Sushi Bar Makoto - Sydney CBD. The Empty Fridge Celebrates its Blog-iversary and all things Awesome.

Neglect. Sorry my friends, I have been guilty of this. With a million and one excuses, I plan to make it up to you. The last 3 weeks have been a double tornado. For those of you who are not familiar with the term - it is the chaotic equivalent to the serenity of a double rainbow. In a nutshell I resigned from my job, started a new job, had a total career (and yes, a wardrobe) overhaul, battled a meatball addition, built Ikea furniture,  and quietly celebrated The Empty Fridge turning one. Okay, not so much chaotic but busy and emotional nevertheless. But we'll touch on that soon ;)

In this relatively short amount of time there has been so much change, and also been plenty to celebrate. New career does tend to equal several new pairs of shoes in my books but how does one celebrate this "little blog that could" turning one? And a little brother turning 19? And having an emotional goodbye to your office home and snack drawer for the last few years..? Enter my happy place. 

Makoto, my happy place, has been a constant in my life for the last 8 years. So yes - this will be an extremely biased blog post. In fairness, I won't talk about each dish..I'm going to talk about how much one humble sushi bar in the World Tower complex has been present in almost every aspect of my adult life. I'm not even going to say it is the "best" sushi in Sydney even though I'm yet to find better. This is my Makoto story.

 

The Sushi Train / Miso Soup $2.50

In life, I consider this place to be my rock. If this was MySpace, Makoto would be number one in my top eight. If this was Facebook, you'd see "Gianna is in a relationship with Makoto". Now my life is not as dramatic as your average Marissa Cooper, Blair Waldorf or Lauren Conrad (although I do hope that it could be as stylish). Through many stages of my little life - Makoto sets the backdrop.

Handrolls! From $3.60

 During High School my free periods and half days would mean a train ride to the CBD, a bar seat by the conveyor belt for one and my extension history textbooks on the ground. I distinctly remember the manager at the time "Jun-Ichi" teasing me that he would contact the school and tell them I was a truant.

Fresh Tuna Sashimi - The Masuya Group buy daily at the Sydney Fish Markets

My fondest memories were that of the floor staff looking baffled when I'd ask for 2 Teriyaki Chicken hand rolls instead of the usual 4 - how I miss that teenage metabolism. The last minute panic on eve of my HSC exams I'd walk over after cramming at the state library. It was my happy place.

Sushi Selction on the Conveyor Belt

 I think I celebrated nearly every birthday since turning 18 at Makoto. If we visit fancy restaurant for dinner, then I would be there for lunch, or have to sneak a meal in the day after.My equally addicted little brother has also done the same.

My Family and the Sashimi Selection

 I guess when you are working weekend shifts at Target, Makoto was considered a proper and fancy restaurant. From a young age I had love Japanese food and through dining here I was able to really appreciate quality sushi. I remember cringing at the thought of sushi from the train station take away shop that my school mates had after school. Was this the makings of a sushi snob?

Ebi Fry with Egg and Mayo salad topping $3.60

 My high School Boyfriend - (Demos skip through this section please) Although he was king of the deadshits and poured battery acid (twice) on my car and stalked me, he did appreciate my love for Makoto and for every single "date" we had - we ate here. Me and the crazy deadshit.

Spicy Tuna Roll - with cucumber, avocado, capsicum and sesame seeds $3.60

I remember one time, the deadshit and I had a fight at the restaurant - he walked out of the restaurant leaving me to hold back tears. I stayed in my spot because the teriyaki chicken hand rolls had not arrived yet.

The freshest of fresh prawns $5.60

After High School, I was accepted into UTS but to my dismay I was based at the Kurring-gai Campus at Lindfield. Proximity to Makoto was an issue for me and thankfully I had classes at the city tower one day a week. It was at this stage that they opened the branch at Chatswood which was 10 minutes away from Lindfield. The sushi gods answered my prayers. "Jun-Ichi" had moved to this branch and called me a traitor!

The Sashimi Platter

 Of course the deadshit boyfriend did not last long and I think it was second year where I took a Uni boyfriend here (Demos, sorry, still not you..scroll along) This lovely boy was at that stage in his life where sushi was new and all he ever was exposed to was traditional Italian food. "I've never had Japanese food before"  Lucky for me we both went to UTS so it was a midday lunch break destination.

