Australia at its Best: March 2015

Friday, 13 March 2015

Eating in Brisbane - Montville Mayfield Patisseries & Chocolate

Montville is a charming tourist town on the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

It is known for its quaint shops and scenic B&B's. You can buy a range of skin care products, shoes, clothes, sweets and home made delights, for a cost of course.

Mayfield Patisseries & Chocolates is no exception - and justifiably so.

Mayfield Patisseiries & Chocolates have the best cakes I have ever seen.

These cakes are not all show. A delicate flavour. Exquisite and fulfilling. One of the few times the presentation matches the flavour.

If you consider these cakes more of a 'dessert' at a restaurant than 'cake' at a coffee shop, then $9.90 per cake doesn't seem too pricey. Most restaurants in Brisbane charge from $12 and upwards.

The presentation is faultless. These cakes have many layers of delicious filling that complement each other. This cake is a Raspberry Charlotte. The creamy vanilla mousse and fruity raspberry sauce, layered with cake and jelly just melt in your mouth. The white chocolate coating has been stamped by the chef in enticing patterns. It is a dream you never wish to end. You actually almost get your wish as the portions are very large, and you wonder if it will all fit in. Amazingly, because of the beautiful balance of flavours, it is quite possible to finish this alone, without feeling sick.

The main reason you should try these cakes is because they are made on the premises by the chef. You can buy them nowhere else. Original and divine.

Below is the Pistaccio.

Visited March 2015.

https://www.facebook.com/mayfieldpatisserieandchocolates

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Eating in Brisbane - Redcliffe 'Kashikoi Sushi'

My cousin Robyn found this restaurant on Anzac Avenue and recommended it to me. Since arriving in Australia 6 years ago I had yet to find a Japanese restaurant to a standard that I was used to in Japan. Sono in Brisbane was the only one. There are some small restaurants in Brisbane that serve cheap Japanese food, but nothing of a slightly higher quality. Kashikoi sushi would have to be the first one.

Don't be confused by the name. Sushi is a specialty here, but they also serve a different menu that is cooked to perfection.

Tempura would have to be my favourite dish. Naughty, crispy, juicy, and PRAWNS...what more can I say??

I have been on a quest since arriving here to find a place that serves tempura correctly. I tried restaurants everywhere only to be disappointed by the mushy soft oily mess that was presented. To this day Sono had been the only one that was capable of understanding true tempura. Now I can add Kashikoi Sushi to my list. Perfect tempura. Absolutely perfect. A plate with two of everything: $11.90.

Another dish I love is Agedashi Tofu. Deep fried tofu in a refreshing soup. $?? I forgot... I think it was around $5.90. Usually the Tofu is coated in a crispy batter, but this was a little different. It was chewy and stretchy. Maybe a new variation?? Either way, it was still delicious.

To accompany my meal I chose a side dish of Soba noodles. $2.50. Portions were generous! I could have chosen the Tempura Soba $12.90, but the tempura goes soggy in the soup and you get more tempura by ordering it separately. The soup was perfect. Not too salty with the right stock taste. I loved it.

Wagyu steak is always a winner. This cut was tender but not trimmed, maybe a rump or possibly sirloin? Not the best steak I have had. For $18 I would rather have Hogs Breath. Nice flavours though.

Oh la la! The sushi was fancy. Yum yum and more yum! I haven't tried the raw fish yet, but this place will be a regular stop for me so I will let you know!

Tuna and Avocado 'Caterpillar".

Thanks Robyn!

Visited March 2015.

No website, but here is the Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/SushiKashikoi

Eating in Brisbane - Glasshouse Mountains 'The Lookout Cafe'

A place locals often go to enjoy Devonshire Tea in a quiet tranquil setting, overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains.

The cafe is conveniently positioned on the road to the Glasshouse Mountains lookout. We have frequented here over the past 6 years through changes of ownership, closures, and improvements.

Originally, the only seating was on the deck. It is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the view. The only drawbacks were the heat in summer and the limited seating.

Now they have expanded their seating area to include an airconditioned area, also with stunning views.

The views are not the only thing to rave about this place.

The food is rather rustic with a selection of interesting local cheeses and dips, crusty bread and cafe favourites.

The winner today was the Devonshire Tea $10.50.

The scones would have to be the best I have had since I was a kid eating mum's fresh out of the oven. How do you describe the perfect scone flavour and texture?