I Ate My Way Through: Blog

Top food experiences

2011-05-08T04:07:06Z

Sometimes it's not enough to simply satisfy one's appetite with tried and tested foods. The following restaurants provide new and exciting experiences for the tastebuds.

L'Art du Fromage
1a Langton Street, London SW10 0JL, UK
44 207 352 2759 www.artdufromage.co.uk

If you're not a cheese lover, don't bother setting foot inside this French restaurant in the heart of Chelsea. If on the other hand you're a fan, this may well be your heaven.

The décor is slightly reminiscent of a cabin in the Alps, perfectly suited to the wintry menu of fondues and cheeses from the mountainous regions of south eastern France. While the menu does have the odd dish without cheese (snails, foie gras, tuna steak with mango carpaccio), it's featured heavily, even in the desserts.

Smoked salmon roulade with goat cheese and tartiflette (a French dish made with potato, Reblochon cheese, lardons and cream) are amongst the whiffy offerings, but many go for the raclette or the fondue. If you're brave, try the goat cheese ice cream which accompanies the poached pear dessert.

GJelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90291, US
1 310 450 1429 www.gjelina.com

On the surface GJelina appears to be a trendy restaurant beloved of health-obsessed Californians and media types, but closer inspection reveals a menu of unexpected twists that work surprisingly well.

Adventurous palates will like the grilled Monterey Bay squid with white beans and sorrel or the pizza with nettles, chilli and ricotta cheese. Experimentation continues with the desserts, olive oil ice cream sounds wrong, but is actually exquisitely creamy.

Even the drinks come with a twist - a Bloody Mary becomes a Bloody Beer where vodka is replaced by the Mexican beer Tecate. Who would have thought that fizzy beer, tomato juice and Tabasco would go down so well?

Grilled Monterey Bay squid with white beans and sorrel at GJelina

Sushinho
312-314 King's Road, London SW3 5UH, UK
44 207 349 7496 www.sushinho.com

Unknown to many, Brazil has the largest expat population of Japanese people outside of Japan. Hence the concept of Sushinho, which is to fuse the two cuisines together.

This high-end restaurant serves a lemony seafood ceviche in a martini glass, red snapper accompanied by gnocchi cooked in squid ink, kingfish carpaccio with a vanilla and pineapple glaze, and chicken marinated in the famous cachaça spirit with coconut cream on a leek and lotus leaf cake.

The cocktail list is similarly adventurous. Try the Muay Thai Ini made with coconut cream, Drambuie whisky, lemongrass, chilli, ginger and lime. Or one of the recently added low calorie cocktails such as the Cherry Tea Martini a blend of cherry vodka, green tea and Campari.

Friends The Restaurant
215, Street 13 Ang Eng, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(between Streets 172 Ly Yoak Lay & 178 Ang Makhak Vann, north of National Museum)
+855 12 802 072 www.friends-international.org/shop/restaurants.asp

Cambodian cuisine may not have the fame of neighbouring Thailand, but it's about time it did. Combining the spices of Southeast Asian cookery with the presentation of the French, being a former French colony, the food of this nation has much to offer the gourmet palate.

Friends is a non-profit organisation that attempts to get children off the streets and into homes and education. All the staff are former street kids receiving training in hospitality thanks to the money earned by the restaurant.

The menu provides a delightful introduction to the national dishes, like amok where fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed in coconut milk, and noodle dishes are favourites. The young staff are wonderfully friendly, and it's a satisfying experience to sample delicious meals while knowing one is doing a good deed.

Tetsuya's
529 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9267 2900 www.tetsuyas.com

Chef owner Tetsuya Wakuda's self-named restaurant is world-renowned and one of Sydney's favourite dining spots for a unique degustation that combines Japanese seasoning and French technique. Our Jacqui tells her Tetsuya's tale - brought to you by the letter " S ".

Sharing is caring: Über-excited from booking four months ahead for Dave's surprise birthday. The secret was going well until one month before dining day, my cousin asked me to book Tetsuya's for his wife's 40th which was close to my booking. So table extended, a forever grateful cousin out of the doghouse and Dave's reaction to the dining-crashers, he replied "of course ok, sharing is caring".

Start the magic: I was enchanted by the secluded restaurant, tranquil surrounds and the view of the gorgeous Japanese garden from the table on an autumn Saturday lunch. The attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff helped us navigate the menu - we added oysters for a total 14-course degustation and opted to share a bottle of wine (instead of the matching wine course) for more stomach room to perform a disappearing act on one vegetable, six seafood, two meats and five desserts.

Sensational: Wow after wow, each dish was immaculately presented and gave my tastebuds a tune-up. Here are my five favourites in dining order:

Course 1: Chilled avocado soup with potato ice cream was smooth and creamy with refined avocado and potato flavours.
Course 2: Glad we ordered the pacific oysters, each perfectly anointed with rice vinegar and ginger dressing, and tasted as though harvested seconds before.
Course 5: Tetsuya's signature dish of confit Petuna ocean trout with konbu, celery and apple (below) is my favourite. The confit cooking method is amazing because the trout was a lovely orange and intact as though freshly-cut and untouched, but the texture was soft and succulent. The crunch of konbu and popping of caviar gave this dish another dimension. Petuna is a seafood company in Tasmania.
Course 6: The white-as-white squid masterfully formed into tagliatelle-like ribbons, a colour contrast with the black ink.
Course 12: I was mesmerised by the light and airy poached meringue floating island on a double anglaise of vanilla bean and praline. Loved the hidden chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis.

Tetsuya's signature dish of confit Petuna ocean trout with konbu, celery and apple, image source www.tetsuyas.com

Surprises: I couldn't believe the meal took five hours and somehow I Ate My Way Through 14 courses without stretching seams - an indication of the waitstaff's watchful eye and well-timing. The best surprise was when the two birthday people received a special dessert of chocolate fondant with hazelnut and praline with a candle, and a happy birthday menu souvenir.

