Menulog log is an online free takeaway service which allows you to search for restaurants and then place your order for either pick up or delivery straight to your door. They also have a very simple and easy to use app available for android and IOS devices which is useful for when you are on the go. I was lucky enough to be given a $25 voucher to spend on Menulog and perfect timing as it was one of those nights that I felt like lazing around the house and did not want to go out.

I downloaded the app straight from the iTunes store onto my iPad. When you launch the app, you can either choose to use your current location or search for a suburb and this will generate a list of restaurants nearby. I was really surprised by the list of restaurants available and found it so hard to pick a restaurant. It was useful that each restaurant had  a detailed and complete  menu online and it was so fast and easy to browse through different restaurants and what they had to offer. One thing that could make this app even better would be some photos of some of the food.

I went with "Rib and Pizza Runner"  as I felt a bit carnivorous that night.  They offered a variety of combos and deals as well as 10% for first time users. I decided to go with the Rib and Wing Combo for One which included 1 rack of BBQ pork ribs (you could choose from  BBQ, Honey Teriyaki, Plum or Hot & Spicy Sauce), 5 BBQ wings, 1 potato, 1 corn and sour cream ($22.90).



The layout and processes of the app was so easy to use. When I was done with my food selection, all I had to do was checkout, enter my delivery details and contact details then payment details; all done in the comfort of my own bed!

I placed my order at about 7.53pm and at about 8.00pm I received a confirmation SMS on my mobile to say that my order has been confirmed 8.45pm. They also send you an email shortly with a tax invoice. Although 45 minutes seemed a long time to wait for food, it went by in a breeze as I could go abouts doing my own thing at home (i.e. online shopping; I have a shopping addiction if you didn't already know). I hear the doorbell ring at 8.35pm which is 10 minutes before the estimated delivery time and was handed over a very heavy plastic bag.




As far as pork ribs go, it is obviously not as good as you would get at a bar and grill establishment but they weren't bad at all especially for the price. The meat wasn't quite 'fall off the bone' as I would like them to have been but the tangy BBQ sauce they were smothered in was quite addictive. However the BBQ chicken wings were the bomb. The  wings were so tender and charred to perfection. Next time I would definitely order a 10 pack combo of these! The potato spud and corn were a good accompaniment to all the protein but an extra side of chips would've washed down well also.

Overall, I was pretty satisfied with my dinner for Ribs and Pizza Runner. I think it was definitely value for money and I was left with a full belly and a pile of bones. Even better, I didn't even have to leave the house or do the washing up.



The Menulog app definitely made my night even easier. If you don't have access to the app on a smart phone Menulog is available online at menulog.com.au and Ribs and Pizza Runner also take orders through their website as well. I wouldn't hesitate to use  the Menulog service again especially with the $5 off voucher they provided me upon checkout. I can imagine using Menulog for when I'm on the go in which the app makes it easy to browse for restaurants in my vicinity and as well place an order so I don’t have to wait for my food when I get there.

Ribs and Pizza Runner
Address: 9A Revesby Place, Revesby NSW
Phone: 9772 4455
Opening times: 5pm-9pm (Sun, Wed, Thurs), 5pm-10pm (Fri and Sat)
Website: http://www.ribandpizzarunner.com.au or order from http://www.menulog.com.au/rib-and-pizza-runner

Disclaimer: I received  $25 voucher courtesy of Menulog however all opinions are my own.

After having the novelty Ramen Burger at On Ramen featured at the Night Noodle Markets, I was really craving a good ramen hit. I have been hearing good things about Ryo's by word of mouth and JHL and I decided to make the 1 hour journey up to Crows Nest to satisfy our cravings.

Ryo's is one of those hidden places you would not take notice of and you easily pass by the restaurant, thinking it was closed.

From the menu you could pick from pork based ramen soup (tonkotsu) or ramen with chicken broth soup. The menu was simple and there wasn't too much variety in toppings you would see at more modern ramen joints. The did also have other offerings such as rice dishes, sides and other types of noodles.

We both love our spicy soup, so JHL ordered the "Tonkotsu RAmen in spicy hot flavoured soup w/ roast pork, egg and shallots" ($14) and I ordered equivalent but with the Chicken Broth Soup.




You  definitely feel the authenticity of the this small and cosy traditional ramen joint. The walls featured the menu in Japanese running longways. We dined there at lunch and were lucky enough not to encounter the busy rush I have read about. The ambience was kind of 'hush-hush' and no one really spoke, everyone just quietly slurping away at their ramen. The staff didn't really speak English so I can't really comment on the service but the food came out pretty quickly.  They were generous with the portion sizes so it was value for money. Although the ramen was above average, I don't see myself making another trek up north to Ryo's.





Ryo's
Address: 125 Falcon Street,  Crows Nest 2065
Phone: 02 9955 0225
Opening hours: 12pm-2pm for Lunch, 5pm-9pm for Dinner. Closed Wednesdays.

It was relatively quiet that Tuesday afternoon and we had a choice of sitting outside, inside the cafe or at the back sunroom in the small cosy establishment.



 Of course I had to order the baked eggs as a main (one of my favourite brunch items) and how could I resist after reading the menu item; Spicy merguez sausage shakshuka, soft baked eggs, grated haloumi, sourdough ($17). This dish was a winner! There was so much flavour and kick in this pan. JHL's only complaint was that there should of been two slices of  crunchy sourdough bread, one for each of us. 

Although I was pretty full my sweet tooth got the better of me this time and I couldn't resist ordering the Kepo Street Kitchen house Churros served with Salted Caramel Dip ($12) but I do not regret it at all!  I loved how the churros were served in a brown paper bag and we ripped open the bag to reveal the warm, sugary sticks of delicious deep fried dough.  It was unanimous that these might have been the best churros we have ever had. They were cooked to perfection, crunchy on the outside and fluffy and moist inside. And boy, that salted caramel is to die for!

I loved the uniqueness and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences featured on the menu. I will definitely be telling all my friends about Kepos Street Kitchen, it definitely deserves another visit. Even JHL would rate it despite his standpoints about cafes and brunch. Also I have to mention the great service we received from all the friendly staff that afternoon which was a bonus to our very enjoyable meal.







Kepos Street Kitchen
Address: 96 Kepos St, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: 02 9319 3919
Website: http://keposstreetkitchen.com.au/main/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeposStreetKitchen
Opening times: 7.30am-3pm Tuesday-Friday or 8am-3pm Saturday and Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
Dinner also available Wednesday-Sunday (6pm and 8.15pm sittings)

Just a quick post about one of the new food crazes of 2013; the Ramen Burger. On Ramen was probably the busiest stalls at the Night Noodle Markets as they are the first in Sydney to debut this creation however we got there early to beat the crowd.

Basically what it is, is two 'buns' made from ramen sandwiching the fillings. On Ramen offers four choices of fillings; beef, chicken, vegetarian and pork and all served with onion, lettuce, tomato and mayo. I opted for the original beef patty. I found it so strange that it was served also with a side of watermelon.


I personally didn't mind the ramen burger, it wasn't bad but it wasn't something that blew me away. The ramen buns were crispy and crunchy however it didn't really give it any extra flavour. For $12.50 I don't think I would be ordering it again and now to wait to see if the hype will blow over or is the ramen burger here to stay. The ramen burger is still available to try at On Ramen at Haymarket if you missed out during the Night Noodle Markets.






On Ramen
Address: 181-187 Hay St, Haymarket
Phone:02 9211 6663