night in with a takeaway pizza.

Two Sisters Pizza on Urbanspoon

3. The Burrow

The Burrow is the cool new kid on the block in West End. Every hipster is lining up to get pizza while marveling over the extensive craft beer menu and each other beards, perhaps that is why the service sucks. But, you’re there for the pizza and they are close to perfect! Packed to the brim, these pizzas are filled with all kinds different toppings that will have you stumped on what to order. My pick of the pizzas is the Aphrodite with prosciutto, gorgonzola, walnut, fig and spinach. Or you can always get a herd of hipsters to go with you and order one of everything.

The Burrow on Urbanspoon

4. Arriva

Arriva has changed management more times than I have rolled in mud over the past few years and their food as often suffered. But these days they are back on the pizza wagon and punching out plenty of fabulous flatbased fun. The toppings are generous and full of flavour, but opt to eat in because the base can get a little soggy on the go. My favourite choices are the Dolomiti with mozzarella, smoked ham, truffled mushrooms and asiago cheese or the 4 formaggi pizza. Belissimo!

Arriva on Urbanspoon

5. Il Posto

Rumour has it the second in charge at Beccofino has had enough of his boss and packed up ship to Paddington. Unsurprising considering the menu and décor of both pizzerias are almost identical. But, not complaints from me, Paddington is closer to home and makes pizzas almost as perfect and its predecessor. My advice would be to avoid the white base pizza (who the hell wants pizza without sauce?) and order the classic capricciosa
 tomato, mozzarella, ham, mushroom, artichokes, black olives.

Il Posto on Urbanspoon

 

Oink oink,

Truffle Pig.

10 ways to cook left over Christmas ham….

By talesofatrufflepig in Truffle Pig's Recipes No Comments Tags: , , , , ,

10 ways to cook left over Christmas ham….

 

Christmas is the best time of the year. Not because of the sunny weather, time with family or presents (if you’re lucky enough), but because there is so much ham. Ham make same happy but I have found myself struggling to know what to do with it after the big day. So, here are 10 hot tips on how to turn your ham outside down and impress the relatives with your creativity in the kitchen.

  1. Frittata  – The perfect meal for breakfast or lunch. Whisk some eggs, add some spinach, feta and ham, then bake and you have yourself a very merry meal.
  2. Fried rice – Sick of cold meats and salads over summer? Get your Asian fix by making traditional combination fried rice but use ham instead of BBQ pork – perfection!
  3. Pea and Ham soup – bit bloated in your bikini? Soup is the solution! Carb free and full of fun.
  4. Carbonara – grill the ham like you would with your bacon or pancetta and make a carbonara.
  5. Pizza – get a nice pizza base and throw a bunch of leftovers on it. Or keep it simple with ham, cheese and pineapple. The perfect summer pizza.
  6. Parmigiana – got left over chicken or turkey too? Have some ham on top with some tomato sauce and cheese, throw it in the oven and you have yourself a classic meal, Christmas style!
  7. Savory muffins – my favourite would have to be zucchini and ham. Perfect for an on-the-go meal for when you’re heading to the beach.
  8. Toasted sandwich – sounds basic but if you’re feeling lazy after too much “eggnog” after Christmas, this is the perfect quick fix.
  9. Ham and salad. Keep it simple, pick any salad and throw ham on top. My favourites are spinach, pear, gorgonzola and walnut or the classic caprese.
  10. Ham. Yep to me it is perfect. Slice straight off and eat it all on its lonesome. Or gnaw off the bone when no one is watching…. I promise not to judge.

Oink oink,

Truffle Pig.

Top 5: New Farm’s Best Breakfast….

By talesofatrufflepig in Brisbane, Rave Reviews.... hopefully 2 Comments Tags: , , , ,

Cirque
Cirque can do no wrong in my eyes – they have been serving me some of my most beloved breakfasts for years now and after what is usually a 20 minute wait to get in (always worth it), I am always greeted with a friendly smile and fantastic food. The French-Aussie couple who are running the joint are clearly passionate about what they do, this is obvious from their animated recital of the special boards which usually includes things like oven baked omelettes, black pudding or seaweed with eggs. Although I love their enthusiasm for their specials as much as their coffee, I always opt for my favourite menu items like the corn fritters with bacon and a poached egg and the eggs Benedict.
Cirque on Urbanspoon

Campos
Campos Coffee are not only dominating Queensland’s premium coffee market, they have made a name for themselves for making some of Brisbane’s best breakfast. Tucked away behind the James Street markets, Campos coffee storage/café is the city’s worst kept secret, with a flurry of people coming in and out for takeaway coffee or sitting down for seriously big servings. The menu changes seasonally, always featuring something for those with sweet teeth or savoury snouts, like the piles of perfect pancakes or ham hash on toast with poached eggs and rich hollandaise. Either way you will leave happy, incredibly full and coming back for more.
Campos Coffee - Valley on Urbanspoon

Harvey’s
The meeting place for yummy mummies on James Street is one of the nicest locations in the city, with an open, sleek space rolling onto the lawn of New Farm’s most stylish precinct, James Street. The portions aren’t huge, so this is the perfect place if you don’t want to expand the pork belly on a nice, sunny day. My favourite breakfast here is the potato and feta rosti served with creamed corn (bet you won’t find that on any other breakfast plate around Brisbane!), herb pesto and a perfectly poached egg on top –breakfast bliss!
Harvey's Bar & Bistro on Urbanspoon

Little Larder
Little Larder is the quintessential New Farm café found on one of the the suburb’s leafy streets; it is a place the locals like to call their own…. Shame the rest of Brisbane does too. Sprawling on the street’s foot path, there is always plenty of pigs waiting to pull up a crate to sit on, especially on weekennds. The service is efficient, making the long lines bearable. If you’re feeling ravenous, order ‘The Lot’ – as the name suggests you will get tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, eggs, roast and a beautiful bronzed hash brown for the belly. Or another favourite of mine is their pesto scrambled eggs with bacon, oink oink!
Little Larder on Urbanspoon

Vine
Better known for their amazing Italian food, Vine also serves spectacular breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Away from the hustle and bustle of busy Brunswick Street, Vine is the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet, read the paper and pig out! They have some old favourites and Italian style dishes; my top pick is the “Italian Breakfast”, two eggs fried in Napoli sauce served with toasted ciabatta (and of course, I order bacon on the side), or the sautéed garlic field mushrooms served with flavoursome feta. A little slice of Italian charm in New Farm, belissimo!
Vine on Urbanspoon

Oink oink,

Truffle Pig.

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