This afternoon, I decided to do the new york-touristy thing and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and have my first sample of what’s been voted in a number of circles as New York’s “best pizza” at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. A reputation such as this, comes with certain things (i.e. lines, long lines). After braving the brisk early autumn weather to cross the bridge, my dining companion and I chose to brave the approximately thirty-minute long line outside for a chance to sample New York’s best.

This year, Restaurant Balzac was once again awarded TWO hats for the 2010 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. Tonight, I was back for the ever-so-long awaited Hats off dinner for the Sydney International Food Festival.

Arriving a few minutes early on a friday night for a 8pm booking, the place was BUZZING with diners, a few on dates (I think!), various birthday celebrations, AND we were left waiting in the cold watching others munch on tapas, sip on sangrias, etc… My mouth was watering! After a few minutes wait, we were shown to our table at the back of the restaurant, more suited for the larger groups of diners.

V informed me of a great Japanese place in Neutral Bay. Yes, there are loads of Japanese restaurants in Neutral Bay, however this one was slightly different and more impressive. I should inform you all that I am a HUGE fan of NOODLES. I LOVEEE noodles, any type, any style, any dish. I’d pick noodles over any other carbohydrate. So when V informed me Jugemu & Shimbashi hand made their soba, I was sold!