Brunch
Bacon All The Rules at Cuckoo Callay Festival
It must be true love that I am not a vegetarian because of bacon. No one else can break my heart like bacon can. I admit all my problems go away when there’s bacon right in front of me. So if you need a bacon fix maybe it’s time to bacon-ing your way to Cuckoo Callay. For 12 weeks they’ve created something astonishing for Newtown that no café has ever done in Sydney. It’s called BACON FESTIVAL. It’s for real, BACON FESTIVAL exists and you don’t want to go bacon your own heart if you missed out. If you totally HEART BACON like I do, you properly wondered off and I bet you are open to seduction as soon as you see that glossy piece of juicy bacon. I know it’s the sweet smells and varied pinkish colours, but that doesn’t mean you are not in control.
Pigging it out at Cuckoo Callay
And the Bacon Festival goes like this…
What a Croque of Bacon ($19) that tried to control me with its loooooooooooonnng strips of bacon and basil. Then when I closely looked into the vintage cheddar croquettes I was drunk by its diced pieces of bourbon bacon, pea puree and two poached eggs with that gooey sunrise yolk. If you want to know how to make a bacon lover smile, then this is it my friends. A dusting of breadcrumbs on the croquettes really makes this dish sing. It’s the crispy croquettes center filling that opens new flavours as the effects of bourbon bacon is deeply aromatic.
What a Croque of Bacon ($19)
What about that sexy long bacon strip? Well…there was a silent treatment at our table, so I’m not too sure what everybody was thinking, but for me, I was so high I didn’t recognise the fire that was burning in people’s eyes when I snatched the larger strip. Obviously full of flavour so that was pretty damn tasty!
You so fine bacon stripe! And oozy egg yolk inward shot.
Next up I may have ordered Shake ‘n’ Bacon ($9)! Super AMAZING and totally worth building up my calcium intake. Teehee. Can’t go wrong with bacon plus maple syrup, although the sweet syrup was glued at the bottom making a sudden burst of intense sugariness. Overall there’s so much DELICIOUSNESS hidden in this mason jar.
Shake ‘n’ Bacon ($9)
Can’t go wrong with awesome maple-caramelized bacon, right? I think this bacon milkshake is shouting “drink me!”.
Bacon sprinkles on me Shake ‘n’ Bacon *SCREAMS*
Rules for a happy relationship with bacon is getting the Bacon All the Rules ($24) dish. This is one engaging plate that is only suitable for happy pigs and inner oinkers to run wild. Every component on this dish is lip smacking and appealing to not share with your partner in crime. We start off with Black Forest Smokehouse maple bacon and bourbon bacon that floated happily atop. Next we dissected that fatty chunk of bacon steak that was really appetising that I had to go for seconds. OH! And whoever came up with bacon sausage is uber insane, yet one hell of a genius. You know you want it before anyone else can get it. It tasted absolutely perfect that there was no flaws about this sausage at all. I loved the bite-size pieces of bacon inside the sausage and saltiness was just right. All that bacon madness is also served with bacon-crumbed poached eggs with sourdough. This is one dish on the menu that you won’t go home hungry or disappointed. If you’re looking for a jam-packed bacon session, then this is it!
Bacon All the Rules ($24)
Need to wash all that bacon down? Why not give this Bloody Bacon Cuckootail ($14) a go! It’s insanely mixed with tomato juice, tabasco, salt, pepper and a shot of vodka. I was so out of breath when I sipped this cocktail. The level of spiciness is somewhat high for a person who does not often eat much spices. I spy with my eyes I see a strip of bacon and slices of pickles.
Bloody Bacon Cuckootail ($14)
Only one thing can make a hot dog on a summer afternoon better and that’s if it’s stuffed with maple glazed bacon sausage with gruyere cheese sauce, tomato and quince relish, crackling and dill mustard pickles. Ya I’m describing the Bacon Dawg ($16)!!! I was prepared but I think I didn’t prepare enough for this dawg. The thing about this is it did quite fit together. It was a little overwhelming with the sprinkles of crackle and relish as well as the dill mustard. Totes superior brunch eats.
