BYRON BAY
MY NEW CAMERA
INVERLOCH
My true home away from home, my seaside escape; Inverloch. A ninety minute drive east of melbourne landed Rob and myself in the heart of beachside south gippsland. Even though we can only ever go for two nights, even if I rearrange my shifts at work, its nice to get away and forget about it all. It weather was gorgeous and the house was as comforting as ever, ensuring a relaxing and eventful stay.
The Saturday night we arrived we grabbed fish and chips near rainbow park and ate under the cover of the bbq area roof and dusk, listening to the shrieks of children competing to complete the playground course the fastest.
The next morning we headed to the beautiful Archies on the Creek for a market begging me to take home some apples and an intricate hand painted turkish plate. We spent the rest of the day wandering through Loch's many antique stores until we finally returned home so I could contemplate what I was going to cook for dinner. I decided on lmab shanks for Rob and prawns for me which was very yummy, and when we were both content and bloated we crashed on the couch for the night.
Monday saw us visiting Fiona Kennedy's new gallery in Kongwak and grabbing a surprisingly good breakfast in Korrumburra. While the rest of the day now escapes my memory I know it was sunny and calming and we both returned home very reluctantly.
TEQUILA AND TACOS
Paco's Tacos. The newest addition to my mental list of places I have to take each of my friends at least once. The freshness of the outside air, the sting of alcohol and chili and most importantly the yummy cheap snack food make this place unforgettably cool. Fairy lights illuminate the place while you frantically search for a seat (a search which often proves futile.) The cocktails were refreshing and the grilled corn I had was sweet and moorish. My family said the tacos were nothing particularly special but a great feed for $6 and a much better bar snack than hot chips or nuts for that matter. Paco's Tacos is not meant to be a gastronomic, high class restaurant, it is meant to be a place to drink and eat with friends, a place with a great vibe; unpretentious, fun and laid back.
Much to my delight, this year Mum requested to celebrate her birthday at Movida Aqui. This cousin of Movida and Movida next door is tucked away between the bustling street of Collins and the dome of the justice building. Its vibe is fresh but no doubt fancy and its staff are knowledgeable and personal. Looking at the menu it was evident that much care had been taken in incorporating rich flavours into dishes and ensuring all tastes are catered for. From the get go, I knew my family was going to order half the menu and couldn't wait to see the parade of delicately assembled dishes march their way to our table comfortably nestled in the front corner of the restaurant.
The teasers of olives and tradition of bread was delicious in itself, however the dishes to come were fantastic. I had a bowl of chickpea and chorizo stew to myself due to my pescatarianism and it was warming and homely. Apparently the potato bombs were phenomenal as were the 'calamari sandwiches,' salted cod, octopus, pork sausages with black pudding and everything else I can't remember due to my food block. The highlight of the night however were the crab and leek croquetas were probably the best thing I have ever eaten in my ENTIRE life. I wanted to order fifty, freeze them and eat them for the rest of the month. The were crumbly on the outside but oozed cheese in the middle. The crab and leek were subtle but definitely there, going to show that sometimes the simplest sounding dished are the best. Maybe it was because they provoked nostalgic thoughts of my grandmas croquettes but regardless, I recommend everyone try these immediately!
The teasers of olives and tradition of bread was delicious in itself, however the dishes to come were fantastic. I had a bowl of chickpea and chorizo stew to myself due to my pescatarianism and it was warming and homely. Apparently the potato bombs were phenomenal as were the 'calamari sandwiches,' salted cod, octopus, pork sausages with black pudding and everything else I can't remember due to my food block. The highlight of the night however were the crab and leek croquetas were probably the best thing I have ever eaten in my ENTIRE life. I wanted to order fifty, freeze them and eat them for the rest of the month. The were crumbly on the outside but oozed cheese in the middle. The crab and leek were subtle but definitely there, going to show that sometimes the simplest sounding dished are the best. Maybe it was because they provoked nostalgic thoughts of my grandmas croquettes but regardless, I recommend everyone try these immediately!
DUKES COFFEE
Dukes coffee is the cool new cafe you've heard about on the Chapel St block, setting trends with its latte art and delectable breakfasts. It's not that I didn't enjoy the trip here, I was just constantly distracted by the offensively strong truffle smell permeating the air thanks to Mum's breakfast. So I enjoyed sharing the corn fritters with avocado, rocket, chutney and egg with dad, I just couldn't help gagging if I unblocked my nose. I guess I can't really hold the poor cafe accountable, truffle oil smells too much like the moulds they use at the dentist to make plates and braces, and let's just say my memories of much times are not fond at all, in fact I would always leave the dentist with a much more empty stomach than what I came in with...
ALL ABOARD
27/03/12
PLATFORM 3..
The new kid on the block to come and add some more culture to the fabulous Koornang Rd in Carnegie. We went as soon as it opened and after merely 2 days of trading they did quite well. For what I saw, breakfast is not going to be their main selling point (as enjoyable and good as it was) as their lunch menu was much more extensive. Specials of delicious vegetable pasta, bruschetta and a dips platter were to spoil those who came later in the day. The decor reflected the contrast of used and new with rusty locker in the corner behind bright plants and fruit.
