tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31512774947043988872024-02-19T21:04:05.310+11:00foodwinkFood, travel and anything in between.foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-16048209686510813752010-09-25T11:23:00.001+10:002010-09-27T20:48:14.911+10:00Pilu at Freshwater
The perils of high expectations.
After a near-perfect experience at Berowra Waters Inn, one could not help but set high expectations for this fellow two-hat restaurant. A string of good reviews. The setting of a beautiful heritage Federation beach house. The glistening views of Freshwater beach, one of my favourites in Sydney. And the promise of a delicious Sardinian fare.
Unfortunately, wefoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-46939472228263788762010-09-23T05:00:00.028+10:002010-09-23T05:00:02.095+10:00Drunken and Bruised
"We've sold two cases of Shaoxing wine today!", the lady owner at the Asian grocery store exclaimed excitedly.
Such was the power of Masterchef. It was the weekend after the last episode of the Masterclass series aired. And one of the judges' favourite dishes the entire season? Drunken and Bruised, the signature dish of fellow Malaysian Alvin Quah.
The verdict? It was fantastic and foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-35112108448222177882010-09-20T19:06:00.003+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.603+10:00Japan Series - The Colours of Gion, Kyoto
Geisha rushing to ochaya teahouses for performance. Traditional merchant houses serving expensive kaiseki ryori. Okiya or guesthouses where geisha and maiko live during their career. And tourists, lots of them, armed with cameras.
This is the heart of Gion. This is Hanami-koji.foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-66855886555160782422010-09-19T05:00:00.004+10:002010-09-20T20:30:52.720+10:00Japan Series - Remembering Hiroshima
It was 6 August 1945. With not a cloud in sight, the fate of over 140,000 lives in Hiroshima was sealed. At 8:15 am sharp, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped. Almost everything then disappeared into nothingness. And the world was forever changed.
I think I was in primary school when I first learned about the bombing in a history lesson. Until this very day, the codenames of the bombs arefoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-25800644172155853762010-09-13T22:45:00.000+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.604+10:00Herbs from My Garden
I am happy to announce that my garden has survived my black thumb the winter. Apart from my abundant harvest of one (yes, singular) apple and three oranges, herbs like Italian parsley, rosemary and thyme are aplenty.
Italian parsley ends up in a no-fuss pesto recipe. Pine nuts, lightly toasted, blended with parsley leaves. Some olive oil and a bit of salt later, it's ready to be mixed with foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-1731510580987820742010-09-08T05:00:00.004+10:002010-09-27T07:39:46.307+10:00Sydney's Best Pho?
An Restaurant, Bankstown. Five reasons why.
1. They are the experts! An Restaurant sells one thing and one thing only - pho.
2. The delicious pho. Chicken or beef. Same superior stock. No after-meal MSG effect.
3. The waiters. PDA-clad and super efficient, they expect you to know what to order as soon as you sit down. Oh, no menu is provided unless you ask for one.
4. The patrons. Surely foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-42827904314355589882010-09-06T06:00:00.000+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.605+10:00Serenity in the City
A shot of serenity for the busy week ahead. Lamma Island, Hong Kong.foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-59489670788536246442010-09-04T06:00:00.001+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.606+10:00Shanghai (8/8) - The World Expo
6 months. 190 participating countries. 450,000 daily visitors. One theme. Better City, Better Life.
Signs, symbols and spaces. Korean Pavillion is one of my favourites
The Finnish Pavillion is called 'kimu' (giant's kettle)
Its curved inner space tells the stories of Finland and the Finns. Let's just say I was glad that I didn't have to queue up to see this (hint: go to the expo after 6foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-11130625215542035422010-09-02T06:00:00.001+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.606+10:00Shanghai (7/8) - The Art Scene
We can forgive a man for making a useful thing, as long as he does not admire it. The only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it immensely. All art is useless. — Oscar Wilde
Taikang Road Art Centre with art galleries and boutiques in old shikumen buildings
Follow the leader
And the propaganda
No 50 Moganshan Road is a contemporary art district in Shanghai
This foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-13206303217679154302010-08-30T06:00:00.002+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.607+10:00Shanghai (6/8) - The Day-to-day Life
The faces. The lives.
Chicken tonight?
Somewhere in old district of Luwan
A bicycle repairer. And a potential customer.
A future pillar of the remarkable Chinese economy. And the World Financial Centre, the third tallest building in the world (by architecture detail) after The Burj in Dubai and Taipei 101. Not to be outdone, the Chinese is building a taller building as we speak.
Let'sfoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-90435631570083273152010-08-28T06:00:00.001+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.608+10:00Shanghai (5/8) - The Classic
Let's step back in time.
Yuyuan Garden was built in the 16th century by a Tang Dynasty general named Pan YuDuan
An ancient study
Views from the top
Xiao long baos at NanXiang Dumpling House. The XXXXL version is 90% soup and comes with a straw for drinking the delicious soup.
Cheng Huang Miao, literally City God Temple, was built over 600 years ago.
One of the altars. And foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-81480549811581607212010-08-27T06:20:00.001+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.609+10:00Shanghai (4/8) - The Bird Market
Xi Zang (Tibet) Lu Flower Bird Market. Rows and rows and rows of birdcages.
Tortoise
foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-13657232231045372982010-08-25T05:00:00.001+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.610+10:00Shanghai (3/8) - The Open Laundry
Let's get it all out.
foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-36107093220417742952010-08-23T06:00:00.003+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.610+10:00Shanghai (2/8) - Song Fang, La Maison de Thé
"Once upon a time, there were two young Chinese farmers, Mr. Song and Miss Fang, who were living in a remote village of the Fujian province. They had just discovered the secret of tea and they decided to share it with the rest of the world." -- Song Fang's website.
