Blossom Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, Newtown

Green Palace is one of many, many Thai restaurants on Newtown’s King St strip. However, it stands out from others because of three things: it’s vegan, it’s cheap, and it’s really REALLY delicious. I know, it surprised me too!

Yen For Viet, Marrickville – Take 2

Mr Black and I first visited Yen For Viet when it was brand new (see my first post here). Since then we’ve been back a few times – when we can get a table! Even on a weeknight they’re pretty busy, and deservedly so. Their food is excellent quality and, while not as cheap a most places on the Illawarra Rd strip, is still fantastic value. They are both BYO and licenced, which is great because there are no bottle shops anywhere nearby!

Dragon Den, Darlinghurst

I recently organised a birthday dinner for two of my loveliest friends at Dragon Den, near the Green Park Hotel in Darlinghurst. Planning a dinner for 20 odd people is not always easy, but the staff at Dragon Den were amongst the most helpful, accommodating and flexible I’ve encountered (along with Javed and the team at Delhi O’ Delhi).

Bò Kho (Vietnamese lemongrass beef stew)

I made this recently as the main course at a dinner party, although I’m told that in Vietnam it is usually eaten as a breakfast dish. I’d happily eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s so good. As with most stews it improves overnight so it’s best to start it the day before for maximum flavour and tenderness.

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!

Grub & Tucker, Newtown

Despite being relatively quiet, we waited for 10 minutes then ended up getting our own menus. Not a great start. Then when we were finally acknowledged by someone, the waiter was brusque to the point of rudeness. Could the food make up for the shortcomings of the waitstaff?

Bo La Lot – Beef in Betel Leaf

I adapted this recipe from Luke Ngyuyen’s recipe. Bo la lot make a fantastic finger food which can be eaten either piping hot, or just warm. I should call my version ‘roo la lot’, as I actually used kangaroo mince instead of beef.

Recipe for Miang Khum – Thai Betel Leaf Parcels

I absolutely love the betel leaf parcels with prawn (miang goong) which I’ve tried at various Thai restaurants in Sydney and have been looking forward to trying to make my own. I happened to spot fresh betel leaves in Marrickville the other day and grabbed a bunch with which to experiment – excitement central!!!

I like the Duke. Of all the pubs around I think it has the best value food, and the courtyard is cute and cosy. It never gets too packed for comfort and has a relaxed atmosphere, reflected in the staff’s friendly and laidback manner. They also serve up until 10pm on the weekend which is great for a late night out – plus, as we discovered on this occasion, the menu is 25% off from 12-5pm weekends!