doublecooked - a Melbourne food blog (and Sydney)

N’Shry, Albert Park

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:06:00 +0000

There aren’t going to be many better spots to come running up the sand in those teeny-tiny budgie smugglers and sprawl in that chair, sipping on a freshly squeezed juice and looking out into the waters dreaming of a better life.

No let downs on the menu, as N’Shry serves up some pretty gourmet stuff that does justice to the setting and suburb that surely targets the young professional and hipster demographic of the Albert Park/Port Melbourne area.

Croque Madame – Pain de Mie with gruyere cheese, Grandmother Ham, béchamel sauce, Dijon mustard, topped with an egg with capsicum and eggplant relish and a side of tomato. Ham and cheese toasties this ain’t.

Panko crumbed corn and zucchini fritters topped with smoked salmon, avocado, a poached egg and wasabi kewpie.

Umami Burger – 200g Wagyu and Angus beef cooked to medium rare, Umami rub, brown mushroom sauce, gruyere, caramelised onions, oven roasted tomato and a parmesan crisp between a sweet brioche bun with a side of onion rings, slaw, cornichons, spicy chip dip and wasabi kewpie. There is a lot going but a lot going for it. A luxurious main that makes the mind say “oh no you shouldn’t” but the stomach “oh yes I just did”.

Make hay at “Noshery” while the Melbourne sun shines.

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Where? 129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, VIC
What? Breakfast $12-22, Lunch $18-27

Kokoro Ramen, Melbourne

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:05:00 +0000

An Australian summer is a strange time of year to be opening a hot soup noodle joint. But that only serves as an early preview to what we could be getting stuck into come winter.

Gyoza

Tonkotsu Shio with char siu.

Tonkotsu Miso with spicy mince pork.

Tonkotsu Shoyu comes with a generous slab of pork belly, char siu and that creamy yolk half egg . A broth that is clean, natural yet deliciously fatty.

Tonkotsu Miso with soft shell crab – a richer, spicier flavour, the soup silky with fattiness. Gonna go straight to my hips.

The Japanese noodle dish is king as rice is sent to the back page of the menu. Keep it there. The ramen Melbourne had to have.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 157 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Ramen $13+

Summer Drinking

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Summer is on us in Melbourne and on a hot sunny day a nice cold beer goes down a treat. But unfortunately those nasty carbs and sugars in a beer aren't helping with maintaining a body fit for summer - so what are the alternatives? If you're short on time a Riesling can be a great change, Tim Adams and Pikes are good value quaffs.

But what i've been getting into lately is the cleaner, fresher and more simpler taste of an old classic mixed drink of - Vodka Soda & Lime (on a whole lot of ice). The cals are much lower than the old coldie, and it's just as enjoyable smashing these down sitting around with mates - and lets face it, much more hipster and cool.

How I like to drink these are to get a short glass, flil it to the brim with ice, throw in 1.5 shots of grey goose vodka, the juice & rind of of 1/8th Lime and top the rest up with some Schweppes soda.

Try it out as an alternative if you're worried about your summer waistline expanding!

McDonalds, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:04:00 +0000

Maccas has been pushin the poultry in Oz for a little while. So why haven’t they brought the McSpicy Chicken to Oz? Their answer to the Zinger.

Ebi (prawn) burger is an step up from the old fill-lay-o-fish

Sweet taro pie. Probably a bit too out there for down under.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? McDonalds, Hong Kong

Jade Garden Restaurant, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:09:00 +0000

It feels a bit old school 1980s HK but what it lacks in style, you can take comfort it has plenty of experienced.

Nothing flash, simply classic yum cha dim sum.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 5/F, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

5 Generations, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:03:00 +0000

This should definitely make a list of Stuff Asian People Like. 5 Generations is a very popular dessert only joint that typically requires a number and a long line.

It’s basically bubble cup on a bit of roids. Take a typical Asian dessert flavour. Pump with sugar. Serve.

