Friday 30 November 2012

Dial 000

000 what's your Emergency? 
I ate to much pizza and I think I'm about to explode!


Word has spread around Melbourne rather quickly about a place that serves divine thin crust pizza with fresh and delicious toppings. In fact it was said to be a must have pizza! To good for my ears to be hearing such things, I must find this place 

Firechief Pizzeria is celebrating their first birthday and what a great opportunity to seize this moment and get my own taste. 

With high ceilings and simple yet perfect outlay had a fantastic family, friendly feel. As the walk way takes you to the top of their dining area the enchanting chandelier hangs low setting a somewhat rustic feel. Tables overflowed with diners gorging in pizza and pasta and having a great time.

An evening with friends and the beginning to the weekend the unwind began with a cocktail in hand. A fresh and berrylicious Little red ridding hood - strawberry liquor, blackcurrant and vodka was a delightful relaxant.

Scanning the menu I am blown away with the ever so large options of pizza. Just reading the menu my tummy grumbles for food and my mouth waters, my mind is so confused on what to order....... Can't I just order them all? 

Alas this would mean the emergency services would need to come to my rescue if I ate the entire menu, so a decision had to be made, but it was a definite tuff one.

On special this week we had the Celebrational pizza "the Brew Smith" designed by followers of Firecheif through social media as an entry into a pizza topping competition. The "Brew Smith" made by Brew Smith - home made brews enchanted Firechiefs taste buds with a Gorgonzola, Chicken, Roasted Artichoke and shallots. A gourmet master piece at that.

We start with a traditional Garlic and cheese pizza, cause you can't not have one when you're out eating at pizza restaurants. It's just the thing to do. Thin crust doused in garlic and finished with olive oil and fior di latte cheese, this pizza was enriched with the essence of everything that was needed. Garlic burst in each bite, it's everything that you would expect.  Now I know you are saying, well it's a garlic and cheese pizza. But I have to say this it was pretty damn good.

This evening 3 choices were made, the Friarielli, Prawn & Pancetta and the Meaty. It was a pizza each, but an arrange slice for slice trade off.

First let's start with the Friarielli. Luscious fior di latte, pork, rape`, parmigiana, fresh basil and finished with chilli and olive oil. Now if you mouth is watering now their is something wrong with you. This was the first thing that caught my eye but not my final choice, but am glad it was decided to be ordered. 

The delicate flavours of the fior di late was a fine choice of cheese for this pizza, it's creaminess matched perfectly with the pork which hasn't got a strong flavour itself. Fresh basil and chilli enhanced the rape`, where I have found that the rape` has a quiet strong bitter flavour, on this pizza it doesn't over power or take you away from that pork flavour.  

The Meaty was enriched with ground beef, salami, bacon, red onion & jalapenos on a crushed tomato base with mozzarella. An extraordinary combination of rich meats nestle on the tomato base pizza, and the smell is Divine. While you eat you are met with salty goodness while fresh meat juices soak into the base and small amounts run down your fingers. Leaves for even more tastiness as you like your fingers after. It was great to see nothing but fresh meats to grab those strong flavours.

Now hopefully you are reading this now and am tantalising you bit by bit and that you have started your cravings for pizza, because the next will do nothing but make you put your shoes on, jump in your cars and drive distances to grab a pizza.
Here it comes.........
The Prawn and Pancetta was my choice of indulgence tonight. A base of fior di latt topped with garlic marinated prawns matched with crisp pancetta and finished with mojo dressing and fresh roquette leaves.

Is it wrong that I say OMG? 

Heaven sent flavours is all that I can say, and the best pizza I have possibly ever had or can remember. On the table it was voted the best of the 3 and was glad it was all mine, well apart from my trade off slices. 

The mild cheese base captures the crushed garlic flavours from the perfectly cooked juicy prawns. Crisp pancetta draped over the pizza adds the perfect amount of salt which only enhances the flavours. Although not a true fan of the peppery leaf of roquette it went down a treat and may have found a new love. Advised to spread the roquette across the pizza it brought a depth of flavour to each bite.  The mojo dressing is a great additive to finish off this dish. A touch of citrus and what I have researched could have been lime, added with garlic, oil and I want to say parsley as it had a green tint but wasn't an over powering flavour such as basil but I could be wrong. Yum yum yum is all I can say.