Still talking about it: Everytime I catchup with my cousin and his wife, we reminisce about the signature dish confit Petuna ocean trout. We ponder whether we should attempt to make this succulent dish or buy the prepared packs from David Jones foodhall but always conclude to save up and return because nothing beats Tetsuya's total dining experience.

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Quirkiest places to eat around the world

2011-04-12T07:21:09Z

The experience of eating out is no longer solely about eating. The following venues have placed just as much emphasis on atmosphere, décor, and providing entertainment to customers while they dine.

Hubertus Lounge
Eisenbahnstrasse 6, 10997 Berlin, Germany
+49 30 600 318 65 www.hubertuslounge.de

Hubertus Lounge pays homage to the patron saint of hunting Hubert, as such huge stag heads adorn the walls of this East Berlin café-bar. Mismatched armchairs, sofas and tables are scattered around, menus take the shape of photo albums with handwritten memories in amongst the drinks and food.

Mainstream brands such as Coca-Cola and Becks are avoided in favour of lesser known Fritz-Limo and Almdudler. In a further twist, a non-descript cupboard in one corner of the room is in fact a doorway with steps leading down to a basement bar which hosts music and poetry on selected nights.

Tasca Jesús Pobre
Carrer Bisbe Hervás 4, 03749 Jesús Pobre, Spain
(corner with Carrer Convent)
+34 96 575 6285

This charming restaurant in the tiny town of Jesús Pobre is located in a cavernous building with no paint or décor other than a series of coloured fairy lights that adorn the terrace. Plastic tables and chairs fill the space which is mostly open-air, and when it rains waiters will simply pick up your table (along with its contents) and move to where there's shelter.

The food focuses mainly on tapas from the La Rioja region of northern Spain, seafood and fish dishes (cod, octopus) are heavily featured. The menu changes daily and is written up on a large blackboard, austerity may be the key but the food is of an extremely high standard.

Inamo
134 - 136 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZP, UK
+44 207 851 7051 www.inamo-restaurant.com

Ordering food is a fun game at Inamo, thanks to interactive touch screens on every table. Diners can scroll through each dish on the menu which comes complete with a picture and description, ordering is via a simple tap of the button. Aside from the interactive menu there is a 'chef cam' which allows you to peak into the kitchen, as well as screens allowing you to plan your route home by viewing local buses, tube maps and even ordering a cab.

Inamo's interactive touch screen tabletops, image source www.inamo-restaurant.com

The cuisine is a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Japanese. Desserts are particularly good (such as Thai basil pannacotta served with coconut foam, kiwifruit and pineapple) and there's an impressive array of teas. If that's not enough, the touch screens provide further entertainment in the shape of games such as battleships.

Frankie Tomatto's
7225 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, ON L3R 1A3, Canada
+1 905 940 1900 www.frankietomatoes.foodpages.ca

Frankie Tomatto's (not a typo) just outside Toronto is an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can load your plate with pizzas, pastas, cold meats, antipasto and desserts for as little as $10.99 (Canadian dollars). The quirk? The restaurant comes complete with its very own leaning tower of Pisa. Visitors to the area are known to eat here purely to be able to witness this mock-up of Italy's famous tower.

The inside of the restaurant is a replica of an ancient Roman town, complete with columns, rusty wheels and barrels. The self-service food stations are designed to look like market stalls, and diners weave through the 'town' to fill up their plates.

Tharen's Restaurant & Bar
13-15 Kellet Way, Kings Cross NSW 2011, Australia
+61 2 9326 9510 www.tharens.com.au

You know that you're going to get a unique dining experience when served by Snow White, Alice from Wonderland or Dorothy and diners are encouraged to dress up. Our Jen, Founder of I Ate My Way Through, dons a red cowboy hat for a hens party and discovers Sydney's first fancy dress restaurant in her JENIUS food blog.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Office: Level 1, 566 City Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Tramstop 125: Normanby Road (near Clarendon Street), South Melbourne VIC 3205
+61 3 9696 4000 www.tramrestaurant.com.au

Exploring Melbourne in a historic tram with plush décor conjures up images of a corny tourist attraction but this ride is actually a restaurant with dining booths, air conditioning, heating, and toilet. Hop-on-board and dine on modern Australian cuisine with a 4-course luncheon, 3-course early dinner or 5-course late dinner whilst passing through suburbs (bookings are essential). The waitstaff will top-up your beverages which are unlimited and even belt out classic hits. We have photo evidence of this delightful dining experience on Jen's JENIUS food blog.

Melbourne's unique all-in-one experience (historic tram, dining, sightseeing, and ride), image source www.tramrestaurant.com.au

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Best desserts around the world

2011-03-08T23:00:00Z

For many no meal is complete without a sweet course at the end. Whether it's a good old fashioned cake or something more experimental, these restaurants listed below are some of the most exciting.

GJelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90291, US
+1 310 450 1429 www.gjelina.com

The menu at GJelina matches unlikely ingredients together to create new and exciting taste experiences. This extends to the dessert course, where an olive oil ice cream is surprisingly creamy and delicious, despite causing concern at first.

Their butterscotch pot de crème caramel and crème fraîche has flakes of salt sprinkled over the top. This initially seems like a strange combo but the salt serves to bring out the rich buttery caramel flavour of this naughty pudding which effortlessly melts in the mouth - an utterly extravagant taste.

Butterscotch pot de crème with salted caramel and crème fraîche from GJelina

Espai Sucre
Carrer de la Princesa 53, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
+34 93 268 1630 www.espaisucre.com

Barcelona's Espai Sucre is one of the world's first dessert restaurants. The various set menus combine desserts with one or more wines, tasting menus also have savoury courses such as scallops with algae and duck magret.

Don't expect your average pudding here though. The 'great dessert menu' consists of passionfruit coffee, lemoncress and mint sorbet; extra virgin olive oil cake; coconut tapioca with burnt yolk ice cream; and chocolate with vinegar, strawberry, mint and pepper - all for €40.

