Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ) ! That’s a phrase you’ve probably heard often when eating at a Japanese restaurant, shouted above the sounds of the kitchen and buzz of diners by single or multiple sushi chefs as new patrons enter through the door. It means ‘welcome’, but what you probably didn’t know is that it’s also common for shop…
Author: Maddie Kwong
Welcome to my journal of my eating experiences, cooking adventures and food musings.
The Grounds of Alexandria
Nestled in amongst the outlet and furniture shops in the homemaker/industrial hub of Alexandria sits The Grounds of Alexandria, famous for it’s innovative ‘ground roots’ approach to food. You know you’re near when you begin to hear the hustle and bustle of crowds and begin to find it hard to find parking – on the…
Homemade Apple Pie
In America the homemade pie seems to be the standard dessert staple of every household. Americans love their pie – whether it be blueberry, key lime, chocolate cream, pecan, or even varieties like pumpkin that would seem a little unusual to us Australians. To add to this fascination there are even multiple varieties of pie…
Sokyo at the Star, Pyrmont
When I was little I always looked forward to reaching the age when I’d finally be old enough to go out to a fancy restaurant and order beautiful food and eat with multiple numbers of forks and knives. Sadly, that dream is one yet unfulfilled, but I have come pretty close in the way of…
Delmain Providore, Balmain
You know those kitsch, funky cafes that seen to be popping up everywhere these days? The ones that serve the perfect cup of freshly ground and blended coffee, have a crowd-pleaser all day breakfast menu and a lunch menu with absolutely drool-worthy sandwiches and salads so large in number that you can’t possibly choose what…
Pho Hoang Gia, Flemington
With the close or relocation of one of our favourite Flemington eateries, we were left bewildered one Saturday lunchtime as to where we were to eat lunch. Sure, there are heaps of cheap and fulfilling restaurants in Flemington where one can slurp down steaming bowls of pho or much away on stir fried noodles, but…
Italian Baked Ricotta Cheesecake
Papa’s Pasticceria in Haberfield is famous for its light, fluffy and unique Ricotta Cheesecake, a cake no sweet tooth (or anyone, for that matter) could ever resist. The cheesecake is not heavy or ‘cheesy’, per se, but is wonderfully spongey, creamy and airy. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, Papa’s cheesecakes is encased all around in a layer…
Chat Thai @ Westfield Sydney
Step into the grand, glass-fronted building of Westfield Sydney off Pitt Street Mall and it becomes clear that this shopping centre boasts the allure of retail therapy on a whole new level. From the concierge with its exquisitely marbled counter to the array of plush, lily-pad-shaped couches dotted around the 6 levels of tempting designer…
Ribs & Burgers, Cafe Court at The Star Sydney
Sometimes all you feel like eating is a burger. Or ribs, Dad’s case. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try to stay on your healthy/veggie-based/wholegrain/low-calorie/no-sweets diet, you just have to order the premium wagyu beef, cheese-and-onion ring burger with the lot. Topped with smotherings of BBQ sauce and a side of chunky fried chips….
Homemade Date & Nut Energy Balls!
There comes a time during the day when I get so ravenous that a piece of fruit or handful of nuts won’t satisfy my stomach. The aching feeling of hunger creeps up on me slowly, a hollow chasm that grows larger and larger until I have to eat something. You know that feeling of a…
Maddie Loves Food 