A photo journal by Vanessa Pike-Russell focused on food in the Illawarra Region south of Sydney and north of the South Coast of New South Wales. I believe in promoting local businesses and enjoy sharing my food journey with you.
Really lives up to its name! Now that it is winter and I have a cold I crave soups. My favourite soups include Laksa, Tom Yum and Combination short soup. All of which are available at the Delicious Noodle House in George Street, Warilla. I have tried six of their dishes now and each one was very delicious and great value for money.
Apologies for the low quality image from my mobile phone. Bowl below shows 1/3rd of the container purchased.
An image from their menu
Tom Yum Soup $10.50
Thin rice noodles, prawns, combo seafood, vegetables, Thai hot chilli
I saw a link on Northern Illawarra about the first days of SBS and a video showing people celebrating the multicultural nature of Australia. It makes me smile to see such community and sharing of cultures and coming together to celebrate living in such a lovely place that we are fortunate to call home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ6bEZM5dMk
l love that I come from a big family that has a rich multicultural basis. It widened my perspective, especially with regard to food and helped me to explore and become adventurous and try new things. My friends in primary school and high school came from all over the world and it was like they brought part of the world to my doorstep. I learned smatterings of Greek and Italian, later Cantonese and Tagalog (Phillipines. ) I was invited into their homes and experienced cuisines and cultural events that helped to shape who I am today. This was in the days before food shows like Italian Safari and Global Village. Before Masterchef and Jamie Oliver. I still feel blessed to be made welcome and included and tutored in world cuisine.
Attending the birthday parties of my friends and family was always an eye-opener. Tables lined with foods, most of which I had never seen or tried before. Delicioius Greek moussaka, lamb cooked on a spit, souvlaki and variations of baklava which is still a firm favourite today; a neighbour's birthday including home-made foods including Turkish pide (like pizza but folded in to make a () shape, felafel (made from chick peas) and meze (like an antipasto platter with dips, cheese, bread and accompaniments.
I am so fortunate to have been exposed to such a wide range of cuisines and watch people like my cousin's Grandmother, Mrs. Dressino who cooked everything with love, straight from the heart.
Then there was my Chinese Uncle who worked for a local restaurant and would cook traditional Chinese food with a flip of his wok and the flames rising beneath it. All the strange tastes and smells, ingredients that we have now become at home with but back then were new and exotic. I remember watching him cook Char Sui pork and prawn crackers thought it was magical. A tiny little disk became a huge plate-sized cracker. It was like watching a magician at work. Everything tasted so delicious, with flavours of star anise, hoi sin, dark soy and fish sauce before they became popular in mainstream grocery stores.
I remember trips up to Sydney where my aunt Jeanette would cook Polish food such as stuffed cabbage rolls, sauerkraut, stuffed capsicums and goulash for her husband and family. The smells of pickled cabbage and the taste of polish ogorki cucumbers and paprika still trigger fond memories today. I could go on and on. I love the multicultural nature of the Illawarra and hope to continue my journey and share some of the time-honoured recipes before they are lost to our generation. If you have some recipes and photos that you would like to share please email me at illawarrafood@gmail.com
As Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once said,
"the discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a star.
I just found out today that Mrs Dressino passed away recently and more than ever I want to dedicate my love of food to the special people that coloured my life with food, fun and laughter. You will be missed, Luigia. Memories of spending time with you will be forever close to my heart.
Please join me at Tutti in Piazza and celebrate Italia day in Wollongong Mall June 5th, 2010.
Made at home from Master Tean's curry mix with Spinach (Silverbeet), broccoli Bok choy, rehydrated Chinese mushrooms and seaweed, ikan bilis and celery.
Made from Master Tean's curry mix that I won from a competition hosted by A Table For Two.
Other ingredients include Spinach (Silverbeet), Chinese mushrooms, marinated mussells and broccoli
One of the many budget meals available from Kings Chinese Food Takeaway at Warilla Grove Shopping Centre is Seafood Combination Chow Mein. Only $5 it includes prawns, seafood extender, fish balls, squid and fish as well as delicious vegetables sauted perfectly with delicate flavours of seseme oil. The noodles are cooked separately and have a slight chilli warmth. The perfect meal for the cold rainy weather we've been having today.
After another visit to the Windang foreshore we decided to give in to our rumbling tummies and visit the Blue Ocean Restaurant on Windang Road, Windang. I had spied a $7.50 lunch sign in the window and within moments I knew that the Szechuan Beef with boiled rice would be my choice. After some deliberation, Phil settled on BBQ Pork with Plum Sauce .
Unfortunately I had left my Pentax digital slr's at home so I snapped these with our mobile phones. Apologies for the quality but I am sure to return again soon as the flavours were amazing and we are definitely going back another day.
Szechuan Beef - tender pieces of beef with flavours of hot bean paste, szechuan pepper, sesame oil, rice wine, ginger, garlic and soy as well as szechuan spices. Make it yourself with Neil Perry's recipe or call in and visit to experience it yourself.
BBQ Pork with Plum Sauce and Fried Rice
An amazing dish that was so nice we ordered another to take home. A bargain at $7.50 and despite the fact we were full we couldn't help but go back for more. Sooo good! Flavours included garlic, plum sauce, hoi sin, chinese five spice and sesame oil. Delicious!