The snow storm is pure novelty. Texturally somewhere between ice and ice-cream, flavoured, shaved and layered into an impressive ant hill mound. One is enough.

Pannacotta

The Maccas of Chocolate fondant. Warm and gooey centre. Consistent, satisfying.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 5-31 Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
What? Around HKD $40-70

Cheers Restaurant, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:09:00 +0000

You’ve gotta be thinking that something doesn’t smell right when they’re advertising a whole chicken for $1 Hong Kong dollar. Most probably the smell of chicken that’s around two weeks past the expiry date.

Look it’ll do the trick to at least get you interested, maybe slightly curious.

A pumping Canto-Chinese restaurant, a perfect place if you want to avoid awkward silences during that first date or family dinner where you can have hot pot or off the wide menu.

The chicken passed the health safety test and the others maintain a good standard despite the number of tables to feed.

Cheers to that.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Shop A, 3/F & 4/F., Grand Tower, 639 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Hong Kong

Macau Restaurant, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:04:00 +0000

Bringing a little piece of the former Portuguese colony to the big city.

There’s nothing here for a punt, unless people break out the mahjong sets, but you can place a good bet on the Portuguese baked chicken for a decent return.

The sauce is creamy, baked to scolding point, richly spiced with a bit of a peppery kick. Although while bones impart flavour, no point if there is not much meat to impart it to.

Complete the experience with one of those eggy custard Portuguese tarts.

Worth the gamble.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 25 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong and many others
What? Around HKD $40-60

Caprice, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Hardcore Holden nuts might take offence to a restaurant sharing the name of their top line model.

Other than the name, there’s actually a reasonable number of similarities. A modest, unassuming body, an engine room that’s whisper quiet, fully accessorised and luxurious interior. Both might take you to another place, one metaphorically, the other perhaps from Narre Warren to Hoppers Crossing.

But of course there some bleedin obvious differences. One is only available in Australia.

And the other is a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Hong Kong. Check out what it’s pumping out.

Duck Foie Gras, Crapaudine Beetroot and Smoked Eel in Hazelnut Dressing

Morel Mushroom Consomme, Alaskan King Crab, Chateau Chalon Wine

Vauclause Green Asparagus, Black Truffle Tapanade, Burrata Cream and Balasmic Vinegar

Langoustine Tail a la Plancha, and Vegetable Pastilla in Sweet Spice Naga

Roasted Suckling Pig, Black Sausage Burger, Green Tomato Chutney in Barbecue Sauce

Wagyu Beef Flank, Osetra Black Caviar Tartare and Confit Potato Poelees

Cheese Cellar Selection

Wild Strawberry, Lavender Blossom, Almond Crisps, Malaga Sorbet

Alpaco Chocolate Texture, Tropical Fruits

Petite Fours

As good as it looks? Yup. As you’d expect from a 3 Michelin star joint worthy of a 5 star hotel. French techniques showcasing what can be done with top shelf ingredients in a range of temperatures, textures and richness.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
What? Degustation about AUD $220

Ginza Kurando, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:08:00 +0000

Given the relatively short flight to Japan, it wouldn’t have hurt to make the trip to reaffirm exactly how to make sushi rice right. And source some quality sashimi.

Ginza Kurando’s Japanese won’t rank high on the list, but when lunch sushi and don/noodle + drink combos are somewhere between HKD $60 and $140, any complaints could be considered whinging. Such as this post.

Smart and moody venue, priced right for a form 4’s first date.

2 / 5 yums!
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Where? Shop 4-5, 1/F, Discovery Park Arcade, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
What? Around HKD $60

Relax a While, Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:01:00 +0000

Honkie food served straight up.

Nothing says Hong Kong food like fish and beef ball soup noodles. The mystery is what is actually in them balls.

As does the Won Ton Noodle Soup

Pork and Century Egg Congee

Chinese Fried Donuts

French Toast

Roast Pork and Roast Chicken on Rice

Hong Kong style tea and coffee

Ice Horlicks - the stuff that makes customs officers jealous. Which is why they won’t let it back into the country.

