One Fine Day in Hunter Valley

Perhaps not a whole day, but a decent half day trip more likely.  We only visited one farm and one restaurant this time in Hunter Valley.  It was one random Saturday and already late morning when we came up with this idea of driving somewhere interstate.  We can dash out for a day trip within a three-hour radius, though things might get a little rushed to make it back before nightfall.

Lemon pepper squid with aioli and lemon $23

That squid was ridiculously tender and the zing from lemon aioli made the whole dish sing.

500g Beef ribeye cutlet $65

When you order main dishes, they come with your choice of two sides and one sauce.  We got creamy mash and smoked corn ribs, firecracker ranch sauce and chimichurri sauce to come with rib eye cutlet.  It was cooked to perfection.  No negative comment on this dish.

300g Chicken schnitzel $28

A huge piece of chicken schnitzel and we ordered mozzarella and gruyere mac and cheese as well sweet potato fries and topped with creamy mushroom sauce.  The portion was enormous, it can feed the whole town.  

Dark grape cider $10

After lunch, we headed to nearby Alpaca farm to spend the rest of our afternoon.  This farm is called Starline Alpaca, full on Alpaca here.  Entry fee is $18 for an adult and $12 for kid, however if you come as a family of 4 which is 2 adults and 2 kids, you can get a family pass for $55 that includes a bag of alpaca food too.  Their alpacas are tame but mind of their spit sometimes.  My kids had the most joyful time here.  They can feed and pat those calm alpacas as much as they wanted with hardly anyone around.  Other farm animals like pig, goat, pony and chicken can be found here too. 

Small playground in Starline alpaca

Blaxland Inn Restaurant - Steakhouse

2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Ph: 02 4998 7550

Open: Lunch 12pm - 3pm, Dinner 5pm - 8:30pm (weekend until 9pm)

 

Starline Alpaca

1100 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Ph: 02 6579 1081

Mango Coco, Haymarket

Why choose between savoury and dessert when you can have it all?  From decadent desserts to mouthwatering meals, they've got it all!!!  At first, we were quite sceptical to try savoury dishes in a dessert shop.  This shop was originally a full-on dessert shop.  But because their menus are too good to be missed.  At the end, we were gobsmacked by how delicious their savoury dishes were.  No dodgy, mass-produced food here.  They're all about quality.  And let me tell you, the food was a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Kor moo yang $19.95 (grilled pork neck)

 

Tom yum mama soup $26.95

This tom yum dish was remarkable, characterised by a thick and pungent broth.  Not so spicy, just a gentle whisper.  The roast pork was crispy goodness, whereas the squid, though tender, exhibited a distinct fishy flavour.  

Pineapple fried rice with prawn $22.95

Pandan creme brulee $21.95

Their pandan brulee was visually stunning and its flavour was incredible.  The creme brulee had a pleasingly creamy and smooth texture.  It went very well with coconut ice cream and fresh berries.

Creamy mango bingsu $23.95

Their bingsu were the perfect balance of sweet and not-so-sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing treat. 

Thai tea bingsu $23.95

Thai tea latte $7.90

Mango Coco

421 Pitt Street, Haymarket, Sydney

Ph: 02 80657034

Taj Indian Sweet and Restaurant, Harris Park

Harris Park is one of the suburbs that has a special place in my heart.  Whenever I crave for Indian food, I will go to this Sydney's Little India.  They have tons of Indian restaurants and shops in this small suburb.  You can expect authenticity, good vibe and affordable food.  This time let me introduce you to an Indian sweet specialist "Taj Indian Sweet and Restaurant".  A wide variety of Indian desserts all in one place.  They serve up some savoury dishes too. 

Gulab jamun and kala jamun

Milk barfi

Garlic cheese naan

Masala tea

We only had a few sweets and garlic cheese naan with masala tea.  Their gulab jamun was amazing as well as their hot naan.  We will definitely come back here again to try other savoury dishes.

Taj Indian Sweet and Restaurant

91 Wigram Street, Harris Park

Ph: 02 9633 2118

Open everyday from 10am - 10pm

Cafe Sydney

There is a place called Cafe Sydney where you can experience panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge while having a fine dining meal.  Of course, it will come with the price though.  When you wanna ball out on the luxury and take in the finest view in town but still be penny pincher, I suggest you skip the main course and treat yourself to their dessert course alone instead.  Some your bucks yet enjoying the same perks.  Don't miss out on their exceptional cocktails and exclusive wine selections.

Salted caramel martini $25

Sherry $11

Lemon meringue cheesecake

Salted caramel hazelnut, dulce de leche slice, churros, and chocolate ice cream $22

Cafe Sydney

5th floor Customs House 

31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay

Ph: 02 9251 8683

Enjoy Mie, Sydney

I did a happy dance when I first found out that my all-time favourite sweet, martabak manis or terang bulan was coming to the city.  It will be easier for me as normally I have to make all the way to Roseberry to get them.  Also, the branch that was coming is a long establishment in Indonesia and famous for their innovativeness and uniqueness that differ them from other martabak shops.  They collaborate with Enjoy Mie restaurant on Sussex Street and opened its door back in December 2023.  So, it is a double jackpot.  Delicious Indonesian food and yum-yum sweets all under one roof.  I have been becoming their regular customer since.

Nasi Padang $18.50

For me, their nasi padang is one of the best in Sydney.  It is a customised dish, where you can choose meat, vegetable and chili to go with a bowl of steamed rice.  Portion wise is so generous.  I opted for beef rendang at that time and they loaded me up with a saucy punch.  Rice got an extra helping of that tasty sauce too - drowning in deliciousness!!

 

Nasi ayam kremes

Nasi ayam bakar

Nasi goreng

Bakmi komplit (with chicken, wonton and beef ball)

Mie babi matah

Sate babi

Martabak telur

Martabak manis or terang bulan with chocolate, peanut, sesame and cheese topping

The classic one is apparently the best one.  This thick fluffy Indonesian pancake filled with some chocolate sprinkles, crushed peanuts, sesame and grate cheddar cheese.  You may need to run a marathon if you finish a whole box of this on your own but the moment this heavenly delight graces your mouth, you will no longer be concerned about the cholesterol levels. 

Don't forget to wash your food down with Indonesian beloved drink - Teh botol/jasmine tea

We thoroughly enjoyed all of their dishes.  The prices are fair and taste is satisfying. 

Enjoy Mie, Sydney

375 Sussex Street, Sydney.

Ph: 02 9261 8441 

Open: Every day from 11am - 9pm (except Friday and Saturday they open until 10pm)