Looking forward to checking out Ms G's, the location of our January adventure.
In the meantime check out the new Adventures with Knife and Fork facebook page
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Jared, Kris and Some Very Happy Adventurers!
Tuesday saw my fellow adventurers and I taking in Cotton Duck, Jared Ingersoll's, newish Surry Hills venture. It was our final adventure of the year and we were one happy group of foodies!
Cotton Duck's menu is an uncomplicated, yet interesting mix of seasonal and sustainable dishes. Broken into 'smalls', 'entrees', 'mains' and 'desserts' diners are offered a 2, 3 or 4 course option. While I wish I could report taking the 4 course option, I opted for 2. Main and of course, dessert. As we debated our menu choices (there was so much of interest to choose from) half the group settled for an entree and main, the other half were strictly in the dessert camp.
The cannelloni, with blue swimmer crab and scallop mousse, seemed to be the entree of choice. And by all accounts it pleased. As I heard a fellow adventurer remark that she could taste a "hint" of something, I burst out laughing. This adventuring business was becoming serious. Was it the breeding ground for the next round of Good Food Guide reviewers??
Mains arrived. Amongst them were quail, free range pork and king salmon. Each was beautifully and carefully plated providing our visual senses a workout too. With Jared Ingeroll capably commanding the pans, my king salmon with spring vegetables and mussels was delicate, yet full of delightful spring flavour. My fellow adventurers were as equally pleased with their choices.
The wine list, 50% of which is dedicated to NSW wines, provided a Sav Blanc from Orange. The perfect accompaniment to the meal so far.
Dessert arrived and was met with a collective "ohhhhh". The pumpkin pie, which was filled with a pumpkin and gin curd and served with a brandy snap filled with pumpkin seed cream hit all the right marks. The texture delighted my palate. Adventurers also enjoyed the summer pudding and a chocolate and rhubarb tart, both resulting in a resounding yum!
Of course, being our final adventure of the year, there was some Kris Kringling to be had! Each adventurer had carefully thought through what they could contribute to the gift exchange. Some beautiful home made honey, some hand made Italian panforte and hand crafted Christmas cakes were amongst the offerings. I was thrilled with my fennel crackers- to be served with a pungent cheese!
As the evening progressed there was the usual banter. Oprah. Do we get it? Celebrity chef. Are we at saturation point?
As the evening drew to a close and madelines were served, there was collective agreement that Cotton Duck is an exciting addition to the Surry Hills restaurant stakes. Jared Ingersoll- thank you!
Cotton Duck's menu is an uncomplicated, yet interesting mix of seasonal and sustainable dishes. Broken into 'smalls', 'entrees', 'mains' and 'desserts' diners are offered a 2, 3 or 4 course option. While I wish I could report taking the 4 course option, I opted for 2. Main and of course, dessert. As we debated our menu choices (there was so much of interest to choose from) half the group settled for an entree and main, the other half were strictly in the dessert camp.
The cannelloni, with blue swimmer crab and scallop mousse, seemed to be the entree of choice. And by all accounts it pleased. As I heard a fellow adventurer remark that she could taste a "hint" of something, I burst out laughing. This adventuring business was becoming serious. Was it the breeding ground for the next round of Good Food Guide reviewers??
Mains arrived. Amongst them were quail, free range pork and king salmon. Each was beautifully and carefully plated providing our visual senses a workout too. With Jared Ingeroll capably commanding the pans, my king salmon with spring vegetables and mussels was delicate, yet full of delightful spring flavour. My fellow adventurers were as equally pleased with their choices.
The wine list, 50% of which is dedicated to NSW wines, provided a Sav Blanc from Orange. The perfect accompaniment to the meal so far.
Dessert arrived and was met with a collective "ohhhhh". The pumpkin pie, which was filled with a pumpkin and gin curd and served with a brandy snap filled with pumpkin seed cream hit all the right marks. The texture delighted my palate. Adventurers also enjoyed the summer pudding and a chocolate and rhubarb tart, both resulting in a resounding yum!
Of course, being our final adventure of the year, there was some Kris Kringling to be had! Each adventurer had carefully thought through what they could contribute to the gift exchange. Some beautiful home made honey, some hand made Italian panforte and hand crafted Christmas cakes were amongst the offerings. I was thrilled with my fennel crackers- to be served with a pungent cheese!
