Golden Ticket

“Home”, synonymous with family, nurture, care and love manifests itself in three forms – shelter, security and sustenance. As we progress from toddlers to teenagers there is a paradoxical shift of the same, and necessities over time become comforts and luxuries to be cherished.

While in the West flying the coop by the time one is in their early twenties if not earlier is the norm, Indians similar to Southern Europeans tend to continue to live at home, lapping up home cooked meals and enjoying being cleaned after and cared for.

Eventually however, everyone moves out, at least one hopes and aspires to (I can’t imagine anyone wanting to be the 40 year old virgin). And it is from this day that you embark on being an independent individual that you have automatically earned yourself a shiny, wonderful golden ticket.

I tend to use these golden tickets sparingly and save them for just the right time. For years now it has consistently been between November and December when Christmas is in the air and the festivities are eagerly being ushered in. There is already a jovial, happiness ringing through the air that is almost contagious, giving and caring is only quadrupled when you whip out a golden ticket.

If by now you haven’t figured out what the hell a golden ticket is – it is simply the pampering, oohing and aaahing that parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles shower down on you when you make your way back “home”. The grandeur of the visit of course is exacerbated by the distance from which you live from your family, as well as the frequency of your trips back home.

A boarder at the age of thirteen, the golden ticket is a thing I am very familiar with. Every visit back home since then, be it after my one year gap year in Denmark and my annual visits every year of Masters programme in Australia has meant coming home to a dinner of Fried Fish, Kerala Fry, White Rice, Kachimoore, Avial, Papad and White Curds, followed by my favourite Indian sweet – Gulab Jamun from Bhagatrams. A snooze in my childhood bed, that is periodically updated and it’s a matter of hours before I wake to my favourite breakfast of Appams and Chicken Stew.

This time however, it seems as if my golden ticket lost its sheen. I was offered leftover hot dogs instead of my usual welcome that I was looking forward to with baited breath. No special meal and moreover HOT DOGS! In the end we settled on going out for dinner to a new Kerala restaurant that offered the dishes of my childhood – I have nothing against the restaurant but could not fully enjoy it since its simply something best enjoyed at home the way I like it lovingly prepared.

Eat to Live ... or Live to Eat ?

Most people eat to live. And then there are some that live to eat, I am one of the latter, and am sure this comes of no surprise! To eat without balance, and by this I mean exercising judgment and one’s body is vital for a happy and healthy life. Hey, I’m no doctor, but it’s a simple prescription everyone knows, but not everyone likes to follow. Of late I have noticed the weight piling on, the angst of discontent with my current body shape and more so my fitness levels.

To be honest, I can’t go further without divulging all the information, or things simply will not make sense. Up until April of this year, six days a week, two hours each day, for the last seven years of my life have been spent dedicated to strenuous cardio, weights and abdominal workouts to ensure my body was in tip-top shape. And to this I must add that I was happy with what I saw in the mirror.

Over the last eight months working in kitchens, standing all day and exerting what seemed to be a hell of a lot of energy every day I neglected the gym and all/ any forms of exercise, yet eating the same enormously, extravagant meals I have always consumed. I just thought the kitchen was giving me a workout turns out cardiovascular motion cannot be replaced with working on the spot, damn!

While I have never been one for diets, my motto – eat extra tonight, run an extra mile the next day, I knew my time was ticking and it was only a matter of months before my rump became juicy enough to roast! Awful analogy I know, but I simply could not resist that one!

Anyways, coming back to me, my weight and enormous appetite has obviously got the better of me and with two Indian weddings within the next two months and my return to India – the land of slim, slender, sexy ladies the heat was and is most definitely on! And oops, I forget to mention New Years in Sri Lanka, with the requisite of slipping into a bikini duh!

About two weeks ago I decided it was time to turn things around. And so I took my first jog in months and boy was it a hit to my ego and my body, because not only was I left huffing and puffing like a penguin, but I was aching and sore the next few days. Getting in shape and gaining back that stamina was hard. What was undoubtedly harder however was trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.

While Melbourne was “supposed” to be warming up with spring midway and summer around the corner the weather was most definitely still wintery with chilly, cold nights and rainstorms deserving of Goulash and Mashed Potatoes, Massaman Curry with Fragrant Rice, or any other hearty carb-heavy fare, guaranteed to warm one up instantaneously. As you can see the odds were piling up against me, it was like I was fighting a losing battle.

