The Food Thread - comments and recommendations

[griffin]

You did better than me, as I only got through about a quarter of the "worlds hottest burger" at a place in Brisbane in 2008 with two friends (http://www.otca.com.au/burgersp.html).

And yes... if you eat a fair bit, there will be enough of the active ingredient passing through the digestive system to burn the very sensitive "exit passage". :p

[BigTransformerTrev]

You did better than me, as I only got through about a quarter of the "worlds hottest burger" at a place in Brisbane in 2008 with two friends (http://www.otca.com.au/burgersp.html).

And yes... if you eat a fair bit, there will be enough of the active ingredient passing through the digestive system to burn the very sensitive "exit passage". :p

Nice :)

[griffin]

These are very delicious and very recommended...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d055.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d052.jpg

[Megatran]

^ Is there actual ham in that chip? Or just ham flavour. :rolleyes:

[griffin]

^ Is there actual ham in that chip? Or just ham flavour. :rolleyes:

There is "Ham Powder" in the ingredients, but it is third last on the list so probably isn't very much.

[Mythirax]

I been wondering how those frozen churros are. Guess I might have to buy a box now :D

[griffin]

About a month ago I was looking on ebay for some seasonal M&Ms, but my usual source looks to have stopped selling them, and the other sellers are
just too expensive for just bags of candy.
But I was amazed at how many varieties were currently available in America, and how creative the flavours have been getting...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d071.jpg


I been wondering how those frozen churros are. Guess I might have to buy a box now :D

I tried the caramel one about 2 months ago, and they were surprisingly very well textured from being heated from frozen... they had a crunchy
crust and soft donut interior, with a liquid core.

[Mythirax]

I tried the caramel one about 2 months ago, and they were surprisingly very well textured from being heated from frozen... they had a crunchy crust and soft donut interior, with a liquid core.

Did you cook them exactly as the box tells you to? I'm tempted to run out and get some now. Before dinner :D

[Sinnertwin]

Did you cook them exactly as the box tells you to? I'm tempted to run out and get some now. Before dinner :D

Get cracking then lol :p

[griffin]

Did you cook them exactly as the box tells you to? I'm tempted to run out and get some now. Before dinner :D

I followed the directions on the box.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Burgers, Brew & 'Que - a show I have never seen before is currently showing - S01E01 too

Looks like my kinda eatin! :D

[mknell]

Burgers, Brew & 'Que - a show I have never seen before is currently showing - S01E01 too

Looks like my kinda eatin! :D

I think you'd love this show Trev

http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives.html

Diners, Drive-ins & Dives so much good food and it is currently showing on SBS's free to air food channel 33 every night at 9:30pm

[griffin]

I have to avoid watching that new Food Channel, as those cooking shows just give me ideas and cravings... :o

[Mythirax]

I thought there were some posts missing. I've done two rounds of the Chocolate Churro's boxes now. Wow are they good with icecream and cinnamon sugar. I need to be good now though, was very naughty with food over Christmas :D

[Megatran]

What actually is pulled beef? I hear it a fair bit lately.

[griffin]

What actually is pulled beef? I hear it a fair bit lately.

It's shredded. The meat is slow-cooked for many hours, to have that "fall off the bone" consistency... which then gets torn up like shreds of meat.
Pulled pork is very common, particularly in America.

[Megatran]

Has anyone tried a Pulled Sausage?

[Fungal Infection]

Has anyone tried a Pulled Sausage?

I usually have it when the wife serves me cold shoulder. :p

[griffin]

For those fans of Epic Meal Time (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Meal_Time) on youtube (since they started in 2010), they are doing a TV show as well called "Epic Meal Empire", and it starts tonight at 8.30pm on Channel 1 (and 12).

If you are a fan of high calorie, fat filled, bacon laced, bourbon basted, excessively huge food creations, and are not easily disgusted by fast/junk foods... this might be the show for you.
(I think it might just be their youtube episodes put together for a half hour TV show format.)

[Megatran]

Cantaloupe with pastrami (or chilli coated salami). Odd combo but its delicious.

Broken bottle of soy sauce all over the kitchen floor. Not so good.

[kurdt_the_goat]

Tried sweet potato flavoured Kitkat today! Unique enough, but you can also bake them in the oven for 5 mins and they turn into a really sweet crispy crumble. Was very much like honeycomb in flavour after that.

[griffin]

I saw the ad for this on TV at the beginning of the week, and since they weren't showing the actual burger (clearly), I guessed that it might be the black coloured bread that I've seen in Japan.... and sure enough, it was. (which is why they don't show it on the TV commercial, as it might put people off, rather than tease them into finding out what it is)

The advertisement at the store...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d106.jpg

And what one looks like for real...
The box has the Colonel on it, but only when the light shines on it in a certain way.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d107.jpg

Inside the lid is the list of ingredients. (the black coloured bread is traditionally coloured by adding bamboo ash to the dough, but I don't know if they did that with these)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d108.jpg

Mine had a big finger mark on the top, as it must have been handled fairly roughly.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d109.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d110.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d111.jpg

The bread didn't taste any different, and with the chilli flakes, it had a real bite to it. But the mustard & maple sauce gave it a big sweet taste to it, clashing with the chilli.
Probably worth trying just to say that you've eaten black bread, but not worth buying again.

[griffin]

Tried sweet potato flavoured Kitkat today! Unique enough, but you can also bake them in the oven for 5 mins and they turn into a really sweet crispy crumble. Was very much like honeycomb in flavour after that.

It's amazing the sheer number of kitkat varieties over there in Japan, and the weird flavours they sometimes have. I tried a few when I was there in 2013, and a few years ago there was an ebayer who would pack a random kitkat in the box with whatever toy I was buying.

[kurdt_the_goat]

Yeah i keep looking for more varieties, but have only seen regular, green tea and the sweet potato one so far. Chocolate is quite expensive here, and the serve sizes like everything else is quite small.

It's nice having flavoured Kit kats but I wouldn't mind a big block of Cadbury's too! I saw some Tim Tams, the regular pack that cost 450Y... so maybe it's a good thing Cadbury isn't here :o

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

The bread didn't taste any different...

I liked how the black bun was actually soft! The buns on the regular KFC burgers I get seem almost stale, so this was a nice change of pace!

[Megatran]

That ain't no big finger mark on the bun. ;)

[griffin]

I liked how the black bun was actually soft! The buns on the regular KFC burgers I get seem almost stale, so this was a nice change of pace!

Apparently in this KFC youtube video (https://www.facebook.com/KFCAustralia/videos/10154037413518126/) the colouring in the bread (which they call "Vegetable Carbon" ), could turn your poo green... (if you eat enough of it).

Not exactly something I will be checking out, but thought it was funny that it was an issue of concern.

The black bun will be around until April 18th, for anyone wanting to try one.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

That ain't no big finger mark on the bun. ;)

Now i'd be worried about what's in the sauce...


Apparently in this KFC youtube video (https://www.facebook.com/KFCAustralia/videos/10154037413518126/) the colouring in the bread (which they call "Vegetable Carbon" ), could turn your poo green... (if you eat enough of it).

Not exactly something I will be checking out, but thought it was funny that it was an issue of concern.

So you don't stare into the abyss before you flush?

[Mythirax]

I view that burger, like it's just chicken between chocolate cake! I'm sticking to my double zinger stacker, which I've not had in ages now :(

[griffin]

I view that burger, like it's just chicken between chocolate cake! I'm sticking to my double zinger stacker, which I've not had in ages now :(

Chocolate cake is what it looked like to me when I cut it open...

The price ($7.45) for a single piece of chicken burger is why I only recommending it to try once, just for the novelty of it.
It does taste nice with the sweet unique sauce, but I don't like the chilli flakes, and would rather have that sauce on a regular zinger or fillet burger.

[Mythirax]

Chocolate cake is what it looked like to me when I cut it open...

The price ($7.45) for a single piece of chicken burger is why I only recommending it to try once, just for the novelty of it.
It does taste nice with the sweet unique sauce, but I don't like the chilli flakes, and would rather have that sauce on a regular zinger or fillet burger.

I'm thinking KFC for dinner now.

[5FDP]

I'm thinking KFC for dinner now.

Had some KFC the other night for dinner... big mistake. It was disgusting!! Got the All-stars Box and the chicken was either undercooked or over-cooked and they also short changed me a piece. If I were in their restaurant I would've complained but it was take-away. Not worth driving all the way back.

[Mythirax]

Had some KFC the other night for dinner... big mistake. It was disgusting!! Got the All-stars Box and the chicken was either undercooked or over-cooked and they also short changed me a piece. If I were in their restaurant I would've complained but it was take-away. Not worth driving all the way back.