Pork Katsu rolle with Avocado and Cucumber $3.60

 The "I've got an assignment due tomorrow and I'll be at the library" line more often than not turned into "I'm at Makoto". It was my haven from all the now seemingly unimportant stresses of uni life and paved the way for the expert procrastination that only exists in the world of a uni student.

A thick slice of Premium tuna belly $4.60

One memorable Makoto visit involved a run in with the deadshit ex and the Uni boyfriend. Ohhh that little altercation was one for an episode of "The Hills".  From that day I knew - I have to specify that I get custody. We break up, Makoto is mine and if you go - may you choke on your tuna. Only kidding. I'm not vindictive but consider this a warning Demos.

Karage Chicken $5.80 and Special Salmon Roll $6.60

 Working as a nurse was beyond insane. The hours, the workload, the emotional baggage and of course the distance between the hospitals and Makoto really took it's toll on me. It made me burn that Uni boyfriend scored a job a block away. I'd trek it into the CBD after a strenuous morning shift to meet him for lunch but in reality - Makoto just was able to make everything better.

Tempura Prawn Hand roll $3.60 and Unagi (eel) Hand roll $5.60

Our bad romance came to an inevitable end and we parted ways. I was not quick to realise that emotional eating at Makoto had become a coping mechanism. Some girls reach for the ice cream, the chocolate, the vodka..I dealt with my breakup with a stack of sushi plates of course. The clear spirits had to be saved for later..

Soft Shell Crab with Roll hand roll $5.60 (in Chatswood this comes with an egg omlette)

 With bad romances, comes love at first fight. Yes Demos - this is where you come in. Yes, we bonded over double espresso dates, but for the longest time at the start - we hardly dined out. Who would have thought that now dining out is what we do best?

Azuma Kushiyaki, Sydney CBD

There is a very familiar scenario that plays out when a group of friends get together to catch up at a restaurant. Everyone arrives bursting with excitement and stories to tell, the talk and chatter is non stop.  - We then feel sorry for the waitress or waiter, who has probably been back to ask if  the group is ready to order more than five times. Then there is a pause in the chatter for concentration purposes, which ceases immediately once the relived waiter or waitress walks away with the order. 

The laughter and the chatter continues of course - at times, other patrons tend to look at your table and wonder what all the ruckus is about. Now, this usually goes on until the food arrives - and I emphasize the word usually. You see, this wonderful dinner at Azuma Kushiyaki was a catch-up date with 3 of my lovely friends.. and we are definitely one happy chatty bunch! Is it because we are a group of filipina's? That could be it... :)

Chapter III - Doing Dionysus Proud

Out of all the Greek Gods, Dionysus is my favourite. He drinks, he eats and therefore he is merry. Here are some food snaps that should do the God of Noms proud, consider it my first offering.

Lucio's Pizzeria, Darlinghurst

Several notable sources name this humble little pizzeria as Sydney's Best of the Best #1 Pizza.The Pizza we ordered was so good that it distracted me from my photo-taking duty. Here we have their delicious dessert, A delicious chocolate fondant with molten chocolate oozing through. It was the perfect dessert after their signature 'Lucio'.

Most traditional pizzerias would kick you out the door if you dare ordered a half and half pizza. But this little gem was as traditional as it got. A crisp margherita base, with lashings of buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. Simplicity at its finest. And its other half, folded over, has fluffy fresh ricotta and fresh ham to appease the midnight carnivore cravings, mine in particular. 

Pizza to me is more than a food, its an obsession. I dont think i can fairly judge if this is the best pizza in Sydney. A goal of mine (yes, a life goal) is to try and test as many pizza's as I can and then a fair call can be made. I do have my favourites but surely there are many waiting to be discovered.

248 Palmer St Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02) 9332 3766 - call ahead, its busy!

Europan Cafe, Rose Bay

Ah, the croque madamme.

One thing about Demos, is that if there ever was an iron chef sandwich - it would be him. Often, he fries me a veal schnitzel, slices some fresh ciabatta, throws in some provolone and homemade pesto - and, yes - its the 3am food craving special.