Finally after much thinking, trials and tribulations I decided that instead of going from dishes like rich risottos cooked in chicken stock, with olive oil, lashings of butter and drowned in Parmesan cheese to bowls of fresh salad with the highlight being vinaigrette dressing, starving an hour later and finally succumbing to a disastrous midnight snack, that it was better to go half the hog and start with modest changes like taking away excessive amounts of dairy and carbohydrate from our diets, making our food delicious, filling and healthy, rather than being overly ambitious.

In all honesty I think this is the key, both me and my partner (who was initially shocked about my sudden change in dinner plans) felt happy and healthier and honestly I have lost inches, my clothes fit better and I have been at the receiving end of a fair few compliments.

If you are wondering what was on the winning healthy menu, here are a few of the meals I prepared the last couple week:

- - - Hokkien Stir Fry Noodles with Red Peppers, Carrots, Scallions and Beef Strips in a Sweet-Soy Asian Style Sauce

-- -- Beef Mince Tacos with heaps of shredded Lettuce, fresh Tomatoes, Salsa and Homemade Guacamole

- - - Grilled Chicken with Salad (and I had half a chicken left over which I used to make Chicken wraps and served with a leafy salad the next day)

- - - Steamed Cous Cous with diced Red Onion, Parsley and Tomatoes tossed in Lemon Juice and Olive Oil served with Lamb Chops

- - - Pan Fried Basa Fillets in a Lemon, White Wine Sauce with Parsley, Steamed Broccoli, on a bed of steamed white rice (used 1 tbp olive oil for 4 fillets)

- Seared Salmon Fillets with Asparagus and Carrots

Home is Where The Heart Is

I’m back! Am officially on holiday and am aiming to resurrect my food blog with the former enthusiasm, passion and dedication prior to my stint working in Melbourne as a full time chef.

So here goes my attempt to redeem myself with a catch up... Cheers!

Crossing the Java Strait as I fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from Melbourne, where I began my journey this morning, my tummy is tight with knots, cramping like it always does when I am anxious. The aches in my stomach are no doubt the result of my recent incessant pondering over the notion of “home”, a matter that has been plaguing me since dinner last night.

On our way to our loved relaxed resto-bar Bimbo’s in Fitzroy, I could not help but want to take in all of Melbourne’s surrounds for the last time in 2010. I am not afraid to admit that whilst I have shared a love-hate relationship with the city of Melbourne over the span of this year, I could not help but feel a pang of sadness for a city that has definitely grown on me.

Days melded effortlessly into weeks and months with my time spent cooped up hours on end in the confines of Italian kitchens cooking up countless pastas and risottos, yet an undeniable connection with the city has triumphed over time. Melbourne despite its weary transport system and at times nonchalant people have snuck under my skin and won me over, especially because of the work-hard, play-hard ethos. And, I would be a fool to pretend for even one second that the city’s teeming restaurants, vibrant food markets that spoil one for choice, along with the continuous spirit of celebration that looms in the air has played no part whatsoever.

The question of who the reference to “our” refers to above may have arisen. Since April of this year I have become accessory to an Australian man of Irish-Maltese parentage, and he has completely and utterly captured my heart. Ok, I can assure you there will be no gushing and mushiness; I am simply bringing matters up to date as it is no secret that I have been MIA for some time now.

While we scoffed down $ 4 ultra thin wood-fire oven baked pizzas topped with oh so delicate flavours of smoked-salmon, spinach and mascarpone contrasted by a more robust choice of lamb, feta and rocket leaves, washed down with a local Cab-Shiraz, I think both Danny and I silently gave thanks for the time we have enjoyed together over the last six and a half months despite my work weeks averaging 50 hours! Beyond the belief that we are soul mates, we have become best friends and loyal partners, confidants and gastro-aficionados. We have managed to build a bond that feels airtight, bolstered by the resounding success of our once-upon-a-time spontaneous plan of moving in together and now added to us being us, we have a home to show for it, together.

Having had an abundance of intimate moments – just the two of us, I only assume it must be natural for me to feel slightly frazzled at the prospect of going back “home”. “Home” to the first and only notion previous to Melbourne of being “home” – that is Bangalore, India tomorrow afternoon.

Tonight I break my journey with an overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur, enjoying time with me, myself and I – symbolic of the interim period between my “new” life with Danny in our Melbourne home and that which separates me from my family and childhood rooted sense of home back in Bangalore.

