Yummy Fish Cakes, Pork Larb Salad and Sticky Rice at Thai Wi-Rat

On my many visits to Fortitude Valley, I had noticed the Thai Wi-Rat restaurant a couple of times. The name stuck in my head as I wondered if it was a good idea to have the word "Rat" in the name of a restaurant. A quick browse on the internet showed up good reviews so eventually, I got around to trying it to satisfy my curiousity.

The dark interiors were uninviting to sit in but housed happy Asian families and friends enjoying the many dishes they had ordered. This was a great sign so I chose to sit outside in the sun to enjoy the breezes whilst I tasted my fish cakes, and Pork Larb salad with sticky rice. The prices were on the expensive side so I questioned the authenticity of their food. However, when I actually got to taste it, I was very happy with the quality. The fish cakes were spicy but there was enough for me to try two and wait for the rice to come so I could have the other two with the meal. The salad was delicious and the sticky rice was presented in a cute little woven container.

Satisfied, I walked away hoping to find more restaurants of this quality within easy access. I miss the fantastic food Sydney has and the generous proportions at cheap prices.

Read about other Interesting places to try food at:
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane;
Two Up and Sand Crab Fettucine for Anzac Day at the Redlands RSL; and
Licking Our Lips for Fresh Fish at Taste Gallery, Sunnybank.

Diving into Italian Tapas at Popolo Kitchen and Bar, South Bank

Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar
Back in April, my research for interesting restaurants to try for my birthday dinner resulted in a first choice for Beccofino and a second choice for the Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar. It had a unique menu featuring tapas with whitebait, mustard cress, sardines, risotto balls and lilliput capers! Some of the mains included suckling pig, white rabbit ragu and clams! There were simple pizzas on offer with just a few basic ingredients like tomato, basil and mozarella, and a range of simple but good quality sides like cherry tomatoes, baby chat potatoes and beetroot salad. So when a friend suggested we meet at South Bank, I suggested we do so at Popolo!

On arrival, I noticed it had a lively atmosphere and was quite popular. Surprisingly we managed to get a table even though we just booked an hour before. The lights were dim and everyone glowed somewhat in the bright orange neon light that spelt out Popolo.

Excited to try all the different items, my friend and I ordered enough for three! We found the pork and beef meatballs dry and it didn't come with enough sauce to balance it, but I liked the parmesan-crusted, anchovy-stuffed olives. My friend enjoyed the crispy whitebait with artichoke and caper cream but I found it was nothing to write home about. I did like that it wasn't oily though. My favourite would be the Toasted Pane, where you spread on the goats curd, placed field mushrooms on top and drizzled with Olive Oil and sprinkle with the interesting unidentifiable greens! I didn't even think I liked goats curd! This type wasn't bitter like the ones I've tried before. Finally, our white rabbit ragu with egg pasta arrived. The rabbit tasted and smelt like tuna, and was mixed with carrots and peas. The texture was mushy but then the egg pasta was a step away from al dente, and had parts that were almost crunchy...we had a few more goes but having had too much food, we left a lot behind.

I'm glad I finally got around to try Popolo as I've read a lot of mixed reviews and now I know how I feel, after experiencing it first-hand. There are some good dishes and some they could improve. Next time, I would like to taste the mains and perhaps, some desserts. I love the variety of dishes they offer and the simple, yet interesting ingredients.

More Restaurant Reviews can be found at:
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane;
Food and Memories at George's Paragon, Brisbane; and
Licking our lips for Fresh Food at Taste Gallery, Sunnybank.
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On an Oasis at the Stokehouse on South Bank, Brisbane

With one of my besties in town, we decided to try a new restaurant recommended by one of my Chef friends – the Stokehouse on South Bank. A scenic walk along Eagle Street Pier, the City Botanic Gardens, and the Goodwill Bridge led us to our destination. The sight of the wooden planks and interesting angles of the architecture quickened my pace and once inside, I enjoyed the interiors and views as well. Soft bread rolls were brought to our table in little brown paper pouches to be eaten with olive oil. The delicious pistachio-crusted quail was the highlight of my meal, followed with the textured scallop squid-ink linguine. We also tried a tender beef rib on the list of specials but didn't manage to finish it, even with his big appetite! All-in-all, a nice meal. I would give it an 8 out of 10.
 

The mere presence of my best friend offered me enough comfort and perspective than I have had in months - I realise who I am again.
I have to let you go. Goodbye for now...

More Restaurant Reviews can be found at:
Food and Memories at George's Paragon, Brisbane;
Grumbles from Celebrations at Jade Buddha; and
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane.

