Cookbookmaniac
  • Ramen Kan in Bondi – Errrr… What’s all the noise about?
    Ramen Kan in Bondi – Errrr… What’s all the noise about?
    Asian Restaurant Reviews

    A Funny Red-headed Guy once told me that his favourite restaurant is McDonalds. He wasn't a child. He is 29 years old, skinny, tall, handsome, prefers never to wear shoes and never shuts up. You see, I am the kind of person who always asks what people are eating or what are their favourite restaurants. I try and connect with people through food. When Funny Red-headed Guy told me this I couldn't help but screw my face up in judgement. "Oi. Don't bag out the Macca's. I grew up on the stuff. Now look at me." He strikes a pose. Who am I to judge? If eating McDonalds makes him happy, then good for him. He also told me that his favourite ramen is from Ramen Kan. He said that their ramen makes everyone else's seem like instant noodles. I immediately wrote the recommendation down in my mental checklist of…

  • Ju Ju at Kings Cross – Best Value Wagyu Steak
    Ju Ju at Kings Cross – Best Value Wagyu Steak
    Asian Restaurant Reviews

    It's Pizzaboy's birthday and I surprise him with a visit to one of his favourite restaurants, Ju Ju. Ever since I've started blogging its been rare that we visit a place twice and even rarer for us to visit our old favourites. Descending the stairs you are forgiven in thinking that you have been teleported to a japanese izakaya in Osaka, Japan. Ju Ju is very charming with its wooden layout and sunken tables. Its huge menu ranges from sushi, sashimi, sukiyaki, grilled dishes, a vast array of japanese beer and a dizzying amount of small plates. Be warned - you must remove your shoes before entering the premises, so wear your nicest socks and if need be, bring along some foot deodorant. Bubble Butt and Miss South Africa (a married couple who keeps us laughing until our tummies hurt) join us to wish Pizzaboy a Happy Birthday. Pizzaboy takes…

  • Efendy in Balmain – Lamb Testicles… to eat or not to eat?
    Efendy in Balmain – Lamb Testicles… to eat or not to eat?
    Asian Restaurant Reviews

    "Efendy means 'Gentleman' in old Turkish. It is commonly used to describe people with traditional upbringing adopting modern views" During the Easter break I was invited to attend a food bloggers dinner event at Efendy by Simon Leong of Simon Food Favourites. The purpose of the evening was to introduce and highlight the cuisine of one of the most ancient capitals: Istanbul. I do not know much about Turkish food. My knowledge of it doesn't extend further than Turkish Delight and what is offered at the kebab shop. So, I was quite excited to attend and sample some new things. The evening was hosted by Asli and Somer Sivrioglu. The elegant Asli dined with us, whilst the jovial Somer attended to the kitchen. We sampled many wonderful dishes and had quite a few eye-opening moments too. *wink wink* We were treated to: * Three cold mezes * Three hot mezes…