Bacon Dawg ($16)
Smashed that bad boy!
Look what we have here… Don’t Go Bacon My Heart (NOTE: these babes were sample sizes) and OHMYGAWD these are unforgettable. I was incredibly happy when these kids size burger landed on the palm of my hand. The savory beer and tomato chutney, mustard aioli and slaw on brioche added another inch of flavour. Yes not healthy, but I’ve got my game face on! Without a doubt the popcorn chicken and beer candied bacon was noticeable. Hmmm it was the right ratio of chicks and pigs.
Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
You know you want this. Teehee.
Woah! This brioche is stuffed with a lot of meat.
By now I needed granny pants, if possible the XXXL ones. The amount of food coming in one after the other was fit for a King and Queen. So when Bacon, Get in Ma Belly ($20) arrived looking oh so scrumptious I had to do what was right, continue nomming. Lucky I followed my heart because the pork belly with fennel seed sauce with bacon, caper, coriander and lime salad was off the chain insane. Combine with a bowl of white rice would have been lovely. I was nervous when I attacked the slices of candied sweet chilli because between you and me I don’t normally touch chilli, but I did tell Michael from I’m Still Hungry that I will be practising my chilli levels this year. Wish me luck! Anyways back to that chilli…far out it was ADDICTIVE! I had such courage to even pop a few more slices in my mouth. It was seriously hotter than my first date. The one thing which lost some points would be the crackling skin, it was moist. There were signs of crispiness however the texture didn’t meat it. It must be the troubled Asian fusion flavour sauce that drowned the crispy skin crackle. Haha.
Bacon, Get in Ma Belly ($20)
That pork. Full Stop.
Here’s a morning breakfast for you to enjoy with your partner yourself; Ya Bacon Me Crazy ($20). This type of love is not rational, it’s 100% physical. Don’t cry if your calories start to sky rocket because every bite is seriously worth it. The caramel and cinnamon ice cream was heavily guarded by three handsome strips of maple bacon that’s drenched in maple syrup and chocolate coated bourbon bacon. Tucked underneath you can see the buttermilk waffles and MORE house-made bacon. Man, I love what you do but you know that you’re toxic, right? 😛
Ya Bacon Me Crazy ($20)
I told you I wasn’t kidding about the chocolate coated bourbon BACON SOILDERS heavily securing the caramel and cinnamon ice cream. PICTURE PROOF!
Bacon’s looking streaky, I LIKE! :p
Boy I needed another session of washing down all that tasty bacon, so I opted for Smokey Bourbon Bacon with fresh apple juice ($12). Sadly I couldn’t really taste the bacon, instead the sourness of the apple juice. But that’s cool I needed something refreshing to bring me back to Earth from this CRAZY BACON FEAST.
Smokey Bourbon Bacon with fresh apple juice ($12)
Introducing Drizzle Sticks (NOTE: sample sizes) that knocks your socks off! *HEAVY BREATHING* Maybe the streaky bourbon bacon drizzled in chocolate and hazelnut thought it could hide from this mama, but I could smell that greasy bacon scent from miles away. Oh bacon you can’t stay away from me, we are meant to be. At first I wasn’t too keen on chocolate + bacon, BUT I’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover.
Drizzle Sticks
Picture this no touching, no kissing AND no good loving with bacon will be so cold. Life wouldn’t be the same, I’m telling you. Without bacon fire will burn through your soul. So what’s holding you back to visit the Bacon Festival at Cuckoo Callay?
Oh Yeah!!! Got the BIG piece. 😀
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended as a guest thanks to Wasamedia. Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Check out my other Cuckoo Callay post I did. Click here and here.
