My uncle was here for a few days in Sydney, just to collect expensive stuff, but luckily I don't really have to go out too much, and at dinner the other night I was able to leave early since there were enough cars for me to drive off. Red Eye has started, and it's interesting since haven't seen these sort of cases before. 

Sakura soft serve-$4.90

It's definitely not cheap for a soft serve from Oh Matcha (previously Chanoma). It's pretty how they sprinkled it with matcha powder and some gold bits. This tasted like red bean to me. It's got a slightly thicker and grainier texture, and not super creamy/milky. I don't know what Sakura actually tastes like, but I'm not a big fan of red bean flavoured stuff, so wasn't a big fan of this flavour soft serve, They have 2 new flavours coming out next week which I hope to try. Will also try the some miso flavoured ice cream Happy Apple mentioned if I'm ever in Parra (I think you said it was in Parra, haha).

Had the Egg salted egg chips last time, now salted egg fish skin from sg to hk to syd

Apparently this stuff sells out at 9am everyday in SG, so even if you had the money (not cheap, around $20-30 a pack), you won't be able to get it if you're too slow.

Johnny's Pizza Java flavour: chicken, snow peas, broccoli, cashews, mozzarella cheese, satay base sauce-$28 (family)

Didn't get the massive 25inch one since not a whole bunch of relos came over. I love the sweetness of this satay, which the tiniest bit of spiciness in it. There's not much oil coming out from the pizza since  you can tell from the cardboard box, and the dough is so soft. Treats like these are a one off since it's so unhealthy and not cheap, but worth buying for when people come over to try.

I also got my first preference for overseas preceptorship! Pretty sure it's cause I'm in the 2nd group with less people/competition, if I was in the May group, my marks wouldn't be high enough. Going back to a place I've been before, and as mentioned, the only other country I've re-visited except for HK is Japan. Re-visiting my fav city in the world would make sense, just didn't realise it'll be just 4 years later. Hoping I know the other people I'm going with.

So much travel from May till end of the year. I love travelling, and yes it's not cheap, but yay for experience. I'm joking to myself that the the majority of travel this year will cover my travels for the next 10yrs of my life lol.

MasterChef my fav tv show has started, and for the first time ever I missed the premiere except for the last 10min. Probs gonna be another yr I'll miss the majority of it since 2012 cause studying for HSC. Previous years always had sem 1 exams, but I was very yolo and still watched all the eps. This yr I'm just not in Sydney all the time so gonna be hard to watch, and no time since reports to do, and no time to catch up online. Also more shows coming back out on Netflix. Although it sounds like I'm complaining, I guess there's always stuff to do after work next year like catch up on tv shows and movies lol.

23. Birthday Freebie Haul

People have become more stingy, or more like the economy has become more stingy (there's probably a proper word for that). Can't believe it's already the end of August and winter...I guess it's time to do a birthday freebie haul. I think a lot has changed over the years. 19 I actually had time to get freebies, 20 not so much, 21st was the year of parties and cake everyday so no time to actually get free food, 22nd was death another busy year (well didn't have a post on freebies apart from going to Sepia...too bad it's moving to Melbs...)

Didn't beat Tracy's 7(?) free places to eat, mainly these days I ceebs signing up to stuff since I know I wouldn't have the time to go to them...but here's my take of this year's freebies. Less food but good enough. 

Bondi Pizza (Take 6 and 7)

Something stuffed up with their emails, and I actually got 1 voucher in July and 1 in Aug, so ended up going twice. You can choose any main/pizza up to the value of $27. I make an effort every year to go get this bday freebie as it's actually worth my time, since it's more than what I earn an hour...Make sure to sign up the month before your bday!

Chicken Satay: satay sauce base, marinated grilled chicken breast, roasted capsicum, spanish onion, cucumber, coriander finished with a light drizzle of mango chutney and crushed peanuts-$25.95

Would've had liked a bit more satay flavour, but there were decent pieces of chicken. It is a thin base though so the pizza does get cold faster.

