Nina's notes

Leaving Las Vegas

2011-09-11T12:00:00.001+09:30

Last night we headed out to 'Love', by Cirque di Soleil. 'Love' is the story and music of 'The Beatles'. It was really great, such a production! You've got to wonder about the minds of the people putting these things together.

From there we headed to the 'special' club that I had gotten free entry to. Ros started talking to a guy called Jason and his girlfriend Melissa, we were having such a great time with them that Jason asked us to go along with them to another club, but we wouldn't have free drinks there so we declined.

We moved onto the outdoor area and started to talking to two different groups of people. We had lots of fun, but then I went up to the bar and the free drinks had just finished, so I had to pay $12 for a vodka that I didn't even finish! We left and got a bite to eat then headed back to the Bellagio.

This morning we checked out and were left with a few hours to kill before going to the airport. We went to the shops in Caesar's palace, where I bought a shirt from Abercombie and Fitch and stocked up on more Mac makeup as well as another top from Banana Republic. Then, because I had been searching in every glasses store for my beloved Serengetti, with no luck, I thought it high time to select another pair. After deliberating and probably annoying the hell out of the poor guy in the store for a good half hour I was debating between a $330 pair of Kaenon or $180 pair of Maui Jim. Then the salesman (because I was leaning towards the more expensive pair) said that he could give me a 20% discount, but only with a discount voucher that I could go pick up. I told him I would use that time to decide.

Returning to the store I had pretty much decided on the Kaenon, but then spent another 20 mins deliberating (again), and more out of feeling an obligation to buy something from the poor fellow I had tortured, I walked out with the Maui Jims! I think I am happy with them, but I am still going to seek out the Serengettis online when I get back home. I love those glasses...you know when something is just perfect for you...

Killed more time walking around, got a bite to eat then did some people watching in the front of the Bellagio before getting our bags and catching the shuttle to the airport. As we were waiting, we met 'Bill the Bus driver' who told us he was on series 2 of America's got talent. And then he serenaded Ros with a song. I think she was smitten. You should youtube him. Go on!

The shuttle bus driver was female, and you should have seen her get our bags onto the back of the bus. I asked her how she hadn't dislocated her shoulder yet. On the bus, and she was just a hoot. These African Americans just have the best sense of humour!

At the airport, and we started talking to the lady checking us in. I don't know if she was lonely, but she started to tell us her life story, but she was also really interesting, and when she started talking about her mother and father, she actually brought tears to my eyes. I am completely taken aback by the beautiful people I have met on this trip. In fact she said herself that essentially everyone has three things in common, love, sadness and laughter!

We are now just waiting to board the (small) plane to LA. It has been an amazing trip.

I will likely blog one more time to jot my summary of what I have seen/observed of this wonderful country. Not least my attitude towards it and its people.

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Oh David, say it again.

2011-09-10T12:16:00.001+09:30

This morning I slept in after being awake until 2.00am this morning. I really was itching to be out on the town last night, but my feet wouldn't let me stand up. Oh well, maybe tonight.

Ros went out to the pool, but I was already feeling the heat too much so I went out to the strip for breakfast and a wander. I ended up back at the Venetian (Palazzo) where I purchased a Thomas Sabo charm, and inquired about Serengetti sunglasses for the 50th time this trip. The company was bought out and taken over by a company that now supplies them to Walmart. Apparently the quality won't be the same anymore, but Maui Jim (the ones everyone is recommending to me) just don't fit the same...sigh. Think I will try getting them online when I get back home.

I then went to the Mirage and from talking to a girl in a specific shop, ended up getting wrist bands for me and Ros to get into the club at the Mirage for free tonight. We will have free drinks...yay!

Met Ros back at the hotel and we headed out to the Northbound shopping outlet. I bought a dress and some Mac makeup for dirt cheap.

We got back on the express bus to get back to the hotel, and the (exceptionally good looking) guy who sat behind me asked if he was on the right bus for the strip. I said yes and Ros made a comment about an American asking the Aussie...turns out the guy was from Sydney. I noted his accent sounded British, and he said that yes, he was from London but now lives in Sydney. We went on to discuss each other's travels and then (at the next stop), a buxom lady sat down next to him. She then started to talk to him and asked him where he was from. Then she said "Just keep talking, the alphabet will do". David said that would be boring, she said "for who?". She was clearly in lust.

Well the banter between these two started and went on and on, until the entire front of the bus were laughing at nearly every line being said. Especially when 'Carla Lewis' (yes we found out her name), said "where are the chapels?". We were all talking to each other and then Carla looked at a gentleman who had been laughing along and said "and what's your name" (in a kind of "what you looking at" voice). He said Harrold, Carla asked him about his day and he revealed that it was his birthday. So Carla starts half the bus singing "happy birhtday".

This was seriously the funniest bus trip I have ever been on.

Carla at one stage introduced David to her father and step-mother sitting behind them, and said when we get married you can stay anytime. Her father mentioned "Gerald", and Carla responded with "Gerald who - I don't see no ring on my finger" in her Atlanta drawl. The bus in fits once again.

It really was a fun fun trip, we were literally laughing all the way until we had to get off. Me and Ros even took photos, and so Carla pulled out her mobile phone, took a photo of David and said "wallpaper". Again, an uproar of laughter.

Just resting now before heading out. Will report back later.

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Perspective

2011-09-09T18:35:00.001+09:30

Because I had an early night last night, I was awake early this morning. We got up and figured we would go to the pool, so neither of us showered, we just went straight out for brekky. We went to Paris for crepes! Yummo!

Came back to the Bellagio and changed into our bathers and went down to the pool. It was already hot at 10.00am.

After I had had enough of that I showered and changed and headed out. Today I thought I would explore the North end premium shopping outlets.

That would have been a good plan if I had gotten on the right bus. After going out to Oodiwoopwoop, I got off the bus and headed to the nearby transit terminal and got on a Bus back to my hotel, because by this time it wasn't going to be worth going (time-wise). I got off the bus, but thought I should at least go get the 'Love' tickets (cirque de soleil - with music by the Beatles) for tomorrow night. So I made my way to the Mirage, which is only two hotels away from the Bellagio (and the bus stop). But, it is difficult to comprehend the size of these hotels, they are so huge, that they don't look it. It took me 25 mins to get there, and I walk fast.

Bought the tickets and headed back to our hotel, and on the way grabbed a hot dog and drink. For $13 dollars. Have I told you how bloody expensive it is here? Nothing on The Strip is cheap!

Today was our Sunset Helicopter ride out to the Grand Canyon. We got picked up at our hotel in a limo and were taken to the airport. After formalities we were finally on the chopper, and we were off! It took 45 mins to get to the Canyon itself from the airport, and we were also flown over the Hoover Dam, which in itself was spectacular! Once we were flying in the Canyon, it was long before we landed, took some photos, had a small picnic and champagne too.

Chatting to the pilot I asked what speed he had been going as it felt as though we were going quite slow until we were approaching to land, where it felt as though he was going faster. Well, quite the opposite! He said the speed was 150mph, and that he slowed to 60 on approach. It is the sheer scale of the landscape that messes with your head so that you lose all perspective. And it truly is magnificent. The colours are also wonderful, and it was greener than I thought it would be!

On the trip back we were picked to sit in the front with the pilot and this was awesome. I was able to take photos with some gorgeous colours in the sky. I had been teasing Ros that the pilot would do some trickery with the chopper and that he would do a nosedive. So at one stage on the flight back I hand signaled to Ros that a nosedive was coming up. The pilot saw this, as well as Ros' reaction and he winked and nodded at me to show that he would. Unfortunately he didn't though, so that was a disappointment.

Closer to Vegas, the view of the city lights was great and then we flew in to the right of the strip before coming into land.

The whole trip was fantastic. And whilst we were in the Canyon, a British guy asked his girlfriend to marry him!

Back at the hotel, we decided to go out. We got ready and had a cocktail downstairs, then we thought we would go to the mirage for a drink, but we didn't like any of the bars. We were going to check out Caesar's Palace, but saw that the Venetian was across the road so we decided to check the hotel out. Amazing, kitsch and stunning, all in one...

With all the walking between hotels though, even though I was in the mood to go out, my feet were killing me.

Back at our hotel and Ros went straight up to bed, but I decided to hang around and watch some gambling. Saw one guy playing $1000 chips, and losing them. Another guy at the same table was playing $200 rounds, lost all his chips and just flicked out another $1000 as if each $100 note was worth $1. I couldn't do it, but I suppose that requires perspective too.

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Trash or Treasure?

2011-09-09T00:38:00.001+09:30

I am writing this in the morning as I was too tired last night.

When we checked in to the airport yesterday morning, we we told we were actually going to Vegas via Chicago, so we saw the Chicago airport!

When we got off the plane in Vegas, we walked into the terminal and what do we see? Pokie machines! I would never have believed it if I didn't see it for myself. We got our baggage and found our transfer to the Bellaggio.

My immediate thoughts as we were driving towards and through the strip is that Vegas is just an amusement park for adults. I thought it was pretty trashy actually. That it was all a big joke, and therefore the joke was on us. I suddenly realised why all New Yorkers smirked every time we mentioned we were going to Vegas, but they would qualify it by saying everyone has to go once, and that we were staying at the best hotel there!

When we got to the hotel we couldn't yet check in yet, so my burning need to get some sleep would have to wait. My next priority then was to get some food so we walked across the road to the shopping centre. Even the shopping centre though is like an amusement park. Part of the roof is painted as if it is the sky, and the lighting also changes at this point and it actually feels as though you are outdoors at dusk.

After eating, we walked through some of the hotels and casinos, Paris and Caesar's Palace. Words cannot describe these places. And there are people swarming the place, lapping it all up. The pool at Caesars is amazing - there was even a replica of the Statue of David in the hotel.

Back at the Bellaggio and we check in and to our room...literally walking a kilometer to get there. We are on the 16th floor and overlooking the pool. The room is spectacular and so is the bathroom. Then the phone rings about a minute after walking in the door, and it is the tour company confirming our Grand Canyon chopper flight!

We draw the curtains to have a nap, but after 20mins I find I am not sleeping so I go and run the bath instead.

After my bath, I arrange to meet Ros back in the room at about 6.00pm and I go out for a wander. At the front I see the bus that takes you across the strip and to the North and South end shopping outlets. I decide to get on, and as I was waiting I saw two guys trying to sell their CD. I had a chat to them and bought one.

I got on the bus and went to the South end outlet and once again went mental and purchased a few (ok many) things.

On the bus back I spoke to three Aussies from Tasmania and they gave me heaps of tips about what to do, and not to do. Got back to the hotel and told Ros that I had to have an early dinner otherwise I would just fall asleep, so we went downstairs and ate. Got back and I think I was asleep before 9.00pm. Slept like a baby til 7.00am this morning. Awesome!

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SuperShuttle...not so super

2011-09-07T18:05:00.001+09:30

Am blogging this whilst waiting for security to open up at the airport.

The alarm went off at 1.50am and by 2.10am we were in the hotel lobby waiting for our 'SuperShuttle' transfer to the airport.

2.20 - call shuttle company, they say they will be there in under 15mins.

2.35 - no shuttle

2.45 - shuttle arrives

2.50 - shuttle has arrived at 93rd and Broadway (our hotel was at 94th and Broadway - yes we have moved one block) after going around a few blocks and picking up no one.

3.02 - shuttle has arrived at 94th and Broadway after picking up one passenger.

3.28 - two more passengers are on board and we are leaving the East side and finally on our way to the airport.

3.40 - arrive at La Guardia

WHAT THE FUCK?????? It literally took 12 mins to get to the airport.

3.41 - Ros identifies her bag in the back of the van for the shuttle driver.

3.42 - driver is struggling to pull Ros' bag out

3.43 - driver pulls out Ros' bag...with another, which is inextricably linked to it.

3.44 - Ros steps out in the rain to help the driver disentangle the two bags.

3.45 - Ros is getting soaked and leaves the driver to it, and proceeds to tell me to go help him. I said no. (He is a man, he created the problem, he can fix the problem).

3.46 - Ros can't bear to see the driver still struggling and once again goes to assist.

3.47 - Driver seemingly gives up, but assumingly goes to get a knife or some other sharp article to cut the bags apart. He leaves Ros fighting the battle.

3.48 - I decide I can't bear to see a perfectly good bag damaged and go to help Ros.

3.48 and 10 seconds - I determine the two bags have been twisted in one of the former processes and I untwist them by lifting the stranger's bag to a standing position.

3.48 and 15 seconds - I determine Ros' zipper has hooked into fabric of stranger's bag.

3.48 and 20 seconds - I have disengaged the two bags.

FUCKING GENIUS HEY!

FOR FUCK'S SAKE

4.35 - airport security opens

I COULD HAVE BEEN ASLEEP UNTIL 4.00AM

FOR FUCK'S SAKE!!

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New York I love you, but you're bringing me down (part 2)

2011-09-07T13:27:00.001+09:30

Got up a bit earlier this morning as I wanted to make the most of our last day in New York. Went for coffee at the nearest Starbucks and came back to confirm our hotel transfer to the airport in the morning. Our flight leaves at 6.00am and when I rang they said they would pick us up at 2.10am. Excellent!

I broke the news to Ros who stated "well we're not fucking going to sleep then!".

It had been raining when I went out for coffee so I grabbed my leather jacket and figured 'that will do', and we made our way to the subway - off for a visit to the United Nations. We caught the train to 5th Avenue, but we had to walk the rest of the way to 1st Avenue.

At the UN, we had to go through security as tight as any airport but once inside we quickly arranged a guided tour. We were all given headsets that we could hear the tour guide through and off we went. First point of interest was the room where the Security Council meets. And did you know that they meet every day? And that because of that, all 15 members (delegates) live in NYC? The guide spoke about how members are elected, and which members have veto power etc.

We moved onto the General Assembly meeting room, which by the way, is now represented by 193 delegates since the independence of South Sudan. This is the room you always see on tele. The meeting is held in six languages, and if your country sends representatives that don't speak any of the six languages, then you must provide your own interpreter. Each seat has an earpiece and you just turn the dial to 'tune in' to the language of your choice.

Th guide went on to show us work that the United Nations do, and how it functions. Things like clearing land mines is high on the agenda, peace corps in Haiti, school in a box, etc. It made me want to work for them, or at least re-think my career choice. I really do feel useless since I left social welfare.

For those of you who are reading this, do me a favor? When you finish reading here, promise me you will go to freerice.com and play a game or two.

Thanks.

Anyhow, by the time we finished up at the UN, it was raining pretty heavily, so Ros decided to buy an umbrella. I decided I wouldn't bother. I may have looked like a drown rat by the time we made it back to Grand Central station, but meh, whatever.

We headed back to Times Square and grabbed lunch from Chop't. Then Ros headed off to find a Pandora store, I walked around for a bit, found a plastic headscarf in a shop and then walked around with that on my head before waiting to meet Ros. When she saw me, she said I looked like her nonna. I said I didn't care what I looked like....however, she has just now demonstrated what I looked like by tying it around her head, and I have to admit it looked pretty dodgy, but very funny.

Because it was still pissing down, I suggested that we needed to sit down inside and eat a piece of New York cheesecake. Ros asked the security guy standing near us where we might find a good slice of cheesecake and he told us where to find the best, just a few blocks away at 'Juniors'. He said his mouth was watering just talking about it.

And it was pretty darn good. Really light and fluffy and yummy! I also ordered coffee, but I don't really know why. It was the size of a large soup mug and tasted like shite. Ros ordered a hot chocolate which was the same size except had a mountain of fake cream on it. At least the cheesecake was divine.

Because the rain was relentless, and neither of us were dressed for it, we decided to go back to the hotel and have a nap (rather than explore Greenwich Village). And after I slept for five minutes, and was raring to go again, I decided to go get a pedicure. Whilst I was there I decided I may as well also get a manicure. All set for Vegas now!

Grabbed a slice of pizza for dinner at the corner cafe, and solved the world's problems by 9.00pm and now we're just getting ready to get up at 1.50am.

Or stay up.

It is still raining. New York I love you, but you're bringing me down.

And don't forget, freerice.com....

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New York I love you, but you're bringing me down

2011-09-06T11:43:00.001+09:30

It is true what people say, you actually can't find a decent coffee in America. Last night Christi had agreed that it was very difficult to find a decent coffee, and she suggested I try and find 'Art of Joe'. I googled this morning and sure enough there was a couple on the west side, and one only 10 blocks away. I went there and ordered a coffee, it was the right size and the right temperature, accompanied by the perfect almond croissant, and yet, it wasn't great. It certainly was better than any coffee I've had to date, but not great. Cibo Pirie St awaits me!

This morning we headed out to the Guggenheim Museum. We started in the rotunda where the exhibits are, and Lee Ufan was showing. Now, I know I am a complete ignoramus when it comes to art. But I know what I like, and then, well, there are some things I just don't get. Between the rocks, paintings, cotton wool, rubber matting.....bizarre.

We quickly moved on to find the permanent collection. And this was really quite spectacular, albeit small. It contained works by; Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin, Monet, Manet, and a couple of my favorites were Picasso's Woman Ironing, and Fernande with a Black Mantilla (from his blue period).

