Ichi-ban Boshi, The Galeries Victoria

Judging from the queues I see everytime I walk past, I think it's safe to assume that Ichi-ban Boshi is one of the most popular ramen joints in Sydney. Due to it's obvious popularity, I had pretty high expectations on my first visit here and sadly I don't think the food lived up to the standards I'd set and since then I have been reluctant to return. However, on Fi's request I'm back again tonight for dinner before watching Avenue Q at the Theatre Royal.


Having an early dinner at 5.30pm means that we a) get a table easily for 6 of us and b) avoid the horrendous queues that have built up by the time we leave. Fi and I have still yet to try the tonkotsu ramen and we ask the waitress whether they have any left. Sadly they have run out so I go to my plan B and order the karaage ramen. Everytime I order this I have the intention of asking for the karaage chicken on the side but as usual I forget and it arrives with the batter semi-soaked in broth. Fail.

Karaage Ramen - $10.90

Jimini's, Hornsby

Around a corner on the Aldi level of Westfield Hornsby is an unexpected little cafe away from the busy-ness of the food court area. Jimini's serves cafe-style food with friendly service and good coffee. Today I'm here for lunch with my mum and grandparents and we order some coffees and 3 dishes to share between us.

Mocha served in mug - $4.50

We're here on a Friday lunchtime and although they have quite a few patrons the service is efficient and we're not waiting too long before the food arrives.

Roast pumpkin risotto with rosemary and rocket - $14.90

The roast pumpkin risotto looks like a small serving but is actually quite adequate since the risotto is quite filling. The rice isn't cooked as well as I would have liked since it's a bit gluggy. The roast pumpkin however is delicious and sweet and the other flavours are more subdued to let the pumpkin flavour really shine through.

Cordon-bleu open-faced chicken burger: pancetta, caramelised apple butter and brie on sourdough, served with fries or salad - $14.50

Brown Sugar Pavlova

After eating the glorious brown sugar pavlova from MuMu Grill and seeing Not Quite Nigella's success at recreating it, I had to try and make it at home. I wanted the pavlova to be the main attraction so I decorated it simply with some sweetened whipped cream and some strawberries. Sir D also likes his pavlova with less of that gooey, spongy interior so I left it in the oven for a bit longer so that it dried out a bit more.


And although I must admit that it wasn't nearly as good as the pavlova from MuMu Grill, it was greatly enjoyed by Sir D and myself. It turned out superbly crunchy on the outside with a bit of the spongy, airy meringue on the inside, and along with the strawberries and cream made for a fantastic home-made dessert. And for once, my pavlovas didn't collapse when I added the cream and fruit so yay for that!

Bravo Trattoria and Gelato Bar, Crows Nest

I'm no expert on gelato but I have yet to find better gelato on the North Shore than the gelato at Bravo Trattoria. This, I think, can be confirmed by the queues at the gelato bar on Friday and Saturday nights, even in the midst of winter!


There's quite a large range of flavours available, with the friendly favourites such as hazelnut, chocolate, and mango being consistently good whilst some of the more unusual flavours like yoghurt and taro changing quite frequently.

Had to Happen, North Sydney, and all-you-can-eat fajitas!

One Saturday night in August, a large group of people clad in pink for Fi's pink-themed birthday turned up at Had to Happen in North Sydney, with empty bellies ready for a Mexican feast! An all-you-can-eat fajitas feast as well! And who should I bump into there but FFichiban from Here Comes The Food who was more than ready to participate in said Mexican feast ;)

Chile con Queso: Melted cheese dip with a rich tomato flavour (house specialty) - $10.80 or included in the $28 party menu

We arrive to a very colourful room complete with faux cacti and sombreros, and friendly waitstaff who take drink orders and orders from people not participating in the all-you-can-eat fajitas. Whilst we wait for everyone to arrive, we snack on Chile con Queso - a house specialty dip made of melted cheese with tomato flavour.

Enchiladas Rancheras: Corn tortillas wrapped around shredded chicken, smothered in red sauce, garnished with sour cream and cheese - $18.90