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Thursday 29 March 2012

Cafe Pacifico - Mexican in Darlinghurst * highly recommended*

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Before we ever been to Cafe Pacifico, 10/10 people told us "we loved that place!". During new year period, they're all booked out by functions, we had to wait for 5 weeks prior to our visit. Finally today is the day!


You will not miss the red building once you are on the right street.


At first we thought, the restaurant is located next to FOOD SOCIETY? They must be good!
Found out later, Food Society is a restaurant next door.....^^ Anyhow, moving on.


The restaurant is upstairs, once you walk in there are menus display in a small window on your left. That says "You have found us! Welcome!"




As you walk up, the signs will lead you to the restaurant


Don't be scared tricked by their small door way, the restaurant is huge inside.


As soon as you walk in, you're trapped by their intriguing traditional decorations. It feels like a lot of elements been thrown on to one compacted space and slightly overcrowd but thanks to the high ceiling, somehow you feel warmth and welcomed. 


Look around, you have beer boxes stacking up on the top half of the ceiling, Mexican hats, signs, paintings, posters, trees, street signs, colors, religious God, they've got everything here.


Their bar is amazing! I am sure you can find all the liquor here......I loved that they kept the tequila tradition, everytime someone having a tequila shot, they will ring the bell. Quite fun!


Nacho with fresh tomato sauce are complimentary as for most of Mexican restaurants.


A jug of Sangria to tick off the party 


Inside of the restaurant is a bit dark, my picture is only for your references
QUESADILLAS  
GRILLED FLOUR TORTILLA WEDGES WITH MELTED CHEESE SERVED WITH A SPICY JALAPENO SALSA

This is a must try dish, very nice!


Small sauces - salsa, cream cheese, and avocado


FAJITAS
A CHOICE OF MARINATED BEEF, CHICKEN CACTUS STRIPS SAUTÉED WITH CAPSICUM AND ONIONS WITH OUR OWN HOMEMADE FAJITA SEASONING SERVED ON A SIZZLING HOTPLATE AND ACCOMPANIED BY A PLATTER OF LETTUCE, CHEESE, PICO DE GALLO, SOUR CREAM, MEXICAN RICE AND REFRIED BEANS. “ROLL YOUR OWN” FAJITAS WITH FLOUR TORTILLAS

Tender marinated beef, grilled briefly and served on hot plate.



Is this tortillas container cute? keep our tortillas moist and warm.




Forgot what this was, just remember was shredded chicken. 


Chimichanga

Deep fried flour tortilla filled with cheese, beans and choiced of shredded beef, chicken or beeans, accompanied with enchilada sauce, guacamole and sour cream.


TOSTADAS

WITH SHREDDED BEEF, CHICKEN AND VEGETARIAN – OR MIXED PLATTER. CRISPY ROUND FOUR INCH CORN TORTILLAS LAYERED WITH REFRIED BEANS, LETTUCE, GUACAMOLE, PICO DE GALLO, CHEESE AND CHIPOTLE SAUCE


TACO PLATTER
CREATE YOUR OWN TACO WITH SOFT CORN TORTILLAS ACCOMPANIED BY A PLATTER OF REFRIED BEANS, RICE, LETTUCE, CHEESE, PICO DE GALLO AND GUACAMOLE. CHOOSE BETWEEN OUR OWN FRESHLY MADE SHREDDED BEEF OR CHICKEN OR SEASONAL VEGETABLES.



Stir fried Cactus
I reckon this is few places where you can have stir fried Cactus on the menu. We found it taste like pickled vegetables.


Couple of menus for your view



Then we went to The Commons nearby for their famous deep fried donuts.
They have a hidden bar at the basement, if you have time, don't forget to check it out.



Small donuts served on chopping board


Still hot inside


Smashed maringe served with seasonal berries and figs - this one is very delicious!


Raspberry Creme Brulee


Great night, great food, and great company, what more could we ask for?


Where is it?
Cafe Pacifico

Address: 95 Riley Street, East Sydney, NSW, 2010
Phone:            (02)9360 3811 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (02)9360 3811      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      

The Commons

Address: 32 Burton Street, Darlinghurst, 2010
Phone:            (02) 9358 1487 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (02) 9358 1487      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      


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Monday 26 March 2012

Encasa - Spanish Restaurant in Sydney CBD *highly recommended*

Encasa is one of most famous Spanish Restaurant in Sydney CBD. To plan your visit, don't forget to book with them earlier. We have tried before as walk in, almost 10/10 couldn't find a seat. Hope you are luckier than us.
I brought some colleague there, Encasa seems to cater for everyone.

My favorite - Patatas Bravas

Fried potato with garlic mayo and spicy tomato salsa - must order dish!



This is meant to be garlic bread, kinda of look like ham burger buns.



Chorizo a la plancha - Grilled Spanish Sausages

I love sausage, specially Chorizo!



We are in Spanish Restaurant, how could we get away of ordering a jug of Sangria.



Sizzling Garlic Mushrooms



This is also must order!!!!!  - Garlic Prawn cooked to perfection! super tender and flavorsome.



Seafood Paella - this is a 4 dishes in 1
Even though Paella is quite expensive and need to wait for approximate 30 minutes, but geezz, definitely worth the wait.
There are plenty of seafood on the plate to share, mussels, pipis, king prawns, fresh squids, scalloopsetc etc....with drizzle of lemon juice, total perfection!



Beef meat balls with almond sauce

Very nice and gammy, if you are a meat eater.



Omelette with potato and onion

Pardon me, I was too full to remember this dish. ^^



Close the night with a fancy drink next door at Khao San



Some menu details for you to check

Tapas


Side dishes


Gourmet Pizza


Pasta menu


Where is it?
 Encaca

Address: 423 Pitt St. Sydney 2000
Phone: 02 9211 4257 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            02 9211 4257      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 
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好上好茶餐厅Mr Hao Chinese Restaurant Eastwood *Recommended*

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Mr Hao is the new resident of Eastwood neighborhood. They originally started in Chatswood Victoria road. Their specialties are mainly BBQ pork, soy chicken, and other traditional Hongkie food. 
Eastwood store is more Hongkie cafe, not a relaxing one though I am afraid. Also, please be ready for their unfriendly nearly rude services.
How many set of menus do they have? properly more than 6 sets!!!!

 

I highly recommend this fish soup based noodle or congee, very nice and healthy.



Some special on the wall




One of the chef's recommended chilly chicken - nothing special with this dish

 

Fish soup served with soft shell crab
The fish soup was done very nicely, natural flavored not artificial nor salty at all. Perfect meal for a winter day or those frequent rainy days we're getting in Sydney these days.
Don't expect too much of the quality of their soft shell crab.



Generous amount of noodle soup, despite of their terrible services, I still will go back. ^^ (not sure about my friends tho)



Fish soup with home made squid ball and vegetables, Yummy!



For extra $1, you can get a homemade ice lemon tea





Where is it:?

Address: 261 Rowe Street, Eastwood, 2122
Phone: 02 9804 0288
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