From there we caught the train downtown to City Hall and walked part way across the Brooklyn Bridge. Speccy!

Then we walked towards Ground Zero. We went into St Paul's Chapel which has survived the great fire as well as Sept 11 (7 buildings in total were destroyed that day). The firemen and other workers used the church for respite and many could be found tossing and turning on the pews trying to get a bit of shut-eye. Inside the church is now like a museum, but I could only read about a few stories before being too upset to read anymore.

From there we went to happier things - shopping, at Century 21. We both did more damage to the credit card! Grabbed a bite to eat and got back to the hotel and repacked the bags ready for our 6.00am flight out of here on Wednesday morning.

Today, when it suddenly dawned on me that we only had another day to go here in New York, I genuinely felt heart broken. I love this city and I need more time here, time to just explore the quirky places, the little gems, whether it's food, shops, parks, apartments anything. I mostly want to stop being a tourist here, and just 'live' New York for a bit. Feel it. Get lost in it. I want to talk to more New Yorkers and explore every last inch of Central Park. I want time to find that decent cup of coffee.

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Mouthgasm

2011-09-05T13:07:00.001+09:30

This morning we got up and went out for a decent breakfast as we were catching the train back to NYC later. We opted for a place just down the road from our hotel that we had walked past yesterday morning and the place was full and there had been a line of people waiting to get in. We figured it must have been an excellent breakfast spot. As we were up a little earlier today, we got a table straight away, but not long after we were seated there was a string of people waiting.

I love sweet things for breakfast and so I ordered the pancakes, and Ros had scrambled eggs. The food was ok, but nothing to write home about and I am still perplexed as to why so many people would line up to get into this place and just not go somewhere else.

On the train back to New York (which we nearly missed because we were looking for the train heading to NYC, but should have been looking for the Washington DC train), we bagged seats right at the front on the first carriage because we were in business class...nice right? Wrong! It was so fucking cold that I had a jumper on my legs (over jeans), a jumper around my neck, a jumper on my feet, AND my brand new leather jacket, AND I WAS STILL FUCKING COLD! It wasn't until 20 mins out of NYC that I realised that half way down the back of the carriage was a darn sight balmier! I don't know if you've ever felt that sort of cold where you wanted to jump out of train, but that's what I wanted to do today.

Back in New York, I insisted to Ros that we would be better off catching the subway back to the hotel rather than a cab (despite us having to cart all our luggage around), and besides the fact that I feel like I dislocated my shoulder dragging 20+ kilos across stations...I do believe we got to the hotel a hell of a lot quicker and cheaper.

Back at the hotel and we debated for some time what we were going to do for the evening. In the end we decided on getting the list of restaurant recommendations that was given to us the other night when we were at the Riverpark restaurant. We opted for something that was NOT near us, 'Griffiti' on the lower east side. I rang them and made a booking, they said they could fit us in, but we would need to leave by 9.15. I told them we eat fast.

When I had looked up the address on the web, I saw that the chef had been a winner on "Iron Chef". Are you impressed Mark Woolston and Graham Dudley? I need to go back and research some more, I don't know whether it was the American show or the Japanese one. And the site also mentioned something about Martha Stewart. Am I supposed to be impressed? Didn't she go to jail?

To get to this restaurant by train, I had to study the subway map for a bit. The journey would have to involve three different lines, but I was pretty confident we would manage just fine. And we did. And once again, I got asked by a stranger for assistance and I was able to help the good looking, shy, young lad from the UK.

When we got to the restaurant, Ros and I were seated side-by-side, not opposite each other, at a square table, set for four other people. The dining area itself was tiny, as the restaurant was in a renovated lower floor of an apartment. It would not have sat more than 18 people, and NOT comfortably either! Later on in the evening I went to use the bathroom for the sole purpose of seeing how small the kitchen was. I had to wait for one of the staff to close the dish washer door before I could squeeze past. There were three staff in the kitchen and I had to sidle past all three to get to the loo. It was smaller than my kitchen at home, which is a small kitchen for a standard three bedroom home in Oz. Probably, if you think of a standard sized bathroom in a home in Australia, then chop it in half lengthways, you will have the size of this kitchen.

Anyhow, we were given a menu, and it all looked unusual, so I just picked the shrimp, and Ros chose the burger. We ordered, and as we were waiting for the food, four people came in and were seated with us. Christi immediately introduced herself and her friends (given that we would be dining together). Her partner's name I didn't catch, and her partner's friend from college, Keith, and his partner Tiffany. The friends were visiting from Chicago.

Our meal arrived and well, I think I have just had the meal of my life!

Don't ask me what we ordered exactly, don't ask me what it tasted like (I wouldn't be able to describe it) or what the flavours were (besides it being fusion I could taste Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Indian), or what the theme was. But every bite was sensational!

Christi and her partner were able to tell us a bit more about the chef/restaurant - the chef is Egyptian, and worked as a pastry chef for one of the best chefs in France. They also mentioned the Iron Chef and Martha Stewart connections.

The food was so good, on a whim we decided to order another main as recommended by Christi, it was a pork dish, in a type of bun/flat bread with cornflakes on top! It was AMAZING!

As per the night at the Riverpark restaurant our new found friends said that they couldn't believe foreigners had found the place. Christie said she was shocked when she first heard our accents. I had to admit that I couldn't take the credit for this one, that the recommendation had been from a local.

After the main had been served, we decided to see the dessert menu, and whilst I was leaning towards the strawberries with truffle, and pepper ice-cream...we actually decided on the chocolate caviar cupcake with something something ice-cream (sorry, I just can't remember).

MOUTHGASM!

Just give me a moment.

Seriously, when I took the first bite, not only was I speechless, but my eyes welled up with tears of joy. I am not lying to you. And I barely said a word as I devoured the rest of my plate. This guy knew his desserts!

For me, this has been my favorite evening in New York, and the US so far. The meal was excellent, and once again I have been pleasantly surprised by the generosity and friendliness of the people. Tonight I was especially surprised at how similar our sense of humour is, we had a barrell of laughs tonight.

This night will be etched in my memory for a very very long time.

So happy.

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Boston

2011-09-04T11:09:00.001+09:30

Yesterday we caught a train to Boston. After we checked in we went for a wander. Across the road from our hotel we saw some spectacular architecture poking out over the trees, so we headed in that direction. In front of the main building was a massive water feature/pool thingy... When we got to the building, we found it was some Christian science institute... Then we stumbled across one of the main strips and we went into a couple of pubs for a few drinks. There was a baseball game on at Fenway park and everyone was in their red sox gear.

This morning we got on a hop-on/off bus for a tour around Boston. It is a truly beautiful city, and I quickly started to regret not spending more time here, to get a real feel for the place. We stopped off at one of the many piers where there was a market underway, we also had lunch there. Then we stopped at Boston Common and briefly walked around the park, and went through a few of the suburban streets (so gorgeous), and then the Cheers pub (from the TV series). It would have been great to have had time to walk around the cemetery, and to go to City Hall, but time was precious and I wanted to get to Harvard.

Got to Harvard and the feel of the place changes again as soon as you enter Cambridge precinct. Harvard students undertake walking tours of Harvard, so we did one. Our guide was Adam, and whilst he was studying Economics at Harvard, he actually wanted to be an actor, and let me tell you he was thoroughly entertaining! And I expect to see him on the big screen one day. Again, if any of you are fortunate enough to get to Boston, this tour must be on your to do list. It was only a shame that we couldn't go into some of the buildings.

We missed our last bus back so we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then caught the subway back to town. The trains and stations are quite clean, new looking, and not so stuffy. And the whole city of Boston, but especially the Cambridge area seems very young. I suppose that's stating the obvious though.

When we got off the train, Ros went off to do some shopping and I headed back to the hotel, but then I remembered that I wanted to go to the observatory at the Sheraton. So I had a quick shower and headed out again. Unfortunately, as with most observatories, they are glass enclosed, and whilst I know why, it really annoys me as glass will ruin a good photo. On the way back to the hotel I stopped at the Christian Science place again for some more night photography and got a few decent shots there.

Tomorrow we only have a few hours in Boston before having to get on the train back to New York. Definitely not enough time in Boston.

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No entry

2011-09-03T01:51:00.001+09:30

For avid followers, thank you for following and I apologise for the lack of a post yesterday, but last night we got back to the hotel at midnight, and I knew I would have time to blog on the train to Boston today.

Yesterday morning we both slept in after the night before's shenanigans. When I finally got my ass prepared, I went straight into midtown and left Ros behind to do my washing! I grabbed a breakfast of fruit salad and juice because I was still full from the previous evening.

My first destination was the photography institute, I figured that there would be an exhibition that I could see. Now if anyone knows about my trip to Japan last year, you would know that I had earmarked a couple of photography places to checkout, but everyone one I went to was closed on the day I was there. So I find the place in NY, only to see that they were installing a new exhibition so the place was shut except for the shop. Unbelievable! It reopens on the 9th, just after I leave.

My next port of call was the Morgan Pierpont library - the famous banker collected treasures, mostly books, and his residence is now a museum. I went straight to his library when I got there. If any of you ever have the opportunity to come to New York, you simply must have this on your list of things to do. But then I am a lover of books, and I place a lot of value on them. More than art. The library, besides being fabulously ornate was wall to wall books (lower half wall only), then there was a hidden room behind a secure door, something like a massive safe where the more valuable books had been stored. This room had a ladder in it as the book shelves went up to the ceiling.

On display behind glass, were books such as the Gutenberg bible (the man owned three of them); drafts of the constitution to end slavery; and the collection had also been updated to include letters to/from people like Matisse, Pollock, Voltaire and even a letter from JD Salinger to one of his children.

I checked the museum's store to see whether they had a book for sale that showcased the collection, but it is out of print as they are updating it. I will have to seek this out online in future.

From there I headed back to Times Square to meet up with Ros again. When I got there I had time for a quick lunch. I ventured into "chop't", a salad bar. One can either choose from the menu or make your own. You select the type of lettuce, other ingredients, dressing, and they chop it all up in front of you. It was a great salad!

I met Ros and told her she could not leave New York without seeing the Morgan library. Whilst she did that, I went and purchased tickets for the Jersey Boys. Then I headed towards another library I had read about back in Oz, apparently it is another must-see - The University Club Library. It is located on 5th ave so I trek all the way back there only to find that only members or guests can enter! However the building itself was certainly a fine piece of architecture.

Because I was on 5th I decided I may as well head further up and go to the famous toy store with the big piano. You can take one home yourself for a mere $200,000! The staff there have the best jobs as they just show kids the toys, there was one grown up kid just on a skateboard going up and down the aisles.

I was due to meet up with Ros again at 5.30pm but I literally couldn't take another step, so I rested on the seats in front of the gorgeous Plaza hotel and Pullitzer fountain and then caught the train back to Times Square on a line I hadn't used before.

We went back to the hotel and rested for a bit before heading out to see the Jersey Boys. Another amazing theatre production! When that finished we grabbed a quick slice of pizza and headed back to our hotel for a well earned rest!

Waiting for the train to come, there was a busker singing and playing guitar.
Anyone who has been in any subway at any day, time or season would know that it is the equivalent of stepping into a sauna. So I figured this guy had already earned a dollar just for being there. I watched a few people drop him some cash and then I did. He STOPPED playing, much to my embarrassment, and called Ros over and asked whether he could please keep me. Whilst I am a sucker for the odd musician, Ros thought it best that she keep me because I am her navigator and she would be lost without me..... Aaawwwww, it's nice to be wanted by many....

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Location:Broadway,New York,United States

Korean or some shit

2011-09-01T13:58:00.001+09:30

This morning started off like any other. I got up before Ros, showered, dressed and went out for coffee/brekky and a walk. Got back and we headed downtown once again. This morning we were booked on a bus trip across to the Woodbury Common outlet stores in New Jersey.

We got there after 12.00pm and agreed to split up and meet again at 4.15pm for the 4.20 bus home.

One of the first shops I went into was Kenneth Cole where they just had a flat 50% off everything in the store, and whilst I need another watch like I need a hole in the head, I purchased another Kenneth Cole watch for something like $35. Then into Calvin Klein and $340 later.... I pretty much decided at that point that enough was enough, and time to focus on the nieces and nephews. Found Adidas and got Sabrina her tennis shoes, but am completely panicked about whether they will fit her or not. Got Nikolas as AWESOME pair of sandshoes from Nike, but am completely panicked about whether he will like them or not. Then to Osh Kosh B'gosh and found some clothes for the other three.

I had so many bags, my arms were sore from carrying them.

I was proud of myself for not going into more shops, and the amount of money I didn't spend!

Met up with Ros and waiting for the bus we started chatting to two young guys from Melbourne. One of them worked for Estee Lauder and had a work trip to the US, so his partner came along for the ride. We sat adjacent to them on the bus and chatted about things we had or hadn't done in NYC, and joked about things like getting fries with your breakfast.

The bus trip home took 45mins more than the trip over, and so by the time we got back to the hotel we were already running late for a dinner booking at the Riverpark restaurant. I rang them and they happily changed the booking to 8.45pm.

After showering and getting ready, we decided to cab it to the restaurant, (first cab since we've been here). We flagged a cab and I gave the cabbie the address, but as we got closer, we could tell he was struggling. Next thing we know the cabbie is trying to reverse down a one way street. He was trying to tell us that we were at the end of 29th St...anyway we convinced him to go further East and I instantly knew we were in the right place because I saw Tom Collicchio's rooftop garden. We paid the cabbie, and tipped him FFS!

The meal was amazing, for entree I had Marscapone Ravioli and for main I had prosciutto wrapped trout. For dessert we shared some chocolate pot thingy which was just amazing. It was all amazing. Ros fell in love with our waiter Nathaniel, and he served us a complimentary glass of moscato. Yum!

As Ros and I were chatting about how amazing the meal was, and the incredible view, the lady sitting next to us interrupted and said that she couldn't help over-hearing and that obviously we were visitors and she wanted to know how we had heard of the restaurant. She said that Riverpark was still an unknown "hidden gem" in New York City, and she was so impressed that we had found it!

This woman 'Lisa' even complimented me on my haircut. Erm HELLO, I come from little ol' Adelaide!

We ended up chatting with Lisa and her friend Rich for some time, as well as the waiter Nathaniel. The waiter had given us some other restaurant suggestions, and then Lisa attacked the list and said "no, we need to give them a much broader view of New York, like, Korean and shit".

She was clearly a smart woman, because then she realised that in Adelaide we would have ample access to Asian flavours, so she wanted to recommend something completely different.

We had a wonderful meal, wonderful conversation, and walked away with a swag of foodie recommendations. Ros insisted we all have a photo together. It was an awesome evening. (I had even spotted fireworks across the Hudson during the evening).

I can't believe how many wonderful people we have met along this trip. It has been a learning curve and a pleasant surprise.

In my head, I am already planning my next visit....

Oh, forgot to mention, on the subway after our shopping trip, three guys asked me whether they were on the right train for China town. With some confidence I was able to reply, that they had the right train, but were going in the wrong direction. I do believe I have mastered the subway thank you very much.

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From ladette to lady

2011-08-31T13:42:00.001+09:30

This morning I got up and went for what is becoming a regular morning coffee and walk, exploring the few kilometers in the radius of the hotel. When I got back we got ready to go out for the day as we had the 'Sex and the City tour booked for 11.00am. We got the subway to dowtown and got off at 50th, which also brings you out to Columbus circle and the south west corner of Central Park.

Because we had a bit of time to spare, we wandered through the south end of Central Park. We saw the duck pond, which I assume is the one mentioned in JD Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye". Stunning, 'but where do the ducks go when the pond freezes over in winter?'

We ventured out of the park at the south east corner, which also happened to be the meeting spot for the tour, in front of the Pulitzer monument (and the Plaza hotel).

The tour was good, but not great, although the tour guide earns a mention, she really knew her stuff and was quite impressive.

We then wandered down to Bryant Park where apparently fashion week is no longer held. (It's now held at the Lincoln Centre.). And I had a salad of grilled asparagus, beetroot, goat's cheese and greens, and it was absolutely delicious! The park was full of people, and it was just beautiful sitting there in the sun, in a lovely park, in a metropolis. This life is for me. And besides the small hurricane that passed through here on the weekend, the weather has been perfect.

After that we went back to the hotel for a bit, then went out to a local Thai restaurant called 'Charm' that had been recommended to Ros by a local Aussie expat. It was also a delicious meal.

Got back to the hotel to get ready to go see "Mary Poppins". We even used an iron on our clothes! The show was playing at a theatre on 42nd St, and our seats were in the second row, which I was very impressed with, but apparently the front row seats in a theatre are not the best seats. We started chatting to the Mother and daughter sitting next to me. They were from South Carolina, and the daughter was going to live in Spain for 6 months on a University exchange program. They were so, so lovely, I'm sorry that we didn't have more time to talk.

Mary Poppins was amazing (actually I've never seen a production that wasn't). And whilst the actress who played Mary Poppins was by far the star of the show, the little boy 'Michael' stole my heart. You should've seen him move in the 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' song! At the end of the show Mary flies away, much to the delight of the audience on the third tier, right up to them.

