Oldtown in Newtown II: Dinner -- or -- Everything Oldtown is Newtown again

Previously on F.S.I. Sydney: Breakfast at Oldtown in Newtown.

 

I'm on something of an Italian train of thought here. Train of eat, anyway. I accept none of the blame. It's wintry cold and these places right in my neighbourhood keep promising hot, meaty stews. So I'm heading back in. And this time I'm bringing backup.

Oldtown in Newtown -- or -- Back on the beat

Back on home turf. Newtown. South wing of King St. A few new places cropping up, including this Italianesque cafe which is open for breakfast on weekends. (Though 9am is a fairly late opening time, brekky is served until 5pm.) I popped in for dinner about a month ago and it was excellent, so thought I'd come back to try the morning fare. The menu is really interesting. Everything looks good, and there is a mix of 'please everybody' and 'something a little different' dishes. I'll have to come back to try some other things while sitting at one of the sunny outdoor tables.

Disclaimer: At the end of the meal I was given a jar of Oldtown's store-made preserved cherries to take home. I added an extra-large tip, though, to cover the cost. So I think we're about even.

Young Henry's at Blancmange -- or -- Inner West beer degustation dinner (a food cycle)

I am not an expert on beer. I have spent time 'tasting' and 'appreciating' other things like wine and chocolate and food in general. But I'm really only a beginner at beer. Truth be told, I only developed a taste for the stuff a few years ago in preparation for a trip to Europe and UK. 

I am, however, a stout local. And we now have our own brewery, Young Henrys. I saw a chance to drink their beer and eat fine food in my own jurisdiction. I took it.

This is that story.

Context: There is a musical called "The Last Five Years", which charts the course of a relationship. But, while we see his story from beginning to end, her side of the story is told from the end to the beginning.

Hartsyard, Newtown -- or -- Noisy neighbours

Hartsyard. There was a buzz about it even before it opened. Perhaps in part because of their own blog on the development phase? Whatever it was, bloggers and print media alike flocked.

Black Star Pastry truffle weekend -- or -- That time I dropped the $15 jar of truffle dessert

I am not, when it comes down to it, particularly punctual when it comes to filing F.S.I. reports. I had intended on one per week. Refined that to once a fortnight. For the past few months I have been especially slack. Eating yes, reporting no.

But, look. Black Star Pastry is doing a truffle weekend RIGHT NOW and if I'm quick about this and you're quick about this you can still get down there in time.

Stop reading. Go now!

Alright, so now that you're back and have truffle anglaise dripping down your chin, here's my report. (And a napkin.)

Oscillate Wildly, Newtown -- or -- They grow up so fast

I first visited Oscillate Wildly about three years ago, shortly after Karl Firla took over the kitchen. It was mostly good, though a couple of dishes missed the mark for me. (Gnocchi with coffee grounds on top was a bit too weird at the time.)

I went back a year later to give it another chance. It was very good on the second visit. A little less experimental, or perhaps just having had the benefit of a year's experimentation to get things right.

After visiting Sixpenny in Stanmore a few months ago it was time to go back to Oscillate and see how they compared.

Newtown Burger Grudge Match: Dean's Diner, Newtown

Last month three Newtown Burger Joints -- some called them 'chains' or 'franchises' -- went bunno-a-bunno in a food fight to the death. "But wait," the crowd called. "You forgot someone. The little guy. The local favourite. The place with the arcade game tables and the funny burger names. Go on. Give Dean's a chance."

Detective Chow is listening.

Greek Special: Nostos, Leichhardt and Steki Taverna, Newtown

The Greek Financial situation means a lot of people there are doing it tough. In fact, a lot of countries' economies have been hit hard. Australians are comparatively doing well, but even here people are trying to cut back on spending. Like eating at restaurants.

Unfortunately rent is not getting any cheaper so a lot of restaurants are struggling. I think I should be supporting my favourite restaurants to make sure they stay afloat. Unfortunately I seem to be cursed, with a few places I really like closing (or selling) shortly after my reports were filed.

Still, there are bargains to be had if you want a cheap night out. Here are two:

Newtown's Best Burger Joint -- Ultimate Biting Championship

or "The Running of the Bulls".

Bonus points if you get all the 'battle to the death' movie references, and bonus bonus points if you can tell me how to work Tron and Robot Jocks into the mix.

Disclaimer 1: More than any other F.S.I. episode, this one needs to be taken with a grain of salt. While I did use a measuring tape and electronic scales in the field investigation, my methods were far from scientific.

Disclaimer 2: I visited Moo Gourmet Burgers as part of the blogger #BurgerParty, and received freebies including a $10 voucher, champagne on arrival, name tag, and a couple of items of kitchenware.

Disclaimer 3: We don't have a defense of 'satire' for intellectual property infringement in Australia, but, UFC, if you mind my satirical use of your IP... I'll just change it to Ultimeat Biting Chompionship. And that string of puns will do more damage to your brand than any other infringement.

Smash Sausage Kitchen, Newtown -- or -- The Urban Mythographer

Meaning no disrespect to the team at Smash. I'm just not good enough a photographer to make a plate o' snags & mash look appealing. (And there's only so much a sprig of parsley can do.)

 

Pickwick's, Enmore -- or -- The Good Old Days

Alternate alternate title: "A trip down ENmeMORy lanE (ROAD)"

Kafenes, Enmore/Newtown -- or -- The Greek Question

Something a little different (again) this week. The first time I've had to resort to a flatbed scanner to review the food. This is what happens when they don't let Detective Chow take photos...

Beach Burrito, Newtown -- or -- I know what you're doing this Summer

Ramen Bar, Newtown - or - The Magic Window

Mr Cheng's Asian Grocery Store, Newtown - or - The Plum Complex

Mr Cheng's Asian Grocery Store
100 King St, Newtown

Edit: As of January 2012 Mr Cheng's in Newtown is no more. Sign on the door says to keep an eye on their website and FB page.

Chennai, Newtown - or - Murder She Roti

Miyama, Newtown - or - Little Sister's Report Card

It's hard to predict a final grade based on an interim assessment, Molly. Though I'm sure she got help from her older sister, so what I saw is probably pretty close to the final product, it was just a couple of lunch specials. And they receive a solid 'pass' grade. Nothing mind-blowing. I wouldn't be racing back -- there's so much to choose from in Newtown -- but if someone suggested it I wouldn't shy away.

The place was nice, and the staff were friendly. It's close to uni, so expect students who want a light lunch or a break from the usual Thai and Vietnamese fare.

$20 for two, including tea. I'd almost wear that cost myself, Molly. Almost...

Detective Chow
Case file 20110930


Miyama Japanese Kitchen
87 King St, Newtown
02 9519 9947

King St in Spring

Spied a new Japanese place open on King St this morning, Molly. Newtown. Miyama Japanese Kitchen. I guess it's a Christmas baby, though I'm not too sure of the gestation period for restaurants. I'll check out their lunch specials on Friday.

Miyama - next to Thai La-Ong

Chennai - website not yet active

Also a new Malaysian joint with some nice signwriting. Thought it was Indian but maybe that was just a front. I'll snoop around tonight and file a report.

Any others I'm missing out on?

(Jester Seeds and Rice Paper have been checked off the list.)

Izote Mexican, Newtown - or - Pieced Together

Rice Paper, Newtown - or - Journey to the Altar