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

Cotton Duck revisited (Sydney)

I can't believe it has been more than a year since my last visit to Cotton Duck. Fortunately I was able to enjoy a quick dessert on a Friday night.

The quality of food was excellent again. The poached berries was surprisingly sweet and well balanced by the milkshake shot. Chocolate fondant was moist and runny, exactly the way it should be!

Details:
Cotton Duck
50 Holt Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
http://www.danksstreetdepot.com.au/page/cotton_duck.html

Fudouguchikan (Osaka)

The purpose of the trip to Osaka was a 2 night stay at an onsen ryokan (hot spring hotel), where we got to totally wind down and relax.

The experience began as soon as we checked into the Fudouguchikan, half an hour from Kansai Airport. Upon return from an afternoon soak in the onsen, our room was set up for the kaiseki banquet.

The revered matsutake mushroom was the feature of the night and the smell was fantastic. All the delicate dishes were well balanced and delightful.

And off we went for another relaxing bath later that night…

Details:
Fudouguchikan 犬鳴山温泉 不動口館
大阪府泉佐野市大木7番地
7，Ogi，Izumisano-sh
Osaka 598-0023
Japan
http://fudouguchikan.com/