Connoisseur Ice Cream The Empire Collection Pop-Up Gallery at Blank Space Gallery, Surry Hills (20 Sept 2014)

374 Crown St Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010

http://www.blankspace.com.au

https://www.connoisseuricecream.com.au/ranges/empirecollection

We all scream for free ice cream

For those curious to try the new flavours from Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream will be well advised to swing by Blank Space Gallery to check out the free tastings. The pop-up is on from 17-21 September and I managed to visit on Saturday 20 September. Friendly staff are keen to let you try one or all the flavours. My favourite was the King Louis XIV followed closely by the Emperor Nero. 

Opening times:
Wed 17 Sept 12 pm – 8 pm
Thurs 18 Sept 12 pm – 8 pm
Fri 19 Sept 11 am – 9 pm 
Sat 20 Sept 11 am – 9 pm
Sun 21 Sept 12 pm – 8 pm

Flavours to try:
Emperor Nero: Decadent Coffee, Chocolate Coated Hazelnuts & Hazelnut Liqueur
King Cyrus of Persia: Divine Pistachio with Cinnamon, Honey & Date
Emperor Jing Zong: Exotic Red Bean with Coconut
King Louis XIV: Exquisite French Vanilla, Choc Flakes & Armagnac. 

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Free ice cream — enough said, Friendly service

CONS: Limited time only, No seating, Queues during peak times

MUST TRY: King Louis XIV

VERDICT: If you're curious about the new flavours then try them for free during the pop-up along with a bit of art around the room

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Ruby & Rach Classic Deli at David Jones Food Hall, Market St, CBD Sydney (8 Sept 2014)

65-77 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

https://www.facebook.com/RubyandRach

Ruby & Rach at David Jones

For those in need of a good Reuben fix in the CBD you'll be happy to know Ruby & Rach has now opened downstairs in the David Jones Food Hall of the Market Street store. I first discovered this yummy reuben when Chef Tony Gibson took up temporary residence at the Strattons Hotel last year. His reuben won the hearts of many food bloggers in the Sydney Food Bloggers Choice Award which was awarded the Favourite Reuben in 2013. The Reuben ($14) with Wagyu corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on light rye is a well-balanced tasty sensation. It also has slivers of pickle throughout which isn't mentioned on the menu but gives it an enjoyable extra zingy flavour. The wagyu corn beef is flavoursome and moist as hoped. The Swiss cheese is melted and the Russian dressing gives it that tasty edge. There's the right amount of sauerkraut and the light rye bread is toasted which holds together well while eating. Consider this a two handed mission and don't forget to grab a napkin or two. This is the reuben I now compare to all others and rightfully so. Seating is limited around the food hall so there's always Hyde Park across the road as a backup plan on a nice day.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Great tasting Reuben

CONS: Limited seating in the food hall

MUST TRY: The Reuben

VERDICT: I've tried quite a few Reubens around town but this one so far is my favourite to date

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Chef Tony Gibson master of the Reuben

Open kitchen grill so you can see your reuben being made to order

The Reuben is the one you should try first

The Reuben: Wagyu corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on light rye ($14)
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Bagel menu

Dogs, soup and soda menu 

Sandwiches menu 

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Heston for Coles: Chicken, Leek & Mushroom Pie (29 Aug 2014)

http://www.hestonforcoles.com.au

Heston for Home

Lazy dinner of Heston for Coles Chicken, Leek & Mushroom Pie ($13, 2 pieces) is a tasty success combined with some oven baked sweet potato and peas. Cooked in the oven for about 30 minutes was too easy. Pastry was quite nice and the parmesan cheese crusty on top was a winner. I thought I'd need some sauce but the filling was pretty saucy more than meaty. I enjoyed the flavours and would happily have again. Makes me want to try more of the range now.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Tasty, Easy to cook, RSPCA Approved Chicken Meat, Seems fairly low in sugar, No artificial colours and flavours

CONS: Daily intake of saturated fat is 104% per serving which sounds like it might be high?

MUST TRY: Other products in the Heston for Coles range

VERDICT: Easy to cook and quite yummy makes for a simple and tasty meal

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Heston for Coles, Chicken, Leek & Mushroom Pie ($13, 2 pieces)