The Cheesecake Factory
Various locations, US
www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Evidently, the main draw at this popular chain that offers pizzas, steaks, and fajitas, are their cheesecakes. There are over 30 varieties to choose from, including pumpkin cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake, and Dutch apple caramel streusel cheesecake.

Cheesecake purists will be happy with the simpler vanilla bean cheesecake or the original cheesecake with Graham Cracker crust and sour cream topping. Portions are large enough to share or can be taken home for further indulgence.

Princi
135 Wardour Street, London W1F 0UT, UK
+44 207 478 8888 www.princi.co.uk

This eatery in the heart of London is modelled on an Italian bakery. Counters are filled with freshly baked olive breads, smoked mackerel salads, quiches, and desserts. The colourful little squares arranged behind the glass look so pretty they're irresistible, from the bright orange passionfruit cheesecakes (tangy fruit being a perfect complement to the creamy mousse) to the plump strawberry tarts.

Those who like rich puddings will enjoy the double chocolate and amaretto cake or the chestnut mousse.

Café Marlayne
76 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN, UK
+44 131 226 2230
13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh EH1 3NH, UK
+44 131 558 8244
www.cafemarlayne.com

Two French restaurants - a cosy hideaway on Thistle Street and the new venture on Antigua Street. Each has a different décor and ambience but both serving French bistro flavours using ingredients either locally sourced Scottish produce or shipped from France.

Try the savoury goat cheese pannacotta with basil, walnuts, rocket and beetroot. Or sweets like baked vanilla and honey cheesecake, pear and frangipani tart, and lemon crème brûlée. If you don't have time to dine à la carte or set menu, visit their Antiqua Street branch for a slice (or two) of cake.

Adriano Zumbo
Balmain Pâtisserie - 296 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2040, Australia
Café - 114 Terry Street, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia
Manly Pâtisserie - Shop 1A, 40 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
+61 2 9810 7318 www.adrianozumbo.com

Australia's secret is out after Adriano Zumbo's television appearances on MasterChef where contestants make an innocent looking Zumbo dessert that involves lots of different techniques, attention to detail and flawless presentation. After the episode featuring the Macaron Tower with kalamata olive, beetroot, and raspberry macarons, people queued for almost three hours outside the Balmain branch to buy macarons.

No need to wait until smell-vision or taste-vision is invented as you can visit three Sydney locations and experience as seen on MasterChef moments with macarons (like Bloody Mary sprinkled with celery salt and filled with vodka cream, or Blueberry with a hidden fresh blueberry) and sweet pastries especially the Citron Sugar Lips (sugar coated donuts filled with a lemony custard, other flavours are vanilla or chocolate). The rows of cakes are affordably priced between AU$6-$10 which serves 1-2 people and full-sized cakes between AU$57-$210 depending on complexity. Zumbo will take your sweet tooth to a new level of decadence.

Pineapple Cake - Bite through the oat crumble coat on each choux bun and inside is a cubed pineapple jelly suspended by pineapple custard. Coconut cream is used to glue the marzipan tile, thinly sliced pineapple, and balance the buns on a chewy crunchy oat Anzac biscuit. Garnished with a white chocolate hand-painted pineapple spike.

Zumbo's dessert challenges on MasterChef Australia - Croquembouche Tower, Macaron Tower, the eight layered V8 Vanilla cake, and MasterChef Kids made the Pear Perfection, images source: www.masterchef.com.au

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Best Iranian restaurants in London

2011-02-12T11:48:16Z

London may not have the large Iranian expat population of LA (parts of which are even nicknamed Tehrangeles) or Toronto, but there are dozens of restaurants competing with each other to offer the most authentic Persian cuisine. Here are some of the best.

Hafez
5 Hereford Road, London W2 4AB, UK
+44 207 229 9398

Hafez is ideal for the Iranian food novice. The vast menu has all the classics: bademjan (Iranian version of baba ganoush), a traditional thick barley soup called ash, kidney bean and lamb stew, chicken in walnut and pomegranate sauce, and the perennially popular lamb or chicken kebabs, which are accompanied by mammoth portions of saffron rice.

Staff are attentive and keep replenishing dishes of olives and bread for free. Desserts include saffron ice cream, falloudeh (frozen vermicelli noodles in rose water), and of course baklava. Try the latter with a pot of cinnamon tea. A three course meal including wine comes to around £30 a head.

Sufi
70 Askew Road, London W12 9BJ, UK
+44 208 834 4888 www.sufirestaurant.com

This west London restaurant has an alcove near the entrance containing a huge breadmaker. A member of staff intermittently fetches fresh batches of bread, the enticing smell of which fills the eatery and the nostrils of hungry diners.

Popular dishes are featured, including fried chicken livers with mushrooms, some very garlicky homemade hummus, and a range of stews. Kebabs are a favourite here, particularly the boneless chicken or mixed lamb, which consists of a skewer of minced lamb and another of tender lamb pieces, sprinkled with the powdered lemony herb somagh. Kebabs come with huge portions of rice, and priced at around £10 - £12 they represent good value for money.

Left is Khoresh ghaimeh - split yellow peas, diced lamb and lime cooked in a Special tomato sauce garnished with fried potato. Right is Chello kebab Sufi - skewer chargrilled diced tender baby lamb fillet and chicken fillet served with grilled tomato, grilled peppers and onions, image source: www.sufirestaurant.com

Deeyar
64 Alderman's Hill, London N13 4PP, UK
+44 208 920 9744 www.deeyar.co.uk

Deeyar, meaning 'home' in Farsi, is run by a husband, wife and son team. While the husband works on the restaurant floor, his wife and son take care of the cooking. The food featured here is mostly from the south of Iran.

Try the zereshk polo which is rice with barberries and chicken, barberries being a type of bitter sweet berry that colours the rice red. At £8 for this filling dish you really can't go wrong. Other rice dishes and stews are priced around £6 - £8.

