BBQ Archives - The Wifey's Corner

July 17, 2018July 16, 2018

Rengaya Yakiniku, North Sydney

Since we tried and happy with Suminoya, I had been wanting to go to its sister restaurant, Rengaya. Located in North Sydney and has the highest price charge ($86 per adult) in the group, naturally we expected superb dining here. It certainly did not disappoint 🙂 Just make sure to have a reservation before coming here, especially during busy dinner times and weekends or public holidays.

We booked for early dinner and when arrived, there were only few other tables occupied. The interior and service felt more upper class compared to the other sister restaurants. It had been a while since we went to Suminoya, so perhaps it has changed as well. The ordering system at Rengaya is by putting your order yourselves via the tablet they handed to each table. Whereas, at Suminoya while we were there, we had to call out to the waiter for order.

The other good thing at Rengaya was the unlimited order for ox tongue (the best!!!). We ordered so many portions of these super thin slices of ox tongue 🙂 Hubby was a little disappointed that they do not offer unagi rice bowl here, but the other options here kept him happy. The meat quality were excellent – I love how the Japanese style BBQ usually have their meat in thinly slices and their marinate is usually very subtle.

Here are what we had. By the way, these were all for four people 🙂

The verdict

I think the place is good for special occasion for that kind of steeper price compared to its sister restaurants and its up class setting. But then again you do get the unlimited order of ox tongue which is such a delight. There are a few options I love at Suminoya which are not available here, such as unagi rice bowl and gyoza. I also heard that it is actually better to dine here a la carte, since some of the nicer meat cuts are not available on buffet options. So, perhaps if we do come back here again in the future, I’d try the a la carte dining.

Rengaya

73 Miller St., North Sydney, NSW 2060

Tel: 02 9929 6169

Website

January 30, 2018

Sakae Yakiniku House, Eastwood

We had heard about Sakae Yakiniku House a while ago but never had the chance to try it out ourselves. And finally the chance came up a few weeks ago during the holidays. I think it is more known for its buffet package; but since we came without a reservation ahead, we could only get the a la carte dining and were only limited to 90 minutes. By the way, we went to one in Eastwood and they apparently have another outlet in Marrickville as well.

Sakae is Japanese style restaurant which I thought similar to Suminoya in the city. Their buffet menu is also somewhat similar to Suminoya’s. But since we didn’t do the buffet package, I wouldn’t know how the meat quality here in comparison to the others.

The Food

Without further ado, here are what we ordered for dinner. Mind you, these were all for 6 people hence a lot more food than usual 🙂

They provided four types of side dishes. From top left pictures: kimchi, edamame ($5.80), spicy seaweed cucumber salad, tangy lettuce salad, and pickled tofu skin. They all tasted delicious and flavoursome.

These are what we ordered, pictures from top left: tuna almond salad ($8.80), vegetarian spring roll ($7.80), eel $16.80), and deep-fried soft shell crab ($15.80).

sakae3 — Karei Karaage – deep-fried flounder ($18.80)

sakae4 — Wagyu Beef Platter ($80 for 2 people)

We felt some of the dishes were hits while some were misses. The servings were generous, for example the eel were in thick slices and hubby said they were delicious. There are some cuts on the meat platter that were quite tough and chewy – but others were really tender and juicy. The deep fried flounder was nice and crispy yet succulent meat. Overall, the meal was ok for the price – probably not that good that made us look forward to go back to.

Sakae Yakiniku House

1/6 Hillview Road, Eastwood 2122

Phone: (02) 9874 2277

www.sakae.com.au

October 14, 2017October 14, 2017

Wagyu House Sydney, Croydon

I just realised we had been to many Korean restaurants lately as reflected on my restaurant review posts. I guess they are extremely appealing especially during the colder seasons; but generally we enjoy the flavours anyway 🙂 The most recent Korean restaurant we tried out is Wagyu House Sydney, which is a BBQ buffet style restaurant.

