Restaurants

Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin

A trip up to the Hunter Valley wine district saw us stop in to Lake’s Folly for a taste of the latest releases. We had not tried two of the wines from the current vintage, Hill Block Chardonnay and the 3 Estates Red. Very good to taste them as they are on our ‘to order list”.After a good chat about the wines and things in general it was time to head off for lunch.

Lake's Folly exterior — Lake’s Folly exterior

We went to one of our favourites, Restaurant Muse, located in the Hungerford Hill cellar door building.

Muse Restaurant and Hungerford Hill Cellar door

We were quite surprised to be able to get a table as last time we tried the restaurant was full.

Lunch is now a two course minimum, which was fine by us. After ordering a glass of wine each (thank goodness for by the glass), we decided on our meals.

A wooden bowl filled with salt and spices arrived at our table with our amuse, mushroom macarons and pork crackling. Savoury macarons are a tasty start to a meal.

Mr. CA4G and I both had the pan fried sea scallops, chorizo, spring peas and beans, Andrew Thomas Verjus. Very delicious, chorizo was house made and the spiciness went well with the sweetness of the scallops. The verjus was gelled and the peas pureed. A lovely light start to our meal.

A palate cleanser of whey granita and lemon foam was bought between the entrée and main. Very interesting and refreshing.

For mains Mr. CA4G chose slow cooked Berkshire pork, cumquat, pearl barley and roasted onion. Very elegant and simply presented. The cumquat puree was amazing against the pork.

I opted for the Milly Hill lamb, served pink, black garlic polenta, leek and jus. The lamb was nice and tender and the whole dish very tasty. The black garlic added to the polenta gave it a nice dark, earthy colour. the leek was served roasted and slightly caramelised and also as a crisp julienne garnish.

Not feeling like dessert, we instead had the cheese board. A selection of international cheese served with grilled bread and quince paste. The cheeses were Reypenael, Delice, Taleggio and bleu d’Auvergne.

And to fininsh a bit of tree branch was bought out to the table, studded with two skewers of house made toasted marshmallows.

House made marshmaoolws — House made toasted marshmallows

A great lunch after a visit to a great winery is always a nice treat. Thanks to Troy and the team for another fabulous lunch!

Thanks for dropping by!!

22/10/2014 0

L’Osier, Ginza, Tokyo

One restaurant we have been wanting to try since our first visit to Tokyo is L’Osier. Unfortunatley the past two visits we missed out as it was undergoing a massive refurbishment, and last year it reopened 2 weeks after we returned home. But this year we made it!

Owned by Shiseido group, L’Osier is an elegant French restaurant located in the back streets of Ginza, within the Shiseido Building. A doorman greets you as you enter and a receptionist seats you in the waiting room before you are escorted downstairs to the restaurant by one of the maître d’s. There is dress code, so Mr CA4G had to wear a jacket. No shorts, no thongs etc. Most of the diners were elegant ladies who lunch, out for a catch up with the girls.

Waiting area, L'Osier — Waiting area, L’Osier

The circular dining room is decorated in creams and shades of yellow, medium coloured woods and lots of silver and gold tones. A central round banquette, under the enormous chandelier, seats several tables for groups of two to four people, one segment of the room has tables for two and the other has tables for 4 or 6. A private room for larger groups is also available.

The service is truly impressive. I think there were about a dozen waiters plus 4 maitre d’s and a couple of food runners, and there may only have been about 30 – 40 patrons. Plates were bought out on trays by the runners and then served from the trays by the waiters. Crisp white linens, beautiful porcelain tableware, lots of silver plate and gorgeous crystal. Shiseido has spared no expense.

Unfortunately we were unable to take any other photos as they have a strict no photography rule.

We ordered a very fancy French mineral water called Chateldon, which has a very illustrious history. The story goes that this water was carted from the village of Châteldon in the Puy-de-Dôme region of the Auvergne to the court of Louis XIV, where he not only drank it but used it for bathing. They have a very small production and it is generally available only in high end restaurants and in some pharmacies in France. Price was around AUD$18, and was worth it. Ultra fine bubbles and a nice minerality to it. A shame we can’t get it in Australia.