A phonecall complaint does wonders sometimes. I usually get my name put down in a book for a free meal etc.

[Megatran]

A phonecall complaint does wonders sometimes. I usually get my name put down in a book for a free meal etc.
Served ...

with the sweet unique sauce
(well said Griff :o:p)

Complaining can sometimes backfire. That's why I don't send my meals back to the kitchen or order a replacement. God knows what happens to the food.

[Mythirax]

Served ...

(well said Griff :o:p)

Complaining can sometimes backfire. That's why I don't send my meals back to the kitchen or order a replacement. God knows what happens to the food.

I'm not one to complain often. I expect fast food to be pretty trashy most of the time. How ever this week I had a hair in my food twice, on two different occasions THIS WEEK. At McDonalds. The first time I let it slide, as I was home and couldn't be stuffed, second time I called. They hung up on me about the issue as they couldn't see my problem... No idea who I talked to, it was couple of second phone call.

When I do complain though, I watch my food being made. I'm not a fan of complaining and waiting for another dish to come out. Unless it's an honest mistake (like drastically under cooked chicken that looked fine on the outside).

Oddly enough I was at The Sporting Globe the other night (I go there a lot, I love their wings, ribs, desserts and cocktails! ... *cough* beer). I got myself a steak which cost about $40~ (first time I've had steak there). The manager came up to me and asked me specifically how the steak was. I told him the outside of it was beautiful, but the very center was oddly really tough, but none the less a pretty good steak. He goes to me "oh that's a real shame mate, let me take it all off the bill for you". I didn't ask for anything off. But he was very enthusiastic about giving it to me for free. Wasn't complaining :D

[5FDP]

A phonecall complaint does wonders sometimes. I usually get my name put down in a book for a free meal etc.

I agree with Megatran; I'd be too worried they'd do something to my food.

[griffin]

I actually took these photos at the beginning of March, but have been busy since then with Toyfair and BotCon to get around to this.

From the makers of the Gaytime icecream tubs came another two varieties, this time featuring Darrell Lea (who seem to be pimped out everywhere since being bought by new owners) - Coconut Rough and Peanut Brittle.
Both are really nice, but I really liked the Coconut Rough one more.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d128.jpg

It seems that a lot of new Icecreams came out last month, making our supermarket freezer section looking more and more like American ones (with their hundreds of icecream varieties).
These ones were mentioned here already, and none were worth recommending. The Fruit Tingles one is unique enough to try, but I wouldn't get it again.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d129.jpg

A flood of the choc-covered icecream sticks, from the gourmet...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d130.jpg

...to the mainstream...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d131.jpg

...to the main brand (Magnum) padding out their range yet again.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d132.jpg

The big question though, is where are the licensed Transformers iceblocks???
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d133.jpg

[Akky82]

I'd seen the Milo one and had high hopes but am lactose intolerant so just hadnt got around to it yet (i have the tablets), shame if its not worth recommending. Might have to try coconut rough then (wife loves coconut too).

Has anyone been to Bavarian Haus at Gold Coast? Will be down there for lunch somewhere else soon and just wondering if its worth hanging around to have dinner there.

[Fungal Infection]

Where is Griffin and his annual US food haul from botcon? :D

[griffin]

Where is Griffin and his annual US food haul from botcon? :D

Due to a tight budget this year I didn't get to sample much of the local foods, and it was one of the rare occasions in which I didn't gain any weight from a BotCon trip.
Since I knew that I had two pre-paid meals (Friday Golden Ticket and Saturday Awards dinner), plus two airline meals (Wednesday and Monday), I only really had to cover Thursday and Sunday... and with both BotCon meals being all-you-can-eat, it made it possible to eat enough to cover one of those days.

So, aside from the two meals on the two international flights (which looks more like baby food (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/z21.jpg)), this was pretty much all I ate on the six days in Louisville...

Wednesday
2 donuts at Dallas Texas airport.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/b02.jpg

KFC 2 piece meal at Louisville airport.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/b03.jpg

Thursday
Snacks from Target (all I ate on Thursday... and the Cereal lasted until Saturday as a nibbling item while on the computer)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/b17.jpg

Friday
Golden Ticket dinner (plus a second burger) (all I ate on Friday)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/za11.jpg

Saturday
Awards Dinner (plus a second hotdog) (all I ate on Saturday)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/za12.jpg

Sunday - ate nothing.

Monday
KFC and Burger King at Louisville airport.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/za10.jpg

6 Donuts at LAX.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/za13.jpg

That red Angriest Whopper was really the only note-worthy food item this year.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Monday
KFC and Burger King at Louisville airport.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/botcon/bc16/za10.jpg
.




What's with the pink burger bun - that looks freaky :eek:

Damn man, I think you ate as much takeaway on one trip as I do in 6 months :p

Were those really the awards dinner meals? Can you give us a rundown of what they constituted? I would have thought you'd get like a proper meal for the amount of money it cost to go.

[shockNwave]

Has anyone tried the new Barbecue Shapes? It's meant to be a "new and improved flavour". Here's what the corporate psychopaths at Arnotts mean: "Higher sugar content so it's so sweet it better facilitates addiction among our customers especially kids.":mad:

[Bladestorm]

Did the red burger bun taste slightly bitter?

I'm curious as red is the one colouring that can alter the taste of things when added (especially icing for cakes). You don't wanna know what they use to make the red colouring by the way... ;)


What's with the pink burger bun - that looks freaky :eek:

[Fungal Infection]

The red bun apparently has hot sauce baked into the bun. I'm just curious as to what colour it turned your poo!! :p

[5FDP]

Has anyone tried the new Barbecue Shapes? It's meant to be a "new and improved flavour". Here's what the corporate psychopaths at Arnotts mean: "Higher sugar content so it's so sweet it better facilitates addiction among our customers especially kids.":mad:

Yes!! Just ate some today. They taste like shit! :mad: :mad:

[Mythirax]

So I found this new place to eat, I've eaten there like 4 nights this week now! They make the best burgers I have ever had.

The place is called Codys Cafe in manor lakes, Victoria.

One of the burgers I got tonight:

http://i.imgur.com/s4zfXGa.jpg

This one had beef, pork belly, chicken. American cheeses, Mozzarella Fried Cheese Sticks, Camembert Fried Cheese Disk, Hashbrown, Onion Rings. Home made Ranch Sauce, it has more but I can't think what haha. The salad has a home made sauce as well, it's just freaking magic.

Oh, the facebook page for the place! (https://www.facebook.com/Codys-cafe-Manor-Lakes-139665536102843/)

[Mythirax]

Oh my god, so, so, so yum.

http://i.imgur.com/bbGuzre.jpg

And dessert, this thing was amazing. Wagon Wheel, Oreo, Toasted Marshmellow, Cream, Icecream, Blended Wagon Wheel and Oreo. And the rim had jam with wagon wheel chocolate crum.

http://i.imgur.com/zmWWMjN.jpg

[BigTransformerTrev]

So I found this new place to eat, I've eaten there like 4 nights this week now! They make the best burgers I have ever had.

The place is called Codys Cafe in manor lakes, Victoria.

One of the burgers I got tonight:

http://i.imgur.com/s4zfXGa.jpg

This one had beef, pork belly, chicken. American cheeses, Mozzarella Fried Cheese Sticks, Camembert Fried Cheese Disk, Hashbrown, Onion Rings. Home made Ranch Sauce, it has more but I can't think what haha. The salad has a home made sauce as well, it's just freaking magic.

Oh, the facebook page for the place! (https://www.facebook.com/Codys-cafe-Manor-Lakes-139665536102843/)

Ok, I know where my next holiday is gonna be! :D

[Mythirax]

Ok, I know where my next holiday is gonna be! :D

Head on up and dinners on me mate :D

[Bladestorm]

Hey Griffin!

Zippo and I found the PERFECT thing to go with your red burger this evening...

Blue rice with chicken!:eek:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/26921330201_986e1425cb.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H1WRxx)

The restaurant is even conveniently located inside In's Point! Who wants to try some?:D

[griffin]

They're back...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d157.jpg

Only at Coles, and half price this week for just 88c.


So I found this new place to eat...

http://i.imgur.com/s4zfXGa.jpg



Ok, I know where my next holiday is gonna be! :D

Ditto. :D


Hey Griffin!

Zippo and I found the PERFECT thing to go with your red burger this evening...

Blue rice with chicken!:eek:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/26921330201_986e1425cb.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H1WRxx)

The restaurant is even conveniently located inside In's Point! Who wants to try some?:D

That is so bizarre. The kicking characters on there is just as odd.

