Taste of Melbourne 2012

I had a day off last Thursday – I slept in, had brunch, caught up with a friend, drank tea, and enjoyed a beautiful evening eating, drinking and meeting some of my favorite people.

Taste held their annual Restaurant Festival at Albert Park this year, and it was spectacular, especially between sunset and dusk.

Rekorderlig was kind enough to invite me and a friend to come taste their newest cider – Orange & Ginger. Loved it!

First up, taste test at the Rekorderlig marquee.

Then to the Taste Bank to get some Crowns – Crowns are the official currency used to buy food and drinks at the restaurant and bars at the event.

Mmmm… its cocktail-o-clock!

We decided that we were going to make our next drink at the Sensology marquee. Yup. We made Expresso Martini’s!

Next, we wondered around for a bit.

A small stop over at Monsieur Truff.

Hehe.. Mo-vember-ing!

Hola. It’s Frank Camorra at Movida, serving some really yummy fideua.

The braised pasta with Spring Bay Mussels and calamari and a chargrilled Moorish Lamb on a skewer. YUM!

I was in love with the San Pellegrino’s marquee. It’s was so cute!

Next we tried the Ceviche de Yucatan by Mamasita. Spicy, but Yum!

And washed it down with some Patron!!! ..then saw Wanita Tanasingham do her thing at the Malaysian Kitchen marquee.

Had dessert and laughs at Sweet Studio with Darren Purchese.

Mmm.. chocolate lollipops!

Coffee time..

Had a spectacular, and scrumptious foodie evening. Still so much to see, eat and drink, but it started to pour, so we called it a night!

Jalan Jalan Cari Makan

I think I fell in love with Melbourne all over again, over the weekend. We experienced all four seasons in 24 hours, and OMG it’s so pretty in Autumn, beautiful in Winter, romantic in Spring, and energizing in Summer!!! And today was simply superb!

Southbank – last night, in the rain.

I went to the Malaysian Street Festival today, at the Queen Victoria Market, and it was amazing! Live music and performances, awesome weather, plus yummy food – simply brilliant. “Jalan Jalan Cari Makan” was one of my favorite tv shows, growing up in Malaysia. Literal translation: walk walk find eat – Lol. It was about, well, food of course, and the different cultures that influence and collectively make up what we know as “Malaysian Food.”

Nasi Lemak, Roti Chanai, Beef Rendang, Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Satay and Ice Kacang – to name a few!

Air Bandung or rose syrup with evaporated milk drink, in a plastic bag – just like they serve it on the streets in Malaysia.

Ais Kacang or Shaved ice with red beans, grass jelly, rose syrup, condense milk, evaporated milk and gula melaka (brown sugar syrup).

Live performances – they even did the Gangnam Style!

The Uncle from Kampung Story frying Char Kway Teow. I stood here, watching him do his thing for 10 minutes, enjoying the sight and the aroma.

Mmm.. Char Kway Teow. YUM!!!!

The guys at the Satay stall doing their thing. They had the longest queue, and wait time to this point was 80minutes.

Chicken, Beef and Lamb Satay – it was worth the wait!

And to conclude this beautiful day, I sat outside, on my favorite spot, in the evening sun, with a young coconut and a spoon.

Terima Kasih, and Jumpa lagi!

Melbourne Food & Wine festival 2012

20 Days of Eating

YUP, It’s over!

Alas, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2012 has come to and end. It has been a marvelous 20 days of eating and drinking, catching up with friends and date nights!

Yesterday’s Epicure sums up the festival brilliantly, so be sure to check it out.

As for me, I’m kinda glad it’s over! Got off the scales this morning, and I wasn’t impress – I’ve gained two kilos!! All that eating and talking about food got me. Never the less, it was all worth it.

Highlights:

The Broadsheet Bar – after work pop-up bar in the heart of Melbourne. Service and drinks were no more than average but atmosphere was energetic. Was a good meeting point.

The Green House by Joost – $14 for eggs on toast, Joost must be crazy! but coffee in flower pots, simply amazing!

Food Trucks Unite – 45minute wait at the Taco Truck was worth ever minute. The burger and chips at Beatbox, scrumptious as always, Dhaba at the Mill rolling out decent Indian meals with mango lassi to go, and to the boys at the Massive Wieners, loved your bow ties.

Foodie Movie at Fed Square – Perfect date night, or two!

Masterclass with Mangia! Mangia! – simply bellissimo! Making passata with the Italians was simply amazing.

Jamie Oliver – technically not part of the MFWF but it was a fabulous night out with the girls. Seeing him talk about obesity in Australia next to Matt Preston was a sight!

Express Lunch at Cecconi’s – it was superb! the dessert could have been better but the experience was amazing. I’ll be back.

Sweets Exhibition – I was hoping to taste some of these sweets, but walked out learning more about the culture and significance of them. A must go! the exhibition will be on for a while.

Overall, I had a great time and I look forward to it again, next year!

Merry Foodimas!

Being a foodie, there is nothing more exciting than the annual Food and Wine Festival in Melbourne. It’s twenty days of eating, drinking, and talking about food.

For twenty years, Melbournians have been gallivanting over the best of what Melbourne has to offer, and this year is no different – from Masterclasses to Food Tours, food trucks to a Greenhouse on the banks of Yarra, and the World’s Longest Lunch, it’s all happening!

Most of the events have already been sold out but don’t let that stop you, there are plenty of events still available for bookings and some of them are FREE.

Im looking forward to the Food Trucks Unite down at Banana Alley this weekend and the Sweets: Taste and Traditions from many Cultures Exibition at the Immigration Museum. The twilight outdoor free cinema on Federation Square is a must go, and so is the Bar and Restaurant Expresses happening around Melbourne – it’s an easy way to enjoy the festival without a dent in the pocket.

Highlights: Seeing Jamie Oliver do his thing at The Reagent Theater and the operation of the Broadsheet Bar on Flinders Lane.

Let the nom-Noming begin!