More so for the fact it gives me an opportunity to suggest a celebration that usually consists of eating food, wine and laughter of the best kind.
Only recently back from her birthday trip to Tokyo, we rush to meet my friend Ayme for dinner at one of Northbridge's best and trending restaurants- The Old Crow.
Situated on Newcastle street next to Northbridge's brunch central Tuck Shop Cafe (which has a constant line outside it on weekends), it offers an eclectic dining experience with no particular 'type' of cuisine but more so emphasizes the sharing of excellent produce cooked to perfection. Do book well in advance as there is very little chance you would be able to secure a walk in, even on a weeknight.
Its interior is almost like an old heritage house- seated inside you are surrounded by dim lights, wooden floor boards, an old fireplace and multi-coloured painted glass which frames the interior counter. We are seated in enclosed outer area, opposite the exterior bar tonight on high stools surrounding a tall long vintage red table with round pillar post legs- very handy for hanging the brought jacket, coat or bag.
We appraise the menu quickly with hungry eyes as we are told we have to exit by 9pm, our tables next booking. You can peruse the dinner menu of Snacks, Small Plates, Large Plates, Sides and Desserts on their website. Our lovely waitress takes our order with ease making sure it would be devoid of peanuts (deathly allergies) and another is quick to bring out freshly cut slices of white soft crusty complimentary bread with fennel infused butter.
We order a peach vodka infused pitcher to share and toast to another birthday gone by. Our conversation turns to travelling, Japan and tattoos. As I listen and look at the new permanent inkscription on Ayme's arm our food arrives midst conversation.
I left the Old Crow unsure of whether I considered myself lucky my friends had stopped me from ordering more food - the fine balance of not suffering the harsh effects of a food coma but feeling a slight sense of regret of not being able to sample more of the menu.
And so we drive to Nobu - located just over the causeway at the Crown Casino and Hotel.
Our fellow friends were unaware you could just dine on dessert in the entrance lounge of the restaurant where the bar is located. Greeted and seated with a smile at our second high table for the night, we all decide to choose desserts we had not sampled before. I have visited this establishment several times since its opening and on my last dining visit the level of service has definitely stepped up a notch since the casino was taken over by Crown.
Ayme convincingly sold 'The Nobu Cheesecake' as the best cheesecake you could possibly eat.
In turn I convinced her and our fellow friend to eventually have the Miso Cappuccino - a deceptive dessert which taste far outweighs its simple presentation.
I vaguely remember trying this dessert eight months ago. Its description is as its taste, however I dont know if I particularly enjoyed eating it as much as I enjoyed looking at it. I found the miso flavour slightly overpowering the salted caramel in the parfait. The tonka foam is a nice touch whilst the sweet caramel popcorn adds a crunch to break it all up. It all seemed to make my own tastebuds slightly confused.
The dessert menu also has some extra additions I had not seen before, however they shall have to wait til next time we decide to pay Nobu another visit.
Overall another great night with fine company and great food which has you salivating for more.
Situated on Newcastle street next to Northbridge's brunch central Tuck Shop Cafe (which has a constant line outside it on weekends), it offers an eclectic dining experience with no particular 'type' of cuisine but more so emphasizes the sharing of excellent produce cooked to perfection. Do book well in advance as there is very little chance you would be able to secure a walk in, even on a weeknight.
Its interior is almost like an old heritage house- seated inside you are surrounded by dim lights, wooden floor boards, an old fireplace and multi-coloured painted glass which frames the interior counter. We are seated in enclosed outer area, opposite the exterior bar tonight on high stools surrounding a tall long vintage red table with round pillar post legs- very handy for hanging the brought jacket, coat or bag.
We appraise the menu quickly with hungry eyes as we are told we have to exit by 9pm, our tables next booking. You can peruse the dinner menu of Snacks, Small Plates, Large Plates, Sides and Desserts on their website. Our lovely waitress takes our order with ease making sure it would be devoid of peanuts (deathly allergies) and another is quick to bring out freshly cut slices of white soft crusty complimentary bread with fennel infused butter.
We order a peach vodka infused pitcher to share and toast to another birthday gone by. Our conversation turns to travelling, Japan and tattoos. As I listen and look at the new permanent inkscription on Ayme's arm our food arrives midst conversation.
