Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Monday, April 5, 2010

Illawarra butchers, delicatessens and fresh

BUTCHERS
Superior Meats on Addison
26 Addison Street,
Shellharbour Village,
02 42977162


DELICATESSENS

Aga Deli

Located outside the bus stop on Wollongong Mall next door to Supporters World and just around the corner from the Cinemas is a local foodie treasure that most people just walk past without really 'seeing' it.

A range of European food items such as pierogi, black pudding, white pudding, smallgoods, cheeses and the best cheesecake I've ever had!I first heard about this wonderful deli when attending the Polish Food festival in 2003.
Address:
Keira Street
Wollongong, NSW, 2500
Telephone: 02 4225 3109


Gerringong Deli Cafe
Proprietor: John & Somprom Svinos
Tel: (02) 4234 1035
Experience fabulous food, fast friendly service al fresco in the warm sunshine or inside amidst the beautifully timbered ambience of earlier times - Pasta - Fresh Salads - Focaccias - Coffee - Large range of home made cakes and deserts 133 Fern Street Gerringong Illawarra South Coast New South Wales NSW Australia


Keiraville Gourmet Deli

Shop 4/ 207 Gipps St, Keiraville
NSW 2500 Australia
Phone: (02) 4227 2281




Oscar's

null200 Cowper St,
Warrawong.
TEL: 42743080
Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 8am-1pm
Photo: Sahlan Hayes

More information



Pianosa Deli
Phone: (02) 4267 1569
Shop 14
284 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
THIRROUL NSW 2515



FRESH PRODUCE

Illawarra Fresh Produce

Illawarra Fresh Produce Wholesalers deliver the freshest fruit and vegetables from our wholesale warehouse in Wollongong NSW direct to your door. We have been supplying chain stores and retailers for many years, with all our experience and expertise we can guarantee you will receive the Class One Quality you expect with prices that you can be happy with.

FREE DELIVERY on orders over $20.00*
We deliver to the Wollongong, Fairymeadow, Towradgi and Corrimal areas on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
We deliver to the Wollongong, Coniston, Figtree, Port Kembla & Warrawong areas on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

  • Eggs
  • Fresh Herbs
  • Fruit
  • Juice
  • Oils
  • Pasta/Salad Prepared
  • Vegetables

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lee and Me Flourless Chocolate Cake and Iced Coffee


Vanessa Pike-Russell Photography

I have been hearing rave reviews about Lee and Me Cafe in Lower Crown St. Mall and today I finally got the chance to visit. It is located in the building that also houses Educated Palate which has downsized, now located on Townhall Place with the entry to Lee and Me on Crown Street opposite The Glasshouse Tavern.

I had just finished a photoshoot and was in need of a sugar fix to recharge the batteries when I arrived at Lee and Me and I made my way to the gluten-free baked goods I had been reading about. After a few moments I settled on a flourless Lindt chocolate cake with a tantalising crust giving way to a mousse texture to one amazing cake. Such a sinfully delicious taste with a dollop of cream and with a refreshing Iced Coffee for that afternoon pick-me-up.

Illawarra Food Reviews: Lee and Me - Flourless Lindt Chocolate Cake by you.

After a stressful, if productive day it was great to sit and unwind with some amazing cake and enjoy some easy listening music and watch the people walking by. It was my first visit but I am certain to be back again soon. I also discovered that they offer Gluten-Free bread alternatives for sandwhiches and rolls. They have an amazing breakfast menu and lunch menu, both which feature some of my favourite foods including slow roasted pork belly, ricotta, chipolatas and the breakfast menu runs until the store closes at 5pm. Perfect for those who like a late breakfast like I do.



Lee and Me,
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle
75 Crown St Wollongong
NSW 2500 Australia

please ask the staff if you have dietary requirements and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. 10% surcharge on public holidays. No smoking. BYO wine only with corkage at $2.50 per person. Cakeage $1.0 per person. There is a toilet upstairs in the boutique which carries the latest fashions including the very popular Nudie jeans.

Make sure to check their blog for special offers and new products. If you are an artist Lee and Me are offering $250 in summer threads, looking for the best photos to launch their look for summer10. For more information visit their blog entry dated August 18th, 2009 for details.