Song Fang is a teahouse and the brainchild of Harvard Business School graduate Florence Sampson. A Shanghai resident of over 10 foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-25496744799720204642010-08-22T10:26:00.003+10:002010-09-25T11:25:05.611+10:00Shanghai (1/8) - The City Above The Sea
Join me on a photographic journey to my newfound favourite city in a series of eight posts.
Shanghai has been through alot. Opium war with Britain in the 19th century. Bombing in 1932. The Battle of Shanghai. Japanese occupation during the second world war. Cultural Revolution during the 60s. Today, Shanghai is the most developed and populous city in China.
Affectionately known by the foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-80411413032409211412010-08-21T08:51:00.001+10:002010-09-21T06:31:08.817+10:00A Fresh Start
Hello world.
Apologies everyone. My extended break from blogging has been unplanned, but necessary. Long story cut short. A business trip to China, a bout of illnesses and a mountain of work later, I'm back.
Breakfast is without a doubt my favourite weekend meal. Growing up, Sunday was the only day the whole family could get together for breakfast. Dad was running his business 6 days per weekfoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-46054935762865329852010-06-09T00:02:00.003+10:002010-09-20T19:30:15.690+10:00Twinkle Twinkle Two Michelin Stars - L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Joël Robuchon, the man with most stars of all.
Being a fan of Iron Chef for many years, I recall the name of Joël Robuchon has been mentioned extensively by Chairman Kaga. He is the man who holds the world's most Michelin-star decorated chef with 25 stars under his belt. We cannot find a reason not to dine at L'atelier de Joël Robuchon while visiting Hong Kong. The food was ... scrumptiously foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-76572200661859770302010-06-01T00:59:00.003+10:002010-09-20T19:30:15.691+10:00Twinkle Twinkle One Michelin Star - Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Shop (添好運點心專門店) is "the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world", said Michelin Guide director Jean-Luc Naret.
Clockwise from top L-R-C: Ham Sui Gok (咸水角), Water Chestnut Sweep Soup (馬蹄露), Shu Mai (燒賣), Steamed Rice Noodle Roll with BBQ Pork (叉燒腸粉), Radish Cake (蘿蔔糕), Beef Ball (陳皮牛肉球), Prawn Dumpling (蝦餃), Chicken Feet (鳳爪) and Crispy Pork Bun (酥皮焗叉燒包) foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-30316618219546540982010-05-25T05:23:00.002+10:002010-09-25T11:25:58.066+10:00Sydney's Paddy's Markets, Flemington
Is a sea.
Of fresh jewels
Of exotic ingredients
Of ovoid spheroid
Of primary colours
Of thorny love and cheap passion
Of all things round
Of great bargains
And of ambitious reds - "One day we'll end up in Celia's fresh tomato passata"foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-77966329938969087192010-05-24T23:16:00.001+10:002010-09-21T06:31:08.818+10:00How to Organise a Steamboat Party
The perfect party on a cold, cold night.
Steamboat is quintessentially Chinese. A group of friends surrounding a pot of simmering stock - sharing food and chatting away their worries. There are no rules, and preparation time is minimal. You can get as much ingredients as you want to go with your preferred stock. And the best part? Your guests can't blame you for lacking cooking skills.
Can'tfoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-59028156403007399012010-05-15T08:49:00.021+10:002010-09-23T20:14:53.746+10:00Berowra Waters Inn, Berowra
L.O.V.E.
Locaton, location, location
It was an extraordinary dining experience. It truly was. How often do you get whisked across the Hawkesbury River on a private ferry? Or find yourself in a gorgeous restaurant built on a site where indigenious Australians once lived over 10,000 years ago? Or enjoying, quite possibly, one of the best meals of your life? How about all of the above?
Love foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-38852430552770496562010-05-11T21:24:00.005+10:002010-09-20T19:30:15.692+10:008 Hours in Macau
3:10 pm: We finally arrived at this former Portuguese colony. The ferry ride from Hong Kong was delayed for almost two hours due to heavy fog. It's not a perfect start to the day. But we're relieved to be here.
3:34 pm: No visit to Macau would be complete without a visit to Yee Shun Milk Dairy Company at Senado Square. One of their signature dishes is Double-Skin Steamed Milk. A traditionalfoodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-11017041079122892962010-05-09T02:46:00.003+10:002010-09-25T11:25:58.067+10:00Eveleigh Farmers' Market and Finders Keepers
Two of my favourite markets in one place.
Edible blooms
Kylie Kwong making breakfast for me
Pancakes with organic vegetables and organic eggs ($7.50 for two). Steamed certified free-range pork wontons with ginger dressing ($6.50 per serve). The gorgeous wontons were possibly made by Miss Cathy X.
Breads galore
Which one?
I love the pretty colours
Organic pasta and sauce. We tried foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-78777264247272674042010-05-05T05:30:00.008+10:002010-09-25T11:25:58.067+10:00Autumn in the City
Knock Knock. Autumn's here. Finally.foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151277494704398887.post-82001947131272120682010-05-02T08:59:00.166+10:002010-09-20T19:30:15.693+10:00Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail
Never too many Bilpin mountain apples.
It's nearly the end of the fruit picking season. Most orchards on the Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail are either closed or allow fruit picking by appointment only. So, we are lucky to be welcomed into Shields Orchard (2270 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin) despite a large "No pick your own fruit today" at the door.
Entertain yourselves with unlimited fruit foodwinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03892507286966412052noreply@blogger.com14