As the evening progressed there was the usual banter. Oprah. Do we get it? Celebrity chef. Are we at saturation point?
As the evening drew to a close and madelines were served, there was collective agreement that Cotton Duck is an exciting addition to the Surry Hills restaurant stakes. Jared Ingersoll- thank you!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Christmas Adventure
My fellow adventurers and I are gearing up for our final adventure of the year...Cotton Duck http://www.danksstreetdepot.com.au/page/cotton_duck.html Jared Ingersoll's (of Danks Street Depot fame)Surry Hills project. Watch this space for my review.
In the meantime I am contemplating what to make for our Kris Kringle...food themed of course?
In the meantime I am contemplating what to make for our Kris Kringle...food themed of course?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
What's in a name...November at The Battery
November’s sojourn saw my fellow adventurers and I taking in The Battery, the newish fish and chipper in Burke Street Surry Hills. I must confess, I was not initially a fan of the name, it conjures up all kinds of images. Good thing I have put that behind me.
The Battery is white and minimalist. The menu, a daily changing white board affair setting out a selection of local Aussie fish. Spiced oven baked Tassie salmon, crumbed bream fillets and grilled swordfish were amongst the offerings.
I opted for the salmon. It was fresh, tasty and nicely spiced and accompanied by salads and hand cut chips to share. The homemade tartare and aioli were the perfect accompaniments, as was the New Zealand sav blanc to wash it down.
Now to the agenda…there were announcements to be made…a pregnancy and an engagement!
Immersed in conversation with the bride to be- about the wedding menu of course, I seem to have missed the ordering of desserts. Thankfully my fellow foodies had it in hand. Pineapple and mint granita, churros with chocolate sauce and banana fritters with caramel sauce mmmm!
As we savoured our sweets we engaged in lively debate. Junior Masterchef – foodie kiddie beauty pagent Vs legitimate competition for highly skilled kids?
But alas, November’s adventure was an early one…Rafters was on.
The Battery is white and minimalist. The menu, a daily changing white board affair setting out a selection of local Aussie fish. Spiced oven baked Tassie salmon, crumbed bream fillets and grilled swordfish were amongst the offerings.
I opted for the salmon. It was fresh, tasty and nicely spiced and accompanied by salads and hand cut chips to share. The homemade tartare and aioli were the perfect accompaniments, as was the New Zealand sav blanc to wash it down.
Now to the agenda…there were announcements to be made…a pregnancy and an engagement!
Immersed in conversation with the bride to be- about the wedding menu of course, I seem to have missed the ordering of desserts. Thankfully my fellow foodies had it in hand. Pineapple and mint granita, churros with chocolate sauce and banana fritters with caramel sauce mmmm!
As we savoured our sweets we engaged in lively debate. Junior Masterchef – foodie kiddie beauty pagent Vs legitimate competition for highly skilled kids?
But alas, November’s adventure was an early one…Rafters was on.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Anyone for Pho?
Our August adventure saw the group taking in Pho at Pasteur, a Vietnamese eating house on George Street in Haymarket.
"It's rustic" a fellow adventurer said.
"Well that's one word for it", I thought to myself as I entered the building.
Pasteur is one of those places you would be unlikley to set foot in without some prior knowledge or recommendation. It was basic and unassuming, but as I stepped through the door my memory of travelling Vietnam came flooding back and I exclaimed to my waiting adventurers, "this place smells like Vietnam." Well hello to you to!
The group opted for fresh rice paper rolls to start, followed by a number of beef and chicken phos and a salad of vermicelli noodles.
My beef pho was the perfect antedote to a cool winter night. The broth was both warming and flavoursome and the fresh herbs made it. As I washed it down with a Vietnamese lemon soda, I thought to myself, I could be in Hanoi.
As usual, our agenda was filled with discussions about food. And as our conversation turned to the Good Living section in Tuesday's herald and places that had been recently reviewed we noted that the "three of a kind" section seemed to be mirroring our adventures. Bomb alaska, ragu and cassoulet...hmmmmm, were we also setting their agenda?!?
Of course the standing agenda item of where to go next month was also discussed, and as the group settled on Tapas I declared my apologies for the next meeting. Buenos Aires here I come!
So here, I hand over the blogging reigns to my fellow adventurers. Adios!
"It's rustic" a fellow adventurer said.