The ladies to my left wished us well and us them, probably never to see each other again. Sadly.

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MoMA

2011-08-30T08:47:00.001+09:30

Today we headed out to organise tickets for the Sex in the City tour and Woodbury Common shopping outlet. With that organised, Ros headed to Madame Tussaud's whilst I made my way to B&H, a well know camera superstore. How I walked out without purchasing anything is quite beyond me.

We met up again and made our way to the Museum of Modern Art. Most museums you go to are relatively quiet, but this one was a hive of activity.

I suggested we start at the top and make our way down, and I'm glad we did, because all the paintings were on the 4th floor. There were works there by Cezanne, Monet, Van Gough, Matisse, Picasso, and a swag of others.

The third floor was contemporary art and I saw a piece by Jackson Pollock. I have to say, not as fantastic as "Blue Poles" in Canberra!

The second floor was architecture, design and photography, and that's where I saw my first real life look at an Ansel Adams photo! Awesome!

On the way back to the hotel, some cute guy starting talking to us, and gave us a couple of tips for places to go. And now we're going to head to "Top of the Rocks" (Rockefeller Centre), to see if I can't challenge some of those photographers in MoMA with a work of art myself. Highly doubtful.

10.50pm Update:

I'm no Ansel Adams. That is all.

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Nothingness in New York

2011-08-29T11:22:00.001+09:30

Overnight hurricane Irene hit New York. It was fierce but down graded once it hit landfall to a category 1. We are staying in midtown Manhattan, and are up on higher ground, so I was only really afraid of winds breaking our hotel window.

Anyway, last night my lower back had been causing me grief so I took two painkillers that Ros had, before going to bed. That, coupled with no real decent sleep since I had gotten to the US, I pretty much zonked it. Despite the fact that wind and rain was rapidly increasing and pounding the window. I was genuinely scared for, oh, about 10 seconds before I fell asleep!

I got up really late this morning and eventually wanted to go out and get some fresh air. For some reason I thought I would do my hair properly today, that is until I burnt my hand on the hair straightener. F&@k me, the pain! I sent Ros out to find some ointment, then ice when she came back saying the pharmacies were shut.

So we've been pretty much in the hotel all day. All trains aren't running, shops are shut and so are all the museums. The weather was foul so it would have been good to at least spend the day in a museum, but alas it was not to be.

We will get back to the sightseeing tomorrow, although it is questionable whether we'll be travelling by metro, or some other means.

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C'mon Irene

2011-08-28T08:36:00.001+09:30

This trip will be talked about for years to come I think.... Hurricane Irene is making its way towards us, and it has already caused deaths and damage in North Carolina.

This morning I was conscious of needing to go out and get some supplies before the rains came in. It seems that even if it's not such a severe hurricane, that it could cause storm water flooding and power outages. (Our hotel is on high ground though.) So we needed to prepare for two days of no power or being able to go out. I showered and got dressed and went out for brekky, Ros was still asleep.

Back at the hotel, all the lifts in the hotel were not working (or so we thought) and up seven flights I went. After Ros got up we went out before it started to rain hard for supplies. The one dollar plastic raincoat I had brought with me from Oz turned out to be useful, but the rain was gentle then stopped. With our supplies we marched up the stairs. Most standard hotels in NYC don't have fridges so we couldn't buy perishables. It's peanut butter sandwiches and fruit for the next two days.

After a while in the hotel, and a nanna nap (bad nights sleep again), I needed to go out and get some exercise (14 flights of stairs is not enough). I grabbed my iPod, one dollar raincoat, shoot-and-point, and made my way to Central Park. The subway had been shut down from midday so we couldn't get around and most shops were either shut or shutting. Perfect opportunity to explore Central Park.

I wandered across 94th, taking a few shots of the lovely apartment housing, then to the park. The size of it is just mind-blowing. And it is just so pretty. I found the reservoir and walked along that for a while. There were plenty of other walkers and joggers (and dogs).

When I got close to 84th I saw a police car. I took my earphones out, and sure enough, the people were being told to evacuate the park. I had been enjoying it so much that I was walking around like an idiot with a big smile on my face because I couldn't believe I was THERE, in Central Park FFS, and now I was being told to leave! Three hours later and it is still relatively calm outside. I could have still been there.

On my return back to the hotel, I saw a swag of Japanese firemen and one Swedish one from memory. They are reassuring for some reason. Then I noticed the other set of lifts! Hah!

We were supposed to go out to dinner at the Riverpark (Tom Collicchio) tonight, but I just checked the website, and it is located in Zone A so is shut. I quickly booked us in for Wednesday night instead. I don't want to leave New York and not eat there. It's peanut butter sandwiches for dinner tonight though.

I am not so worried yet about the hurricane but I suspect, in the middle of the night, when it's due to hit us, it will be a different story. I don't expect anything too scary to happen, but I know the noise alone will be unbearable, and I don't suspect we will get any sleep once it starts. I also worry that my mum will be worried, so I hope my family lie to her about my exact location.

I will report back later, and fingers crossed that that bitch Irene turns east.

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New York City Cops

2011-08-27T12:54:00.001+09:30

For some reason my sleeping pattern is completely out of whack and I only achieved a few hours sleep last night. And this morning we had planned to do some laundry, so Ros went and did that and I went back for a nap.

When the laundry was done, we decided to make our way high into the skies and visit the Empire State building. Stunning views of the city skyline, and the magnitude of this place can only be seen from up high.

From there we decided to walk the part of 5th Avenue that we hadn't seen yesterday. We also went into the New York City public library. Another gorgeous building that takes your breath away. Note to self: the lions out the front are called Fortitude and Patience.

We made our way uptown on 5th gasping at the stunning fashion, and went into Saks and saw all the top designer clothes for sale. It was like watching the red carpet on Oscar's night. We also went into De Beer's and Tiffany's!

When we reached the top of 5th we walked across town past gorgeous hotels such as The Plaza, with Central Park on our right.

We had a burger for an early dinner on 46th, then I went into the Levi's store in Time's Square and got measured for a pair of jeans. First time I've ever tried on a pair of jeans that fit and didn't require hemming! Oh, and did I mention they were only $70! Bonus!

Caught the subway back to our hotel for an early night in, and to find out what is going with Hurricane Irene. We are not in an area of high alert and some people are saying that it won't be serious at all. Let's hope so. I had booked us in to eat at Tom Collichio's restaurant tomorrow night, and I have seen on twitter that he has closed his other restaurant and bar for tomorrow night because of Irene, but no news on Riverpark yet. The news is saying that the metro and bus systems will be closed and many shops will be as well as other services. We can only wait and see what happens... If something does happen, New York City is currently hosting the Police and Firemen's games, so there are plenty of capable human resources to rescue us! There are buff men everywhere and the Japanese firemen are staying in our hotel. I never even saw a buff Japanese man in Japan, but I did in NYC.

Oh, forgot to mention that we quickly went into the Apple store at the top of 5th and there was all this cheering and clapping, and so many people you couldn't move. So I asked one of the staff what was going on. He said in the most droll voice "Someone's leaving.". Right, thanks for all the info about what's going on FFS! So I don't know if Steve Jobs was in the store...

I also thought I saw Chris Martin walk straight past me, actually I'm quite certain it was him, and I also thought I saw Ben Folds the other day/night.

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I'm in a New York State of Mind

2011-08-26T12:46:00.001+09:30

For today, our first real day in NYC, I had arranged a bus tour just so we could see some of the sights, and not have to go out of our way to go find them. It was a little bit disappointing in some ways because we didn't go into a lot of the buildings, but the five hours was consumed fully nonetheless. It certainly gave us lots of information and we have a better understanding of how to fill the rest of our time in the city. A good way to start.

We saw sights such as:

Statue of Liberty
Empire State Building
Rockefeller Centre
Central Park and Strawberry Fields, and where John Lennon was shot
Flatiron Building
Washington Park
5th Ave
Wall Street
Ground Zero and the Freedom Tower
New York Library
Chrysler Building
Trinity Church
Trump Tower
Brooklyn Bridge

To see the Statue of Liberty we did a Ferry Cruise. Seeing her was one of the highlights for me. Just imagining all those thousands of immigrants arriving from far away lands, running away from poverty or war in the hope of a better life. Can you imagine the feeling they would have got upon seeing that picture of freedom? Just amazing.

The other highlight was seeing ground zero. For this we went into one of the adjacent buildings to a viewing level. Hearing the guide talk about the event and the rebuilding, brought me to tears. Thankfully I wasn't the only one. On our tour was a gentleman who was in the third building on the day itself and he told his story of escape. The Freedom Tower still under construction is going to be stunning. It is being built at the rate of one floor per week.

After the tour ended it was time for a coffee break, then we picked up our City Explorer tickets. We then decided to walk the length of 5th Ave. I made a purchase at the Banana Republic, but otherwise contained myself.

We went into St Patrick's Cathedral, which was absolutely stunning, irrespective of religion. It was probably one of the most beautiful Cathedrals I have seen outside of Italy.

5th Avenue is a long short street.

From there we got a bite to eat in Greenwhich village (on the way I saw a lomography shop, but resisted the temptation to go in and buy), and got on the train back to our hotel.

Of course I checked the news and it's confirmed that New York is expecting a hurricane. I await with baited breath.

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New York City

2011-08-25T12:40:00.001+09:30

We have arrived to New York. The place this trip was all about!

Last night we experienced a 3.9 earthquake. I had been fearing this for SF for months. They are well overdue for a biggie and given I had travelled to Japan AND New Zealand last year, I was well and truly worried. Thankfully it wasn't a massive one, and it was across the other side of the bay too. Poor Washington DC got hit though. I hope there wasn't too much damage.

Last night was another sleepless night for me. I think I got two hours in before the alarm going off at 3.45am, that's when Ros wanted to get up. I got up at 4.45am and still got downstairs before her!

Really there is nothing to tell in this post. We spent most of the day traveling, there was a debacle at the airport trying to find the shuttle. Hardly surprising given the size and throughput of the place.

We got into our hotel, made our way to Times Square and wandered around, even managed some souvenir shopping. The place takes me right back to Tokyo actually, except I have struggled more with the metro here than in Japan, just a lack of information I think. I am sure I will master it soon though with a bit of practice.

Oh, our shuttle bus driver took us the scenic route to our hotel, past Central Park. You can't believe how massive it is until you see it. 60 traffic lights long he reckons. That was when I got the butterflies in my stomach and the excitement of being in NYC hit!

I have booked us on a day sight seeing tour for tomorrow, and that should get this party started!

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Foodie tour of America?

2011-08-24T14:58:00.001+09:30

Before I start today's blog, forgot to mention a story in yesterday's. As we were walking to catch the ferry to Alcatraz, we were making our way along the very wide kerb and I was on the right of Ros. It didn't seem strange that whilst all the street lights weren't decorated with shrubs, that the one we were approaching did have a very large shrub at its base. When we were about oh... 20 cm away from it, the shrub opened up and yelled "boo" at us. scared the living bejesus out of us!

I fully expect that we will appear on "America's Smile, You're on Candid Camera".

Also, Ros says she has learnt something about me. That I am not a morning person. I have learnt that Ros asks a lot of questions.

And today we found out that the 'seedy' area where we got off the bus yesterday is called "Tenderloin". It is one of the poorest areas of SF, but it sits right beside one of the richest. Giorgio Armani sits on one corner and literally one or two blocks away is Tenderloin. The contrast is obvious to the average observer.

So, today we got up (again after another night of not sleeping for me) and had the same breakfast as yesterday. After breakfast I went for a walk while Ros got ready. I wandered into Giorgio Armani and Ghiradelli (and got a caramel chocolate sample - yummo!)

Then we made our way to the bus stop for the hop on/off tour. When we had booked our tickets, the kind gentleman had strongly recommended we stop off at City Hall. So we did, and I'm glad we did. Such a stunning building, and the dome at the top is the largest outside of Washington. We walked all around that building and even witnessed a wedding. (The dirty stop-out was preggers!)

The next stop we actually got off at was little Italy, and we had the best pizza and a tomato salad. I hadn't had a pizza like that since I was in Italy! And the tomatoes are obviously in season here, and they were heirloom tomatoes. The best!

We drove past Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world), but didn't get off. It was too hot, and uphill all the way (not sure why the bus doesn't just drive to the foot of that street).

The next stop we got off at was Pier 39. This had great zany shops, and excellent views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge (although, haven't seen it absent of any fog the whole time). And also saw about 50 seals all huddled together.

We got back to the hotel and started to get organised for our departure tomorrow. We have a 7.00am flight and the grumpy concierge reckons we need to leave the hotel at 5.00am. Personally I think it is a conspiracy, he doesn't like any of his guests and this is just a game he plays. I am sure. However, we thought we should go out for dinner early to try and get to bed early.

We had decided we would go to "Little Saigon" for dinner if we could find it, but my sense of direction was failing me, and I couldn't seem to get us back to the area where one of the guides had told us about. As we were walking along, discussing our options, a less-than-desirable looking man, with missing teeth asked us what we were looking for. He pointed us in a direction and added "but it's expensive". Given we couldn't find anything else, and Vietnamese food was on our brains, we decided to check the place out. All I can say is WOW! It was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The restaurant was called "Le Colonial"' and in 2009 had been awarded Michelin approval. The meal took me right back to the meals I had eaten in Vietnam. Stunning!

I can honestly say that I was expecting to be disappointed by the food in America. But for two nights in a row we have had exceptional meals and I am loving it!

The weather was magnificent today, apparently we are very lucky!

I heard about the earthquake on the East Coast today...this doesn't fill me with joy... Is this La Nina at work again?

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Alcatraz

2011-08-23T14:33:00.001+09:30

Once again last night I woke up in the middle of the night then couldn't get back to sleep. So then this morning I couldn't wake up to save my life, however, I got myself out of bed and ready for breakfast by about 10.00am. Breakfast was on the hotel, but at the restaurant next door, and anyone that knows me, knows that I crave sweet things in the morning. The restaurant delivered an amazing Belgian waffle with syrup to more than satisfy that yearning.

So the plan for today, given we hadn't achieved much to this point was to get our asses to Alcatraz, but first we made our way back to pier one to make a special purchase - some pottery from Heath Ceramics. Check them out at heathceramics.com. Stunning stuff! We both purchased a few pieces and shipped them back to ourselves. F*ck carrying that sh*t half way around America!

Despite being sore from the day before, we had walked down to the pier, and after having made our purchase decided to walk to Fisherman's Wharf to get our Alcatraz tickets. Now, I won't go into the details, but I had tried to purchase Alcatraz tickets myself from Oz a few weeks ago, but with no luck. And all the signage was indicating that there were no tickets available until the 28th. But perseverance pays and not only did we get tickets, but we got them for cheaper than we expected! Bonus.

We walked backed to pier 33 and caught the ferry across to the island. I won't go into detail other than to say that you get given headphones for an audio tour. It was amazing! So interesting, and the precision detail of that audio tour was as if someone was actually watching you and saying "now turn left". If you ever get to San Francisco, a visit to Alcatraz is a must.

Both of us being physically worn out, we decided to find some public transport to get us back to Union Square. This seemed easy enough, but given I didn't hear the instruction to "get off at 5th", and Ros just assumed I had heard, and to this point had left all directions to me, was waiting for me to give instructions to get off the bus. When things were looking a bit seedy, we got off the bus and had to walk back a few bocks, saving our legs nothing in the end.

Back at the hotel, we decided on seafood for dinner. The concierge recommended a restaurant called Fallaron just a block away. Well, can I just say I've had one of the best meals with a brilliant glass of wine. It was fantastic. Pity the coffee sucks here.

Lastly, having now spent a couple of days in San Francisco, I have to tell you this place is just stunning. Gorgeous streets, beautiful buildings and architecture, pretty parks and hanging flowers everywhere. I could easily spend another week here just exploring the city and surrounds. The financial district in the city is mind blowing, and clearly that is where the money is. But in steep contrast, the homeless problem is real and in your face. It is sad to see.

We are booked to finally do the hop-on-hop-off bus tour tomorrow, just to catch as much as we can of this lovely city before leaving for New York. Because of this horrible jet-lag we have had, we don't have time for the planned day trip to Napa Valley : ( Yosemite is also definitely out.

NB. Had the best nectarine today. I love summer fruits.

Also picked up the camera connector for my iPad at the San Francisco Apple store today, only to find I need my USB camera cable....sorry no photos folks unless I take them on my point and shoot.

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Sausolito

2011-08-22T14:32:00.001+09:30

So we got into SF yesterday and arrived at our hotel at 2.00pm. We could have gotten into our room, but we opted to wait until 3.30 when we could get a room not facing the street, and therefore a much quieter room. We were really knackered but wandered around Union Square for a bit. Our hotel is right in the heart of Union Square.

At 3.00 we got into the room and both of us just zonked it. Woke up a bit later feeling like crap but I went out again for another walk. Ros stayed back. I don't think I have ever felt so awful after an international flight. It really took it out of me. Dinner was a hotdog for me, and a soft pretzel for Ros, that's how much we cared! I think I was asleep by 8.00. However, at 2.00am I was very much wide awake, and then at 3.00, so was Ros. We took the opportunity to sort out wireless connectivity for the iPad (the concierge had secretly given Ros the password), and Ros rang Optus to sort out her phone issues. I think I fell asleep around 5.00am.

