Hot Dog Style, Fortitude Valley

Wiener anyone?

Tucked away in a tiny store in the Valley, Hot Dog Style offers a variety of hot dogs. These aren't your typical sausage, bun, tomato and mustard sauce kind of hot dogs, but something more adventurous. As described by Hot Dog Style, a bite into their hot dog is like being "transported to a wondrous gastronomical experience". This statement perfectly describes the hot dogs. 

Offering a large variety of styles including traditional American, Mexican, Greek, Caribbean, Hawaiian and the good old Aussie flavoured hot dog, each hot dog is sprinkled with crunched up original flavoured potato chips. The saltiness and crunch of the chips add a uniqueness to the hot dog which works splendidly with the  chosen style of ingredients.

I ordered the Aussie Style hot dog, which is smothered with sauteed onion, bacon, soft melted cheese and shredded potato chips. Truely a mouth watering experience.

In love and food,

Vivi

Bazaar, QT Hotel

Situated on the outskirts of Surfers Paradise, Bazaar is a newly renovated interactive marketplace buffet located at the QT Hotel. The newly renovated interior of the hotel is fresh, vibrant, retro but still modern, tastefully fitted with a sunny Gold Coast beach theme.

Upon arriving at Bazaar, one of the friendly staff gave J and I a private tour of the restaurant and explained how their interactive buffet worked. Particular meals could be ordered, made on the spot and then swiftly brought to your table otherwise you could choose from the vast selection of food already presented in the buffet. The food ranged from fresh organic salads, oven cooked pizzas, hearty roasts to fresh seafood and a mixed variety of Asian dishes. The desserts available at Bazaar are dainty bite sized pieces which are all made by a French chef located on site.

The seafood station included mouth watering oysters, scallops, prawns and crabs.

As always, the seafood left a tantalizing smile on my taste buds and a happy sigh in my stomach.

A tasting plate consisting of delicious pork belly, soft shell crab, zucchini and fig. The pork belly meat melts in your mouth whereas the soft shell crab was crispy but still with a soft texture. I can not say I was too much of a fan of the zucchini however, the fig was sweet and delicious and if possible, I would have loved a whole tasting plate of just the fig.

J also ordered a steak cooked to medium rare. The steak was amazing as one found at a reputable steakhouse, however it lacked some side sauces. One of my favourite was the yum cha dishes which included the prawn dumplings and pork dim sims. Made on site, and steamed to order, they burst with flavour and freshness. 

Oyster Shots

The desserts were absolutely to die for. The mini velvet cupcake was moist and sweet and the macarons. Oh the macarons. They were perfect in every way possible, not too sweet, not too bland, the perfect amount of gooey softness and crunch and the fillings inside complimented the macaron flavourings.

During our visit, the French dessert chef came into the restaurant and was available to create desserts by requests on the spot. We unfortunately had just filled ourselves up to maximum capacity and could not fit in another sweet delight.

The service at Bazaar is absolutely amazing. Every waiter, waitress and chef was constantly smiling, being very helpful and informative with any questions thrown at them. They were also amazing at remembering orders and somehow finding you in the busy restaurant to deliver it. Bazaar is definitely a buffet worth experiencing so next time you find yourself at Surfers Paradise, have a visit and see what dishes the chefs have ready to serve you.

In love and food,

Vivi

George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant, Eagle Street Pier

Among a range of award winning restaurants situated on the ionic Eagle Street Pier, George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant stands out for its incredible 1/2 price lunch dishes. In a prominent location for high quality food, this place does not disappoint.

Lunch time at George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant is constantly busy, with a waiting period of approximately 10-15 minutes during peak hour. Since bookings are not available unless you are in a large group, the waiters direct you to a waiting area overlooking the beautiful Brisbane River whilst giving you a chance to sip on a drink and have a look through their menu.

As the dishes here were all 1/2 price, J and I decided to get a variety of entree dishes plus a steak and barbecued bugs dish to share. 