Although I burst at the seams, filled with such delicious pizza I had to top my night with dessert.

I figure I'm eating Italian, may as well stick to it an go for their Firecheif Tiramisu. A modern spin on the original with layer upon layer of coffee jelly, genois sponge, kahlua, vanilla bean custard, creamed ricotta and finished with toasted almonds.

Now you need to grab your spoon dig all the way down and catch each layer on the way up. Perfection of flavours not to be eaten by single layers, you have to grab all flavours together. The finish of almonds was beautiful and tasty. Unfortunately I was going to explode so I had to say goodbye to my dessert as the rest of the table devoured it. It is not to be wasted.

The Flourless chocolate and hazelnut torta is another fine choice to finish a meal. Rich but light torta finished with a cornell marscapone cream was delicious. Although only getting a mouthful to try it was very scrumptious and a great dessert for those chocolate lovers.

If you were to full but know you want dessert but don't want explode with all this good eating then perhaps just finish off your evening with a tiny sweet treat of their Conolli. Filled with mixed berry cream and crushed pistachios it's a perfect treat for you. It's a perfect 2 bite dessert and won't add to much to your waist line either.

An amazing evening, chilled casual atmosphere and has everything that you would expect from a busy Pizzaria. Firecheif has established the perfect MUST HAVE pizza and to believe they have only been open for a year is astronomical. 

Most establishments have to develop such great combinations over time, but here they have clearly worked hard to deliver such perfection in a pizza.

You need to check Firecheif out. Even if you want to get take away, you have to get there.

If you are wondering, no emergency services were called to my rescue, however I was grateful their entrance was a ramp as it made it easier to walk down hill on the way out cause I could hardly move with eating so much food. 

I am sitting here writing this with a somewhat food hangover you could say, but is it wrong that I want pizza for breakfast too?


FireCheif
169 Camberwell Rd,
Hawthorn East
9831 1700

Firechief on Urbanspoon

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Be a good girl & eat your Vegies

Brunswick is vastly becoming a trend setting development of eateries. This area is surly adapting to the needs of Vegans & Vegetarians, and although I myself are not one, it does not mean I can't eat like one on the occasional basis.

I don't often picture myself looking for a Vegetarian restaurants but with Vegan friends in tow, there was only one thing to do. Have them take the lead and show me the best eateries that Vegans and Vegetarians desire.

The Vegie Bar in Brunswick sits on a busy corner in the heart of Brunswick street. Simple brick walls filled with communal tables and individual tables that were all full of eaters a like.

As we enter there is a fantastic vibe as people dine, a great friendly feel to the restaurant. Greeted and although placed on a waiting list we are told to start with drinks out in their back court yard. The back open courtyard connects to another bar, where people can wait for their tables or just chill and unwind.

The turn over of tables were fairly quick, which was great because i was seriously hungry and was actually really excited to enjoy some lentils and vege. I'm not too sure what it is about lentils and vegetables, although I eat meat sometimes I just crave fresh vegies or so great lentil dishes. They can really be better than people make them out to be.

Starting with mushrooms filled with tofu, were buttons of goodness. Crisp crumb coating capturing the delicious mushroom flavours were very enjoyable. served with what looked to be a house made chutney, with large chunks of veg or fruit added a slight sweetness.

Circulating the table we also in counted the Gyoza and the special pyro pizza. They gyoza was said to be tasty and full of vegies and enjoyable for a light starter. The pizza well I was lucky to grab a bite of which would blow anyone socks off, or put hairs on your chest. It was fire hot encased with chilli's and peppers. Great bold flavours and if game, is very tasty.

For our mains I had asked readers what was the dish to have her at Vegie bar and I was told to go for the Burrito. This large stuffed tortilla was chock a block of rice, beans and glorious mexican spices. No air pocket or empty pace in this baby, it was jam packed. Accompanied with some fresh guacamole and sour cream with crisp corn chips. A meal fit for a king, or 1 very hungry being. Easily a share dish over lunch, I had to palm at least a 1/4 of mine as I was reaching fullness, but wanted dessert.

