V^3 Food Review: Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Victoria Park

Izumi Japanese Cuisine

Once in awhile you find one of those little gems in Perth that serves excellence on a plate. Izumi is one such place that I have discovered in my journey. Whilst at breakfast in Victoria Park, I spied this place along the main street stuck between two competing Chinese food stores. For some reason, the establishment caught my eye, the place had a real authentic yet humble appearance. I decided I had to visit this place for lunch on a later date...

This is what I saw and tasted, and I will tell it as it is… It tasted gangsta!

Takoyaki



Served as an entrée, these fried octopus balls were hot bite sized pieces of bursting flavours. The smooth and sweet barbecue sauce goes well with the fillings of octopus and batter, there is no overpowering smell from the octopus, so the flavours are well balanced. With a generous serve of six, these are always a popular item on the menu. 4/5

Tetaki Beef



Essentailly beef slices doused with rice vinegar and swimming in soy sauce, this cold dish is for those who enjoy beef at its best. The steak is seared on the outside until brown whilst leaving the inside rare for maximum tenderness. The beef melts in your mouth comparable to that of kobe beef which would cost around $100 per bite or $800 for a 250gram steak respectively. It may have something to do with the liquids breaking down the cold rare beef. I don't know the science behind it, but who needs to know the science to enjoy it? This dish is far less a burden on the wallet compared to kobe beef and a definate one for the beef lovers. 3.5/5

Agadeshi Tofu



Three soft Japanese tofu cubes crusted in a light batter bring forth a mix of textures that spill perfection. In other words… it was dope! The dish itself is rather large and for some this would be a meal in itself with rice. But as they say, the more the merrier! So bring it on! Izumi gives us more than expected by adding some tempura vegetables to complete the dish. The sauce has a scent of ginger, which is sweet, and one whiff would make mouths salivate in hunger. The mushroom included in this dish was juicy and I will definitely make a special request this on my next visit. This is a dish I will always remember from Izumi. 4.5/5

Okonomiyaki



This is a rare dish to be found in Perth and is the reason why Izumi reflects authenticity. The dish originates from Osaka and is essentially a pancake composed of shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, batter, welsh onion, your choice of meats (white, red and in between) all topped off with nori and bonito flakes that come alive with energy and movement. Okonomiyaki is quite filling as most cakes generally are. The okonomiyaki topping sauce is thick and sweet and has a hint of ginger, the tanginess of mayonnaise makes for an interesting mix of flavours. Definitely a good dish on its own, even better in a meal. 3/5

Teriyaki Chicken



I usually gauge the quality of a Japanese restaurant by the way it serves the simple iconic dishes. Izumi’s serve of teriyaki chicken was smooth and generously large. The chicken is moist and steaming with aromas that make me hungry as I write this… Honestly, the serve was so large, you could probably eat this as a one on its own. However, not the absolute best teriyaki chicken I have tasted, this one is special in its own way and is definitely above par in terms of flavour and satisfaction. 3.5/5

Japanese Salad



So far, I have found that Izumi’s dishes are rather on the sweet side and this salad to my expectations, was also quite sweet. The fresh garden leaves, tomato, carrot and cucumber are splashed with a citrus dressing and makes a great refresher between the hot bites of the main courses. 2.5/5

Green Tea Ice Cream



Finish off the meal with a chilled green tea ice cream, rich in flavours and green tea goodness, a perfect compliment to a Japanese meal. 3/5


Izumi Japanese Cuisine

Entrée $5-8
Mains $10
Dessert $4

806 Albany Hwy Victoria Park
9472 1339
BYO

Izumi is one of those humble establishments that exist to bring culinary authenticity and memorable flavours to the masses. This place will always be a favourite for me, I believe one day you will enjoy it just as I have.

V^3 gives Izumi 4/5

V^3 Food Review: Binh Minh, Northbridge

I haven’t had a chance to eat some good Asian food lately, so I decided to have lunch at a place that has been on good terms with me for quite awhile. I present to you, Binh Minh.



A humble establishment that was once a typical unnoticed phở shop, this place has built quite a name for itself, receiving good ratings from the Perth dining circles and highly noted for its value for money.