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Flew over to Cuckoo Callay’s Summer Nest
Hello foodie friends!!! 😀 😀 😀
Some of you may or may not have noticed I haven’t been posting any of my food adventures on Nessy Eater Blog for the past month. I sincerely apologise. I’ve been receiving emails and been asked “Where is Nessy Eater?” or “When is Nessy Eater next posting?” Thank you for your concerns, we are gradually returning soon. Having Nessy Eater is almost as important as knowing my house keys are in my pocket, so FYI I won’t be leaving this blog anytime soon. Moving on I hope you brought your appetite along because this post has got a feast in store. Don’t panic if your belt has burst along the way, I’m sure somewhere down the road you’ll find it.
Man, it’s no secret that I lost the plot at Cuckoo Callay earlier this year and to be honest I lost the plot again, but this time a four legged creature had to join the party and witness my reaction as well. It is incredible this Modern Australian café in Newtown has gotten so much attention. Not because it is seconds away from Newtown Station, but their brunch menu has gotten people talking about it. Their trendy menu is proven to be unique for a lot of foodie friends, especially the #Hashtag Brown and with good reason Cuckoo Callay has decided to welcome the #Hashtag Browns 2.0.
Cat fight started when the Salted Caramel Milkshake ($7) arrived looking super adorable in their coloured glass milk bottle. It was quickly demolished before our feast began. This salted caramel beverage will knock your socks off with a magical sweetness that is not overwhelming and it tastes indulgent with that subtle hint of saltiness.
Salted Caramel Milkshake ($7) (Note: This is not the actual serving size.)
If you’re feeling a little bit cheeky during brunch hour, then Cuckoo Callay has got you covered with their cuckootails menu. The Bloody Cuckoo ($12) contains Vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce and heavily garnished with slices of pickles, green olive and a strand of fresh celery. Now that girlfriend is how you kick start the day!
Bloody Cuckoo ($12)
Birdy Nom Nom (vegan) ($15) owned the stage when it arrived looking super healthy. Jam packed with coconut quinoa that looked like pearls of sago and date bircher, I think this is the simplest, yet most delicious and nutritious way to start the day. It’s also served with chunks of fresh mango and house made blood orange marmalade that totally looked like slices of red capsicum. The texture of this dish turns out light and chewy, however it leans towards a creamy like porridge consistency. The flavour of the coconut quinoa seduced me good…real good. It is a very super earthy dish for those who like it all natural.
Birdy Nom Nom (vegan) ($15)
When I was a child, I remember fairy tales had happy endings and for Cinderella’s story if she didn’t leave the party before midnight, her carriage would turn back into a pumpkin. Well that’s just one side of the story, whereas Cuckoo Callay can argue Cinderella had to leave before midnight because she needed to prepare Cinderella’s Breakfast ($17) the next morning for Newtown commuters. Don’t expect the pumpkin to turn into a carriage as it will only be served as pumpkin fritters with house cured salmon, poached egg, house made basil pesto and fresh heirloom tomatoes. The fritter was bursting with intense flavours and alluring aromas of pumpkin scattered around Newtown station. You’ll lick your plate clean when you continue devouring the salmon and poached egg that had a sensational gooey texture. You won’t be able to resist not ordering this dish for summer because who isn’t a big fan of Cinderella? The only downfall about this dish is they didn’t offer a glass slipper…I really wanted to know if I was right for Prince Charming…Oh well! Maybe next time. Haha 😛
Cinderella’s Breakfast ($17)
If you have ever looked at an egg and thought, “HOT DAAMN chook, that looks good,” you should know that you are not alone my friend.
Cinderella’s egg porn
Cuckoo Callay also have an extensive menu for the pets and their most popular pick is the pupachino ($3) that contain goat’s milk. We asked Ziggi to test it out for us and his response “I Woof-ing love it!”.
Woof Woof Pet’s Menu at Cuckoo Callay
There were a lot of puparazzi watching Ziggi express his love for his pupachino. It’s impawsible not to grin when you see this furpaw dig his face into his beverage.
