Sem-sav quaffing

 Though I’m not usually a fan of the semillon grape, this semillon sauvignon blanc had just the right amount of tropical sweetness to balance our rich, spicy Malaysian meal at Old Town Kopitiam in Melbourne. In keeping with the down-to-earth style of the restaurant, this bottle was a mere $18 (not BYO sadly) and kept our total meal cost to less than $50 for two of us.

Hope month dinner party dish: Banana flower salad

I’ve always adored the banana flower salad at Spice Market in Kirribilli. It’s fresh, yet creamy, packed full of delicious rich flavours and a tang of citrus, beautifully presented in the banana flower’s outer leaves.

May is Hope Month

During May, aka Hope Month, I encourage you all to host a meal for friends to raise awareness and funds for HopeStreet.Register your dinner party at http://www.hopemonth.com/ and invite guests to buy a seat at your table. You’ll be helping the homeless and those living in poverty in Sydney while enjoying a delicious meal with friends!

Comforting chicken noodle “soup”

Inspired by my mum and guaranteed to feel you feel loved, this is not quite a soup, not quite pasta, and not quite a stew, but a very soothing and delicious fusion of the three. A fantastic way to use up an old roast/bbq chicken.

Low(er)-carb veal schnitzel

Tonight I experimented with two pieces of delicious (happy, well-treated) veal. Both pieces were dusted with flour and dipped in eggwash, but then Mr Black’s was coated with a traditional combination of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan, while mine was coated with parmesan and almond flour.

Anchovy and herb roasted vegetables

I LOVE anchovies! I recently discovered the joy of adding them to roast vegetables and haven’t looked back.

Surjits Indian Restaurant, Annandale

We love Surjit’s! Whether it’s home delivery or eat-in, the service is great and the food, impeccable. We highly recommend the Madrasi Gosht Curry, the Shahi Paneer and the lamb shanks – but generally everything we’ve tried is fantastic. Each curry is unique, none are too sweet or overly-spiced, and I never feel queasy after eating them. The breads are freshly cooked in the tandoor till deliciously flaky and golden.

Izote Mexican Restaurant, Newtown

 I would never claim to be an expert (or anywhere near it) when it comes to Mexican or South American cuisine. My only experience of either outside of restaurants was when my family lived in an apartment above a Brazilian couple when I was 9 or 10. I remember they made some delicious food, including a cracking creme caramel, but my memory ends there!

The world’s best (and easiest) apple teacake

I am not a baker by any means, but at least I know I can always rely on this recipe when I need to make something sweet. Thanks to the lovely Josephine Howie for the best cake recipe I know! 

PS Cafe, Dulwich Hill

This cute cafe is a welcome addition to the area, and seems to be doing a roaring trade already. We popped in for Saturday brunch and by the time we left at 11am, the place was packed!