Monday, June 18, 2012

Mexicano - by VJ


Today I'm so excited to present our first guest blogger VJ. 

Living in the Inner West often creates a parochial bubble resulting in trips to the Northern or Eastern suburbs resembling a journey to a foreign land. However on a cold, wintery night in Sydney, VJ made the trek out to the Northern Beaches and now brings us this tale of tortillas and tomatillos. Read on... 

In a quiet little nook tucked away off Ocean St in Narrabeen, lies a quaint little tapas place, a short walk from Narrabeen beach. Deceptively still showcasing the previous owner’s signage at its masthead (AJ’s), it’s only when peering closer that you can see the white screen-printed title “Mexicano” on its window. The decor is basic but provides a cosy ambience, the scene set with a fusion of classic tunes from the 70's and modern indie hits playing on the stereo.

As this is a dinner for two, we are seated at high rise tables and chairs on the right (could be troublesome for the vertically challenged :p) and in close proximity to the kitchen area, though this provides minimal disruption. Staff are attentive and friendly, and service is very efficient. So here commences our meal:

Monday, June 11, 2012

Chong Qing Hotpot


Normally, I am not a fan of hotpot. Let me just put this out there. 

I have tried it over the years in different forms but mostly it has been an experience I never wish to recall again, from the combination hotpots ordered at Cantonese restaurants to steamboat styles lacking flavour. It is the latter style, the steamboat style of hotpot, that Teacakes has suggested we try this rainy Sunday evening and I am visibly nervous.