Marché du Chocolat

Marché du Chocolat

http://mary.co.jp/

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Thanks to Lilo's friend from Japan I get to have some bites of nice chocolate treats.
Interesting taste, hardcore packaging, expect nothing less from Japan.
Although website listed, this was hand carried, flown and delivered face to face to Lilo from Japan.

Instantly confused as bears don't carry baby bears in their bellies.

Yeah that there is a Kangaroo.

Wonder where it got that balloon.








Bite sized assortment of Chocolat treats.
All with their own individual flavors.

You know what's better than chocolate?
More chocolate.

Yes there was another packet outside of the Kangaroo box of a few solid but powdery textured chocolate covered almonds.

Japanese packaging is always the best.
So much detail.
Lilo wanted to keep it like a cat only wanting the box and not whats inside, except we ate everything, would eat box too, but too pretty.













No ratings can be given for such items of friendship.
Much thanks friend Mami, for I was able to share in such deliciousness.

OKO Dessert Kitchen

OKO Dessert Kitchen

Queen Street, Aotea Square, Auckland CBD, New Zealand

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A good idea popped into my mind after nourishment from Sushi Pac. Dessert.
Have heard mentions of this OKO Dessert Kitchen, perfect opportunity to walk off the sushi and eat dessert.

Twas a cold day so got the hot chocolate.
Never understood the deconstructed drink hype. 

Provided simple fun, Lego for food.

Hot milk + hot gooey chocolate + chocolate flakes.

Milk bottle holding warm milk. Very interesting.

My masterpiece.
Just like going to a Korean BBQ and paying to cook your own food.










Now this magical construction is called "Mt Ngauruhoe." Built with Chocolate soufflé, red coulis, popping candy, betroot macaroon.

The popping candy provided much novelty to the already ripe flavors present.

With my hot choc I ordered the "Rock and Roll."

Chocolate, salted peanut, peppermint and marshmallow.

Overall good, be careful of the peppermint though. 

Having the peppermint left me thinking I didn't need to brush my teeth for the day.

Strong.





Decor is a high class restaurant except housing only dessert. 
Cabinet showcase dessert visuals upon entry will have you wanting everything.

Would definitely do 2nd round as there is still more to try.

 

Price: $$
Rating: 3.5/5

 

Milsé with more available seating.

Sushi Pac

Sushi Pac

11, Customs St West, Auckland, New Zealand

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Cloudy Sunday, need break from renovations on house.
Wanting to treat bear Lilo to a special stall shop in town, sadly closed. (Will post at later date)
Off to next best thing.

Impeccable sushi, cheap rates, the best.
Been here many times, have even traveled far off just to come here.

Nothing beats sashimi type sushi.
Lilo and I always love the texture and taste.

Nothing beats the 2 raw fish kings.
Salmon and Tuna.

But Sushi Pac takes it one step better.
Scallop!

Here we have Salmon and Cheese, Tuna,
Teriyaki Chicken and Cheese.

I've never really liked roll sushi, but Sushi Pac I do it for you coz you treat my tastes buds well.

Unagi (Grilled Eel).
BBQ Salmon.
BBQ Scallop.

Winner.











 
The sauce added in looks hefty, for Suhi Pac sushi its worth it to tell your healthiness to shut up this time because it brings the flavor to another level.

Most places charge $2 or over for raw fish to lay pretty on top of the rice but do not worry because Sushi Pac will be gentle to your wallet.

Price: $
Rating: 4.5/5

Always, always, always get the BBQ Scallop.
You're welcome.

Kang Nam Station

Kang Nam Station

329 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, New Zealand

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Weekly catchup, uni buds.
Slight winds, cold night. Got lift from friend, mutual decision that something with rice would be good option while grabbing another friend on the way.


Trying not to go conventional with Bibim Bap.

Gunned for Ox Tail Soup, but asked waitress if it comes with rice.
She said yes. Pleased I was.

Soft tender meat, clear vermicelli noodles, all in a mildly seasoned soup.
 Needs more flavor.

Friend chose Bibim Bap. 
Mentions was good, but him adding sauce that has more spice and saltiness to it says otherwise.

