I highly recommend this Japanese restaurant. One of the best in town. Great cuisine. We are regulars now of this restaurant, its like an addiction!
I have nothing but praises for this husband and wife team.
Please check out the review from SMH website.
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/masa-20100802-1134t.html
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Nicks Bar & Grill, Kings Street Wharf
June 2010 - Weekday lunch at Nicks Bar & Grill Restaurant
It was my mother in law's 70th birthday and we celebrated it at Nicks Bar & Grill.
There were four of us.
Main:
Seafood basket 
Grilled Whole Baby Snapper (x 2) 
Seafood linguine
Beverage:
A bottle of red wine (I can't remember what brand we ordered)
Dessert:
Apple pie tart
Pancake 
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 7/10
Lily's Comment: Good. We had lunch there for the first time when we celebrated my MIL's birthday there. The service was adequate and good (presumably it was a week day). The food was really nice and I've never tasted such a nice seafood linguine. I told my husband that we would definitely be back again, if not for the seafood linguine.
Last Sunday on 26th Sept, we were back again for lunch. Unfortunately, we had to walk out of the restaurant. We were ushered to a table with a nice wharf view by a waiter after a long wait even though it wasn't that busy. After getting us the table, the waiter failed to provide basic service such as getting our drinks order let alone the main meal. It was a hot day. Moments later, another waiter served some partrons that came after us, and that was when we decided to walk out. I would say the food is good but basic service needs improvement especially on weekends. One waitress seemed more interested in setting up the table than serving us!
It was my mother in law's 70th birthday and we celebrated it at Nicks Bar & Grill.
There were four of us.
Entree:
Oysters and turkish bread with dips
Main:
Seafood basket
Grilled Whole Baby Snapper (x 2)
Seafood linguine
Beverage:
A bottle of red wine (I can't remember what brand we ordered)
Dessert:
Apple pie tart
Pancake
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 7/10
Lily's Comment: Good. We had lunch there for the first time when we celebrated my MIL's birthday there. The service was adequate and good (presumably it was a week day). The food was really nice and I've never tasted such a nice seafood linguine. I told my husband that we would definitely be back again, if not for the seafood linguine.
Last Sunday on 26th Sept, we were back again for lunch. Unfortunately, we had to walk out of the restaurant. We were ushered to a table with a nice wharf view by a waiter after a long wait even though it wasn't that busy. After getting us the table, the waiter failed to provide basic service such as getting our drinks order let alone the main meal. It was a hot day. Moments later, another waiter served some partrons that came after us, and that was when we decided to walk out. I would say the food is good but basic service needs improvement especially on weekends. One waitress seemed more interested in setting up the table than serving us!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mamak - Chinatown, Sydney
8/02/2010
I have heard a lot of raving reviews about this Malaysian hawker eatery in a street-stall style, located in the Sydney Chinatown. Every time when we walked past this eatery, it is always full house.
So, I decided to try it out one lunch time on a Tuesday, and was hoping that it would be less busy. I took my sister with me. As we entered the restaurant, it was so busy with patrons. What was I thinking? With such a good reputation and Australians are so into Malaysian cuisine these days, how could this place not be packed?
There was a man (I presumed he’s the boss) at the counter and he was busy attending to something else. As soon as he’s finished, he quickly attended to us and we were seated after waiting for about 5 mins. I was worried that he would have just ignored us completely, but he was very friendly once we got his attention.
We ordered the followings:
Nasi lemak with addition of sambal sotong
Nasi lemak with addition of sambal prawns
Roti canai with 2 curry sauce dips
Chicken satay (half a dozen)
Two teh tarik (kurang manis – less sugar)
Verdict:
Good
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 6/10
Comments:
We thought the nasi lemak was a bit plain and also the condiments were quite hard, especially the ikan bilis (deep fried small fish). Overall, the dish was quite dry.
Perhaps, it would have been different if we had ordered the curry chicken instead as the mixture of the curry sauce on the coconut rice would certainly make the dish a bit more saucy.
However, we did enjoy the roti canai, the curry sauces were very authentic. It tasted similarly to the ones that we’ve had in the mamak stall back in Malaysia.
The chicken satay was lovely, but the peanut sauce was very different. It tasted kind of sweet. It would have been great if this dish came with some ketupat (cooked rice wrapped in palm leave) on the side. Anyway, that’s typically how a Malaysian satay dish would be served in Sydney, without the ketupat.
We really enjoyed the teh tarik. I asked for less sugar, and the tea came up perfect.
The bill came to about $45. The prices are reasonable, however, don’t expect big portion servings.
It’s definitely a good place for a quick meal, and it’s open until 2 am on weekends. However, I would advise against bringing young infants as it’s not a toddler/stroller friendly restaurant.
I have heard a lot of raving reviews about this Malaysian hawker eatery in a street-stall style, located in the Sydney Chinatown. Every time when we walked past this eatery, it is always full house.
So, I decided to try it out one lunch time on a Tuesday, and was hoping that it would be less busy. I took my sister with me. As we entered the restaurant, it was so busy with patrons. What was I thinking? With such a good reputation and Australians are so into Malaysian cuisine these days, how could this place not be packed?
