Jet-lag can manifest itself in many different ways. You could be slumped in your soup at 9:30pm at night. A few hours later you could be wide awake at 3am ready to take on the world but keenly aware that the rest of the world is asleep. For me, I was living in a twilight state, head in a bubble with everything going past me as if I were underwater. It was a Thursday night and we were in Christie’s car. Head in a cloud, I didn’t realise that we were headed in the wrong direction for Red Lantern. We were headed towards the original Red Lantern in Crown Street rather than the newly hatched version in Riley Street. Correcting ourselves, we made a quick u-turn and were on our way.
Unlike the original Red Lantern, Red Lantern on Riley Street near the William street end focuses more of the French Vietnamese aspect of Vietnamese cuisine. Subtly signposted, the interior is chic with beautiful hand made tiles that reportedly take four months to make. The walls are covered with a subtle floral rose wallpaper and it is done in colonial chic. Pictures of his family, including a black and white matinee-style photo of Luke Nguyen’s dad sits pride of place. There are booths to the right and tables to the left of the restaurant. There are some Red Lantern classics as well as some new items, some of which have a French influence.
A photo of Luke’s father
Service on the whole is friendly and charming, although the staff member who called to confirm the booking was brusque. Luke, newly back from an overseas trip filming, is in this evening bringing plates of food to diners. Even though it opened at the beginning of the month, it is busy and once it hits 8:30pm, the restaurant is full.
Diep Chien vui Xa Ot $4 each
The first entree, the MSC certified scallops were pan-seared with a tamari, citrus, brown sugar, lemongrass and chilli oil dressing and topped with a chiffonade of kaffir lime and mint. The scallops were tender and oh so fat and just barely seared so that the texture was creamy and balanced with the sweet, fresh dressing.
Cha voi Pate $18
I have a slight obsession with banh mi, those pate and pork filled rolls. This is a deconstructed version featuring house made charcuterie. There is a crab and pork terrine, strong in rich crab and a pate which is strong and balanced well with the pickles, lotus root chips and pickles. We do need more bread than three pieces especially for the strong pate and another three pieces are brought out.
Banh Xeo $28
Another favourite dish of mine is the banh xeo and there are two versions on the menu, a regular, a vegetarian version. The rice flour crepe is crispy and less oily than what I’ve had at other places. It is filled with prawn, slices of pork belly, mung beans and bean sprouts. Accompanying this is four leaves of soft lettuce and mint and basil to wrap it up in.
To eat it, you cut it into four, place the quarter into a soft lettuce cup along with the herbs and dip it into the spicy fish sauce dipping sauce. The crunch and spice of this was just what we needed and we liked the sauce so much we kept it on our table (just in case! 
).
Cua XO $38
Onto our mains and the crab was something Christie and I both loved the sound of. There is a version of this dish made with prawns at the original Red Lantern. We both enjoyed this W.A. Blue swimmer crab version much more as there were little mouthfuls of crab interspersed with glass noodles, carrot and snake beans and there is a generous amount of their own XO sauce.
Vit Quay $38
A dish that speaks to the French influence is the roasted Burrawong pekin duck with spiced orange sauce. The duck is twice cooked in a similar way to Chinese style crispy chicken or duck. We watch as the ducks are prepared in the kitchen for the next evening. They coat them in a maltose solution which crisps up the skin once dried to give it a beautifully glassy crunch. It was a rich dish but ended up being our favourite with the acidity from the orange balancing the duck well. The side salad of fennel, watercress and bean sprout salad is a fresh break from the duck’s richness.
Preparing the duck
Banh Bi voi Kem Vani $16
We had a lovely waitress who recommended the desserts for us and we asked if we could put one aside because we didn’t want to miss out on it. It was baked pumpkin and cinnamon cheesecake with house made honey comb bits and sweet, toasted pumpkin seeds and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Even though the menu said cinnamon, the flavour was very strong with ground ginger, perhaps too strong when eating the cheesecake or pudding alone. It was much better when eaten with the honeycomb, seeds and ice cream.