Others chose for the Tacos. Burger and pizza. The tacos looked interesting and so fresh filled with scrumptious raw vege. Vibrant colours and a great healthy treat. Perfect on those hot nights that are coming our way.

A towering burger stands bigger than a Big Mac. I challenge someone to fit it in their mouth in one go because on our table it was the knife and fork that saved the day. Filled with nutritional ingredients, although a little disappointment was had with an over flow of salad which shadowed over the actual burger.

Dessert of house made cakes from their display was a great finish to the evening. A choice from Sticky Date, Cheese cake, Flowerless chocolate cake and Chocolate royal which was vegan friendly.

Vegie Bar has been developed over 20 years and is more than focused on providing healthy nutritional foods. They have established a wide array of full flavoured options working with just the simplest of things 'Vegetables and Grains'.

If you're not the biggest fan of eating healthy or getting into your vegies, grains etc I'd still say test it out. To be honest you can't tell what is vegan and although everything vegetarian but you couldn't notice.

I didn't miss my side of meat and really I felt outstanding after I finished. I was satisfied, although a slight food baby. Maybe I shouldn't have had that sticky date pudding. Naughty naughty.

Unless you're out there to pin point that their is no meat as a choice, then you have nothing to worry about.

It's a great casual place for some hearty food, chat with friends and an additive towards a healthy diet.


Vegie Bar
380 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy
9417 6935

Vegie Bar on Urbanspoon

Monday 19 November 2012

If one eats less, One will taste more

It's always the way when selecting a restaurant, that we choose to always travel furthest first rather than travel around the corner our local.

It's strange how we think that although we pass it everyday and think to ourselves that, I should go there we never get there. We believe that it will be there tomorrow. But my question to you is What if it's not? What if everyone has had the same train of thought and your local has had to shut it's doors.

It's not because they have served bad food, in fact it's one of the best local restaurants, but because everyone chooses to travel to the city, they have had to close due to the expanding restaurants and the diverse competition that a small local restaurant can no longer compete with.

A local restaurant that I have finally made my way too is Bok Choy in Brighton. This quite large restaurant sits on the busy corner of Bay and New Street where many by passes travel along, dropping their children off at school and trying to make their way to the even busier Church Street.

This restaurant has caught my eye each time driving past advertising their Yum Cha and I am now pleased to announce that I have been and enjoyed my experience.

It may not have been a full restaurant but I must admit a fair amount of people come and go ensuring that at least tables are turning over.

Greeted and welcomed always makes a great beginning to the day, drinks on order and our waiter asking us whether we would be enjoying yum cha or a'la carte. Of course you can never say no to yum cha when it's on offer.

An ever changing Yum cha menu is placed before us, with also an explanation of yum cha specials that the chef designs and hidden off the menu.

Suggestions arranged by our waiter to get us started of Wasabi prawns, Peking duck pancakes and Chinese broccoli in soy were arranged in a blink of an eye. It was pleasing to have faith in the waiter as he arranges items even before you scour over the menu.

3 Juicy lightly coated king prawns are delivered to our table coated in a creamy wasabi mayo, hinted with a touch of sweet chilli. Don't be alarmed when you read wasabi, as here at Bok Choy they have mellowed out the flavour to accommodate all diners. A great special on offer and even greater suggestion by our waiter.

Servings of Prawn toast and Shark fin dumplings arrive from the Yum Cha trays which were flavoursome. Golden sesame prawn toasts were exploding with sesame flavours coating a thick layer of prawn.  Sweet and delicate flavours combined to make something so tasty, were an essence of succulence.

All the dumplings including the Shark fin were tiny drops of delicacy. An addition of scallop dumplings and pork dumplings each had their own identity and were cooked to perfection. Tasty and filling, we could have eaten more and more of these treasures.

Something that we have not had in Yum Cha before were the rice noodle rolls filled with a pork filling. These steamed noodle rolls were slippery and difficult to eat with chop sticks, only true talented chop stick holders would be able to tackle this dish. I however needed some lessons, so on this I opted for the good old trusty fork.

