Taste of Perth 2016

Taste of Perth is a great food experience for the food lovers. It offers the opportunity to try several dishes of some of the best fine dining restaurants in Perth under one roof.  It was held on 29 April to 1 May. I attended the lunch sessions on Saturday and Sunday. It was my first time and it was quite enjoyable to taste most of the dishes that were on the menu.

There was an electrolux food theatre where you could see cooking demos. It was one of the highlight of this event. It was great to see live shows from some of the best chefs. I picked some good advice and what amazing plating skills.

 

 

I attended a Lurpak workshop. This was charged at $6, but it was an interesting session where you get to make an open sandwich with different fillings of your choice. You get one tub of butter to use and take home. I got to meet Jessica Arnott, Masterchef 2015 finalist and take a photo.

In addition to the food stalls, there were plenty of local produce and wine tasting. The venue was alright, but the miss for me was the fact that most of the demos were booked out/ sold out when we reached there (15 minutes after opening session). The beef and lamb session was worthy since you got to try the food, paired with a glass of wine.

 

Overall, it was a great experience. Be prepared to spend and eat lot of tasty, gorgeous looking dishes with amazing flavour combinations.

Snacktime

I am not sure what's happening, but I am becoming an avid snack eater. I know it's no good for my health (anyone's really), but it grows as a bad habit. I'm trying to eat more wholesome food to sustain myself from slipping away into indulgence. Easier said than done. The sad thing with snacks is that once you start, it's hard to keep your hand off the delicate crisps, sweet biscuits, decadent chocolate and what not. It's almost impossible to refrain full stop. I am probably exaggerating, but I do feel sometimes snacks are quite addictive and alluring. The last in mind is the sweet and salty popcorn which I nearly finish within a few minutes #guilty. 

Well, I have been pairing meals with 'healthier' snacks such as dried fruits (apricots-my favourite) and mixed nuts (walnut, almond, cashew). I also have an apple on occasion (because as per the saying goes: an apple a day keeps the doctor away). It does not make it better, but at least I am gaining some more nutritional value. I think it is perfectly fine to indulge once in a while, it's not biggie and won't hard. However, it should not become a habit. Self-control and restraint is something to be learnt. I think I am mostly targeting myself in this case.

Anyway, these are some of my latest findings and treats. 

Food for Thought

I came across this article and I just thought I had to share it. The title is 'Just for Today...' and it is a great reminder of appreciating every day. Good piece of reflection.

Link to article

Just for today, 
I will decide to live in the present, neither 
Rueing the past, nor 
Planning tomorrow… 

Just for today, 
I will accept, what 
Life offers, without 
Questioning why.. 

Just for today, I 
Won’t analyse, but 
Accept simple pleasures 
With Gratitude 

Just for today, I 
Will Smile at 
A Stranger, and 
Mean it.. 

Just for today, I 
Will Accept Myself, 
Flaws and Strengths 
Just beautifully human 

Just for today 
I will notice nature 
Beautiful intricacies, 
A gift Divine .. 

Just for today, 
I will be brave and strong 
I’ll be courageous 
Even when I feel afraid 

Just for today, 
I will love somebody 
Fully, accept them 
In their full beauty 

Just for today 
I strive to be better 
Than the Day before 
I think I can… 
I know I can. 

Flashback Friday

We are quickly heading towards winter. It's been very chilly in the morning and my body is slowly adapting to the cold weather. I am still very busy, and we are already in May. This is crazy how time flies. Sometimes I just want to sit down and spend some time reflecting. Time is so precious, but it's still hard to use it in the best way possible. I try to organise when I can,  but unfortunately things, most often, do not go to plan, do they? We do our best. 

This is a recap of previous two week's meals. I did not cook as much as I would like, but will hopefully manage to this coming week. I am still adjusting with everything that is happening.

Pork fillet with sweet potato chips and salad

My 'mapo' tofu

Served with rice and sauteed spinach

Pumpkin soup

Herbal chicken soup with zucchini and rice

Quinoa, kidney beans, corn and tuna salad with avo and coriander

Broccoli stir fry with tomato salsa, salted fish, miso-glazed tofu and dhal soup

Super Nature's Superfoods frozen meals

This is a review of Super Nature's superfood range. I have been so busy lately and I had recourse to frozen meals as a resort to keep me from starving. I am not particular fan of these meals, since they never really tastes good and do not look quite appetising once heated. However, I was drawn to try the Super Nature's range after having a closer look at the ingredients choice. All of their meals contain super foods. They have kale, sweet potato, quinoa, chia and brown rice, amongst others. After trying one- the thai beef with quinoa and brown rice- I was a convert. The taste was really nice and it kept me full. It was also a happy feeling knowing you ate something hearty and healthy. I have since tried their middle eastern chicken with quinoa and tabouleh, split pea and lentil dhal,  and beef, kale and red quinoa lasagne. All of them were filling and delicious. I shall get my hand on their entire range. 

The House of Honey

The House of Honey is located in Swan Valley and offers a selection of honey with various flavours, including lavender, cinnamon and truffle. The variety is quite broad and if you visit their shop, you get to taste each different honey. This allows you to find out which one suits you more. They also supply different honey products such as beauty products, confectionary and drinks. 

So far, I have tried the jarrah, cinnamon and lavender. They all taste really nice.  Flavour of each is so delicate and sweet. There is also an apple cider vinegar honey which offers a sharp taste on the first sip, but is said to help with digestion. 

Since winter is coming, I will be drinking lot of honey to keep me warm. It also is a great prevention against cold and sore throat. 

For more information, please visit their website:

http://www.thehouseofhoney.com.au/