Chuoi Chien $15
Is it ok to fall in love with a banana fritter? OK that sounded all very Freudian so nevermind Christie and I were both crazy over the seemingly regular dish of banana fritters. Here they’re organic bananas coated in a rice flour and shredded coconut which was beautifully crunchy on the outside and stayed crunchy even while eating. It was paired with a palm sugar caramel and a bed of coconut and tapioca with vanilla ice cream. It’s the kind of dessert that you definitely want to save room for-or you just make room for
Vietnamese coffee
I’m not a late night coffee drinker as it keeps me up at night but it is hard to resist a wonderful Vietnamese coffee with a thick, syrupy layer of sweetened condensed milk on the bottom and coffee on top. And it’s probably just what I need to stay awake past 9:30pm!
P.S. I just wanted to add, if you are interested, I wrote a piece for uber blog mamamia yesterday. It’s not my usual length as I had a word limit of 600 (which for a rambler like me was a challenge ) but I had a lot of fun writing for them. When I saw the post once it was live, the title of the post caught me by surprise. It read “I earn money as a food blogger” which was a little left of field, especially since I hadn’t gone into that much detail about how I make a living in the post. If you that are curious, you can read all about it here and I do explain a bit further in the comments. If you have any further questions, you can ask there or ask me here and I will be happy to explain. Many readers seemed keen to know more about taking advertising and sponsorship and how this is done. I’m very fortunate to have fantastic supporters who help to make NQN possible, one such sponsor is Sigma lenses who have been a long term supporter and also provide me with the lenses used in all my photos. They’ve been with me for two years and I’ve learned so much about photography using their lenses. They really make the photography aspect of the blog so much fun and I can’t thank them enough.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you like reading guest posts on blogs? And are any of you potential bloggers that are thinking of becoming bloggers? And to the bloggers out there, would you want to blog full time or are you happy blogging as a hobby or part time?
NQN and Christie paid for their meal but were given three (unexpected!) complimentary dishes
Red Lantern on Riley
60 Riley Street, East Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: +61 (02) 9698 4355
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50 Comments | Add your own
Well, for me blogging is a full time job, but without the pay.
It takes me one to two days to create a post from cooking to photos, writing, posting, and feedback. I realized that I would like to have it as a real job. I am in the beginning of my blogging “Career”, a lot to learn about the field, the rout I want to go, the tools I need. So far it’s a full time hobby while I don’t have any other job in line.
I wouldn’t want to be a full time blogger, mainly because I like to diversify. I don’t want to do any one thing full time. Of course my blog is not the same as NQN which is way more diverse within the blog than mine is! Good work!!
Such a lovely dinner! Really wish I could have drunk more of that coffee – the condensed milk is so delicious!
This looks like a wonderful place…
I specially liked the rice crepe and the duck with orange sauce.. GOD I am so hungry now..LOL
Luke Nyugen’s culinary talents are definitely no exaggeration – this restaurant has a fabulous ambience and stunning dishes
Especially those fritters
And I dream of working as a blogger full time my friend, I am definitely not content with just part time but to be honest I have no idea how to go about it. I have so many plans if I did but I’m just a kid, how do I get any serious attention? Who knows but I hope in the near future I can be half as successful as you
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Food looks nice. I read your piece yesterday on mamamia and was intrigued by the mismatched title. Thanks for the clarification. I kept trying to find the next page of your article , hehe. I would love to blog full time but sadly it won’t pay the bills
How timely….a girlfriend & I just ate at Red Lantern on Riley on Saturday night! It was absolutely delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed it….there were too many good dishes to pick a favourite. Luke was very friendly, chatting to guests, serving meals and posing for many many photo’s!
I love reading blogs (particularly your’s Lorraine!) but am never likely to blog…too much else to do.
I’m yet to get to either of the Red Lantern restaurants – I really want to! I feel like I’m an honorary Vietnamese person as I grew up and went to school with so many Vietnamese friends. I became very familiar with the food, culture and swear words!
I love blogging and I’m working on it being my full time job. As it is I do blog 5 days a week, and realistically the planning and execution probably takes at least 5 hours a day.
I haven’t been to the original Red Lantern and now you teller there is another?! Man, I have to go and make a reservation! Oh and yes it is more than ok to fall in love with a banana fritter…
I would love to be able to blog full time but I could never imagine I would be able to. But I am content with my little blog.
Wow that food looks great! Good news on opening another restaurant, but then anything Luke touches seems to turn to gold.