[UltraMarginal]

That burger looks like an outcast from the heart attack grill. :eek:

[BigTransformerTrev]

Hey Griffin!

Zippo and I found the PERFECT thing to go with your red burger this evening...

Blue rice with chicken!:eek:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/26921330201_986e1425cb.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H1WRxx)

The restaurant is even conveniently located inside In's Point! Who wants to try some?:D

Chun-Li always did have impressive drumsticks - I'd chow down ;):p

[drifand]

Those burgers, wow. At least they exist here in Australia.

As much as I want one. I know it may never happen when I am with family. :(

[Bladestorm]

Chun-Li always did have impressive drumsticks - I'd chow down ;):p

I'd pay to see you eat that dish Trev... when you coming over?
We need an Ozformers Hong Kong Toy and Foodie tour dont'cha all think? ;)

I'm happy to play tour guide!

[GoktimusPrime]

Mmm... authentic home made sushi... <drools>
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/TR_wheelie05_zps0tgerte0.jpg
Tastes so much better than anything from a restaurant.

[Sinnertwin]

I came home from a jog and smashed 2 pizzas.
I hate myself.
:o:(
They were nice though

[Megatran]

I came home from a jog and smashed 2 pizzas.
I hate myself.
:o:(
They were nice though
That's the spirit. No point skipping jaw day & stomach day. :o:p

[Starscream77]

I came home from a jog and smashed 2 pizzas.
I hate myself.
:o:(
They were nice though

The proudest I have been of you was reading this

[griffin]

The KFC Pulled Pork burger is probably in its last week, but if you haven't tried it yet, don't bother... it was really disappointing, particularly for $6.
The meat had the appearance and consistency of catfood, when it should be strands/fibres of meat, and was really bland without the sauce. Coleslaw seems to be the only other thing on it, and it's flavour and texture mask the Pork completely.
No way this was worth $6.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d203.jpg

What it is supposed to look like (from the KFC website link posted up by Megatran)....
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d205.jpg

[Megatran]

The KFC Pulled Pork burger is probably in its last week, but if you haven't tried it yet, don't bother... it was really disappointing, particularly for $6.
The meat had the appearance and consistency of catfood, and was really bland without the sauce. Coleslaw seems to be the only other thing on it, and it's flavour and texture mask the Pork completely.
No way this was worth $6.
Had to look that up. Wow, looks tempting on their website (https://kfc.com.au/menu/burgers/kentucky-pulled-pork-burger/). :rolleyes: (the Zinger Stacker Burger looks appealing too)

[griffin]

I included a copy of their burger "photo" from your link, with my photo for a comparison.... just to show how much it looked like catfood being squeezed out of the sides of the bun.

[Mythirax]

Had to look that up. Wow, looks tempting on their website (https://kfc.com.au/menu/burgers/kentucky-pulled-pork-burger/). :rolleyes: (the Zinger Stacker Burger looks appealing too)

I have a Stacker once a week. Just because it's one of my favorite burgers around at the moment.


I included a copy of their burger "photo" from your link, with my photo for a comparison.... just to show how much it looked like catfood being squeezed out of the sides of the bun.

Wow, it looks absolutely disgusting.

[Megatran]

I have a Stacker once a week. Just because it's one of my favorite burgers around at the moment.

I've wondered why your avatar has a photogenic bright orange glow. Now I know. :D

[1AZRAEL1]

Personally I'd be emailing that to head office. That is a joke. Yes there is some leeway when it comes to looking different to the picture, but damn that is beyond ridiculous

[Mythirax]

I've wondered why your avatar has a photogenic bright orange glow. Now I know. :D

The stacker...it's taking hold of me. It's taken over me.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I'd pay to see you eat that dish Trev... when you coming over?
We need an Ozformers Hong Kong Toy and Foodie tour dont'cha all think? ;)

I'm happy to play tour guide!

God I'd love that! I miss travelling so much



The KFC Pulled Pork burger is probably in its last week, but if you haven't tried it yet, don't bother... it was really disappointing, particularly for $6.
The meat had the appearance and consistency of catfood, when it should be strands/fibres of meat, and was really bland without the sauce. Coleslaw seems to be the only other thing on it, and it's flavour and texture mask the Pork completely.
No way this was worth $6.



Really, you are actually surprised that it was crap? 2 points:

1: KFC - KF-Chicken. They have no idea how to do pork. Don't go there to eat pork, would you go to a butcher to get your shoes repaired?
2: it's fricken drive-thru fast food and KFC at that. Experience should have told you by now their food is crap (though the potato and gravy is pretty good)

Want a good meal? Go to a restaurant where you have to get out of your car, the chefs aren't all pre-adults and the menu isn't presented as glowing pictures of food on the wall

[BigTransformerTrev]

BTW I didn't mean for that to sound as judgemental as it did, lack of sleep making me grumpy :o

[5FDP]

Apparently Burger King is going all hipster with their burgers :rolleyes:

[griffin]

Really, you are actually surprised that it was crap? 2 points:

1: KFC - KF-Chicken. They have no idea how to do pork. Don't go there to eat pork, would you go to a butcher to get your shoes repaired?
2: it's fricken drive-thru fast food and KFC at that. Experience should have told you by now their food is crap (though the potato and gravy is pretty good)

Want a good meal? Go to a restaurant where you have to get out of your car, the chefs aren't all pre-adults and the menu isn't presented as glowing pictures of food on the wall

No, I'm not surprised, that's why I go to these "junk food" places, for the tasty junk and see how their limited edition items are (and how they compare to their promotional images).
Even though they are KFC, they have non-chicken items on their menu as well, so aren't expected to be JUST chicken. If they started doing most of their menu as other meats, then it would be a worry... but then, they haven't been called Kentucky Fried Chicken for years now.
Even though the three letters (KFC) stand for "Kentucky Fried Chicken", it hasn't been publicised as the full three words in their stores, on packaging, in advertising, or even on their website (except the fine print in their conditions page), for at least 10 years. Not just here but globally.
Give it another 10 years and the next generation won't even know what KFC originally stood. So having non-chicken meats there is something that most (younger) people who have never heard "Kentucky Fried Chicken" would be too bothered about.
Only us oldies, who still have the old 80s & 90s TV jingles in our heads that said the full three words... "the great taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken". :o :p

Speaking of "want a good meal - go to a restaurant", it reminded me of one occasion I was at my nearby KFC, and there was this obese couple waiting for their order, who demanded two new burgers be made up because theirs had been sitting on the counter for 2 minutes waiting for their chips to be done, saying that they weren't fresh anymore. :rolleyes:
Now THAT is someone expecting quality food from a fast/junk food outlet like KFC, where the majority of the menu items are brown from being deep fried. (considering the size of the couple, they wouldn't know what quality food is anyway :p )


BTW I didn't mean for that to sound as judgemental as it did, lack of sleep making me grumpy :o

You do after all, have "Angry" as your middle name... :p

[griffin]

Another of my favourite snack foods is now off the shopping list - Pringles, joining Shapes after they changed for the worse (no longer a hard cracker & changed flavours)... which is actually a good thing as neither were nutritional in any way.

Pringles have dropped 16 grams (11%), but only dropped 10 cents (2%) at Coles and Woolworths (from $4.10 for the old size of 150g to $4 for the new size of 134g).
On the plus side, both stores are discounting their old stock to $2 or $3 (from $4.10).

I haven't bought the new ones yet, but the tube is smaller, so maybe the chips are smaller, or they fit more snugly in the tube now. Probably smaller chips, as the tube is the same height, so the smaller weight is either from smaller chips or more space at the top of the tube.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d208.jpg

A mountain of old stock at a Coles store, at less than half price.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d209.jpg

Everything gets downsized or goes up in price to combat inflation... except this - Woolworths' generic brand slow-cooked chips. In April with the rebranding of their "Select" range, their slow-cooked chips went UP from 185g to 200g, but stayed the same price of $2.50.
Pretty much unheard of with food, especially junk or snack foods, and quite impressive for Woolies to not be taking advantage of a size change or pack rebranding (which gets shelved as "new" and can often have new pricing with it).
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d210.jpg

[Golden Phoenix]

I had enough trouble getting my hand in the can as it was, and then they make it smaller. sigh....

[Mythirax]

I had enough trouble getting my hand in the can as it was, and then they make it smaller. sigh....

Haha the can is thinner? Well same here, no chance my hand will be getting into one of those now.