The pork filling was similar to that in a pork bun, with it's sweet BBQ flavour, tender pork and a drizzle of soy. A lighter option to those ever filling BBQ pork buns but held strong flavour to be enjoyed.

The duck pancakes were delightful and glad to also have the Chinese broccoli along with it. This light thin pancakes were filled with tender pieces of Peking duck and cucumber and were nourishing and it was not to long before they were gone. Quicker than I could believe myself, my pancake disappeared..... to send out a search party to find it may have been needed but I am not one to stay in denial that I ate it and made it vanish.

Our Chinese greens coated in soy were fresh and perfectly cooked, with a slight crunch on the broccoli steams, it was a fantastic accompaniment to go with our delicious and filling Yum Cha. I would suggest to do the same, as the flavours of the Yum Cha can be strong so it's a great idea to break it up and balance everything with some vegies.

It's only fitting though that to end our meals, was to be the Banana fritter. if anyone knows fritters better than anyone else it's at Chinese restaurants. They have never failed to produce outstanding fritters, and I'm not too sure many of you our there would disagree with me.

Golden crunchy coating covers sweet banana flavours and covered with a toffee coating and served with vanilla ice-cream. It's heavenly delightful of course. But you all know that.

Whether you enjoy Yum Cha or their extraordinary large a'la carte menu, there is surly something you would love and enjoy. The serve and food were impeccable and we will no doubtabley be joining them again with friends and family in tow.

Finding a good Local restaurant that you can support is an important thing to do. If you find one, then you should also tell at least 10 people of your find, so the word gets out even more. Although the city is a fantastic place to eat and where lays some great diversity in cuisine, you shouldn't forget the little man that is just down the street.


Bok Choy Chinese Cuisine
300 New Street
Brighton
9592 0253

Bok Choy Chinese Cuisine on Urbanspoon

Sunday 18 November 2012

PB & J Delights

Ingredients:
250g Butter set at room temperature
2 cups Peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
2 cups Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
3 1/2 cups Plain flour
1 tsp Baking powder
100g Dried strawberries (chopped)
100g Raw cashews (chopped)
Strawberry jam

Method:
Preheat oven to 180c
In a large mixing bowl combine Peanut butter and butter and beat until smooth.


Beat in sugar until mix becomes light and fluffy, add eggs and continue beating.
Sift in flour and baking powder then combine.


Chop dried strawberries and cashews and add into cookie mix.


Spoon mixture into hands and make into ball shapes, as big or as little as you desire.
Place balls onto a lined oven tray. Press cookies down with fork, then spoon small amounts of jam over the top of each cookie.


Place in oven and bake for approximately 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack, then enjoy.



Makes 40


Sunday 11 November 2012

With such Delicadeza

Melbourne is continuing to grow in it's diverse culture of food, and opportunities to try new flavours and seeing Chefs develop amazing cuisines to impress us is just on the rise up. To compete in this trade is hard as those who are amongst it would know, but when Chefs stay true to the produce and respect the individual flavours and match it perfectly with something else it's a true marriage.

Today was the day to be in the city, with Adriano Zumbo making his way to Federation Square promoting his book and selling his tantalising Zumbarons. His remarkable inventions of flavours are ones that I have admired as they are unique to their own and I find most often people are to scared to play with or sometimes even worse try.

An inspiration to the development of the food world and never scared to attempt new adventurous flavours, combining them and making something so divine. Tantalising our taste buds with his Zumbarons today was just the sweet temptation anyone would want on a Sunny Sunday.

Sweet combinations of: Salted Butter Popcorn, Peach Iced Tea, Passionfruit Tonka, Blackened Vanilla,  Salted Butter Caramel, P B & J, Maple Syrup Pancake and Raspberry Shortbread are what was bringing the Melbournians pleasure today.  Although not able to test out the Raspberry Shortbread the rest are slowly making their way to my taste buds, indulging and grasping each flavour as it takes me on an outstanding journey of flavours.

All I can say is that when you finally have the chance to meet someone who has inspired you, you can't wipe that smile off your face.

