Post-class feasting over nasi ambeng

It has been a crazy, exhausting few months. 

Nevertheless, we still try to allocate some time to relax. This time it was a last minute change of plans in order to enjoy the nasi ambeng weekend special at Tamarind Cafe.

Nasi ambeng is popular Javanese cuisine (apparently) which I never knew existed. When we saw the photos online, it was something we just had to try - a plate jam-packed with deliciousness consisting of rice, fried vermicelli, vegies, potato croquettes, fried chicken, curry, beef lungs and salted fish.

Nasi ambeng share plate for four persons.

You can order either individual portions or a share plate that serves four people. As we were starving (after two hours of class), we went all out and ordered the share plate even though there were only three of us. Needless to say, we did well! 

Check it out, and you won't be disappointed. 

Tamarind Cafe

20/40 St Quentin Ave

Claremont WA 6010

http://www.tamarindcafe.com.au/

Welcoming the Sheep, Goat, Ram- Whatever!

Happy Lunar New Year! There is no other way to celebrate than to have a cold beer on this hot day. Love going to Base at The Parade, Norwood as they carry Little Creatures.  

And ooh, they give out free popcorn!

 

 

Chicken wings and salt and pepper calamari to share-

I do apologise for the lack of posts; being lazy and overwhelmed with the many happenings of life. I will try to be better this year!

Base Bar
234 The Parade
Norwood
Adelaide

My first brunch of the year at Sixteen Ounces

The team at Food Obsession wishes all our readers an amazing new year ahead! We hope that the year 2015 will bring you lots of good luck, happiness, and good food, of course.

After an almost-year-long hiatus, we thought it was time to start sharing our foodie adventures again. The past year was pretty hectic for all of us, but fortunately, I managed to cruise into the new year with a relaxing catch up brunch at Sixteen Ounces.

Whilst I wanted to try everything on the menu (trust me, everything looked so temptingly delicious), I successfully managed to narrow down my choices, after about 15 minutes of deliberation.

A basket of handcut chips with grated parmesan and lemon aioli to share.

 

Mushroom hollandaise, with avocado and poached eggs.

So, my thoughts? Yummilicious. My photos don't even justify the taste, to be honest.

I loved the well-seasoned crunchy chips and the poached eggs were cooked perfectly - the runny yolk when I cut into it - with a generous serving of avocado. And I love crusty toast at brunch. I must have toast or eggs at brunch. Seriously, it was a feast!

The cafe scene at Perth is definitely expanding and this cafe has got me hooked. It looks like I will have to keep returning to Sixteen Ounces to sample everything else that is on offer. I already have my eye on a certain item on the menu. Salted caramel french toast anyone? Next time. 

  My mocha and I.

With such a pretty set up, relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and pretty good coffee and food, I wouldn't think twice of walking into Sixteen Ounces on my day off again just to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee!), even though alone.

Sixteen Ounces
257 Albany Highway 
Victoria Park WA 6100 

Meetings over lunch

All work-related meetings should be done over lunch, especially if it is a meeting which the parties dread, for example, performance reviews.

We did exactly that; a semi-formal meeting where discussions about career progression took place over delicious food (and a glass of wine or two) at The Olive Tree Restaurant.

 

 Chicken Schnitzel with Seeded Mustard and Cheese Sauce and Fries

The Olive Tree Restaurant may look like a tiny, cramped cottage from the outside, but inside, it is spacious and its decor provides such a good ambiance. There is definitely more space out the back for larger groups (and even wedding receptions). The food has always been delicious and it is a good lunch spot for something different than the usual grub from the food courts.

Why not check out the menus when you plan your next luncheon? They have set menus and also serve dessert!

The Olive Tree Restaurant

20 Emerald Terrace

WEST PERTH WA 6005

www.theolivetreerestaurant.com.au

Late, impromptu dinner at Terrazza

It has been ages since our last update - we are so sorry! There have been other priorities this year and somehow we have neglected our blogging passion. However, a lot has happened (including eating and travelling, of course) and we will be bringing a lot more exciting projects to Food Obsession starting this summer.

In the meantime, let me fill you in on a fairly recent impromptu food adventure.