Shiraz
54 Ballards Lane, London N3 2BU, UK
+44 208 346 5592

While its appearance is unprepossessing from the outside, Shiraz in North London has been delivering consistently good food for a number of years. A depiction of the city of Shiraz adorns the ceiling and Iranian music tends to play in the background.

Once again, lamb, chicken and aubergine dishes feature heavily on the menu, as well as salad olivieh, which is traditionally eaten on special occasions. The rose water ice cream is highly recommended, along with the syrupy bamieh - note that the latter treat is definitely for those with a sweet tooth.

Mixed kebab with saffron rice

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Korean barbecues in Seoul and beyond

2011-01-31T13:00:00Z

The Korean barbecue, kalbi or galbi, is an extremely fun way to enjoy an evening. Built-in grills with extractors are fixed on each table, and plates of raw meat are cut up with scissors and cooked by the diners, who sit on cushions on the floor at sunken tables.

Numerous side dishes which can include garlic, bean paste, shrimps, bean sprouts, and of course the ubiquitous kimchi (traditional Korean dish of pickled vegetables, commonly cabbage) are replenished for free as many times as desired. Do as the Koreans do and wrap various ingredients into a lettuce leaf and eat. In most restaurants diners can ask for refills by pressing a bell on the table, however this is less common in eateries outside of South Korea.

Desserts are not usual, however if still hungry it is common to order cold noodle soup as a dessert. Accompany the meal with soju, a national alcoholic drink similar to vodka.

Fresh ingredients cooked in front of your eyes

Travel tip: Korea has a 24 hour travel information line with assistance in English, Chinese and Japanese - in Korea dial 1330 and from abroad +82 2 1330.

Kabo Jung Kalbi
958-1 Ingye-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, South Korea
(corner of national road 1 and a side road with a school nearby)
+81 31 238 3883 www.kabojong.co.kr in Korean

This barbecue restaurant is situated 30 km south of Seoul and is loved by the locals, no doubt attracted by its cheap prices. Suwon is renowned for the Suwon kalbi marinated beef short ribs which are especially good, and set menus make this a very affordable option only a 30 minute train ride from the capital.

Obaltan - Songpa
4-13 Ogeum-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
(subway line 5 to Bangi, go out of exit 1, east of SK gas station)
+81 42 404 0090 www.hiobaltan.com in Korean

Obaltan has branches throughout Seoul and their range of meats is adventurous to say the least. The usual fare of marbled beef and pork is available, but diners can also barbecue ox intestines if they wish. Grilling this organ is not for the faint-hearted as its fatty content means juice pops out whilst being cooked. Less squeamish visitors can try the ox stomach wall cleverly disguised amongst liberal amounts of fried rice.

Seoul Jung
Wilshire Grand Hotel, 930 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017, US
+1 213 688 7880 www.wilshiregrand.com/restaurants&bars/seoul_jung.htm

Seoul Jung offers the possibility of cooking at your table in luxurious surroundings. Owned by Korean Airlines and situated in the plush Wilshire Grand, both the presentation and the delicious flavours are rather special here.

Choose from seafood barbecue options with lobster, scallops and squid, or thinly sliced pork belly and beef tongue for the more adventurous. The dishes are priced between US$25 - $40, but this includes all the side dishes.

Korean Grill House
Various locations in Toronto
www.koreangrillhouse.com

Boasting their own little 'Korea Town' it's no wonder there's no shortage of Korean barbecue restaurants in Toronto. The Korean Grill House is especially popular thanks to its all-you-can- eat menus available at lunchtimes or after 10pm. At only $14 (Canadian dollars) per person for pork, beef, chicken, ribs, ox tongue, ox liver, salmon, squid and fish fillet it's impossible to go wrong.

Ran
58-59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY, UK
+44 207 434 1650

Ran is a little more expensive than some of the other Korean eateries in London, however the varied menu containing bibimbap (bowl of rice topped with vegetables or meats), kimchi pancakes, and bulgogi (marinated meats for barbecuing) more than makes up for it.

Not every table has a built-in grill, so staff will at times use portable barbecues to grill the food. Ran is one of the most popular Korean restaurants in London, therefore booking is advisable, especially at weekends.

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Cheap eats around the world

2011-01-18T11:46:27Z

Looking for a cheap place to eat? Here are some of the most interesting value-for-money eateries.

Yalla Yalla
1 Green's Court, London W1F 0HA, UK
(lane between 18 and 20 Brewer Street)
+44 207 287 7663 www.yalla-yalla.co.uk

This tiny eatery specialises in street food from Beirut. Since opening Yalla Yalla has garnered rave reviews from Time Out and the Financial Times, reviews which are proudly displayed on the restaurant's windows.

The menu features a variety of mezze-sized dishes designed for sharing as well as larger main courses. Low prices make it a popular choice, meaning it is often necessary to wait a while for a table. The soujouc homemade spicy sausages, delicious herby lamb tartare, and pasties filled with spinach and pine nuts make it worth the wait. A meal for two with wine is around GB£40.

Eat with us or take to the streets, image source www.yalla-yalla.co.uk

Kay 'n Dave's
Various locations in California, US
www.kayndaves.com

Their West LA branch on Pico Boulevard may have recently closed, however Kay 'n Dave's are still offering quality Mexican food at low prices at their Santa Monica (Brentwood), Culver City, and Pacific Palisades locations.

Combination plates start from US$8, and the chicken mole poblano consists of tasty grilled chicken in a clay pot with a large side dish of rice, refried beans and tortillas, all for only US$12.95. Lunch deals with a salad, main course and side start from around US$10.

Kay 'n Dave's veggie combination dish

Hummus Bros
Various locations in London, UK
www.hbros.co.uk

With their "Give Peas a Chance" motto, this charming eatery is taking hummus to a whole new level by making it the sole focus of their menu. Hummus-based dishes topped with beef, chicken, fava beans, or mushrooms are surprisingly filling - a small portion is GB£4.70 while a substantial large serving rises to GB£7.70. A range of sides such as tabouleh and Greek salad are also available, starting from GB£3.20. The desserts (baklava and the milk and date-based malabi), homemade lemonades and aloe vera juices are also highly recommended.

