A friend and I strolled down King Street Newtown recently and spotted Cicciolina Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. From the moment you peer through its wide windows, this modern Italian restaurant has a real elegant feel, slightly at odds with its namesake. Italy’s most famous porn star Cicciolina flashed during a political speech and even offered herself to Osama Bin Laden!

The attentive service was simply superb. Our waitress was magnificent. As you turned your attentions around the restaurant you notice very simple décor, colours very easy on the eyes and dinner music setting the scene. Its show piece is a bar stacked to the rafters smack bang in the middle of the room with its old wooden Venetian style.

With a wide selection of traditional meals on offer, pastas, pizzas, seafood and risotto which all looked absolutely delicious and tasty, I began with the Crumbed Bocconcini; deep-fried crumbed bocconcini served with radicchio and a creamy gorgonzola sauce. This cheese is described by its Italian name which means small mouthfuls and that is exactly what you want to do while engulfing this mouth watering dish. For the main, I tried the Penne Boscaiolla sautéed bacon, mushrooms, and shallots in a white wine cream sauce which was equally as tantalizing.

The desserts from what I have heard are worth the wait, the menu offers Tiramisu, Gelato, Crème Brulee and much much more. There is an extensive wine list and they even make a mean cocktail; try the Toblarone, you will not be disappointed.

Cicciolina Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is not just a restaurant, but a dining experience. I will be back very soon.

Article written by Liam Gibbs.

What: Cicciolina Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
Where: 224 King Street, Newtown 2042
How: Ph: 02 9516 1166
When: Open 7 nights – 5:30pm till late

Tucked away on the top of Broadway Shopping Centre through the maze of international cuisines is a charming Japanese Restaurant Tomodachi.

Tomodachi is the Japanese word for friend. The restaurant boasts a warm atmosphere, a place where friends come together to share a meal and good times, happy together like the fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The staff greet you with a smile, are attentive and help create the relaxed and welcoming vibe.

The restaurant has one of the freshest and expansive sushi trains, so if you are after a quick meal before your film, it caters for you. The kitchen is an open plan, you are able to watch the chefs create there masterpieces. The aroma of the spices and sounds of the sizzling hotplates adds to the buzz. The décor is bright, simple yet elegant with dashes of red and white, wooden tables, wooden benches and Japanese style decorations.

The menu offers something for everyone. The Teriyaki Chicken was cooked to perfection, a little crunchy on the outside and succulent on the inside, while the sauce made my tastebuds stand to attention like an army of samurai warriors going into battle. On offer are traditional Japanese pancakes, all the regular Japanese delights and to top of the meal, why not try the rice wine or my favourite; the sweet and fruity plum wine.

Tomodachi offers wonderful film deals with the local cinema, caters for the romantic couple, family, group party or a quick bite. So why not drop by before your next shopping adventure or flick.

Broadway
Level two, food court
Shop 220, 2 Bay Street
Broadway Shopping Centre NSW 2007
Ph: 02 9281 6000

Rhodes
Shop 74, 1 Rider Boulevard
Rhodes NSW 2138
(Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre)
Ph: 02 9736 1764

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Stroll down Darling Street and you find a beautiful little Moroccan restaurant nestled in between boutique shops, cafes and old Victorian townhouses called Kazbah Restaurant.

A modern Balmain restaurant with hearty servings of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, Kazbah displays an open seating plan, plenty of natural light and once inside you feel the true Moroccan culture encompass your entire body. A feast for the eyes as well as your stomach, and if this becomes a little too much, you can always pick up a crayon and create your own masterpiece on your butcher paper covered table top.

Kazbah is open for dinner and breakfast on weekends. Be prepared for a short wait, but you will not be disappointed as Kazbah offers a breakfast with a difference. Whether you have had a big night, out with friends or a quiet read of the morning newspapers, my suggestion is to try the tagine, where spicy diced lamb is deliciously mixed with fetta, spinach, capsicum, sucuk, caramelised onion, tomato and eggs still cooking by the time it reaches its destination, your table.

The dinner menu has plenty to offer, including Chicken Stuffed with Halloumi, Sucuk and Green Olives, Chickpea Fritter, Asparagus with a Capsicum Sauce, Pan-Fried Duck Breast with Falafel, Honey Baked Quince and Sweet Potato Chips or the Char-Grilled Quail topped with Pomegranate Sauce. There are dips, a variety of entrees, scrumptious desserts and the coffee is pretty damn good too.

