Simon Food Favourites: Brasserie Bread

07 December 2011

Port D'Anvers: Chocolate Café Launch with Miss Universe Australia, Haymarket (6 Dec 2011)

22-25 Dixon Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

http://anvers-chocolate.com.au

Celebrating Aussie sweetness

At first I wasn't quite sure what a Belgian chocolatier, Miss Universe Australia, UGG boots, a Lion Dance and a Souvenir Shop all had in common but finally discovered it was a celebration of all things Australian (except the Lion Dance). Thanks to Igor Van Gerwen for inviting me to the launch of his new chocolate cafe located inside the Harbour City Group two level souvenir shop in the heart of Chinatown. Probably the first launch I've ever been to where no alcohol was served but the abundance of chocolates, Parker's Organic Juices, Brasserie Bread cakes and the easy-on-the-eye Miss Universe models certainly provided enough distraction and sent me into a sugar overload topped up with a hot chocolate to wash it all down. I loved the illustrative menu where it's noted all hot drinks are served with a complimentary chocolate. Now that sounds like a pretty good deal for only $3.80 to come back to. Lyndey Milan did a wonderful job in eventually rounding up the guests and keeping the momentum going for the launch while introducing the official speakers. The chocolates I managed to try were enjoyable and the Green Tea & Ginger one was most memorable. If I'm ever in the market for some Crocodile, Beef, Emu or Kangaroo Jerky I'll certainly know where to visit along with Duck Creek Macadamias I spotted on the shelves. I'm not sure about the bottled Tasmanian Rain Water but apparently the bottle says it's 'captured from the purest skies on Earth' — I'm sure the Swiss might have something to say about that.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: All hot drinks are served with a complimentary chocolate, Quality chocolates, If you're looking for a touristy Aussie gift then you'll probably find it here

CONS: If you're not a fan of UGG boots then beware as you enter

MUST TRY: Revisiting to try the Chococcino Marocchino

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Miss Universe Australia Scherri-lee Biggs and her Miss Universe contestant entourage sporting Shearers UGGs — If my legs looked this good I'd probably get away with wearing them too

Scherri-lee Biggs and me showing the guests how to crack a paparazzi smile

Official speakers and Parker's Organic Juice stand

Cutting the red ribbon to officially open the chocolate café

Lion dance

Speech time

Igor Van Gerwen (left) and Alpha (right) who was responsible for illustrating the menu boards

Cafe service counter

Menu board

Sweet treats

If you hate Sydney rain water then perhaps check out the Tasmanian Rain water

Cakes from Brasserie Bread, Fudge from Anvers and cute chocolate kangaroos and koalas for the kids

Jerky anyone?

Downstairs shopping level

Upstairs shopping level

Australian merchandise

UGGs on display

Official Harbour City Group photographer — I think?

Goodie bag — some Anvers chocolates to enjoy

Flowers for opening launch

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25 October 2011

Jamie's Italian: Pasta made fresh every day, CBD Sydney (24 Oct 2011)

107 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 8240 9000

http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/sydney

Fresh flavours at fair prices

A simple cheese and salad sandwich was on my mind today for lunch after I'd pass by the new Jamie's Italian restaurant expecting to find a full house. To my surprise the restaurant had plenty of seating at 1.30 pm after its apparently initial rush I was told a bit earlier in the day. So I ventured in to check out the decor and decided to try the food thinking it's just going to get more popular and harder to get in later when it's bound to get popular. To start a complimentary Italian bread selection is provided. I think the amount I received was probably enough to feed me for lunch alone. Not sure about the dryish bread stick but all the other breads including the exclusively made Sourdough from Brasserie Bread was good. My only thoughts was I would have preferred the focaccia to maybe be a little more toasty and crusty. I usually try a tomato bruschetta but the Spanner crab with chilli, lemon & zesty mayo ($15) sparked my interest to try something a bit different. It had nice flavours, noticeable crab meat and would have been a good one to share between two or even four if you cut up so you can try more.

The Spaghetti Bolognese ($12.50 entree size) combines beef and pork which apparently has been slow cooked for about 3 hours. It has good depth of flavour and I really enjoy the crunchy herby breadcrumbs on top. The pasta is al dente and thankfully the dish isn't too oily which is a bonus. The entree size is just right for me so I can try a few dishes. For dessert I always have to try the Tiramisu ($9) and this version is worth coming back for. The use of orange zest gives a refreshing note I haven't really come across before. There's a decent alcohol taste and good flavour to be had. The cream was perhaps a bit firmer than I'd prefer making it quite rich so I would have been quite happy sharing with someone else. The Affogato ($6) comes with a single scoop of vanilla ice cream that's silky and creamy. The espresso isn't too bitter and runs like liquid gold. It had good flavour balance and seemed priced to make a $4.35 coffee sound comparatively pricey. Service seemed friendly and eager to please and my waiter who was actually named Jamie was knowledgeable about the dishes being served.

Other visits to Jamie's Italian:

• 24 Oct 2011 - Spanner Crab Bruschetta, Spaghetti Bolognese, Tiramisu, Affogato

• 21 Oct 2011 - Set to officially open Monday 24 Oct

• 9 May 2011 - Opening soon construction site

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Pasta made fresh each day, Nice decor and comfortable atmosphere, Lots of menu choices, Prices seemed reasonable for the quality, Service was friendly and eager to please and seemed knowledgeable, Plenty of seating

CONS: Only take bookings for 6 or more people, No sign of Jamie in the kitchen, No wood-fired pizza, Dined alone so didn't get to try many things and thus can get expensive when not being able to share, 0.8% credit card transaction fee

MUST TRY: Spaghetti Bolognese, Other dishes on the menu at another time

DAMAGE: $42.50 for one

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For lovers of freshly made pasta

Italian bread selection: Homemade rosemary focaccia Artisan sourdough, ciabatta & tortano from our bakery Crispy carta di musica (on the house aka complimentary)