Cookbookmaniac
  • Chef’s Armoury – Japanese groceries and knives
    Asian Restaurant Reviews

    Driving along Botany Rd the Chef’s Armoury caught my eye. The sign outside said so many things that I had been looking for: - Japanese Knives - Quality Wagyu Beef - Cooking classes and events - Japanese groceries I punch the air and say, “Yes!” Entering the premises it's designed like all those modern ramen bars that seem to be popping up everywhere. It is sleek black with specks of red, well lit and minimalist. The store has been open for only 4 months and is in the midst of growth. Their business had started as just selling imported Japanese knives and has expanded into Japanese groceries, grilling accessories, teapots and tea tools. They also offer classes for knife sharpening, knife skills, sashimi and sushi making. Every month they have special all day taste testing events that help demystify the Japanese cuisine. Their passion is clearly evident the minute that…

  • Autumn from the Heart of the Home by Susan Branch
    American Restaurant Reviews

    This has to be the most charming book that I own. It is a recipe book but also includes entertaining and decorating ideas for the month of autumn. The book is filled with watercoloured sketches, hand-written recipes and sentimental quotes. The recipes take advantage of the best nature has to offer and includes chapters on Halloween and thanksgiving. I also appreciate that most of the recipes are time & cost effective and healthy. These are family recipes that you will want to make time and time again.

  • The Dutch Shop & Cafe
    Cheap Eats Restaurant Reviews

    When i heard that there was a quaint Dutch Cafe in the middle of nowhere in Smithfield I told pizzaboy we had to go for a visit. We happen to have gone on the hottest day of the year so far. Its 40+ degrees outside and we drive over to Smithfield in a car with no-aircon. Without even thinking i say, "there had better be air-con at this place". The entire car goes quiet. None of us have ever been to the Dutch Cafe and do not know what to expect. We are following the GPS and tomatogal asks me, "Where the hell is this place? We've reached the end of the road". I look ahead and we are in the middle of nowhere. There are residential houses to our left and closed industrial warehouses on our right. I see a green warehouse ahead and i say "that must be…