food..fest!

(As heard on FBi radio)

Can you take a trip around the world without ever getting in a plane? Yes, it's called 'get out and about in Sydney.'

What's great about Sydney is state of our multicultural melting pot. Take a spin within a half hour radius of the city to discover Turkish, Lebanese, African, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Japanese, South American and more, in pleasingly authentic condition.

Often we don't get to immerse ourselves in other people's cultures, but with festival season upon us (cultural ones as well as music), this is a great opportunity to learn more about modern Australia.

1. Auburn Festival

Auburn Festival's slogan this year is "A celebrating all cultures" and is on this weekend. It's your chance to experience authentic music, sights and most importantly, food

Where: Auburn Road, Auburn
When: Saturday, 26 September 2009

Showcasing the diversity of this inner-west gem, you'll find Middle Eastern and Asian culture on show, so immerse yourself in the sights, smells and tastes of this unique part of Sydney.

On show:

* World Music
* Cultural performances
* Over 100 Market stalls
* Arts & Crafts
* Amusement Rides
* Animal Farm
* Youth Stage Program
* Artists Space

2. Oktoberfest

With Oktoberfest almost upon us, it's time to check out Germany. Yes, it's about huge steins of imported beer and gratuitous posters of well endowed, blonde frauleins but it's also about traditional foods such as bratwurst, schnitzels and bread dumplings: do it before the weather gets too hot!

German/Austrian society celebrates Oktoberfest next weekend:

Where:Fairfield Showgrownd, Smithfield Road, Prairiewood.
When: Saturday October 3 to Monday October 5.

But if you're looking for something a little closer to the city, check out the Lowenbrau Keller in The Rocks for real Octoberfest festive atmosphere in your lunch break.

3. Malaysiafest 2009

I talked about Mamak a few weeks ago on FBI, when we were discussing 'meat on sticks' (aka. my finest hour as a radio host). If you want to check out more food and lots of culture however, head to Malaysiafest 2009. Not quite an indie rock festival, don't expect wellingtons and scantily clad 16 year olds on pingers, but DO expect art, music, food and much more from this close regional neighbour of ours.

An event organised by Malaysian students to experience 'home away from home' as well as showcase the delights of their home country, it's a great opportunity to support cultural exchange and get a great feed, too.

Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
When: Sunday, 27 September 2009

(information resourced from the German/Australian association and What's On in Sydney)

fooderati news

Earlier in the year, I entered in the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association 2009 scholarship. Just recently, I received an email (which I initially regarded as spam!) notifying me that I was listed as a finalist and honorable mention in this year's awards program. Happy days :)

3 hidden gems

(as heard on FBI Radio)

Its no secret that Sydney houses some of the best food from all around the world, but with so much good food, little gems can get lost in the noise...and people like to keep their favourite finds to themselves. Because caring is sharing, here are three food finds you may not know about and why you should check them out.

1. Cafe Max

251 Bondi Road
Bondi, NSW 2026

With so many cafes, take away joints jammed amongst the mini-takeover of the area by Thai massage and nail salons, it can be tough to know where to find a decent coffee or truly decent cafe fare in this neck of the woods (at reasonable prices, anyway).

Cafe Max is of the breed of cafe that makes their own food, rather than ordering it from wholesalers, meaning it's fresh, original and of course, made with love. Any given day of the week brings new dishes, such as mini Wagyu beef Shepard's pies, $6.50 (marble score 6, which lends itself to a tender mince with lots of flavour), home made pasta and dishes like prawn and chorizo paella, with plump, crunchy prawns and dotted with jewel green peas.



The hallmark of a solid cafe is, however its coffee and its here you'll find one of the best coffees on Bondi Road.

2. Sonoma Bakery

Shop 24
198-222 Young St
Waterloo 2017 NSW

Look past the Dank Street superstars like Fratelli and Dank Street Depot for a minute and head to Young Street. Sonoma Bakery is mecca for lovers of sourdough in Sydney, but this outlet also carries a range of cafe fare that showcases their artisan products, such as cracking bacon and egg rolls, toasted sandwiches (stars includ the salmon soft boiled egg and turkey sopressa pesto) as well as seriously good coffee.

Tip: Avoid Sundays if you're not a fan of being preached to while you're still hungover from the nigh before - it's a stones throw from Hillsong church.


3. Mamaris

694-696 Botany Road,
Mascot, NSW

Botany Road is usually known for its crumbling old man pubs, wholesalers and business hour sandwich joints. Little do many know that Mamaris (that famous Turkish tourist town on the Agean) had an outpost tucked away, kilometers from the sea.

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for passing off Mamaris as another kebab joint. While it may sell Australia's favourite drunken snack, it also sells some of the best pides in Sydney.

Pull up a chair in the adjoining room, wallpapered with a gigantic vista of its namesake town, and dig into a Kusbasili pide - diced lamb, tomato, onion, capsicum and parsley, or a Karisik (as opposed to a 'car sick') wih Tukish sausage mince, mushrooms, egg, cheese and parsley.

What makes this golden pides great is much like what makes a good pizza; a thinly rolled crust that manages to maintain a slight level of doughiness...and of course it has to hold the fillings without falling apart.



One diner tells me that he's been frequenting Mamaris since he was a kid, fifteen odd years ago (another hallmark of a great joint - it's family owned) and it's still one of the best kept secrets in Sydney.