I forgot that shapes had changed. I bought a pack of the cheddar ones to add to my snacks for my gaming all nighter last night. Holy crap they were absolutely disgusting. I wasn't paying attention to them changing, put a couple in my gob. That flavor ugh, never again.

[Jaxius._]

I saw this video on facebook called f*ck burger king

Just some guy eating a big mac and trying to rap.

Anyway went to Hungry Jacks today. I'll take a Whopper over a Big Mac anyday :D

[griffin]

I'll take a Whopper over a Big Mac anyday :D

That's a good boy. :p

[drifand]

I saw this video on facebook called f*ck burger king

Just some guy eating a big mac and trying to rap.

Anyway went to Hungry Jacks today. I'll take a Whopper over a Big Mac anyday :D

I used to say this but these days hjs just zap burgers and now maccus taste better. Sorry.

But these days I just go for a burger bar as they are as cheap as the premium burgers from hjs and maccus.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

I used to say this but these days hjs just zap burgers and now maccus taste better. Sorry.

I agree! There's something not quite right about HJ burgers these days... and it doesn't help that the HJ that's closest to me serves almost stale burger buns and wilted veggies.

Not that it matters, as I tend to eat at KFC and the staff there know me and always give me 10% off on top of the free upsize that you get when you do the online feedback thing.

[drifand]

I agree! There's something not quite right about HJ burgers these days... and it doesn't help that the HJ that's closest to me serves almost stale burger buns and wilted veggies.

Not that it matters, as I tend to eat at KFC and the staff there know me and always give me 10% off on top of the free upsize that you get when you do the online feedback thing.

I take 5 wings pack at $5.95 and get the free drinks and chips for feedback.

[Megatran]

I used to say this but these days hjs just zap burgers and now maccus taste better. Sorry.
I can't say I share your taste for grub but I can only imagine maccus (http://pirates.wikia.com/wiki/Maccus) would taste bloody awful. ;)

[drifand]

I can't say I share your taste for grub but I can only imagine maccus (http://pirates.wikia.com/wiki/Maccus) would taste bloody awful. ;)

Well I am comparing only hjs to maccus here. I used to prefer hjs more. Their standards have dropped badly. Nowadays I avoid both actually and eat from a reputable burger joint where a burger is freshly made not zapped or boiled.

Hjs also dropped the Angus beef selection so is kinda left me they not interested in better burgers.

[griffin]

Hjs also dropped the Angus beef selection so is kinda left me they not interested in better burgers.

They might have dropped it from their regular menu, but it is back as three special burgers. (the bbq one is really delicious too, tasting like a restaurant burger than a fast food burger)

The Angus beef was only showing up a few years ago everywhere because the price of beef was down globally, and the glut had seen our export beef (the good stuff like Angus and Wagyu) end up staying in Australia.
It was never going to be permanent, but younger folk would probably think it was because they don't remember back to when we never saw it in fast food places. And I imagine that the price of beef has been going up again, so you will see less of it in fast food places, and more often a limited edition, expensive item, if at all. (until the price of beef exports plummets again)

Speaking of burgers... how about this low-carb option - the Tomami Burger at MOS Burger.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d212.jpg

Yes, that is a whole Tomato in place of a bun.

I don't think it is meant to be much of a seller, and I doubt anyone would buy it except for the novelty value, as those who like burgers are not usually fans of eating whole veges like tomatoes (actually a fruit), and those who would love eating a whole tomato probably wouldn't be too keen about it being contaminated with a beef patty and sauce.
The person making it up for me had to refer to the burger construction guide several times, so it seemed that it was vary rarely bought at that location (and was probably his first time making one).
It's $5.75, and has a Wagyu patty, Thousand Island sauce, onion and lettuce.

It's not all weird burgers at MOS Burger though, this month they have some really nice Wagyu Burgers, including this one called the works burger, with bacon, egg, beetroot, cheese, lettuce, and probably a few other things in there... I was too busy eating this delicious burger to notice.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d213.jpg

[drifand]

Thanks for explaining the Angus at hjs.

Man we don't have mos burgers and we don't have Carl Jr.
Luckily we do have good burger joints.

I don't think in n out will make an appearance here.

[Megatran]

It was International Hot Dog Day last Saturday (23rd July). How does one celebrate? By holding a hot dog eating contest at Melbourne's Luna Park, of course. And the weiner winner is:
Mens - 15 hot dogs
Womens - 7 hot dogs

[griffin]

Ben & Jerry's icecream - the most expensive icecream you can get at retail, has been at Woolies for a couple years now, and has only been on sale once before... this week is the second time, at $3 off (from $12).
Considering they are about AU$5 in American stores, this is probably the cheapest it gets in Australia for the "regular" varieties... but the more expensive "molten core" varieties have never been on sale, so the wait goes on (I'm not paying full price to try them).

The "Tonight Dough" (named for the Tonight Show, and has Jimmy Fallon on the tub), is one I recommended, with two flavours of icecream in the tub and two types of cookie dough chunks.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d263.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d134.jpg

[drifand]

I had Ben and jerry for $2.50 from spud shed in Perth a while ago.

I find them very ordinary ice cream. Not that they are bad.

[griffin]

Woolworths has dropped the price on their 2 litre Pepsi range to just $2, not as a sale price, but as a "long term" regular price... not that I think it will stay like that for long because now they won't sell any of their 1.25 litre range as it is more expensive at $2.20. (which will force them to discount those ones at a loss when they get close to their use-by date)

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d284.jpg

[griffin]

Half price this week at Woolies - BBQ Meatlovers pizza flavoured Doritos chips.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d216.jpg

It might sound bizzare, or you might think that it is just a promo name and couldn't possibly taste like a meatlovers pizza... you'd be wrong.
Opening the bag, the smell is just like a meatlovers pizza... and then the taste, it's like, you are eating a slice, with all those processed meats.
I got a couple of people to blind-test these, first by smelling them and then tasting them, and they both thought it was something very familiar, and were amazed at how much it was like a real meatlovers pizza.

Note though, that the bag is actually lighter than the regular size of Doritos (150g vs 170g), so it is best getting it on sale like right now... and I hope it becomes a regular flavour of theirs, as they are really delicious (I'm just not happy about them being about 12% smaller in pack size for the same price).

[1AZRAEL1]

I bought those when they came out. They weren't too bad. But I'd be very surprised if they remain a long term flavour.

[Megatran]

My local Coles have some new (international) food & beverage items.

Hooters Wing Breading
CocaCola Cherry flavour (individual cans)
Canada Dry Ginger Ale (individual cans)
A&W Root Beer (indivdual cans)

[laproblematique]

Speaking of burgers... how about this low-carb option - the Tomami Burger at MOS Burger.

[IG]http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d212.jpg[/IMG]

Yes, that is a whole Tomato in place of a bun.

I don't think it is meant to be much of a seller, and I doubt anyone would buy it except for the novelty value, as those who like burgers are not usually fans of eating whole veges like tomatoes (actually a fruit), and those who would love eating a whole tomato probably wouldn't be too keen about it being contaminated with a beef patty and sauce.
The person making it up for me had to refer to the burger construction guide several times, so it seemed that it was vary rarely bought at that location (and was probably his first time making one).
It's $5.75, and has a Wagyu patty, Thousand Island sauce, onion and lettuce.

It's not all weird burgers at MOS Burger though, this month they have some really nice Wagyu Burgers, including this one called the works burger, with bacon, egg, beetroot, cheese, lettuce, and probably a few other things in there... I was too busy eating this delicious burger to notice.
[IG]http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d213.jpg[/IMG]

Love my tomatoes, but not sold on that Tomami burger, the second one looks mighty fine though. Will have to visit MOS burger when I head to Brisbane in a couple of months.

What else would you recommend by way of eateries to somebody who has never been to Brisbane before Griffin? (Gold Coast plenty of times however)

[MV75]

It's all angus beef here anyway. Don't worry kids. :)

Anyway, anyone yet heard of the whopperito? Yes it exists, but not here. :(

Anyway, people are saying that just poppys is the best Brisbane burger. I tried Getta last week.

Griffin should try the triple loco http://www.zepickle.com/burgers/ :)

[1AZRAEL1]

Another of my favourite snack foods is now off the shopping list - Pringles, joining Shapes after they changed for the worse (no longer a hard cracker & changed flavours)... which is actually a good thing as neither were nutritional in anyway.

Have you tried the new original flavour Pizza Shapes? They taste good again and are hard crackers again. Picked up a packet and took to camp.

Reminds me of the Slurm Factory episode of Futurama, change formula and when everyone hates it, brings out Slurm classic and makes billions lol

[MV75]

The only new ones I tried were bbq. Didn't finish the box, disgusting.