On a high on just an amazing Sunday morning but nearing to lunch it was an opportunity to finally make our way to Movida for some fine Spanish Tapas. A quaint modern tapas restaurants down the ever so colourful and artistic Hosier Lane. Structured in traditional Spanish flavours and tapas dishes, it was truly perfect for a lunch time treat.

Our waiter was friendly and attentive through out, with tables filling quickly into the afternoon. Helpful in suggestions and also surprising me with a dish as I couldn't decide didn't fail and shows that this team really know the dishes and if you're ever unsure, revert to your waiter for assistance.

Starting our lunch with some of their individual tapas dishes I was intrigued to go with there signature dish of the Anchoa: Hand filleted anchovy served with smoked tomato sorbet on a thin crouton. Not a fan in general of this ever so salty fish, but gave it a shot. I must say that if someone was to introduce me to the anchovies for the first time, this is how they should do it. Incredible balance of flavours, delicate and tantalising. The sorbet itself just took away the saltiness of the anchovy and made it for a rather pleasurable dish.

My dish that I was surprised with from our waiter was the Caballa Ahumado: Cold smoked Spanish mackerel with a pine nut gazpacho sorbet. Presented to the table and the lid of this pot was removed enchanting us with smoked flavours which you can only breath in capturing hidden essences of the dish. Through out the time spent here you could smell this smoke from surrounding tables and it only continues to make your mouth water as you inhale. Very delicate in flavours this dish hit the spot and was greatful it was chosen for me.

Something that was truly tantalising and took me on a complete different journey was the most amazing Croquetas de Choco en su Tinta: Squid ink croquette with cuttlefish. Wow is how I can truly sum this little gem up really. Such delicate croquette hold a golden crunch and filled with such silky ink and accompanied by tender cuttlefish, is truly a delicacy and I was blown away.

Expanding our adventurous minds we move towards the larger sharing dishes of the Esparragos: white asparagus with 63c egg, almond and bread crumb. Subtle fresh flavours are richened by the 63c egg.

The Cecina: Air dried Wagyu served with a poached egg and truffle foam was powerful and a must have. Being a fan of both wagyu and truffles this dish was everything I hoped for. Melt in your mouth slices of wagyu were matched with the strong essence of truffle and yet calmed down with the egg. Truly a marriage of flavours that leave your taste buds singing for more as you wipe the plate with fresh bread.


With the Wagyu flavours the Bistec tartar de wagyu: Spicy steak tartare of wagyu beef could only but accompany the flavours of the Cecina. Served with crisp wafer thin croutons, this melt in your mouth spiced beef was a treasure. Unfortunate to currently have sore lips where the heat of the spices caused a little discomfort I refused to give in and ensured each mouthful was enjoyed. Delicate flavours once again I have to say and not over powering with the spices matching with such a tender beef.

Pate de Paro: Duck liver parfait with Pedro Ximenez foam was the last of our main dishes. Powerful flavours combined once again to make something so delicate and intreiging. The Foam was so light, even lighter than a marshmallow but similar textures and sweetness, but with the rich duck parfait beside it on the toasted brioche it was magnificent.

To finish our Sunday adventures of flavours we were only but tempted into trying  the Chocolate, Bread and olive oil sorbet as well as the St James Tart served with an Almond milk sorbet.

Both exquisit in flavours and for the first time I think in a long time I have been stumped with choosing a favourite.

The chocolate, bread was like a warm chocolate pudding almost served between crisp salted bread and silky olive oil sorbet. If you are an avid fan of the salty chocolate this will hit the spot perfectly.

The St. James Tart exploded with almond, and hints of citrus flavours and truly incredible. A renowned Spanish dessert that has been developed into  a fantastic fondant with creamy almond sorbet.

It truly was an incredible day today, full of fantastic flavour adventures and I can't wipe my smile off my face on how perfect it has all been. The only thing that would top off my day after a fantastic time at Movida & meeting an inspiration of mine, would be that these Zumbarons were a never ending supply. 

Wheres the Genie lamp when I need one?