Woke up at 10.00, Ros at 11.00. After getting ready we made our way to Sausolito. Found a great foodie market at the pier then got on the ferry. Spent the afternoon wandering the streets of Sausolito. Just stunning.

On the return trip the ferry docked at Fisherman's wharf. We wandered around there, then shared a sourdough bowl of Clam Chowder. A San Francisco must!

Decided to walk back to the hotel despite feeling like we'd walked enough. Got a bit lost but literally collapsed on the beds on entering the room. We are both physically exhausted.

Oh, Ros nearly made a cyclist come off his bike in Sausolito, she crossed the road looking the wrong way for traffic...

Photos will be posted as soon as I've got a connector for the iPad.

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Location:Geary St,San Francisco,United States

ADL-SYD-San Francisco

2011-08-21T19:17:00.001+09:30

Well flying really sucks. We all know that it's the destination that matters. But I'm bored, tired, can't sleep and so may as well do something with my time. If I'm going to keep a travel diary, now is as good a time as any to start.

Warning to any readers, I do usually keep a travel diary, but never before have I made those diaries public. But the diary is for my benefit, not yours. So apologies if I bore you with the mundane sometimes, but I want to read back in years to come and be reminded of the things I had forgotten about, mundane or not.

So here goes, just a few random notes about the trip so far:

Left the house this morning, got a text to say flight had been delayed half an hour. Mild panic attack before the brain registered that it was only half an hour and that was still plenty of time to make the connecting flight.

On the flight to Sydney, sitting adjacent me and Ros, was a mother and toddler. I was pleasantly surprised about how placid this child was. No tears with cabin pressure; no issues with boredom; no hassling mum the entire flight and; no interaction with other passengers. I didn't hear any other children on the flight either, so you can imagine my surprise when, the plane landed and the mother got up and I saw she had another child on the other side of her, also under the age 3! To whom does one credit such behavior? Mother or child, (nature vs nurture)? Both? I'm sure many parents would love to know the answer.

Astoundingly, I have realised that on the international leg, that I haven't heard one child cry or whinge, and there is at least one baby on board. Wow!

So anyway, Ros, for some unknown reason decided to put all her toiletries in her carry on luggage. This is quite a mystery to me because only weeks ago she reminded me that you can only have a small bag with no more than 100ml bottles of liquid in each. So when we got to Sydney we did a bit of re-arranging of bottle contents into smaller bottles, but that cost us time. Went through to the international airport, decided to grab a bite to eat, seemingly unaware of the time... And all I can say is, lucky the flight to SF was delayed, else I doubt very much we would be on it!

Going through the bag check was still a debacle, they confiscated one of Ros' bottles, but allowed her to put some bottles in my bag, so the rest came through. Much to Ros' relief.

I don't like when the seatbelt sign comes on mid flight.

I think economy is luxurious. I can't begin to imagine what those people in first class are doing with all that room. Then again, I'm sure none of them will be undergoing a hip replacement on arrival.

We are flying United, so all the crew have American accents. That put a big smile on my face when I first heard it, but I really dont know how I'll cope when I'm surrounded by it, all day every day.

Watched Arthur with Russell Brand, that killed some time. And just finished watching a movie I think was called Thankyoupleasemore....but I can't be sure of that. I enjoyed it despite it being a chick flick. I forgot to load movies on my iPad so I had little choice.

Who invented noise cancelling headphones? Bloody genius.

I will post this uneventful piece of writing when I get some wireless connectivity... Whenever that will be.

Are we there yet?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:2761 kms to go til destination

Is there anybody out there.

2011-08-08T22:34:00.001+09:30

Hello?

I might, just might resurrect the blog in a couple of weeks, for a few weeks... Watch this space. If you're watching at all.

Ciao for now.
Nina

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Choc mini muffins

2010-06-14T16:48:00.004+09:30

This recipe is out of The Age's "epicure chocolate" cookbook. And these little muffins are very easy and just delicious!

Ingredients:
1 cup cold water
1 cup sugar
125g butter
2 generous tbsp cocoa
3/4 tsp bi-carb soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 180c.

Combine water, sugar, butter, cocoa and soda in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil slowly. Simmer for 5 mins and cool. Add the eggs and sifted flour and mix well. Place mixture in prepared mini muffin trays (I use paper patties to more easily remove the muffins afterwards). Cook for 10-15 mins.

When they've cooled, I dip them in a chocolate ganache. For this I use 100g dark cooking choc, 1 cup cream and a tsp of butter. Melt over a saucepan of water.

Enjoy!

Observations from a nation that runs on time!

2010-06-06T20:07:00.002+09:30

Bikes parked in public areas are not chained – apparently petty crime in Japan is non-existent.
By 2025 there will be a new bullet train that can go as fast as 500ks an hour (the fastest in Japan now runs at 300ks an hour.
In Ginza Tokyo, 1sq meter of property costs US$300,000.
Traffic lights (at the top of the pole) are placed horizontally.
There are very few rubbish bins in the streets – rubbish is disposed of at home. The streets are very very clean.
No-one wears sunglasses (except for the young generation).
Gardens and parks are immaculately maintained.
People are very very polite, no-one complains at bad service etc.
Public places (museums etc.) are closed the day after a Public Holiday (and this is very annoying for tourists).
They love flora – there are pots of flowers everywhere.
I was surprised at the number of imported cars.
People go out of their way to help, they are very kind.
There is no talking on mobile phones on the trains, and in fact you are asked to turn your phone to silent on the shinkansen (bullet train).
They cut the crusts off sandwiches (and not just for toddlers).
They appear to love eggs….cooked or raw….
I was surprised to find the Japanese can bake.
They also love their pickled vegetables.
For all the cleanliness, the Japanese have an apparently primitive attitude to smoking. In fact smoking is still allowed in restaurants.
Turns out heated toilet seats are a necessity. And who knew one needed instructions to operate a toilet seat?
Even though you clearly don’t speak a word of Japanese, the Japanese continue to talk to you in their native tongue. This is very amusing.
The Japanese are so respectful, they even bow to inanimate objects, like the bus as it leaves the station. (I think I even saw someone bow to an escalator…)
Packaging is an art form.
Slurping food is expected.
Plastic food is everywhere, so don’t worry if you can’t understand the menu, just point to the plastic meal in the restaurant window.
Tokyo is a sea of black suits, they are more conservative than I thought.
There are vending machines on virtually every street corner. In fact, one small town I swear I saw about 6 vending machines on the same street on one block alone.
Icecream from a vending machine!
Hot coffee from a vending machine – would you like milk with that?
I was astounded at the number of Italian restaurants, and pleasantly, they can make a pretty good pizza!
I never got used to seeing books and magazines read from the back.
Food is everywhere. I kid you not, restaurants are everywhere you look.
127 Million people, 10% live in Tokyo and the entire nation runs on time!

Gnocchi

2010-05-16T19:46:00.003+09:30

Hello, I'm back....maybe....

About two weeks ago I made gnocchi for the first time in my life. Today I thought I would improve on my first performance and make some to put in the freezer.

The ingredients couldn't be simpler

Potatoes (desiree)
Plain flour
Salt
1 egg

Today I used about 8 potatoes. Boil them until they are cooked through (I peel them before boiling, and add the salt to the water). Strain and then put them through a potato press. While the potatoes are still warm add the egg and integrate to the potatoes (use your hand). Then slowly add plain flour by the hand full until the mixture forms a dough that you can start to manipulate and its not too sticky. Be careful not to add too much flour. The softer the dough the lighter the gnocchi.

Break off small chunks of the dough and roll into long logs/strips, and cut into short pieces (about 2 or 3 cms long). Repeating until the dough is finished. Then each piece of dough has to be pressed/rolled into gnocchi board (use a fork if you don't have one). This bit takes a bit of practice.

Enjoy!

Granny Smith Green

2010-01-21T20:53:00.006+10:30

I love the colour green. So for a long time I've known exactly how I would renovate my bathroom.

After four long long months, the bathroom and toilet renovations are finally complete. For the last 6 weeks I had only really been waiting for the vanity top to be made and installed. It finally went in on Tuesday, so I took a few photos to mark the occasion. It will probably never be this clean again.

Having designed it all myself, with advice from my builder along the way, this is the end result. I made a couple of mistakes that I won't highlight to you..but overall I am really pleased.

PS your eyes don't betray you - there is no door to the shower.

Lemon Curd

2009-12-26T20:17:00.003+10:30

Well it's been a while between drinks, and I must say I thought this blog had died. But I've been off work a few days now, I've had some quiet time, and bugger me if I haven't had a couple of opportunities to get back into the kitchen. Not dead yet! And I needed somewhere to store this recipe.

Lemons have been falling off my tree, and unfortunately a lot of them have just ended up in the bin, but tonight I made some lemon curd as I'm on the hunt for the perfect lemon curd recipe. I posted one to this site back in July this year when I made some lemon cupcakes, but I think the method was a bit strange - you had to add the egg after the mixture had already been on the heat which I didn't like.

The following recipe is based on the recipe from the television show MasterChef. I had tried it once before and thought it was pretty good, but tonight I adapted it further myself. I think it's better now!

You will need:

3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
3/4s cup caster sugar
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 3 lemons (or 4 if they're small)
125gm butter, chopped

Mix the egg and sugar together until dissolved (I used the stand mixer). Add the zest, mix further. Add the juice and mix again.

Transfer mixture to a saucepan and add the butter. Stir over medium/low heat until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.

Triple 6

2009-10-06T21:00:00.006+10:30

Today is the 6th October. Nothing unusual about that. Except, for my family, this is a very unusual date. I have four brothers and no sisters. Three out of my four brothers have partners. The phenomena of this day is that all of my sisters-in-law share their birthday on this day. Yep, every single one of them was born on the 6th October.

Apparently the odds of that are something like 1 in 48 million....

(Jenna wasn't born on the 6th October - she just has to blow out the candles.)

Ten little fingers, ten little toes

2009-09-28T21:29:00.003+09:30

There is a new addition to the family. Marisa, my brand new niece arrived 10.40 last night. Mum and baby doing well, and she is just gorgeous. Auntie Nina very excited.

I love you already Marisa!

Out with the old

2009-09-13T20:43:00.006+09:30

My blog posts are definitely getting few and far between these days. Work is all consuming and just too demanding at the moment. Tomorrow morning I am off to Melbourne for a week after just having got back from Sydney, and Melbourne the week before that. Hopefully it will all be over soon and I can get back to doing stuff I really want to do, like baking. However, if this blog is still alive by the end of the year I will be very surprised. Let's wait and see...

Tomorrow also sees the beginning of my bathroom renovations, so this post is to show you the 'before' shots of my bathroom before it gets demolished tomorrow. I arranged for the work to start when I won't be home so that a) I don't have to worry about where to have a shower, and b) so I don't have to come home from work and see the mess created.

I am very excited about what the bathroom will look like when completed, but I am afraid that it will not be finished for weeks. I don't even want to think about it. Anyway, for now I will focus on the fact that I don't have to look at the ugliest green tiles I think I have ever seen, ever again. See for yourself.

Ramona was a waitress

2009-08-20T19:44:00.003+09:30

I never used to be a fan of the Ausie band "Something for Kate" but now, years later, I can't seem to get enough of the lead singer Paul Dempsey's voice. He has gone out on his own and released a solo album. Here's one of the songs from the album:

Out of the mouths of babes

2009-08-10T19:50:00.005+09:30

Nonno: What are you doing here Jenna?

(5 yo) Jenna: Mum kicked me out of the house!

Aunty Nina: NO SHE DIDN'T !

Lemon cupcakes with lemon curd

2009-07-05T12:58:00.003+09:30

I made some lemon cupcakes last night. Somehow I forgot to put the milk in, so today they are a bit dry, but boy are they tasty! Lemon is such a great flavour.

I got the recipe from an old Donna Hay magazine whilst searching for a Chocolate Cheesecake recipe (which I still haven't found...). You will need:

125gm butter, softened
2/3 cup caster sugar
2 tspns finely grated lemon rind
3 eggs
1 and 1/2 cups plain flour
1 and 1/2 tspns baking powder
1/4 cup of milk

For the lemon curd you will need:
45gm butter
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 egg

Now the recipe is actually for "lemon meringue cupcakes", so if you want to do that step you will also need:
2 egg whites
1/3 cup caster sugar

Preheat the oven to 180c.

I made the lemon curd first because it needs to cool. Melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and egg, and stir until smooth. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly for about 5-7 mins or until thickened. Refrigerate.

Beat the butter, sugar, lemon rind, eggs, flour, baking powder and milk with an electric mixer until smooth.

Spoon into muffin pan lined with patty cases, and bake for 20 mins (test with a skewer). Cool.

To make the meringe, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the meringue is thick and glossy.

Cut 2cm diameter holes in the centre of the cooled cakes and fill with the lemon curd.

Pipe a swirl of meringue over the lemon curd and place the cakes under a preheated hot grill for 1 minute or until golden. Makes 12.

I actually topped the cupcakes with a lemon cream cheese topping. I just mixed some cream cheese, icing sugar and 2 tspns lemon juice together til smooth.

Enjoy!

Chocolate, Icecream and Espresso

2009-06-26T13:30:00.004+09:30

My new laundry would have to be the tastiest sounding laundry around. The floor tiles are Chocolate, the wall tiles are Icecream and the bench top is Espresso. Yum!

Yes the laundry is almost finished, just a couple more small things to go. Here are the photos. I love it!

Hottest 100 of all time

2009-06-24T20:29:00.003+09:30

Triple J are running a poll for the hottest 100 songs of all time. I would really like to vote, if only for the chance to be in the winning for tickets to the Reading Festival in the UK. But I'm afraid I take these music polls way too seriously...

You can only vote for 10 songs. How is that possible? It would take me days to come up with all my favourite of favourites, let alone whittle it down to ten! But the other day I thought "just vote for any", I mean, what does it really matter. So I started a list of songs I would possibly vote for. I didn't get very far before I gave up completely.

So, here is a completely dodgy list that I may or may not use to vote for songs before the poll ends this weekend. I should note, that the list doesn't contain anything too recent, but it should, because songs like "Empire of the Sun's - Walking on a Dream" or "Little Birdie's - Brother", I think will definitely be on my list in years to come.

The Shins - New Slang or Gone for good
Prince - When doves cry or 7
INXS - Never Tear us apart
Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing
Sinead O'connor - The Emporer's new clothes
Tori Amos - Cornflake girl
Peter Gabriel - Solsbury hill
Elliot smith - Waltz #2
ABBA - Super Trouper
David Bowie/Queen - Under pressure (and cover two artists with one song)
Bob Dylan - Lay lady lay
Radiohead - High and dry or Fake plastic trees
The Verve - Bittersweet symphony
U2 - I still haven't found what I'm looking for
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Scar Tissue
Joni Mitchell - Both sides now
Ben Harper - Burn one down (or pick any random song from the Ben Harper collection)
Kate Bush - Running up that hill
Blondie - Atomic
Crowded House - Don't dream its over (or anything at all by Crowded House...)
Madonna - Like a prayer
Hoodoo Gurus - My girl
Hunters and Collectors - Throw your arms around me
Johnny Nash - I can see clearly now
Midnight Oil - Blue sky mine
Neil Diamond - Beautiful noise
Paul Kelly - To her door
Bee Gees - Spicks and specks
REM - What's the frequency, Kenneth? (or pick any random song from their collection)
Silverchair - Anthem for the year 2000
Violent Femmes - Blister in the sun
The Church - Under the milk way
The Waifs - London Still
The Beach Boys - God only knows
Kylie Minogue - Can't get you out of my head or Did it again
Wendy Matthews - Day you went away
George Michael - Freedom 90
Blur - Boys and girls
Chirs Isaak - Wicked game
Nirvana - Come as you are
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
The Cranberries - Zombie
Fastball - The Way
Hole - Celebrity Skin
Alex Lloyd - Amazing
The Bangles - Walk like an Egyptian
Damien Rice - Blower's daughter
Eskimo Joe - From the sea
Fleetwood Mac - Tusk
The Pogues - Dirty old town
Gotye - Heart's a mess
Four Seasons - Oh what a night
Jebediah - Leaving Home
Bon Iver - Skinny Love
Jack Johnson - Flake

Yeah, I won't be going to the Reading Festival.

Rocky Road

2009-06-21T12:09:00.002+09:30

The only Rocky Road worth eating is the one you make yourself. That way you can put the best quality ingredients into it. Authentic Turkish Delight, your favourite nuts (macadamia for me), and the best marshmallows.

I'm going to Belinda's house tonight for a BBQ and she asked that I bring along my Rocky Road. So I made a batch last night. You don't really need a recipe... I just chop up the ingredients, melt the chocolate, (I also added some rice bubbles to this lot) mix it up and pour into a slice tray that has been lined with glad wrap. Refrigerate.

Enjoy!

Old Laundry

2009-05-30T17:58:00.006+09:30

Some ridiculous hours are required at work at the moment, so this blog is definitely being neglected. However, the laundry renovations have started at my place, and so the upside to the hours I have been putting in at work means I don't have to look at the state my house is in for the duration.

