Summer Food Events to Remember..

Watch out - Drop Bears about.

Summer, the season of fun in the sun - and for many, a season of memorable food and drink events. It could be a weekend BBQ, a romantic picnic, a boozy balmy evening or a beer and beach cricket session - there is always something fun to do in the summertime. Just jump on a train, bus or in our case, the trusty Yaris - and no doubt you can enjoy a weekend adventure.

In the next coming weeks and weekends there are several food related events for Domo to poke a stick at (yes, its been few and far between Domo appearances on this blog.) Malaysia Kitchen was a massive hit last week and lucky for us there is more fun for food and drinky drinky lovers to come. The March into Merivale is an epic event in itself, this weekend's NSW Wine Festival for the lovers of vino, Cocktail Island (unfortunately postponed) is also on the cards to name a few. Not to mention all the BBQ's to kick off footy season too! One food event I truly enjoyed last year was the Taste of Sydney Food Festival..it was truly memorable.

I was looking through old photos from last year - and I actually wanted to find a funny photo to send to Helen@grabyourfork as an entry to win tickets to the 2011 Taste of Sydney (details at the end of the post) You see, these photos were taken B.B. (Before Blog) but I just wanted to share it here because we had too much fun.. emphasis on the too much part. I couldn't help laughing as I was going through these photo's from last year's event, sometimes Demos and I just exist in this little world where we don't notice anything but each other's sillyness. I have recieved so many weird looks when I pull out Domo from my bag..

Caprioska + Ping Pong Cocktails from Longrain / Pork Saddle with smoked bacon &peas from Balzac

Greek Keftedes & the Sydney Food Bloggers Christmas Picnic

There are a million things I have to do right now - and on top of the list is packing. You see, we thought it was a smart idea at the time to book a flight on Christmas night. Yes, on the evening of the 25th we are boarding a plane at 10:00 pm..this is a guess a I haven't even printed the itinerary. Unfortunately, between finishing up everything at work, catching up with friends before the holidays and not to mention the 2 Christmas eve dinners and 2 Christmas day lunches between both Demos and My families - the last thing I want to do is the necessary - so I procrastinate! Here's hoping the magical elves pack my suitcase while I write up this post!

 A few weekends ago, the a few very lovely members of the  Sydney Food Blogging community (seen fiercely posing in the photo above care of Simon @theheartoffood) all joined forces to bring some Christmas cheer to Centennial Park. Organised by Helen @grabyourfork and Suze @chocolatesuze - it was a fun afternoon filled with delicious food, fun games and awesome company! Behold the sweet treats and prepare for hunger pains! The dish we brought to the Picnic were homemade Greek Meatballs - aka Keftedes. I don't even think that I can even say that "we" brought this dish - since the only contribution I made to the cause was a hand written sign saying what they were. Yes, it was all by Demos, who spent the morning rolling each serve, frying them, and organising everything down to the Christmas napkins and placemat.

I will add the secret family recipe at the end of this post - I don't think Demos' yia yia and pa pou wil be too happy about that though :) So for some distraction - check out some of the treats that were on the day...

A Gourmet Ice Cream Making Class at Serendipity, Marrickville

Ice Cream - most would agree that it can be considered as the world's best remedy. Remedy for what exactly? I'm not really sure but when Ice Cream is involved you can pick and choose any ailment and 9 times out of 10 a nice big scoop will cure it. I know this, because currently I have been constantly attacked by super immune system attacking bugs and Ice Cream is my constant companion. 

I was beyond excited when a few weekends ago, the sweet-as-strawberry-sorbet Rhonda aka The Dainty Baker asked me if I wanted to join her at for a Gourmet Ice Cream Making Class at Serendipity HQ in Marickville. Hell to the Yes! With summer fast approaching (yes - I know its the second week of December but these rains are not easing at all, so I am in Summer denial) I really wanted to have a go. So what better way to spend a Saturday morning than learning the tricks of the Ice Cream trade with Sarah Mandelson, CEO of Serendipity Ice Cream.

