The Corner, Port Macquarie

I usually love The Corner, but this time my meal wasn't the best. And, like always, the service was uninspiring and distant. To a degree, I think that the staff at The Corner care too much about sophistication, which comes at the cost of warm, friendly service.

The Corner rotates their menu quite frequently but, it seems, not frequently enough for me. I've tried all the dishes that best meet my palate: the chicken burger, the pancakes, the chilli caramel glazed pork belly (YUM!), the mushroom risotto and the smoked chicken salad. Next on my list was the salmon. I must say, after conquering it I was severely disappointed.

For one of the most expensive items on the lunch menu, the seared Atlantic salmon w/ pomegranate and parsley salad and hazelnut dressing ($22) neither had the most intricate, well-paired elements nor a decent serving size. The salmon itself was delicious, seared perfectly with a touch of salt and oil. The salad, on the other hand, I barely touched. Their was too much pomegranate, making it overpowering and, apart from the three hazelnuts on the plate, no evidence of hazelnut dressing. The serving size was also horrible: hardly any greens, a tiny slab of salmon and three hazelnuts. The dish really didn't leave anything to be admired.

Nonetheless, the smoked chicken salad w/ avocado, Ricardo Tomatoes, haloumi and orange dressing ($17) was a hit with mum. She usually hates haloumi, but she loved the way The Corner had cooked it. The chicken was also tender. But again, the serving size was small, especially for a salad that usually doesn't make one feel full. My brother had the grilled chicken burger on Turkish w/ bacon, tomato, The Corner chutney and served w/ beer battered fries ($17) - seriously, what is with teenage boys and burgers?! - and was content with his choice. Looking at the picture, I would have been too - it looks divine, as does the beer battered chips (this coming from a girl who hasn't consumed chips in over three years and only recently became hooked on burgers).

To be honest, I think The Corner needs to lift their game. The quality of their dining experience is slipping and customers won't return if the unfriendly, dull service continues.

The Corner, 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie

Bill and Toni's, Balmain

Let me just say that pub grub doesn't photograph too well. The dim lights, the plonked-on-the-plate food (or in this case shoved-in-a-box) and the massive servings that are far from dainty make for unphotogenic food. However, this is the best type of food: homely, hearty and unable to be finished. Massive servings that make you smile, flavours oh so similar to home cooking but with that restaurant touch, warm, friendly, classic Australian service and that laid back we-don't-care-if-you-draw-all-over-out-paper-covered-tables 'tude. The. Best. Food.

I have posted about Bill and Toni's here and here and nothing has changed. I don't really have anymore praises to sing. The food is wonderful, the staff are wonderful, as are the prices and homely decor. Gosh, the whole package the place offers even tempts me to say the paper-covered tables are wonderful. Classy.

Anyway, Nathan and I were going to get pizza but, as always, Nathan alerted me that he had changed his mind and wanted a burger. Really, you want a burger? How original! So, we drove to the place that, at the moment, I classify as having the best burgers in town. And a delicious, juicy burger he did get. I, on the other hand, felt like something different and being a big fan of chicken, ordered the chicken parmigiana: grilled breast fillet topped with napoletana, eggplant and melted cheese w/ a side of creamy garlic mash ($16). It was amazing. The eggplant, the cheese, the napoletana - yum, just yum. The chicken was so tender, as was the creamy garlic mash wonderfully garlicy and creamy! At $16 I was more than satisfied, and left a quarter of my plate untouched because the serving size was so huge.

Next visit will be to try out their 10 buck lunches or cheap steak Tuesdays!

Bill and Toni's, 31 Cameron St, Balmain

The Corner, Port Macquarie

I do tend to go to the same cafes when I am in Port Macquarie. What can I say: The Corner, fusion seven, Bitter Sweet and other regulars on my blog are just too good.

This meal was eaten before my journey back to Sydney (now over three weeks ago) and yet, I strongly remember the experience.

Dad, Kyle and I chose The Corner for breakfast on the Monday public holiday. The popular haunt, needless to say, was absolutely packed despite the 15 per cent surcharge (I did not include this in the prices I recorded).

The thing I love about The Corner is the use of local ingredients and varied, untypical menu. Of course, the restaurant has the usuals- that is, the bacon and eggs devoured by my Dad, or the raisin toast my brother ate- but they also have things such as my Grumpy's ham steak w/ lyonnaise onions, field mushrooms and poached eggs ($15), stuffed tomatoes and bubbles and squeak. While The Corner is not the only restaurant to provide these options, it is in a small minority and always  plates up a refreshing breakfast.

