West End Archives - Wander Wonder Wonton

Wow Dumplings, West End Brisbane

October 20, 2018

Well, wow isn’t exactly how I’d describe Wow Dumpling to be honest.

I’d had this West End restaurant on my list for some time and a colleague of mine, Sandra and I snuck out for a quick lunch to try them.

Wow Dumplings is hidden away on Vulture Street, a small eatery with a couple of tables inside and out. I’m fairly sure there was one person working the front and back as she was the only outwardly facing contact, kept disappearing out the back and wait times were long. There was a limited menu and limited seating – it’s not set for big scale service.

We tried the Malaysian laksa wontons poached in soup. They were nice at first bite but the flavour became quite overwhelming after a while. Too rich with the wontons.

Next up? A handmade ramen dry noodle.. thing. Szechuan Noodle Bowl. It was quite nice but again the flavour was a bit overpowering after a few mouthfuls.

The weird thing I found was that there was no soy, chilli or black vinegar on the tables to mix your dumplings in. They were simply served as is. I could definitely have gone for some vinegar.

Their simple pork dumplings (and vegetarian for Sandra) – the poached dumplings in szechuan chilli sauce were quite nice but not worth going back for. I’d rather go to New Shanghai, Little Red Dumpling or Fat Dumpling any day.

Where’s your favourite stop for dumplings in Brisbane? I want to try Fat Noodle next, apparently they have good xiao long bao.

Lupa Pizza Bar, Brisbane’s Newest Roman Pizza Spot

October 18, 2017October 17, 2017

Lupa Pizza Bar has just opened in Brisbane’s West End on Montague Street and is soon to become a hit with the locals with their great wine list and roman style pizza!

My friends had done some research and were especially excited as Lupa has a dry Lambrusco on their wine list. This type of wine is apparently very hard to come by outside of Italy. We ordered the rose Lambrusco as well, but as soon as I tried it, the dry Lambrusco was the one for me! Paired perfectly with the cooler evening (side note – what is happening Brisbane?! So cold!) and the fresh pizzas.

After much menu deliberation (welcome to dining with us) we settled on sharing two pizzas, the Core de mamma (Fior di latte mozzarella, capocollo, roman artichokes, lemon) and the Scacciafiga (San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, onion, gorgonzola). However just as the waiter was walking away we decided we would try the special of the day, Italian meatballs – which just happened to be the last serving!

The meatballs were delicious. Six serves. I thought I would just have one but I couldn’t wait for the next one and then I even grabbed the beautiful and fresh bread to mop up the sauce!

While my two friends enjoyed the Core de mamma pizza the best with it’s lemon and artichokes creating a light but fresh flavour, I was a fan of the spicy Scacciafiga. The gorgonzola was like hitting jackpot whenever you reached it on the pizza – melt in your mouth and a great base – light and slightly charred of course.

The fit-out is simple and casual, the staff know the food and wine list with a great depth of knowledge of origins.

Lock ‘n’ Load, West End, Brisbane

December 15, 2015

Ka Lei, Kieran and I waited a long time for our brunch at Lock ‘n’ Load, but when it did eventually come it was good.

I ordered the house smoked salmon, herb hash cakes, cress and poached eggs with lemon sour cream. There was plenty of everything, the yolk was runny and the sauce was lovely. It all worked very well together.

I was hungover and I smashed it. That’s probably why the wait seemed to take so long too!

I’d like to go back and try their dinner menu.

Habitat, West End

December 6, 2014

I love a good brunch. Here’s a good place to find it.

Ka Lei, Kieran and I walked down to Habitat for brunch and although it should have been lunch, they luckily still allowed us to order from the brunch menu.

I can’t get enough of Moose & Gibson so no surprise really the West End addition to the portfolio of the same guys, Habiatat, was a winner for me.

I had the vegemite and cheddar loaf, smoked bacon, free range poached eggs, and rocket macerated tomatoes – it was perfect. I was wholly satisfied especially as I had an awesome juice with chlorophyll to wash it down.

Definitely keen to check out their lunch and dinner menus.

Thai Basil Vancouver

November 27, 2013

Amazing!

Went here on Monday with my friends Ka Lei & Kieran who had recommended it. Jay came along too.

It’s a tiny place on Thurlow and Davie, only a few tables as very busy. Once you’ve eaten there you’ll know why!

I went for the pad see ew, my fave Thai noodle meal – it was just like what they serve in Thailand. AND I got a coconut.

Everyone really enjoyed their meals, I couldn’t even finish mine.

It’s really cheap too, an awesome little joint – definitely recommend.

Thanks Ka Lei & Kieran!

Sushi Bella – great sashimi

August 28, 2013

Very cute place, looks more French than Italian or Japanese but still very nice.

A little more expensive too. Although I think they made up for that in the quality.

We shared the tempura prawn, Gyoza, spider roll, beef tataki and tuna & pacific salmon sashimi.

Sashimi is some of the best I’ve had here, it melted in your mouth. So fresh. Spider roll was great too.

Only complaint was the beef tataki came covered in a satay sauce. They called it a sesame mayo but it was definitely peanut buttery! Usually it just comes plain with a citrus spy dipping sauce and fresh ginger and garlic.

All in all I would go back. Especially for the sashimi!

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