The Moreton Bay bug, oysters and the prawns were the highlights of this dish as they were both very fresh. However, the remaining items didn't really do anything in terms of flavour and taste.

Clam Chowder Soup

The clam chowder soup was absolutely amazing. The creaminess of the broth mixed with pieces of clam intertwined into a consistency that was perfect for dipping a roll of bread in. As well as this, the dish was surprisingly larger than anticipated.

Three in One Oysters

The three in one oysters contained natural, kilpatrick and mornay oysters. The kilpatrick oysters were drenched in worcestershire sauce with a good helping of bacon, making it flavoursome but still crispy. The creaminess of the mornay oysters were cooked perfectly and the natural oysters were surprisingly fresh, tasty with a squeeze of lemon.

Avocado Seafood

As a seafood restaurant, the steak unsurprisingly, did not come up to standard. It was overcooked and dry. On the other hand, the barbecued bugs on rice was delicious, however the portioning of the bugs was found to be quite small.

George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant is worth visiting during their 1/2 price lunch as the food is reasonably priced. The seafood was fresh and delicious, definitely a stand out from a regular seafood restaurants. If you happen to dine at George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant, the clam chowder is a definite recommendation.

In love and food,

Vivi

7-8 Cafe Restaurant, Robertson

In loving memory...

Tucked away in Robertson, 7-8 Cafe Restaurant, or more fondly known as 7-8, is a hidden treasure chest of delicious food and drinks. When entering the restaurant, there are two types of seating available. The typical dining experience of a table and chair or a Japanese inspired style with low tables and cushions on the floor. The low tables and cushions are surprisingly quite comfortable and make the dining experience a more intimate affair.

7-8 is a popular destination for students in particular as the food is affordable without lacking in quality nor taste. As well as this, 7-8 provides a large selection of drinks ranging from coffees, soft drinks to a large variety of flavoured teas and dessert-like drinks. Mix this in with some snacks such as wedges or chips and it makes the perfect place to sit, relax and catch up with friends.

The food menu is quite extensive with different categories including rice dishes, hot pot, sizzling dishes, udon and spaghetti.

Pumpkin Spaghetti

J and I frequent 7-8 like we would a second home and have particular dishes that we crave. Having gone through different phases, such as always ordering either the fried chicken or the sizzling dish, the pumpkin spaghetti has finally stolen my heart. The creaminess of the pumpkin sauce mixed with the melted cheese and bacon just simply delights every taste bud on my tongue.

Kimchi Hotpot

J usually orders a kimichi or lavander hotpot which both smells and taste delicious. The hotpot dishes come with the hotpot soup with the chosen meat and vegetables, a bowl of rice, a chilli dipping sauce and a side bowl of salad. The soup bursts with an amazing aroma and as you taste the soup, it sends a tantalizing sensation on your taste buds that's filled with a mixture of flavours, all blending in perfectly. The dipping sauce on the side adds extra texture and flavour and is a must with the meat. 

Sadly, 7-8 Cafe Restaurant has just recently closed. Having dined there most nights for over a year, this is news has been devastating. The staffs here have all been wonderful and welcoming and hopefully the restaurant is only in transition to a different location, and not merely closed down.

In love and food,

Vivi

Tuckeria, Fortitude Valley

With a penchant for Mexican food, J and I have scoured Brisbane for the best, most affordable tacos and burritos. A friend of ours E, suggested Tuckeria claiming it as one of the best Mexican joint in Brisbane. With hungry bellies, J and I made our way to the Valley.

Tuckeria on the outside, looks like any old fast food joints. Long counters and a small amount of seats on the inside and out. The menu displayed on the board up top was quite extensive. They have a breakfast and dinner menu with everything ranging from burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas and tostadas.

J ordered a burrito mojado which is basically a burrito but with melted cheese and spicy salsa drizzled over the top. The tightly wrapped burrito unraveled itself with a range of complimentary flavours and with the slight spiciness, it definitely got the taste buds tingling.

