Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Friday, 12 October 2012
Masterchef LIVE Sydney
Well, well, well, if you have browsed through either the Facebook page or Instagram account for I Could Eat Now, you would have learned that I attended Masterchef LIVE 2012.
I had an amazing day brushing shoulders with some of my favourite celebrity chefs and past Masterchef contestants. Check out my photos if you don't believe me! I think I may have been a little star struck?
The day wasn't only about meeting some idols, lets not forget the food! Loads of premium and boutique style food products to taste and get excited about.
One of my favourites of the day was 'Hands Lane' Tomato Chutney (the jams were brilliant too). All products hand made in Sydney and utterly delicious. As soon as I tasted the chutney, I was inspired to cook a thick juicy steak sandwich with a generous dollop of this Tomato Chutney (no prizes for guessing what was for dinner on Monday night).
Another favourite was 'Roaming Cow' Greek yoghurt. The lovely girls at this stand offered me to taste this yoghurt on a little lavosh style thin crisp bread cracker with a little sprig of Mint. It was a burst of creamy, fresh, minty goodness. I will definitely be serving this as a canape at my next dinner party. Hmm salivating now just thinking about it a week later!
Lastly but not least, Pukara Estate. I have been familiar with the Pukara Estate products for quite some time now and have told many friends about their Caramalised Balsamic Vinegar (my favourite balsamic by far). But my eyes were widened by the Guava Australian Vinegar. Sweet citrus tones recommend served drizzled over prawns or salmon. I am yet to cook with it, but will be sure to share once I have.
The format really encourage the hands on passionate masterchef loving population, and really, really didn't disappoint me. It was busy, however that was to be expected, but the cowds didn't dampen my spirits nor effect my positive experience. Check out some pics from my day and be sure to follow me on Instagram Icouldeatnow to see my experiences as they happen.
I could eat anything at masterchef.
I had an amazing day brushing shoulders with some of my favourite celebrity chefs and past Masterchef contestants. Check out my photos if you don't believe me! I think I may have been a little star struck?
The day wasn't only about meeting some idols, lets not forget the food! Loads of premium and boutique style food products to taste and get excited about.
One of my favourites of the day was 'Hands Lane' Tomato Chutney (the jams were brilliant too). All products hand made in Sydney and utterly delicious. As soon as I tasted the chutney, I was inspired to cook a thick juicy steak sandwich with a generous dollop of this Tomato Chutney (no prizes for guessing what was for dinner on Monday night).
Another favourite was 'Roaming Cow' Greek yoghurt. The lovely girls at this stand offered me to taste this yoghurt on a little lavosh style thin crisp bread cracker with a little sprig of Mint. It was a burst of creamy, fresh, minty goodness. I will definitely be serving this as a canape at my next dinner party. Hmm salivating now just thinking about it a week later!
Lastly but not least, Pukara Estate. I have been familiar with the Pukara Estate products for quite some time now and have told many friends about their Caramalised Balsamic Vinegar (my favourite balsamic by far). But my eyes were widened by the Guava Australian Vinegar. Sweet citrus tones recommend served drizzled over prawns or salmon. I am yet to cook with it, but will be sure to share once I have.
The format really encourage the hands on passionate masterchef loving population, and really, really didn't disappoint me. It was busy, however that was to be expected, but the cowds didn't dampen my spirits nor effect my positive experience. Check out some pics from my day and be sure to follow me on Instagram Icouldeatnow to see my experiences as they happen.
I could eat anything at masterchef.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Sunday BBQ
Sometimes it's the basic simple things in life that put the best smiles on the faces of people you love.
And for me today, no fancy restaurant and sophisticated cocktail list could come close to beating a back yard family BBQ.
Kids riding their bikes through their grandparents garden beds causing commotion; While the adults are catching up with the neighbor over the fence.
Dad heading up the 'barbie' with strict instructions from mum of course! Beef sausages sizzling away, perfectly seasoned burger patties, and crunchy messy bread rolls.
And my big sister is pretty dam great at making 'm&m' cookies! Even stole a few for later!
I could eat a sausage sizzle
And for me today, no fancy restaurant and sophisticated cocktail list could come close to beating a back yard family BBQ.
Kids riding their bikes through their grandparents garden beds causing commotion; While the adults are catching up with the neighbor over the fence.
Dad heading up the 'barbie' with strict instructions from mum of course! Beef sausages sizzling away, perfectly seasoned burger patties, and crunchy messy bread rolls.
And my big sister is pretty dam great at making 'm&m' cookies! Even stole a few for later!
I could eat a sausage sizzle
The Grounds of Alexandria
Saturday morning, bright and sunny, warm still air. The aroma of coffee and my senses are in overload. The Grounds of Alexandria, is impressive as soon as you walk through the rusty gates.
