Penguin says Feed Me: 2018

8 May 2018

Toshiya, Cremorne

It's always a good sign when you enter a suburban restaurant mid-week and it's full of locals, because you know you're onto a good thing. Toshiya is very much a local favourite with what seemed like regular diners just having a regular Wednesday night dinner. But it's certainly no regular Wednesday night dinner, with unique Japanese fusion dishes on the menu that Chef Toshiya has carefully created using his mixed training in Japanese kaiseki ryori and classical French techniques. Fusion sometimes scares people off, but here, it works - with the likes of sashimi tacos, prosciutto salmon sushi and green tea brulee being among my favourite dishes. There's also more traditional Japanese food on the menu like miso wagyu beef and sushi rolls, but the more adventurous dishes are where the fun is at!

Penguin says Feed Me dined at Toshiya courtesy of Washoku Lovers

TL;DR: Modern Japanese fusion pushing the boundaries of what Japanese food is
Favourite dish: Sashimi tacos, prosciutto salmon sushi
Would I return? If I'm in the area and can get a table!

Toshiya
1/283 Military Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
Ph: +61 2 8969 6989
Lunch: Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm to 10pm

Inside Toshiya

Beef tataki: Seared raw beef sliced thinly, topped with onions and ponzu sauce - $15

Soft shell crab: Deep fried crab topped with spicy leek, shallots, flying fish roe, chilli mayo and shiso soy. Part of the Special Assorted Entree - $39

Duck dumplings: Pan fried duck dumplings with dumpling sauce. Part of the Special Assorted Entree - $39

Salmon carpaccio: Thin sliced salmon with yuzu dressing. Part of the Special Assorted Entree - $39

Sashimi tacos: Assorted sashimi in gyoza taco shells, topped with spicy mayo. Part of the Special Assorted Entree - $39

Grilled scallops with garlic butter. Part of the Special Assorted Entree - $39

Pan fried scallops - $16

Prosciutto salmon aburi sushi - $19.50

Lobster spicy volcano roll: Inside out roll topped with tempura lobster, tartar sauce and teriyaki chilli oil - $29

Miso wagyu beef: Sliced wagyu beef in a miso sauce - $19.50

Green tea brulee - $8.50

Chocolate spring roll - $8.50

Red bean ice cream - $3

3 April 2018

Restaurant Hubert, Sydney

Entering Restaurant Hubert makes you feel like you've been transported to a sophisticated Parisian dining room. As you open the doors, you're greeted with mood lighting and wood panelling, with the hubbub of the dining area getting louder as you descend the stairs into the basement. I'd heard lots about Restaurant Hubert before my visit. "Make sure you get the duck" was probably the one I heard the most, and so literally the second my butt touched the seat, I asked if we could reserve one of the ducks for tonight. We managed to get the last duck, which was amazing with crispy skin, deboned and stuffed with duck sausage. But don't worry, even if you don't manage to get your hands on a duck, everything else is also delicious. Other stand outs for me were the prime beef tartare (amazing chips!) and the pommes anna. Save room for dessert as well because these were also amazing. Don't just take my word for it though - if you haven't been to Hubert yet, grab 5 friends and make a booking there ASAP!

TL;DR: Classic French cuisine in a glamorous dining space
Favourite dish: Canard farci, Prime beef tartare
Would I return? Yep, already have!

Restaurant Hubert
Basement, 15 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Lunch: Thursday & Friday, 12pm to 3pm
Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am