My trip home has four main reasons. Number one and two are big, fat, Indian weddings, one within my extended family and the other my dearest, best friend Swetha – the first of my girls to get hitched. Of course, Christmas celebrations with my family, for which Danny will join me in mid December rates number three. And last, but not least, time for reflection, to figure out what 2011 holds for me career wise? I have been toying with the thought of going back to writing full time, or perhaps delving into events management, menu planning, or some kind of role involving travel and food, but basically putting cooking on the back burner for a bit and using my Gastronomy Masters and my Chef Certification in conjunction, somehow to get back to some of my original goals I had in mind when I first embarked on my journey Down Under.

Apart from spending time in Bangalore the next two months hold exciting travels too, with trips to Hong Kong end of this month and to Sri Lanka to usher in the New Year.

Don Don

Melbourne’s busy CBD is packed to the rafters with cheap-eat options especially for quick duck-out lunches for the cities work crew. Don Don’s in South Bank offers incredible value along with great tasting food boasting quality ingredients. How can you tell the quality – taste it – the food is handed over to you pretty much as soon as the “change hits your hand” (to quote another reviewer) and comes in cute bento boxes that present oh-so-well and taste way better than a multitude of Japanese restaurant meals I have eaten in the past in Australia – and at that had to wait for over 20 minutes for! As for value: For under $10 you can eat like a king. The terrikaki box featuring thinly sliced beef flavoured with a ginger and spring onion broth, teriyaki glazed chicken cubes, rice, salad and cut fruit is a must try and will not disappoint I assure you. The food is undoubtedly great on all accounts, the hard part –wrangling a spot in the never-ending queue and finding a tiny space to relish your meal!

5 Bank St
South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Ph: 03 9696 6682

Bimbos

If I had a dollar for every Melbournian in the recent past (1 ½ months) that has bagged Fitzroy for selling out to mainstream commercialism and complained bitterly about the yuppie takeover of the once-upon-a-time eclectic and vibrant precinct I would be fiddling with my brand new i-phone right about now. Yes, I have been told a fair few times about how the area was originally home to an overwhelmingly large ethnic wog (Italio-Greek) community, before the hippies came along adding to the eclectic charm of the area, boheminising it and adding further ‘depth and interest’ – thus the nods of disapproval.

Bimbo’s boasts a lot of goodies for a steal. Where do I begin? The enormous selection of $4 gourmet styled thin crust pizzas – salmon and gorgonzola, calabrese, lamb, rocket and pinenuts (there are heaps more to rack your brains over what to get) as well as delish dessert pizzas – apple crumble and mixed berries and hello – there are house infused signature flavoured vodkas – take your pick from lychee, watermelon, pomegranate, chilli, vanilla and a handful more priced at $7.

So it is apparent that the place leaves you spoilt for choice food and drink wise, and is easy on the pocket – and obviously this brings in a teaming crowd, mostly youngsters, uni students, young professionals looking at knocking off work and enjoying a few drinks while nibbling on something tasty – an interesting ambience always helps. The place is dark – barely illuminated giving it a nightclub feel, the music is funky and the atmosphere chilled out. With a terrace and outdoor seating on the floor above, there is heaps of room, but still you will be hard-pressed to find a place as evening sets.

376 Brunswick St
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Ph: +61 03 9419 8600

El Mirage

My take on this place is simple. It sports a retro-chic ambience and charm, the wait staff fit in with the surrounds – decked out in fashionably vintage styled ensembles. As soon as you walk in the place exudes a sense of eccentricity. Once you are seated in their light filled long room and scan the menu you understand why. The menu is fresh with exciting brekkie options that will have your mouth watering and it definitely hits the spot upon arrival – I am hanging to go back, and soon. Funnily enough though I always like to take a trawl of internet resto-review sites and my experience seems to align with only a few “lucky” dinners that have likewise expressed positive reviews, most were openly unhappy, dissatisfied with “unfriendly” service and intolerance to kids. The only point I can remark on with regard to the former negative aspect is that we were short-changed twice when we paid our bill and no apology passed the waitress or owners lips!

A sucker for great food and a point of difference – the menu alive with offbeat options – sour cherry toast with mascarpone, Slim Jim poached eggs with ricotta, fig chutney and avocado and the pancakes with lemon curd, mascarpone and maple syrup – fluffy and oh so sweet!

349 Lygon St
Brunswick East VIC 3057
Ph:+ 61 03 9388 0966

Coda

Does my recent culinary experience define the epitome of globalisation? Highly probable, but why don’t you be the judge ... an Anglo-Indian enjoying Vietnamese tapas at a Melbourne restaurant cooked up by an ingenious Sri Lankan Chef ... does this qualify or what?

