So I am in bed and trying to con the bf into a massage- all for the sake of my race prep… but no such luck so far (pester him people!). I am happy to report that date night was a huge success tonight and I even managed to take some pics! I did forget at first but followed through in the end

To start we headed to Ginga restaurant at Southbank. It is a cute Japanese restaurant that also has a sushi train. Unfortunately, it was packed when we arrived so opted to sit at a table so we could eat sooner Next time we both agreed we would like to sit at the sushi train- it’s such a fun little novelty! To start we decided to get some sushi and share a main. The bf had tempura batter prawn sushi and prawns on rice. I chose a vegetable sushi, which was two small slices of sushi filled with the usual rice + seaweed wrap, avocado, carrot, squash?, pickle and lettuce. It was really nice actually and felt like a smaller sushi-style salad hehe. I also had six tiny tuna sushi rolls. They were adorable. They were similar to the small sushi rolls in this picture below (found on the net).

My bad on the lack photos- I totally forgot (I was hungry okay!) but I did take a picture of the pork gyoza ramen with pork bone broth. Things got a bit messy because I got a small bowl to take a portion so we weren’t both fighting over the big bowl… who knew it could be so messy sharing out noodles and soup?

I loved this dish and it reminded me a lot of Bamboo Basket’s pork dumpling soup. I love noodles and the texture of the gyoza- especially when steamed and slimy. So this baby was right up my alley The soup was also really good and wasn’t too meaty like I expected. I was very impressed with the prompt service, cleanliness and quality of food.

Then came the best part- dessert! There was a massive line so as we waited we were surprised with a shot/taster of their classic spanish hot chocolate. We were very impressed. It was delicious, thick, rich and chocolatey. Whilst I wouldn’t order this usually (because I wouldn’t be able to drink it all)- this small shot really hit the spot and wasn’t too over the top.

Then we got another lovely unexpected surprise only seconds later- we got an express entry into the restaurant. A two-seated table opened up and we were the first pair in the line. Talk about lucky!

It didn’t take us long to choose what we wanted. The bf, as predicted, opted for the fondue. Well actually he got the fondue for two that came with strawberries, banana, brownies, nuts, pretzels, caramel pretzels, marshmallows and mini churros. I definitely assisted him in polishing most of it off The fruit was deliciously refreshing and not surprisingly I really loved the combo of the melted choc with those crushed peanuts mmm. I also really liked the caramel popcorn and pretzels dipped in fondue- the mix of sweet and salty was delish. It was my first time having an entire churro to myself and I liked that they weren’t as drenched in oil or covered in sugar like others I’ve tasted. They could even pass for savoury I thought. But they had a nice crunch, dense and were a perfect vehicle for all those little naughty extras

I opted for the ice cream sundae which came with milk, dark and white chocolate ice cream scoops, melted chocolate, brownie pieces and whipped cream. It was really good- I was happy with the size also. Not stingey but not humungous (I will always eat more if it’s bigger haha). The ice-cream was also really quite creamy and the white chocolate was my favourite. I was surprised that the chocolate wasn’t too bitter or rich (cocoa wise), which I usually find in some ice creams. The brownie wasn’t half bad either. My dish came out first and although we didn’t mind waiting a little bit longer for the fondue we got four complimentary chocolates as well! Is there such thing as too much chocolate?! NEVER! The service was great, cute decor, delicious food and we would definitely go back. Only at the end was I disappointed with the man behind the cash register’s attitude. I didn’t appreciate the way in which he spoke to me and my bf even remarked as we left what a w@8ker he was (can you read my code? haha). But apart from that last unpleasant thing it was pretty spot on!

We both really enjoyed the food and quality time during date night tonight. Personally, it was the best sushi experience I’ve had and one of the best sundaes I’ve had also- not over the top but enough to satisfy my massive (& high standard) sweet tooth. I can definitely say I carb-loaded tonight and hopefully this means I’ll own tomorrow  We are currently watching Olympics (obsessed) and winding down before heading off to sleep. Hope everyone had a great (and tasty) Saturday night!

What is your favourite sushi roll? Describe your ideal churro?