crazy food combinations

I have never done this before in my 30 years, but today I break away from the comfort of others and head out into Melbourne on my own. It may seem unusual that a person like myself has difficulty dining out on her own, I don't even like going to the movies on my own. I like the companionship of friends and loved ones and the ability to engage in conversation about what is and what isn't happening in the world. So it's a Wednesday chilli 1pm and I am here on my own in Manchester press and all I can say it that I am glad to be here on my own in a way. Down a lane way, you would not believe that you were headed in the right direction, but Melbourne is fond of it's peculiar little ally way delights for us to stumble upon. The line was looking like a bit of a wait, and clearly showing that this could be the place where everything is happening for the city workers on their lunch breaks. Questioning to myself on whether I wait, I sneak my head in the door and bam one single se...

Some people would think that eating with your hands is unethical, but you have to embrace different cultures and their way of eating. Not everyone eats with a knife and fork, and I got my chance to embrace authentic Ethiopian and eat with my hands. Just because we are eating with our hands, it doesn't mean there is less decorum. Eating with the left shows disrespect, as it is believed that food is a gift from god and as our left is used for dirty duties in some cultures it is respect to only eat with your right. The Abyssinian has a desert warmth to it with it's terracotta orange walls and African wall hangings to set your evening scene, along with their bar designed at a hut to make it feel like a village. Our starter was the assorted entrees where we got to experience the selection of all on offer. A combination of their Melanzany - flavoursome grilled eggplant with garlic and chilli, Silsy - a combination of sautéed onion with a spicy berbere and tomato sauce and Zucchini - ...

A new craze has hit the Casino promenade with an all American hub "The Merrywell". Welcoming into Melbourne, American chefs GMAC and Sammy D who by themselves are renowned for there talents back home and are willing to share with us true American cuisine at its best. Sammy D or otherwise known as Sam DeMarco has over 30 years in the culinary world and developed into the leader of Modern American cuisine. With opening the doors of his first restaurant in 1994, he has since taken on numerous establishments with SammyD's in Atlantic city being known as "a retro coffee shop, serving up nostalgic East coast favourites". GMAC or officially Grant MacPherson has made his name serving prestigious celebrities such as George Bush, Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela just to name a few. In 1992 GMAC was a gold medalist in the culinary Olympics and with his vast experience lead him to opening and overseeing more than 50 establishments. The Merrywell has a luxurious lounge feel...

Growing up my Mum and Dad always told me that I had to share, to share with my sister, to share with the family and to share with my friends. Not that I'm complaining, it's a great chance to socialise and to also see what your friends may have had in their lunch box's that's better than yours and possibly share that too. After all this sharing, the cuisine of Tapas came into my life and it was the new found love. It's a great opportunity to gather your friends and or family, and get into multiple dishes and have a relaxing evening or afternoon whilst you graze you time away. I have recently stumbled across a new unique and quirky Tapas restaurant in South Wharf, Melbourne that is sure to be a hit with you all. The Sharing house has an amazing modern European cuisine and of course their name says it all, Sharing! With a layout that signifies its individuality with its Lego bar, a blocked wooden wall and a semi open kitchen with it's blocked white walls signifying...

There are plenty of burger joints throughout Melbourne and everyone will have their own opinions on which one is the best, but one has just made its way onto Chapel street, South Yarra and I would like to welcome Jus Burgers to the city. There lives started off in Perth W.A and was a great hit, along with another 3 places located Subiaco, Nothbridge and Freo, they chose to move and open its doors to start a new challenge. This trendy little place with its brick graffiti walls and funky back section laid out with fake grass and a feel of sitting at a picnic table is casual and relaxing. Counter service and a menu for all burger lovers to gorge themselves silly with the combinations provided or the ability to make your own monstrosity. A burger for me has to be outstanding, it has to be something that you struggle to get your mouth around and easy to grasp in 2 hands. It has to be packed with fresh flavours and not to be dripping in fat from the patty. And the most important is the bun, ...

Well it's that time of year again where the cold and flu comes out to play and takes over our lives for either a couple of days for those mild cases or up to a week if not more. It's never fun that's for sure, breaking down our immune systems and leaving us lifeless. So for all you readers out there I thought I'd look up some remedies for us to get through the winter months and fight the enemy of cold and flu. We can enjoy the taste of some Popsicles to sooth our sore throats that are prickly, swollen and dry. This will also help us keep hydrated which is crucial so that we can keep the mucus build up to a minimum and feel less congested. Aim for 100% fruit juice with low sugar and we can get more of our vital nutrience that we require. If your wanting to eat something substantial go towards eating turkey. It's a great lean protein which is an essential to solid nutrition. Although you may think that this is not what you want it can help you give the required body e...

Farmers markets have become a new beginning to capturing flavours of home or organic produce to enrich our lives and take us back to the beginning of where we didn't have to compete with hormone induced meats or chemically grown vegetables. To respect the natural flavours of food and each of its individual simplistic produce. Recently the Rotary club of Hampton have been working alongside Bayside City Council to run the Bayside Farmers Market which is nestled in the Trey Bit Reserve in Sandringham. This market holds approximately 50 stalls Of some outstanding local produce, held on the third Saturday of each month with some stall holders being regular participants and others changing from time to time. It's pleasing to see that Rotary is putting themselves out in the community focusing on making a difference. By organising the Farmers Market, Hampton Rotary Club is focusing on raising funds to supply The Sandringham football club with a defibrillator and they will continue givi...