Ziggi enjoying his Pupachino ($3)
My little foodie wildling came out when the Bubbles that Squeak ($18) arrived at our table. The bubble and squeak pattie tastes very much like mashed potato. The outside is almost a lovely golden brown, maybe just a bit over the golden colour but I avoided judging a book by its cover because it turned out amazingly delicious. The smell made it even more desirable to eat with the inside being it all spaghetti cabbage. EHRMAGHERD!!! And if you thought that pattie was good in your books…wait till you try their duck sausage served with house made chilli chutney and a poached egg. It’s not a party until the sausage comes out. From the first bite you’d know the sausage uses premium ingredients as it had its own flavours. It felt like meat candy to me because I may have had a few more slices than others…
Bubbles that Squeak ($18)
It was nice to meat you Black Forest Smokehouse duck sausage. I hope to see you again soon so we can catchup with the poached egg. Yes, it’s another one of those Instagram worthy videos of egg porn.
http://instagram.com/p/vchd9BsQ0B/?modal=true
I thought it was fun to see a butterfly presentation in the Speedy Gonzalez ($18) or perhaps I was imaging things. Back to planet Earth and this dish includes two breakfast burritos with sliced chorizo, turtle bean relish, fried eggs, marinated avocado and sour cream & chive dressing. Now if that’s too hot for you to handle then Ziggi is more than happy to help you demolish the entire dish.
Speedy Gonzalez ($18)
Oh no! I maybe now facing a prison sentence for showing you too much egg porn. For now I better end this egg porn business here and at an appropriate time show you some more soon.
What also grabbed Ziggi’s attention and mine was the pupples ($2) served in a pink sterling silver bowl. I think when someone mentioned to me about the pupples biscuit I may have raised my hand for one. Excuse me while I woof-it-out with Ziggi…
Pupples ($2)
Can confirm Ziggi enjoyed his treats and got table service too. Now that is showing commitment to pets and pet owners. I give an extra brown point to Cuckoo Callay for that!
What did Ziggi think about those pupples? He said “I WOOF it!”
Mary Had a Little Lamb lends itself to parody very well with one of Cuckoo Callay’s lamb dish- Beeting the Sheep ($19). This Lebanese inspired dish has got full flavours of Lebanese spices. It’s the curiosity that makes me want to know more about Mary’s little lamb. This dish includes slow cooked lamb in pastry served with goat’s curd, toasted pine nuts, pickled beetroot, radish and snow-pea tendrils salad. Embrace the madness of this lamb because not only is it tender but it’s quite homey and comforting. With the added crispy paper thin pastry, I was thoroughly entertained by this dish. The curd, nuts, relish and salad fit so well together that this dish was flawless.
Beeting the Sheep ($19)
Was this the Best.Chips.Ever ($9)? Errrrr….well….err…I thought otherwise. I think it was the Best.Presenation.Ever because each chippie was MASSIVE, like MASSIVE! To compare the length of those chips, I’d say it’s the size of a highlighter but longer. Please note: there’s nothing sexual about this. No sexual connotation was involved! Teehee. Besides the length, the chips turned out to be not as crunchy as I pictured in my head, however the flavours were there.
Best.Chips.Ever ($9)
Look at the size of this thang?!
Laughter is the best medicine, so is the Dr Salmon ($19) if you have a salmon fetish. This dish really has become one of my all time favourite. It consists of citrus cured salmon, black quinoa, avocado, fennel, blood orange, French radish and snow-pea tendrils with a lime and ginger dressing. The salmon had a refreshing citrus flavour and a pleasing red colour. Not only is this dish healthy but extremely versatile for summer brunch.
Dr Salmon ($19)
I want to see you again Mother Ducker ($22) because I didn’t think it was physically possible for me to eat the green lentils, shallots and shaved asparagus all in the one plate. You should have seen the look of my eyes when the plate had vanished from my table. I was also blown away by the savoury pulled duck and poached egg with chilli jam. I really wanted to eat the desired amount however it wouldn’t be lady like of me…maybe next time.