Chef Adam D’Sylva has undoubtedly found a niche platform – Vietnamese tapas – light, flavoursome cuisine paired with a stylish, simplistic ambience that oozes calculated carefree attitude and a sexy playfulness. The success of Coda definitely rests on the Chef’s precise ability to create winning concoctions – big and bold, yet balanced perfectly. One taste of D’Sylva’s menu and it’s not hard to understand the success story and what all the fuss is all about. In fact I guarantee after a meal here you will be puffing hot steam up all your mate’s skirts, raving about your experience again and again.

At first attempt to secure a booking for a table the very same evening I was told I had to wait for up to four weeks for a booking. Wowie I thought – a definite must try. Luckily somehow we were squeezed in and ended up seated at a gorgeously intimate table for two against the back wall in the corner. The incandescent lighting is alluring as it is offset by flimsy paper lanterns revealing exposed light bulbs that add a contemporary, minimalistic feel. Within minutes of being seated we were swooped down upon. Sommeliers, maitre’d as well as our respective waiter for the evening – it was like we were at the theatre and all the actors were bursting out to introduce themselves eagerly! While it may be somewhat of an exaggeration the first ten minutes felt as though I was plonked into a scene straight out of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds as the wait staff took turns swooping down to our table rambling incessantly.

“Would you like me to guide you with the wine selection?” a flustered and overly worked sommelier enquired in rushed tones hunched over at our table. “We’re good at the moment” was my reply without a thought. Before I could turn my gaze from the wine-spert, a little blonde thing smiling ear to ear had swooped in arranging and re-arranging napkins and candles, rambling about menu choices and how she would plan her meal should it be her that was eating. At this point I was rather tempted to remind her she was not eating – or paying for that matter – instead I politely said we had just been seated, hadn’t had a chance to look at either drinks or food menus and would like some time to let the place sink in. Before I could say Jack however, the next sparrow tweeted and squealed, but by this time I was turning pro and we rid our table of him too in no time.

While I perused the menu excited at the endless possibilities – the wine list is extensive with a great world selection as well as domestic wines I settled on an interesting Italian white – crisp with light fruit and slight acid. It was a variety I had never heard of and one I cannot remember, which reminds me next time when trying a new drop for the first time get the wait staff to note it down for you or save the label. Anyhow, we decided to pick several tapas items – one each since each come out as single portion serves – and then share a main and a dessert thus maximising our tasting journey and oh boy was this the way to go!

It was like taking an actual travelogue (or should I say foodlogue) through South East Asia with the characteristic vibrant notes of sticky sweetness intermingling with lip curling sour and dotted with piquant yet addictive heat. There was crispy prawn in a betel leaf – deep fried and damn good is all I will say.



There was sugar cane prawn with sweet chilli sauce that at face value sounds and seems to be oh-so-boring, but the crispy outer noodle texture yielding a minced delicate prawn meat mixture inside is a textural delight hard to convey its brilliance through words. Of course we had to partake in some soft rice paper rolls and so we did – ones stuffed with pork, prawn, perilla and chive bud.

The Hervey Bay scallop seared perfectly and served with a pearl tapioca was reminiscent of creamed corn and the finishing touch of the salmon caviar was beautiful. While delicious the blackened quail with daikon and shiso salad left me wanting more, the portion size did not allow for justification in terms of the full on flavour profile – I simply wanted and needed just a tad more to be satisfied. The last tapas item, far from Viet inspired was nonetheless possibly my favourite – the herb crumbed lamb chop was phenomenal – the ratio of fat to meat just spot on, the doneness of the meat perfecto – medium rare pink in the centre and the herb crust aptly seasoned with a robust crunchy bite.

For main course I could not resist the black pepper wok crab. And you know when you order crab Asian style you are in for trouble – you simply have to be prepared to get down and dirty – so we were forced to check our manners at the door enjoying it with our fingers fleshing out the sweet meat and rubbing it around in the fiery but oh-so-addictive peppery sauce, messing the steamed jasmine rice with the flavoursome goodness of the rich gravy.

Having licked our crabs clean we sneaked another peak at the menu and decided it was time to try the banana monkey fritters, salted peanut caramel and black sesame ice-cream – it was so different, cooling and not overwhelming sweet – the best way to wrap up an overly indulgent night.

Loved the place, loved the food and thoroughly lapped up being pampered by educated, well trained wait staff. Do wish the staff – passionate bunch that they are realise they need to allow clientele to ease into their evening before jumpstarting things and pulling out all the stops -there is a time and place for everything!

Basement 141 Flinders Lane (Cnr Oliver Lane)

Melbourne 3003
Telephone +613 9650 3155