Smoyö Frozen Yogurt, Haymarket

Now that the warmer season has arrived, most of us tend to indulge with cold treats such as gelatos and ice cream. 

Smoyo

There are those of us who want a lighter and healthier option. I'm talking about the soothing and tasty frozen yogurt. It is flavoured yogurt with the consistency of a soft-serve. There are so many of this joints popping out here and there. But there's a new kid on the block that's hit Sydney with some unique frozen yogurt flavours. The new funky Smoyö has recently opened its frozeon yogurt paradise inside Eating World food court at Chinatown, Sydney.

Smoyö is a frozen yogurt bar with a self-serve toppings station. They have flavoured frozen yogurts that include original, milk tea, green tea, lychee, bubblegum, pomegranate, blueberry, chocolate, mango, and cereal milk. There will be 6 flavours in rotation on any given day.  So, what makes them different from other frozen yogurt places? Well, they are the only frozen yogurt store in Sydney that has milk tea. A coconut pandan flavoured frozen yogurt is also coming soon!

Nerds toppings!!

There are toppings to satisfy everyone’s sweet and fruity cravings. The sweet toppings are: tim tams, oreo, maltesers, cherry ripe, honeycomb, crunchy nut cornflakes, freckles, nerds, 100's & 1000's, Hersheys chocolate syrup, m&ms, crunch, etc. The fruit toppings: pomegranate, watermelon, strawberry, kiwi, rockmelon, mango, etc.

I was lucky enough to be asked by Smoyö to sample some of their awesome frozen yogurt delight. These are what I've tried so far:

Milk tea frozen yogurt

The milk tea flavoured frozen yogurt was my absolute favourite! The best way to describe it is that it tastes exactly like a milk tea drink from places like EasyWay, Gong Cha or Chatime. It goes well with mochi, nerds and strawberry toppings.

Chocolate frozen yogurt

The chocolate flavoured frozen yogurt tastes like chocolate soft-serve. It is the perfect healthier treat for chocolate lovers. This is perfect with toppings like 100's & 1000's, m&ms, maltesers, oreos etc. The crunch topping brings back happy childhood memories!

The original

The original frozen yogurt is perfect with fruit toppings and cornflakes!

You can choose one flavour or all 6 flavours including any toppings you want from the toppings bar. The price depends on the total weight of your yogurt including toppings in a cup. The price is $2.80 per 100 grams.

After a Shiok or Gumshara meal, why not treat yourself to a Smoyö frozen yogurt for dessert! For Smoyö updates, special deals and special flavours, follow them on twitter @smoyofroyo and "like" them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Smoyofroyo. They currently have a 25% off opening special.

Thanks Smoyö!

Ramen Raff was invited by Smoyö to sample their frozen yogurts.

Smoyö Frozen Yogurt

Shop 219, Eating World

25-59 Dixon Street

Chinatown

Haymarket NSW 2000

www.smoyo.com.au

O Bar and Dining, Sydney

A certain place in Sydney has taken the mission of serving healthy dining options. "Healthy eating, happy dining" is theme at the new O Bar and Dining restaurant.

O Bar and Dining is Michael Moore's new baby that offers dishes that are amazing in taste but also prepared with health conscious methods. It is located on level 47 (where Summit used to be located) of Australia Square. The setting is very modern and hip. It has the combined urbane vibe of a Tao nightclub in the U.S. and a stylish Hong Kong bar but somewhat laid back. It boasts of a revolving 360 degrees view of Sydney (including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House).

All the dishes are based on recipes in Michael's cookbook called Blood Sugar. The menu showcases healthier versions of dishes that we've come to love over the years but with a healthy twist. O Bar and Dining simplified their dishes by using ingredients that are fresh and good to one's health.

Scorched blood orange

The scorched blood orange is a gin based cocktail that is very tropical & fruity. It contains blood orange, lime, mint etc.

crisp corn taco rack (4)

There are healthy tacos with fillings such as kingfish, prawns, tuna and beef. These versions of tacos are all about bringing out flavours with the right combination of fresh and healthy ingredients. The kingfish with avocado was my favourite.

