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! 

(http://cbsla.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/1-homemade-family-brunch.jpg?w=420)

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

Chi & Co - Review by Emily

Chi & Co - Review by Emily

On Saturday night, after a long day shopping for last minute mothers’ day gifts, I decided to keep my dining experience local! A few months ago I discovered a modern Asian gem tucked away in Canley Heights. Many people know Canley Heights as the home of the very popular Holy Basil Thai restaurant. 

However it is slowly being overtaken by a new establishment, Chi & Co. This places boasts great Modern fusion Asian (e.g. Thai, Chinese, Malaysian cuisine) with a cocktail menu to knock your socks off. 

The inside has a really funky, ‘Surry Hills’ vibe with quirky interiors, modern bar and friendly staff. 

Most importantly, the menu is extensive and for everyone. My personal favourites include the chicken sliders ($12), salt & pepper squid ($10) and the chicken hot pot ($21). 

If you’re keen for a beverage, the cocktails are fresh, fruity and pack a punch. The cocktails will clock up the numbers on your bill, starting from $20 – but a little indulgent Belvedere goes down nicely. 

I have been to this place quite a few times now and it’s nice always a nice touch when the staff remember your favourites. Chi & Co is great for a quiet dinner and they cater for big groups (15+). 

Address: Shop 3, 264 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Heights

Food Style & Specialities: Modern fusion Asian

Access: Lots of street parking and a 5 minute work from Canley Heights train station

Contact: 02 9727 2068

http://www.chiandco.com.au/

Rating: 8/10

Mothers Day Delight

Stanley St. Cafe

(http://littleeats.com.au/sydney/review/stanley-st-cafe/)

Address: 
     15 Stanley St, St Ives 2075
Phone: 
     (02) 8095 0484
Cost: 
     Medium
Opening Hours:
     Mon: 7am til 4.30pm 
     Tue: 7am til 4.30pm 
     Wed: 7am til 4.30pm 
     Thur: 7am til 4.30pm 
     Fri: 7am til 4.30pm 
     Sat: 7.30am til 4pm 
     Sun: 7.30am til 3pm 

This beautiful, family orientated cafe has only been around for a couple of months and is run by a friend of mine called Patrick. For a little history, his father is a good family friend who actually owned a separate cafe in Wahroonga but recently sold it and now works for his son! We have been going to this cafe ever since it started and I cannot fault it! With its quirky layout that consists of bicycles hanging from walls, kids table in the middle (with drawing paper to keep them busy while you have some coffee)! The atmosphere is very trendy but also relaxed, with a friendly greeting every time you enter. 

Their menu for the adults is a bit mediterranean but quite extensive! From poached eggs to pastas to sandwiches to burgers! The list goes on! At around $14, there is a little bit for everyone! Personally I prefer the french toast...every time I go there! Their children's menu will also keep your kids busy with burgers, nuggets, schnitzel or fish n chips that come to no more than $10! 

With parking at the back, this place is very accessible, and its right behind one of the best butchers in Sydney! The owners love to stop and chat with you when they get the chance to make sure you're enjoying yourself, so I would definitely suggest going down to have a look! I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

restauranting by the reef

The Reef Restaurant is one of Terrigal's more exclusive and classy restaurants, situated right in Terrigal Haven overlooking the spectacular beach and down the coastline. The other day you would not believe what happened to me... Actually don't guess, I am going to tell you anyway because I am so excited and I hope you will be too! One of my friends went to the Reef Restaurant and was so pleased with the food, atmosphere and service that he just could not stop talking about it. Not too long after this, he purchased a $150 gift voucher for my boyfriend and I to go and treat ourselves to a 3 course meal and drinks, simply because he wanted us to enjoy it as much as he did, talk about generosity!