Spring Rolls



I decided to try Binh Minh’s variation of the humble spring roll, unlike other restaurants, these were served with a fish sauce for dipping and a side of pickled vegetables. Fresh out of the fryer, the roll is crisp and the filling is hot and steams out a sweet aroma of pork and vegetables. Their size is rather small and at $5 a plate, many would cry rip! Nonetheless, if you want an appetiser, these are always a good start. 2.5/5

Bo Luc Lac



This is a traditional Vietnamese dish called Bo Luc Lac (sp?) that consist of chunky beef cubes and onions all stir-fried. The beef cubes were highly juicy and tender giving you a burst of flavours in each bite. The dish is rather simple to make and Binh Minh’s execution was rather delicious. 3.5/5

Salt and Pepper Squid



The salt and pepper squid has been recommended to me a few times due to Binh Minh’s unique flavorous approach to the popular Chinese dish. The Vietnamese influence in this dish is present as you take a bite and experience mixed emotions; a sweet aroma of fish sauce accompanies the saltiness in the batter. Whilst the taste was rather unique, I believe this dish fell short due to its texture. The batter is too thick and did not retain a crispiness that is an integral part of the salt and pepper squid experience. There was hardly any contrast to the chewy squid filling. While some may argue this is awesome in its own right, I believe that this execution could have been better had the batter been lighter, crispier and hotter. 3/5

Crispy Skin Chicken



Crispy skin chicken has always been a favourite dish and Binh Minh’s offers a nice and generous serve. There is a distinct aroma of soy sauce, which is neither too salty nor sweet and goes quite well with rice. 3/5

Avocado Smoothie


I tried the Avocado smoothie and was pleasantly surprised, the texture is creamy and just the right amount of sweetness. This is definitely not a common western beverage and makes for an interesting experience of flavours and textures. This smoothie is thick and would probably make any hungry person feel complete. 3.5/5

Kiwi Fruit Smoothie



I was worried when I saw this on the menu and wondered how they would serve such a beverage. And my assumptions were once again correct, the drink tasted awkward to say the least as it was a mix of creamy sweet milk, which is, then disturbed by a hit of kiwi fruit tanginess. You should probably make a pass on this drink if you decide to dine at Binh Minh. 1.5/5



Binh Minh
Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant
Entrée $5
Mains $10

Unit 5/347 William St, Northbridge
9228 8898

This place is great value for money, and you always get a generous serve. I would recommend trying their dinner menu as it more extensive and contains a few specialties such as the beef salad and steamboat! However, their lunches are just as satisfying for the hungry traveller.

V^3 gives Binh Minh 3/5.

V^3 Cake Tour: Regent Cakes, Northbridge

After watching some good Yakitate! Japan and being quite hyped about bread and all things baked, my interests in cakes have grown ever since. Bread has become a daily part of our lives, it’s become a part of our staple diet giving us dietary fibres and carbohydrates to energise us throughout the day. But that is not the main reason why it is so popular. Bread is essentially sweet to the palate as starches break down in amylase enzymes, thus giving it an easily enjoyed taste. It comes in many shapes, sizes and textures. Never has a food been so diverse. There is indeed a bread for each and everyone of us.



So a place that has become somewhat of tradition for my bread needs is Regent Cakes. They offer some fresh baked Hong Kong styled butter buns with various fillings. Ranging from luxurious cream cakes to the humble butter loaf, there is something for everyone.



I had the pleasant opportunity to buy as many different cakes till I felt content. That being said, I settled for ten different types of cakes, that’s right. Ten. These cakes are great when enjoyed on your own, but slicing them up into bite sizes and sharing them with friends and family makes the experience more enjoyable.



The cakes come in both sweet and savour fillings, both of which are blanketed by the soft and fluffy sweet bread.

Let's begin.

Barbeque Pork Bun


This is a regent baked variation to the traditionally steamed cha xiu pao (sp?). The sweet butter bun combined with the sweetened pork offers a nice mixed of traditional flavours.

Custard Cream Roll


Rich in flavours, the texture of the smooth custard compliments the soft white bread to give a pleasurable bite of creamy goodness.

