When I started my blogging adventure over 12 months ago I didn't ever think I'd be blogging about brussel sprouts. They are, after all, that rather unsexy vegie that divides the country. Well here I am, blogging about the brussel...with gusto! The gusto that can only be brought about after a fabulous dining experience at Porteno. Surry Hills' answer to Argentina.
To experience Porteno is to experience Beunos Aires, at its best. Large, welcoming, dimly lit but filled with warmth.
Now back to those sprouts. With our eyes firmly on the game, entrees were over looked. Instead we opted for the 8 hour woodfired pig and lamb. Each morning the folk at Porteno set 2 whole suckling pigs and lambs to cook over the wood fire. Carefully, they are then divided amongst share plates for the large, expectant crowd. As they were brought to our table we could almost see the meat falling from the bone. Yum. And to accompany, crispy fried brussel sprouts with lentils and mint along with some grilled radicchio, root vegetables, pancetta and hazelnuts. Double yum! You MUST try them for yourself.
This was food with love and a sense of community. The way that food should be eaten.
As our July adventure unfolded we were pleased to have Adventurer E back at the fold. I was also pleased to be continuing my very own birthday festival, complimented by "foodie flashcards"...a story for another day.
In keeping with Adventuring tradition, the dessert menu was considered. The burnt custard served with orange jam and chocolate icecream; chocolate filled doughnut with fig jam and pine nut gelato and a South American style pavlova were chosen to share. I was not disappointed.
As the evening drew to an end the venue for our next adventure was discussed. We settled on Orto Trading Co.
But, for now, hasta luego Porteno. I'll be back.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Agave and a Country Escapee
With blogging socks firmly pulled up (after a little hiatus) I’m pleased to share our June adventure with you.
While the guest of honour was absent…that’s right, she up and moved to the country…we were not to be deterred. Agave, in Crown Street Surry Hills was the site of this month’s adventure.
We arrived just in time for happy hour, and while I’m not quite sure that sangria can really be considered Mexican, who was I to say no. That, and some guacamole, refried beans and corn chips got the evening off to a start.
There were things to be discussed…
Adventurer L had become a “Mrs” since our last meeting, and, with a couple of wedding pics in hand we discussed all things menu, honeymoon and of course honeymoon food.
Adventurer E, the creative one amongst us, has a new job. Let’s just say she is working on some rather wacky TV show and, until now, I had no idea that clair-x-rays existed.
But wait, there was food to be ordered…
Mexican, in my view, can be touch and go and the authentic kind, with that fresh punchy zing, can be hard to happen by. But as my view into the kitchen revealed Mexican chefs and the menu suggested a truthful selection, I was ready to be pleasantly surprised.
I opted for pork and pineapple tacos (done with soft tortillas). They were nice…but no surprise. Others seemed pleased with their selections, which included fish tacos, a grilled prawn number served with rice and other Mexican bits and a some kind of chicken dish…sorry I really should have paid more attention!
As our conversation floated above the noise of the dimly lit room we covered all manner of topics including the difference between TV and magazine types; new Ministers (of the government variety); moving homes and holidays to France, Italy and Sri Lanka. But, there was one topic about which we all agreed. The new doctor on Offspring…not Fraser, the other one…one word…hot!
For dessert we chose churros, with a chocolate and caramel sauce and a chocolate tart. Again, good but no surprise.
We ended the evening by sending our country escapee lots of good wishes. She is any day to become a mum!
While the guest of honour was absent…that’s right, she up and moved to the country…we were not to be deterred. Agave, in Crown Street Surry Hills was the site of this month’s adventure.
We arrived just in time for happy hour, and while I’m not quite sure that sangria can really be considered Mexican, who was I to say no. That, and some guacamole, refried beans and corn chips got the evening off to a start.
There were things to be discussed…
Adventurer L had become a “Mrs” since our last meeting, and, with a couple of wedding pics in hand we discussed all things menu, honeymoon and of course honeymoon food.
Adventurer E, the creative one amongst us, has a new job. Let’s just say she is working on some rather wacky TV show and, until now, I had no idea that clair-x-rays existed.
But wait, there was food to be ordered…
Mexican, in my view, can be touch and go and the authentic kind, with that fresh punchy zing, can be hard to happen by. But as my view into the kitchen revealed Mexican chefs and the menu suggested a truthful selection, I was ready to be pleasantly surprised.