Next bud chose Kimchi Fried Rice.
Mentions was also good, but judging on looks Kimchi added the flavor needed.

Staying away from yolk and keeping on the whites. 

"Need the gains." Straight quote.

Side dishes a must.

All average tasting as expected.

Kimchi side dish used was tofu meat in disguise, only down side.

Panda was hungry, needed more meat.
Pork Hock, good choice.

Friend says, "tastes like mum makes at home." Comparing taste to home cooked meal from mum, must be good.
One bite in, we concur.







 
All in all, could have been above average at best.
I do recommend Ox Tail Soup if wanting something cleansing.
In my opinion side dishes brings out the Korean meal experience.
But side dishes...tonight you have let me down.

Price: $$
Rating: 2.8/5

Pass mark score. 

Get the Ox Tail Soup.

Bluebells Cakery

Bluebells Cakery 

161a Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough, New Zealand

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Mildly cold, mildly rainy day.
Better half has been craving something sweet since beginning of the week.
Decided Bluebells Cakery was top spot to fulfill sweet needs.

Very boutique, very cozy.
Got a box worth of small 4 cupcakes :)
Don't mind the rain drops.

From top left to bottom right.
Banana, salted caramel.
Red velvet.
Lemon curd.
Strawberry.








Fruit flavors usually not my cup of tea, since being born with super sweet tooth.
Strawberry won me over, strange.

Sweetness was just right, icing was not thick but soft and tender to the tongue.
Fruit flavors did not over power.
Beautiful presentation and cupcakes sit neatly in the palm of your hand.

Price: $
Rating: 3.8/5

Highly recommend for sweet lovers

Chanoma Cafe Sydney

Chanoma Cafe Sydney

Shop 1, 501 George Street, Sydney, Australia

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Sydney wedding, panda gathering, snack stop 1.
Congrats again to friend Gemmo and his beautiful wife.

Gang of bear couples charged on down for a late night venture to Sydney life for eats.
Chanoma Cafe off George Street provided necessary fulfillment for such cravings.

Fruit Parfait was ordered by couple number 1.

For this towered ice cream, fruit cocktail mixture, rice cake ball, whipped cream with matcha sauce and ice-cream cone antenna be living on top floor.

Sweet red bean paste be living on 3rd floor.

Beneath lives 2nd floor with pocky corn flakes.

1st floor residence is soft matcha ice-cream.

Presentation is a winner.





Eating a big dinner left me no choice but to fill the space with a small but husky soft serve ice-cream matcha cone.

This small treat packs taste punch. 
Usually green tea would be bitter, so I usually would stay away, one giant bite from the top later had no such bitter after taste.
My better half inhaled this treat in no less than a few bats of my eye lids.













The Japanese cafe did not disappoint. 
Menu had plenty to choose from, if only I did not have the Milo Dinosaur at the kopitiam next door.
Snack and sweet cravers must visit here, no regrets will be had.

Price: $
Rating: 3.8/5

The young and lively atmosphere was the right topping for the Japanese Matcha Cafe.

Adriano Zumbo Patissier

Adrian Zumbo Patissier

Shop 1, Cafe Court, The Star 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW, Australia

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Sydney wedding, panda gathering, snack stop 2. Insatiable we are.
Walking from George Street to The Star would help burn off and get our desire to eat more says Panda Col. 

We journeyed on with this belief.

4 Couples, many orders.
From left to right.
Individual Lemon Meringue Tart, Individual Mylo Can Cake, Individual Passion Fruit Tart, Individual Wunderbar Cake.

Only 2 Zumbarons (as they are called, derived from macaroon) made the top shelf. Salted Butter Popcorn and Toasted Marshmallow.

Bunny stepped up and sacrificed her stomach for us. Aftermath stories.














All couples had mentioned taste was above average, overall good tasting experience.
I think most were fatigued from an entire day of nothing but eating.
One did mention the Lemon Meringue Tart was a bit sour for her tastes.

Price: $
Rating: 3.5/5

You gotta grab the Salted Butter Popcorn, the tongue still lingers with the memory of the after taste.