Malay Chinese Takeaway + Cafe Cre Asion + J's Kitchen Steak house - Sydney, NSW

I got in BIG trouble with the Mrs over the weekend. Story was that the Mrs was rather preoccupied with organising our major upcoming event and I just so happened to have a free parking pass in the city (donated by my generous younger sister). logically then, what better time for me to go and eat all the things I want in the city, right? Wrong. So very wrong. But more on that later. I didn't initially have a plan on how my Saturday was going to work out but I just thought I'd go park my car and see what was available. After a bit of walking around, I happened upon my favorite Malaysian Laksa restaurant, Malay Chinese Takeaway. Furthermore, they were open...on a weekend? Sold.



Despite not having their usual office worker lunch queue, the place was still packed out with a crowd of hungry diners. Obviously then, this place must be legitimately good (not that I didn't know that already). I briskly waltzed up to the counter and ordered my usual: skinless chicken laksa. Not even a couple minutes after I stepped aside, my order arrived at the collection counter...that layer of ominous yet enticing chilli oil that hides the creamy, golden broth of assorted aromatics, spices and coconut milk. Now, listen to my instructions very carefully: add a spoon or so of the communal sambal (at your discretion) and proceed to quietly and reverently take your bowl to an empty spot. Slurp, sip, repeat, wipe away sweat....then smile like a dork (it really is that good). I guarantee you, if you consider yourself a laksa connoisseur, you will not be disappointed with this place...I personally rank it one of Sydney's finest bowls of Laksa.

Being all hot and flustered from consuming the laksa, I decided to explore the CBD and find a suitable place to calm down and "zen" out. Logically then, was there a more appropriate location than Cafe Cre Asion? With my mind made up, I decided to make the long trek over to Alberta Street. This is where I made my mistake: the Mrs had wanted to visit Cafe Cre Asion for the longest time but hadn't found the opportunity amongst the ever-growing list of things she had to prepare. I had then, committed a big taboo for foodie couples...I'd visited a new venue without the company of the other. I got reprimanded really badly later than night. But at that moment in time, I couldn't think of anything better than to sit down and enjoy a nice green tea (matcha) latte.

It did take me a while to find my way into Alberta street but once I laid eyes on this small little cafe, I was smitten. Look at the chic and modern designs...the aesthetically gorgeous furniture, how could you not want to sit down and chill out? So then, I ordered a delicious looking matcha swiss roll and the house matcha latte, sat outside on one of the temple looking chairs and enjoyed the wonderful afternoon tea. Everything at Cre Asion is distinctly "zen" focused, from the bitter yet sweet drinks and cake to decor, tables and location. You're separated from the hustle and bustle yet, close enough to watch the cars zoom by like a keen yet detached observer. In that moment in time, I had achieved what I sought in that afternoon: peace.

The Mrs and I had dinner with family that night so we met up later that night at Cabramatta for J's Kitchen Steak House. When I initially told the Mrs I had visited Cafe Cre Asion without her, she was furious with me (and rightly so) but being the patient, loving and forgiving saint that she is, she saw past my transgressions and forgave me...for now. In the meantime, we focused on enjoying the company we had and the delicious (and cheap) food we were provided. I must say, I am deeply impressed. Where else can you spend $11 and still get a massive plate of chips, salad (doused in dressing) and a thin but tender piece of steak..all covered in a generous mushroom sauce? Not only that, for an additional $4, you can go to the drinks bar and get 4 fruits of your choice blended into a refreshing, delicious fruit shake. If I lived any closer to Cabramatta...I'd be here all the time.

Overall, my weekend can be summed up as absolutely satisfying.  I got all the food that I wanted all on the same day. I do have to apologise to the Mrs though...I feel horrid for visiting Cre Asion without her. Since I suffered minimal repercussions formy screw up, I can certainly say that I've learnt my lesson and that I'll make sure that next time: I'll try to help her out a bit more so she has more time to venture out and explore with me.

*Sorry lovely, I'll take you to Cre Asion next time*

Buttermelt Cafe - Strathfield, NSW

The Mrs and I really haven't had the chance to spend any quality brunching time together this week. She's been pretty inundated with the planning of a very special event we have coming up. Normally, I'd be a lazy one and just stay home cause my food buddy isn't with me but today, I decide to get off my butt and go out for a nice bite to eat and a haircut and boy, am I glad I decided on that. I will only ever get my haircuts from two locations within Sydney and since today, I'm not inclined to head into the CBD, I decided to head to Strathfield as see what was on offer.

Since I missed my partner so much, I decided that I wouldn't be boring and have what I always had (the deluxe set from Tomoya). No, instead I walked around a bit to assess my options and I stumbled upon Buttermelt cafe, situated in the old "Moochi" location. Upon walking past the cafe and seeing the outfit and staff, I decided to head in and grab some lunch...best decision I've made today. The cafe is small and in typical cafe-fashion, has an industrial outfit which lends to the simplistic atmosphere. the cafe if very open so you get to see all the action whilst still being detached and sheltered from it all in one of the cosy tables inside.

Although I missed my other half very dearly, I can't say I didn't enjoy myself because one of the benefits of not eating with your Partner is that you don't need to be considerate of her and you get to order what you truly desire. In my case, I'd spotted another cafe-goer eating a delicious looking mushroom pasta and that pretty much told me what I needed to order and trust me, I was definitely not disappointed. Aside from looking absolutely on point, the dish tasted delightfully fresh and was delicious to boot. I loved the fact that they included two slices of buttered bread to help you soak up all the sauce and I was really pleasantly surprised when the buttered bread turned out to be mildly sweet which helped enhance the moorish and creamy flavours of the pasta.

I'm a die hard carnivore and even I didn't miss the meat in this dish because the addition of the chunky king oyster mushrooms added a really nice textural bite to the whole package. The pasta was cooked al-dente and the bits of cheese and stringy enoki mushrooms made it a delight to eat. 

The coffee was also unexpectedly and amazingly good. Buttermelt stocks Sensory lab beans and whilst I'm not a big bean snob, I know good suppliers when I see them. After a deliciously satisfying meal, I'd normally just gulp down my coffee like it was water but the aroma and taste of the beverage actually managed to slow me down to little sips as I'd enjoyed it so much I subconsciously just wanted to sit there and enjoy the moment.

After my meal, I went off to grab my haircut and on the way to collect my car, I stopped by again to grab a drink for the road. I settled on the green tea smash which I saw someone else have earlier and again, was thoroughly impressed with how well they did it. A bit on the pricier side in terms or iced drinks but definitely well worth it, an intense matcha flavour permeates the whole drink and is well complemented by the mild sweetness of the vanilla ice cream. If you let the flavours just roll in your mouth, near the end, you'll notice a slight bitterness which helps round off the whole drink.

I actually cannot wait to bring the Mrs back to Buttermelt, not just because it's so accessible to the both of us but also because I can't believe that such a little gem was hiding under our noses the whole time. A sincere thank you to you guys at Buttermelt cafe, you'd given me a lovely lunch experience and set my weekend off to a great start.