Here are shots of the old laundry which has been completely demolished:

Retaining wall

2009-05-09T17:11:00.005+09:30

The work on my retaining wall is almost complete. And what a pleasure it is to look outside my kitchen window to see a decent brick wall, instead of one that is falling apart.

Next.. the laundry!

Moonta & Wallaroo

2009-05-06T19:54:00.014+09:30

On the weekend me my friend M and her daughter, went away to the Eyre Peninsula. We rented a cabin at the caravan park at Wallaroo. I had never been to the Copper Coast despite having lived only an hour and half away (from Port Augusta or Adelaide). And, I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. I came away from the weekend feeling extremely ignorant in my knowledge of the region's history. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a booming region where people were given free passage from the Cornwall area in the UK to work in the copper mines. There was an incredible museum at Moonta that use to be a school. I can't believe how many relics of times gone by remain. Worth a visit for sure. Here are some of my photos from the weekend.

Marina at Wallaroo

Note the 'mounds' on the ground behind the plaque...so tragic. The plaque says "To the memory of the children who fell victims of epidemics due to insanitary conditions in the early mining days. 1969."

Home Renovations part 1

2009-04-20T20:22:00.012+09:30

I've been thinking lately of finishing with my blog...my posts aren't regular, and I'm certainly not the most witty or accomplished writer. Neither am I a brilliant photographer or fantastic cook. I know that no-one cares for my opinion of music (except maybe Steve), and any interesting youtube video I post can be found, well, on youtube! But, at the back of my mind I keep thinking that I don't do this for the (three or four loyal) readers I have, but because in a few years time, or many many years down the track, I might just love looking back at this site.

So, I might be around for a little while longer... but what to post about when I haven't been cooking (or when I do, the result isn't great, or the photo is crap)? Well, my latest home renovations might be an idea. I know I will love seeing the progress and looking back on the 'before' shots.

One of my family members found a 'handy-man' after we first moved to Adelaide, and he has been doing work for a few of us over the years, ever since. He is un-licenced but he really can do anything you want to throw at him. His work is nothing short of amazing. Good quality and at a decent price. The draw back is that he is slow, but I can live with that.

I've been waiting for him to get round to my place after doing some work at my brother's house, and I think he will be here for a good six months all up (the list of things to do got longer as I waited). He has just finished fixing and painting my (wooden) windows, as well as doing some work on my deck. He has now just started on my retaining wall.

As you can see from these photos, I already have a retaining wall, but it is butt ugly. At this stage the plan is to leave the wall there (well most of it, because I'm moving a side bit back), and then lay the new bricks in front of the existing. The new bricks will lie flat against the old without creating a water retention problem.

In a week or two (depending on how much rain we get - we are expecting some), I will post some photos of the new wall. I can't wait.

Hot Cross Buns

2009-04-12T08:33:00.005+09:30

Happy Easter everyone.

I am a fan of Hot Cross Buns so thought I would try making my own. I have a bread machine so I used a recipe that came with that, of course with a few minor adjustments. You will need:

340ml water
2 tblspn oil
2 tspns salt
3 tblspn brown sugar
4 cups bread flour
3 tblspn milk powder
1 tblspn ground mixed spice
1 tblspn ground cinnamon
2 1/4 tspns dried yeast
1 1/4 cups sultanas
1/4 cup mixed peel

Batter for crosses:
2 tblspn water
1/4 cup plain flour

I made two batches, the first only had sultanas and I didn't add the mixed spice. The second batch I added half a tblspn of mixed spice, and some chocolate chips!

Now, because I cheated and used the bread machine to make the dough, these were really simple, because you just throw everything in (and add the fruit at the beep), and out comes the dough. Then:

Divide the dough into 18 pieces (I only got 15) and shape into rounds. Place close together on a lightly greased baking tray.

Cover loosely with lightly greased plastic wrap and leave to stand in a warm area for 20 mins.

Blend 'cross' batter until smooth. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a small piping nozzle. Remove wrap and pipe a cross onto each bun. (I actually rolled the batter by hand.)

Bake in preheated oven at 190 c for 15 to 20 mins.

Enjoy!

Grated Chocolate Roll

2009-04-04T21:23:00.004+10:30

I have been making this cake for nearly 20 years, and it is still a hit. The first time I made it was for an amateur cake cooking competition. I won! The recipe is from the Women's Weekly "Cakes and Slices" cookbook. You will need:

4 eggs separated
1/2 cup castor sugar
2 tbspns hot water
60 gm dark chocolate, grated
1/2 cup self raising flour
extra castor sugar

Filling:
thick cream
icing sugar
vanilla essence

Grease a Swiss roll pan, line and grease paper well.

Beat egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until thick and creamy. Fold in hot water and chocolate, then fold in sifted flour.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, fold into mixture. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in moderate oven for 12 mins.

Turn immediately on to paper which has been sprinkled with extra sugar. Trim crisp edges from sides of cake. Roll up in paper to form the 'rolled' shape and stand for 2 mins, unroll and cool.

Beat the cream, icing sugar and essence. Spread onto the cake and roll up. Serve topped with extra whipped cream and chocolate curls as you like.

Enjoy!

Coffee Panna Cotta

2009-03-21T17:14:00.007+10:30

I am hosting a dinner party tonight to celebrate Paolo's 30th Birthday, and afterwards we're going to some late night comedy as his gift. For dessert I decided to try and make panna cotta. It is such a luscious and light dessert. I hope he likes it. I made it last night, and it was really simple, and very quick to make. I used Lucullian's recipe at http://lucullian.blogspot.com/, with some very minor adjustments.

500ml cup fresh cream, I used thick cream (which probably accounts for needing more gelatin)
100ml milk
100ml very strong coffee
75ml cup caster sugar
10-12g gelatin leaves, I used the lesser amount but I think it probably needed the extra
Dark chocolate for decoration

Put the gelatin leaves to soak in cold water.

Mix cream, milk and coffee in a small pan, add sugar and bring to boil.

Squeeze the water out of the gelatin leaves and melt them in the hot coffee cream, stir really well and leave it to cool down a bit.

Pass through some muslin before pouring the cream into cocktail glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.

Decorate as you wish.

Enjoy!

Gotye

2009-03-16T23:22:00.003+10:30

This is the latest offering from Gotye, in the band 'The Basics' (Gotye is a pseudonym for Wally De Backer). Can't stop playing it. And can't wait for the album. (I feel like I've used these words before on this blog.)

The Pyrophone Juggernaut

2009-03-11T22:21:00.012+10:30

P came to visit and given it is the MAD MONTH OF MARCH in Adelaide, it was only appropriate that I organise a few Fringe shows to head out to.

Saturday night we went to see House of the Holy Afro. A show best described as "Afro Celt Sound System" meets "Ministry of Sound". Or if you don't know who they are, African music on acid will draw a pretty clear picture. http://www.houseoftheholyafro.com.au/

Sunday we spent a lazy day at a BBQ at mum's house before heading out to some comedy - Best of the Edinburgh Festival.

Monday (thank God for Public Holidays), we went to Grange Kiosk for coffee, Glenelg for some lunch and then we headed out to Semaphore Beach for some fish and chips and to see a free fringe event - The Pyrophone Juggernaut. More on that shortly.

Tuesday night we topped it all off by going to see Arj Barker. Professional comedians have real talent. They get on stage and drivel crap for an hour, and yet manage to keep the audience entertained the whole time.

Back to the Pyrophone Juggernaut... a "tightly choreographed percussive symphony spectacle". It was weird, but oddly entertaining. It looked a bit like a pirate ship from the future, and when the sun went down the show started. The musical instruments were metal and plastic pipes of different lengths placed to look like a massive organ; and wheel rims and other manner of metal objects. Blow torches were used to fire up through the pipes generating different sounds, among other effects.

At this point I think it best that the photos do the talking:

I love the Fringe, but soon, the Fringe will be over, Womadelaide truly done with for another year and the Clipsal madness forgotten, and Adelaide can wake up in 11 months time to start the March madness all over again.

Pasta Sauce

2009-02-23T19:17:00.007+10:30

Well I've finally made another batch of pasta sauce, and have taken the time to take a couple of shots to blog it. This is how I make it, which is very similar to how my mum makes it. Of course we use mum's home made tomato sauce where we (or she, depending on who can help), takes a day or two out in January to make anywhere from 100 - 150 bottles of the stuff.

You can buy 'pasata' in most shops to make a reasonable sauce yourself (although I do find it slightly runnier, so needs more simmering time). This recipe uses 2 bottles, but that's because I make a large batch and then freeze it in smaller batches for when I need something fast.

You need:

2 bottles of sauce
garlic
onion
chuck steak (or something similar)
chilli
basil
olive oil

Generously coat the bottom of a large saucepan with olive oil and add the chopped onion. Soften the onion then add your meat.

Seal the meat before adding the tomato sauce. Add basil, garlic (whole), chilli and of course salt to flavour.

Cook at med/high heat until it comes to the boil, but keep it boiling for a good 10 or 15 mins before reducing the heat to simmer it. Stop cooking when you feel you have a good consistency and flavour (could be up to 2 hours). You want the meat to be falling off the bone by the end of it.

Add to your pasta and serve (with parmesan cheese of course).

Enjoy!

Garden pickings

2009-02-21T19:41:00.002+10:30

I got all of these lovely items out of my garden today.

I couldn't be more proud of these few measly items. I just wish the rest of my garden wasn't dead, and that I had more time and nous to grow more things.

It's all in the genes

2009-02-17T22:28:00.004+10:30

The more I read about human behaviours and traits, the more I believe that it's all in the genes...

Recently I posted a music video by Luke Steele who had teamed up with Nick Littlemore from PNAU to form Empire of the Sun, and I raved about how much I loved the song. I first heard about Luke from his band the Sleepy Jacksons whose albums I have and love. Luke has a sister, Katy Steele, who is in another great Ausie band, "Little Birdy", whose albums I also own and love. Little Birdy has just realeased a new song (and will release a new album soon I presume) called 'Brother'. I can't tell you how much I adore this song, and it features the one and only Paul Kelly too.

This video was filmed on a DIY video camera one day in Katy's bedroom.

So much talent in one family - it's all in the genes I tell you!

New York Brownie Cheesecake

2009-02-15T20:34:00.002+10:30

I have never made a cheesecake before yesterday, but I was in the mood for trying something new, so cheesecake it was! I found this recipe in Janelle Bloom's "fast fresh & fabulous". I don't know how fast it was, and given I made a batch of biscuits in between layers, it took a fair while. But it is pretty fabulous.

You will need:

100gm dark chocolate, chopped
100gm butter, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup of plain flour
2 tablespoons SR flour

Filling:
750gm cream cheese, at room temp, chopped
1 cup caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs, at room temp
2 tablespoons plain flour
300gm sour cream

To serve:
300 ml double cream
2 tablespoons limoncello liqueur
cocoa powder

Preheat over to 180c no fan. Grease and line 23cm springform pan.

Combine chocolate and butter - now Janelle says to microwave on high for 2 mins, then stir til smooth. But I think I prefer to do this the old-fashioned way in a bowl over a pan of boiling water. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in sugar, egg and flours. Spread mixture over base of prepared pan. Bake brownie base 15 mins. Set aside and reduce over to 160c no fan.

For the filling, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until just combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour and sour cream until just combined. Pour over warm base and place on a baking tray.

Bake cheesecake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (the centre should still wobble slightly). Turn oven off, leave the door ajar, and allow to cool completely in the oven. Refrigerate until chilled.

Place the cream and limoncello in a bowl, whisk gently until combined. Cut the cheesecake into wedges with a warm knife, dust with cocoa powder and serve with the cream.

Enjoy!

The King of Fruit

2009-02-11T20:03:00.004+10:30

The king of fruit for me, would have to be the fig. There is nothing more luscious. And today I picked the last of the peaches on my peach tree and picked the first half dozen figs from my fig tree. How divine. And I don't want to share them with anyone.

20 things about me

2009-02-07T09:04:00.001+10:30

20 things you probably never knew about me (and probably don't need to know):

1. I didn't speak a word of English until I went to school. Now I am disappointed in how little Italian I know.
2. Bad grammar and spelling really ticks me off. And yes, if I have it wrong I do want to know about it - correct me!
3. I dry reach at the smell of sambucca, because once in my younger day I drank way too much of the stuff.
4. I have this fear that my long term memory is permanently damaged because I started drinking at an age well below the legal age.
5. I have a chipped front tooth.
6. I am long-sighted in the left eye and short-sighted in the right. They balance each other out so I don't need glasses. I suspect this is my own fault because I used to read with one eye closed under the bed covers as a teenager.
7. I once dreamt that I married Bob Hawke and recently dreamt that I went out to dinner with Kevin Rudd. I've had dreams about wars like Iraq air bombing Australia. And dreams that I was a man driving down a road in Antigua. My weird dreams are really really weird.
8. I have a fear that I will never have children, but I don't even know (at my age) if I even want them. Maybe the fear is that I will never have the choice.
9. I have three sisters-in-law. They all share the same birthday. Do you know what the odds of that are?
10. The house I live in is house number 3 that settled on the 30th November on my 30th Birthday. There are also three 3s in my home phone number.
11. I once had a collie dog named Lester. Neil Finn wrote a song about his dog called Lester.
12. I hate the movie Forest Gump.
13. I've met Ben Harper. I never felt so privileged.
14. I really wish I could play guitar.
15. I don't like scary movies, I don't like disney movies and I don't like sci-fi or fantasy movies. I am over action movies for the sake of action movies. At the end of the day, I just like a good drama.
16. I don't read sci-fiction books or romance books.
17. Besides learning how to read and write, I now think that one of the best skills I learnt at school was typing.
18. I don't like dish washers and I don't want one in my house.
19. I really hate it when people assume that because I'm single and have no children that I have plenty of time on my hands and that I lead a quiet life. Yes I have the privilege of not needing to compromise, I can do what I want, when I want and how I want. Doesn't mean I'm not busy and struggle to fit everything that I want to do in a day, week or month just like anyone else. Actually, if I achieve a lot, it's just because I'm pretty good at getting shit done. And if I had kids, I would still be good at getting shit done, because that's what I do.
20. And finally a work foible... if you want me to do something, I need to understand why, because if it doesn't make sense to me then you are obviously wasting my time. So I will incessantly ask you 'why' until I get an acceptable answer (even if the answer is "it will just be easier if you do it"). I know I am annoying when I do this.

Pesto Sauce

2009-02-01T20:01:00.005+10:30

My kitchen hasn't seen a lot of cooking going on in recent times, hence the lack of posts of late. And I might have mentioned before, but work really cripples the way I ultimately want to live my life. I don't feel I have time for anything between work, gym, household chores and the odd social occasion (ok lots of social events recently, but that is not the norm).

Anyway I do feel I have neglected the blog and today I actually had some time, so despite the heat I hit the kitchen. I made some chocolate mini muffins which were lovely, but it was a debacle getting them out of the tray and they look a mess so I might try them again some other time. I also have basil in my little herb garden so I thought I would make some pesto.

Pesto is not traditionally a sauce that mum ever made. In fact she made it herself for the first time only a week ago. I've always used a Jamie Oliver recipe and when mum told me how she made hers last week (relayed to her by a friend of hers), I think it is exactly the same. I do like Jamie because I think he has a good appreciation and understanding for the way Italians like to cook. Now Jamie's recipe talks about doing certain things in steps, but I have to admit I just chuck everything into the food processor and just add oil at the end until I have the right consistency. You need:

1/4 clove of garlic (I actually use a whole clove)
3 good handfuls of fresh basil
1 handful of lightly roasted pine nuts
1 good handful of grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil
salt and pepper
small squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Like I said, chuck it all into the food processor and just drizzle extra olive oil into the mixture until you have a semi-wet but firm consistency.

I also have a confession to make, I forgot to take a photo before I ate my pasta with pesto sauce...oops...I even walked straight past the camera and tripod to sit down and eat it. (I blame the heat - I'm sure you've heard about it.)

Enjoy!

Guitar Boat Hero

2009-01-26T21:14:00.002+10:30

I have been too busy to post lately, and whilst I wanted to bake and post this long weekend, I needed to get some overdue spring cleaning done (really wished I had baked).

Today after doing the last of it (cleaning the bird shit off my deck) I settled in to listen to Triple J's hottest 100 songs of last year. I was so exhausted that I mostly did nothing and actually heard every single song (except I did make a trip to Bunnings but walked around with the iPod on).

Josh Pyke, one of Australia's best singer/song writers ended up with a couple of tunes in the top 50 I think, and he was also interviewed. He was talking about his song "Guitar Boat Hero" and he said that the guitar boat used in the video clip was specially made, so I thought I would check it out. It is a great little video clip and very apt to be posting on Australia Day. Cheers!

An elephant's best friend

2009-01-17T08:43:00.001+10:30

I was just visiting 'Dooce' and she had posted this video. I had to do the same, it is just beautiful:

2008 Best Photos

2009-01-14T19:26:00.002+10:30

I had been contemplating my next post for a few days when Dave sent me the following link:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/12/the_year_2008_in_photographs_p.html

Be sure to view all three pages (click next at the bottom).

