Moo Chow Chow (Auckland New Zealand)

During my business trip in New Zealand, the client took the team to Moo Chow Chow – a modern Asian restaurant in the hip Ponsonby district.

The group shared close to a dozen dishes from the menu. The crispy roll of pork starters kicked (with its well-balanced chilli dipping sauce) things off nicely. My favourite dish was the caramelised pork hock – great combination of gelatinous meat and crispy fried skin. All the curry dishes kept their authenticity and were much welcomed on a cold evening.

Details:
Moo Chow Chow
23 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby, Auckland
http://moochowchow.co.nz/

Longrain (Sydney)

Overseas visitors and gathering of 8 people involving high school friends prompted me to bring them to Longrain in Surry Hills as this Thai restaurant only takes bookings for large group. Large groups were seated in the comfortable oval tables that were great for conversations.

The food was of high quality. The reputed deep fried pork hock was crispy on the outside while still gelatinous inside. The lamb curry was also excellent. And make sure you ordered one of their signature cocktails. Service was rather inconsistent – too rushed in the beginning yet missing in action during the meal.

Details:
Longrain Sydney
85 Commonwealth Street
Surry Hills
NSw 2010
Australia
http://www.longrain.com.au/sydney_intro.htm