Big enough to accommodate anyone, you really can relax at this defiantly Hong Kong café without having the chopsticks taken out of your hands just as you finish.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Granville Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
What? Mains around HKD $40

Recipe - Ragu

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:46:00 +0000

We obviously like to eat out, but also equally love cooking and creating food at home. Figured might as well start sharing this part of our food life too on double cooked. As a first, I wanted to post one of my favourite recipes, a red wine ragu/bolognaise - it's time consuming, but simple and delicious.

First you'll need to get yourself the basic ingredients. For the meat, you can use whatever tickles your fancy, however I suggest using meat that lends itself well to long cooking times. My favourite meats to use are diced chuck steak (500g), lamb shanks (2) and diced free range bacon (4-6 rashers).

For the sofrito, I use diced carrots (1 big or 2 small), diced celery (1 big stalk), diced onion (1 medium), minced garlic (3 cloves), sliced shitake mushrooms (1 punnet), and sliced button mushrooms (500g). You can add bay leaves (3) and a handful or two of any fresh chopped herbs you want, I suggest thyme or oregano.

Other ingredients that you'll need to make this are; olive oil (5 tbs), butter (50g), red wine (1 bottle of shriaz or cab sav), sour cream (3 tbs), canned tomato (400g), red wine vinegar (2 tbs), salt and pepper to taste.

First, fry the meat off in olive oil. You will need to fry the meat till all the moisture has evaporated and the meat is browned, don't be overly concerned if there is meat sticking to the bottom, scrap it off and the burnt goodness will add to the flavour. Once all the water has evaporated, add the butter and fry it off for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Now add the sofrito and cook the vegies till they have softened and shrunk in size. I tend to add the button mushrooms later as my pan isn't big enough to fit all the raw vegies.

After the vegies have all softened and absorbed moisture and oils, it's time to add the red wine. It might seem like alot but it's not, so pour in the whole bottle and any additional water needed to cover the shanks. I don't like to use store bought stock as I find the flavours too strong and harsh.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce down for 1.5 hours, if you find that you are running out of liquid too quickly just add more water. After time has passed and the meat looks tender, add the canned tomatoes and cook for another half hour or till the bolognaise has reduced.

Once reduced enough, take the lamb shanks out and slice the meat. Add the sliced lamb meat and bones back into the bolognaise and continue reducing. Once most of the moisture has been reduced, remove the bones and bay leaves.

Now add the sour cream, red wine vinegar salt and pepper. Again reduce the mixture until it is a thick consistency.

Now just add it onto your favourite pasta (linguine for me!), top with parmesan and parsley and eat up! Hope you enjoy - Let me know what you think!

Café Vue, Airport

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:09:00 +0000

So the mile high club is probably a bridge too far for most. But at least you’ll be able to get your rocks off with two feet on the ground before you board that international cattle class flight.

Go for a little bit of luxury at Café Vue.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? Melbourne International Airport, T2, Tullamarine, VIC
What? $5-30

Coin Laundry, Armadale

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:14:00 +0000

One would have a reasonable expectation that if one searched online for “coin laundry, Armadale” and headed to that address with dirty jocks and frocks to find an unmanned shabby shop front, gritty lino floor tiling, 70s style industrial washing machines and dryers, a row of plastic bucket school chairs from the 80s and Women’s Weekly magazines from 2006.

But if you did have that expectation, you would be easily fooled for there will be no insertion of coins into any sort of hardware that will clean clothes for you. Or they just didn’t read the search results properly.

Because this café have cleverly, and somewhat lazily, from what I imagine, have merely recycled the business name previously housed at that location.

So getting past the shock and horror that you might not be without fresh bras and undies for at least another day, since the trek out has been made, might as well be well fed.

Simply poached eggs, bacon, sautéed spinach on toast. Done well.

Salmon, poached egg on a housemade hashbrown and beetroot relish. Again deliciously simple.

Quiet possibly one of the best steak sangers in town.

