rr2035's Profile
some Hobart reviews
zinfanatic, unfortunately I didn't travel in the wine region or visit any wineries in Tasmania, just sampled the local wines along the way, so I don't have any good tips. I'm sure you could contact the local tourist office (if you haven't already) and they could help if you don't get any other response here.
Need a nice restaurant near Sky city Auckland
how about harbourside, short walk from SkyCity I really enjoyed it there (not cheap though). There are also a lot of choices in the Viaduct area that aren't too far and if it is nice night would make for a pleasant walk. A bit touristy, but locals probably know the better places.
Harbourside Seafood Bar & Grill
1st Floor, The Ferry Building
99 Quay Street
Auckland 1010
Tel: +64 9307 0486
Auckland trip report
Thanks miniggs, it was my first visit and couldn't have been any nicer!
Auckland trip report
Me and friend spent the weekend in Auckland. We were really lucky with the weather (which made just about everything nicer!) and for a really great time. Here are a couple of places we tried.
Harbourside: We started here for lunch on Friday, a work lunch with about 7 of us. It was a beautiful day and we sat on the balcony overlooking the harbour. The food was pretty amazing too. For starters there were oysters,that were quite nice. Others around the table had seard scallops and they looked good. I had Roast King Salmon with a crayfish ravioli and saffron sauce (it comes with pickled zucchini too but I can't eat zucchini), the Salmon was cooked perfectly, the ravioli was tender and the sauce was light, airy and amazing. Other dishes at the table were, fish and chips, king prawns and paella, everyone seemed to enjoy. I didn't have any, but the desserts looked beautifl and were met with happy sounds so probably pretty good.
SPQR: Dinner on Saturday night, there were two of us. We started with the Mini Platter, featuring prosciutto, feta and tomatoes as well as a dish of Steamed Mussels lemongrass, coriander & chunky tomato broth, both were really tasty. The mussels stood out, the broth was nice and the mussels were fresh and big. For a main we shared Scampi Tail Linguini, garlic, chilli, Italian parsley & lime this was outstanding. The pasta itself was really good (not sure if it was homemade but it had a great texture) and the sauce had the right amount of balance of spice and garlic.
We also spent an afternoon at Waiheke island at a few of the wineries including Mudbrick and Te Whau, unfortunately we didn't plan it righ to have lunch at either of these, but wish we did. The atmosphere was just beautiful and the food looked amazing (next time!)
We also spent a fair amount of time by the Viaduct. We had drinks out in the sun one evening and brunch one morning--fantastic views!
Afternoon Tea, Sydney
I've not been myself, but a lot of people have recommended the Victoria Room in Darlinghurst.
http://www.thevictoriaroom.com/?p=6-High-Tea
A Week of Gourmandise in the West
Thanks for this, I am heading to Perth for the first time next month and hope to be able to check some of these out! (will report back)
Quay - [Sydney]
Thanks for this! I have plans to go for the first time in Sept for lunch (as mentioned on the other string) and can't wait! Great tip about the premium wine pairings ( once I am in a splurge situation I figure it is worth it to go for it , probably not the best financial approach!) and the pig jowl sounds great!
Dress Code for Melbourne and Sydney Restaurants; Tipping
BeanTownGolfer you should post a report of your meal at Quay. I am going in Sept for the first time and would love to hear about it.
Restaurant recommendations for a Solo Traveler in Sydney
For breakfast or lunch you can also give Bill's (original is on Liverpool St. near the Cross) or the one on Crown Street in Surry Hills. Some people have mixed feelings but it is pretty well known and I really like the corn fritters.