Original pizza shapes were good. I had a box the other week, left a nice bits collection at the bottom. :)

Good marketing though, people are interested in shapes again and yea, just a marketing stunt all this was, I mean, what other conclusion do you go to when you first saw no original bbq shapes, even though the website had them as a product on the shelves, to a single column of them at the bottom of the shelves, now to dominating the entire middle row at the shelves, all the while the new flavour is going the opposite way?

Griffin, Doritos are crud. Too much salt/whatever on a wafer thin I don't know. Go to the taco shelves and look for the mission corn chips in the paper bags. They are the best on the market. :) Taste good and have decent thickness and crunch.

[griffin]

Have you tried the new original flavour Pizza Shapes?


Yes.... probably a little too much though, just in case they disappear again. :o

[MV75]

Thing is they were always around, they were in multipacks.

[griffin]

Anyway, people are saying that just poppys is the best Brisbane burger. I tried Getta last week.

Griffin should try the triple loco http://www.zepickle.com/burgers/ :)

Donut burger... hehehe.

That's so American, but I would like to try one eventually... just to see what all the fuss is about.


Griffin, Doritos are crud. Too much salt/whatever on a wafer thin I don't know. Go to the taco shelves and look for the mission corn chips in the paper bags. They are the best on the market. :) Taste good and have decent thickness and crunch.

The mission chips are indeed nice, and I prefer the old style "hard" corn chips that we used to have here before Doritos showed up, with their softer American styled corn chips. Then CCs went soft, and finally the generic brands changed too... as I remember the Woolies Homebrand were the hard style for a while after CCs changed to match Doritos, but that was a few years back now.


Thing is they were always around, they were in multipacks.

I had a look today and they also say on their packs "new and improved flavour", so must be the new type in them now.

[MV75]

Oh that sucks, but at least pizza shapes were always still there even when the boxes weren't

[griffin]

I just noticed that my favourite burger franchise (Burger King/Hungry Jacks) has had a really rough ride in Hong Kong.
The burger chain is about 60 years old, but only started up in HK 30 years ago in the 1980s... and then closed up in the 1990s due to poor sales.
It then came back to Hong Kong in 2003, apparently building up to over 20 stores by 2011, but then the stores started disappearing again over four years, down to just 2 by the end of last year (http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1885727/5-hong-kong-burger-king-outlets-suddenly-close-employees) - at the airport and at the Peak.

:(

At least if I ever go back there, they still have the outlet at the airport (in the Skyplaza though, which is not part of the main airport terminal), but the Peak store is out of reach for a quick snack, as it can be a couple hours round trip, and an expensive tram ride up the mountain.
(most of the menu is fairly standard Western items, unlike their KFCs, but sometimes they have something unusual that I want to try out)

On the plus side, it would force me to try more local foods, and not be distracted by Asianised Western franchises.

[MV75]

https://www.bk.com/menu-item/whopperrito

You know you want it. :D

[SMHFConvoy]

https://www.bk.com/menu-item/whopperrito

You know you want it. :D

It looks like the nachos I had at zambrero yesterday :(

[GoktimusPrime]

Tonight I took my family to a Japanese restaurant and my wife ordered a spicy pork rice bowl then complained that it was too spicy. So she challenged me to finish it off... and I did... and my mouth did burn. Many cups of water later. :p

[gamblor916]

Ah Subway. Tempt me with your meatball sub then punch me in the gut with your dodgy hygiene. Fool me once shame on you, fool me you can't get fooled again.

[1AZRAEL1]

https://www.bk.com/menu-item/whopperrito

You know you want it. :D

I want it haha. Looks tasty

[Megatran]

Ah Subway. Tempt me with your meatball sub then punch me in the gut with your dodgy hygiene. Fool me once shame on you, fool me you can't get fooled again.
Dodgy hygiene. How so Mr President?

[gamblor916]

I suspect it was the mayo. It was a pretty warm day.

[Sinnertwin]

The Tortilla alone in that BK abomination has 1/3 of your daily salt intake :eek:

[Megatran]

I suspect it was the mayo. It was a pretty warm day.
Warm mayo. Ewww! :eek:

[MV75]

Warm mayo. Ewww! :eek:

Heh.

But mayo on a meatball sub? Ewww. Needs zero sauce.

[griffin]

I find that the Mayo is actually the best sauce for the meatball sub, as it comes with meatball sauce, so you don't want another flavour to clash with it... but you get a free sauce, and it adds a bit more moisture to the Sub, particularly if you get it toasted and it dries it out a bit.
(the meatball sub is my favourite from Subway, and I have tried quite a few combinations... with the best combination being with any cheese, onion, and mayo, with or without toasting - now I have a craving for one :p )

[MV75]

I found that I liked the onion sauce instead of having onion. :)

I'm partial to the ham and turkey with mayo. :D and onion sauce. Double stacked of course. I get every subway doubled as you get a sub that they used to make as standard then. Just a shame they don't do the U-gouge anymore.


The Tortilla alone in that BK abomination has 1/3 of your daily salt intake :eek:

Well it's a good thing it's only 1/3 of your daily eating then isn't it? :p Unless you're a horse and lick your salt block all day between meals.

[GoktimusPrime]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28EhPR9_24I
^This video explains why organic food is actually worse for the environment than conventionally farmed and genetically modified crops.

[Trent]

Dorito and tomato sauce sandwiches are every bit as good as I remember them.

[griffin]

What were they thinking....

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d484.jpg

Unfortunately it was quite authentic with the flavour... not making them enjoyable as a snacking chip.

[XMan]

Have been avoiding Pringles for a while now. You should see their facebook page. It is beyond me that because 'ours' are made in Malaysia they cant be like the originals.

So we get super crunch :confused:

[griffin]

I stopped buying them after they downsized, now only getting new flavours to try when they are half price.

[1AZRAEL1]

I rarely buy pringles these days. Expensive and not great anymore

Speaking of chips, the Super Nova flavoured Doritos are pretty damn nice

[griffin]

Speaking of chips, the Super Nova flavoured Doritos are pretty damn nice

I had no idea what you were talking about... and thought it was something made up so didn't look online to see what they were. :o

Then while I was in Sydney last week (on the 20th, over 2 weeks after the posting above) I saw a small pack (25g) at a newsagent at the airport... charging $3.80! :eek:
I bought one because I thought it might have been exclusive to only some states and not end up in QLD... and what do you know... the first store I visit just half an hour after returning to Brisbane....

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d489.jpg

Typical... regular packs that are over twice the size of the one I bought at Sydney airport, at about two-thirds the price. (and this week, they are half price)

Well, they are lime-pepper flavoured, and a very deep green. An okay flavour, but not great, so after one pack, I'm not too keen to buy another.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d490.jpg

(it's playdoh green... :p )

On the other hand, I can't get enough of the Pepsi Max Vanilla... fortunately it looks like it might be a temporary flavour, as I'm developing an addiction to it. :o
(also fortunately for me, both the Coles and Woolies near me have trouble keeping it in stock, as I tend to grab a bottle (if on sale) any time I see it)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d488.jpg

[griffin]

When did (regular, non-gourmet) pies get so expensive here.

There's nothing more Aussie than a meat pie... and so many franchise places make them these days, but the prices just seem to be insane, for something that can be found in supermarket freezers for a couple dollars.

Pieface is a national franchise that I think make the worst pies I've ever tried, and they are expensive for MASS-produced pies... but this dedicated pie shop in Sydney (last week), had pies going up to almost $10!
And they didn't even look or sound like anything more than the pies you get at the corner store Bakery for $3-4.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d495.jpg

Speaking of expensive... a new donut shop in Brisbane (so many popped up after Krispy Kreme showed up), selling plain cinnamon donuts for $4 each!
You can get 6 or 12 at Coles/Woolies for about that price... and probably taste just he same when covered in sugar and cinnamon.
Even Krispy Kreme aren't this expensive.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d494.jpg

[griffin]

Ever seen one of those little Gummi pizzas, that often fill the Gummi Christmast stocking each year?
Well... at Kmart you can get a full-size small pizza, made out of lollies.

Even I'm not stupid enough to buy one of these... even just to try it out.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d485.jpg

[kurdt_the_goat]

There's nothing more Aussie than a meat pie...

One of the things i miss about Australia is meat pies, even the cheap supermarket ones were alright if you crisped them up in the oven! And sausage rolls... and reasonably priced large varieties of cheese, large blocks of chocolate, Shapes, Smiths chips... good old Vegemite. I guess there's a bit i miss! Though i had a fantastic pack of apple pie flavoured chips the other day!



