LPs Quality Meat, Chippendale

I have seen so many photos on my feed in regards to LPs Quality Meat that it was on my list of places to go when I was in Sydney. We came here for Dad’s birthday, he loves meat, and so does my bro and ‘The Mother’. LPs Quality Meat can be found in Chippendale and Luke Powell (ex-head chef at Tetsuya’s, ex-Mary’s and ex-Mugaritz in Spain) is the man behind this smokehouse and bar.  There’s an open kitchen (which I love) and you can see Luke carving up all the big chunks of meat.

The menu is split into cured and cold meats, smoked fish, smoked meats, vegetables and dessert. There is also a chef’s menu for groups of 6 or more, but we were keen on the a la carte. Started with the schmaltz, white anchovy toast (5 pp) – ‘The Mother’ thought the anchovy were a little on the salty side.

We all enjoyed the smoked ox tongue, thinly cut, the tongue was melt-in-your-mouth tender and delicious that you just wanted more.

Now for the mains – we couldn’t go past the beef short rib, half chicken, lamb belly stuffed with merguez and pork – seems a lot right, but for 5 for us, we ordered another serving of beef short rib and pork!

The beef short rib was definitely my favourite. It was deliciously tender and smoky, the meat comes off the bone easily and mum and I were both fighting on who can chew / gnaw on the bone itself! It had the right amount of fattiness, and it was SOOOO good that we couldn’t help but another serving!

The lamb was also a favourite for the diners, lamb belly around a Merguez sauce. Lamb isn’t my favourite meat, so this for me was just OK but I know everyone else thought it was fantastic.

The chicken had a wonderful aroma and flavour and Dragon couldn’t help but devour at least 1/4 of it by herself, she just wanted more.

The pork I love!!!! Crackle was so crunchy it was like music to my ears! The meat itself was also very tender.

We couldn’t help but order two servings of the mashed potato and gravy – sinfully creamy and smooth, a must order when you are here!

Unfortunately we didn’t order any desserts, we were so full that I had to discretely undo my shorts button! I have to say, the beef rib is definitely worth coming back for, next time it would just be the ribs and mash and I will be one happy girl!

GA’s ratings: 7.5 / 10

LPs Quality Meat

12-16 Chippen St

Chippendale, 2008

Ph: +61 2 8399 0929

The year 2013….

Wow is it really 2014 already? It seems only yesterday I was writing about 2012 and here I am thinking about what a year 2013 has been. I thought 2012 was the year of travels, 2013 was just the same – I didn’t think we would travel so much with Dragon but being in Hong Kong, it’s so hard not too when everything is so close!

We started the year with a pig feast! My birthday – we went to Fook Lam Moon – a place to be seen apparently, where celebrities go wine and dine! I had one the best suckling pig thus far – it wasn’t cheap but it was definitely fantastic and satisfying! A great way to start the year that’s for sure.

We also went to Doppio Zero in Sheung Wan for bone marrow (my favourite in Hong Kong in 2013!) and steak.

Chinese New Year was a bit late this year I thought, in February. I love Christmas and Chinese New Year – lots of breaks! We were invited to a colleagues house and he had a spit roast – a pig! I have to say, this was also a very good PIG! I couldn’t stop eating the pork, thankfully he had TWO roast porks!

We didn’t start our travels until March where we went to Singapore to  meet my brother and sis-in-law who were holidaying there. I fell in love with Paradise Dynasty – a restaurant in Singapore that makes AWESOME xiao long baos! I think it is a lot better than Din Tai Fung.

Ate at Blue Butcher for the most awesome steak – think this is my favourite go to steak restaurant in Hong Kong.

In April we went back to Sydney for Dragon 1st Birthday. I really wanted her to spend her first birthday with family and it was a FANTASTIC event. It’s so good to be with family and friends for a special event!

We hit up a lot of cafes and restaurant, one being Movida – so awesome that they are finally in Sydney!

Loved Kepos – the falafel sandwich is one of the best I have eaten, can’t get that in Hong Kong anywhere unfortunately 😦

We also went for a quick trip to Xiamen late April for ‘The Mother’s cricket tour – yes it was a proper tour where they actually played cricket against another team. Had some fantastic street food – stinky tofu how much I love you and lots of steamed buns!

