win a crust pizza!

http://www.crust.com.au/

The world financial crisis has certainly manifested itself in some pretty interesting promotions and product developments by quite a few brands over the past 12 months or so. There's Macbook's 'greenest' laptop yet, Hyundai's promise to pay 3 months of repayments if you get made redundant or you can return your car' ad during the Oscars...and in a bid to win customers who might be cutting back on eating out - but don't want to compromise on quality - Crust Pizza have introduced a new range called...Upper Crust.



The range is designed by internationally recognised pizza guru Peter Augoustis who labels these creations 'proudly unrefined' - in otherwords, pizza you'd expect to eat at the Napoli In Boccas, or Love Supremes of the world that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home with a glass or two of your favourite vino.





Whilst I'm yet to try these babies out myself (review coming soon), you can tell me what you think because I have 4 Upper Crust pizza vouchers to give away.

For your chance to win, simply tell me in 25 words or less:

"What is the last luxury item you'd give up in a financial crisis?"

Email your answer to fooderati@gmail.com for your chance to WIN! The best answers as judged by me will win a voucher.

The fineprint: competition closes Friday March 6, 2009 at 6.00pm, winners announced Monday March 9, 2009 after 11.00am

chat thai grand reopening

www.chatthai.com.au

Much to the chagrin of locals and regulars alike, Chat Thai has been closed for refurbishment over the past month or so. Passers by during this time walk past, pause, read the 'closed for refurbishment' sign, sigh and walk away dejected. Thankfully the work is over and Chat reopened last week with epic crowds (including a huge Thai contingent, so you know you're onto a good thing) clamouring to get in on the $5.00 Welcome Back menu.



Highlights include the Tort Mun Pla - bite sized fried dollops of redfish mouse (baby fishcakes) served with pickled cucumber and sweet chilli. Cookie cutter fish cakes that look like they've been sliced from a sausage of cookie dough will never taste the same again.



The rather dim sum looking prawn and chicken steamed dumplings might be a little pedestrian so go for the chicken satay or curry puffs instead.



The emerald duck is a rather exotic sounding description of roasted duck with green vegetables and may be a bit more Chinese than Thai, but the crisp green vegetables and light soy dressing balance the rich duck flavour beautifully. .



The oddly named ship and shore (a Thai take on surf and turf) is a warm salad of chicken, pork, prawns and deliciously soft yoked fried egg tossed through smoked chilli jam, mint, coriander and spanish onions. Spicy, sweet and salty, this could easily be a new Sydney favourite along the ranks of the peppery hot pad kee mao. Here, it may be a bit hot to handle for some, though probably just fine for Thai nationals.



Our bill came to $33.50, but would otherwise have cost $75.00. Nice one Chat Thai..welcome back! The good news is that whilst the $5.00 menu was a one-off, prices remain by far and large under the $12.00 mark. Add to that the beautiful authenticity of the dishes, the warm service from the pretty Thai boys and girls along with a kicking vibe and you have a great value dinner experience.

jo & willy's depot

as published in Time Out Sydney

286 Campbell Pde, North Bondi 2022.
(02 9300 0077)
Mon–Thur 6am–4.00 pm;
Dinner 6pm–10pm Fri, Sat, Sun

Such is the relaxed atmosphere in North Bondi that locals never really want to leave. Jo & Willy’s Depot - a project of Olympic running legend Heather Turland’s is yet another reason to linger. Together with son Guy (ex est. and Icebergs) at the helm in the kitchen, they’re giving other local establishments a run for their money.

At first glance, Jo&Willy’s might appear to be a garage sale on the side of the road peddling vintage shabby-chic furniture, yet this rough’n’tumble pile of old school timber desks, random dining room chairs and fallen-from-grace church seats is really the place to pull up a pew and make yourself at home.