Serendipity Ice Cream is known for it Australian Made Ice Creams, with flavours that just awaken the tastebuds from your everyday ordinary varieties. They use top notch ingredients and the result is a bowlful of the creamiest, most luxiorious dessert. I was most excited to find out what flavour we were making. For today's class, we were making a batch of Wattleseed and Grand Marinier Ice cream. What a combo huh? As a group, we gather around the industrial kitchen and all listen attentively to Sarah. Some of us take turns in preparing the 2 main components - The creme anglaise, and the Sugar Syrup.

Because we were making such a large batch we pretty much had to quadruple the recipe. Anyone who tells me that "fat is not a dirty word" is pretty much an idol in my books. Fat is a big requirement in the ice cream making process and scrimping on the fat content of the milk or cream would sacrifice that smooth velvety texture. To make the creme anglaise - our "base" we mix the milk, cream, sugar and egg yolks in a double boiler. Stirring continuously and making sure to melt the sugar until the mixture thickens - we then leave this to cool.

The Domo Birthday Cake!

I have a very obsessive streak, so much so that it is borderline massochistic.

Well thats not really the best way to start a post - but my goodness this week has been one of the busiest ever. So why on earth would I attempt to make a 3D Domo-kun cake? Well because its Demos' birthday thats why!! Happy Birthday Demos - Please join me in admiring this cake while I collapse in exhaustion!

Happy Birthday Demos!

I have been excited to share this birthday suprise with Demos, he did have an idea that I was making him a Domo cake, but he had no idea what madness I was be up to! Yes, every spare moment of this busy week has been spent baking, ganaching, and decorating this Domo cake - and here is my honest account on how I did it. Oh, did I leave out the part where I have never made anyone a Birthday cake before?

The Winery, Surry Hills

Ah The Winery, Surry Hill’s fun little hangout – and when you mention the name people either say they love it or hate it.
"We booked a table there and they told us we had to be gone in 45 minutes!"
"They have the BEST share plates and coktails!"
"I called two weeks in advance and they would not give us a table!"
"I love that place!!"
I find these four descriptions relatable when it comes to The Winery, and despite a handful of little disappointing experiences, I still enjoy coming here. One rainy afternoon, Demos and I were deciding on some place for a nice snack and dessert – So why not The Winery?


It always feels like a big spectacle trying to get a table here - whether its just getting a table for two or even when you are just meeting friends. Walking though the laneway entrance is like stepping into a secret garden hideaway. It’s only until you run into the sharply dressed doorman with an earpiece that you realize you are in the middle of the city. This is the Surry Hills equivalent to the professional Yum Cha door lady - you know your chances of being fed all rely on them - and their magical earpieces. We score a table and from the doorman, we get passed onto someone who led us to our seats and then finally, a friendly waitress.

I wouldnt describe Winary's decor to be quirky at all..in fact I Cant even think of just one word that describes it. Who knew that random chandeliers or flower pots hanging from the cieling actually fits so attracively well with the cowhide barstool? There is a very unique charm about this place - like a mash-up of a very Shabby Chic and the Marlboro man..in a garden of some sort.

Come on, any place with mounted deer heads cant be all too girly right? Clockwise from top left - faux animal hide bar stools, the overhead overflowing flower pots (watch your head) and vintage chandeliers, The upstairs bar and dining area, and A happy family of four deers. Its seems like everywhere you look there is something interesting to look at, and I half expect a cowboy riding a unicorn to appear from nowhere.

 I think that once that you are comfortably seated, thats it - your battle is done.The service cannot be faulted here as everyone is attentive and very helpful. Once, we even had a waiter who was a bit hung over - but it was still service with a smile and enthusiasm like no other. But the biggest decision any person is faced with now is which drink to order. With a name like Winery, of course there would be a selection of over 50 wines, and a fancy cocktail list to match.

 But since its a lazy afternoon, we stick to the Rose Sangria - a favorite - and on Sundays, its $15 dollar jug day. In my professional Sangria opinion - the Rose variety is most refershing with a generous serve of strawberries. We have previously tried their fruitier white wine version, with mint and lychees and the red wine verison - which is strong and spicy. Oh and we also ran into Mrs Fridgemagnet out and about with her Girlfiends! Hi Mom!

We decided to take Domo out again, we have been keeping him at home since he decided to eat little children when we were in Tokyo. He is well behaved now and getting behind MO-vember. No, its not a disguise from Authorities.