Lee and Me
Cafe, Fashion and Lifestyle

opening hours - weekdays 7am - 5pm
weekends 8am - 4pm

87 Crown Street Wollongong 2500

phone: 02 42440695
email: leeandme[at]optusnet.com.au

www.leeandme.com.au/

---
Illawarra Food Reviews by Vanessa Pike-Russell





http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/illawarra-food-reviews-lee-and-me.html

Illawarra Food Reviews; Warilla Hotel $9 meal deal - Steak & Beer or wine for $9 with Shop-A-Docket

Vanessa Pike-Russell Photography

Shop with Woolworths and you'll see a Shop-A-Docket for Warilla Hotel's $9 meal deal. Buy a Steak, Schnitzel or Salt and Pepper Calamari and get a voucher for a beer or wine.

illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Gluten Free Eating Directory of Australia


After my previous efforts to find Gluten Free items I am happy to share that there is a directory of Gluten Free Eating in Australia.

Welcome to the Gluten Free Eating Directory … a comprehensive gluten free guide dedicated to making gluten free eating easier across Australia! Our established free-to-use website provides detailed information about restaurants, cafes, takeaways, shopping outlets, products, manufacturers, gluten free online shops, services, publications and ‘eat’n’stay’ options that cater for gluten free diets. So if you have coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, or just prefer not to eat gluten, this site is for you.

http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/online_shopping.php

Unfortunately there are no Illawarra restaurants or cafes added to the NSW map search but I hope that we can change that. If you have seen the words 'gluten free' on a menu near you, please let me know or contact the Gluten Free Directory directly. Many hands make light work and here's hoping the Illawarra restaurants and cafes will make it easier to find gluten free eats!

After a little research (and some help from @sejtraav ) I can confirm some gluten free action at Lee and Me in Crown St, Wollongong and at Beachouse Restaurant, Wollongong harbour. More to be added to http://illawarraglutenfree.blogspot.com


Gluten Free Eating Directory
For all enquiries, including feedback about our site, please contact:
Email: enquiries@glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au
Phone: (03) 5443 7777
Mobile: 0400 558 741

Update: I just heard from the lovely people from Gluten Free Eating Directory and there are two businesses listed in the south coast area

Feast of Kangaroo Valley Image

Gluten Free Options
 Range of gluten free food hamper bags
 Convenient, easy and deluxe gluten free catering option

http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/view.php?business=335





Berihurikari Image
Available From
 Orders can be placed directly with Berihurikari (see contact details above). Curry choices and prices are available on the Berihurikari website (click link on this page)
 Deliveries are made to NSW Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Sydney suburbs. See website for details or contact Berihurikari direct
 Berry Markets (1st Sunday of the month)
 Kiama Produce Market (4th Saturday of the month)
 Bowral Produce Market (2nd Saturday of the month)
 Wollongong Mall Markets at Crown Central (every Friday)
 Major events at Homebush stadium (from the food vendor area outside the stadium)
 Various retail outlets including Manuka Fine Food Store (Canberra), Green Poppy (Shellharbour), Jamberoo General Store (Jamberoo), Kangaroo Valley Supermarket (Kangaroo Valley), Mangerton Convenience Store (Mangerton), Keiraville Fine Cuisine (Wollongong), Emporium (Berry)

More information:
http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/view_manufacturer.php?business=76


Gluten free flour sources


A glass jar of Spectrum Naturals brand organic...Image via Wikipedia

In my search for Gluten Free flour, sugar substitutes and coconut oil for my biscotti and canneloni recipes I have visited both Woolworths in Warilla, Coles in Warrawong and some delicatessens. Sadly it is very difficult to source Millet, Quinoa and buckwheat flour in the larger supermarkets. What's worse is that there is no longer a health food store at Westfield Warrawong so I have returned home with Xanthum gum from Coles, Polenta flour from an Italian deli in Warrawong, and some sore feet!

When I got home I decided to look online and source all my ingredients in the one place. I've had some success locating my supplies and learned some things along the way, including how to make my own nut meals and the health benefits of Coconut flour. I am curious to learn how the texture of baked goods will be affected by the addition of coconut flour and coconut oil. One site which produces its products in Philippines but based in Australia is NUI.

"Supplying Australia and New Zealand with 100% Certified Organic Virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, 100% Pure organic black chocolate, coca nibs, Nui Maple Biscuit Mix, Nui Coconut Pancake Mix."

100% Pure Organic Coconut Flour

100% Pure Organic Coconut Flour

organic & natural

Coconut flour is made from ground coconut meat and is an excellent high-fibre alternative to wheat. It has the highest fibre content of any flour. Having a very low concentration of digestible carbohydrates makes it an excellent choice for those who must restrict their carbohydrate intake.

