I'm sure you're all excited about another short week as I am. Since I've kept myself very busy, it might be a good chance for me to spend some time with my cats as they're getting stressed out with separation anxiety since barely having me sit on the couch to cuddle and play with them. So, before I get into the leisure and pleasure mode I'd like to share my recent experience in the food exploration mission.
Last weekend, I found myself across the bridge on the other side Sydney - an area that I hardly spend time in, Bondi. Just as it has always been, Bondi is still a relax suburb full of tourists in board shorts and singlet - some are half naked even in this chilly weather... When I got there, both myself and my date were up for comfort food. There were a few good choices like a popular pies diner, a middle eastern feast, an Indian restaurant, and many other cafes, restaurants, and diners to fulfil any cravings.
Since my date is a local in the area and knowing a little bit of his taste, I trusted him to pick a place that fits the description of 'comforting and satisfying hot food' that I gave him. He hit the nail on the head. We decided to go for some Thai at Bangkok Bites. The restaurant reflects the "Street" feeling that they promote on their website. The spacious restaurant is filled inside and out. Lucky they still had a table for two. Considering how busy they were, the service was reasonably quick and friendly.
As we were sitting down going through the extensive menu that they have, I noticed how massive the portions are at Bangkok Bites. Surprisingly as well, they are not licensed and therefore, serve no alcohol at the restaurant. We ended up picking up a bottle of wine to accompany our meals. Adding to my surprise is the fact that such a big restaurant full of tourists and locals accepts only cash payments. I'm not sure if my date got the joke when I teased him if he had enough cash for our dinner..!
Considering the mains look more appealing to us and the massive serving at this restaurant, we decided to go straight to mains. We ordered Massaman Lamb Shanks and Bangkok Dangerous (Seafood). It was a short wait of about 10 minutes before we got our meals. With the open kitchen, the view of a group of chefs and cooks using their hands so well to create good food will keep you excited about what's coming.
The Massaman Lamb Shanks is served in a massive plate filled all the way to the edge with two sizable lamb shanks, potatoes, and generous amount of massaman curry sauce. The lamb was so tender it was falling off the bones. The potatoes were creamy yet still hold its texture even though it was flooded by the curry sauce. The sweetness of the coconut cream mix with massaman curry spices creates a smooth, creamy, mild, yet flavoursome dish. It may not be the best looking dish, but it surely is one of the most comforting...
As for me, I'm always intrigued by dishes that dare your taste bud. The Bangkok Dangerous is classified as 'Exotic Bites' at the restaurant. It is supposed to be a very hot and spicy seafood dish. Although I am a heavy chili eater, I don't believe this dish is that hot since I couldn't taste any chili hotness in it. Normally that means other people might taste medium hotness. Regardless of the hotness, it is an exciting dish. Fresh vegetables and plum seafood stir fried in a mix of galangal, kaffir limes leaves, lemon grass, chili and green peppercorn. It was a dance of flavour hits in your mouth, all clearly defined and perfectly balanced.
The dishes hit the mark with my request of comforting and satisfying meal. With the bar set high in regards to the food scene in the east side of Sydney it will be my turn to show case the quality of the food scene on my side of the harbour bridge. As to my date... an easy going guy with a sweet vibe and a good conversation complement the wonderful food. Tho... As much as I love a guy who loves his food, I was impressed by the fact that someone who's such a big eater can manage to maintain a killer abs - leaner than those of Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth in Thor. I may not have to give up a sexy set of abs on a man for the love of food after all...
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