A Good Night's Rest at the Grand Chancellor, Gold Coast

To attend a two day work conference at the Grand Chancellor, I arrived in the early morning to a surprisingly fresh and modern hotel (worlds apart from the Grand Chancellor I stayed at in Melbourne). I was impressed that my room was available for me to check into and was delighted to see that I had been given a room with a separate study/lounge! Rushing to register for the conference, I waited for what seemed like forever for the lift to arrive...

The day filled my head full of information and by the end, all the attendees (myself included) wanted to do was to return to their rooms for a rest before we met up for dinner. We all waited for the lift again and for what seemed like 10-15 minutes, and on arrival at my door, I discovered that my key didn't work so I had to return to reception after waiting for the lift to arrive again. It turns out that somebody else had been booked into my room so I had been moved to another room. They had called me and left a message but my phone had been on silent from the conference. Feeling a bit uncomfortable at being told that my luggage and items had been moved to the new room, I was presented with a packet of Ferraro Rocher and the promise of a nicer room.

Eventually, when I arrived at my new room, I was greeted with a lovely spa in the bathroom amongst the marble and soft white towelling. My luggage was there, along with my jacket but amusingly, someone had been left with a huge stack of my business cards in front of the tv. When I tried to switch on my own though, it didn't work well, and the buttons of the remote were unreadable so I had to call Reception to have someone come up and sort that out. Luckily, they arrived quickly enough that I still had a bit of time to unwind.

Later that night, when I returned from dinner, drink and a walk (at one of the many nearby restaurants and bars), I made sure to take advantage of the big spa that overlooked the television in the lounge, separated by a pane of glass. I think it's a great idea for people but something needs to be done to get the sound in the bathroom so they can actually watch movies from the comfort of the spa.

The views from the balcony were amazing at night, sunrise and at daylight. I loved the way the room and bathroom had been equipped and furnished, and the large roomy hallway and full-length mirrors away from the bed. I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready for another jam-packed day. Be sure to stay at the Grand Chancellor if you're in town, but remember to bring your own shower cap and practice that patience when waiting for the lift!

Compare it to other Places I've Stayed at?
Setting up base camp at Frisco Serviced Apartments;
Docking at the Ridge on Leichhardt Hotel;
On an Easter Getaway at the Royal Pines Resort.

Birthday Dinner at Beccofino Newstead, Brisbane

Encouraged by my recent exploration of the Newstead area, I hopped on Google search and found Beccofino as a restaurant I’d like to try. With a wide enough range of items and reasonable prices on the menu to suit everyone, I made the final decision based on the tantilising image of what might be handmade pasta from the website. Upon visiting on a Tuesday night (30^th April), it became clear why bookings aren't accepted – it’s very popular and at its current size, reservations would hinder the efficiency and numbers at which customers are served. On the first taste of my Duck and Tomato Ragu with flat ribbons of pasta, I was in heaven! The texture of the pasta and the flavour of the sauce left my mouth wanting more and friends on the table were also impressed. Not normally a fan of desserts (I’m a savoury girl!), I was delighted to discover that the vanilla bean pannacotta wasn’t too sweet for my palate as it was garnished with fresh passionfruit and the lemon shortbread biscuit crumbs was for the contrast to the incredible smoothness of the pannacotta that slid down my throat! This Italian restaurant is a definite win and one I shall be recommending to ...even the Italians!

Have I just been a romantic fool? If so, I shall be one. After all, I'd rather take chances and believe in the miracles and magic of love than be the one who denies it by overthinking or protecting themselves too much. That's how we fell in love at first, remember? We believed.

More Restaurant Reviews can be found at:
Food and Memories at George's Paragon, Brisbane;
Brunching at Lust in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast;
Seafood and Sea Breezes at The Burleigh Heads Surf Club; and
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane.

Relaxing at the Manly Markets and Cafe La Mer

Driving into Manly, I emotionally embraced the cool sea air and picturesque scenery. So many boats lined side by side, water - a fresh blue. We went to look at the Manly Markets, situated along the seaside, mostly of arts and crafts but not as individual as the ones on display at the Twilight Markets. I bought a lovely fun and floaty floral skirt from these older Italian women...there was an air of lively tourist activities. Eventually, we left to have a long walk, a refreshing drink at the Royal Yatch Club and found a restaurant called Cafe La Mer. With tables surrounding a beautiful fig tree, encased in a clean, smooth, sandy-coloured paper bark, we were lucky to find a table that wasn't reserved and I enjoyed the views and my Moroccan Lamb Salad. The flavours of the lamb and yoghurt were very strong, unlike the fresh clean foods I like for brunch, and the subtle flavours in Asian food. 