We decided to have the Prixe Fixe lunch menu which was around AUD$100 per person. This consisted of 3 courses plus amuse bouche, predessert and petit fours and a confectionery trolley with coffee or tea. Great value and the food was amazing. Entree was a poached,chilled lobster half with a tangy gazpacho, main consisted of melt in your mouth pork belly, potatoes done 3 ways,beetroot and greens. Pre dessert was a delicious chilled fruit soup. a small platter of petit fours was also presented before the dessert. Dessert was rhubarb and strawberries, very elegantly presented and absolutely delicious.

Thinking we were at the end of our meal as we ordered our coffee, imagine our surprise when a trolley full of candies, caramels, marshmallows etc was pushed up to our table for us to choose from. All made in house. The marshmallow had a square profile and was wound into a large jar from whence it was cut as needed. Willy Wonka would have been jealous of the amazingly interesting flavours. At first we were going to pass, but curiousity got the better of us.

After our wonderful lunch, we practically waddled back to our hotel where we had a nap and a swim to work off the sugar hit.

If you get to Tokyo, you really should try to make a booking at L’Osier for lunch.

Thanks for dropping by!!

16/10/2014 2

Tateru Yoshino Bis – Park Hotel Shiodome

Since our last visit to the Park Hotel Shiodome, the restaurant TY by Tateru Yoshino has undergone a little change. While still being a fine dining restaurant it has toned down slightly. Still the same exceptional location and service, just a little change to the style of food and name. The restaurant is now called Tateru Yoshino Bis and has a more bistro style menu.

Same magnificent view overlooking the city and Tokyo Tower.

The food may be have changed to bistro style, but they still kept the crisp linen tablecloths and napkins.

After perusing the wine list we settled on 2 Bordeaux wines. Mouton Cadet Selection Ryder Cup (sauvignon blanc, semillon, muscadelle) for myself and Chateau Le Puy “Duc de Nauves” (merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon) for Mr. CA4G. We also decided to do one of the two set menus, the one we chose was roughly A$50 per person (￥4,800).

Our amuse was a pot of delicious mousse au jambon (ham mousse) with some house baked bread and rolls. A house baked roll is a bonus at any restaurant.

Mr. CA4G chose a crustacean ravioli with a shell fish foam.

I had a pork and pistachio terrine en croute, which was very delicious along with the caperberry and cornichon.

A very light, chilled pea and leek soup followed our entrees.

For mains I chose lamb cutlet with seasonal vegetables. Nicely cooked (for me anyway, I am sure some people would think it undercooked) and well rested. The vegetables were a nice balance of cooking techniques too.

Mr. CA4G decided to try skirt steak with shallot sauce, which was served with fondant potatoes.

For dessert I opted for the fruit clafouti, with plums, housemade ice cream and a pastry wafer.

A little bit of theatrics were involved in Mr. CA4G’s dessert. Tiramisu topped with a chocolate sheet, which then had hot chocolate sauce poured in to the centre, which melted the sheet and became part of the tiramisu beneath.

And to round out dinner coffee and petit fours.

Another wonderful dinner from this restaurant. Service, as always, was impeccable and we look forward to dining there again.

Thanks for dropping by!!

18/09/2014 0

Itamae Sushi, Ginza, Tokyo

Our second night in Tokyo found us heading for a walk around Ginza to find somewhere for dinner. One restaurant that we have walked past many times on our trips to Tokyo has been Itamae Sushi. This time we decided to try it.

A bamboo and glass front hides a deceptively large (by Japanese standards) space. The front portion consists of an entrance vestibule and cashier stand, behind which is another door leading to the two parts of the restaurant. The front part consists of a sushi bar with booths along the side and behind this area are more private ‘tatami rooms’.