Okay, enough gratuitious photo's (That is our friend Sancho, he live's in the entrance door to the mensroom, handsome fellow) - Chow time!

It was well past luchtime at 3pm, so lets call this a hearty afternoon tea.

I order one of their share plates - just for myself of course. The "Warm bread, Olives, Cheddar and Today's Dip". Unfortunately this time, the bread was not warm nor was the Pumpkin dip a standout. A bit dissapointeing as this shareplate was $16, one of the lesser priced dishes on offer.

A hungrier Demos order's the Sunday Roast of the Day plate for $23. It was generous serve of roast pork shoulder, with the most amazing gravy. I think its a bit like russian roulette when it comes to the gravy, but this one was a winner. I immediately forgot about my boring pumpking dip - my bread got dipped in the warm gravy instead. There was also a handfull of green string beans and snow peas to help snap you out of the cholesterol coma that this succulent roast brings.

MMMeat.

I do love it when Demos insists that we need dessert. I couldnt say no of course, so we choose The Double Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice-cream and fairy floss for $13. Such a great choice!

Persian fairy floss or Pashmak is my absolute addiction, and we find ourselves fighting over which side of the plate the bundle goes. Lucky we were sharing - the brownie is so sinfully rich I 'had to 'cut' the choclatey-ness with the vanilla ice cream. Domo wanted his share too, he was tired of terrorising birds.

 I think the best way to catch up with friends is over sangria and share plates - and if you are after a social place where you can just kick back with your nearest and dearest I would definitely recommend the Winery. Call ahead to make a reservation to avoid any hassles, but usually half the restaurant remains un-reserved for those spontaneus hunger pains. I like to remember that this place is a wine bar first, and they just so happen to serve food. I Wouldn't say the food is cheap either, so its definately not a cafe - so i think ill stick with the "Wine Bar + Food + Great Atmosphere = Winery" equation.

Cold bread aside and pricy dishes aside, I still enjoy lazy afternoons getting lost in the whimsical madness that is The Winery. They had me with the Sangria from the start.

Winery - 285A Crown St Surry Hills 2010 Phone : 02 - 9331 0833

http://thegazebos.com.au/winery/ have a look at their awesome website.

Sydney Food and Wine Fair & Norton St Festa 2010

Boo to this horrible temper-mental Sydney weather! One minute the sun is out, and the next - you are stuck in a downpour, it really does play havoc with your health! I have been feeling rather unwell for nearly a week and poor Demos has had to bear the brunt of my whinging. Lucky for me though, the only way he knows how to fix a broken, iron-defficient, and flu struck girlfriend is by offering food..and lots of it!

It was bright and beautiful on the Saturday morning in Hyde Park. Although I hardly had the energy nor motivation to do anything, we decided to head to the Sydney Food and Wine Fair - food fixes everything right? It took a bit of convincing for me to get out of my PJ's and with a bit of flu relief from trusty panadol, we were ready to take on this event with much gusto. Demos' decided that we were guaranteed a good feed here and more importantly, it was for a good cause. The sun was sweltering, and the crowds were well and truly present. This event benefits the AIDS trust of Australia, and organised as part of the Sydney International Food Festival. In its 20th year, very generous restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafe's donate their time and signature dishes to hungry patrons. Upon entry, a sheet of 5 coupons can be purchased for $19 - these tokens are then exchanged for delicious dishes, sweet treats or a refreshing drink. All proceeds of course, are donated to the AIDS trust of Australia and i'm all for eating for a cause!

We did a quick round to see what was on offer, bumping into fellow food bloggers Jacq from Penguin says Feed Me and Simon from The Heart of Food. Demos and I were quick to ask them for their suggestions as to which stalls to attack as we arrived at 1pm and stalls were starting to sell out. I was dizzy with hunger so Demos and I found our first selection - A delicious Chorizo roll from Brasserie Bread. This was a perfect start because we could multitask by eating and browsing the other stalls. This gourmet sandwich was worth 2 coupons and we did not even have to line up! 

Its never fun when you have the stay away from the fruity cocktails but finding the Aids Trust Bar stocked with Greek Metaxa Spirit, Demos had to try the fruity concoction. Metaxa is a traditional Greek cognac and they mixed it with Orange juice and tonic water, providing much needed refreshment.

