crazy food combinations

Addiction to chocolate is becoming more rapid today and although heath concerns of obesity may be spoken about lightly, it seems as though we are still being forced to consume large quantities as the are left as impulse buys at the check out counters and at discount prices. Mind over matter allows us to say no, but to say no to a petrol stations buy one get one free or 2 for $4.00 urges us to say that's a bargain, and I really need that sugar hit today. People in offices often find the need for a pick me up as their day may lag and eyes become weary and with a coffee in hand it's easy to have a chocolate bar in the other. Other people who are active have worked off their sugar and feel they need that burst of energy to get them through the rest of their day. It's a dog eat dog world and for majority of us we have become addicted to something that once was a treat for being good. This one confectionery is the worlds most desired flavours, yet most of us do not know the exact...

In 2013 we are heading to Mexico and their is no time like the other than to engorge ourselves in the fresh spicy cuisine and of course tequila. A Friday night seemed a perfect send off into the weekend, and the sounds of Spanish music was calling us to dine at Mamasita. Not taking bookings for small numbers, we headed their early andas we were reaching the top of their stairway you could already hear that they are full. 5:00 pm and full, this must be good! Whilst waiting a short while we embrace all that is Mamasita. With it's warm cosy interior of bar and communal seating along with a small intimate dining area was was surly bustling with diners having a great time. Iron frames and metal work on the walls holding candle lite terrains makes for a simplistic and rich environment. They say that Mexican street food is full of flavours that are unexplainable. Exploding with intense chilli flavours and bursts of citrus juices makes the cuisine mouth watering and exciting. You can't...

Saturday night and headed into Richmond to catch a concert left us time to enjoy a nice dinner out. Not eating in Richmond often left us on the scout for something that would take our fancy and of course fill our stomachs that were rumbling. I needed something fresh and tasty, that wasn't going to be too heavy but overall satisfying and there is one cuisine that does this exact thing, Japanese. There is nothing I like more than fresh Japanese cuisine, and Maedaya has certainly delivered every element of what I would expect from true Japanese. It's not just about the sushi and sashimi of which most westerners recognise Japanese to be, there is so much more behind it. With not taking reservations under 5 people we had to try our luck and walk in, with a short waiting list on the go it was only less than 10 minutes to wait for a table to come available, which isn't too bad however there is of course possibilities that it could be longer. A menu of what could end up being a lar...

Black Rock is just not filled with history down on Half moon bay with the HMVS (Her Majesty's Victorian Ship) Cerberus, which came to rest after years of service in the Victorian Naval Forces, Commonwealth Navel Forces and the Royal Australian Navy. It is home to a magnificent restaurant "Cerberus Beach House'. This outstanding secluded restaurant over looks the cove of Half Moon bay that sweeps around to the views of the city, and of course perfect views of the HMVS Cerberus wreck. It is so tranquil both day and night and is truly a haven for those who venture here. Just finishing their celebrations of there 2nd birthday we are welcomed with open arms and shown to our candle light table. Acoustic seductive tunes played by Josh Roydhouse makes a perfect setting for those for a romantic dinner, or just to enjoy a relaxing night out with friends or family. Breath taking as the view may be, the food is even more so. Each dish is show cased with great technique with every elem...

So it's been said that Hardware Societe it the primo of cafes at the moment, so of course I had to see for myself. An early finish at work lead me into the city to stroll down Hardware lane to venture into this more than popular cafe. Fresh yellow and white interior is more than uplifting and the canary yellow coffee machine and tea cups hanging on the back wall makes for a casual and perky atmosphere. I love the low hanging industrial lights that have been detailed with floral and the case of random produce for sale. Small tables placed along the wall with a large round communal table and seating at the bar invites for new friendships. The menu shouts restaurant value but at cafe prices, with a lunch selection of pork belly, ox tail, lamb shanks and more. Truly a winter inspired menu all of which are hearty and desired during these cold months. I as always am tempted with Pork belly of which was finished with a prawn and rocket salad with a baked apple which bought a spin onto the...

I am noticing that more and more products are becoming part of Fair Trade of which I am a high supporter in.  My most recent supporter I was interested in finding was Cadbury chocolate. But as my Husband says it was bound for them to become a supporter as there products already support Halal so why not support Fair Trade..... fair comment really. If you've seen Fair Trade marks around and just walk past it consider the difference you could have been making. Most people know coffee being the main source of Fair trade produce but their is so much more out their that you may be unaware of. If you are not sure on what Fair trade is it's a program started in the late 1940's where United States started selling needle work from Puerto Rico and started the first formal Fair Trade store in 1958. It is to bring better prices, much needed better working conditions, local sustainability and best of all fair terms for the farmers and workers in the developing world. Fair trade looks at ...

A bustling Sunday and in need of some good food we were lead to the newest addition to Mentone "the Corner Store". This modern designed cafe with touch of Scottish feel with its tartan carpets and wall panels was unique in itself and had a great feel. A brick laid bar, wooden planks on the roof and a roped blocked dining area made it feel that it should have been filled with coloured balls to make it a play pen. Although fairly loud inside you can choose to sit under the enormous heaters outside for another option or perhaps one use at the bar on the other side. Not too sure what made it so loud as we would have thought the wood planked roof would have soaked up most of the noise but it felt like it was bouncing it back, or maybe it was because of all the ladies out for a good time who choose to speak over each other. The menu was tempting with some prices a little questionable but had a good selection of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as dinner. With their own spin on so...