I would love to turn my blog into a ‘real’ job, and develop it further. I don’t know where to start, so any tips would be great Lorraine. Thanks!
Wow congratulations to Luke on opening a second Red Lantern. I commend him on all dishes because they really do represent the Vietnamese cuisine I know. When I read all the captions of the photos I knew exactly what they were. Quite proud at this point in time to say I am vietnamese
Can’t wait to try it when it officially launches!
This is truly some of the most appealing food I have seen in a long time—and that is saying something! It looks to be so full of fresh flavors and inventive combinations of ingredients. And your photos are just wonderful.
I do like to read guest posts on blogs (and am going to read yours in a jif). And yes, like many bloggers, I would like to be able to actually make money off of my efforts–still working on that aspect.
Lorraine, loved your article. Btw, how many people ate all that food?
I would LOVE to blog full time. It is so much more interesting than the writing I do in my day job.
The new restaurant looks amazing – might keep it for a special occasion
Another Red Lantern?! I didn’t know such a thing existed, and should never have read this post before lunch as I’m now craving everything you mention.
I’m off to email friends to plan a visit of our own. Yum!
I don’t mind guest posts on most blogs, but I don’t think I’d like anyone doing a guest post on your blog – because I’d feel like I’m missing out on your post!! I really look forward to reading your blog every day Lorraine.
The moment I saw the heading ‘The Red Lantern’ my rather huge morning mail was left in abeyance and the post has utterly delighted all my senses! What beautiful, interesting, different food on a logical theme in such a lovely restaurant! This will be scrolled thru’ many a time! And I’ll go in search of your links as soon as time allows also. No special dishes to praise today, just wish I was there
! A close friend will be leaving on a Luke Nguyen tour of Vietnam within 10 days: would you believe that for the first time in my life I have actually asked for a autographed photo on return!!!! Guest blogs: usually not so keen on them unless necessary holidays or illness have led to someone else taking over. Blog myself: no 
! So many have asked already!! Living semi-rurally with certain health problems, and, being of a certain generation, I would be unable to generate something fun, different, meaningful and successsful. So I’ll remain a butterfly fluttering twixt the most attractive flowers 
!
Can’t recommend the new Red Lantern highly enough – loved it. We had the $65 tasting menu and then added a dessert plate and the banana fritters at the end. So, so good and such a lovely space too. I think Luke’s partner Suzanna designed the gorgeous wallpaper.
I’ve never had a Vietnamese coffee, but I keep thinking about the sweetened condensed milk – oh, my delicious.
I don’t really like guest posts on personal blogs (or blogs with 1 writer), but mamamia is different of course! I did see your post yesterday
I’m happy blogging as a hobby.
I have fallen in love with banana fritters many a time
its totally ok lol
Great review Lorraine
Have been waiting to try Red Lantern especially since I’m now working closely with a colleague who is Vietnamese and he has been raving on about Luke Nyugen hehe 
I would LOVE to blog full time ~ even though life can get really busy…and sometimes tiring blogging still makes me happy hehe
I would love to be able to turn this into a full time job and work on other things part time instead hehe 
PS I read that guest post and really liked it! You’ve done so well for yourself ~
I never get jet lag, I guess I am a bit lucky there.
Blogging is fun, something I didn’t expect. It would be even more fun to make money from it.
Nice! This place looks incredible! Definitely need to check this place out before the crowds get to it.
I never tried the original Red Lantern before but looking at your review I definetely want to try this one. I got an eye on those banana fritters.
ive been wanting to try the original red lantern for a while i think i might chuck a u turn and head for this one too!
This is on my list for the next Sydney food trip!
That restaurant looks a bit of alright. The food is so interesting and colourful and fresh and of course I would have to have the duck and the banana dessert. Looking forward to reading your article on Mamamia xx
What a beautiful restaurant and the food photos make me very very hungry.
I love blogs as it lets normal people who have a passion share it with the world!I’m not happy with part-time blogging although I do find it hard to get the time to write on my blog often as I find myself quite busy with school!
