A late start to meetings had us meeting up with the Fuminator for an early lunch in Ginza before our working day started. Actually the Fuminator’s day had well and truly started earlier that day back in the office. Moi, on the other hand, spent the morning traipsing around Ginza shopping. I looked at it as my duty to inject monies in to the Japanese post tsunami economy. Read more →
The first thing that strikes me about New Shanghai is the decor, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the decor. I feel like I am transported to a little alley in Shanghai in the 30s. Sitting on the wood and red accented stools at wooden tables you feel like you are sitting outside shopfronts in a small bustling alley. The bustling comes from the busy wait staff whizzing by to attend to the full restaurant. Read more →
Sunny Harbour Seafood is a regular yum cha spot for us in Hurstville. Even though we have frequented this restaurant many times to partake in various dumplings, we have never had dinner here. Mum and Dad were down from Queensland for a very brief visit and it was decided a Chinese meal was on the cards. The perfect opportunity to try Sunny Harbour as we didn’t want to drive in to town. Let’s face it, decent Chinese restaurants in the Sutherland Shire are hard to find. Well, sadly, I haven’t found one yet and I have been living here for 19 years.
The restaurant is both licensed and BYO. Service is quick and attentive. We notice we are the only caucasian family eating there that evening, so that has to be a good sign that the food is good. I notice that most of the families dining take advantage of the mud crab special that is on offer. What that special is, I’m not sure as I couldn’t read the menu. I didn’t ask as it wasn’t what we were after. I am very tempted to go back and try it out as the crab looked awesome.
My Mum isn’t a very adventurous eater, so we ordered pretty mainstream dishes. Not ordered on the menu was chicken with fried bones and tofu stuffed with shrimp, both items I want to try and feel they warrant a return visit.
We didn’t order entrees and instead decided on five main dishes and steamed rice. Read more →
Welcome to another Sydney foodie round up of what is happening food wise. March into Merivale is definitely starting to get in to full swing! If you know of any events or want to add your event to ‘What’s on Sydney Foodie?‘ weekly roundup, just get in touch with me.
Friday 24th February
Fish Friday
Head down to Martin Place and join in on a BBQ lunch presented by Caritas Australia and Peter Doyle. Your donation for lunch ($5-$10) will help Caritas Australia’s work to help empower impoverished communities. Martin Place, Sydney, 12pm-2pm.
Moove Mphones & Taste Invaders
Head down to Circular Quay and check out Moove’s giant pair of ‘Mphones’, a sculpture made from over 40,000 Moove cartons. Challenge your friends at Augmented Reality game ‘Taste Invaders’.
Fleet Park, The Rocks side of Circular Quay, 3pm-7pm More Info
Cycle in Cinema @ Taylor Square
Entertainment and a way to burn off those food indulgences, even munch on some popcorn while you do. A bike powered outdoor cinema in Taylor Square hosted by Magnificent Revolution. Don’t panic you won’t have to power the movie continuously, everybody gets to take a turn, just. This free event runs from 24th – 26th Feb, BYO bike, 7.30pm More Info
Saturday 25th February
Summer Dessert Cooking Class
Learn to make some delicious desserts such as, yoghurt parfait, champagne sabayon and cold lemon soufflé. Also discover chef’s secrets to ensure a perfect dessert every time. Class cost $85, bookings essential Ph 9922 2299
North Sydney Community Centre, 220 Miller St, North Sydney, 1pm-5pm
Australian Technology Park Open Day
A fun packed day with something for everybody. Discover the history of the Eveleigh Railways, dabble with science, lots of family fun, entertainment and of course food. Cooking demos from Jimmy Seervai (former MasterChef contestant), Alex Herbert (ex Bird Cow Fish) and Yaama Dhiyann (indigenous food). Also breakaway gourmet food stalls from Eveleigh Market.
Australian Technology Park, Henderson Road, Alexandria, 10am-4pm, free parking More Info
Sunday 26th February
Glenorie Growers’ Market
Only a 50 minute drive from Sydney CDB will find you at Glenorie Growers’ Market. Sample cheeses, yoghurts, hand-made chocolates, spices, pickles, chutneys, jams and much more.
Glenorie Shopping Village, Glenorie, 8am-1pm More Info
Lifesavers with Pride Beach BBQ & Carnival
Join one of the star troupes from the Mardi Gras Parade, the Lifesavers with Pride, as they host a cruisy, relaxed BBQ.
Tamarama Beach, 1pm, free event More Info
Woman of Soul Picnic
Pack yourself a picnic, grab the picnic blanket and head down to the Parkside location in Alexandria. For more information head to the Facebook event page.
