Ah… feeling really nostalgic this week. Remembering the amazing evening that was New years eve on Sydney harbour with Sophie, Bob and about 10 mates. It was stunning, because of the natural beauty of the location, the amazing fireworks, but also, because if there is one thing Australians do really well, it’s incinerate meat in any location… even off the back of a boat.
When I grew up in Australia in the 70s, Chinese restaurants were ‘the’ exotic family treat that usually had mum and dad bickering. Dad, being a tradtitional Pole, hated all things foreign that took him out of the comfort zone of meat and 2 veg. Mum on the other hand, decked out in a bouffant “do” and platforms, found it all very glamorous, surrounded by red laquered panels, black and gold wallpaper, silk lanterns, and names like ‘Golden pagoda’ and ‘Mystic Dragon’. Born and bred in the heart of Melbourne suburbia, I had to agree with mum, and delighted in the bilingual Chinese/English menus, threatening my little brother with spicy chickens feet, while dad ordered a T-Bone from the ‘Australian’ menu. In those days there was nothing better than masses of egg special fried rice, beef in black bean sauce and banana fritters.
A couple of years ago, Lottie made a wonderful Pav and brought it to Sacha’s picnic birthday in Hyde Park. Everyone adored it. We photographed it and it lives here on the belly. But it was time to take the bull by the horns, interrogate her and get down to making my own. Lo and behold a Pav truly is as easy as Lottie says. I love the chewy soft foundation piled high with fresh cream and a ton of any fruit you so desire. I’ve got my hands on Lotties recipe, so read on! Read more…
From way down under, Melbourne infact, our roving foodie, Heath Rudduck shares a delicious meal at Gattica. Personally, I love Carlisle St Melbourne, (even though it’s going the way of Brunswick St and Acland St), it has some amazing eating, and as is true of most of Melbourne the coffees are a conneseur’s dream!
“There are some things that were just meant to be. Like fresh home made vanilla ice cream and oozing, melting chocolate pudding. Look at it, sitting deliciously proud, amongst that smattering of berries like a veritable Nutters Knoll of indulgence. Gattica cafe in Melbourne.”
