Bites: Big El's Latin American @ Northbridge

Obscure little gems and half price discount restaurants have been my foodie’s go-to this week.  But rather than jumble all of them into a one-liner post, I have decided to do it one by one like I always do.  With the much lamented Sake Bar done and dusted from Francis Street in Northbridge, Big El has volunteered itself to be the new kid on the block.  It promises Mexican tapas and I will be honest.; I love Mexican.  The spices and its almost South-East-Asian approach in taste combination (the sweet, salty, sour and spicy) has never failed to tingle my appetite.  So did Big El manage to get me all excited for me to return with my friends next week?

First of all, it pays to know your chili at Big ElsBut bugger that! With me finishing a fair bit of Novembars Chili burger or drinking the blisteringly spicy Tom Yams in Bangkok, I have little fears for chili. Although you-know-where is going to hurt the next day :P!

Non-alcoholic drinks were priced decently in Big Els.  Most drinks were $4 max.  But if you want to go Mexicana, there were a few Mexican beers to get you started before getting into hardcore stuff.  The drawings on the wall were definitely not the most juvenile at Big Els.  But with so much liquor on offer, I least expected the pictures of Sesame Street in Sombreros to grace the wall .

The dining style in Big Els is a tapas inspired diner.   For that we called a few things to share among the table, but we ended up with way too many.  But lets be merry shall we?  To get the appetite rolling, we called a few starters like Piquin chips(fries), stuffed jalapenos and tortillas with dips.Of the lot, I have to say that my favourite was the deep fried stuffed Jalapenos. Be warned.  As keen as you may be, your weak tongue might suggest otherwise.    Deep fried Jalapeno popper has always been a crowd pleaser.  Store bought or homemade.  The version at Big El did not fail to deliver. I loved it. But I question the stuffing which consist of “various Mexican cheese”.  That bit failed to take off in my mouth.    I would recommend you to have these little beauties whole.  Dipped in its accompanying sauce, it was heaven.  Spicy as it may be, it was a kickass bite.

Then came the tortilla chips.  Its colors were nice and reminded me of a type of corn which had two colors but definitely not tri-color as the menus suggested.  But what I felt was not so impressive was that the chips felt less crisp than the ones I’d get from a packet of Dorito.

There were two sauces that night. A creamy Chili con Queso which was yummy and tasted very buttery.  No idea what this was but it was unique and pretty good.  Never have I tasted this in Perth before.  Then comes the Mexican staple, the Guacamole.  Here, you can pound it yourself or let Big El’s wait staff do it the Big El way.  Needless to say, I wanted to taste what the restaurant thinks is an ideal Guacamole should be.  My first bite in and I was filled with dissatisfaction.  It needed more seasoning and acidity for sure.  If it had enough seasoning, it lacked resting time.  I like to let me sauces like Guacamole, Salsas, Pickles, and Raita sit for awhile before serving.  Ideally two hours.  That brings out the best flavors which appears true for most parts.

After having a few starters to share around the table, our shared dishes started arriving at the table.  But none looked more gimmicky than the Mexican Hot Dog.  A simple hot dog bun, toast before being having a hot dogs stuffed in the middle topped with spicy chipotle and Jalapeno slices.  Served on the side was a large serve of Chili con Carne.  But was it gimmicky good?… or bad?In all honesty, there is little rave about a little $1 hot dog you could get from Ikea.  Plus, I remember looking forward to lunchtime in school when these were packed in my lunch boxes.  Sincerely, there was very little to hate about such simplified pleasures.  It was minimalistic and all the condiments were in its rightful place.  Too add on, it came with a large bowl of chili con carne.  The chili con carne was nice and definitely something I would have over and over again.

To share amongst the table, we also ordered the soft shell tacos that arrived with an army of sauces and salsa.  I got pretty damn confused to be honest.Fortunately, there were some standouts which would really suit the chili wusses.  My friends around the table found the roasted tomato and garlic salsa along with the mango jalapeno salsa one to be the most palatable.

But when it comes to the meat, I found the pulled beef to the best.  It had flavor and the spices were spot on.  If only I had one complain, I think it was a little over-salted/spiced.  When something tastes so strong, my tongue almost instinctively expects it to be a little gritty.  But it was not.Definitely try the pulled beef.  I found the ginger torched salmon to be a little dry to my liking and with the chicken, it was far from its description of crispy.  It was just grilled chicken!

Also on the table was the Cascabel Chicken Wings.  Tasty little things there were, but they did not quite blow me off my socks. It was OK.  Deep fried chicken wings seasoned with rattle chilies and served with a side of chipotle mayonnaise.

Last but not least for the night were the Elotes Callejeros or Mexican street corn dusted with Big El’s special spice mix.On each plate stood 3 beautiful corns and needless to say, I loved it.  Its flavors were just right and there was so many things happening at the same time.  The sweet and juicy corn, the yummy cheese and the spices.  Looking around the table, most seemed to enjoy it especially the cheesy bits.  But my sister whose eating experience was broader than mine, her experience at Melbourne’s MamaSita produced a more significant corn compared to the one here.  Nevertheless, if you are in Perth this would suffice :)!

