JENIUS

The Thai at d'Albora Marina, Cabarita

2010-03-11T01:08:09Z

Good views don't always have to come with a hefty price tag and The Thai at d'Albora Marina in Sydney's Inner West suburb, Cabarita, is probably one of the most overlooked waterfront restaurants. Simple Thai seafood dishes are freshly prepared as the sun sets on a sparkly Parramatta River, making it the perfect spot for romance on a budget (plus it's BYO)! Waterfront dining at The Thai, Cabarita Having booked a table, Zen and I walk right in and take a seat by the calm ripples. There are other tables tucked away beneath a tree in a cottage-like garden. Takeaway Continue reading "The Thai at d'Albora Marina, Cabarita" »

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March Into Merivale 2010 & the Cointreau Blush cocktail

2010-03-08T22:54:22Z

On the dining out scale, we have cheap eats on one end and fine dining at the other. But what goes in between during those weekdays which you feel like a bit of indulgence without milking your wallet? What if you want something slightly special on a budget? That's been my situation lately so I'm dedicating this month to indulgence on a budget. And what better way to kick start the theme than to look at what the Merivale restaurants are offering during their March Into Merivale festival (15 February - 16 April). During the eight week festival, nine Merivale Continue reading "March Into Merivale 2010 & the Cointreau Blush cocktail" »

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Showbags for the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show revealed

2010-03-06T07:18:08Z

Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show's showbag launch media event which you could say was like fulfilling a childhood fantasy! Imagine, all 302 showbags spread out in one giant hall... no crowds, no queues and plenty of time to snoop for new showbags as well as old classics. (Yep, I'm one of those people who never leave without a Bertie Beetle bag!) As like last year and probably the year before, cooler bags seem to be a trophy item with showbags this year such as Dora the Explorer, Dare Iced Coffee, Nova, Dairy Continue reading "Showbags for the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show revealed" »

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The ChocolateSuze Wedding Extravaganza

2010-03-04T13:28:30Z

I wasn't going to blog about this but as soon as I reviewed the photos taken on my point & shoot, I couldn't wait to share the excitement, the sweetness and the fun. So here are a few snapshots of how these two crazy kids (Suze, The Biscuit Tree baker who doesn't seem to have a limit on the amount of Mother or sugar she consumes, and Noods, my fellow DesCompie who is obsessed with footy) celebrated: Hehehe... I know that was more than "a few" snapshots, but come on, how can I summarize giant gummi bears, a Wonka themed Continue reading "The ChocolateSuze Wedding Extravaganza" »

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Cover story on 9to5

2010-03-04T02:29:27Z

This week's edition of 9to5 included a cover story on our national obsession with all things culinary and the rise of the food blog, featuring quotes from myself (yay!), Tom of Tomatom.com, Lorraine of NotQuiteNigella.com and Maeve O'Meara of Food Safari. Are we savvier or are we obsessed? Read the full cover story on 9to5 online > And if you're eyeing the waffles pictured in the article, you can check out that post here. They're none other than my very comforting coconut and pandan waffles... Mmmm... Continue reading "Cover story on 9to5" »

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My first TV gig

2010-03-02T06:59:36Z

In some rather exciting news (which you may have already seen on TV or read on Twitter or Facebook), I was recently asked if I'd like to do a live cross to Channel 7's Sunrise. On TV? Me? I've never really liked seeing myself in any video footage, even if it's the boyfriend shooting me on holidays. I think video shows all of one's flaws including those awkward faces you never knew you could pull. But putting that fear aside, I said yes. Definitely, yes. I am a believer in pushing myself out of my comfort zone. So anyway, here Continue reading "My first TV gig" »

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Beef & Beer Class at MuMu Grill

2010-02-26T06:52:57Z

"Have a beer and a conversation so you don't stuff around with it" says Craig of MuMu Grill, as he gives us advice on how to properly cook beef. The key tip is to look for chargrill marks. Grill it for 2½ minutes, rotate it 90 degrees and grill for another 2½ minutes then flip and do the same. As important as the cooking stage, it is also crucial to rest the meat for half the amount of time it took to cook. But before I get carried away with my learnings from MuMu's Beef & Beer class, let me Continue reading "Beef & Beer Class at MuMu Grill" »

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Chinese New Year 2010 and our suckling pig

2010-02-23T02:24:30Z

Childhood memories of Chinese New Year have always featured elaborate homemade banquets on the eve of the New Year followed by a day witnessing the roaring of firecrackers and drums as the lion dance parades through masses of crowds in Sydney's Chinatown. This year however was different. I had taken on an ambitious project with Asian Home Gourmet at the City Of Sydney Chinese New Year festival markets (12 - 14 February 2010), to present a line-up of delicious kitchen demonstrations on a live stage, and hence wasn't home when families across the globe were reuniting with a feast. Lots Continue reading "Chinese New Year 2010 and our suckling pig " »

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WIN double passes to Taste Of Sydney 2010!