Alexandria, TBA, free event, 12pm-8pm More Info
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th February
Sydney Cellar Door
One of the country’s largest wine and food tasting event. Meet around 100 talented NSW winemakers who will bringing wine for tasting from NSW 14 diverse wine regions. There will be fabulous food stalls featuring produce from around NSW, farmhouse cheeses, smallgoods, terrines, delicious BBQ’d meats and more. Enjoy all day live music and cool entertainment. The event is free to entre with wine tasting packages starting at $25. Tasting packages are available to purchase in advance.
Hyde Park, Sydney, 11am – 6pm More Info
Greek Festival of Sydney
The Greek Festival of Sydney is one of Australia’s longest running annual cultural event. Bring your appetites to enjoy scrumptious Greek food while enjoying music, dance and local and international acts.
Darling Harbour, Sydney, 3pm-11pm (Sat) 10am-10pm (Sun) More Info
Monday 27th February
Altitude Restaurant Celebrates NSW Wine Festival
Altitude Restaurant will open its doors for lunch, it has been seven years since the last time they did this. For $50 you will receive an amuse bouche starter, followed by a main course with a glass of McGuigan Bin Range chardonnay. This event runs from Monday 27th Feb, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 31st March. Phone Altitude for reservations, ph 9250 6123
Altitude Restaurant, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, 175 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Tuesday 28th February
Pork Off: East Vs West
Who can rock the pork? Jeremy Strode from Bistrode CBD engages in the battle of the pig with Jowett Yu from Ms.G’s. A showcase of British and Asian pork dishes not to be missed. Bookings essential ph 9240 3000
Bristrode CBD, Level 1, Hotel CBD, 52 King St, Sydney, 6.30pm More Info
Raid the Cellar
Now is your chance to try some of the best wines snuggled away in some of Merivale’s top restaurants. Every Tuesday during March into Merivale, you can raid the cellars of Uccello, est, Mad Cow, Ash St Cellar, sushi e, Felix and Bistrode B=CBD. Just spend $100/person on wine ($150/person est) and receive a three course meal for free. Bookings are essential ph 9240 3000
Various restaurants, Sydney, lunch & dinner, now until 3rd April More Info
Chilean Banquet
Enjoy a five course Chilean dinner whipped up by Uccello’s Claudio Morales and Ivy’s Chilean head sommelier Dennis Roman lead you through a banquet that will surprise and tantalise you. $70/person for five courses and a glass of wine or beer. Bookings essential ph 9240 3000.
Uccello, Level 4, ivy, 320 George St, Sydney, 6.30pm More Info
Wednesday 29th February
Nose to Tail Degustation
Enjoy a five course degustation of nose to tail cuts, plus a glass of wine or beer. $80/person, bookings essential ph 9240 3000.
Mad Cow, level 1, ivy, 330 George St, Sydney, 7.00pm More Info
Thursday 1st March
Invivo Wine Night Series – $5/glass!
Helm Bar in conjunction with Invivo Wines have announced their Wine Night Series. Enjoy $5 wines in Helm’s Lower Deck beer garden every Thursday night until the 15th March. While you are there be sure to check out Helm’s menu, nightly specials, bar snacks and hearty pub meals.
Helm Bar, Aquarium Wharf, Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, from 6pm
Planning Ahead
Paddock to Plate Market Tour & Cooking Class
Meet at the Essential Cafe and head down to Pyrmont Growers markets by private bus with Tawnya Bahr. Tawnya will guide you around the markets where you will meet local farmers and taste their produce. Return to the Essential Ingredient and head to the kitchen for a hands on cooking class. The “Goddess of Love” Wanitha Tanasingam has devised an East Asian menu just for you. Each participant receives a black Essential Ingredient bag with a tasting plate and fork, plus you enjoy a fabulous lunch source by you. Cost $175/person and bookings essential.
Meet at the The Essential Cafe, Rozelle, 7.30am-1.00pm Booking & More Info
Playground Weekender – 2nd, 3rd & 4th March
Australia’s best loved boutique festival is just around the corner. This will be the Weekender’s 6th year and they will be celebrating the marriage of good food and music. Get Forked will see the food trucks that have been causing a stir in Sydney drive into Del Rio. Miss Chu, Cantina, Veggie Patch and Grill’d will all be there. Enjoy a drink at The Local with Magners Irish Cider and Coopers Pale Ale. Entertainment abounds with burlesque and cabaret in the evenings and stand up comedy during the day, and of course music. For ticketing and further information please refer HERE.
