Beef Rolls (aka Toothpick)

I was really missing the tastes of home so decided to cook an ol' favorite. The credit for the original recipe I believe goes to Tita Dolly, but Yoya's version was excellent. So, this houseboy decided to make it for himself...

What's in it? Thinly sliced beef (Angus is what i used), bacon (mmm), and a slice of carrot are in the roll. It is sauteed in a mix of sauteed garlic, onions and tomato sauce. Simply served over rice and goes great with a side of sweet gherkins (you know, the cute lil guys).

I'm not one to frost my own cookies, but it turned out well. Still not Yoya's, but it'll do, for now...

(notice the spoon AND fork...you know I gotta go Native up in here)

I'm Thinking Arby's Chocolate Turnover......

As requested, here is my review of the NEW Arby's chocolate turnover.

I've seen these around for the last few weeks but I finally got to sample this sucker.

This pastry is very similar to the original apple and cherry flavored turnovers.

Light, flakey, crumbles on your shirt when you bite into it. And of course very chocolaty.

The filling is soft and gooey but not soft enough to flow out when broken open as seen above.

This sweetness of the dessert was a little bit richer than I expected but perfectly completes a meal after a Beef 'n Cheddar.

Would I order one again? Maybe but I still prefer the apple variety.

US$35 Hamburger

Ok, I'll admit, I'm a burger connoisseur, I love 'em.

Tried a place recently located near the escalator around Central the other night. Known as 'Duke's', it was reported to me that they have the best hamburger in Hong Kong. So, being a BC, just had to give it a shot.

The place is small but interestingly decorated. With the looks of a small luxury lounge, one would be surprised to find out they serve just a few things, gourmet burgers and sides to go with them. Looking at the menu, I saw 'Ox Tail and Chorizo', 'Classic', 'Short Ribs'....and I assumed that these were actual dishes. But after a brief conversation with the server named 'Thomson', he informed me, 'sir, they are ALL burgers...' What the?

I asked him for the most popular and he suggested the Classic and the Ox Tail/Chorizo. So we ordered one of each, along with an order of thick, i mean thick as hell, fries. The Ox Tail/Chorizo burger is served open face and is Wagyu ground beef combined with ox tail and chorizo. The classic is just Wagyu beef.

Results: The Ox Tail/Chorizo was good, actually very good. Served with melted mozz on top and caramalized onions, it is an interesting blend of flavors. (Price US$35 - Suggested Medium-Rare)

The Classic, was actually better. You can really get a good taste of the quality of the Wagyu in this one, and perhaps the reason it was better was the fact that it was served traditionally with 2 buns, not open faced. (Price US$25 Suggested Medium-Rare but ordered Medium)

A great burger me thinks actually doesn't need anything except bread and maybe cheese. No ketchup, no lettuce, no onion, and arguably no extra meats. That way the meat is the hook and the plot of the story at the same time, leaving one wanting to read the next chapter.

Conclusion, although it was a good burger, the Classic from Duke's is NOT the best that I've had. That title still rests with a Wagyu burger from the Bistro (US$23) in the gourmet supermarket Great located in Pacific Place mall, Admiralty, HK. (I have not had one since the inception of this blog, but don't fret my friends, it is inevitable that I return, with a growling stomach and my blackberry camera)

School Snack - Not For The Faint At Stomach

I understand that 'canned meat' is one of those hate-love things, people either hate it or they love it. Well, let's just say I don't hate it :) Reminds me of the days when I was a child and our parents would serve us the traditional 'breakpast', fried eggs, fried rice and spam.

Here is a picture of a snack that I sometimes pickup at school, it is probably something one would only find around here or perhaps in Hawaii as well. It is a spam/egg roll from the school cafeteria.

The bread is usually slighty sweeter, but the combination of this soft sweetened bread and the salty touch of the spam makes it an instant MMMMMMMMM getter (even if at least in one's head).

Total price for one: about HK$5 or US$0.50.

Next time you find yourself on the campus, pick one up :)

Maxim's Chocolate Eclair

(poor quality, phone camera pic)

I have also tried the Chocolate Eclairs from Maxim's as well. This one is actually pretty good. The pastry has a crispy-ness to it that makes it an enjoyment to sink your teeth into. It has a good 'chocolate bite' and perhaps the best feature is the 'not too sweet, just right' feeling afterwards.

Good for a quickie!

Maxim's White Egg Tarts

(sorry for poor quality, phone camera pic)

Ok, I've seen these in the hundreds of Maxim's bakeries around town but decided to give one a shot the other day. I know that I have yet to post my review and pics of the King Of Egg tarts, this one doesn't stand too much chance in unthroning the king. (ok, you've twisted my arm, I will order some soon and report).

This egg tart is made entirely of egg whites (as opposed to tarts including the yolks). It gives it a lighter taste and perhaps the added piece of mind that it may be a bit more healthier than the King. But the biggest difference is in the crust. The crust is more of a pie crust material, but some may prefer this.


Would I buy it again? Probably not.


Too much food out there. Too little time.

Haagen Dazs Crispy Sandwich

I tried one these when we first moved here to Hong Kong. From what I understand, they are not available in the US. It is basically the famous HD ice cream surrounded by a crispy thin shell, sorta like a thin cone. The one pictured is a green tea variety, but I have also tried the caramel and vanilla. It's a tasty little guy but can be a bit messy as the crumblies tend to get all over the place.

To be honest, I haven't tried another one since. So, perhaps more of a novelty, definitely worth the try.

Australian Lobster Appetizer

I got a chance to taste this little guy on our trip to Bunker Bay in Western Australia. I think they actually called it a langustino (spelling) but I always thought that meant poor man's lobster, or is that shrimp. Anyway, it was good albeit a little heavy on the butter, but good.

Would I reorder? YES

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Reporters Needed!

You like to eat? Nah, me neither! I don't mean just restaurant food, I mean all food!!! Got a good recipe like chicken adobo spaghetti??? Post it! If you are interested in submitting field reports please let me know and I will give you the ability to post. It is not necessary to post a picture but it always helps.

...Leave No Meat Behind...