"Well that's one word for it", I thought to myself as I entered the building.
Pasteur is one of those places you would be unlikley to set foot in without some prior knowledge or recommendation. It was basic and unassuming, but as I stepped through the door my memory of travelling Vietnam came flooding back and I exclaimed to my waiting adventurers, "this place smells like Vietnam." Well hello to you to!
The group opted for fresh rice paper rolls to start, followed by a number of beef and chicken phos and a salad of vermicelli noodles.
My beef pho was the perfect antedote to a cool winter night. The broth was both warming and flavoursome and the fresh herbs made it. As I washed it down with a Vietnamese lemon soda, I thought to myself, I could be in Hanoi.
As usual, our agenda was filled with discussions about food. And as our conversation turned to the Good Living section in Tuesday's herald and places that had been recently reviewed we noted that the "three of a kind" section seemed to be mirroring our adventures. Bomb alaska, ragu and cassoulet...hmmmmm, were we also setting their agenda?!?
Of course the standing agenda item of where to go next month was also discussed, and as the group settled on Tapas I declared my apologies for the next meeting. Buenos Aires here I come!
So here, I hand over the blogging reigns to my fellow adventurers. Adios!
Friday, July 16, 2010
So Frenchie so Chic...
On the eve of Bastille Day, this month's adventure took place at Tabou, Surry Hills.
Greeted by a charming French waiter my fellow adventurers came together and were joined by a special guest- an honorary bloke- as equally into food as we are.
The setting was French bistro and the menu, classic French. Baguette and French butter to nibble on, a soufflé to start followed by a cassoulet, steak frites and other gorgeously prepared bistro style mains. Truffle potatoes- beautifully smooth and creamy- were of some of the accompaniments, and there was even room for dessert. French bread with caramelised pear and a light pear sorbet.
Travel and escapism were on tonight's agenda. With adventurers recently returning from the US and Thailand or planning their next overseas sojourns, including round the world tickets and South American escapes.
Marion's surprise departure from Master Chef was debated along with who might win and why.
We talked vampires (Twilight) and the delightfully girly, Eat Pray Love, as I dreamed of a life on foreign shores with exotic accents filling the air.
As the evening drew to a close and the cab driver stoped at my destination he turned and asked, "do you come from France?"
My night was made!
Greeted by a charming French waiter my fellow adventurers came together and were joined by a special guest- an honorary bloke- as equally into food as we are.
The setting was French bistro and the menu, classic French. Baguette and French butter to nibble on, a soufflé to start followed by a cassoulet, steak frites and other gorgeously prepared bistro style mains. Truffle potatoes- beautifully smooth and creamy- were of some of the accompaniments, and there was even room for dessert. French bread with caramelised pear and a light pear sorbet.
Travel and escapism were on tonight's agenda. With adventurers recently returning from the US and Thailand or planning their next overseas sojourns, including round the world tickets and South American escapes.
Marion's surprise departure from Master Chef was debated along with who might win and why.
We talked vampires (Twilight) and the delightfully girly, Eat Pray Love, as I dreamed of a life on foreign shores with exotic accents filling the air.
As the evening drew to a close and the cab driver stoped at my destination he turned and asked, "do you come from France?"
My night was made!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Viva la France...
Bonjour! In honour of all things French (including the Tour and Bastille Day) my francophile sister has organised our next Adventure...Tabou, Surry Hills. Watch this space for my review.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Buzo, Birthdays, Breaks and Blogging
OK, so this post is not about an adventure with my fellow knife and forkers. So what is it about? Well thank you for asking.
With just under four weeks to our next Knife and Fork Adventure I'm having blogging withdrawals. So, my new found love of blogging combined with a birthday and a pending Italian holiday has led me to share this weeks foodie experience with you. Buzo, Woollahra.
An Italian trattoria set in a delightful 2 story building in Jersey Road was the site of a birthday celebration. Combined with my own little celebration- a pending Italian vacation. Good thing the guest of honour likes Italian food too!
The menu was considered. To start some antipasti. A sublime baked gnocchi with walnuts and gozgonzola stole our hearts. Gorgeously cooked scallops with crushed chickpeas, chilli and lemon also took our fancy.
With a selection of pasta and other dishes for secondi, we settled on a mushroom and pancetta lasagne and a freshly caught fillet of gemfish. To share of course! Washed down nicely with a bottle of chianti.