The Del Rio Riverside Resort, Hawkesbury River, NSW
I love this recipe, it has been a staple in my recipe folder for over 25 years. A dessert that my mum has made for as long as I can remember. Fail safe and easy for entertaining. I use to love it when mum and dad had dinner parties. I had dinner earlier and mum always saved a slice of the torte for me. She would serve it to her guests whole with a slice missing. Her excuse was that it always looked better when guests could see the layers. In truth it was to make sure I got my slice the next day, as the whole dessert would be polished off each time without fail.
Those of you that juggle life and are time poor, know how frightening it is to entertain guests mid week. This was my mum’s fail safe dessert and has become mine. It is a family favourite and often is whipped up as a birthday cake. I am addicted to its flavours of almonds, cream and rum. If I haven’t made it for a while, I will actually crave it.
The joy of this dessert is the ease of preparation. The filling consists of beating some butter, adding a few ingredients then folding through stiff egg whites. Layering Niece biscuits, which have been brushed liberally with rum and milk, with the filling. Wrapping your dessert in aluminium foil and placing in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hours, 18 is better. The magic happens once left to rest in the fridge overnight. The biscuits become softer and flavours meld. All that is then needed is a covering of whipped cream and decorating with some chocolate before serving.
When I decided I was going to share this recipe with you, I had the vision of shaved chocolate and strawberries adorning the dessert. Once I gave this some thought, I decided to not tart up the torte, but share how I actually decorate it. Flake, smashed up flake sprinkled on top, again easy and tasty. If you wanted to you could go down the more labour intensive task of shaved chocolate and the likes, but this recipe is meant to be easy.
Biscotten Torte
The ugly duckling before covering in cream and chocolate
Please make sure you use butter in this recipe and not margarine. I have been making this recipe for so long I have tried all the variations. If you use margarine your torte will not hold together. I also suggest you avoid making this dessert in the middle of a scorching hot Summer’s day. The filling will fight you all the way and slide off your biscuits when trying to layer. It can be done, but if it is hot weather make it first thing in the morning the day before. Unless you have air-conditioning of course.
Do tell dear Belly Rumbles’ reader, do you have a loved dessert from childhood that you continue to make today?
I have wanted to visit Sake ever since seeing Shaun Presland create magic on MasterChef. Yes, it seems that I too can be influenced by MasterChef.
My desire to visit strengthened greatly when I realised that Sake was situated in the same space as a restaurant I use to work at around 19 years ago. Back then it was called the Argyle Tavern. I am pretty sure that quite a few of you guys wouldn’t of heard of it, it was probably well and truly before your time.
I am going to apologise about my ramblings at the start about my past life in hospitality. I suggest you go grab a cup of coffee/tea for my flash back to a former life, sorry!
The Argyle Tavern was geared towards tourists. You could of classed it as a theatre restaurant of sorts. Think Dirty Dicks but without employees getting up on stage to perform skits etc. Well that isn’t entirely true, there were a couple of times that you would be tortured on stage. There was a house band that played Aussie style bush music during the evenings. Initiation for your first night on the job was to be thrown up on stage in front of a packed house to sing and encourage from the stage to get guests to join in. The rest of us just walked between the tables clapping our hands and singing from a less prominent position to cajole patrons to join in. Read more →
Have you ever eaten Kamameshi? I haven’t seen it on a Japanese menu or seen a restaurant that specialises in this dish in Sydney.
Kamameshi literally translates as ‘kettle rice’, a very popular Japanese dish which is prepared and served in a small pot. The closest dish it reminds me of is Korean bibimbap.
It is a rice dish topped with selected ingredients that are cooked and served in a pot called ‘kama’ and in this circumstance ‘meshi’ means rice. The ingredients are cooked in stock, in the pot, which creates taste congruity between rice and toppings. It is my understanding that this dish originated during the big Kanto earthquake in 1923. Apparently a restaurant owner cooked up a dish of mixed rice for those affected by the earthquake. Read more →
The first edition of What’s on Sydney was received really well. Thank you to all for your feedback and comments, really appreciated.
The next seven days features quite a few wine events which are worth heading down to. Also March into Merival has well and truly kicked off, as you will see from numerous events listed below. Another big foodie week in Sydney, but then again, when is it not!
Friday 17th February
High Tea
Either winding down your working week or starting your weekend with a little luxury, why don’t you check out one of the best value high teas around Sydney. $24/couple, $40/couple including sparkling white. Live pianist on Fridays.
Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport, The Grove Restaurant, Cnr Robey & O’Riordan Sts, Mascot, 2pm – 5pm More Info
Grand Millesime Event – 2010 Burgundy Tasting Experience
Experience 40 different Burgundies from the outstanding 2010 vintage. Wines from villages to Grand Cru.
Sydney Wine Centre, 122 Young St, Annandale, 2pm – 6.30pm More Info
Saturday 18th February
Cooking Camp for Kids – Honeycomb & French Toast
Kids will learn about locally grown and in season food, how to cook it and how to hold a feast with friends. They will shop for the produce to be cooked and meet the farmers who grow the food. $18/child, ages 7 – 13, cost covers food and class, bookings essential.
Taylor Square Farmers Market, 373 Bourke Street (Taylor Square), Darlinghurst, 9am – 12.30pm More Info
Domaine Georges Lignier Grand Cru Dinner @ Arras
Over a four course meal you will taste three vintages of each of the four Grand Crus produced by Domaine Georges. All wines have come direct from the domaine, the older wines were air freighted especially for this dinner. Dinner and accompanying wines $199. Tickets can be purchased via phone: (03) 9326 5737 or see more info.
Restaurant Arras, 204 Clarence Street, Sydney, 7pm More Info
Sunday 19th February
Tropfest
Pack your picnic hamper, grab the much neglected picnic rug and head down to Tropfest this Sunday and celebrate their 20th anniversary! If you don’t know what Tropfest is, then my friend, you need to get a life. Tropfest is Australia’s most prestigious annual short film festival. Again it is being held at the Domain and gates open at 11am. Trop Jr runs from 11am – 2pm and the main event, Movie Extra Tropfest Australia starts at 3pm and finishes around 11pm.
The Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, 11am – 11pm More Info
Italian Sunday Lunch
Each Sunday from today until the 5th April, the team at the Beresford Hotel will be hosting an extravagant Italian feast for the family. For $45/person you too can live the sweet life, la dolce vita.
Beresford Hotel, 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, 12pm-3pm More Info
Celebrating Royal - Back to Audley
Come down to the Royal National Park and celebrate the re-opening of Audley. There will be lots activities, live music and food stalls.
Audley, Royal National Park, 10am – 4pm, More Info
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th February
Sydney Cellar Door
One of the country’s largest wine and food tasting event. Meet around 100 talented NSW winemakers who will bringing wine for tasting from NSW 14 diverse wine regions. There will be fabulous food stalls featuring produce from around NSW, farmhouse cheeses, smallgoods, terrines, delicious BBQ’d meats and more. Enjoy all day live music and cool entertainment. The event is free to entre with wine tasting packages starting at $25. Tasting packages are available to purchase in advance.
Hyde Park, Sydney, 11am – 6pm More Info
Monday 20th February
Riva Pasta Master Class
Join Eugenio Riva, celebrated head chef of one hatted restaurant Uccello, for a pasta making class. The evening includes a two course inner plus glass of wine or beer. $75/person, be sure to book quickly ph: 9240 3000
Uccello, Level 4, Ivy, 320 George St, Sydney, 6.30pm More Info
Tuesday 21st February
Pancake Day – Shrove Tuesday
Head down to Martin Place t watch Chef Brad Jolly in a live pancake cook off and tossing demonstration. Also sample a range of delicious pancakes including, lemon, orange, sugar, nutella, strawberries and more. Also try your luck at getting in to the Guinness Book of Records for the most pancakes flipped in one minute.
Martin Place (outside ANZ), between Castlereagh & Pitt Sts, Sydney
The Fall of Sydney’s Department Stores
Not food related but I think will be a very interesting talk by Michael Lech from the Historic Houses Trust. Michael will examine the forces that led to the demise of Sydney’s department stores and gives a glimpse of the future of retailing in the 21st century. If you work in town, why not grab a sandwich and head on down for the talk during lunch. Free event.
Sydney Mechanic’s School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney, 12.30pm – 1.30pm More Info
NZ Pinot Noir Master Class
Let Master Sommelier Franck Moreau guide and educate you in a master class which focuses on Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Some of the best wineries from the North and South Island will be showcased. Which one will be your new favourite? $45/person, includes wine tasting and cheese, bookings ph: 9240 3000.
