2015-12-24
Perth
CURRY
Bollywood Restobar
Butter chicken is arguably one of the most well-known and beloved curries in the Western world - and in Perth, Bollywood has the best on offer. Tender, bite-size chunks of chicken sit nestled in a wonderfully rich tomato based gravy, with a generous sprinkling of fenugreek leaves throughout. The secret to this neon pink restaurant's version of the dish is they cook the chicken in the tandoori, creating an aromatic and heady smoky flavor that transitions into the base of the curry perfectly. I haven't found anything close to this!
Butter chicken is arguably one of the most well-known and beloved curries in the Western world - and in Perth, Bollywood has the best on offer. Tender, bite-size chunks of chicken sit nestled in a wonderfully rich tomato based gravy, with a generous sprinkling of fenugreek leaves throughout. The secret to this neon pink restaurant's version of the dish is they cook the chicken in the tandoori, creating an aromatic and heady smoky flavor that transitions into the base of the curry perfectly. I haven't found anything close to this!
Tags: Indian, Chicken, Curry
2015-12-24
Perth
LUNCH
Shorehouse Cafe
When it comes to wonderful food with an equally wonderful view, The Shorehouse is the destination of choice. Situated right in front of picturesque Swanbourne Beach, its menu has a star-studded lineup of seafood to choose from. The standout is the blue swimmer crab linguine, which is chock-full of thinly sliced garlic, chilli, tomato, sea urchin and pangrattato. There's an abundance of crab seated on top of beautifully al dente pasta. And the use of the sea urchin makes the sauce buttery and rich, interspersed with the crunch when you scoop up that pangrattato. There's so much to love about this dish. Seemingly humble in appearance, it is oh so satisfying in every bite.
When it comes to wonderful food with an equally wonderful view, The Shorehouse is the destination of choice. Situated right in front of picturesque Swanbourne Beach, its menu has a star-studded lineup of seafood to choose from. The standout is the blue swimmer crab linguine, which is chock-full of thinly sliced garlic, chilli, tomato, sea urchin and pangrattato. There's an abundance of crab seated on top of beautifully al dente pasta. And the use of the sea urchin makes the sauce buttery and rich, interspersed with the crunch when you scoop up that pangrattato. There's so much to love about this dish. Seemingly humble in appearance, it is oh so satisfying in every bite.
Tags: Seafood, Pasta, Crab
2015-12-24
Perth
FALAFEL
The Hummus Club
When folks talk about The Hummus Club in Perth, an awed silence and smile ensues as a result. Owned by married couple Ziad and Kaitlin Zammar, the food is made with love and the menu offers delicious treats like crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside falafel, addictive kibbe and dreamy hummus. The couple started from humble beginnings working farmer's markets. Today, their restaurant in the heart of Perth city has become the go-to pick for a weekday lunch. Can’t decide what to order. Try the Club Mix, featuring three falafels, Middle Eastern salad and tahini. Wash your meal down with their house pomegranate lemonade, which is so tart it satisfies any possible cravings you could have.
When folks talk about The Hummus Club in Perth, an awed silence and smile ensues as a result. Owned by married couple Ziad and Kaitlin Zammar, the food is made with love and the menu offers delicious treats like crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside falafel, addictive kibbe and dreamy hummus. The couple started from humble beginnings working farmer's markets. Today, their restaurant in the heart of Perth city has become the go-to pick for a weekday lunch. Can’t decide what to order. Try the Club Mix, featuring three falafels, Middle Eastern salad and tahini. Wash your meal down with their house pomegranate lemonade, which is so tart it satisfies any possible cravings you could have.
Tags: Lunch, Middle Eastern, Hummus
2015-12-24
Hong Kong
NOODLES
Mak's Noodle
Wonton noodle is one of the most popular Cantonese noodle dishes in Hong Kong and Mak’s serves the best. Lots of places cook a decent wonton noodle, but I’m talking subtleties. Basically, the dish has three components: wonton, noodle and soup broth. Although it’s true a few places have slightly better wontons, Mak’s Noodle is still the winner for me. A traditional small portion with four wontons, it is always served with the spoon at the bottom, wonton in the middle and noodle at the top to minimize the noodle’s contact with the soup and maintain the al dente texture as long as possible. Each strand of noodle can be felt in the mouth without stickiness, and the wonton is small with thin skin. The flavor is dominated by prawn, and the soup is intense without overpowering the wonton flavor. That’s a flawless bowl of wonton noodle.
Wonton noodle is one of the most popular Cantonese noodle dishes in Hong Kong and Mak’s serves the best. Lots of places cook a decent wonton noodle, but I’m talking subtleties. Basically, the dish has three components: wonton, noodle and soup broth. Although it’s true a few places have slightly better wontons, Mak’s Noodle is still the winner for me. A traditional small portion with four wontons, it is always served with the spoon at the bottom, wonton in the middle and noodle at the top to minimize the noodle’s contact with the soup and maintain the al dente texture as long as possible. Each strand of noodle can be felt in the mouth without stickiness, and the wonton is small with thin skin. The flavor is dominated by prawn, and the soup is intense without overpowering the wonton flavor. That’s a flawless bowl of wonton noodle.
Tags: Wonton, Noodles, Soup
2015-12-23
Cork
BEEF
The Square Table
The Cronin sisters get their beef from Macroom’s Michael Twomey, their mother’s butcher. And one can see why when your Beef and Mushroom Pie arrives in its own special pot, a nice touch on the presentation. But it’s no good having a classy presentation if what awaits inside isn't up to scratch. The beef is just perfect, so much so you just have to stop every now and then and savor the superb flavor and texture. The overall combination is top notch. Not a meat pie lover? There are lots of other meat dishes, and the fish is always perfect.
