Steffi Eats Around Sydney: Part 2
HOT CHOCOLATE
Part 1 of Steffi Eats Around Sydney talked about an Aussie coffee shop staple, the Flat White. This sequel talks about another coffee shop favorite, the Hot Chocolate. Every now and then, my friends and I end up warming ourselves with a cup of good old hot chocolate after walking under Sydney’s chilly weather.
GUYLIAN’S MILK HOT CHOCOLATE (AUD 9)
As a big fan of Guylian’s Belgian chocolates, it was a dream to finally dine inside its own café. Apart from selling merchandise and products that aren’t readily available in the Philippines, its menu boasts of hot dishes, decadent desserts, and an extensive list of chocolate drinks. Ordering its classic Hot Chocolate gives one the option to choose among its milk, dark, and praline variants. This choice translates to an actual Guylian piece served in your cup; ready to be melted by a pot of hot chocolate.
Each serving comes in a huge cup, so if you would like to have room to order something else, it’s best to split with another. The hot chocolate was lovely as expected; however, service could have been improved. We had to directly approach the waiting staff for them to address our needs. It didn’t help that they weren’t in the mood to give recommendations either.
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe
Shop 10, Opera Quays, 3 Macquarie St, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Date of Visit: August 20, 2017 with John Cabrera, Mercy Carag, Dani Dingcong, and Julius Manolong
BLUE MOUNTAINS CHOCOLATE COMPANY’S HOT CHOCOLATE
If you happen to drop by the Blue Mountains in Katoomba, make sure to stop by the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company.
Apart from its free sampling of its amazingly indulgent freshly baked chocolates, it also serves up its own heavenly cup of Hot Chocolate. I dare say that it tastes even better than that of Guylian’s as its chocolate is smoother and richer. Although they only had one serving staff in the shift we were in, she remained efficient, bubbly and approachable throughout our stay!
Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
176 Lurline St, Blue Mountains, Katoomba, New South Wales 2780
Date of Visit: August 22, 2017 with John Cabrera, Mercy Carag, Dani Dingcong, and Julius Manolong
(Photo taken by Dani Dingcong)
TREASURED TEAPOT MUSEUM’S DEVONSHIRE TEA (AUD 15)
If you’re in the mood for tea, the quirky Treasured Teapot Museum serves up Devonshire Tea, which comes with freshly baked scones that are guaranteed to fill you up. These fluffy baked wonders are paired with large servings of preserves and fresh cream to complete the whole experience. Get this for free if you avail of Klook’s Unlimited (3 day or 7 day) pass. If you’re into antiques, its extensive collection of teapots may also be of interest to you!
Treasured Teapot Museum
20-22 Grose St, Leura, New South Wales 2780,
Date of Visit: August 22, 2017 with John Cabrera, Mercy Carag, Dani Dingcong, and Julius Manolong
OPORTO'S QUARTER CHICKEN WITH SPICY RICE (AUD10)
If you're a fan of Bugong in the Philippines, you'd immediately love Oporto. Banking on a similar concept of having a quick service restaurant centered on roasted chicken, both concepts offer healthier alternatives to the fried food dominated world of quick service.
A quarter chicken set comes with a dip of your choice (the garlic dip is to die for), warm pita pockets, and a side of your choice. I made the wrong decision of opting for the Spicy Rice as my side dish as it tasted more sour than spicy. Aside from that though, the chicken was gloriously juicy and tasty. You won't have any need for gravy or any dip; but of course it doesn't hurt to complete the experience by mixing in a bit of its garlic dip!
Oporto
Shop 2 90 Hay St | Shop 1, Sydney, NSW
Date of Visit: August 25, 2017 with John Cabrera, Mercy Carag, Dani Dingcong, and Julius Manolong
BLOODWOOD
POLENTA CHIPS WITH GORGONZOLA SAUCE (AUD 10)
Recommended by my friend Chino Banzon, Bloodwood was definitely the most interesting place I’ve tried during my trip to Sydney. Its limited seating capacity guarantees a 45 minute wait; which fortunately was worth it. Its dimly lit interiors, minimalist menu and extensive drinks list reminded me of Your Local. As its serving sizes lean on the smaller side, they advised us to order 3 to 4 dishes to fill up both our tummies. We started with the Polenta Chips, served piping hot. Dip them in the light gorgonzola sauce it comes with and you’re solved. Its Chicken Liver Parfait (AUD 14) features a large scoop of chicken liver spread enough to share with a group. I love that it was served with warm and fluffy ciabatta bread (a whole stack of it, and yes, you can ask for more); and sweet earl grey infused fig preserves to temper the saltiness.
STICKY FRIED BRISKET (AUD 30)
The Sticky Fried Basket was visually overwhelming as heirloom carrots, enoki mushrooms, quinoa, and black seeds were artfully layered atop the chunks of beef brisket. This dish takes a while to prepare, but you’d understand why after your first bite. The beef is made so tender that it wonderfully melts in your mouth. Its Charred Lamb (AUD 24) showed more restraint by using significantly less ingredients. This allows one to fully appreciate the smoky flavor of the lamb pieces. Try to eat this dish right away though as the lamb gets tougher over time.
Bloodwood
416 King St. Newtown 2042
Date of Visit: August 25, 2017 with Chino Banzon
GELATO MESSINA
Despite the chilly weather, my friend Chino pushed me to try Gelato Messina, which was just a couple of minutes away from Bloodwood. Similar to gelato shops in the Philippines, it offered a whole lot of quirky and interesting ice cream flavors. I decided to get the indulgent Milk Chocolate with Chocolate Peanut Fudge and paired it with the subtle yet distinct flavor of the Ricotta Arancia. I was so full, and felt so cold, but it was so good that I had no trouble finishing its two gigantic scoops. Thanks again to Chino for taking the time to take me out!!!
Gelato Messina
262 King Street, Sydney, NSW'
Date of Visit: August 25, 2017 with Chino Banzon