The view is brought to you by Mother Nature, the coffee by Toby’s Estate. The guys here churn out a pretty decent latte, if a tad on the strong side for some. With a view this good, it’s only fitting that the breakfast menu lasts all day. A fairly pedestrian breakfast line up is elevated by the quality of the produce: Sides include organic ham and both the baked beans and Gravlax salmon (cured with sugar, salt and dill) are prepared in-house, offering plenty of options to customise your breaky with.

The pancakes are a local favourite, concocted from rice and tapioca flour rather than wheat. Served with mixed berries, these babies prove that gluten and dairy free is indeed delicious. And if you’re ordering eggs, do yourself a favour; order them scrambled. They’re made with free-range eggs and cream, served on sourdough toast and accompanied by an oven-roasted tomato.

Those who believe a salad can’t be substantial haven’t encountered ones like these. The Yellow Fin tuna variety; grilled and served with avocado, oven roasted tomatoes, green pepper salsa and rocket, will make you feel healthier just by looking at it. The salsa is fresh and tangy which works well with smoky-grilled flavour of the tuna, resulting in a salad that is fresh, simple and delicious.

The cow in question in the roast beef salad is organic (like all meat on the menu). Spice-encrusted on the outside and perfectly pink on the inside, served with roasted garlic, beetroot, caramelised onions, asparagus, rocket and baby spinach. The beef is tender, the greens crisp and the beetroot sweet and earthy – finished with a balsamic glaze, it doesn’t get more perfect on a summer’s day.

The lunch list may be a little salad heavy (and they’re all good), but there are choices for carb lovers too, including the popular Marinated Chicken Panino –served with avo, mayo and tomato. A basic chicken sanga will never seem quite the same.

Complete lunch with a homemade berry and banana muffin – they’re baked fresh each day and will put to shame those who limit themselves to muffin tops – there are berries right down to the base and the result is like eating a tart, sweet tuft of cloud.

While Jo&Willys should never give up their day job, they also moonlight as a dimly lit wine bar cum restaurant. If the current economic crisis has left you a little light in the pocket, you’ll be happy to find cheap thrills in the form of $5.00 house wine and beer specials as well as a selection of Australian drops on the plonk list proper.

Whether it’s a morning coffee or an early evening vino, Jo&Willy’s delivers the quintessential Bondi experience (laid back atmosphere, great food, friendly service and reliably good coffee), for locals and tourists alike.

(image courtesy of dan boud @ time out)

avenue road

As published in Time Out Sydney Magazine

185 Avenue Road
MOSMAN NSW 2088

02) 9969 8999
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 6.00am – 5.00pm
Sat-Sun – 7.00am – 5.00pm



Mosman. Land of the bleach blonde hair, ladies who lunch, small dogs, Bugaboo baby strollers and very large SUVs. They’re a fussy bunch. But with a selection of top-notch patisseries, delis, cafes and various providores with finely manicured reach, why wouldn’t you be?

Avenue Road is situated (no points for guessing) on Avenue Road, running off the main drag in Mosman. This chic-though-tastefully dishevelled locale is a study in casual café dining, but with a hint of ‘fancy’ pitched in for good measure. Here you’ll find an inviting place to park your stroller, or just your arse and enjoy a dignified breaky or lunch.

There are outdoor tables with comfortable banquettes for people watching and seating inside the cosy dark-wood interior should you prefer. The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious, with a mixed crowd of hip mums and locals as well as the ladies who lunch.

Service is prompt and efficient, if a little brisk but the café is buzzing and so are the wait-staff to attend to everybody. Caffeine addicts north of the bridge will be happy to know that the coffee here is pleasingly kick-ass. Smooth, mild and well roasted. Avenue Rd are also one of the only cafes in Sydney to use South Australian Rio Coffee – think of it as Campos’ southern cousin in flavour and strength.

The menu is succinct with lots of killer and very little filler to be found. The menu moves from inventively substantial salads to heartier fare, so there’s sure to be something to please the fussiest palate. There are also regularly rotating specials based on seasonal produce on offer.