The idea behind Hummus Bros stems from when two college friends fed up with the lack of affordable healthy and tasty food, often having to resort to cheap junk food instead. Thinking particularly of students, the lunch menu is even cheaper than the prices mentioned above. Free Wi-Fi and coffee for GB 50p is also available throughout the day.

A placemat from Hummus Bros identifies 3 species of hummus-sapiens, image source Hummus Bros Facebook

Esra
Oranienburger Straße 87, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Esra's falafels are freshly made and cheaply priced, making this easily one of the best falafel joints in Berlin. Situated near the very trendy Hackescher Market, they do takeaway but there are also a few tables outside. The falafel sandwich and schwarma are particularly good, they also have baklava for those wanting a sweet course.

El Clavo
Calle Almirante Bastarreche 15, 03730 Jávea, Alicante, Spain
+34 96 579 1014

The town of Jávea in the popular tourist region of Alicante has grown from fishermen's village to a sprawling urban centre over the last 20 years. Located in the port, El Clavo's fish and seafood offering is like no other.

The influx of tourists has meant that prices are no longer cheap in the resort, however the tapas at El Clavo still represent excellent value - it's no wonder they've been open for over 30 years. Dishes change daily according to availability but octopus, squid, sardines, and prawns are usually on the menu. Grab a table outside to have the sea as your scenery while you eat.

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Best tapas bars in London

2011-01-12T05:29:34Z

Traditionally, tapas are simple snacks served for free alongside alcoholic beverages to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. These appetisers have become so popular that they're now often the basis of a full meal. Even in Spain, where they originate, you'd be hard pushed to find a bar serving free tapas anymore.

Tapas Brindisa
18-20 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TJ, UK
+44 207 357 8880 www.tapasbrindisa.com

Brindisa now boasts three locations in London. The first, and arguably the best, is Tapas Brindisa next to the famous Borough Market. This gourmet restaurant gets packed most evenings, sadly they don't accept reservations, but the food is well worth the wait.

Air cured tuna steak with pear, tangy Monte Enebro cheese deep fried with orange blossom honey, and a very sweet black pudding with cinnamon and orange are not for the faint-hearted but are a modern take on Spanish classics. Crispy pork belly with quince sauce and the lamb cutlets with allioli (differs from aioli that it doesn't use eggs) are also deliciously moreish.

Pinchito Tapas
11 Bayley Street, London WC1B 3HD, UK
+44 207 637 3977 www.pinchito.co.uk

This modest-looking eatery in town is also highly affordable. It is possible to be stuffed silly after numerous tapas, wine and dessert for around £20 a head. Amongst their best dishes are succulent garlic prawns, perfectly cooked tortilla, and charcuterie platters. Don't miss out on the churros with thick hot chocolate, these doughnut-like strips are a typical snack in Spain.

El Parador
245 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BA, UK
+44 207 387 2789 www.elparadorlondon.com

This discreet tapas restaurant has been operating in Camden for over 20 years. The delectable menu includes scallops with beetroot puree, grilled octopus, chargrilled artichokes in harissa oil, and lightly spiced meatballs. Tarta de Santiago almond tart and orange crème caramel are amongst the tasty desserts.

An affordable restaurant with attentive smiley staff, and the basement floor's discreet atmosphere and deep red walls are ideal for a quiet date.

Meson Los Barriles
8 Lamb Street, London E1 6EA, UK
+44 207 375 3136

Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Spitalfields Market, tapas at Meson Los Barriles are wholesome and inexpensive. The stuffed peppers and bean and chorizo stews are just right for hungry appetites, whilst charcuterie platters with Manchego and quince jelly are perfect accompaniments to one of their robust red wines.

Café Espana
63 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HT, UK
+44 207 494 1271

This cheap and cheerful tapas eatery regularly has queues winding around the pavement outside, no doubt attracted to the popular choices on the menu. Garlic prawns, tortilla, chorizo in red wine, and calamari are the perennial favourites.

The somewhat cramped space may not be glitzy or polished, but in terms of value for money it's one of the best tapas bars in the capital.

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Best sushi outside Japan

2011-01-04T11:44:54Z

Sushi has become a worldwide phenomenon. Foodies and hipsters have adopted this food, making it highly fashionable and leading to the opening of many plush and expensive restaurants in trendy neighbourhoods. The following Japanese restaurants have some of the best sushi and sashimi on offer.

Asakusa
265 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BA, UK
+44 207 388 8399

Booking is essential as Asakusa is full to the brim every evening, despite a low-key appearance and location in a slightly rough around the edges area of Camden. Japanese people highly recommend this eatery as having the most authentic Japanese food in London.

The menu is vast, with pages and pages of nigiri, maki and sashimi amongst other dishes such as breaded oysters in mustard sauce, eel wrapped in egg, and gyoza. The best value is the sushi, however there are dozens of sets to choose from at affordable prices. Have a glass of shochu, the Japanese version of vodka, to wash it down with.

Tokyo Diner
2 Newport Place, London WC2H 7JP, UK
+44 207 287 8777 www.tokyodiner.com

Quite ironically located in the heart of Chinatown, this Japanese eatery has been going strong for many years. Its three floors are always busy, and the simple décor with lanterns and maps of Japan add to the charm.

On the menu, one can order chicken or pork katsu don (with an egg cracked over hot rice and left to cook), bento boxes, spinach goma daré (spinach and sesame sauce), and miso; as well as a wide range of sushi, including the vegetarian futomaki variety. Meals rarely come to over £10 a head, and extra servings of rice and green tea are free.

