Makoto stop *

Taking a pitt stop for lunch on the run, 
to do errands on the weekends is really no fun.
But it's the small things which makes me smile,
for instance, innovating sushi I haven't had in a while!

seared scallop sushi with fish roe on cooked tuna & cucumber sushi

Makoto

119 Liverpool Street

Sydney NSW 2000

(02) 9283 6767

Mosaic on a plate *

Wildly exuberant mosaic plated before my eyes,
for pixels of decorative art forming a garden 
of surrounds where my light lunch lies.

Call me crazy, but isn't this colourful sight
too delicate to disturb?

turkey, camembert, alfalfa and cranberry sauce on toasted think-cut brown bread

Cafe Marco

144 Burwood Road

Burwood NSW 2134

+61 2 9747 6035

Sweet Potatoes *

A distant relative of the potato. 
Its flesh colour varies from shades of orange, golden yellow, white, purple & red.
Large, starchy, sweet-tasting and all-in-all a nutrition packed root vegetable.

Popular for the health conscious and dieters, 
alongside other 'superfoods' such as chicken breast, broccoli & bananas.
Easy to bake, in a little as 35 minutes, 
and ready to eat straight from the oven!

purple & orange sweet potatoes

Chicken little *

Six weeks until Summer is upon us!
My brother has been determined to get 6 pack abs
and is doing quite well with his diet & work out routine.
His cooking is also my emergency food when I feel lazy to cook.

grilled chicken breast, broccoli, brown rice, coconut oil & cayenne pepper

Andy's stack of healthy meals!

100g chicken breast, 50g brown rice, 100g broccoli

(little bit of protein, whole grains & veges)

Twinings Infusions *

The quest to find an alternative to coffee is 
like driving towards a yellow traffic light.
You just don't know when to stop!
There are few beverages that taste as good as coffee,
personally the only exception I have found so far is wine.
Nevertheless, I believe some progress has been made.
Being caffeine free with a range of infusions,
this has been my drink of choice during the evenings of late.

Traffic light of teas in 'red', yellow & green

Twinings Lemon & Ginger Infusion

with slices of fresh lemon and teaspoon of organic honey

Cooking for K *

Spent the past weekend with K
catching up on stories from her travels around America
and enjoying each others company 
while sharing our common love for food.

Reminds me of the countless times during university
when we would stay up late at night
to cram for exams, talk about pointless happenings
or simply be in a panic-mode to finish our assignments on time!

While I was busily preparing lunch, 
K started researching for our Europe trip.
We agreed K will organise the itinerary for sight-seeing 
and my responsibility is to plan our food adventures.
So excited, can't wait!

For K:

red atlantic salmon, poached eggs, tomatoes & slices of avocado on rye

For B*:

cos lettuce, tomato wedges, poached egg/salmon on rye

As a last minute order, Andy requested a second lunch for himself!

poached egg on avocado wholemeal toast stack with chilli jam relish

Sushi Tei *

"With modest & unassuming homegrown Japanese Kaiten chain,

this restaurant conforms to an open-kitchen concept.

Allowing patrons the chance to relish their meal whilst 

gazing at the culinary skills of resident chefs."

For a quick easy lunch with healthy options, sushi train seems to be an obvious solution. A revolving selection of sushi specials are available for $3.00 per plate. Cost effective and simple to tally your bill for those who are mathematically challenged, like myself! Extensive variety of sushi rolls with a few innovative dishes. Be reassured that everything is made fresh daily. I only have one minor complaint in relation to the food, that is, too much Kewpie! My motto has always been 'M for m' i.e. Mayonnaise in moderation please.

conveyor belt stacked with freshly made nigiri, snacks & desserts

pork katsu & avocado roll 

decorated with white & black sesame seeds

seared salmon sushi

with crab stick, soft shell crab & fish roe

(brilliant combination of two crab elements in one bite!)

personalise by topping with desired condiments

(I always enjoy adding fresh wasabi as well as Gari- 

a sweet, thinly sliced young ginger marinated in sugar vinegar solution.)

so much fish makes CO & I two happy cats indeed

Sushi Tei

127 Liverpool Street

Sydney NSW 2000

+61 2 9283 7889

Umi Kaiten Zushi*

when I crave for something healthy & clean

what immediately springs to mind is

where can I go for sushi train

what I usually order is an assortment of sashimi plus sushi, but

why I did not opt for carpaccio earlier is perplexing!

kingfish carpaccio

kingfish sashimi, fish roe, shallots & onion with ponzu dressing

(thoroughly enjoyed the added textures & flavours,

which lifted the fresh sashimi to souring heights!)

Umi Kaiten Zushi

1/477 Pitt Street

Haymarket NSW 2000

(02) 9281 2006

Cartoon Fruits & Veg*

Having fun with fruit, vegetables & wholegrains
does not have to be a daunting task.
Being creative on the plate may also be healthier on the palette.
I am thrilled at the idea that 
food can be a work of art!*

Eee -spiration *

My love hate relationship with food is no longer a Catch 22!

I love everything associated with gastronomy-
as it embraces all the five sensations of
taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing (re: The Fat Duck).
Yet weighing down the positives is the opportunity cost-
or hate - in gaining a few extra pounds.

Inspired by Eee, I have adopted a healthier lifestyle incorporating regular exercise while enjoying all the foods I love in moderation. In any case, I hope that I will look as great as my Aunty in future!

The secret is really not a secret at all. Simply indulge in the food you love, in moderation, combined with regular exercise and healthy eating! V's mantra of "Everything in Moderation" has finally struck a chord with me. Thank you V ~ for all your patience, guidance and witty criticism that has helped me to love food even more!*