crazy food combinations

Seven years I have been a citizen of the picturesque Black Rock, but it is time to pack my things and bid the farewell. It is surprising how there are things that you will miss, thing that you remember and things that you know will be better. Black Rock is where I became officially a wife and started me married life, where I raised 2 beautiful cats (one of which I lost) and where I started blogging, nestled in the back room listening to tunes and thinking about my food adventures. There are places I have made my local rituals and wish I was not leaving them behind, but it's not good bye forever I am sure. It will become my meeting ground, being the 1/2 way point between family and friends on the Peninsula and me returning from my new home grounds in Brunswick. The places that I will always have in my heart, are those I hope all the locals will continue to support, and for others get to visit and enjoy the exact superb service and food that I did while living in the area. Breakfast ...

A tiny place sits quaintly on the corner of Hawthorn road and Glen Eira Road, with character and style. Donning the old school jaffles, burgers, spiders and milk shakes Tuck Shop Take Away is making us remember the back in the day moments and having fun with it. Not over the top themed in the manner of speaking but if you take a moment to look at the detail Tuck Shop has put into such a small space it embraces the ambience that they are needing. A hop scotch on the way through the front door and a menu board written as though you were back learning Capitals and scrawl. Hide away school bells and globes brings you back to the over crowded primary school rooms. Finishing touches of old lockers and a water fountain instead of a water station makes for a casual and fun eatery. Jaffles with the creamed corn or baked beans are always good to get you going but throw in a pulled pork option and you have won me over. There is nothing better than to receive a golden crisp breville pressed jaffle...

A while ago I visited a place who drew me in with their photos and words on social media, and now that I have been their in person all I can do is think about it. A sucker for Brunch's, 8 Days knew how to win me over. The menu wakes you up (or maybe that's the coffee you've got in your hand) as you attempt to choose between: * French toast with poached pears and candied pistachios * Omlette with piquillo peppers, sweet paprika potatoes and a jamon rocket salad * Avocado & Persian fetta on sourdough finished with chilli, basil and minted broad bean dressing All of these I wanted, actually to be honest their is absolutely nothing on this menu I wouldn't have. Everything read perfectly tantalising your taste buds and successfully confusing you first thing in the morning. Sometimes decision making can be so hard. Let's start with choice number one for us. Smoked salmon and leek croquettes, served with grilled asparagus, poached egg and a lime coriander hollandaise. ...

Large arch windows captivating the sunlight through the stain glass brings a tranquil feel to this very fresh morning. As the sunlight shines across the rich wooden tables and flooring I semi feel that I have escaped somewhere in the country. The Mailing Room located in Canterbury has recently been voted the 2013 boutique roster, and rightfully so. Its exquisite blends tantalise any coffee lovers taste buds with a combination of special roasts and presses. Not only that but they have a rather scrumptious menu too. My first choice of blend this morning is the Guatemala entre volcanes. This perfectly rounded blend contains a sparkling acidity with a touch of honey essence. A rich caramelised raspberry and cocoa leaves for a medium bodied coffee. Enjoyed as espresso (milk can be added if so desired) this was a lovely beginning and a perfect way to waken the mind. Enjoyed whilst gorging myself in some scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, fresh avocado and beetroot relish, cause why wouldn...

Someone said that "Chilli is not so much of a food as it is a state of mind. It's addictions to it are formed early in our lived and the Victims never recover". Chilli, spice, heat and some fire perhaps comes in different shapes and sizes and I have to say the mind of the individual will find one spice or chilli hotter than their friends. A scale that each of us hold to our own minds inception which will allow us to begin but also will determine the stopping point. An acceptance of a kind invitation has lead me with some fine chilli eating companions to Sichuan House Seafood, located in Richmond. Sister restaurant to that of Sichuan House, Melbourne. Owner Peter Lin Hu, a true lover of not only food but takes great pride in what his restaurants deliver. It was with great warmth we were welcomed into his restaurant as if it was like his home, combined with large gatherings of family it was as though we had been adopted. Peter explains to us that Sichuan cuisine has been th...

Ingredients: 125g butter (room temperature)                                                                   1 tbsp of lemon zest                                           Juice of 1 lemon 3/4 cup caster sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 cup self raising flour 1/2 cup plain flour 3/4 cup blueberries 2 eggs Syrup: 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice Method: Pre heat oven to a moderate 180c. Line a square lamington tin with baking paper In a bowl combine sugar and butter and cream until pale in colour Add eggs whilst beating one at a time until well mixed Alternate in adding flour and milk into mixture until light and fluffy Remove bowl from beater and add juice of 1 lemon, lemon zest and blueberries. Stir through gently trying not to br...

Like Oliver Twist I am finding myself taking an empty plate and asking for more, or was that S'more? Unlike Oliver Twist though there wasn't a mean man screaming at me while others watched on and tremble. In actual fact it was a friendly and attentive waiter Tom who attended to my needs this evening. Joes Bar located in St Kilda is Celebrating all things American this week with having Independence day on the 4th and Graham Cracker day on the 6th. People may remember Joes as Greasy Joe's but not any more. In actual fact it's far from that we once remember. It's smooth and warm trimmings really uplift the feel to the restaurant, art work that influences the beach scene of St Kilda and chill out sessions from the Dj really set a casual yet elegant dining experience. A genuine greeting at the door and an introduction the the regular menu and the Special weekly America themed menu is provided and explained. It was a pleasant surprise for our Waiter introduced himself...