New Shanghai

I took the opportunity to check out some of Chatswood's shops while waiting to go to Charmaine's house after lunch.  The food court at Westfield was all set for the lunchtime crowd.  The selection did not appeal and I guess I was looking for something different.

At the back of my mind, I remembered someone (must be Charmaine) telling me about a new Shanghai restaurant (opened in April) in Lemon Grove and I decided to head there.  Even though it was early (around 12 noon), there was already a queue and the restaurant was abuzz with activity.  Took a number to wait my turn.  There were about 10 people ahead of me.. .sigh! 

Turning around.. who should I see while waiting ... Mr Kevin Yong.  He had just finished his meal, having left Wollongong at 7 am and leaving 100 km/h winds behind - really adventurous.  Had a chat to decide what to eat as there was also an outlet in the food court selling yum cha and the next outlet had some Beijing cuisine.  I lamented to Kevin that if I have to wait a long time, I will resort to getting some yum cha dishes and eat in the food court.  After about 10 mins, my turn arrived.  Kevin decided to "accompany" us and "look" at us eating.  Mind you, he said he had to wait about 20 mins for his main course and his dessert (fungus and papaya) came first.  He enjoyed his dessert better.

Hmm... not sure what to order as it was just mum and I.  Decided on a combination spicy noodle and a Xiao Long Pau.  The spicy noodle was not too bad, although I thought it was quite plain.  The Xiao Long Pau was ok, I thought they were a bit stingy with the filling... it did not fill up the dumplings like other places eg the Taste of Shanghai or Din Tai Fung.  It was good to catch up with Kevin and glad that he stayed around to watch us eat.

I am a bit nonchalant about this restaurant.  Mum sat facing the kitchen and she commented that one of the chefs was tasting the soup with the same ladle he used to dish up the soup and he did it twice...ewww... go figure!

However, I might not be a good judge of this restaurant as we did not order much.  Maybe next visit, I will try the yum cha as it appears to be quite popular when we left.

For more information on some of the other specialties, check out these websites:

http://www.notquitenigella.com/2009/06/11/new-shanghai-chinese-restaurant-chatswood-and-how-to-eat-a-soup-dumpling/

http://www.herecomesthefood.com.au/eating-out/new-shanghai-chatswood-sydney.html

Bonga

Eastwood is a suburb that is divided by the Railway line.  On the one side lies little "Chinatown" full of Chinese grocery stores and on the quieter side of the station little Korea comes to life.  There are so many Korean restaurants that unless you are a Korean, you won't know which one is good.  That was the case for me last Saturday... which one to try?  Eenie Meenie Mynie Mo... Hmm...

I decided to take mum to BONGA.  This is a relatively new restaurant by that I mean a few months old.  I pass it on a weekly basis and noticed a change of hands.  The number of customers have increased gradually, so I decided to go in for a try.  The restaurant is a family restaurant, newly set out tables with covered stoves.  Quite high tech now as the gas lighter for the stoves is by pressing one of the buttons on the tables rather than the stoves.  The gas itself sits under the tables.  We were early (12 noon) and were their first customers. 

The menu looks varied enough. There are meat dishes you can barbeque on the stove or you can order ala carte.  The main meals are served with rice.

Mum and I ordered spicy pork and a seafood tofu hotpot.  The condiments arrived shortly after the main meal arrived.  They were very tasty.  Mum must have enjoyed it as she ate quite a bit.  Lunch costs $25.  Not bad at all...next...

Konnichiwa!

Quiet and unassuming - this is how I would describe this restaurant, Hukuya,  located at the corner of Railway Parade and Ethel Street, Eastwood, opposite the railway station.

Going inside however, this restaurant is a buzz with activity.  This is only a small family restaurant and although they take bookings, it fills up quickly and pays to get there early.  It is also a BYO restaurant.  There is a sushi bar at the side of the restaurant serving fresh sashimi.

We had a selection... a california roll which was very fresh, then had an assortment of teriyaki salmon, tempura soft shell crab (yummy!) and their spicy pork which was delicious too!

The menu is quite extensive for a small restaurant and seems to be very popular and has a regular following.  If you happen to be in Eastwood early and fancy some Japanese food, head for Hukuya.  Definitely worth a second visit but be mindful or parking restrictions in the surrounding streets.