As I pondered my Italian vacation, where to go, what to do, what cooking school to discover, I felt most at home. Buzo- thank you for sharing.
With just under four weeks to our next Knife and Fork Adventure I'm having blogging withdrawals. So, my new found love of blogging combined with a birthday and a pending Italian holiday has led me to share this weeks foodie experience with you. Buzo, Woollahra.
An Italian trattoria set in a delightful 2 story building in Jersey Road was the site of a birthday celebration. Combined with my own little celebration- a pending Italian vacation. Good thing the guest of honour likes Italian food too!
The menu was considered. To start some antipasti. A sublime baked gnocchi with walnuts and gozgonzola stole our hearts. Gorgeously cooked scallops with crushed chickpeas, chilli and lemon also took our fancy.
With a selection of pasta and other dishes for secondi, we settled on a mushroom and pancetta lasagne and a freshly caught fillet of gemfish. To share of course! Washed down nicely with a bottle of chianti.
As I pondered my Italian vacation, where to go, what to do, what cooking school to discover, I felt most at home. Buzo- thank you for sharing.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Spice Temple, A World Away.
In the depths of a building on Bligh Street, Sydney, our second adventure took place. Spice Temple, Neil Perry's take on modern Chinese. Reminiscent of an opium den (actually, I'm really not sure that it was reminiscent of an opium den, given I've never been to one, but work with me, I'm trying to set a scene here!) I felt like I was a world away.
The smell of spice filled the dimly lit air as we welcomed two new adventurers to the fold.
The menu was delightful. Spice combined with fresh herbs and flavours.
"Three shot chicken. I'm sure he cooked that on Poh's cooking show," said adventurer L.
"I think that's the one they make at your table?"
"Like restaurant theatre?" my sister proposed.
After our waiter explained that those items on the menu in red were the hottest, we settled on our order.
An entree of eggplant, garlic, coriander and sweet pork mince arrived in a beautifully hand crafted bowl. As the waiter tossed it before our eyes our anticipation rose. The combination of flavours was amazing, and this, most definitely, was my dish of the night.
As we filled steamed bread pockets with cumin spiced lamb I was one happy adventurer.
The three shot chicken arrived. Shots of Chinese larger, soy sauce and chilli oil were added at the table, as the dish was left to simmer before our eyes. The flavours were divine.
We shared our favourite Sydney foodie finds, from markets to hole in the wall noodle houses while enjoying other treats. Dumplings; roast pork belly with coriander, red onion, peanuts and sesame seeds; and a dish of braised duck with tofu, dried chestnuts and baby leeks.
We dared to glace at the desert menu. The "cheeky palate cleanser" and warm pineapple cake with caramel cream appealed. But alas, we were beaten.
As I glanced around the busy space a buzz of contentment filled the room. I really did feel a million miles away.
The smell of spice filled the dimly lit air as we welcomed two new adventurers to the fold.
The menu was delightful. Spice combined with fresh herbs and flavours.
"Three shot chicken. I'm sure he cooked that on Poh's cooking show," said adventurer L.
"I think that's the one they make at your table?"
"Like restaurant theatre?" my sister proposed.
After our waiter explained that those items on the menu in red were the hottest, we settled on our order.
An entree of eggplant, garlic, coriander and sweet pork mince arrived in a beautifully hand crafted bowl. As the waiter tossed it before our eyes our anticipation rose. The combination of flavours was amazing, and this, most definitely, was my dish of the night.
As we filled steamed bread pockets with cumin spiced lamb I was one happy adventurer.
The three shot chicken arrived. Shots of Chinese larger, soy sauce and chilli oil were added at the table, as the dish was left to simmer before our eyes. The flavours were divine.
We shared our favourite Sydney foodie finds, from markets to hole in the wall noodle houses while enjoying other treats. Dumplings; roast pork belly with coriander, red onion, peanuts and sesame seeds; and a dish of braised duck with tofu, dried chestnuts and baby leeks.
We dared to glace at the desert menu. The "cheeky palate cleanser" and warm pineapple cake with caramel cream appealed. But alas, we were beaten.
As I glanced around the busy space a buzz of contentment filled the room. I really did feel a million miles away.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Agenda is Set
Where to next I hear you ask...