Ema Tei
30 Saint Patrick Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3A3, Canada
+1 416 340 0472

Japanese visitors to Toronto flock to Ema Tei as it delivers the most authentic food in the city. There are no California rolls on the menu - cuisine is strictly Japanese, with no flourishes or 'fusions'.

Décor is austere and unpretentious because this restaurant does what it says on the tin. Whilst their sushi and sashimi dishes don't break new ground, they're extremely fresh and delicious.

Shibucho
3114 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057-1016, US
+1 213 387 8498

Located on West Beverly Boulevard, this restaurant used to be owned by the same person as the acclaimed Costa Mesa eatery of the same name. Its reputation remains high thanks to very fresh halibut, tuna, sea bream and snapper sashimi.

Due to the owner's predilection for fine wine, Shibucho has an unusually large selection on offer to accompany the food. Try pairing a Rioja or Bordeaux with nigiri sushi for a new taste experience.

Katana
8439 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90069, US
+1 323 650 8585 www.katanarobata.com

Katana's dimly lit sushi restaurant is beloved of LA's hip foodies. Owned by the same company as the trendy Delphine and Station, Katana's robata grill make it stand out from the rest. Aside from that, the sushi menu is so varied it's hard to pick. From spicy tuna with avocado rolls to crab wrapped with freshwater eel, each variety provides a new and exciting flavour. Ideal for people-watching, but don't expect many Japanese diners here.

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Best meals in Cambodia

2010-12-15T23:02:37Z

Cambodian food may not be as well known as the cuisine of neighbouring Asian countries, however food lovers will have plenty to tuck into. Often compared to Thai food, Cambodian cuisine combines the spices and coconut flavours typical of Southeast Asian cookery with the presentation flair of French cuisine (being a former French colony).

Lemongrass, galangal (a type of ginger), kaffir lime leaves, tamarind, and the fermented fish paste prahoc, are some of the most commonly used ingredients. Rice is a staple dish, as are noodles which are often eaten for breakfast. No visit to Cambodia is complete without trying the national dish called amok - monkfish or cod seasoned with turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chilli, wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed in coconut milk.

Amok, traditionally with fish, is Cambodia's national dish. Image source: Amok Restaurant Amok Restaurant Facebook

While many restaurants cater to tourists by offering Western menus, there are plenty of delightful Khmer restaurants to choose from.

Dararasmey Restaurant
292, Street 214 Samdac Pan (west of Joseph Broz Tito Yougoslavie), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(near Street 63 Trasak Paem)
+855 12 882 679

Situated off the busy Monivong Boulevard, eating here is a lively experience thanks to barbecues over which diners can cook their own prawns, beef, etc. It's very popular with locals too, which is always a good sign. Dishes are mostly US$2 - $3.

Sugar Palm
19, Street 240 Oknha Chhun, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(between Streets 41 Norodom and 19 Ang Yukanthor)
+855 23 220 956

Diners can eat alfresco on the large balcony at this restaurant in the Cambodian capital. The menu is typical Khmer cuisine - noodles, curries, and fish - with plenty of ginger and coconut flavours. Try the steamed fish with vegetables, or the prawns in soy sauce. Most dishes are US$5.

Food here may not be authentic Khmer cuisine but this is a refreshingly upbeat restaurant where all the staff, formerly homeless youngsters, are now receiving hospitality training thanks to the work of the Friends International charity.

Western food and Asian options appear on the affordable menu, as well as cocktails and Angkor beer. Curiously, a trip to the toilets reveals large bowls overflowing with condoms, as Friends attempt to do their bit to stem the AIDS epidemic.

Amok Restaurant
north end of Pub Street Alley (or The Passage), Siem Reap, Cambodia
(near Street 2 Thanou, Old Market area)
+855 63 965 407 www.restaurant-siemreap.com

Amok Restaurant is named after the famous national dish, and rightly so as different types of amok are on offer - try them all in the degustation. Also featured on the menu is the zesty banana flower salad (though having its origins in Vietnam), lok luk steak, yam soup, and a range of fresh fruit shakes. There are often special deals - a main course and a drink for only US$4.50.

Banana flower salad, image source: Amok Restaurant Facebook

The Blue Pumpkin
Hospital Street (or Street 2 Thanou), Siem Reap, Cambodia
(near the Old Market)
+855 63 963 574 www.tbpumpkin.com

This sleek and modern restaurant wouldn't look out of place in London, New York, or any of the world's capitals. The all white décor and comfy seating attract young students and foreigners who come here to use the free wi-fi.

Cool cocktails and a mixture of Western and Asian foods make up the menu. Prices are reasonable, however admittedly not many Cambodians eat here. Worth a visit if you're after relatively plush surroundings.

Sala Baï
155 Taphul Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
+855 89 590 864 www.salabai.com

Another charity-run training restaurant dedicated to helping disadvantaged youths. Meals are prepared by the students, and as this is pretty much a school, it's only open for breakfast and lunch. The menu varies according to the students' programme, but lunch is only US$6 - $8, and the money goes towards training.

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Best restaurants in Edinburgh

2010-11-29T06:10:20Z

While Scotland may not be renowned for its food, the large concentration of overseas students and tourists in Edinburgh have meant all manner of restaurants have sprung up to cater to their new client base. While there are still plenty of generic chains, here are the best independent gems.

David Bann
56 - 58 St. Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX, UK
+44 131 556 5888 www.davidbann.com

David Bann's vegetarian menu is varied enough to have any meat-eater watering at the mouth. Their brunches are popular amongst Edinburgh's student population, while their main menu contains a selection of veggie food from around the world. Particularly good are the asparagus and pea risotto, and tartlet of blue cheese with slow dried tomato.

A cold Scottish day can be warmed up with a hot port - port with hot water, lemon and cloves. Their desserts are luscious, think dark chocolate soufflé, whisky vanilla pannacotta, and rhubarb ginger tart. Who said vegetarian food was boring?