In terms of the quality of the meals, Dad said bacon and eggs on toast are bacon and eggs, and wasn't really fussed with the meal he paid $14 for. My brother, being not big on breakfast, was quite satisfied with his thick grain toast w/ The Corner's strawberry jam ($6), and I was taken away with my ham steak. The steak itself was full of flavour, probably because it is equally full of juicy fat. The poached eggs were perfectly poached- the yolk flowing out upon slicing through them. And the toast at The Corner is always lovely. I am pretty sure they source it from local favourite, Burkhardt's Bakery.

The Corner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with prices rising per sitting. Dinner is a tad expensive and inconsistent in terms of quality. The service is sometimes slow and unfriendly, but the food largely makes up for it.

The Corner, 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie
 

Bill and Toni's, Balmain

Beef burgers w/ chips ($14) and w/ salad ($18)

My boyfriend, Nathan, and I visited Bill and Toni's Pub Life for dinner on his first night back in Australia, following a five month cricket holiday in England. Nathan is obsessed with hamburgers, chips and beef in general. I wanted to treat him upon his arrival back in the country.

My burger with salad (that was ordered after much self control- I try to refrain from eating hot chips no matter how tempting) fulfilled all of the expectations I had after writing this profile on the Sir William Wallace Hotel's new eatery for the Inner West Courier. 

The new restaurant in the Balmain institution prides itself on good, hearty, and oh-so-tasty pub food. This is exactly what I received in my takeaway-box-plate. And this is exactly why so many people are in love with the Father Bill and Toni's restaurant in Stanley St, and now the two Bill and Toni's Pub Life restaurants in Surry Hills and (since August) Balmain.

I asked my boyfriend to describe the meal; I got "moist, lush, mmm and nomnomnom." Whatever that means... The burger was definitely juicy. I am only recently a fan of beef mince, and the patty on this was just divine; bursting with flavour and the most excellent, as I said, juicy, delicious, divine, tantalising texture. The caramelised onion offered another layer of flavour, as did the house-made mayonnaise and fresh bun. My salad was equally great. I love a salad that is varied and dressed to perfection. This was exactly that- with capsicum, lots of different greens, tomato and onion. My boyfriend says his chips "were good but they weren't amazing." Maybe because in England, as I have been hearing all week since his return, did not have chicken salt and the chips at Bill and Toni's were not drenched in the stuff.

The decor in the eatery is old school; basically what one expects of a pub built in the late 1870's. The tables were dressed with paper (bring some crayons and pens= hours of entertainment for the kids, or the mother in my case). The drinks, as with most pubs, need to be ordered at the bar. And the vibe is loud and busy. 

Bill and Toni's is about PUB food: expect great quality, value for money and orgasms of the tastebuds, but not so much sophistication and fine-dining. 

Bill and Toni's Pub Life, 31 Cameron St, Balmain

izote mexican, Newtown

 Enchiladas rojas: soft corn tortilla w/ salsa, chicken, sour cream, guacamole and rice ($19.50)

 Chicken fajitas: strips of chicken breast marinated in a combination of spices and lime juice served on a bed of capsicum and onion w/ flour tortillas ($22.90)

I have a Mexican addiction. These images are from the fifth weekend in a row that I have resorted to the deliciously spicy and flavoursome cuisine. And each week the food seems to get better (having been in the city, Glebe, Crow's Nest and now Newtown).

One thing I love about Mexican cuisine is the variety in a single meal. I ordered enchiladas and yet had salad, rice, guacamole, chicken, corn tortillas, salsa and sour cream to pick at. The combination of spices was to die for. As was the house-made guacamole and salsa both perfect combinations of hot and spicy.

My dining partner quite enjoyed his fajitas. For once he actually ate the accompanying frijoles and, on the whole, did not leave much remaining on either of the two plates. The jalapenos being one of the things left behind after much attempted encouragement.

The staff at the restaurant were friendly and inviting, as is the case with all Mexican restaurants I have been to thus far. Our food literally came out five minutes after ordering, but was still cooked to perfection. However, I would recommend that you book ahead. We learned this after the place was booked out the prior Saturday.