A food trip that makes the thought of having to turn your daks inside out worthwhile.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 61 Armadale Street, Armadale, VIC
What? At least $15

Sederhanh Padang, Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:17:00 +0000

It’s that crazy padang style eating, this time in a place that feels like you could be running the salmonella gauntlet.

But never fear, this place is more than foreign stomach friendly.

Piling up the dishes on the table, my favourites included the interestingly named “pop” chicken that’s been boiled and treated with a brief plunge in hot oil, and the small garlicky fish eaten whole. Usuals such as the rendang a good standard.

Just keep piling it on.

3.5 / 5 yums!

Marche, Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:11:00 +0000

I’ve never been to Switzerland but I could imagine Sepp Blatter shaking his old head to the tackiness that is Marche.

But hey if you’re in for a penny, you’re in for a pound as the surrounds go way over the top. Fake waterfall in the back. Eat in a mock farm house. Staff dressed in traditional Swiss clothing. Lavish food stands in market style stalls, complete with flawless produce.

Just like a market, shop around, before ordering at your choice provedore who will stamp your order card yum cha style.

Roast chicken – pricey for a grilled Maryland, but points for great gravy.

Potato Roesti – enough for two. Crisp on the outside, buttery tender on the inside.

Salad.

Sirloin with a side of mash.

Don’t forget the card, even if you don’t order anything, or there will be a hefty price to pay.

3.5 / 5 yums!

Smooch, Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:05:00 +0000

The Indonesian folk have taken to yoghurt like nerds to new technology.

But in a country where there’s generally a person to do the job for you, you pay for the privilege to serve yourself.

Yes it really is unlimited, but realistically limited to how tall you want to spiral that yoghurt in the cup, weighed and priced accordingly. Sprinkle on unhealthy Asian favourite toppings such as jellies, candies, jams. Exotic fruits for those feeling a wee bit guilty.

3 / 5 yums!

Singapore Airlines Business Lounge and Business Class vs QANTAS Business Class

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:23:00 +0000

I’ll never be able to personally afford business class. But now that I’ve tasted it, it’s difficult to go back.

That’s why if another opportunity arises, I’ll be crossing my fingers, toes and nostrils that Singapore will be the choice carrier.

QANTAS lounge ain’t bad, especially in Sydney.

However, Singapore’s Singapore is far superior.

Check out the decked A380 and Singapore airport lounge. It could be a 5 star hotel lobby, only filled with self serve goodies.

There are no eyes of shame when re-piling that plate. And if there are, stuff em.

Stokehouse, St Kilda

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:06:00 +0000

There have been moments in history where the stars have aligned rather well. Hawthorn winning the 2008 Grand Final. The Old Spice Guy. Wills meeting Kate. Or is that the other way around?

Some might say that a bit of work went into making those things right. For this beach house on roids, that would be true.

Consider this. Beach. Balcony. Balmy night. Top that off with a contemporary, seasonal menu that could only be bettered if they were served to guests lying on deck chairs being fanned by scantily clad males and females with oversized ferns.

Lasagne of blue swimmer crab, flaked almonds, pear, whitebait, chervil, crab veloute.

Atlantic scallops, verjus gazpacho, compressed apple and cucumber salsa, walnuts, serrano ham.

Beef tartare, Shimeji mushrooms, Horseradish cream, tarragon emulsion.

John Dory fillet, sautéed cuttlefish, white asparagus and samphire salad, garlic gnocchi, artichoke aioli.

The sides.

The Bombe – frozen white chocolate parfait with strawberry sorbet.

Crème Brulee, pistachio praline parfait, poached apricots.

Hazelnut chocolate mousse and nougat crunch.

That is a night out at the Stokehouse. Stars aligned we’re all stoked.

4.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, VIC
What? $100+

Easy Tiger, Collingwood

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:04:00 +0000

I think an “!” is warranted at the end of the name of this pumping modern Thai eatery that’s so Collingwood. Where else would have you eating under a hot tin shed out back on classy outdoor sets?