These are some of the most amazing photos I have ever seen, some merely because of the powerful and shocking subject matter. Some photos have warnings, believe me these are not for the faint-hearted.

Other photos are amazing because the photographer was in the perfect place at the right time.

Oh how I dream of taking photos like these.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T21:22:00.016+10:30

Hello and Happy New Year to you all.

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while – the first week of my holidays was fairly uneventful and I was away in Melbourne for the second week. So of course, this post is about my Melbourne trip.

I flew in on the 29th and was planning on staying with my friend Lina for a couple of days before moving into an apartment with my friends from Canberra. Lina lives in South Melbourne and so Monday afternoon we walked to the Eureka building to observe the Melbourne skyline from the tallest building. The lift up was moving at a fast 9 meters per second. The height was frightening.

That night we had a lovely meal at a Vietnamese restaurant, the chilli quail entrée being the highlight of the meal.

Tuesday we went for a drive to Geelong. I had never been to Geelong before and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw.

Wednesday afternoon I checked into the apartment and had a nap whilst waiting for my friends to arrive. That night we headed to Prahran for a Thai meal and then over to Lisa’s Aunty’s place for New Year's Eve celebrations.

New Year's day we had breakfast in St Kilda and I also purchased another pair of havaianas (I need another pair of havaianas like I need a hole in the head). Then we all headed to Albert Park to spend the day at Lina’s mum’s place as she had extended a New Year Day’s lunch to my friends as well as me. It felt like we had just finished off cake and coffee before we were being told to stay for dinner, which we did! The food was great and plentiful.

Friday’s only objective was to get to "Books for Cooks" book store on Gertrude St, Fitzroy. The ad said "Browse the day away in Australia's only specialist cookery book store with over 25,000 new, out-of-print and antiquarian books in stock". I couldn't imagine anything better. We got there only to find it closed until the 6th January. This was probably a blessing in disguise because I also need another cookbook like I need a second hole in the head! We ended up just wandering around the streets of Fitzroy. We stopped for a coffee and Lisa and I thought we might have a small snack so I ordered a slice of apple struedel. I’m not sure if the staff thought I needed fattening up, but I ended up with the entire slab of struedel instead what I thought would be a quarter of what was on display.

For dinner we decided on a Spanish restaurant, but I've lost the business card so can't give you the details. The dessert was amazing! Churros with chocolate dipping sauce, yum! And I should point out that this wasn't the first churros with chocolate that we had eaten over the few days in Melbourne.

Saturday was simply fantastic. First we went to a café in Prahan (Amici’s) where I was served the best coffee of the trip, and Frank reckons his scrambled eggs with mushrooms were potentially the best he had ever eaten. A good start to the day. Lisa and I then headed off to see Billy Elliot whilst Frank attended a wedding ceremony. The musical was amazing and after the show I met two of the stars. Meeting ‘Billy’ himself nearly had me in tears (I’m sure I’ve mentioned on this site before that I am pathetic!). After all the excitement and not having had lunch, we all munched on “Lord of the Fries”, an infamous kiosk in Melbourne where you get great hot chips and you can choose from a variety of different sauces/toppings.

For dinner Saturday night I had booked us in to eat at “The Press Club”. You might have heard of the owner/chef ‘George Calombaris’ who sometimes appears on Ready Steady Cook.

http://www.thepressclub.com.au/main.html

We decided on Kerasma ‘C’ – a six course tasting menu as selected by the chefs on the night.

The meal was exotic to the eye and amazing to taste. The most 'interesting' course to taste was the cracked wheat soup (soup of trahana and mastic), but the highlights (for me) were things like the cumin roasted beetroot and the coffee ‘kafe’ pannacotta.

Once again I was quite pathetic when George actually walked into the restaurant to check on proceedings. I stopped short of introducing myself, but I really wanted to.

Sunday entailed making our way into the city to undertake a spot of retail therapy, saying goodbye and flying back home. But as you can see from this post the focus of the Melbourne trip was definitely on food. We all agreed however, that it had been one of our most successful trips yet. Love you guys! Thanks for an awesome time.

NB. All shots taken on either my point-and-shoot or Lisa's!

Dancing Lady salad

2008-12-20T17:57:00.001+10:30

End of year pig-out

2008-12-17T19:18:00.002+10:30

Today we had our end of year team lunch so we headed off to Henley Beach for a meal at the Thai Orchid. After that it was back to my place for dessert, as on Sunday after Jenna's birthday, I once again made the Chocolate Pavlova with the egg-whites left over from making the cream puffs.

The pavlova must be good because between the guys, they averaged about 3 slices each (I won't mention how many Richard had!). This time I have a photo.. or two.

Jenna is 5

2008-12-14T21:07:00.005+10:30

The baby of the family, my niece Jenna, turns 5 next week. Today she had her birthday party. I don't believe I have ever seen her so excited, and she had so much fun all day. For a few years now she has been a fan of Dora the Explorer, so she got lots of Dora gifts, but when she hugged one of the boxes...well it just completely cracked me up. I need to also point out the uncanny resemblance my niece has with Dora...she even has the same shaped head!

Happy 5th Birthday my sweet. I love you.

Custard

2008-12-14T18:29:00.004+10:30

There seems to be hundreds of ways to make custard but recently I nagged mum to show me how she does hers...

4 tbsp plain flour
4 tbsp white sugar
600 mls milk
3 egg yolks

In a bowl mix together the flour, sugar, eggs and some of the milk, stirring until there are no lumps in the mixture. Gradually add the rest of the milk, stirring the whole time.

Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and stir over a high heat initially, but reduce it to low when the mixture starts to bubble.

Tip - wash a lemon and cut off one end, pierce a fork through the other end and stir the mixture with the lemon for the essence.

When the mixture starts to get quite thick, take it off the heat.

If you just want vanilla custard then you can add some vanilla essence to the mixture.

For chocolate custard, put 3-4 tbsp of cocoa in a bowl and add a few scoops of the custard. Have the bowl in the sink with some cold water. Stir the mixture then gradually add the rest of the custard.

I made this custard to make cream puffs (which I bought, but can make if I have the time) to take to my niece's birthday party. I made both chocolate and vanilla, and filled the profiteroles with half vanilla and half chocolate custard. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

NB. If you need a larger portion you add more eggs and more milk only (i.e. with 6 eggs you would need 1 litre of milk).

Chocolate Pavlova

2008-12-07T09:18:00.003+10:30

Yesterday for dad's birthday I made a pavlova that I had eaten over at the Hope's house a couple of times. It is truly delicious so I hope that Carol (or Nigella Lawson for that matter) won't mind me publishing it here. And apologies because I don't have a photo of the finished plate because I decorated it at mums.

Meringue base:
6 egg whites
300 gm caster sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
50 gm dark chocolate, finely chopped

Topping:
500 ml thick cream
Punnet of your favourite fresh berries (I used a frozen berry mix)
2 - 3 tbsp coarsely grated dark chocolate

Preheat oven to 180c but turn oven down to 150c when the pavlova goes in!

Beat eggs whites to satiny peaks, then add 1 spoon full of the sugar at a time while beating constantly. Stop beating when all sugar is dissolved and mixture is shiny. This can take up to 15 mins.

Sprinkle in sifted cocoa powder, add vinegar and chocolate and gently fold through the mixture.

Scrape mixture onto a sheet of baking paper on tray and make a disc with the mixture approx. 23 cm in diameter. Don't spread it too much or it will be a flat pavlova.

Bake in the oven for 1 to 1.5 hours. Turn oven off but leave the pavlova in there to cool completely.

NB. Nigella says that when it is ready, it should be crisp on the sides and dry on top, and when you prod the centre you should feel the promise of 'squidginess' beneath your fingers.

You can invert the pavlova. Whisk cream and pile on top of meringue then scatter berries over the cream and sprinkle with remaining dark chocolate.

Enjoy!

Maggot cheese or mussels in coconut broth?

2008-11-28T23:23:00.004+10:30

I am having withdrawal symptoms from not baking, but lately I have been either too tired or too busy. So tonight to alleviate the yearning, I thought I would watch another episode of Season 4 of Hell's Kitchen. But after watching that I was as bright as a button so I thought I would check out some Gordon snippets on you tube (it's 11.30pm and too late to get into the kitchen).

Unfortunately the video I wanted to post had embedding disabled, so do yourself a favour and search for "Gordon Ramsey maggot cheese" on you tube. (But only if you think you can handle it. Personally it is one cheese I won't be trying in this lifetime.)

Then I found this video, and this dish looks so good to me I reckon I would eat every last morsel.

2008 Music - year in review

2008-11-25T21:39:00.004+10:30

Forget about the Arias. Here is where you need to come to find out about the best music releases this year... well, out of what I've been listening to at least.

My top 10 albums of this year (in no particular order):

1. Empire of the Sun - Walking on a dream (This album saw the collaboration of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, and oh what a collaboration!)
2. Sia - Some people have real problems (Adelaide girl who went to the UK to be heard back in Adelaide. One of the best female artists to come out of Australia I reckon.)
3. Kings of Leon - Only by the night
4. Jackson Jackson - Tools for survival (Another Oz collaboration. Another success.)
5. Augie March - Watch me disappear (Like a good wine, these guys just get better with age.)
6. Bliss n Eso - Flying colours (Ausie hip hop, who'd have thought? Play it loud!)
7. Girl talk - Feed the animals (Mash it! Love it!)
8. Goldfrapp - Seventh tree
9. Laura Marling - Alas, I cannot swim (I have raved about this girl on this blog before...so young...so brilliant!)
10. As for number 10, I couldn't decide whether to leave off Gnarls Barkley's - The odd couple, or Josh Pyke's - Chimney's afire.

Dishonorable mention:
Coldplay - Viva la vida. This is weird. I really liked this album when I first bought it, but I don't think I have played it again after the first few times. I have decided they are boring (and it has nothing to do with the news that they are snubbing Adelaide in their Australian tour next year).

My top 10 single releases of this year (in no particular order):
1. Cass Mccombs - That's that
2. Moby - Disco lies
3. Empire of the sun - Walking on a dream
4. Kings of Leon - Sex on fire
5. Goldfrapp - A&E
6. Fleet Foxes - White winter hymnal
7. Rihanna - Please don't stop the music
8. Bon Iver - Skinny love
9. Lisa Mitchell - Neopolitan dreams (This is the Lisa Mitchell that was on a recent series of Australian Idol. She got voted off, I stopped watching. Cannot wait to hear her first full album release next year.)
10. I am pathetic. I couldn't decide whether to leave off Pnau & Lady Hawke's - Embrace, or MGMT's Time to pretend.

Notes:
I am very pleased that such a large number of Ausie artists make the album list.
I am fairly certain that sometime next year I will buy an album that was released this year, and I will mentally change the list.

Arrested for possession of photographic equipment and causing aesthetic harm

2008-11-17T20:34:00.009+10:30

When S flew into Melbourne, got into a cab, and a km away from the apartment had to turn around to pick up the bag he left at the airport... I figured I couldn't possibly do anything stupider than that.

For a few years, me and three of my friends have been organising and going on "photo road trips". The impetus behind these trips is to take photographs as we all have an interest in the art. We pick a location full of photographic opportunity, get away, have a great time together (i.e. drink too much) and take photos.

We were well overdue for another PRT (the last one being at Kangaroo Island in Nov of last year), when we finally got off our butts and organised one to Melbourne for the weekend just gone.

Being the friends that we are, we all dump shit on each other at every possible opportunity, so you can imagine the jokes we flew at S for having left his bag at the airport. That was pretty much the stupidest thing that had happened all weekend...until sometime on Saturday, I realised that I hadn't changed the white balance on my camera (that had been set at tungsten) after having taken a hundred photos of the Melbourne skyline from the apartment balcony on Friday. A few hours after that (and after having taken another few hundred shots at the Melbourne xmas pageant), I realised that I had my camera on the full manual setting (nothing unusual about that), but that I had only been adjusting the light metering and not the f-stop. In terms of stupidity, that's up there with leaving your bag at the airport!

So, whilst I had a great time in Melbourne, the majority of my photos are fucked. I was therefore arrested and here is the proof:

My camera, all my lenses and other photographic equipment have all been confiscated and given to this guy because he probably has half a brain:

I am comforted by the fact that I got to have one last coffee at this place:

Before being put behind bars until I have read and re-read every photography book in my library:

Third Wedding for the year

2008-11-09T08:47:00.006+10:30

This year has been a year of celebrations. I have attended more weddings, engagements and birthday parties than any other year of my existence (and a couple more to go before the year is done). But last night I attended a wedding celebration for a very special couple who are already married!

My beautiful cousin Lili married her life partner Paolo, back in August of this year... in Italy. You see, they came to Australia from Italy a few years ago and stayed. They have settled in Adelaide, and so I have grown to love these two as much as if I had grown up with them. They went back to Italy to be married in front of all their family and friends. But because they are such a great couple, they have forged many amazing relationships here. Many of the Oz contingent wanted to go over to Italy and celebrate their wedding with them (including me), but logistically it wasn't possible.

So Lili and Paolo decided to have a wedding celebration just for us here in Australia. Guests even came all the way from Sydney for it. (Which proves how special these two are.) We had a great night, ate great food, and participated in their wedding by viewing a slideshow of the wedding in Italy.

For the third time this year... I really wish the couple a lifetime of happiness. They are already on the right track. If you see L&P together it appears as if they fall in love with each other every week. If I don't find a relationship like that, I'm not sure I actually want one at all...

Fettucini

2008-11-02T22:05:00.005+10:30

Today I made my first ever home made pasta (solo effort). I know, I know, I should be ashamed, I'm a wog... how did I get to this age without having made my own pasta before? I'm not sure I know the answer to that question myself, so I won't even bother trying to analyse that here.

I used the Kitchen Aid (of course), which made light work of it, and made the whole process a lot quicker. I also nearly stuffed it up by adding too much water too soon, but quickly just added more flour. I think the dough did end up being too soft, so I will take things slower next time.

There are hundreds of different recipes for pasta, but mum uses one egg for every kilo of flour. And besides flour and egg, you only need tepid water and salt.

I obviously didn't want to make a kilo's flour worth of pasta, so I measured out about 5 'handfulls' of flour (I used 00, but plain flour is fine), and used one egg to this amount of flour. At a guess, this made me about 4 servings.

Most recipes you will see have at least 3 eggs. The more eggs you use, the heavier the pasta will be. And you can even make pasta without any egg at all.

From Alfajores in Adelaide to a Penguin in Japan

2008-10-26T21:59:00.003+10:30

For a long time I have been meaning to make alfajores http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfajor, a traditional biscuit from South America. So I attempted them today. The end result is that they taste great, although I have no idea if they taste like the ones you might find in Argentina. But unfortunately they look a little worse-for-wear should I say. Next time I will need to roll the pastry a bit thinner, and probably make the caramel more thicker. And because they don't look great I haven't taken a photo. I will make them again some day, and hopefully I will master the aesthetic of the biscuit and post a scrumptious looking recipe.

In the post-mortem, as I was scouring youtube for tips on how to make alfajores I got, lets say, side-tracked, and found this video. I had to post it because alfajores don't belong in Adelaide and Penguins don't belong in Japan.

Viewing the subject from a different angle

2008-10-25T18:43:00.001+10:30

I just stumbled across this blogspot and had to share it:

http://pictures-from-the-sky.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Cinnamon meringues

2008-10-20T20:59:00.005+10:30

I don't seem to be coping well with working this time round... coupled with an unusually busy social life at the moment, I don't seem to have any time for myself. And of course what is suffering is the number of opportunities to get into the kitchen.

Tonight I got home from work, completely exhausted after a fitful night's sleep and decided that I had neglected my Kitchen Aid for too long, and that I should take some of my own advice and 'just get on with it'.

So I found a meringue recipe for no reason other than I wanted to test out how the Kitchen Aid handled the egg whites and sugar!

The actual recipe is for cinnamon meringues with orange curd cream, but I am only posting the meringue portion (unless someone specifically requests the whole recipe), because I really am too tired to type it all out, and I won't be making the rest of it myself tonight. The recipe has been ripped out of a Home Beautiful magazine.

3 egg whites
3/4 cup caster sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 100C. Place six large muffin paper cases onto an oven tray, but flatten them out slightly.

Place the ingredients into the mixer bowl and beat for 12-15 mins until thick.

Now, after I did this I suddenly thought 'this is not going to work'. I mean, since when does one make a meringue and just chuck the sugar in with the eggs? All the recipes always instruct to 'gradually add'. Anyway I thought, too late now and I turned the mixer on and just left it running for 12 mins. I kid you not - I didn't even check and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

The result is that I actually got a great meringue mixture:

It is baking as I type, but to finish off the recipe...

Place the mixture into a piping bag with a 1cm plain tube (although I used the star). Start from the centre and pipe a spiral almost to the edges of the cases. Pipe around top edge to form a nest. Bake for 1 and 1/2 hours. Allow to cool in oven with door ajar.

Tomorrow night I might whip some cream and dollop it onto the meringues, add some fruit and have myself a mini pavlova for dessert.

Enjoy!

