Woman vs Food

American food,

what astonished me is not only the portion sizes but the fact that there is an entire show with 4 series based on 1 American man taking on some of the biggest food challenges in the world.
What's worst thing is that I'm obsessed with the show, so when I realise that there is a massive burger challenge right here in my home town I am there.
It's called Misty's diner and its located on high street in Prahan, this place is great! It is like stepping back into the 50's into a scene from grease.

"I got chills, there multiplying and I'm losing control" ohhhhh imagine it you step out of your Cadillac in your pink poodle skirt and your pink ladies jacket and you sit on a blue padded booth seat and a sexy young John Travolta stares back at you with his gorgeous brown eyes and says....

Ok so I will leave the next bit to you and although I can't guarantee that Mr Travolta will be there...i can tell you that it won't be disappointing.
It's a fun place with great food from burgers to hotdogs, chilli fries to BBQ ribs even peanut butter milkshakes to deep fried twinkles if its American they have it.

But the thing that caught my eye was this....
The ULTIMATE BURGER CHALLENGE !!!

You have 14min to eat an entire 5 beef patty tower if you will that is a 1.2 kg slab of meat, along with 200 gr of chilli fries !
Now call me crazy but it was impossible , well for the 3 people attempting it that night it was but I have been assured that quite a few have succeeded and received the "I bet Misty's burger challenge" T-shirt and there photo on the wall of fame.

Now I chickened out and instead of the challenge opted for something a little less messy... BBQ pork ribs and buffalo wings with home style ranch dressing haha get it??

It was sensational and to top it off finished with a chips ahoy or choc chip cookie thick shake served with delicious whipped cream and crumbs of cookie over the top.

Extravagant and fattening but worth it. It's one of those places you have to experience to believe it.

Now that I have eaten all that food it's time to relax and watch the charming Travolta in grease,

What more could a girl want xxx

Seed cafe Mordialloc

Hey guys,
Today I headed out to breakfast at a local spot I have been dying to try called "seed" at 9 Centreway Mordialloc.
It's open 7 days a week for all day breakfast and lunch and renown themselves for good wholesome food.
We arrived at "seed" at around 10.30am and the place was buzzing.

There were cyclists,families, couples it was a real homely atmosphere.
It was quite deceiving because what from the street looked like a small cafe once you were inside was a rather large space.
As we walked in we were greeted immediately and offered a table near the window.

We had a lovely waiter taking care of us who brought us our tea ( has to be English Breakfast but I can go into that another time) and menus as soon as we sat.

The menu was quite extensive with something to tantalise even the fussiest of eaters.
After some ummming and Ahhhing I decided on a dish which I couldn't pronounce it was called...

Tunisian Shakshuca

It consisted of a chickpea and roasted tomato stew topped with fresh roquette, Labne cheese ,2 free range poached eggs and toasted ciabatta.

Now I have to say I was sceptical as I was unsure as to what I was going to get.
A stew for breakfast? With cheese and gooey eggs ??

Well not only was it presented beautifully it was so delishous I could have eaten it twice over!
The stew was a lovely thick consistancy with spices like smokey paprika and cumin made it a winner from the start then the Labne added a creaminess to it and the eggs just added a velvety thickener when those yolks oozed over the stew.
Plus l ensured nothing went to waste and soaked up ever last drop with the crusty bread.

So I am highly recommending "seed" it was resonably priced it had cost me $19 for my breakfast and tea, they provided quick lovely service and call me a sucker but when I went to tip I was told that all the staff that were tipped put their money towards a young 6 year old girl named Graciela from Ecuador She was "seeds" sponsor child from world vision.

So I left feeling full and happy and felt like there are some lovely people in the world.
So over all two thumbs up from me 👍👍

McDonald's vs Tecoma

This may be a somewhat controversial subject but McDonald's in Tecoma, pro or con???
I'm not sure where I stand on this subject... After living in the Dandenong ranges for a few years I understand that it is a place of tranquility, community and a foodie haven which is why at first thought placing a McDonald's in this part of the world may be a bad decision.

All I know that protesters have been working around the clock to get this mega fast food chain to "burger off".
Locals are worried about the impact it will have on there homes including higher levels of traffic, noise and not to mention the potential risk of rubbish pollution of the beloved Sherbrooke forest which is only 800 m away from the proposed building site along with being 50 m away from a local primary school.

This is why Tecoma is in such a state of rage, why build a 24/7 McDonald's when there is one situated less than 10 km away.

Now this is one side of the story...
What about supporting the takeaway food giant?
Do McDonald's not do a lot for the community and family's eg. The Ronald Mc Donald house??

Do McDonald's not hire people for work experiences ? Which from my opinion in hospitality more people are likely to hire staff that have worked for McDonald's because of there high training standards.

Do McDonald's not use Australian produce in their restaurants?
And should they be blamed for potential rubbish and pollution when us as humans are to lazy to place things in the bins which are provided by the company??

But I have to say that I think that the Dandenong ranges are known for their beauty and uniqueness. Being able to enjoy a relaxing cup of earl grey at Miss Marples tea house in Sassafras, climb the "100step" hill or have breakfast at the scrumptious "earthly pleasures" in Belgrave these are what attract the tourists
The uniqueness!

But it's up to us to choose to have your say there is a Facebook page I will put a link at the bottom.
So what do u think ... I may be leaning to one side now more than the other.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Mcdonalds-in-Tecoma/218824078128439

Julie and Julia

Question... Has anyone seen the movie Julie and Julia?
Well I watched it on the weekend and I am a little behind the times I know! however I was absolutely was fascinated from beginning to end.
For those readers that haven't scene it it is about this young woman (Julie)sick of the everyday cycle of life and wanted to do something that she loved and enjoyed for a living and not get stuck into a boring 9 till 5 journalist job.