Also Victoria St. near Kings Cross has a lot of options, some better than others, but lots of easy and not too pricey choices (Pizza, Burgers, Pasta, Sushi, Thai etc) I am living in Sydney now, but from the states and often dine solo. Unlike the States there aren't a lot of 'sit at the bar' options here, but communal tables definitely, and most casual places are fine to eat solo.
some Hobart reviews
Garagistes: I recently read an article about Garagistes in Hobart in the Gourment Traveller Australia magazine (I think ?) --I had a trip planned to Tasmania so was excited to give it a try. Great space, lots of ambiance and way cooler than the CBD area around it. Great local wines, and great concept. I was solo but tried a few dishes (they are meant for sharing so there are smaller plates to larger main size dishes). Started with Bruny Island Oysters that were fresh and had that wonderful taste of the sea, then moved on to salt fish fritters with a lemon aioli-these were quite tasty, very similiar to Portugese salt cod fritters, cooked perfectly. Next up a Kingfish dish (I forget the details of the complements) the fish was thinly sliced, and had some great garnishes of refreshing fruits and veg. it was a good dish overall, felt like it could have used a "kick" of something, but good. The one thing that I didn't really like was the dessert, I tried an apple crumble with goat cheese icecream, the apple crumble part was okay-ish, but the ice cream was a let down, it just didn't taste right-and not like goat cheese at all-. (Had a great dessert wine though!) I would definitely give this place another try if in Hobart again.
Fish Frenzy: This place is very popular, I enjoyed it. Both myself and my dining companion had the 'Fish Frenzy"- fish, chips and other fried seafood-calamari and scallops. The fish and chips were the best part, so I would just stick with that if I went again. The calamari and scallops were okay-just not stand out. We also had a greek salad (a little weird I know, but they looked really good going by.) Just the traditional salad but it was done well. They did cool combos of fried or grilled seafood on top of salads, and this seemed like a very virtuous choice!
Overall, I had really great food and wine throughout my trip to Tasmania, even in some very unexpected little small towns. Local strawberries were in season, and it was fun trying different Pinot Noir's along the way.
New to Sydney
Thanks PhilD that is really helpful, always want to find the good food streets while exploring!!! Thanks for your recos! Still figuring out where I will be staying, right now it is looking like either Potts Point or Darlinghurst.
Birthday Cakes in Watertown
I've had great cakes from both Lily's and Russo's-so completely agree
New to Sydney
I will be moving to Sydney soon, I think when I first arrive I will be staying in the inner eastern suburbs (sorry if I am not saying that right), I haven't confirmed my exact location yet, and am happy to travel a little as I will be up for some exploring. I am pretty sure the first few days will be pretty tough on the jet lag, and am wondering if anyone has suggestions for good, easy to navigate, casual atmosphere or take away places to eat on my first few days. (In terms of preference I like all kinds of different foods, but probably don't want anything too adventurous the first few days) Thanks in advance for your help
Good Places to Eat Alone
I agree Neptune is a good choice -nice bar and lively atmosphere. I don't think you would feel uncomfortable anywhere really, the North end is so busy most times it will be great people watching. I like to sit at the bar (actually when eating alone and with others). Another place I like is Sel de la terre (there is a location on the water near the Aquarium and one in Back Bay on Boylston), both have a nice bar area.
Help! I've moved to metrowest!
Recently tried Chloe Bistro in Hudson and a very good dinner, thought the inside looked way better once the sun went down (a bit kitsch for my taste ;), but enjoyed everything overall! Also, I really like the Texas BBQ in Northboro on Rt 20, addicted to their cole slaw.
El Pelon?
I went to El Pelon (again) last night, I've been working my way through the menu and haven't had anything yet I haven't enjoyed! The plaintains with the chipotle salsa could be easily overlooked in lieu of some other choices, they sooo good and worth a try! I also really love the Carne Asada Torta (sandwich), I can't figure out what makes it so good, but the combo of ingredients is really tasty!
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El Pelon
2197 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton, MA 02135
Newton-area Italian?
paddy o's in West Newton has space I think and while an Irish pub, I think they do a good job with Italian food.
Are Buff's Pub wings really all that ?