The Corn Fritters with House-Cured Ocean Trout topped with dill and crème fraiche; is a seriously well-balanced dish. For once, a café has acknowledged that corn fritters can be substantial on their own without the poached eggs many seem hell bent on serving with them. The fritters steer clear of stodgy territory and are light, crunchy on the outside and full of flavour. Squished between each fritter is an avocado salsa, seasoned with lemon tartness and a hint of chilli warmth. This is all topped off with the most vibrant-looking cured Ocean Trout you’re likely to see. Smokey, salty and rich, kudos to Avenue Rd for being less predictable and going for something other than Smoked Salmon. And making it themselves, no less.

Winking suggestively from the menu is the Roast Pork and Apple Sandwich with glazed Balsamic Rocket on Sourdough. Sounds heavy, taste’s heavenly. The best way to eat this is to pick it up and eat it with your hands, so don’t be shy. The bread is light and the fillings are lush. Apples and pork are match made in heaven. Here, the apples are caramelised and squished between the tender roast pork, subtly flavoured melty Saracino cheese and balsamic-drizzled rocket. This is delicious, flavoursome comfort food.

Unfortunately, the crackling isn’t as crisp as it should be, but overall, it’s a polished, but satisfyingly rustic sanga.


At $36.00 for two people, this may be Mosman dining, but they’re refreshingly not Mosman prices.

wine odyssey

www.wineodyssey.com.au
Cnr Harrington and Argyle Streets 

The Rocks, Sydney Australia



When you think ‘Odyssey’, you might think of Homer (the Greek one, not ‘Doh’), epic journeys and all that jazz. But what you really should be thinking is ‘wine’. Whether you’re a wine buff or a newbie, you’ll discover something new about wine at this brand spankin’ establishment in the Rocks. Wine bars might be all the rage right now, but Wine Odyssey is a no-holds barred vino tour de force. There’s an aroma room to help you work out what it means when you hear “I detect a hint of Cinnamon.” Take a wine tasting tour, try a flight of matched wines and delectable food, do a DIY tasting in the high-tech Enomatic room or simply kick back in one of the bar areas (including the opulent ‘Private Bar’ – already making itself popular with the rock star set) and just enjoy the top-notch plonk. So whether it’s a flight or a tour, Wine Odyssey is definitely worth the trip.

this is why you're fat

I was sent this URL today and I think you ought to have a look:

- If you love or hate junk food

- You want to see what kinds of insane food creations have been thought up..and made.

- You rubber neck at car crashes, even though you know you shouldn't.


This Is Why You're Fat is a collection of people's submissions from around the world (with perhaps a skew towards contributions from the USA...?)

Favourites include The Meat Ship:
















Then of course, there's Baconaise:
























And the Turbonucken (a chicken, stuffed in a duck, stuffed a turkey, wrapped in bacon)


















....With friends like these, who needs enemies?

bowral

If Whale Beach is the Sydney eastern suburb's coastal getaway of choice for affluent wasps, then Bowral is certainly the southern highlands destination du jour.

A stroll down the main street will uncover everything from Witchery to Bed Bath & Beyond as well as countless cafes, restaurants and 'rustic' (read nothing under $100) knick knacks.



So you'd think it would be about as easy as flashing a black AMEX to get a good coffee or breakfast in this, the town Bradman loved so much. *insert wrong answer buzzer here*

Beware: bad food, coffee and service can still be found even when the average house around here costs upward of $1m.

After a great (if not disproportionately HUGE) dinner at a restaurant who will remain nameless (until it ends up on a the Australian Gourmet Traveller Food Guide next year), we awoke hungry and keen to see what this little town has to offer.

Enter Cafe X (rhymes with 'mocha'). It's a rooky mistake to walk into the first cafe one finds - but you'd be forgiven for thinking it was it would be good based on fist impressions. In the interests of not getting sued, here's why I wouldn't go here again:

1. Chorizo scrambled eggs: seriously overcooked to the point of rubberiness. Ick. It's a shame because the Chorizo was actually good (spicy, aromatic and not too fatty) but what a shame for those beautiful country-laid eggs.

