Oratnek (Sydney)

We visited Oratnek for Sunday brunch twice in the past month, which probably demonstrated how much we like the place given it is a 20 minute bus ride away from home.

The queues can get pretty long past midday but it is worthwhile to check in early and enjoy a matcha latte or thick shake. The sandwiches are excellent – highly recommended the thick pork katsu or soft shell crab offerings. If that is still not enough then go for the soft and moist matcha lamingtons to finish.
As you can see matcha is a specialty there – and executed perfectly.

Details:
Cafe Oratnek
4 Pitt Street
Redfern 2016
http://www.oratnek.com.au/

Hello Kitty Diner (Chatswood Sydney)

We had the opportunity to visit the new Hello Kitty Diner at Chatswood's newly established The District. The queue was long and it took us nearly an hour to get in for lunch.

The theme American diner is not all gimmick. The burgers designed by Chur Burger's Warren Turnbull were really decent. The slice of maple bacon inside the pulled pork burger was a pleasant surprise. Yuzu white chocolate milkshake was also a delight. Portion size was on the small side.

Details:
Hello Kitty Diner Australia
The District
436 Victoria Aveenue
Chatswood
https://www.facebook.com/hellokittydineraustralia/

Hash Specialty Coffee & Roasters

Upon arriving in Melbourne for our weekend away, we went for a late Friday lunch at Hash Specialty Coffee on Hardware Street. Unfortunately the famous hot chocolate with cotton candy was sold out already; the cold drip coffee was not a bad compromise.

The foie gras sliders were certainly my treat for the week. The richness of the foie was well balanced by the slaw. And it was certainly a delight for a café to cook a quail dish so perfectly. While the dishes were pricey, one’s got to spoil himself once in a while.

Details:
Hash Specialty coffee & roasters
113 Hardware Street
Melbourne
https://www.facebook.com/hashcoffeeroasters

Moo Gourmet Burgers (Crows Nest Sydney)

We were in the Crows Nest area house hunting on a Saturday morning and decided to settle at Moo Burgers for lunch. The menu has the classic as well as some rather unique offerings. Feeling adventurous that day, we went for the chorizo burger and duck burger. The chorizo really shined through in my burger. I personally can do without the layer of mozzarella but the burger was delicious nevertheless.

Also make sure you try their range of drinks. Washing the burger down with a coke spider brought back wonderful memories.

Details:
Moo Gourmet Burgers (Crows Nest)
69 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest 2065
http://www.moogourmetburgers.com.au

The Union Hotel (North Sydney)

We were starving after a long day of work and just managed to have enough energy to walk to The Union Hotel for some gourmet pub grub. The scotch fillet burger was juicy and generous. And my beef cheek was extremely tender. It was a good night as we got to wind down over a relaxing meal at a place with an ambiance resembling a French bistro.

Details:
The Union Hotel
271 Pacific Highway (corner West Street)
North Sydney 2060
http://www.unionhotel.com.au

Westfield Food Hall, Charlie & Co Burgers, Ragu Pasta... and more (Sydney)

We decided to visit the Westfield Food Hall on a Thursday night after all we have heard about it (but never managed to find time to go during lunch). Occupying level 5 of the shopping mall, this premium food court was fairly crowded at dinner time.

We had a good variety of food: juicy wagyu beef burger with onion rings at Charlie & Co, pasta from Ragu Pasta & Wine Bar, drinks from Chatime, and gelato and lemon/hazelnut dessert from Via Del Corso Pasticceria. The meal overall was not cheap – just a touch under $70.

Details:
Westfield Sydney Food Hall
Level 5
450 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.westfield.com.au/sydney/store-profiles/sydney-room/

Spice Temple (Sydney)

This is my third visit to Spice Temple in Sydney and my first sitting at the bar for lunch. My colleague suggested us to share a pork burger which is available at the bar only. Succulent pork with perfect crackling balanced by pickled radish and a sauce – all inside a warm brioche. What more can you ask for?

On top of the burger, we had the dumplings and the stir fried cumin lamb with steamed bread pockets. Both dishes were excellent and compliments well with the special beverages. The rhubarb lassi was particularly nice.

Details: 
Spice Temple Sydney
Basement, 10 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.rockpool.com/sydney/spice-temple/

Burger Battle: Counter vs Grill'd

(Since late 2011, Counter Burger was replaced by the Bavarian Bier Cafe)

The Crows Nest area has 2 burger chains on the same street.

Starting with Counter Burger, an American chain with one outlet in Sydney, its burger is huge with 4 toppings included in a normal order. The generous beef patty, however, is dry on the outside while raw on the inside.

5 min up the road there is Grill’d – an Australia based burger chain offering many choices (including lamb). While the burger was smaller, it is perfectly cooked and its juice all absorbed into the soft sourdough bun. The thick cut chips also add to the satisfaction.

Winner: Grill’d.

Details:
The Counter
118 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest NSW 2065
http://www.thecounterburger.com/crowsnest/


Grill’d
57 Willoughby Road
Crows Nest 2065
http://www.grilld.com.au