Coconut flour can be used to make breads, cakes, pies, and other baked goods. Use 15-25% in place of other flours in standard recipes.

  • gluten-free
  • wheat-free
  • soy-free
  • contains no fillers
  • low-carb
  • high-fibre
  • product of the Philippines
  • Ingredients: Organic Coconut Flour
100% Pure Organic Coconut Flour Size
Price

100% Pure Organic Coconut Flour 1kg $15.95 +
100% Pure Organic Coconut Flour
500g $8.95


http://www.nuicoconut.com/australia/nui_products_AUS/nui_food_range.htm#OrganicCoconutFlour



I've been reading about the benefits of Coconut Oil since learning of the dietary requirements of some young friends who cannot process animal fats in a normal fashion. NUI offers a 100% Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in bulk or smaller packs which may prove to be cost effective over time.

100% Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Food Oil

100% Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil


Coconut oil is the most versatile dietary oil on earth.

Our virgin oil is:

  • fairly traded
  • certified organic
  • contains no hydrogenated oils
  • no trans fatty acids
  • is not refined
  • is not bleached
  • is not deodorized
  • no GM ingredients

100% Vegetarian. Ideal for cooking, baking, frying or spreading. Delicious enough to eat straight from a spoon. A smooth, creamy, all purpose oil.

100% certified organic virgin coconut food oil SIze
Price

Nui 100% certified organic virgin coconut food oil 440ml $17.00 + P&H
Nui 100% certified organic virgin coconut food oil 1 litre $32.00 + P&H
Nui 100% certified organic virgin coconut food oil SPECIAL PRICE 10 litre $225.00 + P&H
Nui 100% certified organic virgin coconut food oil SPECIAL PRICE 20 litre $400.00
+ P&H

Other products from NUI include:

Other brands of Coconut Oil and Flour include:

Tropical traditions

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com.au

Kokonut Pacific Niulife virgin coconut oil
http://www.kokonutpacific.com.au/OilSales/OilIndex.html

http://www.kokonutpacific.com.au/OilSales/Shopping/Cart1.php

And a great overview to nut meals
http://www.foodsubs.com/Nutmeals.html

I also found a great organic food store called 'Doorstep Organics' which delivers to Sydney and Wollongong. Thankfully they stock Millet flour around $8/kilo and Buckwheat flour around $6 per kilo and Quinoa at a staggering $14/kilo. I am sure to put in a large order next week and in the meantime ring around some local delis and ask them to order in more gluten free flour as I am certain I am not the only one finding it difficult to source gluten free flours and coconut oil in bulk quantities.

I may take a trip down to the lovely Shellharbour Village to Green Poppy. I had a vague memory of them stocking gluten free flours and after some googling I've found their website and reviews and it seems I'm in luck! I've just emailed them asking what gluten-free products and sugar-alternatives they stock and hope to finally source some agave syrup for one of my biscotti batches.

My young friend Siobhan is on a cancer-fighting diet which restricts most types of sugar and I want her gluten-free and sugar-free biscotti to taste the best they can. I am hoping to have a taste test this weekend and bring a smile to her sweet little face. Her Dad Michael has been a fountain of information and due to her restricted diet I have been learning a lot about suitable sugar alternatives, oils and flours. It has been a challenge learning to bake with buckwheat on a very short list of flours which are suitable. The last time we baked I made a cake out of buckwheat pancake mix and some pears for sweetness. It wasn't the most appetising cake but she loved it anyway and I'm hoping that with the addition of coconut flour to that list since they will not only be healthy but taste great. All the recipes I have been reading state that buckwheat flour should only make up half of the flour in a recipe. I can only imagine that the coconut oil and coconut flour would make them taste extra delicious. I guess the proof is in the tasting.

I'll keep you updated on my gluten free baking progress. Wish me luck!

Vanessa



On a sidenote, I did hear some heartening news that the House of Hope Food Barn at Warrawong stocks Gluten Free Flour and Bread. I hope to visit next week and will share what I learn. There is talk of a Food Barn opening in Warilla in the future, something that I am sure will be well-received with free bread, fruit and vegetables for low income earners, pensioners and students. They also have boxes of food for $30 including meat and groceries. Please print out the flyer and spread the news.