I opted for pork and pineapple tacos (done with soft tortillas). They were nice…but no surprise. Others seemed pleased with their selections, which included fish tacos, a grilled prawn number served with rice and other Mexican bits and a some kind of chicken dish…sorry I really should have paid more attention!
As our conversation floated above the noise of the dimly lit room we covered all manner of topics including the difference between TV and magazine types; new Ministers (of the government variety); moving homes and holidays to France, Italy and Sri Lanka. But, there was one topic about which we all agreed. The new doctor on Offspring…not Fraser, the other one…one word…hot!
For dessert we chose churros, with a chocolate and caramel sauce and a chocolate tart. Again, good but no surprise.
We ended the evening by sending our country escapee lots of good wishes. She is any day to become a mum!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Devonshire and a New Arrival
While the guest of honour was absent (due to the early arrival of beautiful baby Elodie) my fellow Adventurers and I thought it most fitting to celebrate...Devonshire style. That's right, this month's adventure took place at The Devonshire, Surry Hills.
Long and narrow, The Devonshire is a relaxed, yet white table cloth affair. Mirrors of different shapes and styles adorn the walls and dark wooden chairs join the tables. The setting is warm and inviting, perfect for a rainy autumn night.
As a glanced over the wine list, looking for a celebratory tipple, my choice of a French Pinot Gris was given the nod by the sommelier. Acommpanied by some house made grisini we were off to a great start.
Now to the menu...
It was a tough choice. Bangalow pork loin and belly, pumpkin, prunes, apple. Snapper, katchumba salad, pakoras, curry sauce and rice foam. Potato gnocchi with pine mushrooms, parmesan and peas. Hmmmm. I decided on the snapper and was not let down. But the rice foam, "help me understand that" I announced. And so I was helped, by our able waiter. Rice, boiled really well in milk, until it is of the consistency to be aerated by one of those cream gun thingys. Who would have thought?!?
As I heard Adventurer E proclaim, "I love crackling, who needs men when you have crackling", I glanced up and noticed our friendly sommelier trying not to laugh, or to be let down, I couldn't quite decide. Although he did later provide us with an explanation about how to make the perfect crackling, leading me to believe he thought there was room for both men and crackling.
On to dessert. The bittersweet chocolate pave, chocolate sorbet and chocolate ice cream was the firm favourite with a devonshire tea crème brulee, scone ice-cream, cherry jam and whipped cream thrown in for good measure. Yum!
I left The Devonshire filled not only with chocolate but with the warmth of having enjoyed a beautiful meal served by some very down to earth staff- always a bonus amongst the Sydney dining scene. Check it out for yourself.
Long and narrow, The Devonshire is a relaxed, yet white table cloth affair. Mirrors of different shapes and styles adorn the walls and dark wooden chairs join the tables. The setting is warm and inviting, perfect for a rainy autumn night.
As a glanced over the wine list, looking for a celebratory tipple, my choice of a French Pinot Gris was given the nod by the sommelier. Acommpanied by some house made grisini we were off to a great start.
Now to the menu...
It was a tough choice. Bangalow pork loin and belly, pumpkin, prunes, apple. Snapper, katchumba salad, pakoras, curry sauce and rice foam. Potato gnocchi with pine mushrooms, parmesan and peas. Hmmmm. I decided on the snapper and was not let down. But the rice foam, "help me understand that" I announced. And so I was helped, by our able waiter. Rice, boiled really well in milk, until it is of the consistency to be aerated by one of those cream gun thingys. Who would have thought?!?
As I heard Adventurer E proclaim, "I love crackling, who needs men when you have crackling", I glanced up and noticed our friendly sommelier trying not to laugh, or to be let down, I couldn't quite decide. Although he did later provide us with an explanation about how to make the perfect crackling, leading me to believe he thought there was room for both men and crackling.
On to dessert. The bittersweet chocolate pave, chocolate sorbet and chocolate ice cream was the firm favourite with a devonshire tea crème brulee, scone ice-cream, cherry jam and whipped cream thrown in for good measure. Yum!
I left The Devonshire filled not only with chocolate but with the warmth of having enjoyed a beautiful meal served by some very down to earth staff- always a bonus amongst the Sydney dining scene. Check it out for yourself.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Pizza with discipline- Mario's
After a check of Sydney's top ten pizzas, as described by the SMH, we ventured to Pizza Mario in Surry Hills, for the March installment of Adventures with Knife and Fork.
