Foodie Favourites

Researching, sourcing, and of course preparing food is one of my greatest pleasures.

Voltaire once said...

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”

My daily food-balancing act is always one, which tries to harmonise the elements of health, quality, enjoyment, economy and gratitude into my daily cooking and eating rituals.

Most weekends follow a similar flow for me, brunch with friends, purchasing organic food from the markets and butcher and cooking many kitchen staples ready for the week ahead.  In addition to this, I spend time watching food documentaries, films and reading through cookbooks for inspiration.

Going out for dinner with my family and friends is also a much loved occasion, however I must admit, I am one of those people who takes photos of food while out and about… fortunately Mr B and my family and friends are used to it and I do try to be as quick and discrete as possible.  Furthermore, I am working on relinquishing my fixation with the Urbanspoon website.

Here are some of my favourite foodie delights: 

 This cookbook is from one of two restaurants I dream to visit one day.

  

Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Yountville, California &

Jiro Ono’s Sukiyabashi Jiro, a restaurant set in the basement of the Ginza Metro Station in Tokyo. 

Dessert preparation is not exactly a strength of mine.  Perhaps because I do not really enjoy eating them, however Nigella's Hazelnut/ Nutella cheesecake went down a treat at a recent family dinner. Everyone requested seconds. 

I am a fan of Barbara Cousin's cookbooks, however I know these might not be for everyone.

Yes, this is my favourite cooking utensil - The Zyliss cheese grater is so fun to use.

These are some of my weekly kitchen staples: spices, quinoa, nuts and coconut cream feature heavily in my cooking.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I LOVE making and eating homemade broth and do so most weekends. I use it in so many ways, whether it be to help flavour vegetables and meat in a stir-fry, as a drink by itself or as a base for other soup recipes.  Chicken broth is always found in Jewish/ Kosher and Chinese cookbooks.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it refers to the famous J. Sheeky restaurant in London.  My parents took Mr B and I there for my 30th birthday, however sadly we were not permitted to take ANY photos, due to the restaurant's privacy policy, you know, just incase I took a photo of a celebrity's elbow whilst taking a quick snapshot of my Salmon gravlax with marinated cucumber.  Nevertheless, it was a sensational evening with outstanding food.

Brunch in Australia, is a rather delectable, creative and competitive eating experience.  Rarely can you book a table at any of the reputable brunch locations so getting a table and getting there early is paramount.  Here is brunch at Grub Street with my fabulous friends K and V.  

Pumpkin & haloumi fritters, sautéed spinach, hummus, hazelnut dukkah and grilled chorizo. Delicious.

 Going out for dinner is a real treat for me.  Here I am in my favourite little outfit: A five year old Whistles dress (there's a surprise) and black Lanvin flats.

Favourite restaurant to eat at in Brisbane? 

The Continental Cafe in New Farm.  Here is their delectable chicken liver pate with gluten free toast.

Currently enjoying Yotam Ottolenghi's television series (in Australia it is on SBS) called Ottolenghi's Mediterranean Feasts.  

 Two fabulously entertaining food films:  Big Night and Babette's Feast.

What are your favourite meals to prepare at home?

Mine are gluten-free pasta with a homemade tomato, chilli and olive sauce,

pumpkin and eggplant (aubergine) madras curry and roast chicken.

Have a lovely week ahead.

Fifi x

Images 11 12 & 13