The Bottle Shop, Shop 1, Palings Lane, Sydney, 6pm – 7.30pm More Info
American Diner Degustation
Chef Christopher Whitehead is preparing a special degustation dinner to celebrate and showcase American diner classics. $70/person, five courses and a glass of wine or beer, bookings essential ph: 9240 3000
Mad Cow, Level 1, Ivy, 330 George Street, Sydney, from 7pm More Info
Wednesday 22nd February
Mt Difficulty Dinner
Four course dinner cooked by Chef Jeremy Strode which is perfectly matched to Mt Difficulty wines. Mt Difficulty is one of the most esteemed wineries from the Central Otago area in New Zealand. $95/person, four courses with matched wines, booking essential ph: 9240 3000.
Birstrode CBD, Level 1, Hotel CBD, 52 King St, Sydney, 7pm More Info
Thursday 23rd February
Journo’s Jam
Not a foodie event, but it is for a very good cause and is sure to be lots of fun. Journo’s Jam is a fund raiser for Today Tonight’s Sally Obermeder who is suffering from an aggressive form of breast cancer. The night will be hosted by Larry Emdur. This is a Channel 7 vs Channel 10 battle of the bands. You will receive a complimentary drinks on arrival and there will be exclusive lucky door prizes. Tickets available at the door or can be purchased on line $20/person +BF.
Upstairs at The Beresford Hotel, Level 1, 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, 6pm-1am More Info
Invivo Wine Night Series – $5/glass!
Helm Bar in conjunction with Invivo Wines have announced their Wine Night Series. Enjoy $5 wines in Helm’s Lower Deck beer garden every Thursday night until the 15th March. While you are there be sure to check out Helm’s menu, nightly specials, bar snacks and hearty pub meals.
Helm Bar, Aquarium Wharf, Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, from 6pm
New Zealand in a Glass
Okay this isn’t a weekend event, but I thought it was well worth a mention. Join over 60 premium NZ wineries at the exclusive, once a year tasting. 25 new wineries will be featured with over 400 wines available to taste. One lucky guest will have a chance to win return airfares for two to New Zealand. Tickets are $45/person which includes your own Riedel glass to take home.
The Balcony level, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park, 6.30pm – 9.30pm More Info
Sushi Masterclass @ Newtown Library
A great little lunch time workshop being run by Hideo Dekura on the art of sushi making. I have actually undertaken on of Hideo’s classes at the Sydney Seafood School and they guy is fantastic to learn from as well as entertaining. This is a FREE event and bookings are essential. Phone 8512 4250.
Newtown Library, 8 – 10 Brown St, Newtown, 12.30pm – 1.30pm. More Info
Planning Ahead
Playground Weekender – 2nd, 3rd & 4th March
Australia’s best loved boutique festival is just around the corner. This will be the Weekender’s 6th year and they will be celebrating the marriage of good food and music. Get Forked will see the food trucks that have been causing a stir in Sydney drive into Del Rio. Miss Chu, Cantina, Veggie Patch and Grill’d will all be there. Enjoy a drink at The Local with Magners Irish Cider and Coopers Pale Ale. Entertainment abounds with burlesque and cabaret in the evenings and stand up comedy during the day, and of course music. For ticketing and further information please refer HERE.
The Del Rio Riverside Resort, Hawkesbury River, NSW
Prawn toast is a favourite of mine. The crunch of biting through the crisp fried bread base and savouring the juicy prawn topping, truly scruptious. Usually eaten just out of the wok, steam escaping from the prawn topping, usually up my nose as I take that first bite.
As much as I adore prawn toast, it really isn’t an everyday food, is it?. Being fried in oil, the bread does do it’s fair share of soaking a bit of that oil up, no matter how well you drain it. Healthy for you, this dish is not.
On the weekend once in a while I will make this as a treat for the boys, and of course as a treat for myself. Simple finger food served with some sweet chilli sauce on the side.
I never order them these days when we eat out at Chinese restaurants. I have often wondered if they are of those ‘Anglo’ dishes that are just there for those of us from non Chinese backgrounds. They were a staple item I would always want to order as a child, but these days I always tend to order items a lot more interesting and unusual. Read more →
No matter if you are a Valentine’s Day fan or you sit in the anti Valentine camp, if you don’t like robots then there is something very very wrong with you.
I have decided that today will forever be known as Robot’s Bearing Hearts’ Day. What better alternative to Valentine’s Day than the celebration of robot love. There really isn’t enough robot love out there, and it will be appreciated, when in the future we welcome our robot overlords. Read more →
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Oh wow, these look fab! Then again, condensed milk makes...5:28 am by Lisa the Gourmet Wog
I so need those dig free leg thingys! Way too many lumps...11:50 am by littlemunch
I don't know what to make...gah! This looks really delish...you...5:28 am by Miss Piggy
To be honest I have about a billion cheat treats! But what...11:50 am by Swah
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