For breakfast I had the ciabatta topped with avocado and fetta and a side of mushrooms. After a small misunderstanding with what I had ordered, my breakfast came and was delicious. The mushrooms were meaty, tasty and not gritty or slimy while the avocado and fetta were velvety and moorish. The ciabatta had been baked that morning, seconds before my breakfast came and was perfect. With the right amount of air in it and slightly sour taste it was a great accompaniment to the softer avocado and fetta. Rob had the classic bacon and poached eggs on sourdough with mushrooms and a side of avocado. He said it was lovely and the poached eggs were done perfectly. I think with a few extra breakfast items on the menu like baked eggs or pancakes this place with do very well, and it will definitely be a regular hang out.
The new kid on the block to come and add some more culture to the fabulous Koornang Rd in Carnegie. We went as soon as it opened and after merely 2 days of trading they did quite well. For what I saw, breakfast is not going to be their main selling point (as enjoyable and good as it was) as their lunch menu was much more extensive. Specials of delicious vegetable pasta, bruschetta and a dips platter were to spoil those who came later in the day. The decor reflected the contrast of used and new with rusty locker in the corner behind bright plants and fruit.
For breakfast I had the ciabatta topped with avocado and fetta and a side of mushrooms. After a small misunderstanding with what I had ordered, my breakfast came and was delicious. The mushrooms were meaty, tasty and not gritty or slimy while the avocado and fetta were velvety and moorish. The ciabatta had been baked that morning, seconds before my breakfast came and was perfect. With the right amount of air in it and slightly sour taste it was a great accompaniment to the softer avocado and fetta. Rob had the classic bacon and poached eggs on sourdough with mushrooms and a side of avocado. He said it was lovely and the poached eggs were done perfectly. I think with a few extra breakfast items on the menu like baked eggs or pancakes this place with do very well, and it will definitely be a regular hang out.
DATE NIGHT
Yes, he did make this, all by himself. I know, I know, I am so lucky to have a boyfriend who can cook like this. Snapper stuffed with feta, spinach, toasted pine nuts and breadcrumbs. The fish must have been caught that morning it was so fresh and the potatoes were crunchy on the outer and mashed in the middle. Yummy yummy yummy, Mmmm mmmm mmm. Jealous?
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Red Cliffs in Carnegie?
When a restaurant of a particular cuisine is filled with people descendant from that region you know it has got to be authentic. That was the case with Red Cliff Chinese Restaurant in Carnegie. Although we felt like outsiders, not really knowing what to order or what those on the the table next to us were actually eating, we took a while to decide what to get. Quite frankly we got enough for a small army but unsurprisingly were happy to attempt to finish it off. Spicy Chips is not your stock standard Chinese meal but gosh was good. Spicy, fried and punchy, it was definitely a great albeit strange choice. Next to come was the wok fried spinach and garlic, my favourite! So filling and nutritious, its hard to go wrong here, but the restaurant cooked up a hearty and flavourful serving (or four). Next was Robert's pork belly and while I had none of the belly I did gorge on the vegetables. The sauce was not thick and stodgy like take-away chinese but more refined and complex, somehow sweet and tangy and spicy all at the same time. The grand finale was the whole steamed barramundi decorated with ribbons of spring onions twigs of ginger and a delicate sauce of soy, lime and ginger (if my taste buds could be trusted after all the chili). It was a fabulous way to end a delicious meal and we left with expanding bellies, a little less cash but a whole lot of happiness.
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The Hardware Societe
After seeing this hidden Melbourne cafe sit as the number one brunch stop in Melbourne for way too long now, I felt like I had to go see what all the fuss was about. With its industrial lights, classy wallpaper and oh so grandma-chic tea sets I could see why so much of Melbourne had fallen for the place. Service is swift and the menu much more interesting than your local brunch spot. Three different types of baked eggs, zucchini and walnut toast and a crab and egg cocette all grabbed my attention. In going for the cocette, I think I made a mistake as obviously this place is famous for something, I believe this is not the dish as it left a very confused flavour in my mouth... Robert however said his baked eggs with chorizo were divine and I'm sure this is more the true standard of food, but overall a very charming place to adventure to.
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Walk with the Animals
What better day to go to the zoo than a cold drizzly miserable one. It seemed the gorillas were effected by seasonal related depression as much as we are prone to, hiding under large rocks and looking dismal and grey. It really was the best day to go however as we seemed to be two of the few people actually at the zoo. The butterfly house was left just to us as I hoped one would land on me like they used to when I was younger. I loved the vibrant birds, breath-taking big cats, balletic seals and intelligent capuchins. Its somewhere I would like to visit more often, especially on a day that the meerkats are actually there. Nonetheless I can never say no to a day of walking, photographing and making up a picnic in the morning!
Valentines Day at the Botanic Gardens
I admire the achieved seclusion of the botanic gardens, even wedged between the bustling city and gridlocked highway. I love the beauty of the plants, the intriguing wildlife and the tourist who take photos of you sitting by the lake until you look, and they point the camera at an oblivious seagull. Take a picnic, find a tree and fall asleep at midday in the botanic gardens.
BYRON BAY
Taken at the gorgeous Byron Bay where hundreds of cultures collide in an eruption of spirited and eclectic flair. Each and every person treats each other as equals whether you are a local, a backpacker, homeless or rich. I love Byron bay and have since I first went there as a nine-year-old. From 'In the Pink' the best gourmet gelato in Australia, to the Top Shop with the best breakfast, smoothies and coffee. From the grueling lighthouse walk, to Bruce and Debbie's deck chairs, anything and everything goes in one of the most famous places in the spectacular land down under.