 Ninja Domo also had to tag along to provide protection against... now that I think of it I'm not really sure why he tagged along.

 The crowds were out in full force - what better way to spend the day than indulging in delicious food at Hyde Park. It sure beats staying in bed and watching Kardashian re-runs on the E! Channel, right?

 Everyone was out enjoying the sun, such a beautiful day! Hyde Park is so picturesque in the Springtime!

Our next dish was the Gnocci with Napolitana Sauce from Mezzaluna. I would not usually order gnocci, I find it very starchy and not exciting at all (which is weird because I love potatoes and pastas..) The sauce was not a standout either but we were honestly running out of options of food to buy because everyone was running out of dishes!

 One of the dishes that Simon had recommended were the Duck Spring Rolls from the Hungry Duck. I was really excited to try this but unlucky for us, the sold out sign went up as soon as we found the stall!

The Bourke St Bakery stall next door provided a sweet consolation. I order the Pear tart and Demos has the Chocolate tart. I absolutely love the biscuit base and it is a very light dessert. The pear is not sickeningly sweet at all, as I was worried it would make me feel a bit queasy. I was so hungry, my piece disappeared in a minute flat! I was able to sneak a bite of Demos' Chocolate tart and really enjoyed its gooey pudding-like filling.

 The Longrain stall had a very long line. I think most of the crowd, like us, were tempted in by the delicious aroma of their Berkshire Pork Yellow Curry. The pork - amazingly tender. The cuts would just melt in your mouth and the curry was not too spicy at all, although it was a bit too hot for the meal. It would be comfort food for a cold day.

We were down to our last tickets, but at this stage most of the stall holders were cleaning up and leaving, and I was still craving some comfort food. As we walked past the Guilliaumme at Bennelong stand, I notice some fresh crepes being prepared. The chef told me this Nutella covered dessert would cost me three coupons, but since I was down to my last two, he was happy to give it to us anyway! What a lovely gesture. It really made me happy that all the restaurant workers that donated their time and efforts on the day were all in a very cheerful mood, I must say it really lifted my spirits!

 After only an hour out and about I was ready to call it a day and get back to sick bay. However, we saved the best for last. After lining up for a short while we were given a free scoop of Ben and Jerry's Ice cream - and lucky me, we get my favourite cookie dough flavour too! We headed home with our full tummies, it was a bit too much excitement for my sick self and I didn't leave my room until the next day!

Of course we had to eat on a Sunday too right?...

 The Norton St Italian Festa has to be one of my favourite annual community festivals, and I was happy for an excuse to leave sick bay once again. My professional medical opinion was that I was hungry, but as I mentioned before, I am committed to eating. Since I had to visit my GP anyway - we detoured via Leichhardt and met up with our awesome and equally hungry friends and "Mangiare!". We found a spot at the Barilla stand, which offered a $5 meal deal with 2 serves of pasta and a San Pellegrino drink - breadsticks included too!

A food festival wouldn't be complete without the "Chips on a Stick" and for those who are not familiar with this, its basically a whole potato, cut spirally, deep fried on a stick and seasoned with different flavours. I usually order plain salt but the bbq and cheese flavour is just as addictive! Deep fried goodness.

For something more substantial, we share some Calamari and BBQ Octopus from the seafood stand. No name in particular, just some delicious calamari fritti and perfectly seasoned baby octopus. 

 Just hanging outside nonna's house like the good kids we are! Unfortunately for me, my appetite could not be as enthusiastic as I was, so I had to pass on the Nutella Crepes, Gelati, Granita and the Ricotta Canolli - yes, you know you are sick when you pass up the Canolli.

We head to Vanilla Room to escape the heat, my forehead literally felt like it was on fire! They were serving jugs of Sangria for $15, and originally I had passed it up - but the heat got the better of me of course! Lucky for me, my very patient and caring Demos takes me home, I had enough excitement for a sick person - but it just shows that nothing can keep me away from my food! Besides, it was the last day of October - what better way than to end October, aka Good Food Month?

Despite feeling Deathly and getting approximately 4 hours of sunlight, it was still a fun weekend. The best part of food fairs and festivals is the way that it brings friends together, and you can sit on the sidewalk sharing a plate of food, love it. Here's to making every month Good Food Month! Until the next post everyone, Happy Eating!