As I anticipated, the grounds of 'The Grounds' are just admirable.
The gardens full of herbs and vegetables feed the fresh seasonal menu (there is even a chicken coop). The alluring gardens are a stunning place to wait for your table. As yes, you will need to wait.
Knowing the popularity of this new highly talked about cafe, I wanted to get there early for breakfast. Arriving at 9am, meant we waited about 20 minutes for our table. Exploring the gardens and relaxing in the sunshine with a fresh lemonade ($5), proved to be a tranquil and restful way to wait. Certainly no clock watching required.
In a timely fashion our name was next, the very fashionably dressed, friendly and effervescent Maitre d' came right up to us, remembering my name, he escorted us our to our table (another big tick).
The interior is as equally as impressive as the exterior. There is so much to look at it was hard to focus on the menu! But the menu does provide all of your favourite breakfast expectations.
We ordered, what was to be, perfectly poached eggs, on in-house baked artisan bread (amazing), with a 'side' of half an avocado ($11+$4). As well as a bacon and egg roll with tomato relish ($10).
The coffee was unbelievable, and why shouldn't it be? They pride themselves on their passion for their specifically chosen coffee beans from varying regions to achieve differing flavours. The Grounds also offer an extensive 'education' on the coffee process on the walls of the cafe and in the menu. Best cup of coffee I have had in a long time, in fact I can't remember when?
Note worthy: Markets are held last Saturday of the month, and they even host kids gardening workshops!
I could eat at 'The Grounds of Alexandria'
http://groundsroasters.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GroundsRoasters#!/GroundsRoasters
As I anticipated, the grounds of 'The Grounds' are just admirable.
The gardens full of herbs and vegetables feed the fresh seasonal menu (there is even a chicken coop). The alluring gardens are a stunning place to wait for your table. As yes, you will need to wait.
Knowing the popularity of this new highly talked about cafe, I wanted to get there early for breakfast. Arriving at 9am, meant we waited about 20 minutes for our table. Exploring the gardens and relaxing in the sunshine with a fresh lemonade ($5), proved to be a tranquil and restful way to wait. Certainly no clock watching required.
In a timely fashion our name was next, the very fashionably dressed, friendly and effervescent Maitre d' came right up to us, remembering my name, he escorted us our to our table (another big tick).
The interior is as equally as impressive as the exterior. There is so much to look at it was hard to focus on the menu! But the menu does provide all of your favourite breakfast expectations.
We ordered, what was to be, perfectly poached eggs, on in-house baked artisan bread (amazing), with a 'side' of half an avocado ($11+$4). As well as a bacon and egg roll with tomato relish ($10).
The coffee was unbelievable, and why shouldn't it be? They pride themselves on their passion for their specifically chosen coffee beans from varying regions to achieve differing flavours. The Grounds also offer an extensive 'education' on the coffee process on the walls of the cafe and in the menu. Best cup of coffee I have had in a long time, in fact I can't remember when?
Note worthy: Markets are held last Saturday of the month, and they even host kids gardening workshops!
I could eat at 'The Grounds of Alexandria'
http://groundsroasters.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GroundsRoasters#!/GroundsRoasters
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Surprise Gift
Often when people need to send a gesture of gratitude or love to others, it is done with flowers or chocolates (gorgeous and yummy, right)?
This week a work associate dropped in a box of mini cakes from 'Cupcakes on Pitt'. They are quirky, super tasty, and look like delicious tempting pieces of art. Not to mention the variety in one box. My personal favourite is the chocolate cupcake with honeycomb icing, topped with a chunk of Crunchie *drools*. Also too difficult to go past, is the cookies and cream cake topped with an Oreo, and the lemon meringue delight.
Definitely gets a double thumbs up over a regular box of chocolates.
Try this idea next time you need to send a bunch of flowers or a thank-you gift.
www.cupcakesonline.com.au
www.mylittlecupcake.com.au
Or for more personalised and detailed blissfully satisfying cupcakes visit
https://www.facebook.com/ICouldEatNow?ref=hl#!/pages/Kellys-Cake-Creations/217684094914304
And if you are in Singapore, be sure to try the decadent goodness that is Orange Bow- Boutique Cake Designs
https://www.facebook.com/ICouldEatNow?ref=hl#!/pages/Orange-Bow-Boutique-Cake-Designs/114229275267817
Ah, I could eat 'Cake'.
This week a work associate dropped in a box of mini cakes from 'Cupcakes on Pitt'. They are quirky, super tasty, and look like delicious tempting pieces of art. Not to mention the variety in one box. My personal favourite is the chocolate cupcake with honeycomb icing, topped with a chunk of Crunchie *drools*. Also too difficult to go past, is the cookies and cream cake topped with an Oreo, and the lemon meringue delight.