The atmosphere is surprisingly tranquil and yet bustling at the same time. The former attributable to the soft lighting and courtyard setting out the back, and the latter, of course, because of the hoards of people that visit the restaurant each weekend.

A must visit and my favourite Mexican in Sydney, although I do plan to keep searching.

izote mexican, 6 King St, Newtown

Mancini's, Summer Hill

Herb bread with a variety of dips ($10.50)

Hawaiian pizza

"Sunrise" fettuccine

Veal

Pollo Josaphine ($21.90)

Although not exactly pleasant to the eye, the food served at Mancini's are reminiscent of a good and generous, home-cooked meal. (Not that my mother cooks Italian for me, but I imagine this is what a home-cooked Italian meal would taste and feel like.

Mancini's is a first resort if I have guests and am after value-for-money, fulfilling and still tasty dishes. The food here is consistently good, as the service is friendly and efficient. Don't expect to wait more than  twenty minutes for a meal after ordering, and this is not the place if you want a long, drawn out dining experience. Mancini's is in and out.

Whenever I venture out to Mancini's, the pictured herb bread is the first thing I order. It is a great starter: a herb-spiced pizza base served with very generous helpings of dips (we received hummus, tzatziki and a seafood dip). For mains, I will either resort to a seafood risotto of scallops, baby octopus, mussels and prawns, a mushroom risotto or, as I did on this occasion, pollo josaphine, which is tender chicken served with vegetables, potato and an amazing pinenut and ricotta sauce. I probably have mentioned this, but pinenuts and ricotta are two of my favourite ingredients, making this dish irresistible.

Mancini's serves pasta, risotto, pizza, salads and some veal and chicken based dishes. (The pizza trumps over that from Da Vinci's next door). Apart from this, they offer a range of gelato flavours and top notch coffee.

Most visits see me leaving with a doggy-bag, as my mum would call it.

Mancini's, 29 Lackey St, Summer Hill

Flying Fajita Sisters, Glebe

Camarones Y Chorizo a La Diabla: king prawns and hand made chorizo flash-panned w. ancho and quajillo chilli salsa, cherry tomatoes, accompanied by a tequila and coriander cream and pickled red cabbage w. salad greens ($25.9)

Flying Fajitas: salad, cheese, guacamole, crema, salsa, olives, jalapenos, pineapple, frijoles and Mexican rice w. chargrilled chicken marinated in lime and fresh herbs ($25.9)

Chimichanga: a flour tortilla w. achiote pulled pork served w. Mexican rice, cherry tomato salsa, crema, guacamole, cheese, olive and salad ($21.9)

The gorgeous girls I ate this meal with would realise how far behind I am on blog posts. We visited Flying Fajita Sisters on a Friday night, after some time trying to organise a booking. My first perception of the joint was warmth and friendliness. The staff were dressed in Mexican attire and the restaurant was decked with bold Mexican colours (think oranges and reds) and of course, the whimsical "Flying Fajita Sisters." We were given a bowl of marinated olives on arrival, which is always a nice touch.

I ordered the chimichanga which is best described as a crisp flour tortilla packed full of tasty pulled pork. The little additions made this dish special: the guacamole, fine-cut olives and tomato salsa. One of my friends ordered the chicken fajitas, which allows the diner to construct their own fajitas and would be great with groups. From the way the chicken was picked at, I'm guessing it was delicious. My other friend ordered the prawn and chorizo dish and although she said these two elements were packed with flavour, there was not much excitement from the rest of the meal: mainly the red cabbage and the side salad.

Overall, I really enjoyed the food I had at the restaurant. It was definitely more refined than the Mexican at Montezuma's, but perhaps not as homely. Same goes with the staff. I did like the personal touches however: the olives on arrival and the cute greeting card that encased the bill.

Flying Fajita Sisters, 65 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe

Montezuma's, Crowe's Nest

Beef nachos

Chicken and chorizo enchiladas with Mexican rice, sour cream and frijoles

I have certainly developed a soft spot for Mexican food. When eating out, I find that Italian is a regularly consulted option. However, the last two Friday nights have seen me eating Mexican food, and I continue to crave it. 

The pictured meals were served by the wonderfully friendly team at Montezuma's in Crow's Nest. The atmosphere at this joint was warm and inviting and seemed to appeal largely to families or big groups (it really reminded me of the Hog's Breath chain). 

