The Little Eastern

We are actually quite spoilt for choice in terms of options for cafe. Yes, there are plenty more in Melbourne tucked in their secret little laneways, but us Adelaideans know a thing or two about coffee and breakfast too. 

A recent visit with "Long White" to The Little Eastern in St. Morris just proves that point - thanks for the recommendation "Running Mum".

The Little Eastern is located on Magill Road right beside Chilli Mojo. Some of you may remember the old location of Burger Foundry - yes there has been definitely a major makeover since! Parking is available either on the street or tucked away behind the shops.

It is a small little shop, but the layout is very funky and chilled. The potted plants and the brown paper make it almost "hip-sterish", however the paper has a dual function - there are crayons available so that the little ones are kept busy and distracted so that you can catch up with friends! Coffee is good too of course (yes that is the point of the review...).

There is actually quite a different selection of dishes available, depending on if you feel more like breakfast, brunch, or lunch! As we headed there close to lunchtime however not having had breakfast yet, we thought it was most appropriate that we had brunch! It was a rather warm day so I decided not to have anything too heavy. "Long white" ended up ordering poached eggs and mushrooms (done perfectly), whilst I ended up getting the Lebanese breakfast (as recommended by staff) - I love it as it was fresh and light, yet satisfying. The bread was toasted just perfectly (not overly crispy) and the sausages were just so tasty with the scrambled eggs. Himalayan salt and cracked pepper are also available if more seasoning is required. 

Don't despair if it is a hot day, as there is also a small selection of juices and cold drinks available. I did end up trying the breakfast smoothie which consisted of muesli, banana, yoghurt, honey and milk - it wasn't as thick as I expected, but it was very nice (and filling as well). And if you have a sweet tooth like me, there is also a big selection of cakes and treats available. We tried the white chocolate and berries brownie (lots of gluten free sweets are available so perfect for coeliacs!) and it was absolutely delicious ~ it was heated up slightly and very moist (incredible!), and because we were sharing, they even divided it into 2 plates for us (now that is service!). 

After this experience, I dare say that I will definitely be back. The staff were all so friendly and nice. Highly recommended especially if you want to catch up with a few friends, or even if you just want some alone time and have breakfast for one!

Enjoy ~ Spooner.

Ichitaro Dining

I have only recently discovered a new Japanese restaurant in Adelaide (courtesy of one of my forkers - Ruby). Situated in Hyde Park on King William Road, it is easily missed if you blink too quickly; a small place with an elegant and sophisticated feel of black painted walls and modern decor - walk through the doors and enter the world of Ichitaro Dining. 

The booking was for 2 hours (starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm for dinner) which is a bit annoying, however this seems to be the trend in most of the restaurants in Adelaide. 

In terms of service, this seems to be lacking slightly at the start - limited wait staff (similarly with other new restaurants) - one would not be expect to know exactly what drink to start off with without looking at the wine list yet (unless a recommendation is provided). There does seem to be a time delay though once you actually have decided. The yuzu cocktail list on the first page of the drinks menu was definitely a hit. The sweetness of the drink does make it extremely easy to gulp down (it is a bit pricey for what it is, but delicious nevertheless) - a hint of tartness would make it even better. One of the forkers decided to order a non-alcoholic beverage, the Curiousity Cola (smells like Cola candy, tastes nothing like Coca-Cola, but more botanical and flavoursome - recommended for non-alcoholic drinkers).

Once again, service was a let down in terms of ordering food. The dis-satisfaction was quickly put aside once the aroma-filled dishes arrived on the table. The age-dashi tofu was very light and delicious in the delicate broth (poured from the teapot at the table), making this a very tasty starter. The edamame beans were served warm with Pink Himalayan Salt (served and shaved at the table) - this dish could do with a more generous serving of salt. The grilled octopus was quite tender, served with either plum pickle or wasabi, dipped in soy sauce. Sushi rolls are really without fault: aburi salmon (with a surprise filling of crab meat as well which made it absolutely delicious), teriyaki chicken (a staple sushi roll for those who are slightly less adventurous in Japanese cuisine), spider roll (lightly fried soft-shelled crab, topped with seasoned mayonnaise). 

The thinly sliced, seared yakiniku (beef) with the light garlic sauce is definitely one of the highlight starters for the evening. The light garlic sauce compliments the fresh beef so very well, along with mashed potato. The fried leek strands in the centre of the dish really does pack a punch with flavour as well (umami dish indeed) - presentation wise, just marvellous. The tempura (listed in the chef's selection) is very light and definitely a perfect dish as a starter as well - assorted seafood and seasonal vegetables with gorgeous colours. Chef Nobu makes this dish different by offering 'green tea salt' and 'curry salt' as part of the tempura dipping sauce (after the pieces have been dipped into the broth) - absolutely fantastic flavours, especially with the 'curry salt'.

The main dishes were just as impressive as the starters. Delicious teriyaki chicken with a soft-boiled egg (goes surprisingly well) and crispy chicken skin crackling is only the starting highlight of the mains - comes along with a side of salad (with light Japanese dressing). The eggplant and tofu with sweet miso is very unique and served very differently to other varieties which I've tasted in other Japanese restaurants.

The signature house dish: amazing medium-rare duck, with a lovely sweet sauce and a very unique yuzu pepper (which gives it a slight acidic tang and kick) - very delicious and again, umami experience. This is definitely another vibrant dish not to be missed.

To finish off, dessert and hot beverages of course. Two classic style Japanese desserts are available: green tea ice-cream served with mochi and red-bean paste (slightly heavier dessert), and a yuzu sorbet served with seasonal fruits (very light, spring-like dessert). Hot sencha to finally wash everything down as well.

Overall, chef Nobu has done a spectacular job at Ichitaro Dining with the quality of food. Although dining here isn't exactly a cheap experience, the flavours definitely make it worthwhile. Highly recommended for couples/small groups (probably up to 5-6 people) if you're after a quality Japanese experience.