Terrazza was discovered because my friends and I:

• planned for a later than usual dinner time; 
• had no idea where to eat;
• needed to eat at somewhere close to the cinema; and 
• did not realise that the initial restaurant we wanted to go to was not opened! 

We were lucky that Terrazza was opened and because it was a (very) late dinner, it wasn't packed at all.

 

My Penne Alla Vodka and a side of Cajun Spice Fries for the table! 

My thoughts? Service was excellent and our meals were not only served within 15 minutes, but they were delicious! The only thing was we were late running so very late for our 9:15 pm show, we scoffed everything down, burning our tongues in the process. If we had more time, I am sure we would have enjoyed the meal more. 

This just means that I have an excuse to return to Terrazza again, right? Next time, I am staying for dessert! =P

Terrazza Cafe and Restaurant

767 Canning Highway

APPLECROSS WA 6153

Lunchtime!

I discovered a new lunch spot since my return to West Perth last year (courtesy of a friend's recommendation) and I have been frequenting this place each time I crave chicken rice.

Tucked behind an alleyway, Noodle Inn is actually quite difficult to locate. If you do not pay attention, you can easily walk past the entrance.

The meals are not cheap but they taste good and your meals are served within 5 minutes! Perfect for those who do not have long lunch breaks. Just one word of caution though - this place gets really packed!

 

Chicken Rice! 

This is my absolute favourite. Yes, I know the restaurant's name might just suggest that the noodle dishes are more popular, but it is difficult to get good chicken rice in Perth and I think Noodle Inn makes decent chicken rice.

 Curry Laksa! 

Finally, I went out of my comfort zone and ordered something different. It isn't the Penang style 'assam laksa' though and I consider curry laksa as curry noodles but it's still better than nothing! The only thing was I felt really thirsty when I was back at work. I wonder if it was the MSG or it was just a very hot day...

Noodle Inn

Shop 5, 1273 Hay Street

West Perth WA 6005

Cafe Pavé by Trak Norwood

Latte

It is almost sad to say it tasted burnt. It has been a long while since I tasted coffee bitter in such a way as I do not add sugar in mine. 

Sleepy Tuna, it is called. Tuna in port, mustard mayo on a bed of avocado and lettuce. 

I personally found it amusing when the first hit into my mouth was the taste of spring onions. While eating, the only question running through my head was ''Where's the avocado?''. I noticed the avo spread on my

friend's but where's mine?!

 

Goody two shoes which translates itself as poached chicken with dill on a bed of avocado and lettuce.

A fresh healthy option, I guess. 

I liked the idea how cyclists can park their bikes, hanging on the wall. I also liked the little potted herb plants on the table and they were all different from rosemary, thyme and more! I was merely disappointed with the coffee and wished I could have tasted avocado somehow. Just my luck, I guess. 

138 The Parade

Norwood

08 8431 5711

One summer afternoon...

Hello, summer. Hello, heatwave.

It certainly has been warm throughout this summer here in Perth. Despite the heat, there was definitely a place we had to go to when Mich visited - Little Creatures.

Known for its beer, Little Creatures is a must for anyone visiting Fremantle for the first time. Don't be deceived by its appearance though; it looks like a very large shed. In fact, if I am not mistaken, the building was actually once a crocodile farm.

It doesn't only just sell beer. There's food too, of course. I think we ordered just a bit too much to share. 

 

Clockwise l-r: Chilli Mussels (comes with two slices of bread); Frites; Pumpkin Pizza

The frites (or chips) was a last minute decision. We saw bowls and bowls of frites being served from the kitchen and decided that we must have a bowl too (note: almost every table had either a bowl of frites or a plate of nachos!). 

Despite it being an enjoyable afternoon in a unique environment, our lunch cost quite a bit and maybe next time I will avoid ordering anything with seafood in summer. 

And the beer? Ask Mich. The joys of being the designated driver. 

Little Creatures

40 Mews Road, Fremantle

www.littlecreatures.com.au 

Adelaide Pho

A long due catch up with a friend at Vietnamese Pho. It was only a week before since my friends raved about the yummy food. Perfect timing, I jumped onto the opportunity as soon as my friend suggested the place.  

Some sort of dry pork noodles. My friend placed her order so quickly, I missed it entirely. She thoroughly enjoyed it. 