Pizza Mario describes itself as pizza with discipline. A discipline of which, is that the topping must not conflict with the rules of gastronomy. The rules of gastronomy?!? Were these written, a secret code, known only by a few...
As I pondered these rules I considered the toppings we had chosen. Potato, rosemary and coarsely ground sea salt; speck and fontina; basil and tomato and finally; ham, artichoke, mushrooms and olives. While I didn't know the rules, I was pretty sure they weren't being broken.
The potato, rosemary and sea salt proved the firm favourite. Paper thin potato, delightfully salted on a soft but not soggy base, cooked in a wood burning oven.
In the spirit of all things Italian we discussed attempts at home made prosciutto, from home grown pigs! And my upcoming pasta making course.
We listened with delight to Adventurer L's upcoming wedding menu, carefully chosen and sourced by the bride and groom themselves.
As one adventurer broke the news of a "country change". My longing for a country style eat in kitchen, a view of rolling hills and scone and jam making was reignited.
As the time for dessert rolled around, vanilla gelato, tiramisu and poached rhubarb with mascapone were selected.
The verdict: good traditional pizza, okay dessert.
As I contemplated the 200 year old Napolean tradition and the rules of gastronomy, I decided to add Naples as a destination to my pending Italian vacation...if only for the pizza.
Pizza Mario describes itself as pizza with discipline. A discipline of which, is that the topping must not conflict with the rules of gastronomy. The rules of gastronomy?!? Were these written, a secret code, known only by a few...
As I pondered these rules I considered the toppings we had chosen. Potato, rosemary and coarsely ground sea salt; speck and fontina; basil and tomato and finally; ham, artichoke, mushrooms and olives. While I didn't know the rules, I was pretty sure they weren't being broken.
The potato, rosemary and sea salt proved the firm favourite. Paper thin potato, delightfully salted on a soft but not soggy base, cooked in a wood burning oven.
In the spirit of all things Italian we discussed attempts at home made prosciutto, from home grown pigs! And my upcoming pasta making course.
We listened with delight to Adventurer L's upcoming wedding menu, carefully chosen and sourced by the bride and groom themselves.
As one adventurer broke the news of a "country change". My longing for a country style eat in kitchen, a view of rolling hills and scone and jam making was reignited.
As the time for dessert rolled around, vanilla gelato, tiramisu and poached rhubarb with mascapone were selected.
The verdict: good traditional pizza, okay dessert.
As I contemplated the 200 year old Napolean tradition and the rules of gastronomy, I decided to add Naples as a destination to my pending Italian vacation...if only for the pizza.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
District Dining...neighbourhood style
And it appeared...
District Dining, Warren Turnbull's neighbourhood diner was the site of our February adventure. What a find. Up a set of stairs to a beautiful open space. Huge glass windows, dark furnishings, pale walls, District Dining oozes New York loft.
Share plates seem to be the Sydney 2011 plat de jour. While District Dining allows both shared and individual plates our waiter explained that the menu is designed to share, and who was I to turn down the opportunity to try several dishes rather than one or two!
I'd have never thought that I would be writing about ordering chicken nuggets. But well, we did. District dining style. "Jouzed" up nuggets with coleslaw and chilli aioli. I wasn't convinced and am still trying to understand their place on the menu, but that aside, tasty they were.
Other entrees included a delicious porcini mushroom, pecorino and caramelised onion pizza and as if Ms G's did not provide our fill of prawn toast, a fresh and modern prawn style cocktail, peppered with prawn toast was also amongst the offerings. A loaf of rustic hand made bread infused with roasted heads of garlic accompanied the entrees.
For mains we shared ras el hanout lamb rump with pumpkin hummus and honey feta along with crisp pork belly served with watermelon, cashews and pickled daikon. Both were divine.
As Adventurers recently returned from visits to Melbourne's Press Club and a birthday dinner at Quay, we lived vicariously through their menu choices.
Adventurer E, bemoaning a broken oven and cook top, was offered menu solutions. And I was challenged to embark on my 2011 cooking resolution...the macaron!
After all that talking it was time for dessert. I could not go past the meringue. A crumbling, sticky sweet mess, served with raspberries, delicate flower petals and a vanilla cream. With the exception of Adventurer K, who opted for the buttermilk pannacotta served in a jar with spiced peaches and mint, it was meringue all round- we can thank Terry Durack for that, Yum!