We were seated at the sushi bar as the restaurant was quite busy, we didn’t mind as it gave us a chance to watch the sushi and sashimi dishes being prepared. Our beverage of choice was well iced green tea, even at 7pm it was still around 30 degrees Celsius. A delicious small salad was also bought out as our appetizer.

The first dish we had was a plate of sashimi, unfortunately we were nearly finished before we remembered to take a photo.

Next up were some tuna rolls using rice sheets (like Vietnamese rolls). Filled with salad, and tuna they were light and delicious with a tangy sauce.

Our next dish was a sushi plate. Nothing like a plate of sushi in Japan. Prawn, squid, mackerel, uni (sea urchin roe), salmon roe, tuna and salmon were some of the varieties on the plate.

And a bowl of miso soup to finish. This is one of the better miso soups we have had.

All up a good dinner. They have a menu in English which also contained photographs of most of the dishes. This made ordering a breeze. It was great to watch the chefs working and to see Japanese knife skills in action, although I think I was more interested in the knives they were using. One of the things I love about eating in Japan is the matching of plate to food. No simple white plates for every dish but a plate that reflects the food and the season.

Thanks for dropping by!

18/09/2014 0

Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa

A recent rare weekend off saw us have an early breakfast and head south to the Southern Highlands. Before we left we did some quick research for accommodation. Quite a few hotels were booked out but we found Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa in Bowral had a few rooms left so decided to head there.

Exterior, Milton Park looking up from the gardens

Located on the outskirts of Bowral, set on 300 acres and perched high on a wood land hill with commanding views over the area, Milton Park was originally a country estate of the well, known Hordern family. The main house was built at the beginning of the 20^th century and features award winning gardens that are maintained as they were originally laid out by Mary Hordern.

After several owners, Milton Park was purchased by the Dobler Family in 1998 and subsequently refurbished the estate, the hotel and the gardens to their current magnificent states. It has recently been bought by a Chinese property trust with the Dobler family still managing the property.

The hotel contains 47 rooms, including seven suites, with the ambience of an opulent Victorian stately house. Garden Courtyard Rooms, Tower Suites and Forest Suites contain antique and period furnishings. Some suites and rooms feature gas log fires, ensuite spa baths, private terraces, four-poster beds and bay windows.

The Carriage House has also been converted into an option for a group of friends or a family as it has seven bedrooms, a spacious lounge area with open fireplace and an outdoor entertaining deck

Most of the common areas have a formal feel with a blend of genuine and reproduction Victorian furniture. Pastel shades have been used through out the interior, and portraits and scenic paintings are hung on the walls. Collectables from around the globe line the quiet corridors.

All the rooms have views overlooking bushland, rolling hills or the courtyard garden with large fountain.

Service was fantastic and very helpful. After checking in we had a little wander around and then in need of lunch, we made our way to The Orangery.

I chose a fettucine with spicy chorizo and tomato, and Mr. CA4G opted for the barramundi. A bowl of fat crunchy chips accompanied our meal and were really good!

A half bottle of Petit Chablis was a great drop to go with lunch.

A nice chilled Petit chablis — A nicely chilled Petit chablis

The main bar is decked out like a gentleman club. Wood panelling, rich colours and a polo theme which gives it it’s name. Just behind the Polo Bar is the Snooker/pool room, so naturally we had a quick game.

After a quick siesta it was time to freshen up and get ready for dinner. Our accommodation package for our stay included a three course dinner in the fine dining restaurant, Hordern’s. The restaurant is elegantly decorated and furnished, with subtle lighting.

Interior, Hordern's restaurant, Milton Park — Interior, Hordern’s restaurant, Milton Park

I love a cauliflower soufflé with cheese sauce and when I saw it on the menu I just had to have it.

Twice cooked cauliflower souffle with cheese sauce

Mr CA4G had grilled scampi with salad.

Our wine of choice for the evening was a Henschke Mount Edelstone, 1999 Vintage. Served in a crystal decanter.