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=view+from+reef+restaurant+terrigal&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zKNtU-COJ4jGkgXPxoEY&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=SpiePfKiUV12WM%253A%3B59Ett6prL3hOdM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthewongcouple.com%252Fimages%252Fmonique-daniel-wedding-2%252F46-big.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthewongcouple.com%252Fblog%252Fwedding%252Fterrigal-central-coast-monique-daniel-2%3B1400%3B467

I am so excited to visit that I thought I would do a brief post on the restaurant so we can all be excited together (I'm so keen I have already started looking through the menu and thinking about what I should get!).

Firstly, here is where the restaurant is:

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

Here are some of the views that I will be lucky enough to experience:

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

And finally here are some things that I have been looking at on the menu that have been getting my mouth watering!

image sources: file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/reef_autumn_menu_web%20(3).pdf

I cannot wait to get along as it is going to be so much fun and the food sounds like it will be spectacular!



Address: The Haven, Terrigal, NSW, 2260
Food Style and Specialties: Lunch and Dinner
Trading Hours: Tuesday-Sunday- lunch is served from and dinner from 6pm
Services: eat in, bookies generally required and preferable, good for special events like weddings, good space for group gatherings, helicopter packages
Access: car park out the front, bus stops in short walking distance
Contact:
Phone- 4385 1983
Email- info@reefrestaurant.com.au
Website- http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/contact/

need a little Boost?

Now, there aren't too many food stores that give you such an extensive and vibrant range of juice and smoothie options, so that means there is only one place that I can be talking about... Yes, that's right, Boost Juice!

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=boost+juice&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Y55tU8WsJcfckgXoloCICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=741&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=k-hRM8wWsM2_AM%253A%3BeblAXJMDgjop3M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ffieldagentaustralia.files.wordpress.com%252F2012%252F06%252Fboost_juice_logo.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ffieldagentaustralia.com%252F2013%252F05%252F01%252Fboostjuicebars%252F%3B3195%3B1759

Boost Juice encapsulates the dynamicity, freedom, fun and creativity that comes from creating your own smoothies and juices. I know that I am always trying to construct a new juice or smoothie for breakfast or for a snack when I am at home or with my friends and as someone who isn't always a successful cook, I am comforted by the fact that almost whatever you throw together in a smoothie tastes awesome! There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, the founder of Boost was actually a newly married lady who had no knowledge in regard to starting a business but had a passion for adventure and loved to inspire others and wanted to create juice and smoothie products that were good for her prospective customers!

Their range of juices and smoothies include, but are not limited to, the following:

Lean and Green (low fat, dairy free, gluten free):

Grape Escape- spinach, pineapple, green grapes, banana, coconut water and ice
Caribbean Green- mango, passion fruit, banana, spinach, mango nectar, coconut milk, coconut water and ice
Veggie Garden- spinach, cucumber, celery, carrot, orange, chia seeds and ice
Mint Condition- spinach, mint, celery, apple, cucumber and ice

Low Fat Smoothies (98% fat free smoothies made with fresh fruit & good-for-you frozen yoghurt):

All Berry Bang- strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apple juice, TD4 strawberry yoghurt & ice

• Mango Magic- mango, banana, mango nectar, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice
• Strawberry Squeeze- strawberries, banana, apple juice, TD4 strawberry yoghurt & ice
• Banana Buzz- banana, honey, low-fat milk or soy, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice
• King William Chocolate- chocolate, banana, low-fat milk or soy, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=boost+juice&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Y55tU8WsJcfckgXoloCICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#q=boost%20juice%20drink&revid=1606719188&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=FyCw2Fo_QSu97M%253A%3Bkpxl9JLlcL0UMM%3Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.greenmoney.com.au%252FMelbourne%252Fu%252F316%253Fwidth%253D217%3Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.greenmoney.com.au%252FMelbourne%252Fredeem-points%252Fcasual-family-dining%252F101-boost-juice-swanston-street%3B217%3B220

Dairy Free Crushes (99% fat free):