Coconut Butter Roll


This is one of the masterful buns that can be found in this establishment. The intricacy of this bun is revealed when you slice it. The filling is in a layer that spirals inside the bun itself thus allowing the bread to blanket the contents and give full flavour in each and every bite.

Mystery Bun


After being so enchanted by all these cakes, I forgot the name of this particular one, If you so happen to know the name, please inform me. What makes this bun stand out from the rest is its distinctive texture. Well actually, a composition of three textures. There’s a soft base covered with cream topped off with a crusty shell which makes it a delightful cake. This cake is topped of with icing and reflects a French influence in every bite.

Teriyaki Chicken


This bun was rather mediocre, the let down was the teriyaki chicken filling which did not taste authentic and was more like a chicken gravy mush. Fortunately, the bread balanced the bad much and made it a barely acceptable bun.

Butterfly Pastry


This was recommended as a tester, Regent is not renowned for its thin butter pastries. However, this one had the soft crumbly texture that was made of hundreds of thin layers, which was surprisingly delicate and sweet. While it’s not their specialty, it’s a good attempt nonetheless.

Ham and Corn


An unexpected combination this particular bun was. It was not mind blowing to say the least, the corn was not of the freshest variety and the ham had an off smell. It all made a rather disappointing bun in my mind. You can’t always win.

Butter Loaf


Simplicity is the key. This particular loaf is not normally on shelf and had to be specially requested, thus, it was served for us straight out of the oven with a rich sweet aroma filling the air. If you love the bread, buy the loaf. This can be enjoyed with any spread or topping you fancy.



Regent cakes offer a wide variety of baked good to choose from. There are many more that I have yet to try. If you ever feel like a nice cake or bun to fill yourself, Regents is top quality eating. Baked goods cost around $2 each and the more traditional cakes cost around $3 per slice.



Regent Cakes
Shop 10,45 Francis Street
Northbridge
9227 8081


Bon Appétit.

-Mike

hahaha

ever wondered what that famous family guy scene would sound like in italian? i have....

Youth Night: Friday 9th March

So what's happening on a friday in Perth?



If you find yourself wanting some free entertainment, come down to this (drug and alcohol free) event, expect a live band, some free food and good company to take you into the night.

Dolphins Stumble As Fans Riot

An eventful day saw the Deadly Dolphins change venues for their match as fans ran riot after the announcement that regulation football cleats were not allowed on the pitch for unknown reasons. After hearing of the news, spectators ran onto the pitch and set the stadium to flames as it was revealed that the Deadly Dolphins did not receive the news before hand and were forced to play with bare feet. The avid Dolphin fans would not allow the match to begin, and as a result the scheduled match was canceled and a friendly was organised with a change of venue to James Oval. Unfortunately, the Dolphins were still unable to wear their boots.

Despite the disadvantage, the side went in confident in their friendly against regular UW A-League outfit; Croasia Zagreb, naming Reynard Chan, Edmond Tang, Mohammed Bukhary, new signings: Heram Halim and Keane Ferreira da Rosa Pereira Leite to start the match and injured midfielder Jim Ly on the bench. The friendly match provided as opportunity for the new look club to experiment with their unique "Total Football" tactics also utilised by Johan Cryuff and the great 1970's Dutch team. Their adventurous style of play incorporates complete creative freedom where positions for the squad are not set and players would have to call upon tremendous individual versatility. The league hopefuls started the game shakily as surprise package Croasia Zagreb took the early lead in the first half with a lack luster Deadly Dolphins trailing at half time. However, the Dolphins came out of the half time break a different side with some inspirational words from team captain Reynard Chan who lead from the front when his constant pressure on the opposition backline created a opening in which Chan cooly slotted the ball home for the equaliser.

Chan also had a hand in the second goal as his defense splitting pass met Jim Ly on the wing who made a perfectly timed run to keep the offside flag down. A trademark finish was applied by Ly who guided the ball past the keeper to put the Dolphins infront. However, a brief lack of concentration allowed Croasia Zagreb to grab an equaliser in injury time.