To cut a long story short she decides to Cook every recipe in the french masterpiece of a cookbook written by none other than Julia Child.

Julia child was an American Chef born the eldest of 3 in California.
She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public then the world with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking is for both experienced cooks and beginners who love good food and long to cook, braise and bake a selection of true authentic french dishes.
Traditional favorites such as beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse, and cassoulet are featured, as are instructions on how to prepare vegetables in a more appetizing way than that of the 1960s American kitchen.
The cookbook includes 524 recipes and the aim for young Julie in the movie is to cook every recipe in the book and write a blog about her cooking journey and adventures!

It is a really inspirational movie and Julia Child herself is a remarkable woman who is inspirational in her own right.

It got me to thinking that this may be a challenge that I would enjoy but I would never know where to start Or what challenge to do.
So if by some odd chance anyone happens to read this and wants to encourage me to do something any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated on how I could spice up my passionate adventures.

But until my next passionate foodie blog I hope u all see the movie!

Congee

Lately the asian food has been calling me!
It's funny how we go through food phases. For me it's about every week I get cravings for different cuisines and dishes.

This week it started when we went out to a little Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant named thien phu' in Springvale south that started my cravings!

it's almost like a little Asian diner nothing fancy just tables with some assorted condiments on it packed with people and a tv in the background.

We started with the classic rice paper rolls, they were served with this gorgeous satay peanut sauce.

Then a lovely Congee which is a type of rice porridge popular in many Asian countries. additional ingredients, such as meat, fish, and flavorings, are added whilst preparing the congee, it is most often served as a meal on its own.

Despite its many variations, it is always a thick porridge or soup of rice which has usually disintegrated after prolonged cooking in hot water.

There are many different varieties that differ from country to country.
Countries like china, India, korea, Vietnam, Cambodia or even Burma all have variations of congee that makes it traditional to their country.

And then We shared a beautiful pork prawn and beef omelette just as described succulent meats in an omelette with garlic,chilli, Vietnamese mint, bean shoots and lettuce.

Fresh, Simple and Yummy!

Lebanese and Baklava

Lebanese! When we think of Lebanese food we think of tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanoush and baklava (mmmm...baklava) but traditionally there is so much more to this amazing cuisine.

Now similar to the Italian antipasto or the Spanish tapas, the Lebanese serve Mezze .
Very rarely is a beverage in lebanon served without a Mezze platter.

It is a selection of hot or cold small dishes with different varieties of colours, tastes, textures and aromas. It is wonderful if you are like me and like a selection or you can never decide what to order.

Mezze may be as simple as some hummus and bread of some pickled vegetables with baba ghanoush. Then there is the Mezze that consists of all of the above with seafood and lamb, raw and cooked vegetables or salad. All these amazing dishes placed in front of you in one sitting, a foodies delight!

Another great thing about Lebanese food is the sweets.....
Baklava as I mentioned is this delicious sweet pastry layered with crushed nuts and sugar syrup or honey.
Then there is Sfouf, an almond semolina cake seasoned with turmeric,sugar and pine nuts.
Ma'amoul, a small shortbread biscuit filled with dates, pistachios or walnuts, and my personal favourite Meghli a rice pudding spiced with anise, caraway and cinnamon.

Now I bet your thinking where on earth can I get this stuff? Well I have done some research and there is a place right here in the not so sunny melbourne!
It's on north road towards Oakleigh named Oasis Bakery. Not only do they have everything listed above they do cooking classes, coffee equipment, baking ingredients, typical Mezze dishes and oh my gosh the sweets... The baklava is everywhere!!!
There is even a lebanese cafe to sit and enjoy a coffee and lunch.

To sum up or to shut me up this place is brilliant! Great shop, Great Food and Lebanese... Great cuisine!

Oh and thank you whoever invented the Baklava.

Vietnamese in Richmond

So today after a hectic morning Sam and I ventured to Richmond where we decided to have lunch. We found a lovely little Vietnamese cafe and went in there we were greeted by an amazing smell of Vietnamese mint and spice.

It was the kind of place that truly got my mouth salivating! We sat by the window looking out at the everyday hustle and for a moment I felt I wasn't even in Melbourne.

Now on our table we had all the usual condiments traditionally found in Asian restaurants: Chili, Soy, Vinegar, Hoisin and some other goodies and the menu was really great written in English and Vietnamese with pictures of the most popular dishes.

Now after some Ummming and Arghhhing we decided to share a Chicken Congee (which is a traditional soup made from stock and broken rice with coriander, spring onion and dried shallots) and a Vietnamese pancake with pork and prawn.

For those of you that have never had one before it comes out about the length of 2 dinner plates with a crispy outer egg and coconut pancake and filled with freshly cooked meats, bean shoots and onions.

Now incase your meal still isn't satisfying you get a bunch if Vietnamese mint, lettuce, extra bean shoots, chilli, lemon and a sweet chilli type vinegar just to ensure your pancake is extra delish!

We started with the congee which was so yummy with a lovely fragrant broth perfectly cooked rice and juicy tender chicken, and the best bit was the pancake it was so delicious that words cannot explain how good it was the crepe/omlette was so crispy and the meet had been cooked into
The batter before it is flipped then by adding the vinegar and fresh lemon and mint it was like having a party in your mouth ... Unexpected beautiful edible fun!!!

To conclude I have come home super inspired by chefs such as Luke Nguyen and I am pulling out the Vietnamese cookbooks and I'm ready to cook!!!