I ordered a flauta, enticed by the similarities it had with a taco. Sitting on a bed of lettuce and tomato, the tortillas were filled with perfectly cooked beef. With an extra helping of tomato, a drizzle of sour cream and a dollop of guacamole, this well and truely got my tummy grumbling. The crunchiness of the tortilla mixed with the crispy freshness of the lettuce and tomato and soft beef was a delight to my palate. 

As with every Mexican joint, we can never go without tasting a plate of their nachos. Tuckeria does anything but disappoint. The tortilla corn chips had the right about of crispiness whereas the steak was cooked to perfection. The black beans, salsa and melted cheese just wrapped it up into a plate of snacking goodness.

I honestly can not wait to come back and try the rest of the food on the menu. If you're ever in the Valley on a night out, wander by Tuckeria and let it delight your taste buds.

In love and food,

Vivi

Thyme2, Sofitel Brisbane Hotel

A seafood lover's dream sums up Thyme 2. Located next to the bustling Central Station in Brisbane, this elegant, modernistic interactive buffet is perfect for a romantic evening. As you enter the restaurant, you are promptly greeted and whisked away, if you are lucky, next to a window seat overlooking the city. The candle lit atmosphere breathes a sense of intimacy and privacy, perfect for stuffing your face without judgement.

Known as an interactive buffet, chefs stand behind the bar cooking away. There are rice dishes, curry, sushi, noodles, stir fries, baked vegetables and salads. A taste of everything to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. However, the most coveted food station is the seafood bar. Stocked with prawns, crabs, Moreton Bay bugs, smoked salmon and oysters, this is one of the freshest seafood bar I have encountered in Brisbane.

Thyme2 does not disappoint with their selection of desserts. Situated in the center dessert table is a chocolate fondue fountain, surrounded by marshmallows and strawberries. Popular for any chocolate lovers out there. If chocolate fondue doesn't run right up your alley, there is also a large selection of cakes ranging from mud cake, chocolate or vanilla mousse, tart, pavlova and macaroons. Next to these delectable cakes, there is an ice cream bar containing the neapolitan ice cream favourites as well as gelato. If these desserts still aren't for you, there is also a selection of seasonal fruits such as mangoes, cherries, strawberries and watermelon. 

A creative way to display the macaroons

Although more expensive than your average buffet, Thyme2 is well worth it. From the amazing attentive staff to the wide range of food whether cooked or fresh, it is an unmissable experience that will be tantalizing for any taste buds. 

In love and food,

Vivi

Black Coffee Lyrics, Surfers Paradise

This quaint little cafe is hidden away in a run down arcade in the center of Surfers Paradise. The decor of the cafe can be described as quirky and messily put together, but it works. From the random classy dining table to the planks of woods, the broken bookshelves with a wide selection of novels to the old family favourite board games, this cafe has a vintage and cosy feel.

The first time J and I stumbled upon this cafe, the drinks were mediocre but we were enticed by the atmosphere. With another trip back to the coast, we decided to try their breakfast as it was more original than the usual bacon and eggs with toast.

The breakfast was delectably amazing. J got the First Timer - cheesy turkish bread layered with a helping of mesculin lettuce, bacon, poached egg and a creamy basil sauce.

I got a Salmon on the Run (I think that's what it was called) which consisted of two slices of turkish bread with a spreading of cream cheese, smoked salmon, onions, mesculin lettuce, poached egg. 

The combination of flavours mixed so beautifully, it can only be defined as an orgasm in the mouth.

J, being a coffee addict got himself a latte. I'm not quite the straight coffee drinker due to a very sweet tooth, so I ordered a vanilla latte. The coffee was a blend of caffeine and sweetness which rolled down the throat smoothly. It definitely does stand out as one of the best coffees I've had thus far.

The only downside to this cafe is the slow and sometimes forgetful service. The staff there are however very nice and friendly.

Black Coffee Lyrics is a definite must visit if you are staying overnight at the coast or if you somehow make your way up there early for breakfast. You won't be disappointed.

In love and food,

Vivi