While the menu left me somewhat confused and pondering its place, what I can say, is that District Dining is well worth the visit. A gorgeous and welcoming space. Make it your local.
District Dining, Warren Turnbull's neighbourhood diner was the site of our February adventure. What a find. Up a set of stairs to a beautiful open space. Huge glass windows, dark furnishings, pale walls, District Dining oozes New York loft.
Share plates seem to be the Sydney 2011 plat de jour. While District Dining allows both shared and individual plates our waiter explained that the menu is designed to share, and who was I to turn down the opportunity to try several dishes rather than one or two!
I'd have never thought that I would be writing about ordering chicken nuggets. But well, we did. District dining style. "Jouzed" up nuggets with coleslaw and chilli aioli. I wasn't convinced and am still trying to understand their place on the menu, but that aside, tasty they were.
Other entrees included a delicious porcini mushroom, pecorino and caramelised onion pizza and as if Ms G's did not provide our fill of prawn toast, a fresh and modern prawn style cocktail, peppered with prawn toast was also amongst the offerings. A loaf of rustic hand made bread infused with roasted heads of garlic accompanied the entrees.
For mains we shared ras el hanout lamb rump with pumpkin hummus and honey feta along with crisp pork belly served with watermelon, cashews and pickled daikon. Both were divine.
As Adventurers recently returned from visits to Melbourne's Press Club and a birthday dinner at Quay, we lived vicariously through their menu choices.
Adventurer E, bemoaning a broken oven and cook top, was offered menu solutions. And I was challenged to embark on my 2011 cooking resolution...the macaron!
After all that talking it was time for dessert. I could not go past the meringue. A crumbling, sticky sweet mess, served with raspberries, delicate flower petals and a vanilla cream. With the exception of Adventurer K, who opted for the buttermilk pannacotta served in a jar with spiced peaches and mint, it was meringue all round- we can thank Terry Durack for that, Yum!
While the menu left me somewhat confused and pondering its place, what I can say, is that District Dining is well worth the visit. A gorgeous and welcoming space. Make it your local.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Quirky Ms G's
My fellow adventurers and I got 2011 off to a cracking start. Dinner at Ms G's in Potts Point.
Ms G's is an up, down and round about affair. Set over several levels it's perhaps more nightclub than restaurant. But something tells me that that's how they like it
Ms G's is quirky. From the tablewear to the menu and everything in between.
After perusing the menu, we settled our order. Adventurer L was most pleased to order prawn toast...but this was no ordinary prawn toast. Served with yuzo aioli it was a good choice.
Egg noodles served with the family's XO sauce and braised duck, Buddhas's delight (as opposed to Stoner's Delight- but I'll get to that), grilled prawns, cultivated mushrooms, and pork belly were amongst the orders.
The mushrooms and Buddha's Delight- a gorgeous textural vegetarian salad- got me. Oh, the mushrooms. As our waiter brought them over, he asked, "who ordered these, they are fabulous". And fabulous they were. Stir fried with brown butter and garlic shoots, they were meaty, juicy and everything mushrooms should be.
After hearing rave reviews about the egg noodles (served with XO sauce, braised duck and a soft egg) I was a little let down. Good- but no wow.
We enjoyed our meal, served on retro seventies plates, with a lovely jasmine tea. A sign of festive over indulgence.
Now to desserts. With the exception of the Pandan cake, the dessert list was very, well, un-Asian. "Jam Doughnut", "Splice" and "Stoners Delight" were the chosen options. The Stoner's Delight was an arrangement of banana ice cream, chocolate, rice bubbles (think Mars Bar slice),peanut brittle and marshmallow. While I can see how it got its name it served a purpose for one of our pregnant adventurers, with a current penchant for all things sweet.
The Jam Doughnut was, what can I say, kooky. Jam Doughnut, somehow dehydrated, and mushed into icecream. Hmmmm. Not quite my thing but as I looked around there appeared to be empty plates and looks of satisfaction.
The Splice (pine lime granita, lychee sorbet and cream was given a rave review.
As our evening drew to an end a group of "frat boys" loudly took up residence at the other end of the room. It was our queue to leave. It was after all a school night.
Ms G's is a fun, noisy, tasty and creative addition to Victoria Street food scene.
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