There was an interesting moment after ordering when we asked for 'no capsicum' and due to a language barrier the chef and waiter thought we meant Philip was allergic to carrot. After some trial and error the chef brought out a selection of vegetables and I pointed to the capsicum. Relief all round and my husband was so happy to be able to sample both meals for a change. You'd be surprised how often capsicum is added to dishes in restaurants and cafes. I must remember to print out my "NO capsicum" cards and keep some in my wallet. Better safe than sorry :)
As we were enjoying the last of our Chinese (Green) Tea a couple with their baby entered the restaurant. They are regular diners at the Blue Ocean restaurant and can't recommend it enough, eating there at least once a week. I can't wait to try their Satay Chicken and Prawn Chow Mein.
LUNCH SPECIALS $7.50
Szechwaun Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb Garlic Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb Sweet and Sour , Beef, Pork or Lamb Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb with cashews Satay Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb Mongolian Chicken , Beef, Pork or Lamb Curry Prawns or Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb BBQ Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb in Plum Sauce Prawns or Chicken or BBQ Pork Omelet Stir Fried or Steamed Mixed Vegetables Vegetarian or Mushroom Omelette
Recently I went for a week-long trip to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We arrived on Saturday June 28th and came back July 5th. On July 2nd we set off from Caloundra / Pelican Waters for Noosa via a daytrip around Eumundi, Montville, Maleny and Noosa.
Our first stop was at Eumundi markets
TIBETAN MOMOS The sign intrigued me and they were very nice
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POFFERTJES
The offer stated 12 for $5 but I asked for half a serve for $2.50. Delicious!
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SAMOSAS After my previous samplings I decided one samosa was better than two. The chutney was very tasty!
MANGO LICK
After all the wonderful food I was rather thirsty so I decided to try the Mango Lick. Yumm!
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HERITAGE FOODS
With thoughts of the motel room we were headed to at the end of the day, I decided to buy some Spinach and Feta bread. Absolutely delicious!
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OKONOMIYAKI - JAPANESE SAVOURY PANCAKES I really wanted to try their okonomiyaki but the line was just too long. Next time. If you haven't tried it yet, please do so! I prefer the King Prawn okonomiyaki myself. Delicious!
I was in the mood for Yum Cha so we headed down to a favourite restaurant of ours - Oriental Expression on Keira Street, Wollongong. Our first visit was on Valentines Day, for their set banquet menu and second on Chinese New Year, both very memorable experiences. Today would be no different. We were escorted to our table and given the Yum Cha menu. Meals ranged between $3.50 for 3 pieces to $9 for a large serve.
After looking the menu over we settled on
Thai Duck Spring Rolls (3 pieces for $3.50)
Crab and Spinach Dim Sim (3 pieces for $4.20)
Scallop and vegetable Dim Sim (3 pieces for $4.20)
Prawn Meat Dumpling (3 pieces for $4.20)
Beef Satay Sticks (3 pieces for $5.50)
Salted Chili Pork Chop (large serve for $5.50)
Egg Custard Bun (3 pieces for $4.20)
All meals were shared three ways, perfect since most of the dishes had three pieces.
After ordering our yum cha banquet I saw the 'Super Value" Iced Bubble Green tea for $1 extra with any purchased meal and thought 'why not!' I love green tea but until now had not liked iced green tea which is usually sold in a can and contains preservatives. As I watched our waiter put ice, green tea, syrup and bubbled water together I began to get excited. When I tasted it I was in heaven. It has a very fresh taste and reminds me of the flavour of green tea icecream. It was sweet but not sickly, refreshing and very easy to drink. I will definitely order it again.
Our first course was the Thai Duck Spring Rolls which were very tasty. The duck meat flavour was subtle but definitely discernible. A very nice start to the meal.
Next was the Crab and Spinach Dim Sim (or dim sum in the USA). The flavours of crab and spinach blended well with crab flavour subtle but unmistakable. All dim sims were served in a bamboo dish with a layer of leaves.
We were looking forward to the scallop and vegetable dim sims. You could really taste the scallop within the dim sim casing. The flavour was amazing and left me wanting more
Followed by a most delicious prawn meat dumpling.
Here they are together on the one plate to show size
Next was the beef satay sticks . I have to say that I have never experienced anything quite like it. The meat was fried rather than grilled and had a lovely texture to it which was complemented by the tasty satay (peanut sauce).
The Salted Chili Pork Chop course was very tasty. We were just in the middle of saying that the chilli wasn't very hot when I swallowed a chilli seed and had a burst of heat in my mouth very different to t he gentle warmth of the rest of the meal.
Around this time I was very close to being full but there was room for dessert of egg custard bun. Make sure that you remove the paper layer or you will be eating it. It was nice but a little too doughy for my tastes. Stan liked his, and ate Philip's as well!
An amazing meal shared by three very pleased patrons. It was our first yum cha at Oriental Expression but it won't be our last! Our bill came to $47 including three beers, two green teas and the meals. Very reasonable prices and great service with a smile. What more could you ask for?
Oriental Expression 157 Keira Street Wollongong NSW 2500 (02) 4227 4222 Fax: (02) 4227 4772 Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 8.30am to late Sunday 8.30 - 5.00pm Licensed/BYO: Both
It had been a while since we last visited Baan Krua Thai. On our last visit we sampled the amazing Deep-Fried Soft-Shell crab from Baan Krua Thai in Wollongong. It was so good that we decided to go back and order it again. I also ordered the garlic seafood stir-fry which was amazing. The quality of food and wonderful service makes Baan Krua a favourite for dining in Wollongong.