As a first timer, I had to order their combination pho noodles. Pho is definitely a must have; for a Vietnamese restaurant has to hold true to its reputation. I do love it. It has less msg compared to a few other restaurants I know. I definitely had an awesome brunch with pho and Vietnamese coffee, along with great company of course!

199 Waymouth Street
Adelaide SA 5000
08 8212 0997

Swinging Bowl Satay

A place which reminds me of home. A place which has been in Adelaide for years now. A place which I have never been to until now. I fail. 

Fried squid, sambal egg and ayam masak merah. I would go there just for the ayam masak merah- which they have named it as 'sweet chilli chicken'. NO WHERE CLOSE by name, but definitely by flavour! 

My company ordered the ayam masak merah too, and lamb! 

I have been told that the prices have gone up heaps ever since they opened. They do have special prices for students but I personally find it expensive. I am looking forward to try their beef rendang as I have been told its amazing. Dodgy seating by the way, but I guess it is all about the food. =)

18 Stephens Place

Adelaide SA 5000

Curry luncheon

It's been ages since my last post. I do apologise for the hiatus - we had lots going on in our professional and personal lives.

It has also been more than a year since I've eaten at here at Royal India. My previous review was just before I relocated to the CBD for work. Now back at West Perth with a new team, I'm ready for new adventures and renew my love for the vegetarian thali!

Clockwise: Chickpea Curry, Eggplant Curry, Vegetable Curry, Dhal, Raita, Naan and Rice. Centre: Indian Dessert (sorry, I still have no idea what this is called! This time, this dessert tasted so much nicer than my previous trip.)

The food here is still as delicious and the service here is fantastic. Our pre-ordered food was delivered to our table within 5 to 10 minutes of our arrival. And there was plenty of papadums for the table! Even though it's a tad expensive to dine-in, it's definitely worth it. 

Royal India 

1134 Hay Street, West Perth

www.royalindia.com.au 

Our place is the place for you: TGIF

 Who would have thought I'll be excited with TGIF being in town? The first TGIF in Adelaide, along with 6 other Fridays operating only in Victoria. How exciting is that!

It has been here since Nov 2011 and I know, I have been a bit slow lately at discovering things. I HAD TO GO there after a long day at work as I totally deserved a 'happy hour'! Hurricane (rum, sweet and sour, grenadine, passionfruit and orange juice) and my all time favourite buffalo wings, YAY! I'm glad to say this branch has not disappoint me with their buffalo wings  The Hurricane, on the other hand, tasted like a yummy cough syrup. Hmmm...

I was there early and avoided the crowd as the place was totally packed when I left. To be honest, their food aren't mind-blowing yummilicious but I have this feeling I'll be back.

TGIF Adelaide
1 Sturt Road, Oaklands Park,
South Australia 5042.
08 8296 5777

Late night musings...

My final semester commenced recently and even though night classes are great for those of us who work during office hours, I am often famished by 9pm each week! This is why I am so grateful that there is a Fast Eddys outlet near campus.

For me, Fast Eddys feels like an Australian version of a 24-7 American diner. You can order whatever you like anytime of the day! The categories 'breakfast', 'lunch' or 'dinner' do not apply here. And I note that they serve sundaes too!

I've made two trips within the last month (after much deliberation each time but hunger won) and have been regretting over the amount of calories I consumed. They were good trips each time, though. Anything to cure the late night hunger pangs.

 

Chai latte! Yes, I drink this stuff...

  

 Nachos (I apologise for the not so terrific photo). It needs more salsa!

  

 'Lord of the Rings' apparently. Seriously disappointed. There was nothing lordly about these squid rings. >.<

 

 Iced Chocolate (with ice cream!) during my second trip. Oh sugar overload.

 

Now, this was yummy. Squid and salad. Ok, the menu said 'Asian salad' but I reckon there was nothing Asian about the salad. It was still just salad. 

The food isn't that brilliant, at least not for its price. As Perth does not have that many late night places, let alone 24-7 restaurants, I was still excited about Fast Eddys. However, during my second visit, we were told that it was not longer 24 hours. What a disappointment! Now, where am I to go for supper after class for the rest of my semester? *sigh* 

Fast Eddys Cafe (Carousel) 

Shop 103R

Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre

1382 Albany Highway

Cannington WA 3107

Chilling out with bubble tea!

