Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

July 2014

A work trip in July took me to the town of Toowoomba, located 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane. 

Like most regional towns in Queensland, Toowoomba has its own Botanical Gardens (Queens Park Gardens), which makes for a nice location to run/walk.

The clubs of Australian towns have interesting stories and histories and the Toowoomba Bowling Club, founded in 1900, it is the fourth oldest bowls club in Queensland.

Taro's Ramen, Brisbane, Australia

September 2014

Taro's Ramen is located in Brisbane, which until this trip I never realised how nice it looked at night. Taro's is famous for....it's ramen, and worth finding if in Brisbane.

Mini Salad $4

Gyoza

Tonkotsu Ramen $14.80

Chur Burger and Brett Whiteley Studios, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

August 2014

This was my second visit to Chur Burger in Surry Hills. The burger joint is a popular spot, and while you may have to line to get a table, the wait is never long.

Grilled beef, cheese, tomato jam, mustard mayo, pickle burger $10

Sweet Potato fries $5

Within a short walk is also the Brett Whiteley Studio. Run by the NSW Art Gallery, entry is free and a great way to get introduced to the famous Australian artist, open Friday to Sunday.

Central Park, Sydney, Australia

July 2014

Central Park is located between Central Station, UTS and the suburb of Chippendale in Sydney.

Central Park is a residential, shopping and outdoor precinct, with Din Tai Fung being the reason I visited the area.

The site was the location of the Kent Breweries (later brought by Carlton United) and some of the old heritage buildings still stand, making it an interesting mix of old and new.

Din Tai Fung, Sydney, Australia

July 2014

I originally visited Din Tai Fung at its new location in Sydney at Central Park in July, and then again in September.

Vegetarian Delight $6.80

Shanghai Style Drunken Chicken $10.80

Pork Dumpling $12.80/8 pce

The Pork Dumpling is the most famous of the Din Tai Fung dishes

Spicy Pork Dumplings

Shrimp and Pork Shao Mai $10.80/4 pce

Green Bean and Minced Pork $15.80

Dumpling Gems 

Water Spinach with Garlic $13.80

Golden Lava $2.20/pce

Red Pepper, Strathfield, Sydney, Australia

September 2014

Red Pepper is located in  the Strathfield Sports Club and is known for its Korean Fried Chicken menu.

Spring Onion Fried Chicken $32 (whole)

Soy Sauce Chicken

Snow Cheese Chicken

I'm embarrassed how long it took me to try Korean Fried Chicken, but I'm glad I got to do it in a group where I could try a variety of flavours - Spring Onion being my favourite.

The Mandoo, Strathfield, Sydney, Australia

September 2014

The Mandoo is a Korean handmade dumpling and noodle bar in Strathfield, Sydney.

Complementary Kimchi

BBQ Galbi Pork Bun-Dumplings $10

Kimchi Dumplings $10

Prawn Dumplings $12

The prawn dumplings were my personal favourite, followed by the Kimchi (which was really pork with Kimchi).

Manly Ferry and Papi Chulo, Australia

August 2014

It was a stunning winter night to tick off another item from my Sydney bucket list and catch the ferry to Manly for dinner.

On advice of colleagues I timed it just right to get the sun setting and the spectacular colours this added to the harbour.

Also on advice of colleagues I gave Papi Chulo a go for dinner. Located right on the manly Wharf, it is not only convenient but a great place for people watching.

Lemon juice, aqave syrup and fresh watermelon mocktail served frozen $9

Kingfish cerviche, tostada, pineapple, jalapeno, lettuce hearts and corn $21

Smoked wagyu brisket sandwich - spicy celery pickle, caramelised onions, horseradish mayo, fried egg and soft bun $18

Overall it was a good experience. I loved my mocktail and sandwich, but felt they tried to hard with the kingfish (I have eaten many a good raw fish dishes however). As a lone diner it was a great place, to sit at the communal tables and people watch.