I ordered the enchiladas, which certainly fulfilled my expectations of the popular Mexican dish: copious amounts of cheese, crispy corn tortillas, marinated meat (in this case spicy chorizo and chicken) and a generous dollop of sour cream. The accompanying fried rice was crisp and bursting with flavour, and the frijoles, although perhaps unpleasing to the eye, were a well-matched and tasty side. My friend ordered the nachos. I personally must say that they did not look appetising at all and could easily be made at home.

In terms of service, Montezuma's delivers what they promise on their website: hyper friendly wait staff. Our overall experience was positive, but the Mexican experience was outdone on the following Friday (post to come).

Montezuma's, 51 Alexander Street Crow's Nest

Flavours, Port Macquarie

Flavours offers both pasta and meals off the grill, however is most well known in the Port Macquarie district for its pizzas and gelato bar.

A friend and I visited Flavours on a rainy Friday night for pre-Potter pizza. We ended up ordering the Bonny's pizza ($22.95) comprising chicken marinated in a mild green curry sauce, carrot, bean sprouts, shallots and coriander. I love Flavours's pizza for head chef Charlie Mainwaring's creative and original gourmet toppings. I would go as far to rate Flavours' Bonny's and Pigs Might Fly (thinly sliced pork belly, sweet black sauce, pickled red cabbage, spanish onion, baked mushrooms and coriander) as the best pizza's I have ever tasted.

As mentioned, Flavours offers much more than pizza, however other menu items- ranging from crispy skinned duck breast on a risotto bed to frenched lamb rack- tend to be pricey; all mains are $34 and pastas average $19.50. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail list with most being priced at $13.95 and serves Holy Goat coffee. 

Since its recent renovation, Flavours does not fail to provide customers with a pleasurable dining experience. And if the now rather-large restaurant is packed- which is often the case with this popular feeding place- Flavours does takeaway orders and passer-bys may stop in to drool over the home-made gelato (my favourites are white chocolate and mixed berry and burnt caramel).

I can currently find only two faults with Flavours. The first being that on this certain visit we had to ASK for menus (although the food did come out very quickly and we were out of the restaurant within 45 minutes). Secondly, the crowds of people that frequent the restaurants means that it is sometimes hard to hear your own voice. Thus Flavours would perhaps not be the best choice for a romantic dinner for two.

Flavours is open for dinner 7 days a week and serves breakfast/lunch from 7am on weekends, 48 Watonga Street Port Macquarie

Thai Orchid, Port Macquarie

Mixed entree: curry puff, fish cake, satay chicken and spring roll

Squid and snow peas

Pork pad si eew

Satay Chicken

A whole week ago now- sorry for being really slow with reviews; I have so many to write after my fortnight in Port Macquarie- my mother, my boyfriend's mother, my boyfriend (albeit in picture form) and I dined at our collective favourite Thai restaurant in Port Macquarie: Authentic Thai Orchid.

If anyone in my family ever craves a value-for-money Thai experience, this restaurant is consulted as a cure. Thai Orchid offers every Thai dish imaginable, at a reasonable price ($16 on average for meat dishes) and atmospheric and welcoming Thai-inspired decor. 

The mixed entree ($8.90) was my favourite dish of this visit, specifically the fish cake and satay chicken. My all-time favourite dish on offer, however, is the chicken green curry which has just the right amount of punch (it is served medium hot) and is bursting with flavour. Sadly we did not have said dish on this occasion as one member of our dining party does not fancy chili.

The three of us also shared the satay chicken, pad si eew and squid and snow peas. I would class Thai Orchid's satay chicken as a crowd pleaser, packed with delectable and wonderfully obvious peanut flavours. The pad si eew with pork was likewise tasty, with thin rice noodles and vegetables smothered in an oyster sauce. My only criticism of the food was the squid, which was overcooked and rubbery.

My experiences at Thai Orchid have been consistent across the board, good food but somewhat average service. While staff are attentive and regularly enquire about the experiences of their customers, the service falls flat given the failure to personalise visits. 

Overall, Thai Orchid is a must visit for its speciality cuisine and is, as suggested, a favourite restaurant in Port Macquarie.

Authentic Thai Orchid, 4 Bay Street Port Macquarie

The Fat Fish, Bonny Hills

Minted lamb burger with tzatziki served on turkish bread with a side of fries

Lightly crumbed chicken burger on Turkish bread and served with avocado salsa and salad

I visited the Fat Fish restaurant and bistro with my grandparents for lunch on a cold day last week. I am going to start by saying that although this restaurant as the optimum position for summer, it really isn't the best for winter. Positioned almost literally on Rainbow beach, the sea breezes were unbearable for unaware diners who chose to sit on the balcony.

I am in LOVE with the breakfast menu, especially the breakfast bruschetta. The lunch menu, on the other hand, has not changed since summer and includes the likes of a frittata, burgers, prawn and caesar salads, crumbed or grilled fish and chips and coriander potato cakes. I never really order burgers when I got out, but had tried everything else really, so went with the chicken burger (replacing the chips with a side of salad, of course). 

Like most cafe burgers, it was impossible to eat this as an actual burger due to size and construction. Moreover, the chicken was dry, the use of lettuce was a bit excessive and, apart from the spicy avocado salsa, the meal was not that flavoursome. 

The coffee here is okay (I had a skim cappuccino), however it did take them a while to bring out our coffees- an estimated 20 minutes.

Overall, I don't think this place is the best for winter, but do recommend it for a lovely summer's breakfast or a coffee get-together overlooking picturesque and family-friendly Rainbow Beach.

The Fat Fish also serves dinner that I am yet to experience

The Fat Fish, Beach Street (Bonny Hills Surf Club)

fusion seven, Port Macquarie

 Seared Atlantic sea scallops with plantain fritter, tamarind chili caramel, coconut tapioca ($21)

My father ordered this as an entree; my brother and I ended up eating half of it and also made sure that none of the tasty tapioca was left on the plate. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the fusion of flavour, as with all of the restaurant's dishes, was perfectly executed and excited our tastebuds.

 Panfried saltwater barramundi with lemon and vanilla braised fennel, chickpeas, green olives, jamon crumbs ($33)

This beautifully cooked and wonderfully flavoured barramundi was my choice of main. The flavour of the fish was one thing, another was the excellently chosen compliments. The slight but recognisable taste of vanilla paired with olives, chickpeas and crunchy cured ham crumbs was to die for! The range of crunchy, soft, and succulent textures made the dining experience even more pleasurable.

 Eastern king prawn pearl pasta "risotto" with tomato, preserved lemon, crispy nori ($20)

This was another entree dish that was eaten as a main thinking the serving size would be enough (I warned them). The only downside of the restaurant is the portion sizes, nevertheless this personally doesn't bother me. The food, the flavours and the dining experience that Fusion 7 offers is worth the price. Also, as a Port Macquarie restaurant, the price you are paying for that quality of food is nothing compared to some of those in Sydney areas like The Rocks.

 Maple braised beef cheeks with pancetta, peas, sweet potato-smoked paprika mash ($33)

 Roast rump of lamb with polenta, braised red cabbage and chorizo, chestnuts, mojo verde ($33)

 Deep fried chat potatoes with aioli ($7)

This may not be the best example of service, but we were lucky enough to accidentally receive another table's sides, including the above chat potatoes and a excellently light rocket, parmesan and macadamia salad with macadamia oil ($9). Needless to say, we were very lucky to have them. The potatoes were so crunchy and, paired with the aioli, really offered a sensational mouthfeel and tonnes of flavour.

While somewhat on topic, I will elaborate on the service at Fusion 7. I don't really rate it. On multiple occasions we had to signal that we were ready to order- which the waiters should really be recognising themselves. Even then, the waiters aren't particularly friendly, they smile and know their restaurant and menu really well but the experience isn't personalised. Regardless, I wouldn't classify the service as bad, it just has lots of room for improvement.

One thing I do like is the complimentary herb bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar- it is perhaps the best bread I have tasted.

 Rhubarb and cranberry bread and butter pudding with cinnamon and rum custard ($14)

 Fig creme brulee with honey madelaine ($14)

I am a sucker for creme brulee, and this certainly did not fail to please me. The muted fig flavour made the brulee different and exciting. The crunch of the sugary top is always delectable and the creamy custard texture was perfectly executed. I had not had honey madelaine before and, as can be expected from any Fusion 7 dessert creation, it is now a frequent cause of my late night sweet cravings.

Apple puff pastry tart with burnt honey ice cream, almond praline ($15)

As I mentioned in my post on The Corner: Fusion 7 is my favourite restaurant in Port Macquarie and never fails to delight its customers.

Fusion 7, 124 Horton Street Port Macquarie