There was a man (I presumed he’s the boss) at the counter and he was busy attending to something else. As soon as he’s finished, he quickly attended to us and we were seated after waiting for about 5 mins. I was worried that he would have just ignored us completely, but he was very friendly once we got his attention.
We ordered the followings:
Nasi lemak with addition of sambal sotong
Nasi lemak with addition of sambal prawns
Roti canai with 2 curry sauce dips
Chicken satay (half a dozen)
Two teh tarik (kurang manis – less sugar)
Verdict:
Good
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 6/10
Comments:
We thought the nasi lemak was a bit plain and also the condiments were quite hard, especially the ikan bilis (deep fried small fish). Overall, the dish was quite dry.
Perhaps, it would have been different if we had ordered the curry chicken instead as the mixture of the curry sauce on the coconut rice would certainly make the dish a bit more saucy.
However, we did enjoy the roti canai, the curry sauces were very authentic. It tasted similarly to the ones that we’ve had in the mamak stall back in Malaysia.
The chicken satay was lovely, but the peanut sauce was very different. It tasted kind of sweet. It would have been great if this dish came with some ketupat (cooked rice wrapped in palm leave) on the side. Anyway, that’s typically how a Malaysian satay dish would be served in Sydney, without the ketupat.
We really enjoyed the teh tarik. I asked for less sugar, and the tea came up perfect.
The bill came to about $45. The prices are reasonable, however, don’t expect big portion servings.
It’s definitely a good place for a quick meal, and it’s open until 2 am on weekends. However, I would advise against bringing young infants as it’s not a toddler/stroller friendly restaurant.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Splash Seafood & Mediterranean Cuisine, Newtown
15/11/2009 - Lunch at Splash, Newtown
Mom, Kevin and I opted for the set lunch menu. We had very late lunch and arrived at the restaurant around 4'ish in the afternoon. We thought we would try the set lunch menu as the price were very reasonable - $25.50 per person for a 3 course applicable on Sunday to Thurs. We are usually not a big fan of set lunch menu for fear that the standard may be compromised, but decided to give this one a go.
Entree:
Grilled octopus x 2
Grilled scallop x 1
Main:
Grilled barramundi served with salad x 1
Grilled barramundi served with rice x 1
Prawn linguini x 1
Dessert:
There were choices of chocolate mousse or caremel.
The servings were huge even though it was a set menu. We were very full after the 2 courses, so we skipped dessert.
Beverage:
Lemon and Lime bitter x 2 (they were freshly made).
Chinoto x 2
Total cost for 3 = $95.00. Kevin left a big tip for them as we were very happy with the service.
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 10/10
Service = 8/10
Lily's Comment: Excellent. The servings were huge and ample table service. The food came very quickly, I guessed that was also because there weren't many customers at that time. After each course, our cutlery were being changed and we were given new serviettes. You don't get that in most restaurants unless it's a restaurant with fine cuisine. What caught my eye was the value for money's 3 course set lunch at $25.50 pp. That's the price of one entree in most of the restaurants that we have been.
Mom, Kevin and I opted for the set lunch menu. We had very late lunch and arrived at the restaurant around 4'ish in the afternoon. We thought we would try the set lunch menu as the price were very reasonable - $25.50 per person for a 3 course applicable on Sunday to Thurs. We are usually not a big fan of set lunch menu for fear that the standard may be compromised, but decided to give this one a go.
Entree:
Grilled octopus x 2
Grilled scallop x 1
Main:
Grilled barramundi served with salad x 1
Grilled barramundi served with rice x 1
Prawn linguini x 1
Dessert:
There were choices of chocolate mousse or caremel.
The servings were huge even though it was a set menu. We were very full after the 2 courses, so we skipped dessert.
Beverage:
Lemon and Lime bitter x 2 (they were freshly made).
Chinoto x 2
Total cost for 3 = $95.00. Kevin left a big tip for them as we were very happy with the service.
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 10/10
Service = 8/10
Lily's Comment: Excellent. The servings were huge and ample table service. The food came very quickly, I guessed that was also because there weren't many customers at that time. After each course, our cutlery were being changed and we were given new serviettes. You don't get that in most restaurants unless it's a restaurant with fine cuisine. What caught my eye was the value for money's 3 course set lunch at $25.50 pp. That's the price of one entree in most of the restaurants that we have been.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Waves Seafood Restaurant - Cronulla
27/09/2009 - Lunch at Waves Seafood Restaurant
Entree:
Soup of the day - tomato soup
Salt and Pepper Calamari
Main:
Both of us had the special of the day - Grilled Barammundi with scallops and potatoes
Side dishes: Mixed herb bread
Beverage:A bottle of cabernot savignon ($60), and sparkling water
Dessert:1 short black1 Latte
Total cost for 2 = $190
Ratings
Food quality = 5/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 4/10
Service = 2/10
Lily's Comment: Average.
The restaurant has a nice ambience, with high ceiling and most of the tables are rounded shape.
