A Little About Me

New York, New York
As a newly married woman, it has become my mission in life to learn how to cook. Gone are the days of picking up sushi and ordering curries. In order to jump-start my education, I enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education's Fine Cooking I course where I learned the basics, from roasting to boiling to mousse-making (ok, maybe not that basic)! I've attempted to replicate some recipes - somewhat successfully- and create a few of my own. This blog is for friends and foodies and is intended to document my cooking adventures (and occasional fiascoes). Enjoy the pictures and bon appetite!

Friday, February 26, 2010

"He Just Smiled and Gave Me a Vegemite Sandwich"

Just this week, I returned from a fantastic two week honeymoon in Australia (you may have noticed a recent lack of postings). The land down under was amazing and I had the opportunity to taste some new things and have some of the most incredible seafood! I know this blog is supposed to be all about the meals I make but, since I appreciate all food (whether I make it or someone else does), I can't help but share some photos of my favorite Australian grub!

Passion fruit is a flavor I am very familiar with, but in more of an artificial way. The fruit, grown mainly in Southern Australia, with its slimy interior, tangy flavor and crunchy seeds was a favorite of mine!

The seafood in Australia was among the best I have ever had. Because the cities we visited were right on the water, everything was really fresh. Australia, a former British territory, still displays a strong British influence; hence the omnipresent "fish and chips." This particular version, from Doyle's at Watson Bay, used Barramundi, aka the Australian seabass, and tasted just as good as it looks!

Fried Calamari. No. Words. Can. Describe. This. Dish.

BBQ Prawns - these were amazing and tasted like they had just been caught.
They took me forever to open (lack of skill) but kept me full as I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge

These are from a wine store where you're able to mechanically pour your own tastes or glasses of Australian wine.
The Australian Wine Industry is the fourth largest exporter in the world and I have to say that several wines from the city of Adelaide were among the best I've ever had; particularly those from Iron Gate Estate in the Hunter Valley Region.

No trip to Australia would be complete without a taste of vegemite.
I was curious to try this condiment, made known to me through the Men at Work song "Down Under."
Made from concentrated yeast extract, it was salty and pungently strong -- a taste one needs to develop.
My husband and I were not fans, but Australians swear it's delicious on white toast with butter!

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