2010-02-15T03:06:47Z

How creepy is it that we're in February already? I can account for January but I honestly have no idea where the first two weeks of this month has gone. One good thing about this though, is that it means we're getting even closer to Taste Of Sydney 2010! Long time readers may recall last year's events, if not, feel free to read about the very exciting launch event, my giveaway competition and the post-event review. So yes, it is that time of the year again, where we've worked off the Christmas fat and are ready to celebrate the best Continue reading "WIN double passes to Taste Of Sydney 2010!" »

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My shopping frenzy at the $2.50 (100 yen) Shop

2010-02-04T07:41:48Z

While on my maid of honour duties (bridal dress shopping for my sister), the bridesmaids, my Mum and I had an hour to kill in between appointments so I decided to introduce everyone to the $2.50 shop on Clarence Street. Yes, we Sydney-siders have our very own Japanese 100 yen shop! Shopping at Maruyu's $2.50 (100 yen) shop at Sydney's Clarence Street, Town Hall To the bemusement of my sister, who had never traveled to Japan and learnt of the treasures available for only 100 yen each, she squealed with joy. It was only my second visit and much like Continue reading "My shopping frenzy at the $2.50 (100 yen) Shop" »

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My Big Fat Greek Feast... at Perama

2010-01-31T02:44:35Z

It is a rare occasion for a foodie to feel defeated by food... But for $50, David Tsirekas serves up a banquet that goes beyond satisfaction. It leaves a lasting food coma... So a few nights ago, I introduced Perama to my sister and a few girlfriends who have become instant fans. These photos are from a Tweet-Up late last year with @CarmR, @CitrusAndCandy, @Reemski, @KristinMoore2, @felixeplody, @GastroPorn and @FionaLaughton. It starts off slow with a trilogy of classic Greek dips and plentiful bread. There's creamy taramasalata, a refreshing tzatziki, and a eggplant dip which is elegantly smokey. Dips with Continue reading "My Big Fat Greek Feast... at Perama" »

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Something for the barbie: A killer chicken wing marinade

2010-01-22T03:34:05Z

With Australia Day coming up and the end of summer approaching, I thought I would share my special chicken wing marinade recipe which is always a winner at BBQs. I'm already dreading the upcoming shorter days (without daylight saving) so will be BBQing at every given chance. The flavours in this are vibrant and zesty and will help you appreciate the simplicity of Vietnamese cuisine. With nothing more than a stalk of lemongrass, a bulb of garlic, some fish sauce and sugar, this marinade punches and kicks the liveliness of Saigon in your mouth. It can be served alongside a Continue reading "Something for the barbie: A killer chicken wing marinade" »

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Featured in CLEO!

2010-01-19T05:27:12Z

*Waves* to new readers from CLEO Magazine! I'm thrilled to announce that the February edition of CLEO features a "foodgasmic" article (page 78) on food bloggers, with mentions to myself, Lorraine, Suze, Lili, Lisa and Anita! While it has been almost a decade since I've last purchased a copy of CLEO, I'm so excited that we are featured in something which was the fashion bible of my young teen years. Here's a readable version of the article: For food bloggers, a meal can be a downright "foodgasmic" experience. Carla Caruso investigates. gastro porn. In the same way other girls Continue reading "Featured in CLEO!" »

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Burning tongue, burning bum

2010-01-14T00:29:40Z

Did the title catch your attention? Well, that's exactly what you will get from eating Stra Pocha's chilli chicken. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted. While we are spoilt for choice when it comes to Korean cuisine in Sydney, it's not always possible to find a place which hasn't lowered the heat intensity of it's chilli foods to cater for the general non-chilli-eating population. At Stra Pocha, the chilli chicken ($35) comes with a warning of three red chillis on the menu. Back before this new menu was introduced, the warning used to come in the form of "It Continue reading "Burning tongue, burning bum" »

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Picnic Sandwiches

2010-01-13T02:46:17Z

Sandwiches are the ultimate picnic food as they're portable and thousands of variations can be made to suit all tastes. For example, you could easily replace the usual white sandwich bread for tortillas, flatbreads, sourdough or a crusty baguette for a gourmet touch. The warm sunny weather this summer just beckons for a picnic. And that's just what I did (and have been doing since spring). Grab a picnic basket and stock it with some cheeses, Lavosh crackers, olives, and some fresh fruit then either pre-make the sandwiches, wrapping them individually, or pack the ingredients in separate containers and off Continue reading "Picnic Sandwiches" »

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