I have had an obsession with the infamous Cafe Europa croque madamme after reading this article in the Sydney Morning Herald. Buttered toast, runny eggs, salty ham and melted cheese - be still my heart. Fittingly, this was my Valentines breakfast date. Nothing says romance like cholesterol and a coffee in a little cafe filled with the sweet sweet smell of butter!

Europan Cafe, 10A Dover Road, Rose Bay 02 9371 2869 

Bathers Pavillion,Balmoral Beach

Blueberry Pancakes. Amazing, fresh, sweet, Blueberry Pancakes.Bathers is truly my favourite blueberry pancake destination. There is something about the combination of the beautiful beach views and their amazing breakfast that spells perfection in my books.

But we have also been known to attack their dessert menu after dark. I just love this cafe, because no matter what you are craving at any given time - you will most likely find something delicious that will hit the spot.
So what makes their pancakes special? They use fresh blueberries. Not Jam, Not Compote, Not Frozen - fresh little berries that pop in your mouth with buttermilk batter and maple syrup.. its heaven. 
4 The Esplanade Mosman NSW 2088 02 9969 5050

Chocolateria San Churro

My great grandfather used to take me to a Spanish cafe called Dulcinea in the Philippines and having churros, a traditional spanish fried doughnut with their thick hot chocolate was my favourite afternoon treat. Another childhood memory is running around Disneyland holding a long stick of churros, rolled in cinnamon sugar.

San Churro, a spanish cafe franchise has seemed to pop up everywhere in the last year..much to Demos' dismay. On a cold night, when everything is silent - Demos tends to start hearing voices, with "Churosssss" being whispered in his ear. Its his subconscious, i say - not me. 
Most of the time, we brave the elements for the Tapas dish. Churros, melted dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream and flourless chocolate browines. Perfect comfort dessert. As angry as he is when he has to drive us there, once the magic of the churros hits him, he forgets. 
47 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, Sydney 02 9692 0119

Il Baretto, Surry Hills

Quack Quack Quack
My knees go weak every time I see duck on a menu.
Il Baretto is somewhat of a place of worship for Demos and I. My favourite days are those when you finish work and head down for a hearty meal and a big glass of red wine. Their duck ragu is all that it is hyped to be and so much more.

I am convinced that the homemade pappardelle pasta is made with love, and that the particular duck in my dish lived a happy life. It just oozes with flavour, and the meat just melts in your mouth. I love its low key atmosphere, and the fact that is BYO. Nothing like ending your workday with a bottle of chianti served in glass tumblers and a hearty dish that makes your heart go "quack".
496 Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010 02 9361 6163

Makoto Sushi Bar, Sydney City

From high school days and missed uni lectures, bad boyfriends and boozy nights - Makoto remains as my one and only in the sushi stakes. Other shiny competitors can come along but this is my happy place. I take all my loved ones here, but get custody if ever the relationship goes sour. 

The teriyaki chicken hand roll always the Pièce de résistance. The sashimi is always sourced fresh everyday from the fish markets along with the other seafood on the conveyor. Another winner is the soft shell crab temaki - for the naughty cravings when trying to eat healthy. 

Its hard driving home from work past this place, anytime there is a parking spot in front, guaranteed I will be pulling over and requesting a spot for one.
19 Liverpool St Sydney 2000 - there is always a line!

Apertivo, Leichhardt

The extensive wine and cocktail menu, together with the impressive italian fare makes this new restaurant one of our favourites for a late night proscuitto craving or a nightcap. You would be forgiven if you thought you were in an upscale restaurant in a trendy neighbourhood, rather then keeping it local in Leichhardt. And did someone say Tapas?

The calzone sealed the deal - with its warm ricotta and a hint of gorgonzolla cheese in the middle, and its hearty base topped with rocket, proscuitto san danielle and lashings of balsamic glaze. Speciale. 
163 Norton st Liechardt NSW 2040 

So yes, food and fun is mostly what Demos and I are about - and when i'm hungry, he means business. We love discovering new favourites and will endeavour to cover these escapades as often as possible. At the end of the day we don't want to pick apart last nights mushroom and asparagus risotto and analyse the change in molecular structure in the cooking process. We'd rather eat it. It really is about enjoying the experience and having fun and we hope you can enjoy it just as much as we will continue to do so.

From 24 hour Mc Donalds & Est.

Sometimes, the fridge isnt empty - And we have iron chef cook offs

Happy Eating everyone!