Rudd - iculous *

Federal Australian politics has done it again. And again, I am vexed. I continue to have little faith or respect for our current politicians. We have changed Prime Minister more often than I have changed my car, my house, or even my coffee machine for that matter. Ridiculous.

ALP
A few simple facts.
In 2007, you vote for Kevin and got Julia.
In 2010, you vote for Julia and got Kevin.
If you vote for the Labor Party in 2013, who knows who you will end up with?

Jacob's Creek *

When asked whether I prefer Red or White, my answer is usually "both!"

In terms of Reds, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz are on the top of my list due to pronounced black fruit notes of cherry and plum. For New World regions such as Australia, cabernet is often blended with shiraz to balance the harsh tannins in youthful wines. 

A light drink before boarding my flight back to SYD.

Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet Vintage 2010

Hudsons Coffee *

Quick lunch before returning to Sydney.
Gourmet sandwiches on offer included the classic Turkey, Reuben & Ploughman. 
Coffee was surprisingly decent!

reuben sandwich

shaved silverside, dryslaw, lettuce, swiss cheese on toasted dark rye

(solid effort to make this classic)

Hudsons Coffee

Canberra Airport ACT 2609

+61 2 6262 8953

Up in the Air *

To keep occupied during the flight, one must sometimes resort to extreme measures. Since I didn't feel like eating, the next best thing was to visually eat by taking food photos!

sydney biscuit company breakfast box + black coffee

carrot & ginger muffin

mints & muesli bite

(mini mints were tres cute!)

mini water + pecorino cheese & green olive bites

spotted. a flying kangaroo!

Eccles cake *

Prior to the renaissance in Thatcher times, some classic British food were created. Eccles cakes are traditionally known to be two discs filled with a fruit mince centre and sealed around the edge. Three lines cutting the surface of the pastry allude to religious overtones of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. In any event, these bundles of currants are cooked in spice & caramel and encased in a thin flakey puff pastry. 

Being my first encounter with this intriguing dessert, I was definitely tempted to give it a try. From the very first bite, currants were flowing out from all directions. Dusted with icing sugar with a sticky caramel base, it was quite a mission to eat in a clean manner if I may say. Will satisfy the sweetest tooth and expect to be on a sugar high for the next hour!

NGA Cafe

The National Gallery

Parkes Place

Parkes ACT 2600

+61 2 6240 6411

Judging by the cover *

Some books look good enough to eat.
Bright colorful foods are jumping out of the front page
which is an enticing way to invite readers 
to explore the dining suggestions within.

 

Penfolds Club Australian Tawny *

To unwind from a sixteen hour day at work,
all I needed was a glass of wine, or the like, and a provoking read.
Reclining into one of the red velvet armchairs in the hotel lounge,
there was a sense of comfort in this moment
as the evening faded away
with the faint crackle of flames & warmth radiating from the fireplace.

Penfolds Club Australian Tawny

(lushicious amber coloured port that was great for easy drinking)

Pulp Kitchen *

“The paperback holiday novel, referred to as 'pulp fiction' 

for the low grade paper that it is printed on, 

is still able to provide a memorable reading experience."

- Christian Hauberg

At this European Brasserie, the focus is to prepare quality ingredients in a simple bistro style setting by providing an enjoyable and honest eating experience. 

While in Canberra for work, it is immensely difficult to find a place for dinner. After a few wrong turns we stumbled upon Ainslie shops. Despite our intention to eat at the restaurant next door, which offered Vietnamese cuisine, we only realised our error when we were given the menu! The food turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

crusty bread

with extra virgin olive oil

(there is nothing better than freshly baked bread served hot to the table!)

 

beef tenderloin medallion

mustard bearnaise and shoe string fries

(massive pile of fries overcompensated for the small portion of meat)

roast spatchcock

with chive gnocchi and melted morbier

(first time I tried morbier- 

a rich and creamy cheese with slightly bitter aftertaste. 

the soft elastic texture complemented the chive gnocchi well. 

spatchcock was a welcome alternative to chicken and perfectly cooked)

To conclude the night, the setting felt like a scene from the novel!

Pulp Kitchen

1 Wakefield Garden

Ainslie ACT 2602

(02) 6257 4334