Oven baked apple crumple pizette: cinnamon apple & raisin compote, honeyed ricotta, & toasted crumble pizzette, served with vanilla ice cream-$11.95

Also decided to get this since I don't think they allowed 2 people sharing a free pizza...This dessert was surprisingly nice. The base was light and toppings not too sweet.

Chargrilled Eye Fillet Steak: tender chargrilled eye fillet, balsamic onions, roma tomatoes, cucumber, buffalo mozzarella, basil & our tasty BBQ mayo-$26.95

Chicken Wings with Honey Soy (small)-$10.95

The steak was quite tender and flavourful, and yay it's pink. Chicken wings were also free from an email they sent (used Mum's voucher but I still haven't used my one yet, and it's too late now since already end of Aug). They were very heavily marinated with thick/sticky sauce. Probably a bit too heavy on the flavours.

Boost: my once a year free boost so couldn't miss this.

Subway: did not realise Subway rebranded their logo and changed from plastic to paper bags. Obviously hardly eat from there...

Mimco: they used to have free $30 every year, but they changed it this year. Only a Silver member since bought stuff for friends to help me get in that tier for free $20, and going to lose that tier in the next few months. I did end up getting something from $70 to $10. It doesn't beat that time I got something from there from $100 to $0. I think they realised people like me something get a sale item and then use a voucher than pay minimal lel. I refuse to pay for jewellery made in China at the original price. 

Kikki K: I actually didn't get my bday voucher this year until I emailed them (a few times). Apparently someone in NZ used my email 4 times to claim the bday voucher, but obviously I complained since you only get 1 bday voucher a year. 

Rose gold (:

Conveniently the diaries just came the week I got my voucher. The day after they had free monogramming with any purchase, worth $10. So first time buying a pen at full price to get the monogramming, essentially pen+monogramming was $4. Do I really need it monogrammed? Not really. Kikki K is another store which I refuse to purchase overpriced stationary unless it's discounted, but with the yearly vouchers I've somehow accumulated some stuff...

As with the other places compared to previous years, they either don't exist or you have to purchase something during the year to get a freebie. I'm sure there's also other free bday food around, but just too ceebs signing up for other stuff.

Coogee Pavilion

Bitter sweet day to end exams last year with some of the cohort. This place is close to uni and relatively spacious, although prices are quite expensive for something of this level. It's a lot more than your average lunch, but at least the beach is next door, and you're paying for the views I guess.

 

 

 
Beer battered flathead, chips, lemon, tartare sauce-$29

Didn't get a lot of fish, but the fish was cooked perfectly inside. Not too flaky inside and light, crunchy batter outside. Chips had decent amount of potato inside as well even though they're not really thick cut.

 

Gnomo: San Marzano, Fior di latte, Italian sausage, mushrooms, truffle pecorino cheese-$26

 
Palate e Salsiccia- Smoked Buffalo mozzarella, roasted potatoes, Italian sausage, rosemary-$25 (I think, don't really remember what flavour)

Pizzas are quite expensive for the serving size (it's pretty small). The first one couldn't taste much truffle flavour in it and hardly any Italian sausage. 2nd one not that great either that I don't remember what we ordered exactly, and normally I'm pretty good at remembering flavours and food. The base was thin but I found the whole pizza lacked flavour, especially with a really big crust which reduces the amount of toppings. The crust was a bit airy which made it light, but again no flavour except for the wood fired black bits which on it's own just taste burnt.

Jar of Pimms cocktail-$43 (I think)

Shared a jug of drinks upstairs. This had too much lemonade in it, hardly tasted any alcohol. Too sweet for an alcoholic drink and refreshing enough, proportion were out. I know it's a cocktail, but you're still supposed to taste some alcohol in it. The annoying thing is you can't bring the food from downstairs to the upstairs deck area, which has limited food options. The upstairs area is nicer since you can see quite a bit of the beach.

Fratelli Fresh

Decided on this place for dinner to catch up with a friend as it is convenient and not too expensive (i.e. <$30pp for dinner). It was surprisingly packed since I've walked past here before during lunch and it's relatively empty.