Speaking of expensive... a new donut shop in Brisbane (so many popped up after Krispy Kreme showed up), selling plain cinnamon donuts for $4 each!
You can get 6 or 12 at Coles/Woolies for about that price... and probably taste just he same when covered in sugar and cinnamon.
Even Krispy Kreme aren't this expensive.

But this I don't miss! Back in Perth i'd occasionally get a jam donut on the way into work that cost $3.50. Could only afford that every now and then :rolleyes: Japan though has such good quality and great prices at their bakeries. Most stuff is 100-150Y with more than 30 different kinds of stuff at any given time; a huge variety. Most Australian bakeries have.. bread and ... burger buns if you're lucky? lol actually burger buns are hard to find in Japan!

Bakeries though, every time you go in there'll be something new to try. And i do :) This is just the bakeries tacked onto supermarkets. If you go to an "up market" bakery, you might pay 200Y for something even fancier, but it's always worth it. Even the Mister Donut has a great selection at good prices - https://www.misterdonut.jp/m_menu/donut/index.html.

I used to get a 600ml Coke in the mornings too, for a steadily rising price ... last time was $4.20 iirc. Japan's bottles are mostly 500ml, but they go for about 80c. They actually went DOWN in price the other week!

[1AZRAEL1]

The doritos are nice. There's a whole bunch of new flavours out too like Southern Style Chicken. Nice too. I can't drink that pepsi sadly

[GoktimusPrime]

Next time anyone's in Tokyo, there's a really little eatery right outside Akihabara station with phenomenally cheap and yummy food. For only 600JPY ($7) I got a "Mini Miso Katsu Don Set" which included:
+ Bowl of soba noodles cooked in miso soup - may be served hot or cold
+ Bowl of rice with a layer of lettuce and pork schnitzel cutlets on top with Tonkatsu sauce

[Megatran]

I miss Smorgy's. Good back in the day for poor uni student. Add Sizzler to the list too.

[Megatran]

Maccas is coming out with some interesting food concepts.

+ Chicken Big Mac (2 beef patties replaced with 2 Chicken ones)
+ Cheeseburger flavour shaker fries

Then there's the $1 Hamburger.

[DELTAprime]

I'm thinking of ordering some Japanese chocolate and noodles from HLJ next time I ship an order.

Are the food brands that HLJ carries big brands like you would get at an equivalent of Coles or Woolworths or are they the type of brand you would get from a dollar store?

Also with the noodles I'm mildly allergic fish, is there some words I should look for on the noodles to avoid seafood?

[griffin]

I had no idea that they have food on there... being a "hobby" site and all.
Do they ship the food internationally though, because Amazon US don't. :(

(which is probably a good thing, as I'd go nuts on their confectionery, chips and cereals pages)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'm thinking of ordering some Japanese chocolate and noodles from HLJ next time I ship an order.

Are the food brands that HLJ carries big brands like you would get at an equivalent of Coles or Woolworths or are they the type of brand you would get from a dollar store?

Also with the noodles I'm mildly allergic fish, is there some words I should look for on the noodles to avoid seafood?

Can you get a link up? I can have a look for ya. Generally Meiji branded chocolate is like the cadbury of Japan. But if you slap a search link in there, I'll let ya know how it looks

[Sinnertwin]

I was looking at having some nibblies shipped across also.

http://hlj.com/search/go?w=snacks
http://hlj.com/search/go?w=chocolate

[Sinnertwin]

On the other hand, I can't get enough of the Pepsi Max Vanilla... fortunately it looks like it might be a temporary flavour, as I'm developing an addiction to it. :o
(also fortunately for me, both the Coles and Woolies near me have trouble keeping it in stock, as I tend to grab a bottle (if on sale) any time I see it)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d488.jpg

I bleed caffeine and Pepsi Max, but that Vanilla, man... Not a fan of that. I found it bordering on the sickly sweet level of regular soft drinks.

[Borgeman]

Maccas is coming out with some interesting food concepts.

+ Chicken Big Mac (2 beef patties replaced with 2 Chicken ones)
+ Cheeseburger flavour shaker fries

Then there's the $1 Hamburger.


My mate used to order the Chicken Big Mac goin back 10 years when I was in high school/uni. Just told the staff what he wanted and away they went. He used to call it a Big McChicken :P

[kurdt_the_goat]

KFC in Japan trying to kill me in all new ways with their "Chizza (https://www.kfc.co.jp/campaign/chizza2ts/)":

http://i.imgur.com/elLnM0Tl.jpg

Annoyingly, KFC here doesn't have ANY Zinger range at all! But this was actually quite nice. Not something you'd want to have regularly, but tasty!

[griffin]

Chicken pizza... that is so awesome.

Post one to me? :p

[Raider]

Just spent the evening at Seppia Restaurant in Sydney. Food and wine was absolutely amazing. Best fresh oysters I have ever eaten. It was a bit noisy and the atmosphere is lacking but if you enjoy fine food it is a must.

[FatalityPitt]

Just spent the evening at Seppia Restaurant in Sydney. Food and wine was absolutely amazing. Best fresh oysters I have ever eaten. It was a bit noisy and the atmosphere is lacking but if you enjoy fine food it is a must.

Just googled the place. Looks fancy :D

[FatalityPitt]

Annoyingly, KFC here doesn't have ANY Zinger range at all! But this was actually quite nice. Not something you'd want to have regularly, but tasty!

Don't worry. Zinger burgers aren't that great anyway IMO. They're very small and can be really expensive if you ask for extra fillings. I think a McChicken from McDonalds is just as good.

[gamblor916]

Incredibly bad for you but I had to buy them. Excuse the huge pics. No idea how to resize them on my phone.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4321/36041175556_418595ba8e_b.jpg

[griffin]

KFC in Japan trying to kill me in all new ways with their "Chizza (https://www.kfc.co.jp/campaign/chizza2ts/)":


I saw an ad for this on TV while in HK and got excited, but since I couldn't find it at KFC over there, so it must have been a Japanese TV channel (or just not at all outlets over there).


Incredibly bad for you but I had to buy them. Excuse the huge pics. No idea how to resize them on my phone.

http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l356/leducly/image_zpsgwivhxye.jpeg

I saw these at Reject Shop last week, and was going to get some when I got back. Classic American cake snacks, that you see/hear on TV shows from over there (particularly the twinkies... like in Ghostbusters).

[gamblor916]

I'm trying to find Ding Dongs but haven't seen any anywhere yet. There's a TF connection too. It's the cake that rolls around Air Force 1 in the first movie.

[gamblor916]

Success! Also went to In-N-Out Burger for their animal style burger and fries.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/35912352772_a1c022519a_o.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4293/35240799004_2554c0c842_o.jpg

[Sinnertwin]

What did you think of In & Out Burger?
We found them rather bland and were left scratching our heads as to why they were rated so high :confused:

[gamblor916]

It wasn't great but still an enjoyable burger. The fries as pictured I can do without. That said every time we went past a store there were always queues, no matter what time of day or night.

[griffin]

The popularity is indeed an odd thing, because the prices aren't that much different to Mcdonalds and Burger King, and even though they are really fast with giving you what you ordered, you can often wait ages to get to the front of the line (inside and the drive-thru).
Maybe it is just the taste... which I don't recall as being too spectacular either.
It could also be a tourist drawcard as well, because for a long time the business refused to sell franchises or expand beyond California (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-N-Out_Burger) so that they could control the standards and quality, but are now looking to expand into the rest of the country, slowly.
Another reason could be that they are known to pay above the minimum wage, making them a sought after place to work, earning customer loyalty to a business that is loyal to its workers.

They are famous for having a small (regular) menu, so for creatures of habit, there isn't much to process or think about when deciding what to have for lunch or dinner.
And their "secret" menu is probably the novelty that attracts other people, but the times that I've been at one of these places, I only ever saw people eating or ordering the regular menu items.

This was from 2014, so prices may have changed since then.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/b34.jpg


Also went to In-N-Out Burger for their animal style burger and fries.

That's the exact same things I ordered, back in 2014....

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/b35.jpg

I've been to the one that's two blocks from the main Hollywood walk of fame once in 2014, and the one just outside of the LAX airport in 2010 (despite it being so close to the airport and having the chance to go in there several times since 2010, it has always been too crowded with people and cars, so I never managed to go back there).

This was the Hollywood one, which like the LAX one, was always full of cars in the car park and drive-thru (there are about 30 cars in the drive-thru queue here, and the entire time I was there eating, the line of cars would constantly be all the way out onto the road)...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/b36.jpg

Make sure you try out Wendys if you can, as they have some really nice burgers (including the Baconator). Also Carls Jr (for the American Thickburger), Fatburger, and Arbys if you come across them.
IHOP is also really nice too.