Movida Bar de Tapas
1 Hosier Lane
Melbourne
9663 3038

MoVida Bar de Tapas on Urbanspoon

Wednesday 7 November 2012

The summer night is like a perfection of thought.

Clear blue skies, golden sand and crystal waters are what rests beside the aquatic Cerberus Beach House. As yacht's are launched from the Pier you gaze across the horizons and relax with the perfect city views and yonder.

Once again the urge for a sophisticated and ever so charming evening bought me to the hidden local treasure of Black Rock, and it's clear signs that words are reaching out as it's a full house by 6pm on a Sunday evening along with their Fish and Chippery being very busy with the beach goers.

With live music on a Sunday night and weather so perfect to watch the golden sunset across the bay their was no better way to put a close on my weekend.

Cerberus has just launched their Summer menu and having been before during the months of winter, I knew that this will bring us some fine luscious cuisine showcasing great summer dishes to match this divine weather.

With the aim to showcase delicate seafood's and light meals, they have truly respected their produce to bring some amazing flavours naturally for us to enjoy.

A Soft shell crab nestles on a bed of pearl cous cous with lemon, parsley and wakame seaweed. Light delicate sweet flavours are captured within the light tempura and is a perfect light start to a hot summers night.

For those who are a lover of short rib should indulge themselves in the magnificent Latrobe BBQ short rib. This dish fell apart and melted in your mouth. Succulent meat with spiced BBQ sauce accompanied with paprika spiced crisps and a celeriac remoulade was truly my dish of the night.

Those spiced paprika crisps were golden crunchy pieces of goodness that should be served in packets down stairs in their fish and chip section. I truly believe these would be a classic hit for those glorious summer days picnicing on the golden sands of half moon bay.

For something which holds mellow flavours and something for those vegetarians, the gorgeous Roasted walnut, Asiago Cheese and artichoke croquettes are fantastic. Golden crumbed coating with a creamy centre is everything to expect from a croquette. The Italian cow's milk cheese brings depth of flavour into the dish with the combination perfectly matched with the artichoke and walnut. Placed on a bed of beetroot and mascapone, it's light and tasty, perfect for a light lunch also on those summer days where you're not too hungry.

The final sharing dish on the selection was the tender Calamari coated in Chilli, garlic and lime. Grilled perfectly and served on a bed of herb dressed butter lettuce was fresh and tasty. Great to see Calamari not coated in batter and deep fried, this light dish was filled with spice and acidity and matched perfectly with my Gin and squash and will go well with a great glass of chardy too. A great dish for the ladies over for those lunch catch ups and a fantastic starter for you seafood lovers.

A couple of side dishes such of fresh asparagus wrapped in crisp prosciutto and served with the goldenest saffron aioli was a great accompaniment to these dishes as well as the serve of Fricassee of wild mushrooms and of course their golden crunchy fries.


Dessert of the selection of ice creams and also an order of the White chocolate and raspberry pannacota were a great finish to the night. The ice cream selection of rich chocolate, blood orange and lemon meringue were refreshing on the palate and an easy dessert to choose if you're almost ready to explode from all that great food you've just had.

The Pannacota also light but rich with the serve of chocolate mousse cake that sits beside it. I needed help with this one as it became to rich for me but was still great and flavours. The raspberry cut through the richness of the chocolate and so did the pannacota. Eat them together and not separately and the flavours combine fantastically together.

It goes with out fail that if you are not too sure on what to have because your options are to wide and you can't make a decision, come to a compromise. We had this problem tonight.

With Cerberus's new menu there were so many dishes we wanted and we couldn't make up our mind. So the compromise was made. Order a wide selection of small dishes, share them and enjoy the amazing flavours that were headed our way.

Relax the evening away with gin and tonics, music from some amazing artists, amazing beach sunsets and live the life on a Sunday night, or any night really. Summer is on the horizons and seriously with such an amazing local restaurant serving great fresh new tastes, their is nothing better than to enjoy yourself and unwind at Cerberus.

Service is impeccable, views are amazing and food...... well you've read it. So now you just have to try it for yourselves to see how truly fantastic this little gem is.




Cerberus Beach House
Boat Shed 212
Half Moon Bay
9598 4230