Cookbookmaniac
  • The Smokehouse – Vintage quirky and mighty delicious
    The Smokehouse – Vintage quirky and mighty delicious
    Australian Restaurant Reviews

    I love to travel. Take me to any exotic place and I will not fear to venture out on my own. There is nothing more exhilarating than to get lost in a city and discovering its many hidden treasures without the aid of a travel book or map. Pizzaboy and I have not been able to travel as much as we use to since we decided to settle down and buy a home. All our savings are now being banked up in a volt for when we find the right place. Isn't it odd that we must save money to borrow money? We have had to give up on a lot of things in pursuit of the homeownership dream, but we are not able to sacrifice the luxury of eating out. The discovery of The Smokehouse had left me with the same joyful feeling as when I travel without a…

  • Soffritto in Newtown – Oh my! How good is this!
    Soffritto in Newtown – Oh my! How good is this!
    CBD & Inner City

    Have you ever stumbled upon a place and given it serious consideration and then passed it up. Only to find that many days later the curiosity has grown from the size of pea to a giant watermelon? I was gazing into the window of this little restaurant one evening and did just that. It only had 15 items on its menu, the lighting was very low and there wasn't anyone in there at 6pm. However, there was something about it... an air of mystique. It got the better of me one boring Thursday afternoon at work and I rang to make a reservation for Friday date night with the boy. Phone call made on Thursday afternoon "Hello? This is Soffritto." "Hi, I would like to make a reservation for 2 people at 6.30pm on Friday night." "Ahh.... yes, we are able to fit you in. It will be a full…

  • Bitton Gourmet – Cafe and Grocer
    Bitton Gourmet – Cafe and Grocer
    Eastern Suburbs

    I had come across Bitton Gourmet in the Sydney Morning Herald Foodies Guide 2010. Its little blurb about their famous jams and dressings was enticing enough for me to view their website. From that point on my curiosity grew. I loved the description of a green grocer, cafe, and gourmet food shop, and was convinced I had to pay a visit. Pizzaboy and I invite Papa & Mama Bear along with us for a Sunday Lunch. It turned out we got more than what we expected and truly love and believe in this wonderful establishment in Alexandria. We arrive at the store in between the breakfast and lunch rush. We were seated inside the cafe as the tables outside were all occupied. I was slightly disappointed because I prefer my food pictures to be lit by sunlight. I politely ask if we could move when there is a table free.…