Buff's is worth it IMO, in addition to the Buffalo wings I find the honey hots to be mildly addicting.
In need of Back Bay Restaurant Advice
I'd second Sel de la terreas they have a bar menu too, which may be a good option later in the evening. Though sitting upstairs in the dining room offers a neat view of Boylston St.
Local flavor, real deal, one hit wonders, down scale, no reservations, hole-in-the-wall in Boston area…
I would like to second the Santarpio's in East Boston reco. Definite character, and good food.
Any Jewish (not necc. kosher) food institutions left in Paris?
On a recent trip in Sept, I visited a Jewish Deli/butcher type place in the Marais (right across the street from l'as du falafel) I can't remember the name exactly Florence Finkelshtein's (I am sure I am not getting it right) --I was alone so I decided to forego buying a lot of different foods and had a 'pletzl' sandwich -which was pretty yummy!
Turning 21 in Boston
I would give a second to magz suggestion for Boylston st. , In addition to those listed there are other choices along the way (including Vox, and Kings) and plenty of choices for food. If you are looking for a little swank you could also go to the bar at Jury's hotel.
If it won't be on the night of a Sox game Lansdowne st. area is also good for a crawl, as bars as so close you merely need to stumble ;)
Nice sit-down in Brighton?
A few others to think about, Tasca on Washington St. or also, The Fireplace, Publick House, Washington Square Tavern or Golden Temple all in Washington Square. (Brookline but close)
Brunch Near SOWA Market on Sunday
I would also second Gaslight or Union, though no live music. Very lively atmospheres and good food for brunch.
Friday and Saturday lunch suggestions
Here are a bunch of options in Kendall Sq. which is pretty close to where you (I just googled Kendall Square Cambridge Restaurants). You could walk this maybe 15 minutes (though I am guessing as I haven't done it-won't be very scenic though). Also, if you want a short cab ride you could also go somewhere in Central Square in Cambridge (Rendezvous, Green St. Grill, Craigie on Main) or Inman Sqare (Bukowski's Tavern, East Coast Grill). Lots of choices really, depends on what kind of atmosphere you are looking for and price range.
For Italian, you may want to head back to the North End for a wide range of choices there. Nothing is standing out for me in that local area (just might mean I can't remember right now)-I've not eaten there but I think Dante in the hotel is Italian, someone may have other thoughts or first hand experience with the food there.
A. Blue Room - www.theblueroom.net - (617) 494-9034 - 74 reviews
B. Hungry Mother - www.hungrymothercambridge.com - (617) 499-0090 - 60 reviews
C. Emma's Pizza - www.emmaspizza.com - (617) 864-8534 - 63 reviews
D. Cambridge Brewing Co Inc - www.cambrew.com - (617) 494-1994 - 18 reviews
E. Atasca Hampshire - www.atasca.com - (617) 621-6991 - 27 reviews
F. Tommy Doyles Irish Pub-Restaurant - tommydoyles.com - (617) 225-0888 - 6 reviews
G. Beantowne Coffee House - www.beantownecambridge.com - (617) 621-7900 - 3 reviews
H. Kendall Cafe - maps.google.com - (617) 661-0993 - More
I. Atasca Broadway - www.atasca.com - (617) 354-4355 - More
J. Hua Mulan Restaurant Inc - mulan.4t.com - (617) 441-8813 - 7 reviews
Boston, bachelor party, brunch and pre-Sox grub
I would describe Who's on First as giant hole that has been dug out of the ground! It can definitely been fun, but I have only been there post game when my decision making capability is a little more flexible. Not sure if they serve food there, but it can be fun. I would also jump on the Baseball Tavern bandwagon, that is a lot of fun too. Pretty much when is there is a game, esp on a Saturday everything in the area will be crowded, fun and hopping. Have a great trip and let us know how it goes!
Travel friendly Pate and Cheese
Thanks for this, I am going to Paris in Sept and am so excited to find these tasty treats!