The Dolphins will find themselves disappointed with the result as their dominance in the second half was not enough to grab them a moral boosting win. However, in a post match interview, the captain expressed his satisfaction with the result explaining that "Every team needs time to glue and this was our only first match together. Plus, Jim came on the field today for only 10 minutes today and scored a goal. With him getting back to full fitness, our performances can only get better."

Although the team's overall play did not impress their critics, experts could not find the superlatives to describe new signing Keane Ferreira da Rosa Pereira Leite - otherwise known as Keane. He looked unbeatable at the heart of the Deadly Dolphin's defense and the team will certainly go into next week's match more confident knowing that their backline is in safe hands.

Deadly Dolphins Dealt Deadly Blow

The Deadly Dolphins received grim news today as it was announced that Jim Ly would be doubtful for the opening match of the season tomorrow. When queried about the matter, Ly's manager revealed that he had felt ill during the weekend but was confident that he would be fully fit for next week's fixture. The Deadly Dolphins didn't enjoy the best of seasons last year coming a disappointing 5th after much expectation but have signaled their intention to do well this year with the acquisition of deadly striker Heram Halim from A1A2 to fill the large hole left by the retirement of explosive left back Peter Wastle. Fans are ecstatic after the signing of A1A2's top goalscorer who is touted to be the next Craig Bellamy.

Pundits however, are questioning the ability of the team to replace the sick midfielder. After a news conference held several minutes ago, Ly expressed his full belief in the team and captain Reynard Chan while also pointing out that there were many options the club could take to fill in for his absence. When questioned about his condition and club's current status Ly replied, "At this point in time, its probably a 50/50 chance of me starting on the pitch, but I'll still come prepared for tomorrow and see how it goes after the last training session. As for the club, I reckon the first team squad has great debt...pretty sure they would be able to find a suitable replacement." One such player that could be making his way to the UWA Recreation Centre is experienced midfielder Mohammed Choeuib who is currently without a club despite his world class reputation. Ly also revealed that Peter Wastle would be eager to make a one match celebrity appearance for the club however it is unlikely due to committments Wastle has made after football.

After hearing of Deadly Dolphins' interest in Lebanese midfielder Mohammed Choeuib, Chouieb's manager has publicly denied the rumour that his client may be making a move to the University of Western Australia stating that although he may be interested, no formal approach for the player has been made. The match is just over a day away and a starting squad has yet to be announced but fans are confident that no matter which players are fielded, the Deadly Dolphins should be able to overcome their opponents comfortably with the definite inclusion of team captain Reynard Chan orchestrating midfield and fan favourite Edmond Tang wreaking havoc on opposing defenders through the left flank.

ps. umm..yeah sorry Rey I might not be able to play tomorrow, caught a cold over the weekend. Ill bring my stuff and see how i feel tomorrow.

V^3 Utopia Tour - Original Milk Tea

We here at V^3 have planned another mission in the quest for all things good in Perth by presenting to you, the V^3 Utopia Tour!

The execution is simple. Over the coming months, we will sample ALL flavours of bubble tea available at utopia and rate each for the common good of beverage awareness. All flavours will be judged by their texture, presentation and most importantly taste. Any ill effects that result after consumption will be noted. A rating system of x/10 will be implemented.

So let us begin the tour!
With an extensive flavour menu, the choices are hard to come by. Thus, we will start off with the one and only original milk tea.

Original Milk Tea



A traditional blend of the commonly consumed English black tea (or of similar variety) and milk. The simplicity of this beverage makes it a safe choice to select. I am usually more partial to black tea without milk and sugar as most purist enjoy their tea straight. However, this drink is served chilled and therefore the addition of milk and sugar does not result in a sickly warm and sweet drink. It actually enhances the flavours and gives it a smoother texture. What it lacks though, is a kick of uniqueness and quality. In other respects, it offers a fresh fragrance of tea that can be enjoyed by all those who love infused beverages. The only way to improve this drink is to use higher quality teas such a Benoist or Twinings Earl Grey (both recommended by the British royal family). Nevertheless, it makes a satisfying bubble tea.



This drink is recommended with sago.
V^3 gives Original Milk Tea 6/10

What flavour shall we try next? Leave your comments or a flavour request to contribute in the quest for bubble tea goodness.