Crispy Brussels/Chilli Jam/Pine Nuts/Buttermilk
If youre not a fan of Brussel Sprouts this would an absolute exception. Each one is cooked to a crispy texture and combined with chilli jam, pine nuts and buttermilk to give this dish a sweet, savoury, crunchy goodness. I would be completely satisfied to eat a whole bowl of these and I am sure you would too.
Smoked Brisket/Beets/Horseradish/Cheese Curd
Divvying up this dish was little tricky but managing to roll each element into a mouthful proved well worth it. Slight smokiness of the thinly sliced brisket with a not over powering curd which milky taste was dampened by the zing of the horseradish and sweetness of the soft cubes of beetroot.
The onions rings were just that little extra crunch.
BBQ Pork/Crispy Pork Belly/Kale/Black Eyed Beans
Pork cooked two ways - A crispy piece of pork belly stacked on top a shredded pork BBQ patty. The firm black eyed beans and finely chopped kale and carrot cooked in a flavoursome broth complimented the sweetness of the BBQ pork.
Pepper Glazed Beef Short Ribs/Spicy Roast Onion
Glazed chunks of melt in your mouth Beef that just falls of the rib bone into a rich spicy tangy sweet onion relish garnished well with fried shallots and spring onion.
Dirty Potato's/Jalapenos/Ranch/Burnt Ends
Crispy fried soft-centred taters tossed with jalapenos, spring onion and crunchy chewy burnt ends in ranch sauce and shaved parmesan to finish- Another great side dish I could solely eat on its own any day.
Each plate of food that arrived left our table thoroughly bare. As our stomachs settled we cast our eyes on the dessert selections. The chocolate and peanut butter pudding would have been my pick, however as it may cause Ayme to stop breathing we follow through with her suggestion of heading to Nobu for dessert.
I left the Old Crow unsure of whether I considered myself lucky my friends had stopped me from ordering more food - the fine balance of not suffering the harsh effects of a food coma but feeling a slight sense of regret of not being able to sample more of the menu.
And so we drive to Nobu - located just over the causeway at the Crown Casino and Hotel.
Our fellow friends were unaware you could just dine on dessert in the entrance lounge of the restaurant where the bar is located. Greeted and seated with a smile at our second high table for the night, we all decide to choose desserts we had not sampled before. I have visited this establishment several times since its opening and on my last dining visit the level of service has definitely stepped up a notch since the casino was taken over by Crown.
Ayme convincingly sold 'The Nobu Cheesecake' as the best cheesecake you could possibly eat.
In turn I convinced her and our fellow friend to eventually have the Miso Cappuccino - a deceptive dessert which taste far outweighs its simple presentation.
Nobu Cheesecake/Passion Sorbet/Raspberry Sauce
If you like Cheesecake but feel its general heaviness prevents you from consuming the whole portion given, this cheesecake would be your option. It's light fluffy mousse texture is nothing like a normal cheesecake. With a crumbly short biscuit base and a sugar flamed top crust, it's sweet richness works well with the tartness and acidity of both the sorbet and raspberry sauce.
Miso Cappcuccino- Miso + Milk Chocolate Creme/Coffee Chocolate Crumble/Vanilla Ice Crea/Coffee Foam [Photo Credit - Janice Kho]
Easily my favourite Nobu dessert. The waiter advises you to dig all the way to the bottom of the cup so you get a spoonful of all the layers. The light coffee foam disappears into the miso milk chocolate creme and coffee chocolate crumble, whilst the cold creamy vanilla ice cream just melts and envelops it all in your mouth. Although underwhelming in appearance, I would be surprised you are not left licking the cup it is served in.
Salted Caramel Miso Parfait/Caramelised Popcorn/White Chocolate/ Tonka Foam
I vaguely remember trying this dessert eight months ago. Its description is as its taste, however I dont know if I particularly enjoyed eating it as much as I enjoyed looking at it. I found the miso flavour slightly overpowering the salted caramel in the parfait. The tonka foam is a nice touch whilst the sweet caramel popcorn adds a crunch to break it all up. It all seemed to make my own tastebuds slightly confused.
The dessert menu also has some extra additions I had not seen before, however they shall have to wait til next time we decide to pay Nobu another visit.
Overall another great night with fine company and great food which has you salivating for more.
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