Monday, May 13, 2013

New Zealand - Auckland, To Eat (Monsoon Poon, The Middle East Cafe, Elliott Stables, Char Grill, The White Lady, The Occidental, Mai Thai.)


Catch the Asian Persuasion at this SE Asian fusion diner. Edgy, modern, and great flavors. Gander the signed plates mounted on the walls, commemorating visits from the Pussy Cat Dolls and Tyra Banks to name a few.

Great service, quick food served up and in no way sacrificing on quality.


Ordered:
Set Meal, Flavors Of South East Asia
Thai Yellow Chicken *Well-balanced flavor curry, 
not overladen with coconut milk. A popular choice.
Indonesian Beef Rendang *Beautifully braised meat, with pieces falling
 apart so delicately. A good contrast of sweetness and warm spice. Another popular dish.
Kashmir Vegetable curry
Malabar Fish *Fish was a little on the dry side, but simmered
 in a warm, subtly-spiced curry which paired beautiful with jasmine rice.
With Jasmine Rice & Poppadom
Including a complementary glass of Sauvignon Blanch or Pinot Noir
NZD30
 
The Middle East Cafe
Ever wondered what Chawarma was when Tony Stark Iron Man suggested a great place to eat in the end of Avengers the movie?

Look no further. A quaint, middle east theme-decorated store, located right beside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Nominated as Best Of Auckland 2011 CBD quick bites, It serves, mouth-watering, middle-eastern food, delivering big flavors in small packages. 
 
Ordered On:06June2015


Chawarama NZD10 set meal.

Comes with a choice of Apple/Orange juice.

Still the best Chawarama had to date! Reiterating that it was the best city eats at one point of time, and by the constant orders coming in whilst there, it's deserves that accolade.

Comes with a choice of sauces. Creamy cooling garlic, tangy tomato or hot sauce.

Value, delicious and filling as a meal or snack!

Ordered On:
13May2013
Lamb Chawarma
*Lamb from the spit, in a warm toasted bun
Lamb was full flavored and well seasoned. Their bus had great aroma and were perfectly toasted. 
To add the cherry on top of this mini work of art, is the home made Aioli Dip. Great garlic greatness!
NZD9.50
Open for Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-3pm Closed SAT/SUN
Open for Dinner Mon 5.15pm-9pm Tue-Sat 5.15pm-10pm Sun 5pm-9pm
Click here for ABBA details on The Middle East Cafe 23 Wellesley Street, AKL 1010
Click here for ABBA equivalent of a Chawarma eats in Melbourne: Stalactites

Elliott Stables

Elliott Stables is a homestyle dining area, which offers a wide variety of eateries to select from.
Located at the back of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, a range of cuisines from, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and many more line this relatively large dining area.

A great chill-out place, with rustic decor. Excellent for large groups and family style dining.
-No food reviews as of yet-
Click here for ABBA Location of Elliott Stables 39-41 Elliot Street Auckland Zealand

Char Grill
*Open 24hrs*
A short walk, and open 24hours are the best combination for the hungry and jet-lagged.
Char Grill, serves up pizzas, kebabs and burgers at reasonable prices.

Ordered:
Lingini Pizza NZD14 *Good spread of cheese, with
sweet capsicum and a warm undertone spice fro the chili. Excellent.*
Ostrich Burger NZD11.50 *Taste like a New York Philly Steak Sandwich*
Kurama Chips & Dip NZD6.50 *Simple sweet potato chips. The "healthier" option.*
Click here for ABBA location of Char Grill 51D Hobson Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

The White Lady
For late night eats The White Lady, listed in lonely planet as one of the many things to do in Auckland. The white lady is a mobile trailer, serving up great burgers and hotdogs to hungry patrons from late in the evenings till the next morning.
Burgers are juicy and hugely portioned, as are the dogs with caramelized onions and cheese combo are a killer combo. They even have vegetarian burgers, leaving no one out from this great late night food joint.Burgers and Hotdogs range from NZD19-6.

The Occidental
50% off for Mussels on Monday for both 1/2 and 1kg orders
10% discount to crew on other days
Down a short pub grub street, Occidental serves up perfectly steamed green mussels in, lobster and brandy, celery and onions, Cajun style and many more sauces. Free flow of chips with orders of mussels. There also serves up steaks and shanks for non-seafood lovers.
Their huge selection of Belgian beers, wines would definitely quench any thirsty traveler.
1kg Mussels dishes go for about NZD20++ each and beers around NZD8.
Click here for ABBA Location 6/8 Vulcan Lane, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Mai Thai
Located just across the hotel with quaint decor. À la carte menu offers crew a 10% discount. Good lunch menu with all the classics but not applicable for discount. Prices for the lunch special range around the NZD15 range. Curries and individual dishes go for about NZD25.
Mai Thai, 57 Victoria St W, Auckland, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
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Friday, May 10, 2013

United Kingdom - To Do (Natural History Museum, Catching a Play, Forbidden Planet Megastore, Hyde Park, Westminster Abby, Trafalgar Sq, M&M Shop)

London - To Stay
London - To Eat
London - To Do
Natural History Museum

An excellent collection in this grand old dame of a building, with gargoyles to boot. The museum offers great diversity to accommodate all interests.
  