The service staff were attentive without being intrusive and the prices are quite reasonable. Kazbah is a complete dining experience with great decor, wonderful food and an exciting atmosphere.

Kazbah on Darling
379 Darling Street, Balmain
Phone: 02 9555 7067

Opening Hours:
Breakfast - Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays – 9:00am – 3:00pm
Lunch - Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays- 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner - Wednesday to Saturday – 6:30pm – Late

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Two Flat Whites dined at one of the best restaurants in Australia recently, Tetsuya’s. Located in the heart of Sydney in a stylish refurbished heritage listed building, Tetsuya’s Restaurant is more than a fantastic meal; it’s a full dining experience.

Walking through the gates you seem to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and you enter a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Open spaces, gardens and trees swaying in the breeze. The friendly staff greets you at the door with class and professionalism. In fact, you will not find a more efficient group of staff to see to your every need.

Tetsuya’s have won plenty of awards, including being named in most circles as Australia’s best restaurant for close to a decade. It has also been listed as the fifth best restaurant in the world over the last two years. Tetsuya Wakuda was born in Japan. He is mostly a self taught chef through hard work and a real passion for cooking. He made the trek to Australia and learnt his trade with Tony Bilson, the ‘Godfather of Australian cuisine’.

Tetsuya’s renowned degustation set menu changes frequently. Tetsuya Wakuda enjoyed experimenting with food from an early age, often catching hundreds of fish, taking them back to his restaurant in Japan. He would eat half of them and then give the remainder to the staff. This flair has continued with his top class menu today.

Why not try chilled cold corn soup with saffron and vanilla ice cream, delicious scampi, Tetsuya’s signature dish the confit of Petuna ocean trout served with konbu and fennel, followed by terrine of Queensland spanner crab with an avocado soup. Then grilled fillet of barramundi with braised baby fennel and finally twice cooked de-boned spatchcock with foie gras and gobo and wagyu beef with lime and wasabi.

Tetsuya’s offers one of Sydney’s most remarkable wine lists, and will match the ten course meal with some of the best wines in the country. It is not a cheap meal and will set you back $200 to $400. However, this is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Bookings are essential, as there is up to a six month waiting list.

Tetsuya’s Restaurant
529 Kent Street, Sydney
Ph: 02 9267 2900

Article written by Liam Gibbs

If you are looking for something tasty and a little different, you cannot go past La Boheme Restaurant and Café. Situated in an old heritage building, a cozy feel inside and with an open and friendly feeling in the courtyard, La Bohème brings traditional European beers, hearty wholesome cuisine and the atmosphere of central European Eateries to Balmain.

The name La Boheme comes from ‘life in Bohemia’, the main part of the Czech Republic. The owners, all Czech born, have spent over a decade working their way through Europe and Australia. They have worked in hospitality over this time gaining much experience in different areas. Romana & Pavel opened the Prague Restaurant, Potts Point in 2004 before moving onto La Boheme in 2007. All four owners have a very hands on philosophy to running a business working both in the kitchen and on the floor to make your experience the best it can be.

The Czech’s are renowned for their scrumptious meats, potatoes and fine beer. If you are looking for a feast, this is the place to eat. The menu is extensive with Pan Fried Chilli and Garlic King Prawns & Lemon Aioli; Beef Stroganoff with Basmati Rice; Triple Wood Smoked Kassler Rib with Spinach Leaves & Potato Dumplings and my favourite, the Bavarian Feast Platter with the Chef’s selection of Duck, Schnitzel, Ribs, Sausages with Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage and Mixed Dumplings.

They have a wonderful wine list with a fine selection from the best Australian wines and bottles around the world. However, if you want to gain the full Czech experience, you can’t go past the beers. A huge array of brews from all parts of the globe, including the best the Czech’s have to offer. La Boheme is a fantastic place to go for a special occasion, birthday party or a quick lunch.

Article written by Chris Ellis.

La Boheme Restaurant and Café
332 Darling Street
Balmain, NSW 2041
Ph: 02 9810 0829

One of the most beautiful things Sydney has to offer is often overlooked by many Sydneysiders. It is quite often unknown to the tourists & backpackers that visit our marvellous shores. Melbourne often claims the title to these little gems, and I generally agreed with the folks from the south. But in more recent times, I am finding that Sydney is a lot closer to gaining that crown.

