Chik's Crib

26 October 2015

Tuck Shop Takeaway

October 26, 2015 0
Tuck Shop Takeaway

Boy. This burger joint makes going to school worthwhile. Unfortunately - or fortunately for my waist-line? - my campus isn't close enough to hop over every day. Unlike some other lucky souls studying at the hip-and-happening Monash Caulfield campus, my campus is kinda situated in the middle of nowhere. 

Growing up, I was a big fan of the Archie comics. I don't know how many of you would get this reference, but the food on this menu is strongly reminiscence of what Pop's over at the Chok'lit Shoppe might be selling to Archie and gang in USA in the 1950s.

23 October 2015

Fish Tank

October 23, 2015 0
Fish Tank
The wintry season has finally ended, and so what better time is there to put my life on hold for half a day, slap on some sun-block, and head on down to the beach? 
Just next door to Cafe Florentine, and a hop, skip and jump from Brighton Beach, is Fish Tank. I had been hankering to try this ever since I chanced upon it a year back, and finally made plans to do so. Look at that display of fresh seafood. It'll take a joyless person to walk past this store without gawking like I did. 

We took full advantage of the balmy weather and found an unoccupied table in the shade out on the sidewalks. 

20 October 2015

Diamond Kitchen @ Science Park Drive

October 20, 2015 0
Diamond Kitchen @ Science Park Drive
Words by Miss XS

I’m on the lookout of good restaurants in the west and I was elated to chance upon this restaurant which is highly raved by many food bloggers. This place was really secluded and it’s not easily accessible without driving. We were there on a Sunday night and I was surprised that the restaurant was packed despite its ulu- location.

The Sweet Potato Leaves with Salted Fish came in a claypot, which was too salty. (2.5/5)

We also ordered Salted Egg Squid. Each piece was well coated with salted egg and was not greasy at all. I wish the salted egg taste was more distinct though (3.5)

Another dish we tried that night was Bee Hoon with Clams. The broth which was cooked with clams was sweet and light and went really well with bee hoon. This was one of the better dish we had that night  but it still lacked the ‘wow’ factor and crustacean unami I was looking for(3.5/5)

18 October 2015

Chocolate Pots de Crème Recipe

October 18, 2015 0
Chocolate Pots de Crème Recipe
I had the chance to revisit this recipe recently when I looked at my burgeoning chocolate collection, and decided it was time to cull some. Besides, J loaned me her lovely ceramic pot collection, and I've been looking forward to bake with them. I used up one bar for a chocolate fondue a week before, but the chocolate itch hadn't quite gone away yet. 

I first made this recipe some years ago, when I was still trying to find my footing in baking. I wasn't nearly half as confident about baking then as I am now: everything I had tried before was unsatisfactory, and they languished away in the fridge for weeks before being invariably thrown away. This was the first recipe that I made which impressed my siblings - and they're notoriously hard to please. Even to this day, it occupies a special place in my heart as a landmark for me on how far I've come. 

14 October 2015

Joyden Seafood @ West Coast Recreation

October 14, 2015 0
Joyden Seafood @ West Coast Recreation
Words by Miss XS

The food at Joyden Seafood is so good, I'm surprised how it's not more popular. Well, sorta. The restaurant is at West Coast Recreation, and the main entrance is cheekily located in the basement carpark. The first time I went, we wandered around the carpark for a bit looking a way in. Formerly known as The West Coast Seafood, it has since then revamped its menu and restaurant and is now one of the best-kept secrets in my 'hood.

We ordered the Cream Crab (1kg for $60+) that was highly recommended by the waitress. The sauce is a combination of milk and pumpkin puree, and earned nods of approval around the table. Dipping deep fried Mantou into the creamy sauce was pure heaven. The crab meat  was also firm and succulent retained its sweetness with a tinge of pumpkin. One of the best crabs I had! (4.5/5).