 *17May2016*
These range from the prehistoric dinosaurs, stuffed animals, to jared creatures for study as well as precious rocks in all of its natural beauty and many more. Simply amazing. 
 *17May2016*
No expense was spared to show case the items on displays with each owning the huge space, in this cathedral like museum. Each section as different from the other. A must visit.
Opens everyday 10am-5.50pm. Last Admission 1730.
Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm.Last Friday of the month open until 22.30
ABBATip:
- Find out about some tours available from the Information desk. Book a time slot or do so from home to avoid wait times for certain exhibits. For e.g. there was a exhibit from the orange section which allows only 7 pax 4 timings a day which brought you into the preserves archives to view the bottled animals and collections. Ask Information counter for details and get your ticket FOC there.
- Free Entry except for certain special exhibits. (However Donations are generously welcomed, which are all used towards the running of the museum)
Click here for ABBA details of latest opening timings and ticketing details of National History Museum
Click here for ABBA Location of National History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom

Catching A Play/Musical
You are absolutely spoilt for choice for the top quality plays available, almost at every corner of London. From famed classics like Phantom of the Opera, to contemporary hits like Book Of Mormon.
Shows start promptly, and security inside ensures no photography/videography and ensures a great play watching experience for everyone. Arrive approximately 15mins prior or earlier if you want to enjoy Pre-show drinks from the bar.
Billy Elliot Review
Little moments of comedy which was very welcomed. Stellar performance by comic reliefs in the form of Billy's friend and grandma. There wasn't a lot in terms of set changes, designs or any special effects.
From a personal stand point, with no clue off the dancing arts, I personally found dancing by the adults more powerful and entertaining to watch, as compared to the young star, Billy whose dancing was good. Medleys and songs were well intertwined and sold the story.
ABBATip:
- Purchase tickets from Half priced ticket booths. You have a selection of top plays with, great to good seats if you're not particular on the play you are watching.
Prices range from front row seating from the stage start from approx GBP47 to GBP25 which seats further back.
*Warning: Make sure you buy from official dealers and do not purchase from outdoor touters who only accept cash and tickets comes later.
*ABBA contribution by Denison 19Dec2014. From readers digest...
Way to get cheap play tickets in London!*
Forbidden Planet Megastore


Interested in finding all things pop culture, toys, games and comic books. This relatively large two story would meet the needs of the inner-geek. A great selection, with T-shirts and gag gifts, plus an entire lower floor dedicated to comic/graphic novels art books and more. Click here for ABBA Location of Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Ave, Greater London WC2H 8, United Kingdom
Hyde Park
Enjoy an early morning walk, jog or cycle in London's Hyde Park. A scenic piece of tranquility as you watch the ducks graze,pet owners play fetch with their dogs and the aircraft cross the skies over head on a clear day.


Westminster Abby, London Eye, Big Ben
(Over at Westminster Station)
*Tour yet to be reviewed*
See iconic London sights and explore the various tours available at each of these iconic buildings.
ABBATip:
Some of the tours do come quite pricey, however booking online or buying package deal do make the experience more worth it.
Click here for ABBA location of these sites, located at Westminster Station

Trafalgar Square &
The National Art Gallery
Free entry into this eclectic display of Renaissance art. (Similar to most museums in London, it relies laregly on donations to operate and maintain the halls.)

Simply amazing and breath taking, considering the world famous, not to mention near priceless pieces which hang on the walls. Seats are available in the large halls for one to do sketches or just soak in the grand art pieces.
All the big time greats like, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Raphael & Georges Seurat just to name a few.
Empire Cinema at Leicester
Empire Cinema is the posterboy of cinemas when it comes to world openings and movie primere. You never know who maybe stopping by.
It just so happened on 8thMay2013, the 'Entire Cast of Fast & Furious 6 (less the Rock due medical reasons)' was there for the opening.
 
ABBATip: Ask security there what's going on and where stars would be coming from to plot out your best spot to catch these celebs.
Click here for ABBAlocation of Empire Leicester Square 5-6 Leicester St, London WC2H 7NA, United Kingdom

M&M Shop
If you've never had the M&M experience in any of the other stores in the world, this attraction boast 3 1/2 stories of M&M fun and products of all colors.

ABBATip:
Opens Till midnight/near midnight. You can plan this on the last of your itinerary.



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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

United Kingdom, London - To Eat (Kitchen W8, Zedel, Honest Burgers, Paul)

London - To Eat
London - To Do
Kitchen W8
(One Michelin Star)

Looking for best value for money and the experience the One Michelin Star? Look no further than to find it at Kitchen W8. Serving up modern English style with a french soul. Prices are attractive, food amazing, and the ambiance is very inviting at this quaint place.
Ordered 3 course Lunch Set Menu
Serve of Sour Dough Bread
*Rarely have I had Sour Dough Bread, but to the uninitiated, it really is quite nice,
and you would definitely order more to lap up the sauces and purees from the meal.*
Saute of Lamb Sweetbreads with lightly Spiced Cauliflower, Caper and Golden Raisins
*Sweetbreads beautifully caramelized on the outside, and absolutely melts away in your mouth. Rich, delicate flavors which are amazingly paired and highlighted with dollops of golden raisin concentrate. Sitting Atop a delectable puree of unknown wonder and sweet crunch from the cabbage. Amazing. A great to start to the coming course.*

Rump of Veal with a Puree of Garlic, Crushed Broad Beans and Parmesan
*A savory slither of veal sits atop and amazing, creamy, crunchy, broad bean island. The veal is drizzled in its own meat juices and with accompaniment of the salty garlic puree to further accent its sensualty as a dish. Incredible! A 2 for 2 knock out!*

Warm Raspberry Financiers with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream
*Already on sensory high, the Warm Raspberry Financiers were the topper. Crispy, crumbly exterior, with a sourish pop from the raspberry filling on the inside. A sprinkling of what is assumed to be sugar ginger adds a layer of a gentle warmth, distinctive with ginger. Of course pairing beautifully with the sweet, top-notch raspberry ice-cream. Amazing Experience!*
Total: GBP23
(Menu changes according to season. Check website for menu)
ABBATip:
Make a reservation with them via email so you won't be disappointed or having to have a long wait. 

Brasserie Zedel
A hidden treasure located near Piccadilly Circus station. Although, from street level it looks quite bland, but upon exploring the interior, the place draws you into its lower levels. Slowly, it reveals its old hotel charm, french styled graphic arts, live music and gradually revealing its large hall and magnificent bar.

 Ordered
Chicken Liver Parfait GBP5
*Gelatinized fat served with the rich and creamy parfait.
Defiantly needs to be had with bread and can be shared by 2.
The 'jelly fat' not really BIG in flavor, perhaps acting more as a textural component.*
Country Style Pate of Pork GBP5.50

*A much lighter starter as compared to the chicken liver.
A pleasant meat pate with right amount of fat distribution.*

Couscous with Lamb and Spicy Sausage GBP13.75
*A simple dish and quality sausage. Lamb was a little on the blend side.*
Grilled Hanger Steak, Shallots and Red Wine Sauce GBP12.50

*Done a perfect medium rare. The deep, rich, smooth,
red wine sauce really was the star in this dish.*
Fed 2: Total GBP36.75
For great ambiance and the nostalgic feel, of a 1920s hotel, check out this dining location. Listed as best value for money, under the Michelin star guide. 

Honest Burgers
A boutique burger joint serving up good old-fashioned, fat & juicy burgers. Why honest? I have no idea, but at 7pm, there was a queue lining up, and wait time was approximately 20-40mins.They would take your number and give you a call back so you don't have to hanker around.
Ordered:
Honest Burger(Dry Aged Beef, Red Onion relish, smoked bacon,
Mature Chedar, pickled Cucumber and Lettuce) GBP9
*A hefty serving of the meat patty. Fresh cut fries, fried perfectly with just the right sprinkling of salt.*
Purple Cabage and apple Slaugh  GBP2.5
*I've heard of this combination but never really tried it before.
Really great refreshing taste with light apple accents. Goes really well with the burgers.*
Not a bad place for a burger. Another suggested location which rivals honest burgers, is the chain BYRON burgers*ABBA contributor Jason Phua* Click here for Byron burger located opposite Millennium Gloucester Hotel

Paul
Paul is a nicely decorated, french bakery, delivering both sweet and savoury pastries at 7am, 11am and 2pm all day long.
Ordered:
Pain Chocolate Armandes Aprox GBP1.95
Anglaise Abricots (Puff Pastry, custard cream apricot) GBP2.20/Dine in 2.65
Ham Cheese Sandwich Aprox GBP4.2
*Although a seemingly simple dish of bread and cheese, their eye to details of heating
the bread again prior to serving, really brought this breakfast meal together for me.
The heavy cheese melts with the satlyness from the bacon.
Fed 2
Although a little on the pricey side, pending items for order, pastries are very good, and who can argue with freshly baked pastries and sandwiches on a cold, wet, London morning.
Remeber these timings for the freshest stuff. 7am, 11am and 2pm.
Click here for ABBA Location of Paul located near Millennium Goucester Hotel
Click here for more ABBA details of Paul and other Paul locations near you
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