Ayam Goreng 99, Kingsford

Happy extremely belated 2016! It's been a while hasn't it? I'm still eating everywhere but work and personal commitments have been taking over my life these days to commit to writing. Thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep on going even if it may not be as regular as it used to. 

Recently, we attended a birthday dinner at Ayam Goreng 99 in Kingsford. Personally, I don't go out that direction as much as I would have liked to so it was an experience checking out the area for the first time. It was located minutes away from UNSW, which would have been perfect had I studied there. Unfortunately, most of us were UTS students...heh. Ayam Goreng 99 was definitely one of those old school restaurants that would have been around for a long time judging from the decor. If the massive crowds waiting outside are anything to go by, the food was certainly worth the wait.

Ayam Bakar - Charcoal Grilled Marinated Chicken ($6.50 per piece)

There was 11 of us, so we ordered all three versions of their signature marinated chicken - thigh and breast! My personal favourite was the charcoal grilled version. It may look charred and rustic on the outside but the chicken itself was juicy, flavoursome and tender. Also had a slight sweet and zesty tang from the marinated soy sauce coating. 

Ayam Goreng - Deep Fried Marinated Chicken ($6.50 per piece)

Didn't get to try this one but the friends enjoyed its crispy texture. Portions were generous but the lack of knife meant it was harder to cut and share bit by bit...at least for us. 

Ayam Goreng Kalasan - Fried Marinated Chicken Javanese Style ($6.50 per piece)

I did get to try the Javanese version which was sweeter than the deep fried variant. Compared to the grilled version, I thought it seemed to be on the dry side but it was still tasty and flavoursome especially with its smoked, crispy skin.

Nasi Goreng ($11.50) 

Consisting of fried rice with chicken, egg, meats and shallots, the nasi goreng was another highlight for me. Digged the colourful layout as well the balanced texture of the rice which made it easier to enjoy with a mix of different ingredients. We also ordered and shared a vegetarian version of the Nasi Goreng, which was equally tasty.

Sate Kambing - Lamb Satay ($10.00)

Most of us like our lamb and we already order too much chicken so we had lamb satay sticks on the side. If lamb ain't your thing, you will be pleased to know that it didn't have that gamey taste mainly thanks to its generous mix of sweet soy sauce and peanut sauce coated over the skewers. Didn't order enough of these so some of us had to share these sticks.

In the end, the bill cost us around $25 per head, which wasn't as bad as we expected (we ordered a couple other dishes but forgot to take a snap). Service was fast paced and we ended up getting full too quickly despite being too hungry waiting for a table. While Kingsford may be out of the way for me to go back regularly, you can definitely see the appeal on why Ayam Goreng remains popular with the locals for all these years. Hope to return again to do a proper taste of the Ayam Goreng or even get my hands again on the succulent Ayam Bakar.

Ayam Goreng

464 Anzac Parade Kingsford

(02) 9697 0030

Wed-Sun: 11:30am - 4:00pm, 6:00pm - 9:00pm 

Mon-Tue: Closed

 

ACME, Rushcutters Bay

ACME has opened in late 2014 with high accolades from food experts alike almost immediately. In the 18 months since its opening, it has already been awarded with 1 Chef's Hat by the Good Food Guide Awards, a mention in Gourmet Traveller and Australian Financial Review's Top 100 lists and also Time Out's Restaurant of the Year 2015 to name a few. It was named after the initials of the four owners: Andy Emerson, Cam Fairbairn, Mitch Orr (who is also the head chef) and Ed Loveday. With all these talents collaborating under one roof, you know you are onto a good thing here.

The menu offers a modern take on Italian dishes with a fusion of various Asian cuisines with the unique combination of ingredients that you normally wouldn't expect at other Italian restaurants. The first dish I tried was the jatz, ham and comte. It may look and sound like a simple snack but the meaty and cheesy flavour tasted so delicious together. A different take on the classic cheese on crackers with ham. It's a delicious way to start the meal at ACME.