Want to see more Restaurant Reviews? Go to

Food and Memories at George's Paragon, Brisbane;
Seafood and Sea Breezes at The Burleigh Heads Surf Club; and
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane.

Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing West End, Brisbane

Ever wanted to try a Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake? I think it only entered my mind when I was watching this season's My Kitchen Rules. Hearing spiteful comments about the lack of skill in serving an omelette and much controversy about prawn shells being left on, I wondered what this would taste like. Apparently, this is how they serve it authentically! As it turns out, I found myself in the Sing Sing Restaurant located in West End, and what should be on the Weekend Special? So I had a go! I haven't mastered how to eat this properly and the portions were huge - but great value for those who want to try! It isn't an omelette at all as the outside is made of rice flour and the colour comes from tumeric. The way to eat it is to place the crunchy pancake within the provided lettuce leaves and drizzle the dressing on top. Enjoy! And for those who would like to try and make it at home, I have found the recipe here for you. 

Other places to try in Brisbane are:
Food and Memories at George's Paragon, Brisbane;
Relaxing at Manly Markets and Cafe La Mer; and
Birthday Dinner at Beccofino Newstead, Brisbane.

Grumbles from Celebrations at Jade Buddha

Celebrating my friend's birthday, we dined in at Jade Buddha, along Eagle Street Wharf, near where George's Paragon is. Rave reviews existed online about this place so we tried an entree as well as a main. We had a new member of staff serve us so he wasn't very knowledgeable on the menu items but he was very patient and eager to please. Unfortunately, the food was not to our liking. Our tiny entree of four Peking Duck wraps consisted of skinny finger-length rolls of Duck in Hoisin sauce. The sauce was too sweet and covered any taste of the duck. Half an hour later with some chasing up, my order of a Grilled Fish came out very salty and my other two friends didn't enjoy their lamb curry, which was served in a large bowl with the rice sitting at the bottom of mountains of curry. That's the thing with curries - everyone likes different ratios so it's a big mistake for a restaurant to serve customers like we were at a casual dinner party! A complaint was made and the manager tried to rectify the situation with extra drinks or dessert but my friends were too full and disheartened with their half-eaten curry that we left for a long walk instead.

So surreal - being in your home without you here. The last time I was, you literally rolled me up in your sheets and cuddled me so tight. I wasn't going anywhere - I couldn't move :P ...so I watched you fall asleep stroking my cheek. I wonder if you told brother(2) about us. Is he trying to look after me because you haven't?

Want to know where else you could eat in Brisbane? Try:
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing, West End, Brisbane; 
Manly Markets and Cafe La Mer; and
Birthday Dinner at Beccofino.

On the way up to O'Reilly's in the Gold Coast Hinterland

Early morning, headed for the famous O'Reilly's Tree-Top Walk but first, we stop off at the Canungra Valley Winery after a 40 minute drive. It was a welcome rest break and we wander around the symmetrically-lined vineyard, and absorb the surrounding views. We looked for platypuses in the river and found out that they make hampers for lunch and Devonshire tea in the afternoons. Such a romantic place to be!

After navigating through what seemed like endless stretches of dangerous, windy roads, we reached the Mountview Alpaca Farm. In a comical fashion, a chicken ran across the road as we drove up and I was thoroughly amused at the Alpacas being very aware of the presence of my camera, turning to observe me just as much as I observed them! Tourists share the Alpaca feed they bought, we tried on Akubra hats, and had some photos taken from the balcony of the lush green vistas below.

Another 40 minutes of tree-lined single-lane roads takes us to our final destination - O'Reilly's. We tucked into a simple lunch of burgers and surprisingly, there were no views from our lunch tables but the fresh air and food recharged us. Being Queensland, I need not have worried about my lack of appropriate footwear as there were plenty of others who were kicking around in thongs. Thankfully, speaking from a fear of heights, the actual Tree-Top Walk only lasted 5-10 minutes but there was a queue to climb up into the actual trees, as it is only equipped to handle one person at a time, seeing as they come back down the same path.

The other attraction was Bird feeding time which we really enjoyed. Other generous visitors shared the bird feed they bought and everyone bonded as the Rosellas flew into awaiting palms, and even my head at one stage! I screamed in surprise as I felt the claws dig into my scalp. These were fantastic photo opportunities and definitely something people should experience.

As advised by the lady at the Information booth, there are more bush walks near O'Reilly's but you do need to have proper walking shoes to go on.

More Recreational Activities on the Gold Coast include:
To Fishy Adventures at Sea World!

To Fishy Adventures at SeaWorld!