Wagyu House Sydney is located on the busy Parramatta Road, Croydon – not exactly easy to get to by public transport. For that reason, we often passed this restaurant and yet never tried it for years. Only recently, we came to hear more about this place, how good their meat qualities and really good value for money. For those reasons, we decided to give it a try and yes, we are HOOKED!

First of all, as mentioned above its location is not close to any train stations. So, easiest transport options would be driving or by bus. Do note that they do not have big parking area, perhaps enough for 10 cars or so. On the last two occasions we went there before the busy dinner time, we could find parking inside the restaurant easy enough. But if you come during the busy times, you’ll probably need to find a street parking.

The restaurant itself consists of two building, separated by that small uncovered parking space. The building on the right side is where the main dining area where there are ample of seating. Also in the same area is where you can get the side dishes, rice, soup and carious seasonings. The left building is where you get your meat and ice cream. There are a few seating in this building, which I guess is only open when the other building is full.

So when you come here, first visit the seating area and the waiter there will assign a table to you. They will give you a ticket which you then bring to the other building for payment before grabbing the meat. Then head back to your table and enjoy the rest of the two hours slot. What impress us most is the quality of the meat also the options available and that they always refill them. There is never a time when we would find an empty meat platter, the same experience as many others have said as well.

Wagyu House Sydney - the seating area — The seating area

Wagyu House Sydney - Fried rice, fried noodle, soup and sauces — Fried rice, fried noodle, soup and sauces

Wagyu House Sydney - The side dishes — The side dishes, love their mashed potato salad especially and those refreshing watermelon chunks!

Wagyu House Sydney - meat selection — And more meat…

Wagyu House Sydney - Free stewed egg pot — Free stewed egg pot, 1 per table

It only costs $29.95 per person and for all those options available, we think it is a really good value Korean BBQ buffet restaurant. And most of the meat are actually fresh meat and good cuts. The marinated ones are also very tasty, our least favorite would be the honey soy marinate. But the rest are delicious! And for that, we would definitely come back again and again 🙂

Wagyu House Sydney

668-670 Parramatta Rd, Croydon NSW 2132

Phone: (02) 9797 9999

Facebook page

September 17, 2017

Stoneage Korean BBQ, West Ryde

We went to another Korean BBQ restaurant again, another one on our wish list to try. And especially the weather had been perfect for BBQ that night when we went there, it was so cold and windy 🙂 We made reservation few days ahead, just in case it might get too busy and it did on the day! So, remember to call and reserve a table ahead if you plan to come especially during busy times.

They have a very simple menu, it is all about BBQ – all the various meat cuts and very few other dishes only. Unfortunately, you will not find the seafood pancake or different types of stews/hot pots here. But then again, as the name suggests it is a BBQ place so let’s hope they have outstanding meats on that front.

We decided not to get the package options and chose the meat we wanted only. And these were what our dinner looked like:

The meat, nicely cooked and cut for us. From top left clockwise: pork belly, ox tongue, beef rib, and marinated pork ribs.

And, of course the fluffy tasty egg pot…

They are very generous with the side dishes, albeit not many choices. The waiters kept checking with us if we need a refill of anything. The meats are yummy, we especially love the ox tongue and marinated pork ribs that we ordered second servings of those (っ˘ڡ˘ς)

The highlight point of this restaurant is that the waiter actually cooked for us in our burner. They laid the meat on the burner, come back to flip the meat and to put aside the cooked meat. Then rushed back again to change the pan before starting another serving of meat. And still managed to get everything well cooked, not under and not over. We are really happy with this arrangement as we can just sit back and enjoy the meal. Looking at the waiters cook in 1 table then move on to the next and back and forth, it really looks like a scene of Dinner Dash game!

Overall, a highly recommended Korean BBQ restaurant in the area and would love to return again. The menu are fairly priced, good quality of meats, great service and no worry of burning your meat \ (•◡•) /

Stoneage Korean BBQ

1B Chatham Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114

Phone: (02) 8385 0059