Fat Buddha, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney

What is going on Fat Buddha?  You have a beautiful space in QVB.  You've got a long line of customers eagerly awaiting.  There seemed to only be one trolley at the time when I was here and several tables trying to get the attention of your staff.  The dumplings were average but come with a premium price.With China town not far; you need to pick up your game.

I am highly biased and love asian food.  But I am very disappointed in you. I feel like I am a old woman lecturing a young child. Seriously! What is going on Fat Buddha!

$35 for three dishes and tea. How very expensive!!  Sorry Fat Buddha. I'm not even sure I would come back.  I'd like to give you another chance but you've already hurt me severely. My food feelings are hurt.

Cheeky Chocolate, North Strathfield

I was really looking forward to a sweet dessert hit. I think cheeky chocolate has a lot of potential but on this busy Saturday night - it was busy and the customer service was appalling.  I ended up asking for a refund for my hot chocolate after a considerable amount of waiting. The caramel hazelnut dome was delivered and demolished very quickly.

I've somewhat suppressed this memory though.  Bad customer service turns me off.  The attendant refunded my money and didn't apologise so I was turned off and that was the lasting impression rather than the dessert. The caramel hazelnut dome was rich with a few different textures.  Worth a try - maybe avoid your Friday and Saturday nights so you don't have the same experience as myself.

Caramel Hazelnut Dome $12 from memory which has been suppressed...

Zenobia, North Strathfield

Some restaurants are worth the travel. The chicken shop in Belmore, certain kebab shops in Auburn, famous places in Granville... so does Zenobia deserve to be on this list for beautiful middle eastern food?

When you enter the restaurant, you have the option of sitting down on a normal table or you can sit down in a cushion lower seat (don't worry, you won't be on the floor).  Overall I found the food largely underwhelming.

The haloumi was crumbed in a thick dough. It took away the natural saltiness of the haloumi.  So over priced at $18 and lacking in taste.  The chicken was slightly dry. It was mostly cooked well but just lacked in any real flavour. The rice was perfectly cooked but I just wasn't a fan of any fruit in the rice.

I don't think I'd come back.

Panfried Haloumi Cheese $18

Riz A-La Dijaj - Flat baby chicken with basmati rice, sultana, apricot and yoghurt $31.5

Max Brenner, Westfield Pitt St Mall

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. If you dare to encounter the world of richness and want to ignore the political undertones of Max Brenner.  There have been claims that Max Brenner has links to other groups that support the Israeli army who are in conflict with the Palestinians. I believe it has been unsubstantiated but there seems to be lots of controversy surrounding Max Brenner.

For this reason, I don't know if Max Brenner would be my first choice because I generally want to faint after so much chocolate but also it's a bit pricey for what it is.  Secondly, I'm undecided about whether I believe there are direct links.  You'll end up paying about $25 for a shared dessert with two drinks.

TheWestfield Max Brenner is in a good location. It's sort of the back up dessert places some times.

The chocolate souffle has oozing liquid chocolate bliss coming out. Yum. But only in moderation.  It's too much with the chocolate drink.  I do like the chocolate waffle drink.. sometimes you need a bit of chocolate fainting.

Chocolate Souffle with chocolate ice cream

 Hot chocolate with waffle balls 

Bailey's Cafe, North Sydney

So I have been blogging for about a year now and I've been to Bailey's Cafe a million times for a morning chai latte and on occasion an Egg wrap.  I just haven't been able to blog it because it wasn't on urbanspoon but i've added it to share with the world. It's so consistently tasty. The egg wrap is perfectly cooked with eggs, feta and spring onions on a perfectly toasted wrap.

But they are famous for their egg wraps.

They also do a good lunch which is always full of fresh ingredients in wraps. sandwiches and then you have your meals of fish and chips, nachos and other tasty treats.  Expect to spend about $10 for lunch and a bit more with a drink which is your typical North Sydney prices.

Egg Wrap with my classic Chai

Jamie's Italian, Sydney

I have a crush on Jamie Oliver. There is always a massive queue outside Jamie's. I got there at about 5pm and managed to only wait 15 minutes but my friends tell me that you should expect to wait an average of an hour.

To be honest, I thought the place was a bit hyped up for what it was. The food was still good.  I'm just not sure it would be worth the wait.  The pork belly was nice but not amazing.  The pasta was different. I found it slightly oily and the scallops were ok. The polenta chips were crispy little cubes. I'll have to come back to try the different food if I have the patience to wait.

My waiter Daniel introduced himself to myself and a friend so I felt the need to tell him my name in return.  I politely asked him to swap my dirty fork with a new one.  The customer service was good ultimately. I asked him how the tip system worked wondering if Daniel would directly benefit. He said he did with a small cut for the chef/front of house staff which I thought was fair.

How have you found your experience?

Price: About 25-30 per main

Alcoholic Grown up Ice tea $16 per drink

 Ice tea for grown ups to start off a good catch up with an old friend. It didn't really taste alcoholic but maybe I am just an advanced drinker.

Signature Porchetta - Pork Belly $27

Polenta Chips - $8.5

Black Angel Spaghetti: Squid ink pasta, scallops, garlic, chilli, anchovies, wine and capers. Small size $15.50

Fix St James, Sydney

Do you like your wine? Compare the booze menu with the food menu at Fix St James and fall into wine heaven.  A fancy establishment for some classy wine and some classy food.  A nice place to have lunch but with the premium price tag. 

Fix St James is a corporate fancy restaurant during the week.  I came here on a day on off with my bestie looking to gossip post-overseas trip with a side of shopping.  

Price: $30 to $35 per main and about $15 plus for a glass of booze

Jaume Rose and the Glover Hill Champagne

Bread

Start off with a few sips of wine, eat some herb infused bread and prepare yourself for a nice lunch.  I ordered the fish of the day which was $35.  My dish was a king fish which was perfectly cooked on a corn based bed of baby corn, creamed corn and prawns. A good dish put well together but I would have wanted more moisture on the creamed bed of corn as everything made your mouth dry. Maybe this is where the massive menu of booze should come into play.  A nice place.

Fish of the Day -  King Fish Fillet, with a side of corn, prawns

 My bestie got the Beef Tartare which was pleasant but you should be a fan. The chips were good. She said "I could probably go without" so I take it that she wasn't a massive fan. I am not a fan of raw meat.  The only exception I would make is raw fish. Sashimi me up baby.

Beef Tartare with a side of chips