Black Penny, Surry Hills

My friend had her birthday drinks here.  Everyone was dressed up and over a few drinks; I had a nibble on a few things.  The prawn dish was very spicy but was delicious.  The second dish below was a bunch of chorizo, haloumi and olives drenched in oil.

A good spot for a drink and a snack

Price: about 10-15 per dish

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Pho Express, North Sydney

A hearty, filling, soothing, express lunch in North Sydney.  I tried the pho in Berry Square and the broth was horrible in comparison to Pho Express. I know you can't expect too much from food court Vietnamese but I would walk the extra 50 metres and come to North Point for Pho Express Pho.

I also order the spring roll, vermicelli noodle salad sometimes :) I like that crunchy dish. I love those spring rolls.

Top up with thai basil, lemon and chilli and you've got a great lunch.

Price: 10 per person

 

Fika, Manly, Sydney

A casual cafe in Manly for a quick bite to eat after a day at the beach.  As expected; a little pricey due to the location but it's something a bit different. It was quite hot in there actually so maybe some air con would have made the meal :) But what about the food you ask?

The food was nice but definitely falls in the casual eat zone for lunch.  It has a swedish flavour so you will have the choice of a few dishes that are out of the ordinary for a cafe.  

Price : about 20-25 per person

Goats cheese curd, pear, walnuts & figs

Cured salmon with mashed egg, mayo & dill

Meat Balls w Beetroot relish & orange

Hicksons, Walsh Bay, NSW

What a great view at Walsh Bay!  My friend and I were starving so we ordered a bunch of dishes.  The dishes were reasonably priced but relative small portions. I think the intention is that you order several dishes to share. All the dishes below were shared between two people.

The fish was nice, a little more sauce would have been good. The figs were the highlight for me.  The beetroot was nice and the mulloway was well cooked. I'd definitely come back and live it up.

The property around Walsh Bay is pretty swissh and I made the comment to a work colleague that people who own property in this area would probably be older and earning more money.  I would love to own some property in that area! He mentioned that he did indeed live in that area and appeared somewhat offended by implying he was over the hill.  

Time it so that you miss the theatre rush!

Prices ~ 50 per person

Bridge st Garage, CBD Sydney

Bridge St Garage is all about burgers in a garage-type feel place.  There seemed to be a crowd of people drinking there as it's located in the middle of the CBD. But how was the food you ask?

I thought the burger was nice.  Chips were solid. Chicken Caesar salad was good enough. My friend didn't think there was enough dressing.  Cocktails were good but not the best.

Overall verdict?  Definitely worth a try but I'm not sure I'd become a regular here. It's a nice joint. A lot of buzz so it may be a good spot to stop by after a few drinks or before a few drinks.

Price ~ 20-30 per person

Don Don, The Cross

I was looking for a quick and cheap eat on oxford st.  This is a good, cheap, steady eddy sort of place to eat.  I ordered the udon chicken salad. A surprisingly good mix which is not your typically on a Japanese menu.  My friend was happy with her chicken noodle dish as well.

Prices ~ $10

Waitan Restaurant, China Town, Sydney

This is a new restaurant so you don't really know if it will good. Time generally determines whether one will make it or not. Having read a few reviews about the lavish opening and how much coin was spent on this place; I didn't know what to expect.

Apparently the highlight dish to try was the duck. My munchkin friend ordered the duck even though it was for two people and she is tiny.  Her verdict was good but expected more for a signature dish

My fish was really nice and well cooked in a thai red curry broth. It probably needed a little more moisture to be perfect. The dessert was nice but I couldn't taste the miso.  Maybe give it a miss and get dessert elsewhere.

A nice place for a posh dinner

Price = ~ 40-50 per person

Barramundi

 

Duck bun

Preassembly

Miso Cheesecake