I am not that impress with the service of this particular waiter throughout. As we entered the restaurant,, I came in first before Kevin but this waiter only wanted to acknowledge him. Throughout the whole lunch experience, I got this feeling that I was invisible - if you know what I meant, its like at times some 'arrogant' people just choose to ignore you. Never mind that I thought to myself, he is nothing but just a waiter.
By the time our entree came, I was feeling very hungry. However, I found that my salt and pepper calamari very chewy and tough. My jaw was hurting when I've finished eating it.
The fish was nice though.
There are so many nice restaurants that we've been in Cronulla. This one did not impress me at all. I will not recommend to anyone nor go back again. They also don't have an ocean view as many other seafood restaurants in Cronulla do. My thought is that this restaurant is overly priced since it does not have an ocean view. You can see a little view if you stretch your neck.
I would also strongly suggest that they live up to their claim of 'warm hospitality' in their website homepage.
Entree:
Soup of the day - tomato soup
Salt and Pepper Calamari
Main:
Both of us had the special of the day - Grilled Barammundi with scallops and potatoes
Side dishes: Mixed herb bread
Beverage:A bottle of cabernot savignon ($60), and sparkling water
Dessert:1 short black1 Latte
Total cost for 2 = $190
Ratings
Food quality = 5/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 4/10
Service = 2/10
Lily's Comment: Average.
The restaurant has a nice ambience, with high ceiling and most of the tables are rounded shape.
I am not that impress with the service of this particular waiter throughout. As we entered the restaurant,, I came in first before Kevin but this waiter only wanted to acknowledge him. Throughout the whole lunch experience, I got this feeling that I was invisible - if you know what I meant, its like at times some 'arrogant' people just choose to ignore you. Never mind that I thought to myself, he is nothing but just a waiter.
By the time our entree came, I was feeling very hungry. However, I found that my salt and pepper calamari very chewy and tough. My jaw was hurting when I've finished eating it.
The fish was nice though.
There are so many nice restaurants that we've been in Cronulla. This one did not impress me at all. I will not recommend to anyone nor go back again. They also don't have an ocean view as many other seafood restaurants in Cronulla do. My thought is that this restaurant is overly priced since it does not have an ocean view. You can see a little view if you stretch your neck.
I would also strongly suggest that they live up to their claim of 'warm hospitality' in their website homepage.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Crab crawl
Jimmy's Place, Canberra
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Jade Lotus, Singapore Chilli Crab, Sylvania
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Hurstville Chinese Restaurant, Sydney
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Miranda Chinese Restaurant, Sydney
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Singapore Chilli Crab
The verdict:
Best salt and pepper mud crab at Jade Lotus, Sylvania.
Best singapore chilli mud crab at Hurstville Chinese Restaurant.
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Jade Lotus, Singapore Chilli Crab, Sylvania
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Hurstville Chinese Restaurant, Sydney
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Miranda Chinese Restaurant, Sydney
Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Singapore Chilli Crab
The verdict:
Best salt and pepper mud crab at Jade Lotus, Sylvania.
Best singapore chilli mud crab at Hurstville Chinese Restaurant.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Dinner at SeaLevel Restaurant, Cronulla
05/07/2009 - Dinner at Sealevel Restaurant
Main:
Seafood Platter, a generous selection of hot & cold seafood served with tropical fruit and chips. For two people. With 1/2 Lobster Mornay
Side dishes:
Mini sour dough loaf served with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar & dukkah spices
Beverage:
A bottle of Katnook Estate, Coonawarra SA
Dessert:
1 short black
1 Latte
Total cost for 2 = $220
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 7/10
Lily's Comment: Good. Sealevel Restaurant and Bar situated on the beachfront of Cronulla offers unsurpassed views. We were there at night time and could still see clearly the waves breaking along the beach. Overall, good food and service. The latte was excellent, very strong and creamy. The only mistake is that the waitress asked if it was okay for her to pour the wine without tasting it first. As an etiquette, the server should always ask the guest/customer to taste the wine before he/she pours for the whole table. But she was a bit embarassed when Kevin said, 'Oh I better try it'. Anyway, it was an expensive bottle of wine, so of course he wanted to taste it first.
Main:
Seafood Platter, a generous selection of hot & cold seafood served with tropical fruit and chips. For two people. With 1/2 Lobster Mornay
Side dishes:
Mini sour dough loaf served with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar & dukkah spices
Beverage:
A bottle of Katnook Estate, Coonawarra SA
Dessert:
1 short black
1 Latte
Total cost for 2 = $220
Ratings
Food quality = 7/10
Ambience and cleanliness = 7/10
Value for money = 7/10
Service = 7/10
Lily's Comment: Good. Sealevel Restaurant and Bar situated on the beachfront of Cronulla offers unsurpassed views. We were there at night time and could still see clearly the waves breaking along the beach. Overall, good food and service. The latte was excellent, very strong and creamy. The only mistake is that the waitress asked if it was okay for her to pour the wine without tasting it first. As an etiquette, the server should always ask the guest/customer to taste the wine before he/she pours for the whole table. But she was a bit embarassed when Kevin said, 'Oh I better try it'. Anyway, it was an expensive bottle of wine, so of course he wanted to taste it first.
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