Two Birds One Stone

Hello :) Welcome to the first of three Melbourne posts. I arrived back yesterday from the most relaxing, enjoyable getaway- it was just really awesome. Adrian and I stayed in a lovely apartment on Claremont Street in South Yarra, which proved to be an excellent location. It was a minute walk to the train station, and the street itself boasted a few fabulous eateries we made sure to check out. One of them in particular was just so good we went there three times within our 5 day trip. Two Birds One Stone. A trendy cafe very well recommended by Heidi :)

Afternoon tea! One day we got there a bit too late for a meal so a coffee and a muffin seemed appropriate to take back to the apartment. I got a soy latte (so strong and creamy!) and this apple crumble muffin with a pistachio on top. Too delicious. 

Brekky (number one!)

A peak at some muffins and the awesome interiors.

I ordered brioche toast with roast mushrooms, feta and watercress. What a combination! The light brioche was perfect paired with the meaty mushrooms and creamy feta. 

Adrian had the twice cooked marmalade french toast with oranges & vanilla mousse & raved about it. 

Brekky (number two!)

Soy latte for me, mocha for him. It was nice getting there early to sit and read. I'm getting to be quite a Murakami fan, having just read and throughly enjoyed the epic 1Q84. 

This time I ordered the vanilla porridge with blood oranges and flaked almonds. Divine. The porridge was just so creamy, and there were other grains (perhaps brown rice) in there too. Loved that it wasn't overly sweet either. Oh I wish I could recreate this...

Adrian had the french toast. Again! 

So if you're in the area, I highly recommend Two Birds One Stone. I also recommend getting there early, as it fills up pretty quickly! 

Hannah x

Lunch at Mantas

Hello :) Last Friday I turned 20 and had a really nice day enjoying the sunshine and having a fancy pants lunch at Mantas at Woolloomooloo wharf. But before I get to that, here's what my cake looked like...well it was a pear and almond tart to be precise. We indulged in a slice or two the night before with some delicious wine. Thanks for the flowers A!

Ok, let's get back to my lunch...foodie snapshots ahead!

For the entree I had these amazing scallops with braised pork cheek ravioli, nameko mushrooms and a celeriac puree. The scallops = amazing.

Adrian chose the fried calamari, look at those pretty micro herbs!

For the main course I had this crispy salmon with jerusalem artichoke textures, tomato, crab and tarragon. The salmon was perfectly cooked and it was so beautifully & delicately presented. 

Adrian's main was the special, fish (not sure what kind) with salsa verde and asparagus. Super fresh and healthy, nice choice :)

For dessert, we both ordered the apple tarte tain with poached rhubarb and salted caramel icecream. Amazing, great combination!! I bought myself this Gorman dress as a birthday present for myself, well, at least that how I justified it ;)

Have a beautiful weekend everyone :) 

I better start packing for my trip to Melbourne!

Hannah x

Sweet Potato, Cabbage & Kale Flower Curry

Hello :) Somehow I'd forgotten how easy a stir-fry or curry was to throw together for a midweek meal. Well until last night. I was inspired by this amazing curry paste I bought yesterday, with wild ginger, lemon dress, kaffir lime leaves etc! It's super flavoursome! So with some fresh vegetables, coconut milk and this exciting curry paste, a wholesome dinner was made.

Ingredients-
1/4 red cabbage, shredded
Bunch of kale flowers (or regular kale)
1/2  sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 broccoli, chopped
1 tablespoon curry paste
1/2 cup coconut milk

What to do-
1. Steam the sweet potato for about 5 minutes, then add the broccoli and kale flowers for a minute or so.
2. Remove from the heat and combine in a bowl, with the cabbage.
3. Heat a wok with a tablespoon of oil (I used grapeseed) and then add the curry paste to cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Throw in the vegetables, cook for a few minutes and add your coconut milk. In a few minutes it should be done!

This is more of a guide than a recipe, I just played around with the ingredients on hand.

The curry only takes about 10-15 minutes, and is really delicious. It is quite filling with the sweet potato, although adding tofu would be great as well. I think I shall be having this again tonight with some smoked tofu :)

Enjoy your week! I turn 20 tomorrow which is fun! I think skipping uni to go out to a fancy lunch seems rather appropriate :)

Also! In a little over a week I'm going to Melbourne for about 5 days in my mid session break. I'd love some recommendations from you Melbourne ladies, perhaps a nice place to have brunch, any great exhibitions or anything really. I'll be staying in South Yarra, but obviously we'll be happy to explore as much as we can!

Hannah x

Smoked Tofu Nori

Hello :) I can tell that nori rolls are going to be my go to meal in this warmer weather! They're so fresh and light, and can be made with whatever you have in the fridge. I was inspired to make them by this smoked tofu I came across today, and decided it would pair well with some nori sheets and fresh vegetables for a light dinner. I decided that coating the tofu with black sesame seeds would also be lovely, as I was already using black sesame seeds all afternoon in my granola baking for Sunday's markets :)

Smoked Tofu Nori

What you'll need-
organic smoked tofu
black sesame seeds
julienne carrots
kale*

*These kale stems/flowers (not sure what they're called) I was told are only available for one month during the year- and they seem even easier to add to salads etc than the larger kale leaves. Yum!

How to assesmble-

Start by slicing the smoked tofu and coating with the black sesame seeds.

Add on your julienne carrots and kale.

Top with whatever else you like. I used some avocado and mung bean sprouts.

Roll up, slice in half and serve with tamari.

The flavour of the smoked tofu is incredible, as silly as this sounds- I was surprised at how smokey it is! Have you tried smoked tofu before? I loved this little combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado and tofu. It's always going to change depending what in my fridge though, which is fun! 

I hope you're having a great week :) I'm seeing Bill Bailey tomorrow evening which should be awesome!!

Hannah x