Hi Lorraine, great you brought up the title of your post on mamamia as I have to say I thought the same thing when I was reading the post. I read your comments below the post and found them interesting particularly where you mentioned not making money in the first year and having a mortgage to pay, I admire you very much for giving up corporate life and pursuing your dream. I think at one point or another in anyones career we all dream of giving up our jobs and pursuing our real interests but it takes bravery to actually do it. There are many times that I have read your posts and been very envious of the places that you have been to but I now understand it must have been a challenge in the early days. You should certainly be very proud of yourself, have said it before but I love your blog and can’t wait for the book. As much as I love food I couldn’t be a food blogger as I’d be too impatient to photograph the dishes, I want to eat straight away !:)
Yes I love to read other comments on blogs. I love getting feedback from my tiny blog too! I am very new to the blogging world and would love to take it on full time but am not really sure where to start….baby steps I know I know!
Thanks for your informative posts! Its hard not to lick the screen at times hehe.
Lovely looking restaurant – the food looks wonderful! Can’t wait to try it out for myself.
Not a fan of guest posts personally – not on this type of blog, I’d prefer to read the blog owners writing. Something like Mammamia though I understand the appeal.
I always like reading guest posts. It’s a great way to learn about other blogs. Blogging is definitely one of the best jobs there is (in my opinion!).
Bahn xeo! Oh, my… that looks glorious. When I was living in Hue for 6 weeks I went on a search for the greatest bahn xeo. This one looks almost as good as the ones I tracked down in Vietnam!
Love the sound of Red Lantern on Riley, Lorraine. We ate at the Surry Hills one in January and it was awesome!
Me, I am a food writer and communicator through and through. I have loved writing since I was a little girl and will do it until the day I die.
Squeee! That pumpkin, cinnamon, honeycomb cheesecake sounds like heaven in a bowl!
Haha that deconstructed banh mi platter would make my Vietnamese boyfriend’s father pass out for he’s a food purist!
It – and the rest of the dishes – still look pretty though. I will be in Sydney in a few weeks time and staying at Surry Hills so I will definitely see if I can get a booking at the Crown Street Red Lantern
Hi Marina-Yes it takes so long to do one post and until you do it, it’s hard to see how long it takes! Best of luck for it
and I’m sure you’ll do well!
Hi Theresa-fair enough! I think you really have to want to do it to do it full time
Thank you!
Hi Christie-It as indeed! I know, it was so good. If only I could sleep after drinking it!
Hi Reem-It was lots of fun
Oh that duck! I wish I had some now! 
Sorry! 
Hi Choc Chip Uru-Oh yes so many dishes to love! You’re doing incredibly well and I still can’t believe you’re still at
You’ll be amazing-you are already!
school!
Hi Erin-I would have been happy to write that piece but I thought I should add something in case people wanted to know more!
Hi Rebecca-Yes it’s hard to pick a favourite and it’s great that he is there and so accessible too!
Thank you so much! And yes they take up a lot of time 
Hi Kristy-I bet you would know what to order too!
Yes all the planning takes time! If only it just popped into our heads 
Hi Anna-I know, a brand new one! Hehe I’m glad that you understand!
I think the key is to do whatever you are happiest with 
Hi Rebecca-Yes it sounds like it doesn’t it although I’m sure there is a lot of work involved
You’ve got a great blog and
it’s a great resource for people that have special diets or know people that are on them!
Hi Tina-Yes I can imagine that there’s a lot of pressure to represent Vietnamese food authentically and it’s good that he has
Hi Victoria-Wow and you see so much great food!
Thank you! Yes, it takes time alas and the world of marketing isn’t quite
there at the moment!
Hi Minnie-thanks so much Minnie! Hehe it was just the two of us!
Hi Em-Yes it’s really wonderful to be able to write about the subject that you love
Hi Tina-Sounds like a good idea!
Hi Amanda-I know, it’s a newie! Hehe and it’s nearby you too!
Hi Margaret-Aww you are so sweet Margaret!! You are a gem! Thank you!!
Hi Eha-I’m so glad Eha! What a lucky friend too! I must admit that I do read blogs for the person blogging and look forward to their return keenly when they are away.
Hi Alix-Yes it was good to see you there that evening! You know we didn’t even see the tasting menu we were too busy flipping through the a la carte!
The wallpaper is stunning and really made the atmosphere 
Hi Chanel-Oh it’s amazing, you really must give it a go!