After our meet and greet session with Michael, fellow food bloggers Helen, Suze, Jacq and I were seated at the dining area. Browsing through the menu was pretty intense. The menu was so extensive and a lot of things sounded so good. Then finally, I was able to make my selections:

Spanner crab cakes & quinoa crust, tahini, lemon yoghurt

Spanner crab cakes & quinoa crust, tahini, lemon yoghurt ($26). I love the idea of using quinoa (which has low glycemic index, high in protein and high in fibre) to crumb the crab cakes. The citrus sour milky taste from the lemon yoghurt compliments the flavourful crab cakes.

rib eye steak 350g & home ground mustard

The rib eye steak 350g & home ground mustard ($49) is amazing! I am very hard to please when it comes to steak but this one won me over.  It was a well-cooked medium rare juicy steak. I really like the fact that they used home ground mustard rather than gravy to give it a healthier approach. This excellent steak didn't even need a condiment but the mustard worked really well with it.

ricotta cheesecake

chocolate tartlets

chocolate torte

Hot chocolate soufflé

Hot chocolate soufflé ($20) with agave ice cream is bliss on a plate. The soufflé is fluffy like clouds. I agree with Helen when she said that it tasted like milo. I love Milo!

Rather than just making food look good, their methods driven by their sense of social responsibility are very admirable. O Bar and Dining's mission to serve flavourful food and promote healthy eating is a refreshing movement in Sydney's food scene.

Ramen Raff was invited to dine at O Bar and Dining as a guest.

O Bar and Dining

47/264 George Street,

Sydney    NSW 2000

http://www.obardining.com.au/

Bar open 7 nights - 5pm until late and Wednesday to Friday lunch from 12pm.

Restaurant open 7 nights - from 6pm and Wednesday to Friday lunch from 12pm.

Wine, Dine and Escape to Bimbadgen

There is something captivating and enchanting about the Hunter Valley region. Some would say it’s the sight of beautiful green vineyards and others will say it’s the numerous wine estates that produce wide range of wines. I say it’s all of the above and more! There are restaurants that use high quality local produce, accommodations for the perfect getaway, striking views, chocolates and beautiful smelly cheese!

Bimbadgen's visitor centre

 Having said all of that, I could not turn down an invitation for an overnight escape to Bimbadgen, which is right in the heart of Hunter Valley. Bimbadgen is an Aboriginal term meaning “place of good view” and “good view” is an understatement to describe the scenery at this wine estate. The views were mesmerizing and it brought about a certain calm and soothing feeling inside me. But Bimbadgen is not just a pretty face, it is also home to Hunter Valley’s finest wines and award winning restaurant.

Wine

Bimbadgen's private wine tasting room

 Bimbagden Estate includes 39-year-old vineyards. The Estate’s very own senior winemaker, Sarah Crowe took us to their private wine tasting room to get us to try some wines from their range. Thanks to Sarah's passion and knowledge, my limited understanding of wines has been broadened.

Bimbadgen Sparkling Semillon

 The Sparkling Semillon is Bimbadgen’s unique version of a Semillon. It is citrus with a taste that’s almost close to an apple.

The iconic Semillion

Chardonnay

The Chardonnay from their Estate range has a nutty oak flavour. This particular chardonnay has made me appreciate this type of wine more than I used.

Region Sauvignon Blanc

Their Region Sauvignon Blanc is not too grassy and has more of a tropical fruit taste. It has the aromas of guava and snow pea.

Gewurztraminer Orange

The Gewurztraminer Orange reminds me of rose petals, ginger and Turkish delight. It is like the chai tea of wines. It is a perfect match for Asian spicy dishes.

Rose

The Rose from the Ridge range is not overly complex and is fun to drink. It is strawberry in the nose and the palate.

Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir has an aroma that reminds me of wasabi. The intensity is subtle and has a palate of ripe berry flavours.

Cabarnet Sauvignon Merlot

Signature Shiraz

 The Signature Shiraz has a spicy herbal and savoury taste.

Myall Road Botrytis Semillion

The Myall Road Botrytis Semillion is my favourite of them all. It is a wonderful dessert wine that is aromatic and has a sweet citrus fruit taste. It also has some sort of marmalade presence in its taste. It is perfect with cheesecake and other creamy desserts.

Fortified Verdelho 

The Fortified Verdelho has a toffee butterscotch scent. It leaves a fruity and creamy sugar taste. It eventually becomes light in the palate.

Also, as Bimbadgen focuses on being environmentally friendly, their bottles are 28% lighter than most wine bottles in the market.

Dine

Inside Esca Bimbadgen

Esca Bimbadgen's balcony 

After the wine tasting session, we were taken to Bimbadgen's award winning restaurant, Esca. All dishes are perfectly matched with the best-suited wine. Chef Ebonnie Newby and Sarah's brilliant minds met up one day to create a menu that showcases the perfect marriage of wine and food.

