Coco Cubano - UNSW

First thing you notice about Coco Cubano is the decor. It's hip Cuban revolutionary. Photos of Che, odd bric-a-brac and plush sofas. The menu is extensive, covering breakfast, mains, tapas, cocktails and cigars. Yes. Cigars. Imagine studying for finals with a Cuban in one hand haha.

I went with the Scotch Fillet steak with chips and garlic sauce, the steak was okay bordering on tough. But the chips were good. They were thick, crunchy and salted well.  

My friend opted for the calamari, which came with chips and salad. The calamari was well crumbed and chewy! Like a good chewy not the rubbery chewy.

I was quite fascinated by the array of photos that hung on the walls of the restaurant. The photo above with the old lady smoking a cigar caught my eye, no matter how cool or hipster you are you have nothing on her haha.

Will I return? 
Yes. Coco Cubano is a nice addition to the UNSW food scene, although it's pricier than most places on campus, the decent food and quirky decor will bring me back.

Pinocchio Sushi - Kingsford

$12 for all this. Say what?!

A sushi & sashimi platter, teriyaki chicken, rice, miso soup and tea for $12. That's right you can get all that for $12 at Pinocchio Sushi in Kingsford. So if you go to UNSW ditch the Quad pasta and get some Japanese food that isn't expensive.

But since it is only $12, don't expect super high quality food. The sashimi and sushi I had were okay, the fish wasn't the freshest it could have been.  

So if you want no frills value for money Japanese food then head over to Pinocchio Sushi!

Hurricane's - Top Ryde City

I'm a big fan of ribs, so I was really excited to try the full rack with chips from Hurricanes at Top Ryde City. One word: disappointed.

Pork Ribs Full Rack $44.9

Compared to other ribs I've had, these were seriously skinny and lacking in meat. Like fashion model skinny. Oh and instead of smoky flavoursome burnt ends, I got scorched ends.

Sorry Hurricane's Grill & Bar at Top Ryde City, I won't be back.

La Paula - Fairfield

La Paula is a little Chilean cafe tucked away in a discrete location in Fairfield. From the outside you would never be able to guess the vibrant and bustling eatery. The moment I stepped in, I knew I would be enjoying authentic Chilean food. 

How? 1) There were customers conversing with staff in Chilean. 2) There was Chilean cable TV. 

I know you are probably wondering what on earth is Chilean food, well at La Paula, its all about the empanadas!
 

The Empanada de Pino is a delicious parcel of baked beef, egg, olives and onions. It was eggcellent, yes I just used a food pun and will continue doing so. In fact The Eatology will now try to combine humour and food reviews with a sprinkle of lame jokes.

The Completos 'completed' my meal. The highlight of the hotdog was the ...mayo. That's right this unassuming white paste was amazing, I was licking it off the hotdog. If I could just buy this mayo, I would and I'd spread it on everything. The tomato and sauerkraut provided a fresh layer of flavour and texture.

The Mote con Huesillo is a sugary cinnamon flavoured drink , with a dried peach and cooked barley floating in it. After reading reviews of this funky concoction, I was expecting a smooth, sweet beverage. What I got instead was a sugar overload, I wasn't able to finish my drink due to over the top sweetness. 

Hannah's Pies, Ultimo & Guzman y Gomez, UNSW

Today we have two lunch reviews in one post! First off, we have the Chilli dog from Hannah's Pies in Ultimo. The chilli dog comprises of a huge sausage nestled in a soft bun, surrounded by plenty of filling and a fiery hot sauce that left me sweating. 

For those who don't know Hannah's Pies actually supplies the famous Harry's Cafe de Wheels!

Guzman y Gomez is now open at UNSW and it will probably become a regular lunch spot for me. I had 3 tacos for a decent price of $10.90, all three were tasty and flavoursome. 

I combated the spicyness of the tacos with a Jarritos Guava drink, which is made in Mexico. It made the tacos more authentic. Well not really. Okay, I'll admit it...I got sucked in by the bright pink colour.

Hardware Societe - Melbourne CBD

The Hardware Societe has built up a reputation for its delicious French/Spanish brunch menu. After my visit a few weeks ago, I can say it certainly has lived up to the hype.

The modern, bright decor combined with the unique cutlery and fixtures sets diners in a happy mood.

To start off the meal I ordered the cold drip coffee, which comes in a sealed bottle labelled poison haha. After mixing all the components, you get a balanced and smooth cup of coffee :)

Oh paper straw again!

The baked eggs is the signature item at Hardware Societe, it comes in a cute, mini sized iron cast pot and a few slices of bread drizzled with olive oil. The dish is well seasoned, the chorizo and cheese really complement the eggs.

The scrambled eggs are just as good as its baked cousins. Well made and beautifully plated.

Hardware Societe is a must eat cafe if you visit Melbourne!

Verdict

Food: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Total: 10/15

Return: Yes

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The Little Mule Co. - Melbourne CBD

The Little Mule Co. can be found at 19 Somerset Pl in Melbourne. It's a combination of a hip cafe and a bicycle store, this unique place carries a simple and minimalistic menu for breakfast. 

The iced coffee comes in a jar and a paper straw! Man I have never seen or used a paper straw before my Melbourne trip. The iced coffee was balanced and the vanilla ice cream provided a touch of sweetness.

Baked eggs were accompanied with chorizo, beans and layered with gruyere cheese. A very filling and delicious meal.

So if you are looking for good coffee and breakfast then head over to The Little Mule Co. who knows you might take a bicycle home while you there.

Verdict
Food: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Total: 9/15
Return: Yes














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Cooked by me: Sirloin Steak with Potato Salad

Sirloin Steak with Potato Salad

TIP: After you've cooked your steak or other meats let it rest before serving! Learnt this from Anthony Bourdain :)

Kura, Haymarket & Tokyo, Parramatta

Kura
Shop 2/76 Ultimo Road
Haymarket 2000
9212 5661

Tokyo
30-32 Charles St  Parramatta
9635 9383

CONTACTS:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chris.chow
Twitter:@chowder7791
Tumblr: http://chriswowchow.tumblr.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chowder7791

Feast, Sheraton on the Park

Feast is located in the 5 star Sheraton on the Park. The international seafood buffet for lunch costs $75, dinner $85.

Review of the Seafood Buffet at the Feast Restaurant located in the Sheraton on the Park Hotel.

Feast - Sheraton on the Park

Address:161 Elizabeth Street Sydney

Phone: 9286 6000

CONTACTS:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chris.chow
Twitter:@chowder7791
Tumblr: http://chriswowchow.tumblr.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chowder7791

Dong Ba, Cabramatta

Dong Ba is set out like any typical Vietnamese restaurant in Cabramatta, think basic furniture, tray of cutlery and thermos full of tea. Check my video below for the review!

Dong Ba
Address: Shop 5-6, 40 Park Road 
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone: 9755 0727

CONTACTS:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chris.chow
Twitter:@chowder7791
Tumblr: http://chriswowchow.tumblr.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chowder7791



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