Chik's Crib

27 December 2015

W39 Bistro and Bakery (West Coast)

December 27, 2015 0
W39 Bistro and Bakery (West Coast)
W39 Bistro was something Miss XS mentioned to me a few years ago, but other than one ill-fated attempt to visit at 11pm, was something that slipped from our collective minds. 
I'm not sure what was going through my mind when we set off that night; I had a vague notion that I wanted a slice of cake, and it sounded like the sort of place that'll open till the late hours, so off we went. 

Luckily, a few birthdays later, I became much wiser, and paid them a visit with a couple of friends at a more reasonable time. I've heard some mixed reviews about their handmade Wagyu Burger ($22), but I took a chance on it. It paid off, with crispy fries that all of us just couldn't keep away from, and a succulent juicy patty cooked to medium with melted cheese. The mustard sauce on the burger was a good thought, but it was a little plain and didn't add much to the taste. Maybe try a different brand? I did wish that the fries are a little hotter; they were a little cold, but still crispy though.

While waiting for my burger to arrive, I had the Passionfruit Soda ($5.50). It was raved about online. I love its tiered appearance, and it was cold and intensely refreshing, helped in part by the infusion of mint leaves. It was pleasantly sweet. I was expecting a little more tartness from the passionfruit, which would nicely balance the sweetness. 
One of my lunch companions ordered the Homemade Soup of the day ($6.50), which was pumpkin soup. I took a spoonful, and it was rich and flavourful. I never liked pumpkin soup much, and this was the first that I enjoyed. 
Picture by R
R had the Confit of Duck Leg ($24), which she raved as being very tender and tasty. It was served with homemade mashed potato. 
Pretty decent brunch/lunch location. And has a friendly but elusive cat that allows you to pet it - if you can coax it from under its umbrella. Worth another visit. 

W39 Bistro and Bakery
Address: 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, 128637
Website: W39 Bistro and Bakery

23 December 2015

Baba Sus

December 23, 2015 2
Baba Sus
One recommendation by a trusted friend is worth ten positive reviews online. Sorry, Zomato; you and I go a long way back, and I love you deep deep, but it's true. 

"Baba Sus is my favorite brunch place in Melbourne!" my friend declared exuberantly about this Asian-Brunch fusion restaurant. We have similar taste, but she works with a larger dining budget. (This is the same friend who had sampled some of the best food Shira Nui offers - which comes with a hefty three-digit price tag.) So when she says there's a place she likes, I pay extra attention. 

And boy, I'm glad I did. 

19 December 2015

Cornmeal Cookies (Zaletti)

December 19, 2015 0
Cornmeal Cookies (Zaletti)
A few months ago, I bought a large bag of cornmeal to make a deconstructed mango cheesecake. Afterwards, I promptly lost the bag in the overflowing labyrinths of my cupboard. 

I knew it was somewhere amid my collection of jars and the bits and ends of leftover ingredients from other baking projects, but I couldn't get more specific than that. A few days ago, I was digging through my cupboard looking for a bag of azuki beans when I unearthed my lost bag of cornmeal.  



17 December 2015

Shira Nui

December 17, 2015 0
Shira Nui
Shira Nui is the kind of place that is just a little out of the usual university student's awareness. I hear about ShyunJyu-jyu, and Waya frequently, but no one ever seems to mention Shira Nui. It's a little away from the hotspot in Glen Waverley, and it doesn't have the most appealing appearance from the outside looking in, but when I went with a few friends last year after Miss XS's recommendation, I learnt that you can't judge a restaurant by its cover either. I had the opportunity to go back to Shira Nui a few months ago with several other friends after a series of grueling Wednesday lectures (from 8am till noon), and their standard remains as good as ever. 

13 December 2015

Gaijin

December 13, 2015 0
Gaijin
Okay, so Gaijin isn't the most convenient restaurant to get to from my place. And looking for nearby parking may be a problem. But if you don't mind these slight inconveniences, you'll find yourself at one of the best, and affordable, Japanese restaurants of Melbourne.  


I've been here a couple of years ago for dinner with Miss XS. The dim yellow lighting wasn't conducive for photo-taking, so we kept our camera away and gave the food our undivided attention. It was a really remarkable meal, and I promised myself I would be back. I couldn't shut up about it ever since, but with a name like 'Gaijin' (Japanese for foreigner), it was a little hard to convince my Japanese-saavy friends to come with me. Still, I persevered for the better of the next two years, but it still took a birthday (mine!) to finally convince them to give Gaijin a chance. The food was as good as I remembered. Every dish was perfect, and I would order any of them again in a heartbeat.  

We had a selection of sashimi (8 pcs for $10), which was as fresh as they come. (See above, picture)