[Sinnertwin]

I've been to the one that's two blocks from the main Hollywood walk of fame once in 2014, and the one just outside of the LAX airport in 2010 (despite it being so close to the airport and having the chance to go in there several times since 2010, it has always been too crowded with people and cars, so I never managed to go back there).

That was the one that we went to!. And, yeah, lines for blocks

[griffin]

This week I found a couple of new yummy junk food snacks at Woolworths, and they are both Mac&Cheese related... which is a favourite food of mine.
These two items have mac&cheese mix, in a crumbed coating, and fried (or baked)... until molten inside like a toasted cheese sandwich.
The square one is half price this week too, so worth sampling while it is cheap.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/e768.jpg

[Megatran]

I will never understand the appeal of Mac & Cheese.

----------------
It was mentioned about a week ago that a pub somewhere in VIC was serving up free 1.5kg parma + chips (+ salad?) if downed within 20 minutes. Otherwise it's $35.

[MV75]

Just went there today, but if you guys want a decent burger, go to betty's burgers at Chermside. The onion rings are awesome too.

[philby]

Don't worry. Zinger burgers aren't that great anyway IMO. They're very small and can be really expensive if you ask for extra fillings. I think a McChicken from McDonalds is just as good.

Get out.

[griffin]

The KFC Zinger Mozzarella Burger is really nice, but only while it is fresh and hot (eaten at the KFC). Because once it cools off a little (like taking it home first), the cheese slab isn't molten, and the crispy coating goes all soft.

[GoktimusPrime]

Not a fan of the Chilli Peppers I take it.
Depends on what I'm eating. Not a fan of incredibly spicy food.

[DaptoDog]

We have been using Hello Fresh for the last few weeks. I had been sceptical about it but we are enjoying it so far. We were looking for more variety in our dinner meals and some convenience and it is delivering on both counts. I am the most novice cook but even I have been able to prepare meals.

[gamblor916]

Does anyone have a recommendation for hot sauce marinades? I have a craving for hot wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TN09IP5JuI).

[1AZRAEL1]

We have been using Hello Fresh for the last few weeks. I had been sceptical about it but we are enjoying it so far. We were looking for more variety in our dinner meals and some convenience and it is delivering on both counts. I am the most novice cook but even I have been able to prepare meals.

We used to go that route a for a while too. And at least you can add/take out ingredients to suit your needs or taste. Like for example, one we got a while ago was a clam dish. Yea, we froze the clams and added chicken I think. Or a prawn one, freeze the prawns and make prawn toast at a later date and add chicken

Was good, but now we've gone down an even more convenient route of My Muscle Chef. Really good food made in right portion sizes and helps with our weight loss. Microwave dinners but premade stuff you just reheat from frozen

[SharkyMcShark]

I made home made pizza a few weeks ago from scratch. Not as finicky as you'd think, and overall a enjoyable process.

I mean, I say from scratch - I mean the base too. I wasn't hand rearing pigs to use for ham or anything like that.

[drifand]

Does anyone have a recommendation for hot sauce marinades? I have a craving for hot wings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TN09IP5JuI).

Franks hot sauce or Buffalo sauce? I add butter to it.

I don't go for overly hot as it wont be too enjoyable.

[1AZRAEL1]

Bought a packet of each of Twisties flavours Cherry Tomato Bomb, Roast Chicken Dance, and Kaboom BBQ Curry. Should be quite nice.

[Autocon]

Bought a packet of each of Twisties flavours Cherry Tomato Bomb, Roast Chicken Dance, and Kaboom BBQ Curry. Should be quite nice.

Have these just been released?

[1AZRAEL1]

Have these just been released?

Apparently from Malaysia, I'm told. One of the local convenience stores imports some cool stuff.

[griffin]

In Hong Kong, Twisties were called Fonzies, and aside from the cheese and chicken flavours, they had BBQ Curry...


http://toycollectors.com.au/blog/c768.jpg

[1AZRAEL1]

Strange. These one's are Twisties though. And the Cherry Tomato is delish. Instead of just tomato flavoured, these are kinda sweet like cherry tomatoes. Really nice.

[Galvatran]

I tried fish balls the other day. A bit chewy for my liking. These were pretty large too. Almost choked.

Supposedly it's popular in SE Asian countries.

[1AZRAEL1]

The jokes make themselves lol

[Autocon]

Must have been a large fish

[Galvatran]

^ That's what I thought.

I said to the waitress "That's too big. It's not gonna fit in my mouth". She responds with "Trust me... It'll fit..."

[griffin]

I totally missed this one... another of the big American fast-food franchises opened in Australia about a year ago, and is already in three states (NSW, QLD, SA) and soon to be opening in VIC.
Carl's Jr (http://www.carlsjr.com.au/stores/), makes up part of the 7,300+ Hardees-Carls Jr chain of burger outlets in America and many other countries, which is the third largest burger chain in the world (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_largest_fast_food_restaurant_chains), behind Mcdonalds (35,000) and Burger King (16,000). Wendys comes in fourth at 6,500.

Even though Burger King and Wendys are my favourites when in America, I've always wanted to try Carls Jr or Hardees, especially after they started doing the "All American Thickburger (https://www.carlsjr.com/menu/nutritional_calculator/the-12lb-most-american-thickburgerreg)", and many other delicious looking creations on their menu. Unfortunately, in my 17 trips to America, for some reason, I was never able to get to one, or have one near where I was staying... which seems weird, considering there are supposed to be so many of them.

Time to go visit one of the three in Brisbane. What's even better is that there is one at the Brisbane Domestic airport... for when I fly interstate.

And for those in Brisbane, the small chain of outlets called Gettaburger (https://www.gettaburger.com.au/menu), is one that has caught my eye recently, with someone at work showing me some of their special weekly burgers, that can end up having anything on it (https://www.facebook.com/GettaBurger/).

Something else for me to check out soon.

[UltraMarginal]

Yea, I had some food at that Carl's JR a couple months ago on the way out of Brisbane. not bad for fast food.

[MV75]

My experience with getta was very poor. Never returned. Betty's at Chermside is great.

The problem with carl's is the location. Airport. Really? What a dumb move. So yea, it's easy to miss.

[Galvatran]

Unfortunately, in my 17 trips to America, for some reason, I was never able to get to one, or have one near where I was staying... which seems weird, considering there are supposed to be so many of them.
You need to convince Dispensor to give Hooters a miss.

[Galvatran]

Not so much as food but rather food etiquette. Whenever the family gets together for lunch/dinner (Father's Day is coming up) my brother's wife will take doggie bags before anyone's had a spoonful. Is that considered bad manners or plain rude?

[MV75]

Not so much as food but rather food etiquette. Whenever the family gets together for lunch/dinner (Father's Day is coming up) my brother's wife will take doggie bags before anyone's had a spoonful. Is that considered bad manners or plain rude?

What? She doesn't eat anything and just gets it bagged? That's a problem with her. Probably just avoiding to purge it later. I don't know, just a theory based on that behaviour. You need to ask bro what's up.

[griffin]

Doggy bags are for taking home *leftover* food that you can't eat at the venue... not to get first grab and end up with a free second meal (if they are actually eating at the meal in addition to what they are taking home in the doggy bag).
I think that is really poor form.
At least wait until after the meal to see if anything is leftover, and then, only take food if the host offers it voluntarily to the guests at the end of the meal/visit. You don't ask for it, or even hint at it. The hosts are already paying to feed several people and spending a fair bit of their time to prepare it and host the meal... it's selfish and completely disrespectful for a guest to ask for free food in addition to the meal they are already getting for free, and, to get first pick before anyone knows if there is enough to cover the entire meal.


There's also the psychology of most people in a social setting, not wanting to be the one taking the last slice or last serving in a dish. If there is less to start with, people are less likely to have seconds, and not enjoy the meal as much as they would if they go home full.

[Galvatran]

What? She doesn't eat anything and just gets it bagged? That's a problem with her. Probably just avoiding to purge it later. I don't know, just a theory based on that behaviour. You need to ask bro what's up.
No. My brother's wife eats with the rest of us. She just grabs a doggie bag before anyone starts eating.

[MV75]

No. My brother's wife eats with the rest of us. She just grabs a doggie bag before anyone starts eating.

Ok, I think I get it now. :) I was thinking of a restaurant environment. What Griffin said pretty much covers it.

[Autocon]

Its really poor form from the guest. Wait untill everybody is full.

