New Shanghai, Queens Plaza

Having waited months for the opening of New Shanghai in Brisbane, the new restaurant in Queens Plaza has been hyped for delectable Shanghai cuisine. Being situated in the Brisbane CBD, I was curious to see whether the food at New Shanghai would be Westernised or whether they would stay true to their traditional taste. 

The dish that immediately caught my attention whilst browsing the menu was the xiao long baos (mini steamed pork buns). J and I have been avidly hunting down xiao long baos in Brisbane that could be comparable to those at Din Tai Fung for months now. After many failed attempts and cursing at Brisbane's lack of palatable xiao long baos, we were extremely excited to see what New Shanghai had to offer. 

My mounting excitement was pleasantly surprised as I took the first bite into the xiao long bao. It was absolutely mouthwateringly, delicious! The broth surrounding the tender meat was hot and flavoursome and the pastry was thin enough to still taste and to hold everything together. 

The pan fried dumplings and wontons were both very flavoursome. With all the dim sims made in store (you can watch the chefs create these dim sims at the restaurant's front window), they were both fresh and delicious. 

As an entree, J decided on the shredded jellyfish and raddish tossed in soy sauce. This dish felt very light and fresh, a perfect accompaniment to the dim sims and drunken chicken. 

The drunken chicken was perfect for snacking on, with the alcoholic taste not too overwhelming.

The deep fried crispy skinned chicken was very tender which balanced perfectly with the crispy skin and chilli garlic dipping sauce.

New Shanghai is a reasonably priced restaurant with an enjoyable variety of dishes. It is the perfect place to meet in the city with friends to share a few entrees and main dishes, which gives you an opportunity to have a taste of everything. I would highly recommend trying their xiao long baos and the other dim sims that they have on offer.

In love and food,

Vivi

KU-O, Sunnybank

When a new restaurant opens up in Brisbane, I have a proclivity to get over excited and wishful that it could potentially be the next place I call my second home. A place that I can always turn to for quick delicious meals or for mouthwatering desserts and drinks in the company of friends. KU-O, a restaurant that has just opened its doors at Market Square may just fit all these criteria.

The interior of this restaurant is aesthetically pleasing. The owner noted that they had shipped all the wood used to construct the restaurant, along with the artwork and decorations from Japan to replicate the authenticity. This creates a relaxed, almost soothing atmosphere.

The drinks at KU-O are comparable to any cafe that specialises in Asian drinks. I ordered a Lychee Twist which turned out to be a lychee frappe with a hint of mint. Not being a big fan of mint at all, I was surprised that I enjoyed the drink. The subtleness of the mint blended well with the lychee frappe giving it a refreshing flavour. 

J ordered the Chocolate Supreme which was delicious and chocolatey. The accompaniment of the oreo and pocky stick served to make a simple chocolate frappe even more yummy.

N ordered the Super Matcha which came with red beans. From the speed that he finished his drink which resulted in a brain freeze, I can assume that he enjoyed his frappe.

KU-O has a large selection of food on their menu which includes set meals, donburi, yakitori, udon, agemono and teppanyaki. The Salmon Don came with slices of fresh salmon on top of a bed of rice. The rice had a delectable wholesome taste and smell to it which I haven't come across before dining at a Japanese restaurant.

The Sashimi Set included fresh salmon, tuna, kingfish and scallop which was fresh and palatable. The set also included side dishes and a soup.

The crumbed oysters were crispy and golden on the outside with a delectable rich and creamy flesh on the inside.

The Teriyaki Don which N ordered was probably the most exciting meal. Being from Osaka, N is quite critical of Japanese food, but he found the Teriyaki Don to be quite piquant. The chicken was cooked to perfection, with the outside slightly charred making the flavour more distinct. 

The chicken cartilage is something I have never tried before but found it to be surprisingly appetising. The slight flavour and crunch makes it a snack that you will want to keep munching on. 

M ordered the Maguro Natto Don which consists of fresh, raw tuna along with fermented soybeans. 

After finishing our dinner, we were happily surprised by the Summer Snow dessert being sent complimentary to our table. The tantalising dessert consisted of vanilla panacotta layered in raspberry compote with a topping of lychee jelly, strawberry and frozen lychees. It was absolutely heavenly, and a perfect way to end our dinner.

