Saturday, December 15, 2012

Eggs Benedict Challenge! Part 1

I fancy myself a connoisseur of Breakfast. To me, there is no better meal.  The bitter irony is that I often don't eat it because I'm don't get hungry until about 10am regardless of how early I wake up and by that time I'm well into my working day. It gives me great pleasure therefore, to linger over a delicious breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I don't have to worry about making it to work on time!

My breakfast of choice is Eggs Benedict. Perfectly poached eggs with gooey runny yolks, savoury ham and a toasty English muffin, with lashing of buttery golden hollandaise. I base my opinion of Brunch spots based on the standard of their Eggs Benedict. It's such a simple dish, but it can go so wrong. So far I have tried out 3 places, with varying success.

1. The Green Refectory, Brunswick 6/10

I found the cafe a little too hipster for my taste. There is a difference between rustic and just plain dirty. Our table number was....a computer. I fucking hate hipsters.


 It was crowded and the staff were indifferent. The food quality in general is decent, the serving portion generous and the price unbeatable ($10 from memory?). The muffin, ham and hollandaise were excellent, but the yolks were rock hard. DISAPPOINTING.


 
 
2. Cafe Republic, South Yarra 1/10
 
This was an impulse breakfast on the way to an appointment. I had some time to spare and I liked the look of the barista (ahem). The set out of the restaurant is definitely my style. Lots of dark wood, white walls and huge open windows. The Eggs Benedict however, a DISASTER. Firstly, it was served on brioche, not an English muffin. I don't understand the hype about Brioche. It's sweet, but the texture is kind of spongy without being soft. The eggs and ham were supermarket quality, and the hollandaise actually left me feeling nauseous. NEVER AGAIN.
 

3. Signature, North Melbourne 7/10

 
Best Eggs Benedict so far, but not quite there yet. The English muffin was toasted just right, the ham fresh and the eggs were free range/organic and perfectly poached! It was delicious...but not amazing.

 
 

Alas....the hunt continues.

Wish me Luck



Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Izakaya Den

Friends from Perth L and A came for the weekend.

We were originally going to have dinner at Chin Chin (Flinders Lane) but having been told there was an hour and a half wait (on a Monday night no less!), we decided to hop over to Izakaya Den.

It's impossible to find, which is half the fun and makes you feel inordinately cool - like you have the key to a special secret! It's a quiet, romantic, unique atmosphere with low lighting and a warm intimate feel despite the industrial chic decor. Definitely a perfect date spot or a place to bring people you want to impress!

It's Izakaya style, which means you can choose from a wide selection of sake and beers and enjoy freshly made before your eyes fusion Japanese tapas style food to go with your beverage of choice.

The speciality of the house is the Sweet Corn Kaki Age. I won't say too much, only that you MUST try it!

The other win for us was the mysterious Japanese Den Trifle. It is made of burnt sugar ice cream, green tea mouse, warm mochi (rice balls) and what we think was roasted rice. It was definitely delicious, but I think a Western palate or at least one that is no accustomed to Japanese flavours might find it a bit strange to taste.


Izakaya is a very special way of dining, and those looking for a cheap meal with large portions should not come here!

Between the three of us we had 7 dishes and 2 drinks, and it came out to just under $40 each. You go away with all of your taste buds utterly satisfied, but not stuffed beyond hope. Which is the way it should be!

Good Luck finding it! www.izakayaden.com.au