(This is a delayed post from Friday Evening)
It's Friday night and I didn't fall asleep in my room tonight. Today was a long day since I traveled to the Hunter Valley and the trip home seemed about as long as my trip to Australia.
I was heading to a Malaysian restaurant tonight called Malaya (at King Street Wharf), but when I arrived there was a wait and the restaurant was a bit warm. I took a chance and headed over to nearby Chinta Ria because I knew they had some single counter type seats like I sat in when I ate here a few days ago. I was lucky tonight and was seated immedIately as I arrived.
For my starter tonight I am getting something called Ella's Wrap which is a jumbo prawn stuffed with minced praen and herbs, wrapped in a spring roll skin and deep fried. This is served with a hot and sweet chilli sauce. The portion size is 2 pieces and they are crispy and delicious. I especially love the hot and sweet chilli sauce. I just found this in a market at home and since I bought it I've been pouring it on everything. $9 (US$7.20)
For my main course I ordered the rendang beef curry which is chunks of beef cooked in a red curry with coconut milk. Think of this as an Asian beef stew. I have to say that this was a "miss". Although a common southeast Asian dish, the curry tasted good but the meat was dry. $20.80 ($16.60)
For wine tonight I ordered their Chinta Ria house shiraz. It tastes good enough and is the cheapest red wine on the list. My appetite for wine tonight is very low because I have been wine tasting all day in the Hunter Valley and have a headache. $5.50 (US$4.40)
For dessert I am getting the Sago pudding again. If you didn't read my prior post on Chinta Ria, Sago pudding is a Malaysian dessert of tapioca pearls served in coconut milk and topped with brown palm sugar syrup called " Gula Melaka". It's a "sweet and gelatinous" dessert that is different from the other offerings on the dessert menu. $7.50 (US$6)
They also offer a banana fritter which is a batter fried banana topped with syrup and ice cream.
The service tonight at Chinta Ria is as polite as usual. Everyone is so friendly and willing to assist with menu selections.
Total check - $45.60 (US$36.45)
Although I think the quality of food here is good, I just picked one of those dishes that I didn't like. I stll think they rate a solid 3 for good food and service.
Chinta Ria, Temple of Love, Cockle Bay Wharf at Darling Harbour, Sydney
Blogging from Australia with Blackberry and Cingular Wireless.
Comments