Monthly Archives: March 2012

Coco Cubano, Parramatta

Viva la revolucion!

For a hot summer’s day on the corner of Philip & Church Streets in Parramatta is a little slice of Havana, a place you can sit in a big leather chair with a mojito in one hand and a cigar in the other like the boss you are.  Well out of Fidel’s reach, owner Tony Melhem who aptly takes the dictatorial title, “El Presidente”, has big visions for his cafes’ revolutionary inspiration.

A group of bloggers were cordially invited to sample the menu, and I cordially accepted.  So, arriving a little late for the high-noon start, I found a table full of happy (thanks, Sangria) bloggers ready to indulge and explore.

Grilled Chorizo with Warm Olives — $9.9

The Grilled Chorizo with Warmed Olives starts out our feast.  You gotta love chorizo!

Vegetarian Sandwich

This vegetarian sandwich was for our own Miss Piggy.  I couldn’t find it on the menu; you’ll have to watch her blog.

Patatas Bravas — $9.9

The Patatas Bravas are wedge-like spiced chunky chips with a lovely hot tomato sauce/salsa on top.  Mmm!

Vegetarian Nachos — $12.9

The Vegetarian Nachos were oh-so-tasty as well, with lots of toppings!  But I think I would lean more towards the beef nachos than the beans.

Sliders — 2x for $9.9

The Mini Beef Burger Sliders were one of my favourites of the Tapas dishes.  Nicely seasoned beef burgers which were almost like a meatball sat on a toasted sesame bun with grilled cheese and onion jam.  Onion jam!  I loved it.

Chocolate Suze loves Sangria

While I ordered a Corona & Lime, the girls ordered a sampling of the cocktail menu, and Suze occupied herself whilst waiting for the next round of food…

Chocolate Pots with Strawberries and Lady Fingers

As the first of the desserts came out, so did the cameras.  The coverture chocolate at Coco Cubano is delicious!  Here were two pots of milk and dark chocolate, smooth and silken, with stawberries, marshmallows and lady fingers to dip.

The Adventures of Miss Piggy

Mojito — $13.9

Chocolate Suze

As the mojitos came out, I began to see a pattern.

Chocolate Cinnamon Churros — $13.9

And here are the churros!  I love churros, and I have to say these were very yummy.  They reminded me alot of the kind we get in North America, doused in cinnamon sugar.  Crisp on the outside and chewy-warm on the inside.

Chocolate Pot. See the drizzle!

Revolution Waffle — $13.9

Lastly came the Revolution Waffle: a belgian waffle topped with ice cream, melted chocolate and strawberries!  The breakfast of champions..er..if they serve it at breakfast.

Mojitos — $13.9/each (options: passionfruit, raspberry, strawberry, mango, lychee, coconut or classic)

Daiquiris (Mango & Strawberry) — $14.9/each

Everybody Loves Ramen dined as a guest, courtesy of Coco Cubano.

Coco Cubano 
302 Church St
Parramatta NSW 2124
0450 956 382 

Coco Cubano on Urbanspoon

Ton Ton Ramen, Sydney

Chicken Karaage Ramen

Image

Ton Ton Lips!

Feenin’ for some ramen?  Yeah, me too.  This wet weather has me craving for some slurpy noodles and soup to warm my throat. If you’re around the CBD, this little joint just across from Azuma Patisserie off George could hit the spot.

Ton Ton is a takeaway shop with some of the Japanese standards, plus a pretty diverse and homey ramen menu.  They had some new editions when I was there: mabo tofu ramen (with spicy minced pork) and spicy nira ramen.

We tried the nira (spicy minced pork & bean paste?) and karaage ramen, with some gyoza on the side.

Chicken Karaage Ramen

Spicy Nira Ramen

Gyoza

Ton Ton Ramen 
501 George St Ground Floor
Sydney, NSW 2000
02 9267 1313

Ton Ton Regent on Urbanspoon