Eat early before she arrives and has a chance to bag it.

[UltraMarginal]

yea, what Griffin said, I'm blown away, I've never seen anything like it. perhaps she grew up in a strange jungle setting where if she didn't get in quick the other wolves would beat her to it and not leave anything but scraps.
Usually at out get togethers, there's too much food as everyone brings something and whoever hosts has to either convince people to take food home or deal with leftovers(I like leftovers) for a couple days afterwards.

[Galvatran]

I totally missed this one... another of the big American fast-food franchises opened in Australia about a year ago, and is already in three states (NSW, QLD, SA) and soon to be opening in VIC.
Carl's Jr lands in VIC... after SA! :eek::p

Which burger do people recommend?

[Galvatran]

Ticked Balut off the food bucket list.

[Caffinetron]

My experience with getta was very poor. Never returned. Betty's at Chermside is great.

The problem with carl's is the location. Airport. Really? What a dumb move. So yea, it's easy to miss.

Yeah and even the new ones that are being built and opened in QLD they are putting them into new housing areas.
It's a smart move cause they are making a fortune.

[1AZRAEL1]

Aldi had American style cheeses recently. Habanero, Chipotle, and Ghost Pepper. Of the 3, Ghost Pepper was definitely the best. Can still buy some grated stuff, but the blocks are best. Goes great on hotdogs. I was just eating the cheese in chunks, every day was cutting off a small bit to just eat. I hope I can get more.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Took the missus away for our 10 year wedding anniversary. Part of the package was a 3-course meal at a super fancy restaurant.

My wife's main meal came out with three sauteed duck tongues on it! :eek: And every entree, main and desert either had whole flowers or essence of flowers in it (one had candied violets for example).

Seems like the rich folk eat the stuff most of us would throw in the bin :p:rolleyes:


Gotta admit, when my wife's meal came out I had to resist loudly quoting Life of Brian 'Otters spleens, Jaguars Earlobes, Wolf's Nipple Chips - get'em while their hot they're lovely' :D

[1AZRAEL1]

Sounds nice. Speaking of things resisting the urge to say at restaurants, last night went to Jagerhaus in Penrith, and I couldn't resist the urge to start quoting Fawlty Towers. "Don't mention the war. I did once but I think I got away with it"

[SharkyMcShark]

A few Perth eating highlights from the last few years

Amici Mei non solo Pizza - I have a large Italian family and like most people from that background the only Italian I usually eat is my own, or my mother's or my nonna's. With that said, this is the best Italian that I have had in Perth. It's a quiet little place in Carlisle that does divine pizza and pasta. Pricing is middle of the road, but quality is top end.

RoyAls Burgers - Great American style burgers, with a few other American side dishes (cheese n mac etc). I know Johnny's Burgers in Canning Vale has a great rep, but this place blows it out of the water. They've got operations in Victoria Park and Northbridge. Relatively cheap, but bloody fantastic. Great on a date.

Ararat's Kebab's - Best kebabs going, hands down. It's something that they do to the bread. Chips always crispy. Find them in Broadway Shopping Centre, behind UWA.

Bayleaf Indian - The quality of the naan bread here is off the charts. The curries are bloody great too. They've recently relocated from Midland to Como.

Punjab - If you're looking for a good curry in Perth, this is the top of the pops. The menu is slightly more varied than the Bayleaf - they've got quite an extensive grill selection, all of the food fro which that I've experience has been incredible. Unfortunately it's all the way out in Innaloo.

Angel Falls - Tucked away in Shafto Lane in Perth, this Venezuelan restaurant is an ideal date night spot. Varied and interesting menu, delicious meat, and close to a lot of great bars.


In Memoriam - for those eateries that are no longer with us :(

Outlaws - More than worth the drive all the way down to Mandurah, the closing of this place has left a dearth of quality Mexican restaurants in and around Perth. The owners now attend festivals and do catering under "Senor Luis Catering" so if you see them anywhere hop on it.

Asado - Genuinely, my hand to God, the best meat I've ever eaten was at this Argentinian restaurant. I don't know if they had troubles keeping up with rent in Claremont Quarter, but it folded a few years back and was replaced with a wine bar.

[Sinnertwin]

Peach Coke.
Yuck
I tried.

[Galvatran]

Bangers & Mash.

I know Mash is potato mash. What's a Banger?

[kovert]

Bangers and mash is sausages served with mashed potatoes.

[Autocon]

Bangers & Mash.

I know Mash is potato mash. What's a Banger?

Correction: They are both cheeky monkey brothers who go around causing mischief.

[Galvatran]

Anyone tried a G-Banger?

[Autocon]

For those who dont know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_s5ytxFOB8

[Soundwarp]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/soundwarp/burgergroup_zps8197f751.png (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/soundwarp/media/burgergroup_zps8197f751.png.html)

[1AZRAEL1]

There's new Doritos too. The sticky southern chicken is quite nice. Jalepeno poppers flavour was ok but not great.

[Unicran]

Choc Top icecream sold at Coles for a limited time!

Five flavours: Vanilla, Mint, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel & Boysenberry. (Boysenberry not sold at VIC stores... & I'm ok with that).



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/soundwarp/burgergroup_zps8197f751.png (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/soundwarp/media/burgergroup_zps8197f751.png.html)
Who's who?

[Autocon]

Did anyone eat that burger?

[griffin]

Mountain Dew flavoured Doritos, now out at Woolies (probably Coles as well).
They had an advance release at 7-11 a couple months ago, but I waited until they came out at the regular stores so that it was more affordable.
(apparently they were out in the UK a few years back, along with "nacho cheese" flavoured Mountain Dew - as a cross promotion)

It's a shame that they are a limited flavour, because these are so sweet and addictive... every chip was like an orgasm to my tastebuds... :p

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f662.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f663.jpg

Dispensor approves...

[1AZRAEL1]

Finally. Pepsi Blue. I haven't had it since about 2003 when KFC used to have it. Now a local candy store has it. Still tastes great.

[griffin]

I've never been interested in Calippo, as I prefer creamy ice treats than plain icy ones... but I saw at the store yesterday, a clever usage of a boring concept.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f866.jpg

[griffin]

Golden Gaytime have been doing a fair few temporary flavours recently, and the most recent varieties have been Kelloggs cereal flavours...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f872.jpg

And saw this at woolies the other day - a vegan chocolate cake... which made me think that it would be a healthier option, but it only has 1 star - worse than some other cakes and deserts in the chilled display case.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f869.jpg

[Golden Phoenix]

Golden Gaytime have been doing a fair few temporary flavours recently, and the most recent varieties have been Kelloggs cereal flavours...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f872.jpg

I've had the Coco Pops and Froot Loops ones. They are damn good

[1AZRAEL1]

I may have to try them, been meaning to.

And for those that enjoy the spicy side of hot sauces, Mats Hot Shop has opened a physical store down in Melbourne. I recommend them. I ordered a few online, they stock First We Feast youtube channel sauces. I am yet to open those ones yet.

[griffin]

For the burger lovers out there (https://odditymall.com/blog/cheeseburger-gift-ideas)... 30 merchandise items that are made to look like burgers. (from 2015, so some outgoing links may not work)

[griffin]

Cadbury are really blitzing the hotcross bun market this year, as I found four different ones at woolies this month.
And they continue pimping out Caramilk onto everything they can find.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f874.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f875.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f876.jpg

[DELTAprime]

Cadbury are really blitzing the hotcross bun market this year, as I found four different ones at woolies this month.
And they continue pimping out Caramilk onto everything they can find.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f874.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f875.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/f876.jpg

"Made in Australia" Why am I suspicious of that???

[Autocon]

But do they taste any good?

[Dkaris]

Caramilk hot cross buns? Don't tempt me Frodo!

[Sinnertwin]

"Made in Australia" Why am I suspicious of that???

I mean, the processed goop is probably baked in store *shrug* but come on... 72% Australian ingredients? It's a hot cross bun, not a 3 Michelin Star restaurant special of the day that has to be flown in.

[griffin]

Yeah, a quarter is imported... what of the main ingredients (flour, sugar, water, chocolate) would possibly need to be imported and not be available in Australia.

[1AZRAEL1]

A fair while ago now, a mate from work gave me one of his weber kettle bbq. Become pretty proficient in smoking chicken wings, brisket has turned out well when I've done them.

Currently doing a pork butt to have pulled pork. Takes dedication to spend approximately 12hrs to cook, especially starting it at 6am after getting home from work at 3am lol.

[1AZRAEL1]

10hrs cook, 2hrs wrapped in an esky, and absolutely delicious. Helps that the quality of meat is great too