With such a lovely atmosphere, mouthwatering food and delicious drinks and desserts, KU-O really has made a big impact in the midst of the restaurants currently located at Market Square. It is definitely worth coming in and having a taste for yourself.

In love and food,

Vivi

Flute, Coorparoo

Flute Fine Food in Coorparoo is a beautiful restaurant that offers a modern twist on the classic breakfast. Situated in an intersection surrounded by other restaurant, Flute stands out with its earthy but modern toned decor. 

Offering an inside and outside dining space, both with spacious comfortable seating, Flute creates a relaxed atmosphere to sit back and enjoy breakfast slowly.

With a penchant for coffee, J and I both ordered a latte that came in a bowl sized mug. The latte was aromatic and smooth which was a pleasant surprise as we have often found coffees in oversized mugs to be either on the watery or milky side. 

The smoked salmon scrambled eggs with a dash of lime was absolutely exquisite. The scrambled eggs was soft and gooey in the middle while still firm on the outside. The smoked salmon, which in some cases can be quite overpowering in flavour and smell, was a delicious blend with the accompaniment of the onions and lime.

Flute's signature breakfast consists of roasted bacon, poached or scrambled eggs (in which case we got both), potato and feta cake and avocado, complemented by a white wine sauce. The potato and feta cake with a drizzle of the white wine sauce was absolutely amazing and very palatable.  The roast bacon on the other hand was quite mediocre but it did complement the scramble and poached eggs.

Although the breakfast menu at Flute is quite limited, the selection that they do have is impeccable in taste and is always served in a big hearty portion. This is the perfect restaurant for a lazy slow and relaxed morning.

In love and food,

Vivi

Crema Espresso, Carindale

With the opening of the new Westfield Carindale, a range of new restaurants and cafes have popped up. A particular highlight out of these new stores would have to be Crema Espresso. Already having a few stores open on the Gold Coast, it was exciting to see them bring their delectable menu to Brisbane. 

The menu from Crema Espresso offers a large variety which includes all day breakfast, steaks, burgers, salads and lights snacks such as bruschetta, dips and banana bread. 

A particular favourite meal of mine at this cafe would have to be the Eggs Benedict where they offer it with either bacon or salmon. The bacon is extra crispy on the outside but soft in the middle, which I find to be the perfect combination. Added with poached eggs, muffins and hollandaise sauce, you've got yourself a delicious winner.

Their wagyu beef burger was also undeniably amazing. The wagyu beef was tender and bursting with flavour. The added sauce, tomato, lettuce and beetroot added a fresh mouthwatering bite.

If you're after a typical big breakfast, the full breakfast at Crema Espresso which includes bacon, eggs, turkish bread, tomato, mushroom, sausages and baked beans is a sure way to keep your appetite up and running. 

Crema Espresso doesn't just offer a delectable range of meals, all the drinks on their menu, including coffees and frappuccinos are absolutely enticing. Their cookies and cream frappuccino in particular was refreshing and filled with an abundance of flavours.

I highly recommend this cafe if you're out shopping at Westfield Carindale and need a little pick me up. 

In love and food,

Vivi

Berry Me, Sunnybank

With self-serve frozen yoghurt stores popping up all over Brisbane, it was exciting to see Berry Me finally opening its doors in Sunnybank.

Brights pops of pink dominate the interior of the store and is complimented by mint and white. The store looks fresh and young and draws in a lot of attention as it's a pop of colour along a strip of earthy toned stores.

Berry Me frozen yoghurt  is 98% fat free and their flavours include: hazelnut, mango, cheesecake, pomegranate, chocolate, green tea, strawberry and original. Their selection of toppings range from oreos to an assortment of fruits.

Pomegranate is probably the flavour I crave every time I come across a froyo store. Berry Me doesn't disappoint with pomegranate still being my favourite flavour there, although the green tea frozen yoghurt is worth trying out. It's a little light in flavour but still delicious nevertheless. 

Having been three times in two days, I'm pretty certain this is a dessert joint I will be frequenting on a weekly basis. 

In love and food,

Vivi