There are plenty of other Turkish delights including vine leaves, iskander kebabs and perfect baklava, and with prices ranging from $5.50 to $12.00, bring a group of friends and order up a feast.

meat on sticks

(as heard on FBI Radio)

Food parallels through different cultures is something of interest to me. Back in July, Sweetie, Shag and I talked about hotpot dishes from around the world on The Friday Delicious on FBI and this week (drum roll please)...it's meat on sticks.

Popular misconceptions may have you thinking about Dagwood Dogs, and other processed carni food (small hands, smell like cabbage), but the concept of eating meat cooked on sticks is downright primal and many cultures have their own versions.

The Brazilian churrasco is said to originate in Rio Grande do Sul, over 400 years ago, while the Portugese in Madeira have their espetadas, and the Greeks have Socrates munching on souvlaki, but where can you sample the best 'meat on stick' food in Sydney?



1. Mamak - Satay

15 Goulburn St
Haymarket NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9211 1668
Fax (02) 9211 1669

There are certain foods that make you nostalgic about your childhood. It might be devon sandwiches, your nan's lamb roast but for me it’s the Singaporean and Malaysian food my mum used to cook, especially when the relos would come over. This is the kind of place that will have Malaysian and Singaporean ex-pats having flashbacks about their local hawker centre eating satay in 40-degree weather.

These aren't the tough, charred kind you might at a backyard barbecue, but exceptionally tender, marinated chicken or beef, expertly grilled for maximum smoky flavour. Douse generously with satay sauce; a peanut allergic patient's nightmare.

2. Vasco da Gama - Espetadas

Sydney Portuguese Community Club
Ph: (02) 9550 6344; Fraser Park,
100 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, 2204

This place might be a little hard to find (a thank you Franz Sheurer, from Australian Gourmet Pages for pointing this foodie in the right direction). Espetadas, the Portuguese version of barbecued, skewered meat, generously rubbed with garlic is often served suspended over a gigantic pile of chips and gravy are one of the house specialities, along with the gigantic platters of seafood, so bring a small army of friends to tackle this one.

3. Perama

88 Audley St
Petersham NSW 2049
(02) 9569 7534
www.perama.com.au

Chef David Tserakis knows what makes Greek food rock. A solid staple amongst those who know and love food in the inner-west, Perama is known as much for its consistently great food, including his infamous pork belly baklava, as it is for its warm service.

So if you're going to try souvlaki, don't go to your local take-away joint, take a ride through Little Portugal to find Big Greece waiting for you.

The souvlaki here isn't marinated in 'the Colonial's sercret herbs and spices'...it's much simpler than that; wine garlic paprika oregano and olive oil, the staples of any good Greek kitchen are used to infuse lamb tenderloins or pork, which are then char grilled and served with grilled pita bread, tzatziki & mustard, onion, tomato and lettuce in the style of the street side vendors that pepper Athens.

date night

(as heard on FBI Radio)

Like walking into the video store and not being able to think of the dozen or so films you had in mind on the way there, dining in Sydney can sometimes have you at a blank when it comes to looking for something particular.

Now that it's spring (cue images of lambs prancing, flowers blooming, birds, bees, etc), improve your chances of getting in on the action by taking your long time lover, or first time fancy on a date. Here are some thought starters to get your mojo running:

(inexpensive)

1. Big Rig Diner
231 Oxford Street, Darlingurst
Tel: +61 (02) 9326 0044.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm until late

Gelato Messina
241 Victoria St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Do it old Americana style - burger or hot dog followed by a gelato mission.

Big Rig Diner is the new venue beneath Ruby Rabbit, specialising in retro Americana style - There are pictures of Elvis on the walls, a jukebox and a menu that includes fries, hot dogs Tex Mex favourites like fajitas and of course, chilli con carne. Pull up a booth and channel Sandy and Danny, Grease style.



When you're done, stroll up Victoria Street and head to Gelato Messina. With the weather getting warmer, there's something romantic about strolling through Darlinghurst, the scent of Jasmine and spectacular people watching.

Top picks are the new Campari and marmalade and classic pistachio.

(moderate)
2. Uchi Lounge
15 Brisbane St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
(02) 9261 3524

Think cute, old-school kitschy Surry Hills terrace meets cosy Japanese bar. If you want to take your time, Uchi Lounge is a great place to start. Everything seems to move at tea ceremony pace here, so pull up a chair at the long bar and try a Japanese-themed cocktail. Incorporating flavour-infused sake (chilli and lychee are top picks). Nibble on a bowl of edamame, throw back a few sake infused oysters or prawn and fish balls with green tea salt before heading upstairs for dinner, or onwards into the night.

(exy)
3. Oscillate Wildly
275 Australia St Newtown
NSW 2042 - (02) 9517 4700
Open Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm

If you're really out to impress, Oscillate Wildly will probably give you a fighting chance of a happy ending to date night (apologies).

Leave your trust with the guys in the kitchen - it's an 8-course ride through mollecular gastronomy territory, guided through by the experts. Foams, soils and gels aside, this is some of the most inventive and interesting food you'll find in Sydney at the moment. On the atmosphere side, the intimate dining room space and sparingly efficient service will give you time to casually drop the suggestion of a 'nightcap at my place' after.

$95 pp, BYO