Sydney, West
Il Piatto, Horsley Park
On my way to and from F’s home, I always pass this one restaurant that is always packed. Due to a series of unfortunate events (I got stood up by Minh haha), F and I fortunately got to finally visit this mysteriously frequented restaurant.
Jas My Waffles, Rooty Hill
Jas My Waffles is a husband-and-wife operation with pretty friendly service and serves waffles in quite a few different forms and sizes. From what I saw, they also serve normal-styled waffles, generously accompanied with fruit, chocolate, or whatever combination the proprietor, Jaspher De Leon, has dreamt up.
Megalong Tea Rooms, Blue Mountains
After a long day walking it was a relief to be able to kick back with some good food, good views and a good coffee. The food at Megalong tea room is honest and home made style rather than modern cafe style which you expect back in Sydney. As a result, it’s a great throwback to what country style food could be like. If I’m in the area, I’ll definitely come back as this sort of comfort food is exactly what you need after a long walk in the bush.
Hai Au, Canley Vale
Hai Au, it’s one of my favourite Vietnamese restaurants for more authentic Vietnamese food. You won’t find pho or crispy skin chicken here, you’ll find crabs stir fried in tamarind sauce, caramalised fish in claypots and charcoal grilled meat and seafood. It’s worth the treck to the South West if you can’t see yourself in Vietnam anytime soon.
Liana’s, Parramatta
In thinking of a place to treat my friend to lunch in Parramatta, I noticed massive banners declaring that Liana’s is under original management while I was waiting for him. Hmm, interesting. I’ve noticed over the years a decline in patronage (or perhaps I’ve just visited them at odd times?), which I found a bit sad as I’ve always liked Liana’s. I suggested the restaurant to Chung and mentioned how they make pretty good risotto there, which I always ordered in the past. Perhaps foreseeing a lot of aimless wandering around if he didn’t, Chung agreed to try Liana’s.
El Jannah, Granville
The best part about writing in a team of food bloggers is that you’re never short on eating partners, this has never been truer on than on a sunny Sunday which sees an impromptu lunch invitation from Teresa. We’re wavering between Jasmines, Franks and El Jannah, all reputable Charcoal Chicken places and finally settle on El Jannah, seeing as none of us have visited in the past.
Holy Basil, Canley Heights
When I saw Holy Basil open on Canley Vale Road, I wasn’t sure how well it would do. Here we have a fully decked out restaurant which wouldn’t look out-of-place on Crown St in Surry Hills. The decor is modern and moody with wood furnishings,warm lighting, shiny statues and an open kitchen. With such an authentic variety of Thai and Lao food in Fairfield,You’ve got to give them credit for having a crack at trying something different.