Taste of Sydney 2013

The Taste of Sydney food festival ran last week from Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17, 2013.  I definitely attended to check out what they had and not only for one session, but for three sessions! Call me a bit crazy but there’s a reason behind it.  You see, I’d bought tickets about a month ago and then ended up getting some free tickets so hey, why not? It would be beneficial because then, I could “suss” it out the first time.

What I love about going to food festivals is the opportunity to DISCOVER.  Discover new restaurants, new chefs, new food, new ingredients, new spreads, new dips, new oils, new beer, new wine, new alcohol, etc.  Okay, sometimes they may not be new but they’re new to me so the novelty is there. 

With a plethora of different goods around, it’s easy to get intimidated when going to the store and buying a full pack of X.  Perhaps one may have no idea of what it taste like or even how to prepare or what it pairs with best.  Luckily, vendors at these food festivals are very happy to let you sample and taste the final product.  They’ve done the work of combining and testing out what they know to find the best match together and have it presented for you to try.

The cider tent! Ever thought of trying a "cider float?" I tried it with some frozen yogurt, definitely made for those who can handle the strong tart flavours.  This was a "secret menu" item concocted by a vendor at another tent :) 

Jackie M. cooking up some Malaysian Roti Canai

The Sustainable Living area :)

Some cheese? Don't mind if I do! Let me count the ways I love thee....

It’s no secret that I’m a big (HUGE) fan of gelato and one of THE places here in Sydney, Gelato Messina, has converted me into an addict.  One day, I’ll probably write up a love letter – whether it’s to the gelateria shop and/or to their flavours and/or the art and science behind it, it’ll happen.  Messina holds classes for those who are interested in finding out what goes behind the scenes and to show their raving popularity, all the classes for the rest of the year have been booked out for awhile now!

In any case, the best highlight for me during the Taste of Sydney was being able to watch head gelato chef Donato Toce from Gelato Messina prepare 2 of their popular gelato flavours: salted caramel and white chocolate, and tiramisu.  I learned fun facts like how they go through 1,000kg of sugar per week (mmm…sugar) or that the weekly specials are determined and tested 6 weeks in advanced! Overall, I was a happy camper with a full belly (as usual....).

With Donato Toce of Gelato Messina and with my gelato spoon ready in hand!

Mushroom Picking

Once upon a time, my friend Ksenia had told me that she was going mushroom picking to which I enthusiastically responded, "mushroom picking?!? Tell me more!"  It sounded like a fun adventure and so when one of my friends here in Sydney told me she was going, I had to get in on the action.

Perhaps it's more of a Eastern European/Soviet Union activity as it seemed quite common to them, one being from Russia and the other from Ukraine, but the thought of going out for my own wild mushrooms hadn't really crossed my mind.

This past weekend, we went off to the Belanglo State Forest for a quick weekend getaway.  It was only on the way there that I had learned about the dangers and reputation it received but luckily, there was comfort in traveling in a large and well-traveled group of folks who knew what they were doing.

Fun team building games were organized to welcome us onto the campground and to get to know each other a bit more.  There was a bit of mushroom sighting but we saved it for the day after so as to pick and take them home at their freshest.

Frolicking through the forest in between trees and searching for mushrooms was exhilarating and each time we found the smaller ones (that are less common to come across), it was like finding treasure! 86 mushrooms later, I decided to call it a day for picking these Saffron Milk Cap mushrooms:

I even counted up to 86 in Russian!

Peek-a-boo! Mushroom eyes look like donuts...just sayin'

These beautiful Saffron Milk Cap wild mushrooms have such a beautiful and vibrant orange color.

An important note about mushroom picking: definitely do your research and go somewhere known for mushroom picking as there will be signs and pictures on the edible types of mushrooms.  "If in doubt, go without!" Also, don't forget to bring your knife and a bag or box to place your mushrooms in.

Byron Bay - Part II

Where does the time go? Months pass by so quickly and lots has happened. Turns out that I had written a Byron Bay Part I post, which meant I still had more to share.  Perhaps I adopted some of this:

Just maybe, they'll be there

In any case, I went through and dug through my photos to see what else was remaining that was worthwhile:

Crystal Castle rainbow umbrellas, refreshing ice teas, fish n chips from Fish heads, sampling crackers with  Saghtar  spreads at the Bangalow Markets, and enjoying lunch outdoors

Nestled in between some wood fired pizzas

Freshly squeezed juice makes me jump!

Vibrant oranges fill the carts and boxes

Food signage

This man awaits you for some brekkie at Bayleaf Cafe

Let your sense of adventure take you to places you've never gone before

Byron Bay - Part I

It's good to get away for the weekend and escape for a bit.  Especially if it includes warm weather and good food:

Follow me down to the most eastern part of Australia

Up in the hills is a magical place and it even has a labyrinth. 

Poinciana  Cafe in Mullumbimby, NSW

Colourful signage at the Bangalow Markets.
We were lucky to have caught it (last Sundays of each month)

I found Red Dacca bananas, which I'd never heard of.
It was a tasty and delicious snack.

Chai Tea Latte from In the Pink (Homemade Ice Cream, Gelati, and Sorbet)