Jatz, ham, comte ($6.00)

The baloney sandwich is another snack that sounds relatively simple but is actually one of ACME's famous dishes. It's a grown-up take on a sandwich that you will most likely have brought to school back in those childhood days. While there's only one serving of this delectably stuffed roll, it will make you crave for more as soon as you're done.

Baloney Sandwich ($5.00)

Those who know me may know that I have a soft spot for any dish that contains breadcrumbs. So it was not surprise that the linguine, garlic and burnt chilli (topped with breadcrumbs!) was a must order for me. While the linguine had a firm texture and was bursting with loads of flavour, it was also spicier than I expected.

Linguine, black garlic, burnt chilli ($14.00)

Who says that you can't have eggs for dinner? I know I do (heh). And you can't go wrong with ACME'S signature macaroni with pig's head and egg yolk. Not only do you get the creamy egg yolk porn at its finest, you can also taste the al dente pasta as well as the crisp and succulent pig's head meat in this incredible dish. A must eat if you are dining at ACME!

Macaroni's pigs head, egg yolk ($20.00)

With its casual dining atmosphere, minimalist and spacious decor and friendly service, it was no surprise that ACME has made it to one of my favourite restaurants that I've been to. While the prices are on the more expensive side and the servings are smaller than you would like given the price, the distinct flavours and ingredients delivered a tantalising experience that has made me certain on returning again later on. Definitely one to try if you are ever in Sydney and want to try a modern approach to Italian cuisine with a bit of funk.

ACME
56 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
(02) 8068 0932
http://weareacme.com.au/
 

Porch and Parlour, North Bondi

After that epic bacon feast in the last post, it's time to slow down and get back to loving healthy food again. Bondi Beach has plenty of healthy cafes in the vicinity but the one that has caught our attention was the renowned Porch and Parlour. It is located in North Bondi but still a reasonable walk back to Bondi Beach. While there is a couple of naughty options like the Devil's Breakfast, the majority of the menu consisted of salads, greens and superfood focused dishes like quinoa so you feel slightly less guilty on eating out here especially so close to the scenic beaches.

While coffee is available, you can also choose one of the freshly pressed juices for a healthier alternative. I still to my coffee afterwards because of the cool weather but the pressed juices were naturally refreshing. Some were a bit heavier in the content but we could taste the fruitiness in each of these drinks.

Porch BLT ($14.00)

Despite all that talk about healthy food, we still got a couple of some not so healthy dishes such as the Porch BLT with aioli. But damn gotta love the look of that crisp bacon. I didn't get to try this but DG said that it was satisfying and filling.

The Devil's Breakfast ($22.00)

Sighs, I wanted to get something lighter but I cannot keep my eyes off the Devil's Breakfast especially with all that firm and juicy chorizo. This also came with paprika, chilli coated eggs, beans, fried potato, rocket and avocado on toast. So bad but so delicious. Slightly spicy but manageable if chilli isn't your thing. With that price, the dish was a generous serving especially with the avo on toast on the side. It's a hearty dish that would be perfect for the colder weather that we've been getting lately.

Green Breaky Bowl ($17.00)

We all shared one of the Porch and Parlour's healthiest dishes which was the Green Breaky Bowl. This contains kale, quinoa, spinach, coriander, mint, parsley, boiled eggs and avocado. Considering all the meat I've ate with The Devils Breakfast (along with the added guilt), I was in serious need for some veggies. While there was the usual superfood like quinoa, avocado, and kale that will probably make you groan at the thought, it actually worked well together as a tasty dish that will make your stomach feel full but not bloated. Be wary of the greens sticking to your teeth though. Very keen to order this for myself next time. 

Raw Cosmic Salad ($18.00)

CC decided to stick with the healthy vibe and got herself the raw cosmic salad with salmon on the side. This salad consists of mixed herbs, lettuce, apple, fennel, beetroot, quinoa, guacamole, "raw sisterhood sauerkraut" and "cosmic crackers". I tried a bit of this dish and found it to be refreshing with lots of different textures and flavours from the soft and zesty guac to the crunchy apple, lettuce and fennel. The salmon was also well-seared to CC's liking.

