El Loco – Surry Hills (NSW)
Posted: January 5, 2012 Filed under: Mexican | Tags: Eating Sydney, Foveaux Street, Hot dog, Merivale, Merivale Group, Mexican Sydney, Surry Hills, taco 3 Comments »There were not many eating options available on the first of January 2012, yet luckily enough I found out through visiting Ms G’s earlier in the week, that their sister restaurant El Loco would be trading. One would only assume that if El Loco was anything similar to Ms G’s in terms of quality, looks and taste, that I would be in for a treat…. And I was!
Above displays the funky entrance available via Waterloo street. Multicolored tables and chairs line this street allowing customers to sit out in the sun while enjoying the Mexican-inspired street food. El Loco is both a bar and eatery that provides a combined lunch/dinner menu.
Orders and payment are generally taken inside at the bar and these really cool cactus table numbers are handed out. My appetite was not quite at its normal level on this day so unfortunately we could not order everything from the menu. Smaller options include prawn, chicken, beef or tofu taco while larger dishes consisting of a fish sandwich, chili salad, pork burger, grilled fish and the hot dog are on offer.
On the left is the ‘Pollo’ – chicken with sweet corn salsa taco ($5.00). On the right is the ‘Carne Asada’ taco- lemongrass beef with salsa verde ($5.00). Both were light and tasty that proved to be an excellent snack. I could only imagine wondering down Foveaux Street to El Loco on a random night and ordering 10-20 of these little goodies for a group of alcohol fueled individuals.
Stopping at the two tacos was never going to happen. The ‘Exelsior Hot Dog’ – grilled pork Frankfurt, soft bun, pickled jalapenos, pico ge gallo, mayonnaise and cheese became the main event. WHAT A CHOICE! Sh*t got real when this baby arrived. This was by far one of the best hot dogs I have had the pleasure of eating. The bun was soft, the ingredients fresh and delectable on the taste buds. Overall, the experience at El Loco was one for the books. It is the perfect atmosphere for a groups of any size, and people of various hunger levels. All can be satisfied at El Loco.
I highly recommend it!
My only negative comments are as follows:-
- We were too hungover to try some of the drinks which included a margarita that looked intense (intense = good)
- My appetite was not at full power 24 hour no toilet no shower strength, therefore I couldn’t try a wider variety of food
- I do not live in Sydney, therefore limiting my time between the next time I dine at this fine establishment.
- I have food/drink envy of all that are chomming El Loco while I wrote this and you are reading this.
The Important Details…
Cuisine: Mexican inspired
Noise: Outside – pleasant chatter. Inside – Could only assume quite loud at night
Suitable for: Draws a younger crowd. Don’t be surprised if you see me there when I am 60
Dress: Very casual – anything.
Price: $15 – $30
My View: Why are you still reading this? Go Already
Address: 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW
Phone: (02) 9211 4945
Website: http://www.elloco.com.au/
Ms. G’s – Potts Point (NSW)
Posted: January 4, 2012 Filed under: Asian, Thai, Vietnamese | Tags: Dan Hong, Jowett Yu, Merivale, Potts point food, Sydney Eating, Thai sydney, Victoria street sydney, Vietnamese Sydney 2 Comments »Staying in Pott’s Point during my short vacation to New South Wales, was a ripper of a decision. I’ll be honest I was very close to staying in the over populated, overpriced and ultra touristy Bondi. I used my instincts and asked a couple ‘in the know’ Sydney siders and made a decision – the right decision. The only issue that Pott’s Point presented my partner and I, was which one of the highly appealing restaurants would we dine at each night. Ms. G’s was chosen one evening. Another ‘ripper’ choice. If only I could pick Tatslotto numbers like that too..
The crowds arrive very early for this excellent place. To avoid standing and waiting the friendly staff offer a bar upstairs to sip on cocktails and relax and/or they will take your name and number and call you when your table is ready. (Note: stay close by, the streets of Potts Point are very relaxing and pleasant to stroll while waiting for your table)
The front cover of the menu that holds names of dishes that will keep me dreaming for the next few years.
Above is the Ms G’s grilled corn on the cob, parmesan and lime ($4.00) . These were charred to perfection and tasted delicious. One may suggest that these are featuring too commonly in many of the new ‘funkier’ eateries. I may agree with that, although if they are cooked as well as these are then I’ll chom them most times.
Mini bahn mi (small burgers @ $6.00 each) The outside two are crispy pork belly and the middle one is chicken katsu.I have a weakness for mini burgers, any catered function that these appear at I attempt to befriend all the staff to ensure a continual supply. I can’t make a negative comment about these little delights. They were incredible and a must order.
Possibly the best dish that I have eaten in 2011. These are Jow’s sweet and sour lamb ribs ($23.00). These literally fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The portion size was also very generous. I need say no more. This is even a more must than the burgers. GET THESE RIBS. IF you don’t like them you are Loko!
Egg noodles with XO sauce, braised duck and a soft poached egg ($18.00). This too followed suit, and we were very impressed. The noodles were soft and the poached egg provided a nice consistency once it was shmushed and mixed into the dish.
The Important Details…
Cuisine: Asian – Thai/Vietnamese dominance
Noise: Loud, but fun
Bookings: Typically no. Possible for large groups and lunches.
Suitable for: 18+ crowd drawn
Dress: Casual
Price: $25 – $40 per head
My view: Incredible, delicious and a must try
Address: 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 8313 1000
Website: http://merivale.com.au/msgs/