Over all, I had a pretty decent meal at Big Els.  Taking into account that I only paid half price, it was probably a bargain.  We had a feast for the price of a Mexican takeaway.  But I somehow feel let down by the fact that the restaurant does not bring anything exciting to the existing Mexican market.  It is already in a prime location to start something new.  Perhaps throw some meat on the grill you know, some Mexican spit roast to fend off the Greek/Spanish/Brazillian ones?  While this was in no way a bad start, it left me longing for more of something.  Good potential to be part of something bigger although as is, it is probably just going to live on as an ok eatery.

WenY

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Swan Valley: Sandalford Wineries, Margaret River Chocolate Co., House of Honey & Orange Grover

Swan Valley tends to be a convenience I overlook but more frequently misjudge.  For me, the Swan Valley hype never quite kicked off but in my last visit I attempted re-kindle my fondness for this place beyond Alfred’s Kitchen.  Sandalford Wineries was my first stop for some spectacular wines.  Driving in to the vineyard, the lush surrounding and manicured grass gave us a great impression that money is well worth spent here.  From the grand entry to the restaurant, everything was so perfectly put together.  No wonder this place was highly recommended on the web.  Definitely returning for lunch or dinner one day :)!

 

 

 

Moving on. Clearly expressed by my preference to avoid bitter foods like medicines of any sort, bitter gourd, most alcohols, coffee and so forth, bitterness has never quite been my thing.  Tell me its an acquired taste and I tell you that you are a masochist :)!  But that did not stop me from buying a few bottles of sweet wine back.  I bought two bottles that day, one was a 2010 Sandalford Botrytis Semillon and the other was a 2010 Sandalford Sweet Red.  I have opened the Semillon and all I can say is that it was very sweet.  The sales person that sold me the Semillon had asked me to take note of all the fruity notes like pineapples and apricot when I drank the bottle.  However, when I had a glass at home all I could taste was sweetness.  Big time sweetness. So much for trying to learn about wines =.=!  Maybe next time haha.

 

 

 

 

 

The part of my Swan Valley tour is what most tourists will think about when they look back at their trip to Swan Valley. The Margaret River Chocolate Company!

Needless to say, they re not the only ones.  Coming here today, I was as happy as the kids were.  While I am obviously 25 years too young, I did not had the luxury of having my lips and fingers stained with chocolates  xD!  Nonetheless, I had at least 5 spoons of their so-called tasters!  Massive sugar overload that followed with the purchase of a White Chocolate Strawberry Truffle.  It was so yums!  The white chocolate was smooth, milky and very creamy.  To finish it was a strawberry cream that was mildly sweet with good acidity that prevented it from becoming cloying!  I have to say that the chocolates at the Margaret River Chocolate Co. are really delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While XL and Yv bought some chocolates as souvenirs for family and friends, they were particularly baffled by the absence of a “taster pack”.  A chocolate pack that allows your guest, recipients or even yourself to enjoy all three types of chocolates.  As I had spoon after spoon, I developed a fondness for all three flavors.  The white one which everyone says is not a chocolate for the lack of cocoa, was creamy, sweet and very indulgent.  Meanwhile, the milk chocolate was similar but very chocolaty without losing its creaminess.  But at the end of the day, it was the dark chocolate that I suspect will be the reason for my size to double.  Being the least sweet of the lot, it was something I can eat handful after handful!  But no concerns for me as I did not buy any.  Would definitely have bought a taster pack if there was one :(!

Next up was the Golden Grover Citrus Farm just 25 minutes away from the chocolate factory.   Hidden amongst the barren hills lie a plot of greenery that produces spectacular citrus fruits.   How would I know?  Well, I have had people buy me some oranges and juices from here last year and least to say, they were spectacular.  Sweet, juicy and citrusy!  Sadly, I have no accompanying pictures as the ones that I have bought from this trip now resides in my tummy :)!  To be honest, not sad at all ahaha!  One of the best things is that when you are here, you know exactly which sort of Navel oranges you get with the expert help of the owners.  Definitely worth coming if you have a day in the valley.  Also available are grapefruits, mandarins, lemons and all products derived from them ;)!

 

On the way back, we dropped by our final destination for the day, the House of Honey.  If you are looking for lotions, honey, lip balms and all sorts of goodies which uses honey, definitely drop by!  The House of Honey prides themselves for using quality honey which boasts to have high total activity (good bacteria and enzymes) due to their practice of not using any heat during the treatment process.  Which means all the good stuff stays untouched when bottled!

So tempted but so shy.  Damn adulthood.  But I’d doubt that my head would fit in there anyway. 

Inside is an impressive bee hive encased in a glass display.  Quiet freak to see their living conditions in there.  But amazing at the same time.  Thanks to this little fellas, we have honey :)!