Fran and Suzanne's wedding

2008-10-06T22:21:00.014+10:30

The October long weekend saw a contingent of Italians head towards the Riverland for my cousin Francesco's wedding. It was a fantastic wedding and the happy couple were blessed with perfect weather for the occasion. The two families merged in Renmark where the Bride's parents live, and where they hosted the reception.

I have seen Francesco grow into a wonderful young man, and he has clearly met his perfect match with Suzanne. They are just beautiful together. I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness from the bottom of my heart.

The gorgeous bride:

Done and dusted:

The groom's parents:

The bridal party:

The view from the Bride's parents property where the reception was held:

The next day we went on Roseanne's houseboat for a cruise along the Murray. I should travel more in SA because I saw some of the most beautiful scenery along the way:

And a special mention to my cousin Nina and her husband Sam who came all the way from Gosford for the weekend. Grazia (left) and Roseanne (poking her head in behind Sam) are staying on the boat for the week, enjoying what the river has to offer.

Turkish Barber

2008-10-02T21:49:00.000+09:30

Mac vs PC

2008-09-27T21:22:00.002+09:30

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. This just tickled me pink when I stumbled across it. There are so many of these spoofs on youtube, and then spoofs of the spoofs where Linux comes into it.

For my non-nerdy readers, you'll probably end up wondering why I find this even remotely funny. Sorry again!

Salmon with coriander and lime sauce and blanched zucchini

2008-09-25T18:52:00.004+09:30

I am growing coriander in my garden so I am seeking out different ways to use it. I found this coriander and lime sauce recipe on the Internet which I figured would go well with the salmon I bought at the market. I was right.

Coriander and Lime sauce

3 bunches coriander, cleaned and chopped roughly
Juice of 3 limes
3 bunches spring onions, green part only, chopped roughly
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 1/2 cups yogurt
2 tbsps water, cold
1/2 tsp honey
3 tbsps canola oil (I used olive oil)

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Thin out with water if too thick. Keep refrigerated.

I cooked the salmon using my grill press for about 4 mins.

I blanched some zucchini and dressed it with oil, salt, vinegar and oregano.

And I had one of the best meals I have ever cooked for myself. I wonder what Gordon Ramsey would have thought of it?

Apologies for the bad photo - it was dark and you know how much I love taking photos in bad light. Not to mention I just wanted to get stuck into the food!

Now Antarctica comes to you

2008-09-24T19:58:00.004+09:30

Simply amazing. I am speechless, not to mention I love the NZ accent.

Walking on a Dream

2008-09-19T22:38:00.002+09:30

Relax Mark, this is not another post about my dreams!

For the past few weeks while I've been offline, I have been listening to the following songs over and over again:

Neopolitan dreams - Lisa Mitchell
You don't know me - Ben Folds feat. Regina Spektor
A&E - Goldfrapp (yes still)
Sex on fire - The Kings of Leon
Embrace - Pnau feat. Ladyhawke

But every morning and every night since I first heard this song, I have been listening to "Walking on a dream" by Empire of the Sun which sees the merge of Luke Steele from the brilliant Ausie band The Sleepy Jackson, and Nick Littlemore from Pnau. I don't think I will ever tire of it. I love, love, love it.

And because I love it so much, I am even posting the lyrics.

Walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again

We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

Thought I’d never see
The love you found in me
Now it’s changing all the time
Living in a rhythm where the minutes working overtime

Catch me I’m falling down
Catch me I’m falling down

Don’t stop just keep going on
I’m your shoulder lean upon
So come on deliver from inside
All we got is tonight that is right till first light

The King's Pathway

2008-09-19T20:22:00.003+09:30

Hi all. I have been offline again so apologies for the lack of posts. To entice you back, I thought you would enjoy this video I stumbled across. But, be warned, I actually got dizzy watching it.

Apparently the path was built in 1905 and took 4 years to construct (how and why is beyond me). It was never maintained so eventually the local Spanish Government had to close the entrances. But apparently some dare-devils still find their way onto the path.

Cauliflower Soup

2008-09-01T17:50:00.003+09:30

I think my favourite vegetable would have to be the cauliflower. So I recently thought I would try making cauliflower soup. I searched through my recipe books for what I thought would be a good recipe, and ended up using two recipes to come up with my own version.

Butter (about 50 or 80g depending on how much you're making)
Onion
Oregano
Garlic
Cauliflower
Stock (relative to the amount of cauli you will use)
Milk (about 1 cup)
Parsley

Melt butter in heavy-based saucepan, add onion, garlic and oregano. Stir over medium heat until onion is soft.

Add cauliflower, parsley and stock and cook until cauliflower is tender. Add milk (and some cream if you like) and reduce heat and cook until just heated through.

Blend until smooth.

Enjoy!

Gordon Ramsey and scrambled eggs

2008-08-27T19:29:00.002+09:30

I haven't been doing much baking or cooking lately so I thought I would find some cooking on YouTube to show you instead. I found Gordon Ramsey making simple scrambled eggs. I thought I had personally started to master scrambled eggs, but I'm now going to have to try it the way the Three Star Michelin man makes them. God what I would give to try this man's cooking.

For a great interview with Gordon, go to YouTube and search for Gordon being interviewed by Michael Parkinson. I saw this and just loved him even more. Sorry, I couldn't embed the video as it wasn't permitted.

Fit this in your backyard

2008-08-23T22:02:00.000+09:30

A confederacy of dunces

2008-08-22T22:00:00.005+09:30

Well I have finally finished reading "A Confederacy of Dunces". It only took me about two months. It took so long for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that I am a slow reader, and usually only read before I go to bed, so if I'm tired I only get through a few pages.

The real reason though, is because I wasn't really that enamoured by it. Although I flew through the second half of it, partly because I did start to like it, partly because I was sick of reading it and partly because I found out the book would be reviewed on next Tuesday's book club, so I thought I better hurry up.

I won't give you a full review of the book, but I will tell you what I didn't like about it, but I hope what I say doesn't deter you from reading it, because it was more the style of writing I didn't like as opposed to the story itself. You see, I like "to the point" prose. I don't like verbosity, whether in the oral or written form. (Here's a tip - if you want something from me, you are more likely to get it if you just 'spit it out' rather than pussy foot around for 10 mins, as you'll probably just get a punch in the face instead.) Anyway, for me the prose was verbose.

Now that I write this, I wonder what my written word is like...?

I will also tell you that I think the author was in some ways just brilliant. Within the first few pages/chapters, I really knew the protagonist. And I hated him, oh how I hated him. Actually I still hate him. And for this reason I think the author succeeded.

I look forward to flying through my next book!

More shortbread anyone?

2008-08-17T19:58:00.006+09:30

I bought a new cookbook the other day - Cookies, Muffins & Cakes! So even though I already have two types of home-made shortbread in the cookie jar, I decided to try another recipe from this cookbook. And, the result is that they are pretty damn good actually.

125 gm butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
1 tsp cream
1/2 cup cornflour
1/2 cup plain flour
60 gm chocolate melts

Preheat the oven to 180c.

Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the vanilla essence, rind and cream and beat until combined.

Add the sifted flours and beat until the mixture is smooth enough for piping (I found I had to finish off using my hands).

Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1.5 cm star nozzle. Pipe 4 cm lengths onto (greased and papered) trays. Bake for 15 mins or until lightly golden (I needed only about 12 mins). Cool the biscuits before transferring to a wire rack.

Melt the chocolate and place it in a small glad bag, seal, then snip one of the bottom corners (only a tiny snip). Drizzle diagonally over the biscuits. Allow to set.

Tip make sure you have some paper under the wire rack, then you can just throw it away after you've finished drizzling. It will save on the cleaning.

On a separate note. I find food photography so challenging, and using that macro lens requires skill I tell ya! But sometimes, just sometimes, it all falls into place. I had so many good photos of this shortbread, that I had to post two. And this second one looks awesome on the full LCD screen - I think it will be one that I print and frame I just love it so much. I hope it looks half decent at low-res on a blog... just checked, no it doesn't so you'll have to just trust me. But it is photos like these that just bring out the passion and make me work through the pain of taking so many duds.

KitchenAid mixer

2008-08-13T14:26:00.004+09:30

Well I have just gone and spent a ludicrous amount of money on a kitchen appliance. I have finally caved in and ordered a KitchenAid Stand mixer.

Isn't it beautiful?

Despite the cost, I can easily justify spending the money on something that I know I will get great use of and love using every single time (besides I haven't caved in and bought an iPhone). I even rang Carol and she said she just LOVES hers, and that was all the confirmation I needed to go ahead and order.

I also shopped around and ended up ordering over the net at: http://www.kitchenwaredirect.com.au/ who were cheaper than anywhere else (incl. shipping).

Now I just have to wait patiently until I get it...

Quotable quotes

2008-08-12T10:59:00.004+09:30

The other day I was cleaning out my old box from work (at the C'link) and came across my last project's "quotable quotes". Paul (the boss) used to collect some funny quotes that were said by various staff members. I still look back and laugh at them, but am posting them for my benefit, because most of you won't know why some of them are so funny unless you know the people (e.g. the first one).

I don't care about the out year figures. James to Nina and Richard.

I'm willing to take a pay cut. James to Paul.

That's the worst thing you've ever said to me Paul. James to Paul and Nina after tricking James into thinking he was going to have to go work with another certain team.

Would you like to step outside? Julie to Paul during a Steering Committee meeting (I kid you not, she was serious!)

September has not officially ended. James at the 4th October team meeting.

There are some things you would not buy second hand...like underpants, for instance. Richard to Paul, James and Nina.

James does it better than Richard. Paul to Nina after asking why James' was doing Richard's Change Request.

Oh my God, we've hit a toddler. James describing his initial thought after hearing Nina scream at seeing a Huntsman spider in the car.

DIMS - is that an Executive Support System? Paul to Julie. (One of my personal favourites as it was delivered so so quickly.)

Most tools will be compatible with Open Office in six months time. Jason, Dec 06.

Doug appealed to Thomas' inner nerd. Brett at the xmas party on why Thomas was late.

If things all work, it will be fine. Jason.

You get so much more done when you actually talk to people. Derek to Paul after taking Derek to an infrastructure meeting.

Steve Waugh and Johnny Depp are very similar. James.

Sometimes I think you live in fairy land and me in reality. Nina to James at James' aim at wanting all things perfect.

I was worried about the organisational imperatives, not the project priorities. Paul to Nina, Jason and James.

Your good news today does not cancel my bad news today. Paul to Nina.

A train runs through it

2008-08-11T09:24:00.003+09:30

I have discovered that one can 'stumble' in YouTube too, and I stumbled across this video that I had to share with you. This might well be a regular segment to this blog!

Banana Bread

2008-08-09T13:55:00.003+09:30

Another of David Herbert's perfect recipes. This is one of the best banana bread's I have tried.

1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/4 tsp salt
125 gm unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 large very ripe bananas
1/2 cup buttermilk
icing sugar to serve

Preheat oven to 170c and grease a loaf tin.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarb soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar for 3-4 mins or until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs mixing well after each addition.

Mash the bananas and add to the butter mixture. Stir well to combine. (NB. The mixture looks quite gross at this point, but soldier on.) Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Pour into the loaf tin and bake for 55-60 mins.

Enjoy!

But tell me, why is it Banana Bread and not Banana Cake? What makes it a bread?

Flawless Beauty

2008-08-09T13:13:00.007+09:30

Last night saw the grand opening of my future sister-in-law's new business. Flawless Beauty. (She is a beautician.) It was a great night and if the success of last night is anything to go by, her business will be too. I wish her all the best in her endeavours as it is no mean feat for a young woman to go out on her own and start a business. I wish I had the guts to go out and do something like that. You go girl!

Anyway here are some shots from the salon:

Bill's Ricotta Hotcakes

2008-08-08T08:13:00.003+09:30

Apologies for the lack of posts recently, I was temporarily on dial-up so barely bothered with the internet at all. Actually it is a bit of a shame, because there has been a swag of baking and cooking going on, but I am sure I will get to these recipes again sometime. In the meantime I have found the ricotta hotcakes recipe (from Bills in Sydney), so am posting this for Mark (no photo because I haven't tried these myself yet).

340 gm ricotta cheese
185 ml milk
4 eggs separated
125 gm plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
50 gm butter

To serve
Banana
Maple syrup or honeycomb butter, sliced
Icing sugar for dusting

Place ricotta, milk and egg yolks in a mixing bowl and mix to combine. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Add to the ricotta mixture and mix until just combined.

Place the egg whites in a clean dry bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites through batter in two batches, with a large metal spoon.

Lightly grease a large non-stick frying pan with a small portion of the butter and drop 2 tablespoons of batter per hotcake into the pan (don't cook more than 3 per batch). Cook over low to medium heat for 2 mins or until hotcakes have golden undersides. Turn hotcakes and cook on the other side until golden and cooked through.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

2008-07-23T15:09:00.004+09:30

500g chicken breast fillets
1 large carrot cut into matchsticks
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tspns salt
2 tbspns caster sugar
1 medium white onion sliced thinly
1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
2 cups finely shredded savoy cabbage
1/4 cup firmly packed fresh vietnamese mint leaves
1/2 cup firmly packed fresh coriander
1 tbspn crushed roasted peanuts
2 tbspns fried shallots

Dressing
2 tbspns fish sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tbspns caster sugar
2 tbspns lime juice
1 clove garlic crushed

Poach the chicken (I bring the chicken to the boil then take it off the heat and leave it to sit in the water for either 20 or 30 mins depending on the size of the fillets). Shred the chicken coarsely.

Combine the carrot and onion with the vinegar salt and sugar, cover and stand for 10 mins. Add the sprouts then stand for another 3 mins. Drain the pickled vegetables and discard the liquid.

Place the pickled vegetables and the chicken with the cabbage mint and coriander.

Make dressing and pour over the salad. Sprinkle the salad with the nuts and shallots.

Enjoy!

Goldfrapp

2008-07-17T18:59:00.002+09:30

This week I am re-discovering Goldfrapp all over again, listening to their old stuff as well as their new. Here is my favourite song (A&E) from the new album.

Caramel chocolate tart

2008-07-13T22:27:00.003+09:30

I picked up this month's edition of Gourmet Traveller for one reason only - the front cover. Yes I am that shallow. But I am now in the process of making the chocolate caramel tart that tempted me so.

I am just waiting for the chocolate to get to room temperature, but I can already tell you it's been a bit of a debacle. It is a tedious and time consuming recipe because there are four parts to it and lots of 'waiting' required. But on top of that my caramel layer didn't work so I had to throw out my first attempt and rather than have a second attempt, I completely substituted the caramel recipe with another.

Anyway here it is (with two recipes for the caramel layer because I am pretty certain the failure was something I did wrong as opposed to the fault of the recipe).

Top layer
165gm dark chocolate chopped
1/4 cup pouring cream
40gm unsalted butter, softened
Whipped cream to serve (optional)

Shortcrust pastry
1 3/4 cups plain flour
60gm caster sugar
180gm unsalted butter, chilled and chopped

Caramel
1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup thickened cream
70gm butter, chopped

Chocolate mousse
200gm dark chocolate, chopped
4 eggs, separated
3/4 cup thickened cream
2 tbsp caster sugar

For the pastry:

Process flour and sugar in a food processor to combine. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add 2 tbsp chilled water and process until mixture just comes together.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface, form into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 190C. Roll out pastry to 5mm thick on a lightly floured surface, line a 26cm diameter tart tin with the pastry and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Blind bake for 20mins (this means cover the pastry with a sheet of baking paper and fill with weights), then remove paper and weights and bake until golden (another 8-10mins). Cool.

For the caramel:

Combine sugar and 250ml water in a heavy based saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and cook, brushing down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush if sugar crystals form, until mixture is deep golden (10-15mins).

Remove from heat, add cream and butter and stir to combine (be careful as mixture will spit).

Pour into pastry base and refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).

For the mousse layer:

Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cool to room temperature then add yolks, stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk cream until soft peaks form and set aside.

Whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue whisking until combined. Fold a third of the whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold a third of the cream. Repeat until all combined. Spoon over the cooled caramel layer and smooth out. Refrigerate until firm (2-3 hours).

Top layer:

Combine chocolate and cream in a small saucepan, stir over low heat until chocolate melts. Remove from heat and add butter and stir to combine. Cool to room temperature, then spread in an even layer over mousse. Refrigerate until set (30-40mins).

*The caramel recipe I actually used was:
1 cup brown sugar
300ml thickened cream
1/2 tspn vanilla extract
60gm butter, chopped

Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until boiling. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2mins.

P.S. More frustrating than making this tart (which was worth the effort.. believe me), was taking this photo. I couldn't take the photo until after the tart was cut, I couldn't cut the tart until the guests arrived and it was time for dessert. So, the photo was taken in very bad light conditions and I should've changed lenses but I didn't. The result is that I don't have one photo of the tart that I am happy with...oh well, eat more tart I suppose.

N.B. This post was written over two days, hence the change in 'tense' through the text. And in fact I actually completed the tart over two days too.

Melting moments

2008-07-08T17:15:00.003+09:30

I love shortbread. If I didn't have any will power I would be really fat on shortbread alone I reckon. So today I decided to try making some melting moments in between baking a loaf of wholemeal bread.