These little gems are our little restaurants, situated throughout many suburbs of Sydney. They are almost always off the beaten track & if you blink, you could rightly miss them. The locals always support these restaurants & part of there charm is the homely spirit in each & every one.

We ventured to Lakemba last weekend to one of these little gems, “Jasmins Restaurant”. Now if you are looking for authentic Lebanese cuisine then this is the place to go. Generally, Lebanese food is regarded as one of the world’s healthiest cuisines because of the use of minimally processed vegetarian recipes, in addition to an abundance of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and nuts. It also includes copious amounts of garlic and olive oil, often seasoned by lemon juice.

We chose the meat plate (pictured), it was outstanding with a little of everything ranging from Taboulie, Baba Gannouj, Falafel, Kebbeh Naieh, Charcoal chicken, Chawarma, bread & pickles. The meal set us back about $12.00 each. The atmosphere was laid back. The service was first class.

Jasmins is a family run restaurant & seats about 30 people. The walls are filled with Lebanese art & the colours emphasis the character of the place. Owner Abdul Ghazal & Manager Abraham Ghazal host a delicious, well run little restaurant that is certainly one of Sydney’s little gems.

Jasmins Restaurant
30B Haldon Street, Lakemba
Ph: 02 9740 3589
Email: GuzzGuzz88 {at} hotmail(.)com

Article written by Paul Hardwick

Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee with friends, a relaxing drink & read of the newspaper, lunch with the family or a romantic breakfast for two, you can’t beat Our Place. The atmosphere in Balmain is alive & electric. Stroll down Darling Street in Rozelle; you can’t help but notice the restaurants & cafes. On the weekend you have two sets of markets, Rozelle Markets & the markets at the Church, which happens to be next door to Our Place. Look even closer & you have pubs, specialty cake, chocolate & clothes stores with friendly faces waiting to help you. And did I mention the restaurants; Thai, Czech, Egyptian, Indian & Moroccan just to name a few!

Next to the church where the markets are held every Saturday is Our Place, the café that’s fast becoming a regular haunt for many in Balmain and regular visitors to the area. This café has a real comfy feel. It may be the natural colours of brown, green & reds, the artwork on the walls, the old fashioned heater & aircon, the open kitchen, wooden décor, the old log in the corner or even the friendly & helpful staff. Relax, you can take your time, you’re not made to feel rushed.

The menu is scrumptious. You have your all day breakfast, with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, sausages & toast. The lunch & dinner menus are filled with plenty of variety. Try the Salmon with salad, barramundi, duck, steaks, crepes, pancakes & don’t forget the freshly squeezed juices. The prices are reasonable & the service is top notch. They also cater for functions with a trendy upstairs courtyard. On Sunday’s from 7pm you can check out the live music.

After you’re done, what better way to work off that delicious meal than with a stroll down to the foreshore for a walk through one of the many parks or head up along Darling Street for a spot of shopping. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat during the week or somewhere to hang out on the weekends, you can’t beat Balmain. And why not give Our Place a go!

Article written by Gary Brookes

Our Place on Darling
225 Darling Street, Balmain
Ph: 02 9810 4677
Email: opod {at} bigpond.net(.)au
Open 7 days

According to the owner Khaled Sherbini of Coco Loco, the planets first certified organic fair trade chocolate bar. He pays tribute to his grandfather; Mostafa Sherbini, who was a world champion ballroom dancer in Paris in 1929 and recipient of the Egyptian Medal of Honor for hospitality in 1969. Alchemist Khaled continues his family’s legacy in the art of chocolate, entertainment and hospitality.

From his extensive travels and secret family recipes Khaled conjures spells of magical drinks and foods, with a wide selection of gluten free and vegan options. Coco Loco’s main secret is exclusive Kashew Mylk is non-dairy based milk on his grandmothers’ recipe made from cashew nuts. Made fresh on premises Kashew Mylk is vegan and is preservative, wheat, gluten, and cholesterol free. The unique Kashew Mylk embraces rather than over powers Coco Loco creations spanning delicacies such as chocolate truffles, mousse, gelato and renowned hot and iced drinking chocolate.

