Little did I know, my interest of the Southern cuisine started early watching American movies where people would order Pecan Pie or Cobbler from their local diner. Though it wasn’t until I watched Tropic Thunder, particularly Robert Downy Jr’s role as Kirk Lazarus (a white American Actor playing an African American Soldier), that cinched the deal to take on the the flavours of the south with his remarks about ‘cornbread’ and ‘crawfish’.

Iwa drew us in with its dark-coloured, contemporary fancy decor, which made it stand out from the random stores featured on the Victoria Avenue mall strip, but it was the all-you-can-eat buffet for $36.80 caught us hook, line and sinker.

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.

In going to Thredbo from Sydney, you’ll inevitably pass through quite a few small towns. Though for me, only a few names really stick in my head, one of which is Bredbo (I admit it, it’s because it really sounds like Thredbo and I always giggle when I see it). Whenever we pass through this country town, a pizzeria always catches our eye with masses of cars parked in front (during business hours of course) and each time we tell each other that we should try it out – Mark even banned F and I from going there without him.

On our way down to Kiama for the long weekend, we stopped by Thirroul to check out the ‘Princess’ Pashley bike at one of the few stores in Sydney that stocks that brand. It also happened to be lunch time and afterwards we hungrily prowled the streets for a place to eat.

Nonotori was an eye opening experience into a restaurant which seems to focus mainly (only) on all things chicken. Atleast they have made me immune to eating raw chicken, which wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, I’d like to try it again.

Sam one day sent me a link to the Mahjong Room, asking if I was interested in playing Mahjong whilst having lunch. For most of the time, anything involving food piques my interest, but it was the thought of playing Mahjong while eating (for some reason) that really intrigued me.

After last weeks success at Shangcheng Hot Pot, the project team decided to make it a regular gathering every Friday for lunch. It was KB’s turn to recommended his personal favourite, and his eyes instantly lit up with silhouettes of ribs. There was only one place in his mind for the ‘best’ ribs, and that was Hurricanes.