The Latest

Nov 6, 2014 / 1 note

Paris, France.

Oct 3, 2014 / 1 note

London, United Kingdom

Oct 2, 2014 / 1 note

Batch Burger

A couple minutes from Milsons Point station lies a cosy little burger joint known as Batch Burger. As they don’t offer reservations, it would be a good idea to go a little early. Otherwise, another good option is to grab your food to go and relax along the wharf of Darling Harbour, just a walking distance away.

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With a mouthwatering selection of burgers to choose from, I’m once again, stuck with the predicament of narrowing it down. 

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I made my choice and went with the Brooklyn burger. It’s a beef burger comprising of bacon, smoked cheddar, tomato, pickles, spanish onion with thousand island dressing. 

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Brooklyn burger ($13.50)

Disappointed? I was, it felt very anticlimactic. Considering the size of the establishment, I would have hoped they put a little more care into my burger. It was clearly lopsided with all the lettuce and tomato piled on one end. Large chunks of lettuce stalk did not only make it difficult to eat but also didn’t add to the quality of the burger. Everything about this burger screamed ‘average’ to me, so I had my fingers crossed that there was something else on their menu that could redeem the meal.

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Poutine ($6)

Thank goodness for delicious sides. For those who don’t know what 'poutine’ is, it’s traditionally Canadian, comprised of fries, melted cheese and gravy. I have heard friends rave about this dish and it was my first time trying it. Verdict? I have been converted to the church of poutine. Being a selfproclaimed potato enthusiast, I think you have to try really hard to mess up fries. Some fries were crispy, while others were doused in gravy or smothered with cheese. It is a delicious combination that I can’t get enough of. 

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Vanilla milkshake with added malt ($6.50)

Everyone knows that a milkshake always goes down a treat when consuming burgers; this was no exception. Without being too sweet, it was perfectly balanced. The addition of the malt just made it a little creamier and I definitely didn’t regret this choice. 

The reason I came to Batch Burger is because a few people had recommended it. I have not been back to figure out whether my disappointing burger was due was an unfortunate day in the kitchen or a difference in standards. With so many food options, it’s hard for me to convince myself if it deserves a second chance. Yes, the poutine and milkshake was delicious, but I could probably find it elsewhere. I’d be curious to hear the opinion of anyone that’s been!

Address: 2/3A Broughton St, Kirribilli

Opening hours: 7 days, 7.00am-10.00pm

Website: http://batchburger.com/

Phone: +612 9929 8883

Sep 27, 2014 / 2 notes

Stonehenge, Roman Baths and Windsor Castle

Sep 23, 2014

Brussels, Belgium.

Sep 23, 2014 / 1 note

Three Williams

Situated on Elizabeth Street, Redfern, this restaurant is surprisingly spacious. With large windows and sufficient lighting, it has a very welcoming ambiance. The wait staff are friendly and very attentive which made for a good dining experience.

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The menu consists of mouth-watering sweet and savoury options making it  difficult to make a decision. There were 2 dishes I was eager to try based on recommendations as well as having a sneaky peak at what other diners were enjoying. 

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Glazed beef brisket, slaw, gherkins & chipotle mayo ($15)

Wrapped in a deliciously light naan-styled flat bread, it is understandable why this is a popular dish. Although brisket can easily become tough, I found it to be tender, moist and full of flavour. Contrasting in texture, the slaw adds the much needed crunch, colour and freshness. The chipotle mayo had a little kick that tied the dish together beautifully.

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Crunchy brioche french toast, blueberries, yogurt, roasted pecans & maple syrup ($15)

The french toast was the catalyst that brought me to Three Williams and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Brioches alone are heavenly and so, made into french toast? I couldn’t ask for anything more! Delightfully soft in the centre with a crunchy crust, it was the perfect french toast. The addition of yogurt balanced the sweetness of the maple syrup, with the roasted pecans providing extra crunch. The sweetness of the blueberries and tanginess of the strawberries made for a delicious combination. 

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Caramel and peanut milkshake ($6)

Three Williams has a delicious variety of beverages that can be paired with any brunch option, from tantalising coffees to freshly squeezed juices. However, I couldn’t pass the caramel and peanut milkshake. A very more-ish combination, I was relieved to find it wasn’t too sweet, which ensured that it didn’t overpower the other dishes.

The quality of food and beverages offered at Three Williams makes it worth the visit. With friendly and approachable staff, the overall experience was enjoyable. Definitely worth a visit!

– stayc.

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Address: 613 Williams St, Redfern

Website: http://www.threewilliams.com/

Phone: +612 9698 1111 

Sep 23, 2014

Rockpool Bar & Grill

A sister restaurant to the popular ‘Rockpool’, Neil Perry has created the more affordable 'Rockpool Bar & Grill’. Located in the heart of the city, it could be easily overlooked in the midst of the busy metropolitan. 

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Overwhelmed by the mouth-watering a la carte menu the restaurant offered, I found my decision-making skills severely compromised! With the help of very friendly staff, we were able to establish the most popular and highly recommended dishes.

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Live South Australian pippes steamed w/ Serrano ham, white wine & flagolet beans $26

The pippies were fresh and packed full of flavour. The saltiness of the ham and velvet sweetness of the white wine made for a well balanced and texturally exciting dish.

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David Blackmore’s dry aged full blood topside Wagyu $49

Living up to its promised focus of 'Bar & Grill’, it was hard to surpass the Wagyu steak. Cooked medium-rare, it just melted in my mouth. However, as it was served  with only aioli and a small lemon wedge, extra sides were needed.

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Onion rings $9

Potato puree ($10) and onion rings were shared amongst the table. The puree was delicate, light and buttery - in short, to die for! The onion rings were also light as well as being crispy with just the right amount of batter. It was a delicious addition to the meal, providing the requisite crunch without being drenched in oil. Both sides were quickly devoured by all. 

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Salted Chocolate Tart $21

This dessert required a team effort and was shared by three people with some degree of struggle. Although accompanied by a delicious quenelle of vanilla gelato and buttery crumble, the richness of the chocolate tart overpowered the dish. Looking at the other desserts on the table which did not seem as heavy, I was green with envy and made a note to try them next time.

The dining experience as a whole was delightful, and with the variety of dishes available, it was definitely worth the visit. 

- stayc.

Address: 66 Hunter St, Sydney 2000

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 12.00-3.00, 6.00-11.00 Saturday 6.00-11.00

Website: http://www.rockpool.com/rockpoolbarandgrillsydney/

Phone: +61 2 8078 1900