Anise

I was nervous about sitting at the bar to dine. I thought that it might be uncomfortable; or that it could take the romance out of the evening, it was, after all, a special occasion to be celebrated with my partner. However, when I saw the dim lights and sparkling clean wine glasses set out; and glanced at the several large chalk boards filled with all types of wines I'd never heard, then spotted the groovy couch occupied by some trendy young New Farmian type ladies, and was mellowed and by the temperate music and hum of gentle chatter, I relaxed and became excited for the night ahead and for the culinary experience that awaited me at Anise the European/French wine bar and restaurant.

We were greeted by what I presume was the owner or manager of Anise. He was originally from Tasmania and this was reflected by the influence of Tasmanian Beer and Wine on the list. We accepted the offer of a beverage while we perused our menus. I chose a glass of bubbly form the Loire Valley in France which was light and fluffy almost with a hint of Vanilla (well that's what I thought anyway but I assure you, I am NO connoisseur). I was delicious to say the least. My partner had a Tasmanian Cascade Larger.  We decided, since it was Bastille Day, to chose the Degustation Menu with a special French Twist, and matched wine.

Over the course of the evening (which lasted 3.5 hours), we were served delicate, delicious food and wine which was explained to us by the young waitress at each course. It included a creamy garlic Escargot with a glass of French bubbly, an amazing seafood platter, perfectly matched with a sweet and surprisingly delightful white muscat, some tasty Mushroom Gnocci with a sauvignon blanc and then something I thought quited different, but apparently not for the French, Foie Gras ice cream with a sweet dense bread and caramelised onion matched with a light red. We enjoyed a palate cleanser and then the main dish of perfectly cooked lamb, beautifully presented, matched with a smooth Cabernet Merlot and to finish a silky syrupy dessert wine and Creme Brulee and Parfait.  Not quite ready to end the night, we opted for a glass of whisky. Three bottles were placed in front of us, my partner choosing Jameson I think and I chose a twelve year old Single Malt to cap the night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my night at Anise and am so glad we chose the Degustation Menu. It gave me the opportunity to try some food and wine that I had both never had the chance to experience before and/or never normally chose myself. The service was friendly and relaxed,  adding to the warm experience, and the food and wine was tantalising. I highly recommend Anise for dinner and in particular for a special occasion. Thank you Anise for making our night one to remember.

Out and About in Newfarm

The Famous Newfarm Rotunda

The Powerhouse



Jan Power's Farmers' Markets



Rose Garden

Scuzi Cafe

Situated in the Kitty Hawk Drive entrance (Dan Murphy's end) of Westfield Shopping Centre Chermside, is the Italian styled Scuzi Cafe. I have been there for coffee many times and depending on the barista and wait staff rostered on from day-to-day, I have really enjoyed the merlot coffee served to me. 

On the Tuesday of the Easter/Anzac Weekend we chose to try the breakfast at Scuzi. We opted for the outdoor dining section at the back where the sun would gently warm us. Although, here lies my first gripe. Small touches often make the biggest impression.  The area needed to be swept. There was dirt and dust collected underneath the tables and chairs. Not a good look. 

The friendly wait staff were quick to tend to us offering drinks and menus for perusal. The menu included several appealing dishes like the Morning Eggs to your liking, Italian Hangover (Spicy Sausage, Caramelised Onion, Mushroom open omlette with melted mozzarella served on Toasted Turkish Bread with Tomato Relish), Scuzi Mia (Scrambled Eggs w Smoked Salmon, Feta Cheese and Baby Spinach on toasted Focaccia and Roma Tomato) and a vegetarian dish, Papa's Garden. Also appearing on the menu was options for the sweet tooth such as Hot Cakes and Pancakes, Fruit Toast and Seasonal Fruit. I chose the Zucchini Fritters which were served with Grilled Haloumi, Caramelised Mushroom, Roasted Roma Tomato and a salad of Rocket, Shaved Parmesan, Balsamic Olive Oil and Roasted Tomato Relish which sounded fantastic. And my partner didn't hesitate on choosing Mama's Big Breakfast, complete with Bacon, Italian Sausage , Caramelised Mushroom, Eggs, Potato Rosti and  Roasted Roma Tomato Toasted Pannini.

Coffee was served to us quite promptly, however, on this morning it was average. Our breakfast was served to us, and we were immediately disappointed. My partner's Bacon was burnt and so was the Rosti and there was no butter on the Pannini leaving it dry and uninviting.  My fritters presented slightly better but still not the image I had in my mind.  The fritters were too big and just not flavoursome enough and both the haloumi and tomato were over cooked. It was also obvious that the freshest, tastiest ingredients were not used. We both felt we could deliver better at home and won't be giving Scuzi Cafe a second shot.

Red Bean Espresso

Red Bean Espresso in Playfield Street Chermside has pretty take-away cups. What it doesn't have is scrumptious or even decent coffee. There's no atmosphere or culture or individuality either. Not even in it's selection of cakes. They are the same shaped, same generic assortment of cakes and friads that are available in thousands of other coffee shops. I have to admit it was fast and friendly service, but this positive attribute isn't enough to ever take me back there. In a town where there's not a great distance between available caffeine hits, I'll skip Red Bean Espresso.

Brisbane Architecture and Art

C Word

I’m not sure what word they had in mind when they named C Word in Nundah Village, Nundah.  If it was Coffee, then the product lives up to the name. The creamy Campos Coffee served there is delicious. However, it’s not the coffee that takes me there. It’s the Bagels!

The C Word has a large range of Bagels, all starting with C.  My favourite is the Crave Beggel ($8.40).  I would never normally eat anything with Smoked Salmon on it, but this was ordered for me and I was so pleasantly surprised on tasting it. The Crave Beggel; made up of a fresh warm bagel, sandwiching flavoursome smoked salmon, peppery rocket, creamy egglette and a zesty mayo. My partner’s favourite is the Combo Beggel ($8.40). It combines bacon and sizzling sausage, egglette, cheese and tomato with freshly cracked pepper, on a layer of char-grilled vegetable relish. I’m dying to try the Canadia Beggel which is a French toast bagel with bacon and maple syrup. There is an all-day menu too, which includes Philly cheese bagels and a roasted chicken and greens one, fresh ham, tomato and cheese with mustard and salads and a Mexican one, to name a few. There are several vegetarian options as well with something for everyone. They also offer catering and prices are on website www.cword.com.au.

The C Word is a comfy, casual, cafe with a large range of patrons including business men and women to bikers (the lycra type).  Cool beats play in the background and there’s local artists’ works on the walls along with gig posters and random other things which combined, creates a contemporary cosmosphere and a culinary experienced to be craved for!

Carousels Cupcakes and Coffee

Rather oddly (in my opinion) located on busy Gympie Road in Chermside in Carousels Cupcakes & Coffee. A 1950's rock-a-billy styled coffee shop/diner cafe, offering Di Bella coffee and delicious Cupcakes to match the era.

I had an "I love Lucy" Red Velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing. It was a perfect size and on biting in to the well presented treat, I enjoyed a moist, fluffy red cake, with a Delicious icing.  My work colleagues equally took pleasure in devouring their cupcakes, "The Pink Poodle" and a carrot cake one.

I recommend this place, mostly for the ladies, if you're wanting morning tea with a difference. It would also be the PERFECT place to take little girls for a little treat or birthday party.

Check out www.carouselscupcakes.com.au to peruse their cupcake menu or perhaps to select one of the pre-order cupcakes for a special event or party.

K