For Mains Mr. CA4G stayed with seafood and ordered saffron risotto topped with juicy seared scallops.

I chose confit duck with sautéed spinach. Fell apart and had nicely crisped skin.

While desserts were tempting, we went for the cheese board which featured house made lavosh and local honey.

After a great dinner we headed to the Polo Bar for a night cap, settled in to a comfy sofa and watched the wood burning in the open fireplace.

We really look forward to going again when the weather is a bit warmer and the garden is dressed in it’s spring or summer finery.

11/09/2014 0

Lunch at The China Club, Hong Kong

On our recent trip to Hong Kong we decided to revisit The China Club, but this time for lunch. We arrived early and were seated in a corner booth with a great view of the dining room, which allowed us to observe the business folk who were also dining there.

It is great to experience a restaurant you enjoy at a different time of the day. Our previous experiences of The China Club have been dinners and it was amazing to see how light and airy the Club is during the daytime and a slightly different clientele. You really get to appreciate the stained glass windows with the sunlight streaming through them.

As always the staff were friendly and efficient and most helpful.

Before we ordered, pickles and boiled peanuts were bought to our table and then we set about deciding what to order.

For our entrée we had a plate of honey barbecued pork and honey roasted eel. The pork was delicious and the eel was tasty (Mr. CA4G had most of the eel, which he loved).

We chose two main courses along with our favourite pineapple and seafood rice. Our first main was a spicy prawn dish which we followed with a beef stir fry (really must take photos of the menus).

And we always forget that the pineapple seafood fried rice is enough for four people, but we love it so much we just can’t go past it. Makes us sit and enjoy our meal a little longer.

Of course we couldn’t go past custard tarts. These were so light and fluffy they put the ones here in Chinatown to shame. They were also had that just cooked warmness to them.

Again, another great experience at The China Club in Hong Kong and we look forward to our next visit.

04/09/2014 0

The Parlour, Hullett House, Hong Kong

A hot and humid Hong Kong evening saw us head to the terrace of Hullett House for dinner. Situated in the former Marine Police Headquarters, Hullett house is now a luxury hotel with restaurants and forms part of the Heritage 1881 precinct in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The terrace is part of The Parlour restaurant/bar and offers a great place for a drink or meal while overlooking Hong Kong Harbour.

Having had a good lunch we decided to have a simple dinner. Freshly baked hot rolls were bought to our table while we selected from the menu.

Mr. CA4G had angel hair pasta with prawns and scallops, dotted with salmon roe. While I had a mushroom and confit duck risotto.

Crab and prawn Angel hair pasta, confit duck risotto

A quick glimpse of the interior.

A glass of Prosecco was very enjoyable with our meal as we enjoyed the sunset over the island.

Looking across to the Island at twilight

the darkness settles in — The night settles in.

Hullett House is one of must go to dining destinations when we visit Hong Kong and we look forward to dining on the terrace again.

04/09/2014 0

A de’Vine Dinner

Recently I was able to get a rare Thursday night off and decided to head in to the city for dinner with Mr CA4G. It was a bit of a surprise for him as he had forgotten I would be home early. One of our favourite restaurants is de Vine, on the corner of Market and Clarence Streets. As we hadn’t been for a while we decided to head there for dinner.

There are two parts to de Vine, a wine bar at the front and nestled in the back is the cave like restaurant. The room is very cosy with low lighting, candle lit tables, bare brick walls lined with shelves holding empty bottles of some of the worlds’ premier wines and a glass brick light well which covers an entrance in to other parts of the building.

The menu offers a great selection of dishes and we seriously contemplated having an entree but thought dessert or cheese might suit us more.

MrCA4G chose the Market fish of the day which happened to be his favourite, John Dory. This was served with creamy spinach and tomato salsa.

opted for one of the daily specials, fettucine tossed with confit duck, peas and tomato.

We also ordered a side of fantastic, crisp and chunky homestyle fries.