We went to Penang for ‘The Mother’s’ birthday in July – long weekend and hung out by the pool pretty much every day. Traveling with Dragon is definitely different. We no longer pack our days with sight seeings and events, it revolves around Dragon’s nap time – she dictates our schedules! Had a great meal at Perut Rumah for authentic nyonya food.

We also went to Joo Hooi cafe for the best CKT I have eaten and cendol!

Had snake soup for the first time ever – yes it has taken me that long to check out Ser Wong Fun and it did not disappoint!

I went back to Sydney in August for a quick work trip and because it was my niece’s one month celebration! Couldn’t miss that! I was also craving Korean Fried Chicken – can you believe I have yet to find one in Hong Kong. Went to Red Pepper in Strathfield but my favourite is still NaruOne.

Had an awesome burger at Mary’s. I have to say though, my favourite burger in Sydney is still Dan Hong’s burger which can be found at the Fish Place – shame on me for not visiting yet!

Finally got to try the famous Devon Cafe – I can see why people are in love with this place! I love the cafe scene in Sydney.

Ate at Fu Sing Shark Fin Restaurant and had their awesome char siu – oh how i love you!

In November I was back in Sydney again for a whirl wind trip and it was so nice to see family and friends again – i have truly missed them! Ate well as always. Tried Three Williams which has to be one of my favourite cafes in Sydney – love the space and the food was fantastic.

Dragon and I then went to  meet ‘The Mother’ in Helsinki after his dog sledding boys trip. I haven’t had Chinese food for 2 weeks and was DYING for some. Thanks to Dan Hong for connecting me to someone who lived in Helsinki and told me about this place, Gaijin – the pork belly was TO DIE FOR! (post to come! Sorry!)

Went to Juuri also which was nice – I couldn’t eat a lot of the seafood dishes and the chef was very accommodating which is nice. (post to come). Loved this mushroom dish…

We then went to Prague for 4 days – fell in love with the city! It’s so beautiful, I could definitely live there! (posts on all food to come!)

I’ve had my fare share of fried chicken, bone marrow and steak this year! Still on the hunt for the best fried chicken in Hong Kong – they don’t have Korean Fried Chicken!!!! and you can never have enough bone marrow and steak! Here are some memorable ones

I’ve lost count the number of times I have gone to Yat Lok for goose in 2013 – it is my favourite lunch spot! Their char siu is pretty tasty also.

Having Dragon has made it a bit difficult to eat out all the time, as I would rather go home after work to be with her. Going to fine dining restaurants with her at this age (20 months) is so not enjoyable! She can’t sit still long enough and cause she is so active, i really don’t enjoy my meal. I eat so quickly so that she doesn’t get bored. However, in saying that, I wouldn’t change a thing!

Regardless, it has been a fantastic year, I have eaten quite a fair bit (still a lot more of yummy eats to come!), traveled quite a fair bit. I doubt we would be doing that much travel next year, Dragon is turning 2 and well…we actually have to start paying her air fares! LOL

Thanks again for all your support, I have made so many good friends through blogging and appreciate all the friendship! See you on the other side 🙂 Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Lots more eating, good times and laughters for 2014!

xx

The Bellbrook, Central, Hong Kong

The Bellbrook is the newest creation from Shanghai-based Australian chef David Laris, which you may remember from Laris. Part of the Dining Concept, the Bellbrook is a ‘unique Australian dining experience’ which is located on Wyndham Street in Central. I love the relaxed vibe, the space and not to mention the food.

The lunch set menu is pretty good value, HKD138 for starter and main and you can add HKD20 for dessert if you are still hungry or wants something sweet. The menu is very different to Laris, and definitely much cheaper. We started with some warm bread which came with a little potted plant which is actually butter covered in some biscuit ‘edible soil’. Loved the bread – who doesn’t like warm, fresh bread?

I started with the pumpkin salad – goat cheese, rocket and pumpkin dressing. It was deliciously light and a great way to start the meal.

For main, I couldn’t go past the grilled flank steak which was served with chips! The steak was a little on the red side for me but it was tender, and the french fries were a wonderful complement.

My friend, M wanted to try the black pork cheek and wagyu beef rissoles (HKD168) which was served on a bed of creamy risotto. The rissoles were tender, and I loved the creamy risotto.