Watermelon Crush-freshly juiced watermelon, tropical juice, sorbet & ice
Mango Tango Crush- mango, passionfruit, mango nectar, tropical juice, sorbet & ice
Berry Crush- raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, apple juice, sorbet & ice
Tropical Crush- mango, banana, tropical juice, sorbet & ice
Lemon Crush- freshly juiced lemon & orange, sorbet & ice

Freshly Squeezed Juices (with no added anything):

• Two and Five Juice- freshly squeezed orange, apple, carrot, celery & beetroot + a vita booster
• Immunity Juice-freshly juiced watermelon, freshly squeezed orange & strawberries + an immunity booster
• Energiser Boost- freshly squeezed orange, strawberries & banana + an energiser booster
• Wild Berry Juice- freshly juiced pineapple, apple, raspberries, strawberries & blueberries + an energiser booster

Protein Smoothies (stay toned & terrific):

Weekend Warrior-banana, blueberries, oats, coconut water, honey, whey protein, chia seeds & ice 25g of protein
Taun n' Toned- banana, strawberries, dates, spinach, coconut water, whey protein & ice 22g of protein
Gym Junkie- strawberries, banana, low fat milk or soy, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice + a protein booster 23g of protein

Super Smoothies (low fat smoothies with super powers!):

Energy Lift-mango, banana, tropical juice, TD4 mango yoghurt & ice + an energiser booster
Green Tea Mango Mantra- mango, green tea, mango nectar, TD4 vanilla yoghurt, sorbet & ice + an immunity booster
Brekkie to go go- banana, toasted muesli, honey, low fat milk or soy, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice + an energiser booster
Wondermelon- strawberries, freshly juiced watermelon, strawberry yoghurt, whey protein & ice + a superfruit booster 18g of protein

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=boost+juice&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Y55tU8WsJcfckgXoloCICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#q=boost%20juice%20drink&revid=1606719188&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=rg2Gk5nSY9XTmM%253A%3Blglo_Ud5Pq6GIM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.boostjuice.com.au%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F08%252Fweekendwarriordrink.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.boostjuice.com.au%252Fweekend-warrior-nutritional-information.html%3B544%3B302

Boost Snacks (beating the munchies):

There is even Boost Snacks on offer! These include wraps, boost bite (apricot or berry fruit bites rolled in coconut), banana bread, choc protein balls, snack bars, organic popcorn and yoghurt!

Boost go further than just creating healthy, yummy juices for their customers, they also abide by environmental standards fulfilling the expectations of Corporate Social Responsibility. Boost has introduced new paper cups to minimize their impact on the planet as they associated with the Australian Packaging Covenant. They are stated on their website to include several benefits:

• "The cups are manufactured using a renewable and sustainable resource.

• Printed using non-toxic, food-safe inks, which are not harmful to the environment,

• More than 98% of the paper component is biodegradable"

 Boost also have a charitable arm of the business called Boost Foundation Limited that receives funds and donations from external parties and a percentage of the sum customers pay for some boost products such as 10c from each Mount Franklin bottle of water purchased from the store. This Foundation partners with programs such as the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program that is an experiential learning program for youth that provides them with opportunities and encourage the development of discipline, tolerance, self worth, team work, purpose and leadership.

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=boost+juice&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Y55tU8WsJcfckgXoloCICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#q=boost+juice+kokoda+program&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=-q6FrkODib-0PM%253A%3BI1D7c2zEcYXEYM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fkokodachallenge.com%252Fimages%252Feditorimages%252FKokoda_BoostEDM.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fkokodachallenge.com%252Fblog-view%252Fkokoda-challenge-melbourne-registration-is-now-187%3B650%3B593

Overall the Boost experience is a unique and unforgettable one that deserves kudos for its encouragement of healthy living, youth programs and wellbeing and environmental awareness. Definitely head into your nearest Boost if you haven't before, I can guarantee you it is worth it!

Central Coast:

Sydney: