Guzman Y Gomez

www.guzmanygomez.com

It has taken us a while to get there, but given the sudden onslaught of Mexican eateries invading Brisbane, we decided we must start to sample them. All of these new Mexican places seem to be in the form of casual takeaway dining though, and I am wondering if there will be one that arrives that might be slightly more upmarket?

We noted plenty of Guzmans the last time we visited Sydney, however didn’t manage to try any when we were there. 

The Guzman in the Emporium complex in the Valley seems fairly out of place in a centre that is quite posh frankly. But it certainly attracts the patrons, we were there for a Monday lunch outing and the seating area was quite crowded along with them doing quite a takeaway trade as well. 

L’s eyes lit up once he saw the help-yourself sliced jalapenos and three types of Tabasco sauce in pump form.

Goa-Doodle-Do

http://goa-doodle-do.com/

Goa-Doodle-Do has been on our wishlist for quite some time, Goan food is definitely something that we wanted to try, particularly L who is a major fan of anything remotely spicy.

So, we were quite excited when we finally found time to book a table. Unfortunately, we were left somewhat disappointed by the whole experience, which is strange as there are some great reviews on Urbanspoon.

Firstly, we were seated in the worst table, despite there being about three other tables that we could have sat at. We were right at the back near the kitchen, and everytime someone walked past (which was quite often when the waitstaff took food and drinks from the kitchen) the whole table shook as there is a strange elevated floating platform in the restaurant. Also, my back was freezing everytime someone opened the fridge (yes we were that close). We asked to move however, and were accommodated with our request. The waitstaff were all generally really pleasant thankfully.

Brisbane Winter Festival

www.winterfestival.com.au/brisbane

The Brisbane Winter Festival is currently on now and until the 26th of June when it heads off to Sydney and then Melbourne. 

L and I decided to head there last night as there promised to be mulled wine, lots of food and free chai!

A large outdoor ice skating rink has been set up in King George Square in the city. We didn't partake in skating because a) we cannot iceskate and would have looked like the many feeble would-be skaters edging their way cautiously around the rink and b) the ice looked a bit melted and after 30 minutes of the session being underway, there was a large cut up section resembling snow instead. Our friends, being super skilled ice hockey players went out instead, and we watched them from the side. 

Max Brenner Southbank

http://www.maxbrenner.com.au/

Months after Max Brenner at Southbank opening, we finally were able to figure out a time when the line to order wasn’t 8.35 kilometres long. Apparently this time is NOT on a Saturday night, a Sunday afternoon, or a weekday night, but on a Monday at about 2.30pm. 

We’ve visited the Max Brenner at Robina a few times, so were familiar with the menu and the amazing chocolateyness that awaited us. I am sure most foodies would be extremely familiar with Max Brenner.

I was quite set on ordering the Tutti- frutti waffles (waffles served with ice-cream, banana and strawberries with melted chocolate), however as soon as we spotted the menu with the Euphoria Banana Split Waffle Sundae ($14.50) on it, we decided immediately that we had to have this. 

MOS Burgers

Once we were sure that the crowds surrounding MOS burgers would surely have died down, L and I ventured over there for lunch. For those who are unsure, MOS burgers is a Japanese burger chain, and the store at Sunnybank is the first in Australia.

We were greeted by all the staff yelling “Welcome to MOS burgers!!!!” as we went up to order, its certainly a friendly place for what is essentially a burger joint comparable to McDonalds or Hungry Jacks. No sullen and slow teenagers here thats for sure.

Atomica Eat Drink

The day after eating at Tempo, we again returned to West End to eat brunch/lunch with my sister. I say lunch because it was definitely after noon, however it was also brunch because, as usual, she always wants breakfast at lunch time.

Luckily Atomica serves all day breakfast, which seeing as it was a Monday, was great news. We sat on one of the wooden tables out the front, which unfortunately meant we were hassled by West End locals wanting us to buy the Big Issue. 

L ordered a latte, as usual, whilst I ordered a banana smoothie and my sister had an iced mocha, without cream. As if you would order an iced anything without cream, its the best part!

 

L was much happier with his latte at Atomica, which was made from merlo beans. He gave this latte a 9/10, saying it was almost faultless. L thinks that its unfortunately easy to find bad Merlo coffee, but when its done well, its excellent.

Tempo

Last weekend we went into West End on two separate occasions visiting two separate cafes but ordering almost the same things!

The first review is at Tempo Cafe, which we decided on because we liked the sound of their all-day-breakfast and lunch menu, and there were plenty of people eating there.

We sat down on one of their cute tables out on the footpath as it was nice and sunny outdoors and I wanted to people watch. We were promptly handed the breakfast menu by the waitress. I enquired about the lunch menu however apparently they were doing their whole breakfast menu all day on Sunday... We were told we could have the lunch menu if we preferred, however elected to just order breakfast, even though it was 1pm. 

L ordered the Breakfast Burrito (approx $16.50) and I ordered the Meaty Big Breakfast ($18.50?). Drinkswise, L ordered a latte (with Grinders beans) as usual, whilst I elected to go for a Strawberry smoothie. Unfortunately they had run out of strawberries, so the waitress asked if she could make me up a concoction of strawberry syrup and blueberries. She sounded excited about it so I agreed to it!