Unfortunately we were quite full and could not fit in dessert. The menu does look good though and I am definitely keen to try their dinner. I notice they have roast chicken which I am sure Dragon will enjoy. The table bites look interesting also – scotch egg, liver pate – yum!

Service was polite and friendly and as I mentioned above, I really do like the atmosphere.

GA’s ratings: 7.5 / 10

The Bellbrook Bistro Oz by Laris

2/F,Carfield Building,

77 Wyndham Street,

Central, Hong Kong

Ph: +852 2530 1600

Wagyu, Central, Hong Kong

As you know, I am always on the hunt for new places to eat for breakfast or brunch. This post is very long overdue as we went here after we took Dragon to her playgroup at Gymboree in Hong Kong. Unfortunately Gymboree has closed down and we have not been to Central for a while now. It was her nap time, and well you know what that means, we had to find somewhere to sit so I can feed her and feed myself and hope that Dragon falls asleep whilst I enjoy my wonderful breakfast!

Wagyu can be found on the busy street of Wyndham Street Central, Ground Floor in the Centrium building. It is part of the Castelo Concepts, and it is quite a large and spacious restaurant, wooden floor and the interior is quite stylish and modern. The menu is centred on the Australian Wagyu Steak – famous for its marbling, great flavour and tenderness. However, we were here for brunch and opt for the breakfast menu.

‘The Mother’ couldn’t go past the New Yorker Toasted Bagels (HKD90) – toasted plain bagel, heaped with smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, cream cheese, sliced red onion and capers. I have to say, it looked absolutely fantastic and ‘The Mother’ devoured this! He said that it was one of the nicest bagels he has had in Hong Kong. Compare to NY? He said the one in NY is better and definitely cheaper!

I opt for the big breakfast (HKD12) – 2 eggs (any style), bacon, Cumberland sausages, home fried potatoes, roast thyme tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans and toast. It had everything I wanted on the one plate. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish it but ‘The Mother’ had no hesitation in helping me!

Service was friendly and polite. Dragon did manage to sleep which meant I ate peacefully – a rarity these days, now that she is very active. She would want to eat and try and feed herself!

I have yet to try their lunch menu but have heard that it is pretty good, especially the steak! The place was already busy when we rocked up at 12 noon, reservations are highly recommended, especially if you come in a big group!

GA’s ratings: 7 / 10

Wagyu

G/F, 3 The Centrium

60 Whyndham Street

Central, Hong Kong

Ph: +852 2525 8805

Laris, Central

Laris is the new-ish addition to the Dining Concept Group. David Laris is the Australian chef behind this new establishment and menu has both Australian and Mediterranean influence. Laris can be found on Wyndham Street, which overlook the old Central Hong Kong police headquarters. The venue is quite relax with stylish interiors. I was here for lunch and diners at the option of either a 2 course for HKD138 or 3 courses for HKD178.

We started with a crispy baguette with garlic butter – love a good baguette. I couldn’t go past the leek tart with brie cheese served with rocket salad and aged balsamic toffee. I am also a sucker for leek tart and this was absolutely fantastic. The tart was smooth and creamy and the aged balsamic toffee gave it a nice touch.

My friend, L couldn’t go past the hand cut New Zealand beef tartar with crostini, apple mustard and slow cooked egg. It was well presented. I didn’t have any of this, but L really enjoyed it, the flavours were outstanding she said and she loved the apple mustard.

I was craving a burger and opt for the New Zealand Grass fed burger, fontina cheese and truffle aioli served with potato croquettes. The beef patty was thick and juicy. I loved the gooey fontina cheese and the truffle aioli was a wonderful addition.

It was seriously a scrumptious burger. The potato croquettes were sinful but incredible – crunchy exterior but soft and fluffy on the inside.

L ordered the house made green pea and ricotta ravioli with sage and brown butter sauce. This was also wonderful – you can never go wrong with fresh pasta and who doesn’t like brown butter sauce? I was pleasantly surprised by the green pea puree, it was delicious.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time for dessert as I had to go back to work but what we had were wonderful. Service was polite and food was delightful. Definitely keen to try the dessert nd the dinner menu next time.

GA’s ratings: 8 / 10

Laris

2/F, Carfield Commercial Building,

77 Wyndham Street,

Central, Hong Kong

Ph: +852 2530 1600