The last time I visited Sea World was in 2005 so I took the planned outing as a refresher course! Not a lot had changed from what I remember... We fed the stingrays at the touchpool, watched the Dolphin show (and was astounded by how amazingly well-trained and friendly they are), then visited the Aquariums and the Polar Bears before finding some lunch at Dockside Tavern. We watched Fish Detectives for some humour and the jetski stunt show was fun! I don't remember if I'd seen the Penguins in Antartica display before but it was freezing cold in there and I loved the replica background! We finished the day off avoiding the burger patties thrown at us during the Sponge Bob 3D film and having a play-around at the gift store.

I've cottoned on to how Queenslanders usually have a yearly pass to these theme parks but I'm not that big of a fan. I think once every few years is plenty. It's probably just about spending time together and I had a great day, enjoying the company of three others.

Remember when you came down to see me in Sydney and we went to the Aquarium at Darling Harbour? :D You said a few months ago that you remembered it was raining that day :) ...I remember how your brother(3) asked me to go with you on your diving trip up at the Whitsundays and how all your diving buddies teased you for being crazy in love with me when they met me afterwards. We just blushed and laughed Xo.

Another Recreational Activities for Gold Coast would be:
On the way up to O'Reilly's in the Hinterland, Gold Coast

Seafood and Sea Breezes at the Burleigh Heads Surf Club

After the delirium of giggles we drummed up from taking silly photos, our tummies told us it was time for food. The menu at the Burleigh Heads Surf Club was large in range and it meant that we could keep enjoying views of the beach and continue to breathe in that sea air. As we ordered from a short-tempered girl behind the counter, I noticed that the place could do with a bit of a clean - a few sticky tables and cutlery and water stations in need of restocking and polishing. The club saw an increase of visitors as 5pm rolled in, particularly the ones that had reserved the outdoor tables. The food turned out to be of great quality - my Spaghetti Marinara was generous both in proportions and amounts of seafood, and my friend enjoyed a juicy Steak.

Where else could I have eaten up at the Gold Coast?
Lust in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast;
At the many restaurants at the RACV Royal Pines Resort; and
To Fishy Adventures at Sea World.

On an Easter Getaway at the Royal Pines Resort

The Royal Pines Resort is a very impressive place to stay at, set on a world-class golf course. We had an Executive room on level 18, overlooking numerous trees and beautiful lakes set throughout the lush green lawns. Squeals of delight and laughter came from the pool and spas below and we pondered when we should join them. There were those huge air bubbles that people could climb in, and roll across the water but I think I would prefer the delight of warm jets of water in the luxurious large shower in the room later. Perhaps it was because of the Easter holidays, but the stand introducing the restaurants didn’t have the menus on hand so we waited for a long time for the staff to find and print the current menus. With a seafood buffet at Kalinda, Italian food at Trattoria Amici, Japanese at Arakawa, Fine Dining at Videre, and food and drinks at Tee’s Clubhouse and a few other bars, we had more than enough options to explore. The lifts even featured contemporary leather seating, placed at the right height just to lean against, and delicious green apples in a glass bowl can be located near the lift entrances! We only got to try some of the items on the Trattoria menu which we ate in our room one night and we never got a chance to enjoy all the lovely places to lounge at. This is definitely a place I would love to come back to stay at again.

State of confusion - I'm still trying to process it...Could I have gotten it all wrong? It just doesn't make sense. You brought up our past, You told me your plans for us and You were so nervous, waiting for hours just to hold my hand...

Read about past Hotels I've stayed at:
Setting up base camp at Frisco Serviced Apartment Hotel; and
Docking at the Ridge on Leichhardt Apartment Hotel, Brisbane.

Brunching at Lust in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

When colleagues find out I live in the city, their first reaction is to say “Wow! You’re in amongst it all!” It’s really amusing to me because, unlike Sydney and Melbourne, nothing much is open on weeknights or even on the weekends (even most gyms!). Intrigued, I found out from many locals that most people go to the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast on the weekends. Many even live out that way and commute to Brisbane for work. Easter was a four day holiday so I took up an invitation to have a little break by going to the Gold Coast. A honk from a cruising car welcomed us, along with the fresh breezes from the sea air nearby. Tourists had already found their place at the cafes on the main strip of Broadbeach, Surf Parade, but we managed to find a cosy little table for brunch at Lust Cafe and Restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed my food despite a little mistake the waitstaff made in their ordering but the owner rectified it and I walked away happy.

What else can I do on the Gold Coast? Head to:
Seafood and Sea Breezes at the Burleigh Heads Surf Club;
To Fishy Adventures at Sea World! and;
On the way up to O'Reilly's on the Gold Coast Hinterland.