Tartlet of blue cheese with slow dried tomato and dark chocolate soufflé, image source: www.davidbann.com

Eteaket
41 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EP, UK
+44 131 226 2982 www.eteaket.co.uk

This enchanting tea room offers brunches, light bites and afternoon tea; and the shop sells Rooibos crème caramel, chocolate teas as well as classic lapsang suchong and green teas.

A visit to Eteaket is a decadent treat, whether it's for a full breakfast with toast, jams and tea served in their elegant tea ware or a cake stand filled with scones and double clotted cream. A must-visit.

Amore Dogs
104 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DR, UK
+44 131 220 5155 www.amoredogs.co.uk

This Italian restaurant offers rather a lot more than pizza and pasta. Some of the dishes available are goat cheese risotto with ox kidney, gnocchi with chestnut and squash, and steak with gorgonzola sauce and mash. A good selection of Italian wines complete the menu.

The white walls feature quirky portraits, including a rather strange Renaissance-style mural with a close up of a peering dog. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends.

Inside Amore Dogs, image source: www.amoredogs.co.uk

Urban Angel
121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ, UK
+44 131 225 6215 www.urban-angel.co.uk

This deli-café prides itself on sourcing organic produce. They offer a wide range of brunch items, tapas and vegetarian options; while the deli sells a variety of fresh cakes, sandwiches and salads as well as alcoholic beverages.

Try the extremely rich eggs benedict with smoked haddock or the moreish tapas-sized bites of veggie haggis, smoked salmon and spring onion rolls, and potato terrine. A Bloody Mary or an Irish coffee makes an excellent complement to the tasty menu.

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Ramen Shops in Japan (Kyoto & Tokyo) Worth Visiting

2010-06-25T04:13:15Z

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that originated in China. While it was once considered a simple and cheap staple in many students' diets, it has today grown into an iconic national dish with almost every locality or prefecture in Japan, having its own variation.

There are two main components of ramen - the noodles and the soup.

Most ramen noodles are made from four basic ingredients: wheat flour, salt, water and kansui (a type of alkaline mineral water). They may be fat, thin, ribbon-like, straight or wrinkled.

The ramen soup is generally made from stock based on chicken or pork and combined with a variety of other ingredients. There are basically four categories which the broth can be divided into: shio (salt), tonokotsu (pork bone), shoyu and miso.

Ramen is also widely available beyond Japan... But when you are in Japan, we would assume you wouldn't want anything short of spectacular; so click on the map to check out some ramen shops in Kyoto and Tokyo worth visiting:

View Best Ramen in Japan (Kyoto & Tokyo only) in a larger map

If you have time, also drop by the ramen museum which opened in Yokohama in 1994!

Top London Gastropubs

2010-06-03T08:16:08Z

Gastro-pubs have been on the up in recent years in London. Whilst the standard of food at these pubs is higher than at your run-of-the-mill drinking holes (currently the trend being traditional British food) so are the prices. The menus at the following gastro-pubs have some of the tastiest dishes.

The Hackney Pearl
11 Prince Edward Road, London E9 5LX
+44 208 510 3605 www.thehackneypearl.com

The unlikely neighborhood of Hackney Wick is where this little pub/café is located. Bookshelves line one corner of the room, a blackboard with the day’s menu is on the opposite side. Food is freshly prepared and seasonal, the creamy cauliflower and fennel soup and the slow cooked shoulder of lamb being perfect winter grub.

As well as a good selection of wines which can be taken out there is an impressive array of herbal teas such as sage and jasmine. Cake lovers will be delighted with their upside down pear and ginger cake drizzled in caramel. The Hackney Pearl is a cosy, friendly East End gem.

The Pipeline
94 Middlesex Street, London E1 7DA
+44 207 377 6860 www.thepipelinebar.co.uk

Billed as ‘the happiest place in London’ the meals here certainly do leave one feeling satisfied. While many come here for a post-work drink and a game of pool, The Pipeline is a destination restaurant in its own right.

The Swedish menu has traditional Scandinavian fare such as meatballs, rye bread with dill mayonnaise and caviar, and veal burgers with lingonberry jam. The homemade chocolate and cinnamon truffles are particularly special.

Funky Munky
25 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR
+44 207 277 1806

Camberwell may be another area not usually associated with hip bars or restaurants, but Funky Munky is a cool, unpretentious little pub serving up tasty cheap food. Halloumi, mushroom and pepper tortillas and onion and feta tarts are on the menu, staff are chatty and drinks are well priced. Worth popping in if you’re in the area.

The Bedford and Strand
1 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HG
+44 207 836 3033 www.bedford-strand.com

This gastro-pub opts for a mixture of traditional English grub and French cuisine. Duck terrine and Bayonne ham, potted crab, a zesty salad with scallops, capers and sliced apple, and a selection of hearty pies are some of the menu offerings. The prune d’Armagnac ice cream is by far the most interesting dessert.

Food is wholesome here but not cheap, a meal for two with wine comes to around £70.

The Avalon
16 Balham Hill, London SW12 9EB
+44 208 675 8613 www.theavalonlondon.com

Gastro-pubs are 10 a penny in Clapham, thanks to the affordable house prices attracting young Londoners to the area. The Avalon stands out from the rest with its imposing, elegant dining room complete with modern chandeliers.

Food is of a high standard. The menu offers ambitious courses such as pigeon breast and trout with seaweed tapenade. The chicken cooked in truffle oil, crab and squid ink linguine and the fish pie with succulent prawns and thick chunks of salmon are especially good.

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The best Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore

2009-10-12T06:19:28Z

Chicken rice at Chatterbox, Singapore

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular dish which has been adapted by the Hainan Chinese migrants in the Nanyang area. The Nanyang area literally means "Southern Ocean" and covers Singapore, the Phillippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is pretty much considered the national dish of Singapore and is served in hawker stalls, food courts and franchised outlets all over.

