First Video Blog!!!

We made a collaboration of some reviews of restaurants. Enjoy!!!

BIG Breakfast- at home!

Yesterday morning I woke up and decided that I was going to create my own cafe, in my own home. Well, kind of... I was not about to embark on a full-scale, lone business venture, I was just going to cook my boyfriend breakfast- but you know how much they can eat, I might as well have been opening a cafe!

So often we get caught up in the busyness of life and all of its cyclical routines and forget to appreciate those around us, so I decided that it was time to change, and what better way to do it then with food!

Here is what was on the menu:

Toasted garlic tortilla with melted cheese topped with avocado, chicken and a mayonnaise sauce with dill, spring onion and lemon. Sides of bacon, hash browns, rocket and baby spinach and fried tomato and zucchini in mixed herbs were also served.

Next up was toasted banana bread topped with blueberry and honey yoghurt and some fresh blueberries. 

I spread out the delicious array of food on the kitchen table and then the moment of truth... through the front door I heard a scuffling of feet as my boyfriend stumbled into my house after a late night and a very early morning shift at work... the feet continued scuffling... down the hallway, through the lounge room and finally... into the kitchen! What a surprise he got as we sat down to enjoy a meal together overlooking the sun's morning rays bouncing off the dewy paddocks. Almost as good as any cafe if you ask me and it was enjoyed in the warmth of my own home! 

Even better, it only took me about 15 minutes to cook it all and the happiness it brought to my boyfriend will last much longer than that- mind you the food didn't, he must have been hungry! Overall, it definitely pays to appreciate people around us!

Arthurs' Cafe

Arthur's Cafe

Arthur Café is a family orientated setting within a very family orientated area.  The Hills is not what really thought of when we think fine dining or culinary experiences but sometimes the simple things are the most satisfying.

There is nothing outwardly unique or extraordinary about Arthurs its quant setting has a designated children’s play area in the corner which helps to attract mothers and not a larger clientele. However if you are looking for a simple and delicious meal that won’t lighten the wallet then Arthurs Café is a perfect place for a quick stop.

Menu highlights include the Big Breakfast which is served all day much to this bloggers delight and there large arrange of sweet treats. One of the glowing ideas of this little café is the various take away options as well as the option of buying such necessities as milk and bread straight from the café.

So enjoy an unoriginal yet fantastic meal that will fill you up, something a lot of eateries fail to do these days.


Address: 26 Arthur Street Baulkham Hills

Food Styles and Specialities: Simple and large café food range. Gluten free menu as well as great coffee.

Trading Hours: Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm

Saturday & Sunday 7:30-4:30

Contact: (02) 9639 2255

www.facebook.com/Arthurscafe

By Brendan

The Baron

The Baron

In recent years The street outside Castle Towers shopping complex has seen a drastic and welcome change. By diverting most of the traffic around the mall they have been able to create a peaceful hub in which fine dining and cafes have sprung up to cater the needs of the community.

One such Café is The Baron. The Baron since its introduction has catered for the younger crowd or hipster scene around the hills area.  Its trendy and laid back attitude and atmosphere ensures a unique dining experience. For instance customers can choose to sit on antique luggage trunks and ample an assortment of imported beer. 

The Menu is diverse and changes quite regularly so as to keep the appeal fresh for returning customers and new alike. While the meals aren’t cheap or entirely large portions you can’t go past the Baron’s famous Bacon, egg and avocado roll which is served all day as it has become a staple in the diet of many of the devotees.

Address: Shop 461, 6-14 Castle Street, Castle Hill.

Food Styles and Specialities: Quick and easy meals. Look and taste great, if only they could have larger portions it would be perfect.

Trading Hours:11am-11pm MON-SUNDAY

Contact 0433 950 434

www.facebook.com/thebaron

By Brendan

Cafe chez moi! - Cafe at my house

Cafe chez moi! 

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Mothers day about celebrating your mum, what she has done for you and what she has given to make your life special. So on that one day a year when you return the favours and say thank you - what do you do? Take her out to a cafe for a fancy breakfast, proper coffee and table service? Or do you make her a big batch of pancakes at home and deliver them in bed while she reads the newspaper and sips on her cup of tea? 

Going out to cafes and restaurants is always special. Your waited on hand and foot, there is no cleaning up to do and you can eat what ever it is that you feel like. But nothing compares to knowing someone has gone out of their way, woken up extra early, just to make you your favourite meal in bed. Spoiling mum is about saying thanks, and the best way to say thanks is to do it yourself, to go to the effort of doing something you know will make her smile. Its the thought that counts right? So, it doesn't matter if the pancakes are all different sizes, if the eggs are slightly overdone or if the coffee is just instant - sometimes going to a cafe and all the perfection that comes with it, just is not the same! 

Address: Wherever you live

Cost: For your mum...nothing

Food style: Whatever you desire

Trading hours: Any hour

Service: Eat in unless your mum lives away from you in which case...takeaway!

I'm Angus - review by Emily

I’m Angus

I’m Angus is another establishment owned by one of Sydney’s largest restaurant groups, Nick’s. This relatively new restaurant overlooking Sydney’s beautiful Darling Harbour, is a great steakhouse I visited a few weeks ago for a birthday lunch during the Anzac Day long weekend.

While I am not a massive meat fan, I did choose a great burger from the extensive menu. It has your usual steak, ribs, burgers and something for the chicken lover even!

The service here was great, with the staff being very knowledgeable about different cuts of meat to suit everyone. It can be a little difficult with large groups to order for everyone; however there are great sharing/tasting plate options available to make it a little easier.

I opted for seared scallops with cauliflower puree ($28) and a char-gilled octopus salad ($17) for entrees to share. The flavors were great and it was refreshing to be able to order seafood at a steakhouse!

All in all my I’m Angus experience was pleasant and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a hearty burger, fresh cider and an appetite…

Address: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

Food Specialties: Predominately a steakhouse with chicken and seafood options available.

Access: Sydney CBD – very central with lots of public transport, limited parking.

Contact: 1300 989 989

http://www.nicks-seafood.com.au/ImAngusSteakHouse.htm

Rating: 7/10

Gigino - Review by Emily

Gigino

Gigino is another local favourite of mine, another new kid on the block in Sydney’s West, which boasts great traditional Italian pizza, fresh desserts and homemade sangria jugs!

This pizzeria has a real authentic Italian vibe, with friendly service and modern interiors.

What a like the most about this place is the simplicity of the food, no frills! Most pizzas don’t have any more than 3 toppings so it’s not overwhelming. 

All the pizzas are the same size, with my favourites being the ‘Regina’ and ‘Salsccia’.

On Sundays from 9am-2pm, Gigino also has a great pizza brunch menu… Think bacon & egg pizza for brunch, heaven!

Although it is neatly tucked away in a corner, Gigino’s is great for large groups as it has a private backspace for parties and gatherings. With fresh strawberry or watermelon sangria jugs available, as well as a well thought out bar menu – it’s easy to see why it has become a local favourite.

Address: 3/338 Hamilton Rd Fairfield West, Sydney 


Food Style: Old school Italian 

Access: Lots of street parking, 10 minute drive from Fairfield Station

Contact: 9609 6264

http://gigino.com.au

Rating: 7/10