Easy there tigers, there’s plenty to go around in the banquet. Though you might not want to go too easy as you’re chinking silverware, jousting for that last spoon of curry or betal leaf.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 96 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC

Chef Lagenda, Flemington

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:02:00 +0000

So you can’t get into Laksa King, but don’t worry about the “If you’re not first you’re last” complex about going to Chef Lagenda. You’ll leave a winner.

Lobak is meaty, gentle on the five spice, but no mercy on the hot oil.

Roti roll with Chinese satay and julienne cucumber a substantial starter.

Assam Laksa.

Chicken Laksa – a much sweeter, less curry intense broth than next door.

Wat Dan Hor Fun – a nice eggy gravy.

Nasi Lemak with a good rendang.

Ice Kachang.

Chef Lagenda a very close second, or controversial first? A matter of preference really.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 16 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington, VIC
What? Most mains $12

Chillipadi Mamak Kopitiam, Kensington

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:07:00 +0000

Back in the day wanting to mess with the King could either have you beheaded or pronounced insane and exiled.

So the trusted brand for Malaysian has bought their A game and have situated themselves far enough from the sparring that takes place over on Pin Oak Crescent.

This Chillipadi branch might not have a headline act on the menu like the other two, but what it does is consistently high quality dishes with comforting flavours to tuck you in at meal time.

Good on them for standing toe to toe with the big boys. Especially if the King or Chef is hard to get into.

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Where? 295 Racecourse Rd, Kensington, VIC
What? Around $10-15

Sumalee, Bentleigh

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:18:00 +0000

Centre Road Bentleigh is screaming out for a leader that will move the shopping strip forward into the 2010s. With signage that wasn’t installed in the mid 1970s, Sumalee is trying.

As a café by day, there are breakfast and lunch choices that break free from the norm.

It might look something of a novelty prank, but the fried eggs on sliced bread, topped with a Thai style sweet and sour sauce, peas, carrot, cashews and fried shallots is interesting.

Potato rosti and smoked salmon stack with sautéed spinach and poached egg.

Tonkotsu Cutlet burger.

Duck red curry with the chef’s blend of rice.

Transforming into a Thai restaurant at night, here’s to hoping this humble café will be here come the 2020s.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 264 Centre Rd, Bentleigh, VIC
What? Around $10-15

Wonton House Secret Kitchen, Glen Waverley

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:54:00 +0000

It’s pretty hard being a secret when your restaurant is smack bang in the middle of Century City walk where you can enjoy crab and be in line for the 9:15 movie session of Bridesmaids. Yes it’s a very open restaurant, where you and your table’s moves and reaction are part of the advertising.

Crab – a meaty specimen, done in the standard ginger and spring onion sauce.

Steamed free range Chicken

Scallops & stir-fried asparagus

Steamed roasted pork with yam and sweet potato, braised to a tender mash.

Kang Kung

The food won’t be so different to the other Chinese restaurants in Glen Waverley, but you will have prime position for a boysenberry choc top.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Century City Walk, 285-287 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC
What? Dishes around $20

Gami Chicken & Beer, Melbourne

noreply@blogger.com (slowcooked) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:07:00 +0000

The new simple night out presented by Korean styled fried chicken and a keg load of booze. Supported by other classics done well, and some not so classic.

Original fried chicken in it’s own secret recipe of herbs and spices. It’s crispiness as if excessively dabbed with blotting paper, dehydrated and sun baked. Love it.

50/50 plate of flavoured fried chicken with a sweet chilli, and sweet ginger soy sauces.

Beer washes it all down, and makes you forget about the arteries closing over. And about your mum.

Seafood or Kim-chi pancakes - Dense, but pillowy soft with a bit of spring.

Chicken Gizzards – for the initiated.

Simply fried corn and cheese – intense, and probably definitely for the initiated.

Fried Dumplings – rip into the chewy blistered casing.

Putting a new K in KFC.

4.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 100 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Plates of chicken around $25-30, rest $10-15, Kegs $30ish