 Capricciosa: Rosemary Cooked Ham, Mushroom, Scamorza-$22

I've heard good things about this place, however, I was disappointed with the pizza. Personally I thought it lacked topping, like 1/3 of the bottom is missing stuff, and not enough ham. Ham wasn't very flavourful either and neither was the cheese, which made the pizza relatively bland. The most flavourful thing were the mushrooms, but even that had a subtle flavour. Even though it's wood fired, there wasn't much taste in the dough, and just eating a slice the dough flavour took over the toppings, which felt like it made the toppings useless. Also, it's quite small for the size and outside takeaway sold similar flavoured pizzas for only around $15. I understand table service and rent is expensive, but not too the point where it's $10 more than outside. At least just be like the US where it's a 15% tip plus tax or the UK 12.5% discretionary service charge plus 26%VAT.

 Mushroom Risotto: Wild & Cultivated Mushrooms, Taleggio-$25 

However, the risotto was delicious and cooked well with a definite mushroom flavour and different varieties. It wasn't too creamy either. Serving size probably a bit smaller than your typical Italian restaurant, but I'll just go with give them the benefit of doubt that rent cost more here.

I'll come back to try their pastas to see how it compares to other Italian restaurants. Just the pizza I had was a pretty poor experience.

Bondi Pizza

My yearly trip to Bondi Pizza, because free pizza (or main meal up to $27) on your birthday. This year I didn't get as much free food compared to a few years ago, and you can check out my free birthday food post. Getting old means I can't eat as much, but some free food really is good value and better quality.

Since the Macquarie one opened recently, that means I can go here after uni, rather than Bondi Junction (although it does have one of the best views of Sydney with a balcony as well). There's plenty of seating, and even at 2.30pm, quite a few people were there having a late lunch.

Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli: Roasted pumpkin and fresh sage filled ravioli, tossed in butter & sage sauce with sundries tomatoes-$22.95

inside

Used my voucher for pasta rather than a full sized 12" pizza since I've had too much pizza recently...Pasta not overcooked and not too thick and decent size. The colour of the pumpkin was a bit yellow rather than a vibrant orange. Loved all the pine nuts sprinkled on top, although the sauce reduced that nutty flavour. The butter and sage sauce was fragrant and not overly salted, but yes, it's not healthy since it's butter. Sundries tomatoes gave a tad bit of sweetness and acidity to help cut through the butteriness.

Lunch special (8" pizza + drink): Grilled Atlantic salmon, parsley, Spanish onion, roma tomatoes, crispy capers, rocket & our creamy Caesar sauce-$10.95

The lunch deal is pretty decent for price, since a normal 8" pizza is around $14 plus a drink. The base was a bit hard to cut through this time and would've liked more salmon. I guess since it's small there's less toppings, but the salmon was relatively fresh and cooked well. Good amount of toppings as well. There wasn't much cheese for the base, so a bit more sauce would've helped to boost the creaminess.

Vapiano

I've always wanted to try this place since I like the novelty of food being cooked in front of you. The Olympics was a good chance to come, since every gold medal Aus won, they would give you a free pizza or pasta up to $17 (then they changed it to $16). Don't be like me and go straight up to the line and wait until you're at the front, then find out that you need a card. Probably the amount of people here at the time caused the confusion.

When you step in, they should give you a card, which you'll swipe when you order either pizza/pasta at the counters on different sides of the restaurant. You then eat and pay at the end, and give them the card so they know what you bought. They make their own pasta/pizza dough, and bread (I think).

I wasn't the only one lining up for free food...

making it in front of you

Pesto Rosso: Freshly made sun-dried tomato pesto with roasted pine nuts, chilli, ricotta + cherry tomatoes w/ tagliatelle-$17

Loved the sprinkle of ricotta on top. Pasta was al dente, and not overly tomatoey. Good amount of pine nuts throughout, and had a good chilli kick as well. Love how they serve it was bread and olive oil and balsamic vinegar (which wasn't too acidic) on the tables. There was basil in pot plants as well, but some of the leaves looked old...