The specialty here is chocolate luscious, hot chocolates in flavours such as Paramour (vanilla chocolate), Love Fire (chilli chocolate), and Mysticoco (river mint chocolate), imported from South America and the Caribbean. After the first sip of the silky smooth Marquis de Chocolate (the pure hot chocolate) made with Kashew Mylk I was transported back to a happy childhood memory and was left with a bitter sweet lingering sensation. My second course was an addictive vegan and gluten free chocolate mousse made with Kashew Mylk possessing the lightness and texture of any quality chocolate mousse, unforgettably mysterious!

There are both vegan Kashew Mylk and dairy cheese platters, which are meals in themselves when matched with one of the interesting wines. On weekends the crew dishes up crispy caramelized sourdough sweet waffles that are healthy, light and satisfying, topped with chocolate ganache, fresh fruit (and liqueurs optional). The Coco Loco’s extensive menu of sweet and savory crepes that are matched to wines, champagnes and French ciders were to live for. The Kama Sutra (spiced pumpkin feta) and LocoLove (white and dark chocolate with Lycee liquor) were healthy and delicious.

Late at night the atmosphere changes into a cocktail jazz scene where the formidable Coco Loco Chocolate Martini is released infused with the finest liqueurs. This is my new drink! The sensual Walnut bar, furnishings art and terracotta roof mural create an amazing space for hosting various functions and parties.

219 High Street, Northcote, Victoria
Tel: 03 9482 7033
www.cocoloco.net.au

Article written by Rose Myles

Established in 1967, originally a French omelette house, La Guillotine has become a Sydney icon known for its Parisian style and traditional French food. La Guillotine pushes the boundaries of French cuisine. The words that come to mind to describe this wonderful restaurant are fantastique, délicieux & décontracté.

It’s a cozy little restaurant. The sliding doors are open on street level which allows you to sit by the street gazing at the passing walking traffic, taking in the fresh breeze. There is also ample room to take up a romantic table inside. As your eyes wander around La Guillotine French restaurant you notice the deep red theme, the wooden décor, old fashioned bar & photographs & souvenirs collected of famous French personalities & events throughout time.

The menu is divine. The entrees are around $15 & include a wide variety of Les Omelettes, Escargot (Snails cooked in their shells with garlic and parsley butter) & Soupe a l’oignon (Homemade traditional onion soup with croutons and melted cheese). The mains start from $28 & there is a vast selection of French cuisine to sample. You may feel like the Tournedo Rossini servi sur un lit de pomme lyonnaise (Beef fillet topped with a slice of Foie Gras, port wine sauce and sauté potatoes with onions). Maybe even the Magret de canard aux griottes confites au kirsh surun gratin de pommes de terre (Duck breast with a cherry and Kirsch sauce on a gratin of potatoes).

The food is just scrumptious, with the emphasis on slow cooking, care and generous country servings. The waiters & waitresses are bright & friendly & add to your dining experience. The wine list has been carefully selected to complement the meals and add the finishing touches to your journey through old France.

Article written by Beau Lawrence

La Guillotine French Restaurant
518 Kent Street, Sydney
P: 02 9264 1487
F: 02 9264 1428
laguill {at} bigpond(.)com
www.laguillotine.com.au

If authentic Thai cuisine is what you’re after, then do not look past Chat Thai. This quaint little Thai restaurant in the heart of the city is one of Sydney’s little gems. It’s always busy for lunch & dinner, although you can book ahead.

The restaurant is opposite the Capitol Theatre & dare not to blink as you may miss it. You enter through the front door & the smells & fragrances tickle your senses & force the hair on the back of your neck to stand, like a well drilled marching band. Your eyes light up with the décor of wooden tables & chairs & the colours & art on the walls. You’re greeted by a friendly face & a smile.

The menu has it all. From your jungle, green & red curries, to your Pad Thai, stir fry’s with just the right mix of chilli, Tiger Beef & Curry Puffs. The prices are very reasonable & you can enjoy a feast. The professional & friendly staff add to this dining experience.

Whether you want to take that someone special for a romantic evening before a show or enjoy the company of friends & family, Chat Thai caters for you. Two Flat Whites rates this Thai restaurant as the best we have dined at in Sydney to date. This place is something special & should not be missed!

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Chat Thai
20 Campbell Street
Haymarket NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9211 1808
Fax: 02 9280 2299
www.chatthai.com.au