If you know of any sources of gluten free flour either in the Illawarra or Online please leave a comment on this blog post and I will add it to the directory with a link to your profile or comment link.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Illawarra Food Reviews at Shellharbour Markets


After much deliberation I have decided to hire a stall at the Shellharbour Village Markets, starting on August 9th and once a month on the second Sunday thereafter. I will be selling gluten free biscotti, (chocolate biscotti and biscotti with pistachio), my world famous butter shortbread and some cannoli with a sweet ricotta cheese filling. I have been making butter shortbread since I was a teenager and it is much requested by friends and family. The gluten free biscotti is inspired by my visit to Tutti in Italia, Italian Day at Wollongong Mall earlier in the year and I will be selling hot chocolate as well, the perfect accompaniment and is sure to warm me up as I man the stall from 9am until 2pm.

I will also have my photography portfolio and some samples of my work in commercial, food and portrait photography and I will be offering special packages including glamour photography sessions and 3, 6, 9 and 12 month baby portrait sessions.

Over the next week I will be trialling three varieties of gluten free biscotti
  • one with cornmeal, cornflour and xanthum gum and pistachios
  • millet flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flower and cranberries
  • another with millet flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour and unsweetened cocoa
I'm also testing out a recipe for Cannoli filled with ricotta from the Womens Weekly Italian Cookbook. I'm a big fan of Cannoli since my first visit to Tonitto Continental Cakes in Port Kembla and I love ricotta cheesecake so I'm excited about the combination.

I've missed out on a lot of late due to poor health and I'm glad to be getting back into the swing of things. Bring on Spring!


Friday, July 10, 2009

Sweet treats of the Illawarra

A guide to sweet treats found in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama cities.

One of the best kept secrets of the Illawarra and they keep winning awards for their quality cakes, pastries, breads and other delectable treats. Make sure you try their pecan pie, individual lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and their cupcakes with attitude.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2864476087_f50c35112c.jpg

                                     
Delicious cupcakes   
Individual Cheesecakes

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3504075226_dd162952b6.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3748683994_2e9ca56f37.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2766953131_3c187a05bf.jpg?v=0
 Birthday cake decorated with lollies
Shortbread hearts and chocolate cookies
from mixed goods store next door


Jumbo size Wagon Wheel from Queen Street Bakery has to be tried to be believed. Only $2
Sure to bring out the inner child in adults and a great experience for kids who may never have tried a Wagon Wheel before.



Contact Details:
24 Queen St Warilla
NSW, 2528 Australia
Ph: (02) 4296 7133







I have been a fan of Tonitto Continental Cakes since my first visit as a young girl. My Uncle Rocco owned an Italian Restaurant (The Capri) nearby and my cousin Marina and I would visit Tonitto's and by some of the amazing canoncini (cones filled with custard or chocolate) or connoli.

http://tonittocakes.localmall.com.au/lg_Picture_034.jpg
http://www.tonittocakes.com.au/lg_Picture_005.jpg

When I grew up I became very fold of the Rum baba.

Rum Baba that will make you cry 'mama' they are so good!

http://www.tonittocakes.com.au/lg_Picture_018.jpg


And you can't visit Tonittos without a Zabaglione.
http://www.tonittocakes.com.au/lg_Picture_158.jpg

In 1996 I had my wedding cake made at Tonitto's. They make an amazing tiramisu cake with icing and fresh flowers. Everyone loved the cake, especially those who do not like traditional wedding cake.

Photos © 2009 Tonitto Continental Cakes
Email: info@tonittocakes.com.au
169 Wentworth St Port Kembla NSW 2505
Phone: +61 (02) 42751977




Zweefers Divine Cakes
When living in Corrimal for a few years I would visit the Gourmet Platter in what used to be Corrimal Shopping World and drool over the Zweefers Divine Cakes in their cake display cabinet. Then I found out that they had a store within the same complex and was amazed at the range of products and the fresh tastes. Since then they have moved to Fairy Meadow and have a large store where you can dine in or take away these delectable offerings which are sure to tempt. Don't go there on an empty stomach! 

43 - 45 Princes Highway,
Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519
Phone (02) 4285 4155
http://www.zweefers.com.au/






Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Chocolate shops of the Illawarra

The Chocolate Shop: Berry
Unit 1, 70 Albert St, Berry, NSW, 2535
Phone Number: (02) 44643318

The Treat Factory
Old Creamery Lane, Berry
(02) 44641112
http://www.treatfactory.com.au

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