The Cronin sisters get their beef from Macroom’s Michael Twomey, their mother’s butcher. And one can see why when your Beef and Mushroom Pie arrives in its own special pot, a nice touch on the presentation. But it’s no good having a classy presentation if what awaits inside isn't up to scratch. The beef is just perfect, so much so you just have to stop every now and then and savor the superb flavor and texture. The overall combination is top notch. Not a meat pie lover? There are lots of other meat dishes, and the fish is always perfect.
Tags: Beef, Mushroom, Pie
2015-12-22
Athens
PORK
Keftepolis
Keftepolis (Meatballs City) serves pork and chicken skewers, pork chops, minced meat patties and kebab. But what really sets this place apart are the delicious fried meatballs that the average Athenian would be able to get only in his mother's kitchen. The ingredients are fairly standard: minced meat, eggs, parsley, soggy bread, onion, garlic, salt and spices. But the result is a remarkably balanced, well-seasoned, tender and juicy meatball.
Keftepolis (Meatballs City) serves pork and chicken skewers, pork chops, minced meat patties and kebab. But what really sets this place apart are the delicious fried meatballs that the average Athenian would be able to get only in his mother's kitchen. The ingredients are fairly standard: minced meat, eggs, parsley, soggy bread, onion, garlic, salt and spices. But the result is a remarkably balanced, well-seasoned, tender and juicy meatball.
Tags: Greek, Meatball, Fried
2015-12-21
Athens
SANDWICH
New York Sandwiches
With a menu that includes burgers, bagel sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks, old-school letter boards hanging above the counter listing what’s on offer, and pictures of New York on the walls, the restaurant works hard to bring a bit of America to the heart of Athens The American Sunday brunch at this casual modern venue is famous. However, of the New York-style snacks, the sandwiches are the highlight. My favorite is the grilled cheese pastrami sandwich, showcasing a pile of pastrami, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles cradled between two pieces of lightly toasted rye bread.
With a menu that includes burgers, bagel sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks, old-school letter boards hanging above the counter listing what’s on offer, and pictures of New York on the walls, the restaurant works hard to bring a bit of America to the heart of Athens The American Sunday brunch at this casual modern venue is famous. However, of the New York-style snacks, the sandwiches are the highlight. My favorite is the grilled cheese pastrami sandwich, showcasing a pile of pastrami, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles cradled between two pieces of lightly toasted rye bread.
Tags: Grilled, Pastrami, Cheese
2015-12-17
Durham
REGIONAL SPECIALTY
Four Square Restaurant
Four Squares serves up American contemporary cuisine with a slightly Southern twist in a charming Victorian mansion. The Bartlett Mangum House, named after the original owner, was built in 1908, and is considered a prime example of the Neoclassical Revival style of Victorian architecture. Diners can opt to eat on the screened wraparound porch with ceiling fans and a view of the perennial garden. Inside, intimate dining rooms have original coal burning fireplaces with tiled, carved wood and mirrored mantelpieces. The menu features such choices as a Caesar salad with artichokes, perfectly cooked tuna on a bed of shallot polenta with field peas and grilled beef tenderloin with spicy collard greens.
Four Squares serves up American contemporary cuisine with a slightly Southern twist in a charming Victorian mansion. The Bartlett Mangum House, named after the original owner, was built in 1908, and is considered a prime example of the Neoclassical Revival style of Victorian architecture. Diners can opt to eat on the screened wraparound porch with ceiling fans and a view of the perennial garden. Inside, intimate dining rooms have original coal burning fireplaces with tiled, carved wood and mirrored mantelpieces. The menu features such choices as a Caesar salad with artichokes, perfectly cooked tuna on a bed of shallot polenta with field peas and grilled beef tenderloin with spicy collard greens.
Tags: Destination Dining, Foie Gras, Locally Sourced
2015-12-17
Durham
ASIAN
Juju Asian Tapas + Bar
This chic Pan-Asian eatery specializes in delicious small plates with an Asian mix of flavors from Thai to Korean. They offer a variety of dishes meant to be shared with bold, bright ingredients such as lemongrass, chilies and kimchi. A nod to the South is included in dishes such as pork belly steamed buns and chicken fried oysters. Consider ordering their bánh mi and Kung Pao chicken, and plan on sharing a number of dishes if you arrive with an appetite.
This chic Pan-Asian eatery specializes in delicious small plates with an Asian mix of flavors from Thai to Korean. They offer a variety of dishes meant to be shared with bold, bright ingredients such as lemongrass, chilies and kimchi. A nod to the South is included in dishes such as pork belly steamed buns and chicken fried oysters. Consider ordering their bánh mi and Kung Pao chicken, and plan on sharing a number of dishes if you arrive with an appetite.
Tags: Asian, Tapas, BBQ
2015-12-17
Durham
BURGER
Only Burger
When it comes to hamburgers, Only Burger has the best burger in town, hands down. Originally a food truck, it is now a casual joint where you can eat in or take the food to go, we enjoyed an outdoor table on a sunny warm day. The burgers are cooked perfectly with crisp, salty, thin French fries. There are a variety of made-to-order hamburger choices, from Greek to Texan. A highlight is the Greek lamb burger with feta, olive tapenade and tzatziki. Pair it with a side of fresh-cut fries.
When it comes to hamburgers, Only Burger has the best burger in town, hands down. Originally a food truck, it is now a casual joint where you can eat in or take the food to go, we enjoyed an outdoor table on a sunny warm day. The burgers are cooked perfectly with crisp, salty, thin French fries. There are a variety of made-to-order hamburger choices, from Greek to Texan. A highlight is the Greek lamb burger with feta, olive tapenade and tzatziki. Pair it with a side of fresh-cut fries.
Tags: Applewood smoked bacon, Beef, Burger