A serving of chicken rice generally consists of an oily but fragrant rice, some beautiful pieces of chicken which has been boiled in a garlic, ginger and pork bone stock, a garnish of fresh slices of cucumber, tomato and lettuce leaves and a bowl of clear chicken broth with a sprinkle of chopped coriander (sometimes also with shallots and fried onion). The secret to this dish is generally the accompanying sauces which are closely guarded recipes.

I love the chilli and pounded ginger vinaigrette, but the there's also the dark soy sauce which is equally as popular with locals. And I of course adore the sweetness and simplicity of the chicken broth which has the flavour of the whole chickens.

If you only have one meal to taste test Singapore's Hainanese Chicken Rice, then I'd suggest going for the very best and slightly pricey... at Chatterbox, at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel on 333 Orchard Road (+65.6831.6291), as pictured above.

On the cheaper end and minus the view, there are also these favourites:

Fook Seng Goldenhill Chicken Rice
Block 37, Jalan Rumah Tinggi #01-429
For more information: http://www.singaporechickenrice.com

The Chicken Rice Shop
VivoCity B2-37
For more information: http://www.thechickenriceshop.com/index.html

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Maxwell Food Centre, 12 Murray Street, #01 - 10, 11am - 8pm (closed Mondays)
How to get there by MRT : Tanjong Pagar (EW15) and Chinatown (NE4)
How to get there by Bus : 2, 12, 61, 80, 143, 145, 166, 197, 608, 851, 961
For more information, check out these food blog reviews: http://lovesingaporefood.blogspot.com/2 ... -rice.html, http://masak-masak.blogspot.com/2007/05 ... -tian.html

Have I missed your favourite Chicken Rice stall in Singapore? Let me know by replying with a comment below :)

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Hawker Centres in Singapore

2009-10-12T05:28:58Z

I wouldn't recommend anyone leaving Singapore without visiting a hawker centre. It is the best way to sample authentic local favourites without forking out too much $$$.

Thanks to Visit Singapore for compiling this very handy hit-list:

Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex
How to Get There
By MRT : Chinatown (NE4) and Outram Park (EW16/NE3)
By Bus : 2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 61, 63, 75, 80, 124, 143, 145, 147, 166, 174, 186, 190, 197, 851, 961, 961C, 970

Glutton’s Bay
#01-15 Esplanade Mall, Open 6pm to 3am daily.
How to Get There
MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Bus: 36, 56, 57, 75, 77, 97, 106, 111, 133, 171, 174E, 195, 700A, 857, 960, 961, NR1, NR2, NR6, NR7, NR8

East Coast Lagoon Food Village
1220 East Coast Parkway
How to Get There
By MRT : Bedok (EW5)
By Bus : 36, 401

Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
How to Get There
By MRT : Lavender (EW11)
By Bus : 2, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 70, 70X, 80, 100, 107, 107X, 133, 145, 196, 197, 961, 961C, 980

Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
18 Raffles Quay
How to Get There
By MRT : Raffles Place (EW14/NS26)
By Bus : 10, 57, 70, 75, 97, 100, 107, 130, 131, 162, 167, 186, 196, 507, 605, 608, 700, 970

Maxwell Food Centre
Along Maxwell Road
How to Get There
By MRT : Tanjong Pagar (EW15) and Chinatown (NE4)
By Bus : 2, 12, 61, 80, 143, 145, 166, 197, 608, 851, 961

Newton Food Centre
Along Clemenceau Ave North
How to Get There
By MRT : Newton (NS21)
By Bus : 54, 66, 67, 124, 143, 162, 162X, 167, 170, 171, 518, 700, 700A, 960

Zion Riverside Food Centre
Zion Road/Zion Close
How to Get There
By MRT : Tiong Bahru (EW17)
By Bus : 14, 16, 32, 51, 54, 64, 65, 75, 123, 139, 186, 195, 970

(Source: Visit Singapore: http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/s ... local.html)

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Travel checklist

2009-10-02T10:04:13Z

Those that know me personally or through my blog will know that i'm uber organised. I compiled this checklist a few months ago and thought I'd share it. Please note that it is female-skewed but feel free to cross out the items which aren't applicable to you. For short trips, you'll probably only need a third of the list.

Hope this helps :)

General
International adapter(s)
Unlock phone and test using a SIM card from a different carrier
Turn on international roaming
Immunisation shots
Register for travel insurance and bring a copy of docs
Passport and insert photocopies to all luggage and leave one at home (maybe even scan one in and email to self)
Itinerary print outs for self and family
Exchange money
Books/Magazines/Music
Notebook, pen, business cards
Register with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Check Smart Traveller for warnings and list of cautions
Soft and hard copy of all contact details (hotels, banks, local embassy...)

Clothing
Underwear
Swimwear
Shorts
Skirts
Dress
Jeans
Long pants
T-shirts
Something formal for fine dining
Singlets
Belts
Cardigan, jumper or jacket
Sleepwear
Socks / stockings / leggings
Shoes: flats, thongs, joggers, heels
Handbag -day and evening
Beach towel and sarong / kaftan
Jewellery and other accessories
Hat and sunglasses

Technology
Back-up mini external hard drive
Card reader
Laptop and charger
Laptop accessories including wireless mouse
Cameras, chargers, speedlites and lenses
Tripod or gorillapod
Mobile and charger
Receipts for GST Tourist Refund Scheme
Keep a soft and hard copy of all serial numbers
Back-up mobile phone contact list and calender, etc
Email yourself and family details such as passport number, lost credit card number, Australian Embassy contact details, etc

Toiletries and health
Make-up and make-up brushes
Toothbrush and paste
Mouth wash and dental floss
Cleanser, toner and moisturiser
Shower gel and loofa / sponge
Shampoo and conditioner
Elastics / hair clips
Tampons, pads and liners
GHD and hair products
Aloe-gel, bug repellent, Vaseline
Emergency kit and bandaids
Medicine: pain killers, anything for a cough, cold, flu through to diarrhea and nausea
Mini-sewing kit
Wax / razor / epilator
Nail polish and remover
Make-up wipes
Small packet of tissues for the handbag