It has been a busy few weeks with the prospect of becoming busier in months to come. However, I finally managed to make time to catch up with a long lost friend from college last weekend. While walking around looking for a good place to sit and chat, we found a new place in the hidden corners of Northbridge.

The funkiness and bright colours of the shop intrigued us. The comfortable couches and atmosphere were perfect for us. The best of all, it sold a variety of Asian desserts and of course, my favourite drink, bubble tea! Like it's name, it was a great place to get a little sweet fix and chill out. The only problem was though, when the place got packed, it turned really stuffy and just a tad too noisy for us.

My friend and I decided that the next time we visit Sweet Fix, we would try their desserts. And on my list 'to try' are the soya bean custard (I am assuming this is 'tau fu fah') and the ever so popular mango pudding! <3 

Note: Maybe don't bother with the Mango Green Milk Tea unless your tastes buds can handle the complicated flavour. The initial sip of mango flavour followed by an aftertaste of green tea. I was smart enough to stick to my usual Oolong Tea. 

*Sweet Fix is located on James Street, Northbridge (on the Ground Floor, below Utopia)*

Weekend Brunch: Japan in Adelaide

Hot ramen on a cold wintery day!

Ramen served with kimchi, chasyu, egg and vegetables. I have to say, I am not a big fan of chasyu (Japanese BBQ pork marinated and boiled in a mixture of soy and spices) but I felt like kimchi. *hearts*

It is definitely not authentic Japanese ramen but then again, it's a hot bowl of ramen on a cold wintery day!

Ajisen Ramen 

Shop 35 Regent Arcade

Rundle Mall.

Weekend Brunch: Another Asian Invasion

There's a new kid in town! And he's Asian! 

Ok, Bing Boy has been around for a year now. It is just me falling behind the fad. Just a quick intro, it is a food concept which attempts to bring in Chinese street food onto Australian shores, beginning in Adelaide! 

To quote from the menu, "it is a thin wheat omelette wrap with egg, green onions, coriander, sesame seeds and crispy wonton pieces made hot and fresh with fillings of your choice." They currently have 8 different fillings for you to choose from, however, you may add any extra bits (at additional costs).

I chose the Smoking Salmon: Tasmanian smoked salmon, avocado, mixed pickled vegetable, baby spinach and mayonnaise. I was sceptical initially. How would cold smoked salmon taste when wrapped in a warm crepe-like omelette? (Gosh, please bear with my descriptive words).

I didn't mind it at all! The wrap was not as hot as I thought it would be and I am not a fan of mayonnaise, but that's okay. It would also be a good grab-n-go lunch but I obviously sat down to enjoy while attempting to take shots. Definitely a better option than other Asian takeaways in a food court, I would say.

Bing Boy is now open in three different locations around Adelaide CBD; Southern Cross Arcade, Myers Centre and Renaissance Arcade.

Mamak Wannabe

What I miss about Malaysia is the ‘mamak’ food. ‘Mamak’ cuisine, which is influenced by the Indian Muslim culture, has proven to be quite popular amongst Malaysians. The food and beverages are usually cheap and the wide variety means that you can order a few different types of dishes and share amongst yourselves. This was why I was super excited when I heard that Spice Express served mamak-ish dishes.

 

Indian Rojak as an appetiser. 

 

*mmm* look at that delicious, rich sauce.

A very sad looking chicken briyani. It tasted alright, but there is better briyani out there.

I love 'dosa' (or 'thosai' as they call it in Malaysia). A tad disappointed with this, though. It might be because I'm a bit too fussy with dosas - I grew up eating home made ones.

A very sweet 'mee Siam' on the left; a not-so-tasty bowl of 'soto ayam' on the right.

 

Traditional 'nasi lemak'! Very sad looking, though. It tasted alright. Wished that there was more 'sambal' and a fried egg instead of that miserable piece of omelette!

Chicken wings and 'vadai'! Deep fried deliciousness.

So, my verdict? Hmm, it was ok, but I honestly doubt if my family and I will return for another meal. The 'rojak' and the 'vadai' were probably the highlights of our lunch that day. Other than that, I have had better 'mamak' food elsewhere in Australia.

Spice Express
41 Hulme Court
Myaree WA 6154