Pesto Con Spinach-Baby spinach leaves, marinated tomatoes, with creamy pesto + mozzarella-$17

Added some garlic oil, oregano and herbs

Pizza was ok, still thin crust, but where's the cheese? There was a good amount of spinach, but not enough tomatoes or enough pesto flavour. It was free so can't really complain.

Pomodoro: Our signature homemade tomato sauce with onion + cherry tomatoes w/ linguini-$16

Pasta was a bit overcooked, but maybe it was from the heat since I left it in the take away bowl for a bit. They were busy that night, so after asking, only got 1 piece of breed. The parmesan helped add some flavour, but the sauce here was a bit too acidic for me. 

Mad Pizza E Bar

It's funny how two places with 'Mad' are next to each other-Mad Pizza E Bar and Mad Mex. I think this place is ideal for groups, since when we were there, there were also 2 other large groups.

Rocket & Parmesan: Salad Of Wild Baby Rocket w/ Pine Nuts, Parmesan & Balsamic Dressing-$12

Lamb, Chickpea & Feta: Light & Tasty Salad Of Braised Lamb Shank, Chickpea, Feta & Roast Pumpkin w/ Spinach & Lemon Dressing-$18.5

Was hoping for more pine nuts in the rocket and parmesan salad, and a bit more dressing. The lamb salad was surpassingly delicious, with tender bits of lamb, and quite a lot of toppings inside. More expensive for a salad, but the flavours work well and was well dressed.

Rigatoni Chicken Boscaiola: Rigatoni Pasta w/ Chicken Breast, Mushrooms, Bacon, Pea's & White Wine Cream Sauce-$18.5

Tagliatelle Siciliano: Tagiatelle Pasta w/ Sicilian Style Summer Eggplant & Tomato Sauce w/ Shaved Parmesan, Spinach & Basil-$16.5

The chicken pasta was recommended by a friend, and it was really nice! Not overly creamy like a typical white sauce pasta, but also had good bits of flavouring from the meat. The tomato sauce based pasta was a bit more bland, and there wasn't as much sauce. 

Fungi: Sliced Mushrooms, Rosemary & Feta On A White Sauce Base Topped w/ Rocket Leaves & White Truffle Oil (normal base)

$22.5

I really like the flavour of this, although some people had saltier bits of cheese. There was a good amount of flavour from the truffle oil, and decent bits of mushroom. Was hoping for a more cheese though. The pizza bas is thin enough without being floppy.

Tuscan: Shredded Lamb Shanks From Victoria, Baby Spinach, Red Onion, Garden Peas, Basil, Feta, Garlic & Lemon (Romano/herb base)-$23.5

The herbier base gave it some flavour, but the lamb as this was a bit drier and tender as the lamb from the salad. 

Chocolate brownie, espresso gelato, popcorn

Complimentary dessert for the table since I made a booking with Dimmi. I was worried about the chocolate being really heavy, but this dessert was surprisingly not sweet. The gelato had a really good depth of coffee flavour, and the dark choc in the brownie also helped halt the sweetness. Service throughout the night was pretty good.

Honest Kitchen

Apparently this has been at Eastwood for a while now-Korean and Italian fusion. Spontaneous dinner decisions weren't bad. Don't really remember the prices, but it wasn't too expensive

Potato and bacon pizza-$15

This pizza was delicious! Base was fluffy and soft but not limp, potatoes thinly slices with good amounts of bacon on top. It was super cheesy as well. Wished there were more greens to balance all that saltiness.

Fettucine in creamy sauce-$15

Pasta was average, not overly creamy. Wished there were more toppings.

Mango cheesecake bingsu-~$15

This bingsu had really fine ice, kind of like powdery snow, so it was super smooth when you swallow it, and no hard bits of ice at all. The mangoes were sweet, and the cheesecake reminded me of those supermarket freezer cheesecake, but both paired well with the ice. It also had some sort of condensed milk at the bottom, making the ice even smoother and giving it some flavour.