Chik's Crib: July 2016

29 July 2016

White Tomato

Review July 29, 2016 0

Based on a friend's raving recommendation, White Tomato landed a spot on my "Restaurants-to-go-to" list. Contrary to my initial impression, White Tomato is not a brunch location, but a Korean BBQ restaurant that has made a name for itself in the city.

I'm a big fan of eating Korean BBQ for lunch because that's when restaurants are far less crowded. Plus, the natural light makes the food photography turn out better in spite of my sub-par skills. We had the 3 Pork and Chicken Set ($45.90), and chose Chilli Pork Belly, Soy Pork Scotch, and Pork Belly.

Singapore Kampong Restaurant

Singaporean food July 22, 2016 0

Studying in Melbourne over the last four years, I rarely eat Singaporean-style food here. Sure, I occasionally patronise Petaling Street or Papa Rich if my friends are going, and I go crazy over the stir-fry beef hor fun from Nudle (Chadstone). But for the most part, I get my Singaporean food fix when I go back over the holidays, where I can indulge in my Singaporean food cravings from renowned hawkers at a fraction of the prices here in Melbourne.

But unlike me, a certain sad boy hasn't been back to Singapore in 4 years and counting. In the spirit of brotherhood, S and I visited the newly-opened Singapore Kampong Restaurant in Clayton.

Waya

Review July 14, 2016 0

Waya is one of those restaurant in Glen Waverley that enjoys a perpetual crowd around meal-time. My first visit was with Miss XS in 2014, and since then, I've been a faithful (if sporadic) customer. My last visit was actually a few months ago, when a group of us went after a Degas Exhibition.

My favourite dish here is their Crab Cream Croquette ($7). It's my die-die-must-order dish whenever I come. Think crispy breaded exterior, with a rich, creamy, piping-hot crab mix interior. They used to have 4 croquette per order, but has now scaled it down to 3. :(

For this visit, I had the Beef Curry Don ($11.50). It's well-flavoured, with more than just a tinge of spiciness. I like it, even though I was gulping water down. The portion size was great as well. I almost couldn't finish. Almost.

Another dish I love is the Waya Maki ($12.50). Salmon, tobiko and avocado? Sold.

R and J shared the Salmon Sashimi (6 for $6), which I didn't try, but they mentioned that it was fresh. R also had the Unagi Bento ($15.80), and they were pretty impressed with it. Guess I found something for me to order next time I come.

I wasn't a big fan of their Katsu Don (Pork Cutlet with rice - $12.50) on my last visit, but that's more to due with the rice, which was too dry for my liking. I remember their fried pork cutlet then was good. I must say, Waya does their fried food well. J had the Tonkatsu ($7), and it was perfectly fried without coming across as oily or unhealthy - the mark of a good Japanese chef.

Tonkatsu

Just in the interest of keeping my review complete, I also had the Chahan (fried rice - $9.50) on another past visit. Like the Katsu Don (below), Chahan also had a thumbs up sign, but it was a disappointment when I tried it. The rice was too moist and was clumped together, and was pretty tasteless. I'll stick to their other main courses when I return.

07 July 2016

Kang Na Roo

Restaurants in Melbourne July 07, 2016 0

Kang Na Roo is a restaurant just round the corner from Hudadak, a local mom-and-pop shop that serves delicious Korean Fried Chicken. I see Kang Na Roo whenever I head into Clayton, but I'm a creature of habit who gets my Korean fix at Hudadak and Hodori Korean Garden. There was never much reason for me to step into Kang Na Roo, until, well, a couple of friends recommended their hot pot really really highly.

We had the Gam Ja Tang (L - $48), a pork marrow stew loaded with potato, carrots, mushrooms and pork. It was large enough to feed 4-5 people. The soup wasn't overly spicy. Perfect for me. The soup is so fragrant, I could see myself living on just the soup, some potatoes, and a bowl of rice day after day.

The hot pot took a while to cook, and we loaded up on their Seafood Pancake ($16.50). It was done well, with crispy edges that went well with the sauce.

One thing I can never get sick of is the Glazed Sweet Potato side dish that is a common fixture in Korean restaurants. The ones here are great. Kimch-whassit? It's all yours. I'll have another bite of sweet potato.

On another visit, I had the Beef Bulgogi ($14.50), and my friend had the Beef Spare Ribs ($18). The beef spare ribs was more flavourful, but it's a little bothersome to have to eat around the bones. (That's how lazy we are.) I prefer mine: put into mouth, chew, swallow, repeat. Easy.

Warning! Kang Na Roo do get crowded during lunch and dinner times, so call ahead for a reservation. They'll hold your table up to 15 minutes. Understandably, they do get a little huffy if you don't show up on time.

01 July 2016

A1 Bakery

Review July 01, 2016 0

I found this gem of a Middle Eastern bakery a couple of months ago, just around the corner from Polish Rye Bakery. Hardly a day goes by without me thinking about coming back. I was confused as heck when I first tried ordering from their pastry section, but now I'm starting to wrap my head around their system. There are two ways of buying: per piece (about $1.50 per piece), or by weight (which is much cheaper!).