Yama (Sydney)

Queen Victoria Building is a place where I frequent for shopping, but never dining. Recently we visited Yama, a Japanese café hidden among the jewellery stores on level 2, for a bite to eat.

While the menu presented a large variety of Japanese dishes, the food served is rather westernised. Tempura was done well and portion size generous. However, my katsu curry was on the mild side – even in Japanese curry standards. Service was polite and it was nice to get a free bottle of wine from the credit card dining program.

Details:
Yama Japanese Cafe Restaurant 
2/455 George St 
Sydney NSW 2000 

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