Considering there's 3 of us with 4 dishes and lots of drinks, it was a surprise that we managed to clean up almost every single plate on this very small table. The staff were quite attentive even though it was a busy Sunday lunch. While they do all day breakfast, they also have a dinner menu from Wednesday to Sunday. We are all very keen to go back to try the other dishes that this cafe offers, especially on a warmer day whenever it's here.

Porch and Parlour
17/110 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi NSW 2026
http://www.porchandparlour.com/
Mon-Tue: 6:30am - 4:00pm
Wed-Sun: 6:30am - 10:00pm

Hong Ha, Mascot

A famous pork roll joint in Mascot. Who would have thought? I didn't even know it existed until 2011 when my date at the time mentioned that this joint was much better than all the pork roll shops in Cabramatta. Say it isn't so! Not long after, I found a few articles about the same pork roll shop in various food and lifestyle mags, websites and food blog reviews. Since then, it has been on my wishlist for a freaking long time. There has to be something special about those pork rolls that gets every pork roll lover lining up even before opening time at 6am! (Many thanks to my colleague for sharing that story btw :)).

After countless times getting asked to check Hong Ha from V, I finally found the time to visit this part of Sydney after getting the massive cravings. Not surprisingly there was that inevitable queue when I arrived in front of this tiny but incredibly busy shop. If you are impatient like myself, never fear! The queues actually went by pretty fast that I was still somewhat indecisive when it was my turn to order.

While the sign itself has been updated compared to how it appeared in past reviews, the fitout has that old school appeal that was most likely the same when it opened more than 20 years ago. Pretty much your typical pork roll shop with all the condiments laid out at the frot (the cheese was interesting though). While the service can be abrupt and blunt, they were all super quick so you can get your pork roll fast after waiting in that infamous queue. 

Pork Roll ($5.00)

Ordered a pork roll and a chicken roll because I had no idea when I will be there next. The bread roll was crispier and crustier compared to the ones I've had another pork roll joints but it was also quite soft on the inside. This worked out well since it was still not soggy after leaving it for a while when I finished it up later that day. Some of the rolls I've had at Cabra had way too much bread and not enough fillings so it was good to see that Hong Ha ensures that the fillings were balanced out. Along with the thin slices of pork meat and the generous amount of fillings (including pickled carrot, onion, coriander, cucumber and soy sauce), there was a decent serving of mayo an pâté which was definitely the highlight for me. Plus the soy sauce did not overpower the flavour which can be the case for many pork rolls I've tried in the past. I also asked for the optional chilli but it ended up being too spicy for me after multiple bites.

Chicken Roll ($5.00)

Sorry about the photo. Was so hungry when I got my hands on this roll that I forgot to take a proper pic. The chicken roll that I tried later was also good as well especially after hearing the hype from other foodies (apart from V who wasn't a fan). The combined use of shredded boiled and cooked chicken packed into the bread roll stood out from the other chicken rolls that I've tried elsewhere. While I personally prefer the pork roll in terms of taste and flavour, the chicken roll at Hong Ha is certainly a winner so far. 

Is Hong Ha the best Vietnamese pork/chicken roll shop in Sydney? Well it really depends on what you prefer. Personally I think Hong Ha is as good as Marrickville Pork Roll but (gasp) I also found it to be better than most of the ones I've had in Cabramatta - mainly for the generous fillings and that freshly baked and crusty bread (though Vinata and KK Bakery remain as my local faves). On the other hand, it was also slightly pricier than the local Cabra pork roll shop (some of my friends are still reminiscing the days when those rolls only cost $2). If I live closer to Mascot, I can definitely see myself as a regular here whenever I get my pork roll cravings. And Hong Ha sells spring rolls too if they floats your boat.