Ingredients:
250g butter, cubed
1/3 cup icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1/3 cup cornflour

For lemon cream:
60g butter (at room temp.)
1/2 cup icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp grated lemon rind
3 tsps lemon juice

Preheat oven to 160C.

Beat butter, icing sugar and essence until pale and creamy.

Sift together the flour and cornflour, add to the butter and mix with the beaters on the lowest speed until just combined and a soft dough forms (I did this last bit with my hands).

Roll the mixture into small balls, and place on baking tray (lined with baking paper). Use a fork to flatten each ball to about 3cm diameter and 1cm thick.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until cooked. Cool.

For the filling, beat the butter until smooth then gradually add icing sugar. Add lemon and rind. Beat until mixture is light and creamy. (NB. I wasn't too keen on this filling, so I will be seeking out another.)

Join two biscuits together with the filling.

Enjoy!

Pick me up

2008-07-06T09:26:00.008+09:30

Tiramisu loosely translated means "pick me up", and you will perk up when eating it. Tiramisu is my signature dish and I am sharing the recipe with you here.

I searched high and low for a recipe that I thought was good enough to even attempt, and then I came across this one in Gourmet Traveller, from the chef at Cibo's restaurant in Adelaide, Salvatore Pepe. Cibo's is a well-known and popular restaurant in Adelaide that now has lots of 'shop-fronts' scattered around Adelaide (and now Brisbane) selling coffee and panini and sweets (you have to try their ricotta filled cannoli - they are amazing).

After I started to make this Tiramisu, mum stopped making hers because, and I quote - mine is better!

Lastly, whilst I follow the ingredients and measurements direct from the recipe, I actually use my mum's method for putting it together. I hope I can articulate it well.

3 eggs, separated
75gm caster sugar
250gm marscapone
1 cup thickened cream
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa plus extra
freshly brewed espresso coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons Strega liqueur or dark rum, (I use Bacardi Gold)
Savoiardi biscuits (4 layer pack)

You will also need a tray with very specific measurements as you need to place the biscuits head-to-head, and then two layers of the biscuits as well. If you don't have such a tray you will need to break the biscuits to fit the tray.

Beat egg yolks and 55g sugar until thick and pale.

Add marscapone and combine well.

Beat cream with remaining sugar, then add to the marscapone mixture and combine well.

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then add to mixture, fold in until just combined.

In a shallow bowl, combine the coffee and liqueur. Dip the biscuits in the coffee (both sides) and lay the biscuits in the base of the tray (covering the base).

Spread half the marscapone mixture over the first layer of biscuits.

Then lay another layer of biscuits on top. Spread the remainder of the mixture over the top layer of biscuits. Dust with a layer of cocoa (or do this just prior to serving).

Some notes:

You can add as much liqueur as you like to the coffee depending on how strong/weak you like it.
Allow the tiramisu to sit for at least two days prior to serving.
When dipping the biscuits you can really 'soak' them, but this will make the tiramisu quite wet. I just dip quickly, once either side as I don't like it too wet.
Between the layer of biscuits, you can add extras like slivered almonds or grated chocolate. Again it's a matter of taste.

Enjoy!

Spinach, leek and ricotta cannelloni

2008-07-03T14:25:00.005+09:30

This is one of the food posts I didn't get to finish the other day. Anyway I took the final photo today so here it is.

The other night I tried something that I've never made before - cannelloni. I made up the recipe based on observations of other people's cooking, and I cheated - I didn't make the pasta myself, I bought the cannelloni tubes. One step at a time I say. Sorry, no measurements again.

Spinach
Leeks
Ricotta
Olive oil
Garlic
Cannelloni Pasta tubes
Paremesan
Pasta sauce (passata)

In a large saucepan heat a generous amount of oil. Finely slice the leeks and add to the saucepan with some garlic (if you like). Saute.

Chop the spinach roughly and add to the saucepan. No need to add water as the spinach will release enough. Once the spinach is cooked through you can take off the heat.

Spinach straight from mum's garden!

Put the spinach in a colander and leave to cool and drain. The mixture needs to be quite 'dry'.

Roughly mash the ricotta and add the spinach mixture. Mix well and add some paremsan cheese.

In a separate saucepan, more olive oil and saute an onion, add the pasta sauce and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, but don't cook the sauce complete, you need it a bit runny.

Cover the base of your baking tray with some of the sauce. Fill the cannelloni tubes with the spinach mixture and neatly lay them into the baking tray. Cover the tubes with the pasta sauce.

Bake in the oven until cooked. Leave to sit for some time before serving.

Enjoy.

My new favourite album

2008-07-03T08:39:00.002+09:30

I had a couple of food posts planned, and then some shit happened and the posts didn't. Hopefully I will get back to them soon. In the meantime, I thought I would share with you my new favourite album.

Sia - Some people have real problems. This is the CD I picked up in Sydney four months before the Oz release. This girl is just awesome. In some ways Laura Marling reminds me a lot of her. To boot, she is an Adelaide girl! She moved to the UK at a very young age to kick-start her career.

I have also learnt how to embed a youtube video in my blog (it was so easy...der), so I am sharing with you favourite song on the album "Soon we'll be found".

A few of my favourite things

2008-06-29T20:43:00.009+09:30

I know this post is going to make me look shallow, so let me set things straight before I even start. There is nothing I love more in this world than my family, and especially my nieces and nephew. I would sacrifice my life if it meant saving even one of them.

So now that I've got that out of the way, lets get on with it. This post is about the material things that I love in life and some of the things I have missed most in the last three months. Or, just things that put a smile on my face.

1. My kick-ass plasma TV - Panasonic 42" Viera. For those of you who know me really well, you would know that I don't actually watch a lot of tele, in fact I can go days without even turning it on. But when I do watch it, I now REALLY enjoy it because of this beauty. And don't worry I did my research before purchasing, and I KNOW that plasmas consume far more power than LCDs, but I also am very very good at conserving power. My last electricity bill was $99.00 for the quarter. I chose viewing pleasure over the logistical stuff, because a tele is afterall about entertainment.

2. My Bose Sound dock - Such a sleek looking, powerful yet simple music system. It docks my iPod(s) and off I go. God I love technology, no need to change CDs ever again. And the sound, oh the sound... Now, there is a new version out, it is better because the cord can be disconnected so that the system is portable. I obviously want one but have no excuse to buy it yet.

3. My mattress - Sealy Posturepedic. You will have a mattress for at least 10 years if not more. You will use that mattress nearly every single night of those 10 years. So why oh why, would anyone skimp on something so important. My mattress cost $1,100 back in 2000 I think (on sale from $1,500), so if I have it for 10 years, then it has only cost me just over $100 per year. There are 365 days in a year, so what, it's costing me .30 cents per night? And the sleep I get in my own bed is nothing like what I get in other beds. And sleep is oh so precious.

4. My MacBook - I probably spend more time in front of my laptop than anything else. I love the internet, it has to be one of the top inventions in the world ever. Surely? I can while away hours and hours. It is an enabler for so many things, my favourite being able to keep in touch with friends, not to mention shopping from the comfort of my own home, as well as having a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips.

5. My iPods - I have three. My first was the first generation iPhoto, then I upgraded to the generation 5 (I think), as well as owning a shuffle. And yes, I actually do use all three. I love my music, it is the one thing I could not live without. In fact I would give up my kick-ass plasma before I gave up music. I wouldn't even have to think about it.

6. My CD rack/case - I had this specially made. I designed it, I haven't seen one like it before or since. It is a thing of beauty. My only regret is that I didn't get it made out of Jarrah or some other hard wood - but I didn't know it would turn out so great. It is beautiful.

7. My juicer - I truly believe that this juicer (and my use of it) has made a massive difference to my health. In fact, my lack of juices over the last three months have probably contributed to me being ill this week. Prior to this illness I had not been really sick for about three years (i.e. since I bought the juicer). No word of a lie. You can't actually eat all the fruit and veg that you can juice and drink. I reckon there are a few of you that might be cynical about this, but, whatever.

8. My car - Mazda 3 zoom zoom zoom. It is beautiful, it is quiet, it is smooth, it is sturdy. I don't actually believe in spending a lot of money on cars for many many reasons, but mainly because, they have one purpose - to get you from a to b, and also, because the second you drive out of the car yard, the value drops like a ton of bricks. No other big ticket item you purchase will de-value as quickly as a car. But, having spent a little bit more on this car than I normally would, I suspect I will never go back to buying a "$19,999" car again.

9. My camera/lens - Canon 400D and EFS 17-55, 2.8. Whilst I am dearly attached to my camera, you have no idea how much I love this lens. Because it has an aperture of 2.8, the photos I can now get in low-light conditions make it worth the money I spent on this lens (don't ask). And it shits all over the 17-85 I used to have, and I actually don't miss the extra zoom that lens allowed me.

10. My knives - Wusthof Classic. No kitchen should be without at least one decent knife. When I purchased mine back in 1996, I purchased a whole set and I have since added to the set and I regularly use every single one. But if you can only afford one knife, then you need the classic 'cooks knife'. I don't know which brands are best because I am no expert, but once again, never ever skimp on something so important because if you spend any time in the kitchen, a good knife will actually make your life a lot easier.

These are a few of my favourite things.

Ahh Sydney!

2008-06-22T20:33:00.006+09:30

Coming up to the end of my stay in sunny Canberra, we (me, Lisa, Frank, Pooja and Gus) decided to go to Sydney for the weekend... to immerse ourselves in each other's company so to speak.

Everyone had a great time, but this is the trip from my perspective:

1. Checked into the hotel in Surrey Hills dropped off our bags and headed out for a bite to eat. Who should be walking (actually staggering) into the hotel at the same time? Bugger me if it wasn't Daniel Johns. OMG. I walked straight past him, and quite frankly I am still in shock.

2. Ate at a dodgy place down the road that gave ALL 5 of us the shits the next day! Noice!

3. Woke up early the next day to head into town to get to the new Apple store by 9.00. On the way there I walked straight past Scott Hicks (director of Shine), could not believe my eyes. Then a detour to a public lavatory was in order. Next stop was the Apple store. I was in Apple heaven... sigh. And here is the impressive internal stairway:

4. Went to Myers and bought two shirts in record time (the advantage of getting to the shops early).

5. Decided to head to the rocks (by foot), so had a leisurely wander down to the harbour and briefly sat enjoying the sun, the opera house, and the bridge.

6. Got to the rocks and wandered through a favourite book store and then the markets. Came across a piece of jewellery that I had regretted not buying over a year ago now, so promptly purchased it.

7. Slowly wandered back to the CBD via George St and numerous public toilets, noting the now massive crowd in the Apple store (the early bird really does catch the worm).

8. Time for lunch and I couldn't go past the Noodle Bar in DJ's food hall. I waited in line for half an hour, but it was worth it. I ordered the Prawn Salad (hot) with coriander and lime, and a glass of Georgiana (thank you Mark!). A simply delectable meal. Then I met up with Frank and Gus.

9. Helped Gus do some retail therapy, then we both went and had massage therapy. Met up with the others and went to Max Brenner for some chocolate therapy. OMG!

10. Wandered back up Oxford St and stopped into a music store, where I found Sia's new album, which I didn't know was coming out. Go to pay for it and the staff tell me it's a brilliant album, and it's not being released in Australia for another 4 months. They had imported it. I couldn't believe my luck.

11. When we finally got peckish we headed to Leichhardt for dinner. After dinner I decided I needed to rest my body while the others explored the depths of Kings Cross.

12. This morning - woke poor Gus up so that I wouldn't eat breakfast alone again. Ate at Bills (Bill Granger's restaurant) for the best ricotta hotcakes I have ever eaten (since last time I ate at Bills).

13. On to Oxford Street for a spot of shopping. Explored one of the best bookshops in Australia (Berkelouw - set aside some time for this particular activity if you ever go). Then I bought myself a red trenchcoat that the store is sending to me in Adelaide as they didn't have the right size/colour combo for me. Can't wait to get it!

I LOVE Sydney, it is just awesome. It has so much character and personality, and so many weird people. And this weekend, was I think, the best weekend I have ever had in Sydney. I love it, I love it, I love it.

Farewell to the C'linkers

2008-06-14T18:59:00.003+09:30

I was just cleaning up my email account when I came a cross the email I sent out to a whole stack of colleagues on the day I left Centrelink. My blog seems like a more appropriate place to store it.

Oh, and reading back on it, I wouldn't change a word.

Hi everyone,

Most of you won't know this, but after 19.5 years I am leaving Centrelink today. It has come time to call it a day and see what awaits me in the private sector.

I have a lot to be thankful to Centrelink for. But for the most part I look back and remember the people I have worked with, the laughs we've had, the friends I've made and the mentors who have guided me and helped shaped me into the person I am today.

I was recently asked on a training course to think about people who have been my mentors in my career; people that I admire for whatever reason; people that I want to be like. Some people can only name one. I have been fortunate enough to come up with 3 names of people who really have shaped my career, and to whom I owe the most gratitude. They are:

* Ros R
* Fiona M
* Paul B

To all of you, Thank You!

But there are some other people that I have worked with as colleagues who have also really left an impression on me, and whom I will think about when I'm in future jobs, because of their intelligence, integrity and the way they behave at work. Actually they all think before they speak and act too, and I really should do way more of that (I do try). They are:

* Phillip P
* Richard H
* James D

It is because of all the people named above that I now have the confidence to leave the public service with the knowledge that I can do well out there.....

To all the people I have supervised over the years. I apologise for any of my crap you had to put up with! Believe me, I know my faults! To you, I say thank you so much, because you are the ones that worked so hard for me and delivered for me. I can only hope that occasionally you were able to learn from me too as I looked on in awe of so many of you as you just continued to impress me.

From the Port Augusta office, to Adelaide Call, SSG, UA (and Payment Cycles), CEPS, Edge and finally Refresh 7.1. I feel truly blessed to have had such a career and to have learnt so much and have had so many amazing colleagues. What a lucky girl I have been to have worked with you all.

Lastly, to all the wonderful friends I have made, people who welcomed me into their homes and all the good times we've had both at work or out at play. You know who you are and you know I think the world of you.

This is weird ! ! !

But at least the place will be a lot quieter now.......

Nina

Angels of truth

2008-06-10T22:19:00.004+09:30

A night or two ago I had a dream, and of course I can't remember the dream. But, I remember me saying some words in that dream, and then making myself repeat those words over and over again because I knew the words were important and that I had to remember them when I awoke.

Upon waking the next morning, I remembered the course of events and slowly the words came back to me. I wrote them down the minute I 'had' them again. Since then, they have pretty much haunted me. (Although they probably mean nothing at all.)

So this post is really just a place holder for those words.

"Grant me the angels of truth for now I have seen what they offer".

Otherwise interpreted as; "Let me see the truth in all things ... now I have seen the truth in some things."

I hope my head clears of this rubbish soon. Or on the other hand, that I am enlightened soon. Geez deep or what!

Risotto with Pumpkin, Baby Spinach and Danish Feta

2008-06-10T19:06:00.003+09:30

Despite being of Italian descent, I never grew up on risotto. It just wasn't a dish mum ever cooked, maybe risotto is more a northern Italian dish or something. Mum does make a rice dish that is quite soggy, but it is also very bland, and I've never liked it. Maybe that is the Calabrese risotto. I don't know.

I finally tasted Risotto for the first time a few years ago (yes I am a late bloomer). Eventually I tried making it for myself and have since attempted a number of different combinations of ingredients. When I first tried it, I used David Herbert's recipe out of his Perfect Recipes book. (If you're a regular to this site, you will know that I've used his recipes before.)

Tonight, I think I made my best ever risotto so far. Whilst I have used the same combination of ingredients before, tonight it all just seemed to fall into place. Even if I do say so myself.

I no longer use a recipe to make risotto, but my guess is that this is not too far from when I first tried David's recipe. And I also know that Lili (mia bella cugina) does her risotto completely different to me, so there is probably hundreds of different variations on the same theme.

Oh, and once again, I've got no idea about measurements, it's all just guesswork:

Arborio rice (a cup and half will serve two/three)
About a cup of good white wine (tonight I used a more expensive Cape Mentelle Sauv Blanc Semillon blend - maybe that is the key, if you won't drink it, don't cook with it)
Parmesan cheese
Stock (tonight I used chicken stock, but vegetable stock will do)
Olive oil
Onion
Baby spinach
Pumpkin (chopped into small pieces and roasted)
Danish feta

Heat the stock in a saucepan and then reduce the heat to low for the process.

In another saucepan heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion and stir until the onion softens. Add the rice and make sure you coat all the rice in the oil. Add the wine.

I am sure you know this, but you have to stir risotto... constantly. Stir until most of the wine has absorbed. Add some stock (about 1/2 a cup), keep stirring, again, until the stock has been absorbed. Keep stirring and adding stock until the rice is almost ready.

Add the baby spinach and continue the stock/stir process until the rice is fully cooked and all the stock absorbed. Stir in the roasted pumpkin, grated parmesan and feta cheese.

Take it off the heat, and let it sit for a bit.

Enjoy.

Sorry I don't have a photo - it's all gone!