Our wine for the evening was Vie De Romans Maurus, 100% Merlot. Merlot keeps being a surprise for us. We generally don’t like the Australian Merlots but French and Italian Merlots we find enjoyable.

We decided we were more in the mood for cheese than dessert, we decided to order the medium sized selection of four cheeses, served with crackers, bread, grapes and pear.

It was a great pleasure to dine again at a restaurant we really enjoy going to and has a wine list that has a great range of interesting and tasty wines to choose from. Thankfully they also have a good selection by the glass.

We are looking forward to the next time we get to visit.

08/08/2014 0

Black by Ezard, The Star, Sydney

This year I had a slightly early birthday lunch combined with our 20 years together lunch. We were at The Star shopping concourse and had thought of going to Balla Osteria by Stefano Manfredi, alas it was closed. Surprisingly Black by Ezard was open. Surprisingly, because we didn’t think they were open on Sundays.

For Sunday lunch Black By Ezard offers a special, 3 course champagne lunch for $125 per person, which sounded good to us. Champagne on offer was one of our favourites, Moet& Chandon, so that settled where we were going to eat.

Pushing through the large front door we entered a very luxurious room. Dark woods, stone flooring, water views, shiny modern chrome lighting, beige leather and beautiful screen panels were a pleasing sight. We were seated in the main area, back from the window but still able to enjoy the view of the bay and brilliant blue sky.

The concise menu for lunch had a great range of options to choose from along with a good selection of sides. But first, a mini house made brioche loaf was bought to the table.

Mr CA4G went for one of his favourite dishes, Steak tartare with heirloom beets, spiced herb mayonnaise, mustard ice cream and puffed wild rice. The beets were done in several ways, one of which was a deep purple gel covering the tatare. All together an interesting and delicious dish.

I went for a slow cooked, crispy pork hock, apple and pear slaw with chilli caramel. A moist yet crispy piece of deboned hock was topped with the slaw, radish slices and drizzled with the chilli caramel. Great combination of flavours and textures.

Mr. CA4G loves a good steak and particularly a fillet. At Black By Ezard the 30 day, grass fed angus 200g fillet was served with a roasted cauliflower and pearl onion salad and gremolata. A selection of sauces was also bought to the table for Rene to choose from, of which he selected béarnaise sauce and Café de Paris butter. Of course with steaks you need some chips, in this case with garlic, parmesan and rosemary salt.

Angus fillet, roasted cauliflower and pearl onions

I opted for duck breast which had a salt and pepper crust and was served with a peach and rocket salad and tamarind honey dressing. The dressing had a nice sweet sour touch and the salad was great with the sweetness of the peach and the pepperiness of the rocket going well together.

Salt and pepper crusted duck breast, peachand rocket salad

Desserts of course were a high light. We saw another table with the chocolate dessert, so one of us had to have it. I had Strawberry shortcake, sauternes mascarpone, yoghurt lime sorbet and strawberry jelly. Nice and summery and not too heavy.

Strawberry shortcake, sauternes mascarpone, yoghurt lime sorbet

Mr. CA4G was the one who ordered the decadent chocolate sphere (reminiscent of our chocolate dessert at Gordon Ramsey @ Claridges), topped with edible gold leaf. Warm ganache was poured over the top of the sphere which melted to reveal the fresh mint ice cream, raspberry mousse and chocolate cookie. Nothing like a bit of performance with food.

Chocolate sphere filled with mint icecream, raspberry mousse

Black by Ezard surpassed our expectations and we will definitely be heading back again. Hopefully our next visit will also be on a spectacularly sunny day.

26/03/2014 0

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Cooking Across 4 Generations

Using recipes collected from 4 generations of one family

Category

Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin

L’Osier, Ginza, Tokyo

Tateru Yoshino Bis – Park Hotel Shiodome

Itamae Sushi, Ginza, Tokyo

Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa

Lunch at The China Club, Hong Kong

The Parlour, Hullett House, Hong Kong

A de’Vine Dinner

Black by Ezard, The Star, Sydney

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