Definitely gets a double thumbs up over a regular box of chocolates.
Try this idea next time you need to send a bunch of flowers or a thank-you gift.
www.cupcakesonline.com.au
www.mylittlecupcake.com.au
Or for more personalised and detailed blissfully satisfying cupcakes visit
https://www.facebook.com/ICouldEatNow?ref=hl#!/pages/Kellys-Cake-Creations/217684094914304
And if you are in Singapore, be sure to try the decadent goodness that is Orange Bow- Boutique Cake Designs
https://www.facebook.com/ICouldEatNow?ref=hl#!/pages/Orange-Bow-Boutique-Cake-Designs/114229275267817
Ah, I could eat 'Cake'.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
National cupcake week.
This week in the UK it's National Cupcake week! YES, a whole week dedicated to cupcakes! Even though I'm not in the UK, I was still inspired to bake a batch of chocolate goodness. . . . my work colleagues were thankful.
If you have a busy lifestyle, or cooking sweets aren't your forte. Don't forget that there are quality 'packet' mixes available at supermarkets, and don't be ashamed to use them! Your friends and family will always love home baked goods, made from scratch or not.
Some of these kits produce brilliant results, and don't have that 'packet cake' texture. Try the Donna Hay range of brownies, cupcakes, and macaroons. They are delicious. www.donnahay.com.au
I 'dressed up' this batch with some spongy soft marshmallows and pink musk sticks.
I could eat chocolate cupcakes!
If you have a busy lifestyle, or cooking sweets aren't your forte. Don't forget that there are quality 'packet' mixes available at supermarkets, and don't be ashamed to use them! Your friends and family will always love home baked goods, made from scratch or not.
Some of these kits produce brilliant results, and don't have that 'packet cake' texture. Try the Donna Hay range of brownies, cupcakes, and macaroons. They are delicious. www.donnahay.com.au
I 'dressed up' this batch with some spongy soft marshmallows and pink musk sticks.
I could eat chocolate cupcakes!
Bistecca
Being a lover of 'local', I was very pleased to notice that a new restaurant was opening up in my local area. Eager to find out what was to replace the previous Italian Pizzeria, I patiently observed the newspaper clad facade for weeks!
Much to my excitement I noticed a sign in the window announcing its opening date. My anticipation quickly developed into curiosity; Not only to find out the new cuisine on offer, but if the existing wood fire oven would still be in place and operational. Realistically, would any one really not take advantage of a wood fire oven?
So last Wednesday evening, opening night, I found myself at 'Bistecca' (Italian for steak). Yes, its an Italian steak house. Having said that, pizza and pasta are a must in a passionate Italian kitchen, and they too are on the menu here.
The best test for a traditional Italian restaurant is easily its pizza menu. So to start, a Margarita pizza to share, and for main, ricotta filled ravioli with a porcini mushroom and pork sausage ragout.
The pizza was fantastic, the tomato base was incredibly tasty and the wood fire oven put to brilliant use. The pizza was well priced against its stiff local competition, although it wasn't quite as big as some would expect. It is the presentation and flavour that definitely allows you to overlook the size.
The ricotta ravioli was 'pillowy' and full of filling. The porcini and pork ragout was rich and warming. Albeit a little salty, which I personally like, but could be a little too overbearing for other more delicate palates.
Over all, I could definitely eat at Bistecca, 565 Great North Road, Abbotsford, NSW
Much to my excitement I noticed a sign in the window announcing its opening date. My anticipation quickly developed into curiosity; Not only to find out the new cuisine on offer, but if the existing wood fire oven would still be in place and operational. Realistically, would any one really not take advantage of a wood fire oven?
So last Wednesday evening, opening night, I found myself at 'Bistecca' (Italian for steak). Yes, its an Italian steak house. Having said that, pizza and pasta are a must in a passionate Italian kitchen, and they too are on the menu here.
The best test for a traditional Italian restaurant is easily its pizza menu. So to start, a Margarita pizza to share, and for main, ricotta filled ravioli with a porcini mushroom and pork sausage ragout.
The pizza was fantastic, the tomato base was incredibly tasty and the wood fire oven put to brilliant use. The pizza was well priced against its stiff local competition, although it wasn't quite as big as some would expect. It is the presentation and flavour that definitely allows you to overlook the size.
The ricotta ravioli was 'pillowy' and full of filling. The porcini and pork ragout was rich and warming. Albeit a little salty, which I personally like, but could be a little too overbearing for other more delicate palates.
Over all, I could definitely eat at Bistecca, 565 Great North Road, Abbotsford, NSW
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