Cured salmon

Risotto of celeriac, chive mascarpone, toasted walnuts; with Bimbadgen Pinot syrup. Suggested Wine Match - Bimbadgen MCA Series 2011 Gewurztraminer 

The risotto of celeriac, chive mascarpone, toasted walnuts; with Bimbadgen Pinot syrup ($21) was so awesome that I wish it were the size of a main dish! I like how the toasted nutty flavour from the crushed walnuts compliments the creaminess of the well-seasoned risotto and smoothness of the mascarpone. The sweetness from the drops of pinot syrup heightens all the flavours in the dish.

Byron Bay pork belly, cassoulet of butterbeans, kassler and sage, caramelised pear. Suggested Wine Match - Bimbadgen Family Collection

2009 Bald Crusader Shiraz

My heart got so excited as soon as I saw the Byron Bay pork belly, cassoulet of butterbeans, kassler and sage, caramelised pear ($24) in the menu. The pork belly was perfectly cooked and crispy crackling was well seasoned. The caramlised pear was divine and it also went very well with the rich pork belly.

Confit of duck Maryland, roasted quince, golden baby beetroots, red wine jus.  With a tasting of Bimbadgen Regions 2010 Pinot Noir

I have so much love for classic French dishes and a confit of duck is one of them. The confit of duck Maryland, roasted quince, golden baby beetroots, red wine jus ($36) is a classic dish with a contemporary twist. The skin was delicately crispy and the meat is very tender. As it was cooked in its own fat, the amazing natural flavour of the duck was well intact. The jus was very flavoursome.

braised Cowra lamb shank, de-boned and rolled in prosciutto, with soft polenta, broad beans, raisin compote. With a tasting of Bimbadgen Estate 2010 Shiraz

The braised Cowra lamb shank, de-boned and rolled in prosciutto, with soft polenta, broad beans, raisin compote ($35) is the highlight for me! I mean it was a super tender lamb shank, pulled and wrapped in glorious prosciutto! What is there not to love? But wait, Chef Ebonnie took it to another level with some creamy polenta. Just after my taste buds were taken to heaven by all of that, a taste of the tangy-spiced raisin compote takes you to space and beyond!

As I was so full from all those amazing dishes, I had to decline dessert. But I guess that's even more reason for me to return to Esca right?

Escape

Hello there kangaroos! Whassup?

After a wonderful lunch, I was given the keys to the cottage. It is located on the other side of the Estate right next to the vineyards. I could not help but be in awe of the scenery surrounding the cottage.

Bimbadgen cottage

Inside Bimbadgen's cottage

The cottage is absolutely beautiful and had a sense of comfort country living. It had two bedrooms. The cottage can accommodate up to four people. It features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, a living room area (including an LCD TV, DVD and a CD player), and a luxurious bathroom. There is also a swimming pool nearby. Barbecue equipment is also available for those who want to enjoy this country getaway to its fullest. Contact the Bimbadgen Administration on 02 4998 4600 for further information.

We were also pampered with a dinner hamper by Chef Ebonnie, which was personally delivered by Carlie to our cottage.

Bimbadgen's vineyard

Waking up to the sight of magnificent vineyards in the morning brings warmth and delight to one’s heart.

Bimbadgen is a shinning gem amongst Hunter Valley’s most treasured winery estates. Not only does it truly represent all of the region’s best features, but it also is the perfect getaway for families and couples who want to experience Hunter Valley’s splendid beauty.  Bimbadgen is not just a “place of good view”, but a place of excellent wine, food and friendly people.

I would like to thank all the staff at Bimbadgen for being such wonderful hosts during our stay. A special mention to Karen Evans (marketing manager), Sarah Crowe, Carlie Gargan, Chef Ebonnie Newby and Milly Davey (of Agent99 Public Relations) for making the whole experience a getaway to remember.

Ramen Raff was invited by Agent99 Public Relations as a guest at Bimbadgen.

Bimbadgen 

790 McDonalds Road,

Pokolbin  NSW
www.bimbadgen.com.au

Bimbadgen's Facebook page - click here

Trading hours

Bimbadgen Cellar Door
:

Sunday to Thursday - 10am to 5pm



Friday and Saturday - 10am to 7pm




Esca Bimbadgen Winery Restaurant:

Lunch - 7 days - 12pm to 4pm



Dinner - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday –

Bookings from 6pm.

Bookings Essential

Contact

Bimbadgen Administration  -  02 4998 4600


Bimbadgen Cellar Door  -  02 4998 4650



Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant - 02 4998 4666

www.bimbadgen.com.au