Sushi, always Sushi

 "Sushi, always sushi", I replied to my housemate when she asked where I'd like to go for lunch.

There's not so many places that have the amount of choices, so many gluten free options, and that give you the opportunity to leave knowing that you haven't over indulged in saturated fat like sushi.

I still think that Japanese restaurants, and specifically sushi trains are over priced, but I keep going back, and there's always people lining the rails... so it's obviously on par with what the masses want.

This occasion I was killing time after a haircut at Sunshine Plaza, before meeting up with a friend, so I made my way to Cheery Blossom Tree located on the River Walk.

Since I have been back, I have been here four times I think. And I am continually impressed with the flavours, quality and freshness.

The service has a little to be desired, but hey... 4 out of five overall is acceptable in my eyes.

It was about 3:30 when I showed up, and the train was nearly bare, but I snapped up a crumbed chicken and avocado roll. Delicious. $4:80

I realisied I would have to order off the menu, which is something I never do at sushi trains... I think I like the gambling aspect of choosing off the train... but I perused the menu and made my choices.

It took me about 5 minutes to get the attention of the waitress... which isn't really okay in a restaurant with only 4 patrons, but I made my order and waited.

 This one is a favourite of mine: it's the vegetable tempura sushi nigiri, and it's a bit special and different in the fact that it is not a particular vegetable that has been tempuraed but a variety of veggies cut finely and all tempuraed together, almost like a veggie patty, in a way. It's very tasty and highly recommended. $4.50

Pork Gyoza: I LOVE DUMPLINGS! See my Harajuku Gyoza post here. This were only okay however, very watery and needed many dips in the soy. The gyoza stuffing was nice, but just under-seasoned in my eyes. $7.50.

And here are the prawn money bags (could not locate on online menu, but I believe they were $8). These are another favourite of mine, and came out hot and crispy, with a dressed salad and sweet chili sauce.

Cherry Blossom Tree have a good thing going, a nice escape from the food court with fresh, tasty food.

I think if you know that lunch will cost $15-30 and you are prepared for that, then nothing should stop you heading to Cherry Blossom Tree.

Cherry Blossom Tree - Maroochydore
Sunshine Plaza - River walk precinct
Shop 93A, 156-164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558
Telephone: (07) 5475-4988

Cherry Blossom Tree - Mooloolaba
"La Balsa" Building
Shop 101, 45 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, QLD, 4557
Telephone : (07) 5444 7188

Harajuku Gyoza Brisbane

I was very excited for 2 things when I got back to Australia... To see my wonderful friend Miss C and the other was to try Harajuku Gyoza, which I have seen all over my social media streams and desperate to try. We combined the 2!

B & C Gyoza Party!

Even at 8.40pm, there were people lining up to get in.

Fortunately only a few, and diners were finishing up and leaving.

As we make our way in, I am instantly taken with the ambiance. The place is alive with happy patrons, eating, drinking, chatting . The restaurant has a casual feel but still gives the impression that it is somewhere special.

We request a spot by the bar, and the owner is more than happy to fill our request.

The waitresses sing out happy Japanese-isms, tables order Sake, plum wine and beer.

The menu is brilliant in it's simplicity: gyoza (dumplings) served grilled or poached at $8 per plate of 5 (or 3 if ordering prawn); side dishes of miso, rice, edamame (from $3 to $6); and starter-sized mains including chicken karaage and katsudon (from $7 to $11) then the dessert dumplings. And some changing specials.

I order a Kirin, and Miss C a Ginger Beer.

Miss C tells me the ordering process is very laid back, order a small plate, then of you want some more... order some more.

We start with a bowl of edamame, I get the prawn gyoza grilled, and C the pork, also grilled.

 The gyoza are delicious, wonderfully fresh ingredients and piping hot.

 I go on to order the duck gyoza grilled, and the pork poached. All plates maintain the high standards set by our first plates.

As the night goes on the place starts to clear out, but I am still so shocked to see a restaurant so bussling so late on a thursday night. It's exceptional, and the owners must be incredibly proud.

Miss C ends the night with a plate of the chicken karaage, which I get to try and am totally bowled away by.

What a place! It's loud, and it's busy and feels a bit hectic, but all of this is what reminds me of Asia.

Our meal comes to $64 including drinks and we both leave feeling very satisfied.

I wish the owners the best of luck, and judging by it's popularity, Harajuku Gyoza isn't going anywhere, and this makes me happy.

Harajuku Gyoza
Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane, Australia

www.harajukugyoza.com