2. No water service. At 10.00am and 29 degrees, water service at the table is a must, nay an obligation. We gave them a chance - and 20 minutes - to snap to it, but unfortunately we cracked and had to ask.

3. Coffee: Everything you could do wrong with a coffee in one. You could smell how burnt it was before you even tasted it. To top it off, it was watery and the latte we ordered was covered in enough foam to make you think it was trying to be Dita Von Teese doing a bathtub bubble burlesque show.



Fortunately our faith in Bowral's ability to churn out a decent coffee was restored by Wild Food (205a Bong Bong St Bowral, NSW 2576). Whilst it wasn't exactly a food safari, this beautiful little gourmet supermarket cum cafe sells a huge amount of great local produce as well as all the regular suspects you might find at Macro or About Life: Brookfarm muesli, Toby's Estate coffee, as well as teas, tinctures and tonics from Autralian organic producers.

Reading our careworn faces, the barrista made two very solid piccolo lattes, the service was friendly..and they even served us water to the table without asking...with ice.

It's a shame we'd already eaten because the cafe's menu lineup looked great - another time perhaps.

On our way back we dropped by Centennial Vineyards, just outside of Bowral. A bit of an oasis of green rising out of the dryness of the surrounding scrub. Was 11.30 too early to start drinking?, my partner Elliot asks. In my thinking, if you're in any wine area, it's never too early to drink.

Try the 2004 Reserve Temperanillo if you're into big tasting, but still subtle reds, whilst the 2007 Reserve Pinot Grigio is a nice white for a summer seafood bonanza - both very easy drinking. Props for great service and vin-knowledge.

Whilst it wasn't exactly thumbs up all round, there are some golden finds to be had in Bowral, and I'll definitely return again.

taste of sydney festival media launch

where: centennial parklands dining
when: february 4, 2009
why: an introduction to the Emirates Airline sponsored taste of sydney festival



When there's a PR launch, there are several things that you can guarantee:

1. Heaps of booze (in this case, Chandon Pinot Rose, sparkling wine and James Squire beer)

2. Goodie bags (if you're lucky)

3. Heaps of chicks getting smashed and hoping to be photographed for the social pages

4. Canapes



Whilst all of these were present last night, the latter was in especially splendid supply...not in the least because the festival (held between March 12th and 15th) is a herding together of some of the hottest restaurants in Sydney - 15 of the best in one place with their head chefs doing what they do best: Being culinary geniuses and then telling people how to replicate.

In all seriousness, some of the luminaries at the inaugural Sydney edition of the fest are chefs such as Justin North (becasse and etch), Matthew Kemp (balzac and the burlington), Armando Percuoco (buon ricuordo) and George Francisco (jonah's at whale beach) to name but a few.

(below, beetroot macarons with a foie gras by Mark Best from centennial parklands dining)



Highlights include the pastrami of kingfish with earl grey tea smoked oysters and a cucumber and apple salad from Jarred Ingersoll at dank street depot, etli borek - crisp home made filo rolls filled with braised veal shank, currants & pine-nuts, served with pomegranate and yoghurt sauce by Serif Kaya at Ottoman (which were pilfered so quickly I couldn't get a photo)

And then there's the panacotta from jonah's at whale beach: It is said that a good panacotta should wobble like a woman's breast. In this case, it did. And it was good. Melt-in-your-mouth creamy, flecked with vanilla bean and served with pommegranates and molasses and lavender honey,most definitely a decadent, sex-bomb dessert.

Props to Sarah Champneys, executive assistant to Centennial Parklands Director Steve Corbett, who allowed me to take this rather illustrative image:



Here are some of the other amazing creations you might see if you head to the festival:

spicy pork sausage betel leaves & pickled ginger by Martin Boetz at longrain:



mini organic grass fed wagyu burger by Justin North from becasse and etch:

...and the aftermath:

...a special hi to some of the doyennes of food blogger land; chocolatesuze and jenius - great to finally meet you in person! Thank you also to not quite nigella for the dishy details.