Simply Pho, Gungahlin ACT

Simply Pho

Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 3/5
Service: 4/5

This neat, clean little dining establishment proved to be more than I had expected. I have been meaning to try this eatery for a while now, particularly after tasting my first ever Beef Pho in 2010 in Cabramatta. Although this Pho didn't live up to the authentic Vietnamese expectations of my previous encounter, this particular bowl of goodness was still delicious, satisfying and clean on the palette.

Both Chicken Pho's ordered on the day came with a complimentary (mountainous) serving of fresh beansprouts, red chilli, a few small wedges of lemon, as well as a few sprigs of fresh Vietnamese mint and what appeared to be fresh Thai Basil (I prefer lime instead of lemon, however one of my working colleagues cleverly pointed out that maybe it's not the season for limes). The chicken was poached perfectly; the noodles were of a high-quality; and the clear broth had that sensuous star anise flavour, common to the traditional Pho. Another big plus for me was each table having it's own condiments, including hoisin sauce, hot chilli sauce, soy sauce and an abundance of chopsticks!

The service was friendly and efficient, and the aspect I liked most was the relaxed atmosphere and super clean restaurant and kitchen (yes, I did take a quick peak whilst paying). I definitely recommend Simply Pho if you're after that quick, affordable and healthy 'fill-me-up' meal. The Tapioca Pearl Smoothie is next on my hit-list!

Simple, short, clear menu.

Pho condiments plate.

Directly in the centre of Gungahlin Marketplace, possibly the best location.

Rice paper rolls (vegetarian) - a fresh mix of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and Vietnamese mint with dipping sauce  

$6.80

Julienne pork rolls - a fine mix of shredded pork and pork rind, mint leaves and ground rice wrapped in rice paper with dipping sauce

$6.80

Regular chicken pho - sliced tender chicken breast in tasty wholesome chicken broth

$11.00

Large chicken pho - sliced tender chicken breast in tasty wholesome chicken broth

$13.50

Love a pho with lots of noodles, thin and wide!!

Fig and Olive Turkish Cuisine, Chisolm ACT

Fig and Olive Turkish Cuisine

http://www.figandolive.com.au/

Having attended my cousin's Hen's Night last night, I had the opportunity to try some delicious take-away turkish pizzas from Fig and Olive, at Chisolm Shops. The pides (pizzas) were some of the best I've tried, and the dips were absolutely addictive!

I'm sooo jealous there isn't one of these stores on the Northside.....

Turkish bread for dipping.

Dips (clockwise from left):

Humus - chickpeas, tahini, lemon & olive oil seasoned with fresh garden herbs  

Pancar - Beetroot mixed with garlic, homemade yogurt & fresh garden herbs

Cacik - Cucumber, garlic, mint, homemade yogurt & mix with fresh garden herbs

Havuk - Carrot mixed with garlic, mint, homemade yogurt & fresh garden herbs

Baba Ghanoush - Eggplant mixed with garlic, homemade yogurt & fresh garden herbs

$5.50 each - regular size

The humus was so smooth.

For the first time, there wasn't one dip I didn't like!

Kabakli - baby roasted pumpkin mixed with garlic, fetta cheese & herbs (my favourite!)

$15.50

Karidesli - prawns, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, parsley & cheese

$19.00

Istanbul - lamb, onions, parsley & cheese baked until golden brown

$15.50

....the zucchini balls didn't last long....

Fat Tony's Bar and Grill, Tathra NSW

Fat Tony's Bar and Grill

Food: 3/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5

Fat Tony's is an old harbourmaster's house overlooking the ocean from the top of the hill, one of the first homes built in the township of Tathra. It has a nice local, welcoming feel to it and I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Having said that, I have dined here a few times and I've always enjoyed the food.

The service was great, much better than the last time I visited. The restaurant was fully booked out at this time of year, a hit with both the locals and tourists.

 The view from our table.

 

Garlic Bread   $5.00

Piggy's Back - twice cooked crackling pork belly served with seasoned sauteed cabbage, maple roast apple and potato rosti, finished with a red wine jus   $28.50

Eye Fillet Steak - export quality eye fillet wrapped in Tathra Butchery lean smokey bacon, served with chips and salad, topped with Tiger prawns and bearnaise sauce   $33.50

F. T.'s Pasta - fettucine tossed with pesto, roast peppered pumpkin, snow peas, rocket and chef's roast garlic, cream and sauvignon blanc sauce   $19.50

Fat Summer Seafood - Queensland king prawns, juicy scallops, and calamari rings served with mixed leaves and tossed with fresh mango, cucumber and caramelised onion   $31.50 

Chicken dish (sorry, no details)

Grilled fresh fish fillet - chef's selection of fresh fish fillet served with chermouola spice mix and served on coriander, preserved lemon and garden vegetable quinoa then finished with caramelised lime yoghurt and crisped flat bread   (no price available)

Cute salt and pepper shakers!

Choc hazel butterscotch cake

FTCC cookies

.....and later heading to the pub to rock out!