After a call for agenda items (i.e mouth watering destinations for our future adventures) we have settled on a location for our next meeting. Spice Temple, Neil Perry's take on modern Chinese. http://www.rockpool.com.au/sydney/spice-temple/
I look forward to sharing the outcome of our adventure with you.
After a call for agenda items (i.e mouth watering destinations for our future adventures) we have settled on a location for our next meeting. Spice Temple, Neil Perry's take on modern Chinese. http://www.rockpool.com.au/sydney/spice-temple/
I look forward to sharing the outcome of our adventure with you.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The inaugural meeting...A tavola, Darlinghurst
Ushered past the communal dining table to a court yard out the back, a tavola is more than meets the eye.
From our warmly lit table, my food loving sister declared, "I'd like to call the first meeting of Adventures with Knife and Fork to an open."
On the first Tuesday in May, my fellow adventurers and I met for our inaugural meeting. Adventures with Knife and Fork is an effort to gather our food loving friends together for some gastronomical delights. A tavola, Darlinghurst, was on tonight's agenda.
The menu written solely in Italian was recited to us by our host, who did an amazing job at not only remembering, but describing each meal in sufficient detail to have our collective mouths watering.
"Is it sacrilege to come to a tavola and not have pasta?" I wondered.
I decided it was.
Fresh papardelle with lamb ragu cooked with borlotti beans, mint, rosemary and tomatoes. Mmmmm yum!
Amongst the orders of my fellow adventurers were several of the fresh pasta dishes from the menu, including stracchi and gnocchi, an asparagus and witlof salad and of course, an Italian red.
"Who would play us in a movie?" someone declared. Amongst laughter we decided that that was business worth considering at our next meeting.
My papardelle arrived. The lamb melted in my mouth and as a hush fell over the table it was clear the other adventurers were enjoying their meals as much as I was.
What else was on the agenda...food, recipes, diets, husbands/partners/dates, fashion and trashy tv.
Arriving shortly after, at the table next to us, was the fashion week crew. While I wondered how they would cope with eating carbs at that hour I was not to be put off my desert...all in the name of research of course. "I'll have the baked alaska please". A chocolate sponge, with coffee gelato, meringue and caramel sauce.
The alaska arrived and received mixed reviews. "Is that meringue or marshmallow?" one of the adventurers pondered, prodding her fork into the meringue. All I could determine was that it was sweet gooey heaven and I was pleased that I had opted to share.
As our first meeting drew to an end we left a tavola, filled with the warmth of our first adventure and I quietly wondered...perhaps I could be Maggie Gyllenhaal?
From our warmly lit table, my food loving sister declared, "I'd like to call the first meeting of Adventures with Knife and Fork to an open."
On the first Tuesday in May, my fellow adventurers and I met for our inaugural meeting. Adventures with Knife and Fork is an effort to gather our food loving friends together for some gastronomical delights. A tavola, Darlinghurst, was on tonight's agenda.
The menu written solely in Italian was recited to us by our host, who did an amazing job at not only remembering, but describing each meal in sufficient detail to have our collective mouths watering.
"Is it sacrilege to come to a tavola and not have pasta?" I wondered.
I decided it was.
Fresh papardelle with lamb ragu cooked with borlotti beans, mint, rosemary and tomatoes. Mmmmm yum!
Amongst the orders of my fellow adventurers were several of the fresh pasta dishes from the menu, including stracchi and gnocchi, an asparagus and witlof salad and of course, an Italian red.
"Who would play us in a movie?" someone declared. Amongst laughter we decided that that was business worth considering at our next meeting.
My papardelle arrived. The lamb melted in my mouth and as a hush fell over the table it was clear the other adventurers were enjoying their meals as much as I was.
What else was on the agenda...food, recipes, diets, husbands/partners/dates, fashion and trashy tv.
Arriving shortly after, at the table next to us, was the fashion week crew. While I wondered how they would cope with eating carbs at that hour I was not to be put off my desert...all in the name of research of course. "I'll have the baked alaska please". A chocolate sponge, with coffee gelato, meringue and caramel sauce.
The alaska arrived and received mixed reviews. "Is that meringue or marshmallow?" one of the adventurers pondered, prodding her fork into the meringue. All I could determine was that it was sweet gooey heaven and I was pleased that I had opted to share.
As our first meeting drew to an end we left a tavola, filled with the warmth of our first adventure and I quietly wondered...perhaps I could be Maggie Gyllenhaal?
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