And with honey, we can have delicious food.  If you happen to be here early mid morning or in the evening, do not forget to grab a bite at the Sticky Spoon Café located in the House of Honey.   At the Sticky Spoon Café , you can choose from a scrumptious spread of cakes, bread, cookies or scones to go along with you favourite cuppa.  If you happen to need lunch, they also have a selection of savory bites made to order.

 

For us folks that day, we need not look further than the scones and tea set at $7 bucks each.  Crumbly on the outside with a moist buttery inside, you will definitely like the ones here.   Everything a scone should be.  But if you had asked me whether these scones were the best, I would definitely prefer freshly baked homemade ones where it comes out piping hot and very soft.  Rest is a bit under a few kitchen towels, and it hardens on the outside.  Just perfect that way.  But when you are too lazy to do something fancy (do not forget making your own jam and whipping the cream!), a scone at the House of Honey will do.Scone Pic #1

 

The scones were served with a side of honey, cream and jam.  All of which went well with the scone.  Out of the lot, nothing beats the good old jam and cream.  I ended up using the honey to sweeten my tea instead of the usual sugar.  Scone Pic #2

OH! And before you leave the Sticky Spoon Café, do not forget to buy a scoop of ice cream.  Lovely flavors, all honey inspired.  The Honey Macadamia was top notch without the unnecessary sweetness from the one made by Connoisseur.  Creamy, and fragrant with macadamia bits! :)

 

Its such a windy Friday today.  Definitely could do with some scones and hot tea right now lol.  But to all my readers, have a pleasant weekend and a good Friday.  If you wake up bored tomorrow and feel like doing something, take a few hours off your day to visit the Swan Valley.  Not the most interesting place on earth but there is definitely something for everyone.  For the more adventurous, you can even go paintballing or laser tag.  Regardless of whichever route you choose to go on, definitely get some chocolate.  It’s a MUST.

 

WenY

Bites: Contemporary Japanese at Bonsai Restaurant, Northbridge

Establishing itself as one of the pioneers of Contemporary Japanese food,  Bonsai has always gotten my fancy for a place that keeps your buds interested without punching a hole in the wallet.  True enough, the banquet which saw us have 10 appetizers and a main each only cost $49 bucks and with the Entertainment Book, you can get a further 25% discount.  Hospitality never strays too far their practice as the supervisor, a cool looking bald-headed guy ensured that our no-prawn and no-crab dietary requirements were met.  Water was always brought to the table and the waitresses despite serving a massive crowd of people never failed to put up a smile.

The night started with our favourite Chicken Salad topped with crisp wanton skins.  Delicious chicken and as mentioned before, can salad even be that tasty?  Mind boggling.  We also had a substantial Beef Tataki well drenched in the citrus ponzu that suited the palate before moving on to a refreshing Salmon Sashimi Bites.  A delicious salmon tartare dressed with aioli on a mildly bitter-ish witloaf.  Good balance of flavors and textures with a refreshing bite.  Then comes the lovely Salmon Aburi Nigiri.  Another table favourite.  I have always loved my oily fish on a charcoal grill or blowtorched a little bit.   The oils when heated gives out that delicious smoky smell and the protein becomes buttery.   Topped with a in-house miso, booms!Pic (clockwise): Boys be Boys, Crispy Chicken Salad with Wanton Skins,  Tempura Baby Squid, Salmon Aburi Nigiri, Salmon Sashimi Bites

For most parts, our crabs and prawn dishes were swapped into a squid dish.  Deep-fried in a spicy batter or a tempura one, they were exceptionally moorish.  Even XL who tends to stray from squid had a bite and found that they were actually really tasty! 

Pick (clockwise):  Teri-Steak, Pork Belly Kakuni, 2-Style Fried Chicken, Teriyaki Toothfish,  Yv and the Boys, Spicy Cuttlefish, and Jimmy with the girls (middle)The mains made no less of a good impression than the appetizers.  If anything felt lackluster at all, it was probably the chicken Katsu/Kaarage combo which felt a little underwhelming after having all the deep fried goodies during the appetizer!  However, for one down, we had three joys.  For instance, the beef teriyaki is a classic favourite still resisting the change of time.  Since my first visit to Bonsai a few years back, this yummy steak in a garlicky butter teriyaki sauce have impressed.  It still does really as Jim who repetitively mentioned throughout the night “This sauce is so good.  I wonder how they make it”.  Then we have the toothfish which was cooked to perfection.  Another stunner with the skin still mildly crisp when it first reach the table.   Lastly, the pork belly kakuni!  A delightful soy sauce pork that when accompanied by rice, felt like a match in heaven.  While it could do with more time in the cooker, nobody was complaining.

The meal at Bonsai was no less satisfying than the meal we had there last year or earlier this year.  Its flavors, presentation, and service did not fail us that night.  Seems like an exaggeration but when you realize how little $50 buys you in Perth, you tend to be more than satisfied.  If there was any regrets at all that night, it was probably the missing chocolate cake that Yv, Nee, XL and I love so much.  Perhaps better luck next time? :)

WenY