It’s a fun hobby isn’t it?
Hi Nic-Hehe I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Hi Daisy-Thanks Daisy! Oh time for a work lunch there?
Yes, it’s possible but it’s hard 
Thank you so much!
Hi Debra-You are very lucky indeed! Yes it’s wonderfully fun and creative isn’t it!
Hi Phuoc-Absolutely! Just be sure to book
Hi octie-I think I liked this place better mainly for that duck and the banana fritter!
Hi milkteaxx-Hehe why not indeed! Try both
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Oh cool! Have fun in Sydney!
Hi Charlie-Oh yes I want to go back for those two dishes. I hope you like it!
xxx
Hi Maureen-Thanks Maureen! It was great fun
Hi kimberley-I agree
I think it’s great that you do it while at school-well done to you and Choc Chip Uru! 
Hi Stefanie-Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, it is very nice of you to say that and I read it out to Mr NQN just
then
It was a very difficult first year and sometimes I really thought I had made the wrong decision but Mr NQN believed in me and when someone you believe in believes in you, well that can give you confidence 
Anyway, thank you so much for your lovely comment and for your loyal readership, I really appreciate it 
Hi Corrie-Aren’t comments wonderful? They’re like gold dust sprinkles
Thank you so much! And yes baby steps! 
Hi Miss Piggy-Yes I think Mamamia is a different type of blog and one where contributors really work well
Hi Claire-It is absolutely a great job!
Hi SarahKate-I know, yummy huh!
Banh xeo and banh mi are my obsessions 
Hi Lizzy-That’s great! I love writing too, there’s nothing quite like it is there?
Hi Hannah-Hehe I knew you’d like that one!
Hi Libby-Haha really!
Yes, definitely see if you can get a table! 
OMG, it is not right! all that gorgeous food. I am very jealous, and on a full belly after dinner might I add
Ahh, really really wish that Melbourne had good South East Asian food like this! Any chance you can talk to Luke and ask him to come over, please?
Re blogging full-time. Probably not, more of a hobby at the moment. Can you imagine how BIG I would get if I visited a dessert place everyday? A straight run to diabetes/heart attack/tooth decay wouldn’t be ideal! :p
I would love to go to Red Lantern, the food looks so gorgeous and delicious! Hope Luke will come to Melbourne.
I love blogging and yes, I would love it if I can make money off blogging full time, but not everyone’s like you so it’ll be very hard.
Love your guest post, it’s inspirational! 
It’s 9am in Toronto and I’m reading your post before I start working…my mouth is watering and I’m wondering how long until lunch! The food looks absolutely wonderful, Lorraine and it sounds like you had a very nice time too.
I started blogging in 2007 during our kitchen reno and enjoyed it so much that I started another blog just about food. I had no idea it would be so gratifying; only recently I started commenting and receiving comments on my blog, including your generous comments. I am hoping to one day make a living from it, but for now it remains a hobby. Now I shall pop back to your last post to see if you answered my question!
Everything looks delicious. Personally, I’m terrible with jet lag and it never gets easier, no matter how often I travel. I don’t even remember the first few days of my last overseas vacations.
Hi Lorraine. Hope you are well. Sorry I haven’t been visiting for a while. It’s difficult keeping up with my blog reading during my travel at the moment.
Anyway, lovely feast. Everything looks mouthwatering, especially the scallops for me.
I do enjoy reading guest post too, especially from bloggers I already know. But very often, I am introduced to another wonderful bloggers.
Right now I am happy to blog as a hobby, but maybe one day I’d love to do it full time as well.
You have a great day!
banh xeo is so good!! one of my favourite dishes ..
nothing can beat pho though 
I love Vietnamese food and the rice flour crepe is one of my favorite!!
Mmmm I’ve never been to the other one but the dessert and coffee look like they’re worth a visit! It’s hard eating out vietnamese when our families make it so well
I love Luke Ngyuen, and his restaurant is definitely on my list when I visit! I like the look of the pumpkin cheesecake, mmm.
We went to Red Lantern Riley last night, after reading about your visit. The food was absolutely wonderful, though very pricey. The decor is exactly as you’ve described so perfectly, too – lovely, warm and welcoming. Hope I can afford to return one day
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