Hong Ha

1151 Botany Road, Mascot NSW 2020
(02) 9667 2069
Mon-Sun: 6:00am - 4:30pm

Sunday Roast at Simmone Logue Fine Food, Double Bay

Ever stepped into a suburb where you felt like a fish out of water? It's like what you see in the movies like Coming to America or Cool Runnings or about a billion other films around the world. A few weekends ago, me and a couple of friends were invited to try out the Sunday roast, which was part of the Winter menu at Simmone Logue Fine Food (SLFF) at Double Bay. As someone who has resided in South West Sydney for most of my life, I actually felt like a tourist once I was at Double Bay especially after seeing countless boats on the bay, mansion-sized houses on the hill and expensive cars everywhere.

While Simmone Logue Fine Food may be better known as the catering company that looks after private work functions, there is actually a couple of cafes located in Double Bay and Cammeray owned by the same company. We even got to meet Simmone Logue herself who (along with a hilarious waiter) kept us well fed on the day.

The cafe was actually very busy when we were there though there was limited indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you are choosing to eat in or takeaway, there were plenty of choices that will fill you up from the printed menu, the blackboard menu and the counter filled with salads, sandwiches, rolls and baked goodies near the register.

Mocha ($4.95)

Standard coffee costs $4.40 but a mocha was $4.95. Although it was a bit pricier compared to most other places, the cup was actually very tall so it was actually worth it. Personally I thought that the texture was quite smooth with a milkier flavour. Because of the tall glass, it actually took a while for me to finish which surprised CC who was familiar with my super fast drinking habits.

Mixed Berry Smoothie and Mango Smoothie ($8.80)

Both CC and N commented that the smoothies were amazing since it wasn't overly sweet. I did not end up trying it but they seemed really happy about what they ordered. 

Sunday Roast: Roasted fillet of beef with potato gratin, roasted blue pumpkin, green beans and red wine jus ($25.00)

As part of their Winter seasonal special, SLFF has been offering Sunday roast, which changes on a weekly basis. A week before, they were serving roast chook according to my IG feed so I was surprised (and ecstatic) when a plate of slow-cooked scotch beef fillet turned up at our table. Cooked at around medium rare, the beef was very tender and juicy. Although there was quite a few fatty cuts remaining on the meat. According to Logue, the beans were blanched and the blue pumpkin was sourced from QLD. Everything on this dish was so tasty including the potato gratin which did not have a strong creamy taste. It was a total guilty pleasure that would be perfect to indulge on a cold day especially after last weekend's wild windy weather.

Sunday Pudding: Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream ($5.00)

We were getting quite full by this point so it was a bit of a struggle to finish this despite our sweet second stomachs for dessert. Speaking of which, the pudding was nicely crumbled and very sweet though the ice cream helped to balance the overall flavour.

Baked treats

We couldn't help but be very curious when we spotted a customer outside eating a bowl of (what appears to be) pho. After glancing at the menu we found out that SLFF does in fact offer chicken pho on the menu. This has gotten us even more curious to come back just to see how the pho compares to what we get at Cabra, Canley, Bankstown and Marrickville. Logue commented that she got the inspiration to include pho on the menu after trying out the pho at a restaurant in Marrickville near her catering company head office. 

The service was lovely and the prices were closing in on the slightly more pricey end though, given the area, it's probably a bit more reasonable. Although Double Bay is a bit out of the way for us to do regular visits, the homemade and heart-warming meals listed on the menu has gotten us keen to come back again to explore more of what the cafe offers. 

Sunday Roast is currently available every Sunday at Simmone Logue Double Bay until the end of Winter. Bookings are recommended.

Disclaimer: The Random Foodie and guests dined as a guest of Platinum Media and Communications and Simmone Logue. Opinions remain personal.

Simmone Logue Fine Food - Double Bay
2 Cross Street, Double Bay NSW 2028
(02) 9327 5700
http://www.simmonelogue.com/
Mon-Sat: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Sun: 7:30am - 3:00pm