Mother Ducker ($22)
Do you want to build a Snowman in Summer ($16)? If you desire salad for lunch then this won’t disappoint your tastebuds. Generously served with marinated Dutch carrot salad with blanched kale, avocado, toasted pepitas and lemon yogurt dressing.
Snowman in Summer ($16)
There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of Homemade Lemonade ($5) on a warm day during summer.
Homemade Lemonade ($5)
Quirky interior design at Cuckoo Callay
Could Ziggi be the next Dogue model? This little fellow is such a poser!
Espresso with milk ($3.50)
For those with a sweet tooth the Berets, Stars & Stripes ($15) is the perfect finish to a meal. This brioche French toast includes maple bacon, peanut caramel, whipped ricotta, cornflakes and maple syrup. I believe this will be another Instagram worthy dish that must be shared. The brioche is quite a flaky, buttery crust that crumbles just as you bite into it. As for that juicy strip of maple meat, well it was BACON ME CRAZY, even after I left the cafe. Overall owners Ella and Ibby have got my attention once again. They’ve transformed ordinary breakfast and lunch to something that’s Alice and Wonderland for Nessy Eater Girl. It is truly a cafe you wouldn’t want to miss in Newtown.
Berets, Stars & Stripes ($15)
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended as a guest thanks to Wasamedia. Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Check out my other Cuckoo Callay post I did. Click here.
Like to know more about Nessy Eater food adventures?
You can follow Nessy Eater on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter or feel free to leave a YUMMY comment 😀
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Three Williams New Spring Menu
Just in time for spring, Three Williams has just launched a BRAND NEW MENU. As a loyal customer, we know Three Williams doesn’t normally open on weeknights, however I’ve heard in the next few months they may be extending its hours. Over the past few weeks, they have been serving specials and for some of these dishes they’re going to be mains on the new menu. Feeling cheeky, my body was ready to sample a smorgasbord of delicious additions. Three Williams have been doing a pretty dame good job with serving their devilish French toast and classic narnies. To get to know each other a bit more, guests sat down just for this event.
So much personality was around the Super smoothie ($8) – I had feelings for this cheeky energetic boosting drink as it consisted of apricot, apple, LSA and banana. You’d go on panic mode if you don’t act soon to ordering this. The smoothie provides many essential vitamins and minerals that plays a very important role in the body. Personally, I don’t often cross paths with smoothies that include ginger, kale or cinnamon (dairy free), but this caught my tastebuds attention on the first sip that did consist of it. You’d want to add this to your morning as it tastes so refreshing with that punch of ginger in the jawline under the tongue. Luckily the ginger is not overpowering, so you are able to the sweet apple and cinnamon. There’s definitely banana somewhere because the consistency is thick, however very easy to sip.
Super smoothie ($8)
I was on competition mode when the Crispy school prawns ($8) arrived at our table. With six hungry food bloggers, I’m sure I was a gorilla who just dived my fork and knife first to every dish that arrives at our table. Wait a minute…gorilla’s use cutlery?! The crispy school prawns is going to be another charming sentiment to the snacks section. I honestly didn’t expect this dish would be the under $10 budget because it’s seafood and secondly it’s crazy delicious. You certainly can’t spot any oiliness, but you may feel threatened by some of the prawns as they are quite sharp around the mouth.
Crispy school prawns ($8)
I was like YEAAAAAH when I saw the Seasonal house made soda ($5 cup/ $12 jug) coming towards our table. I think I need to shave my legs for this Raspberry and Lime soda because it certainly reminded me of summer. There is a nice light fizziness that came along with this soda. The colour looks amazingly gorgeous and the flavour is packed with more lime then raspberry. So shout out to the raspberries to bring in more of their flavour!!!!
Seasonal house made soda ($5 cup/ $12 jug)
The suspense was killing me that the narnies was next up on our tasting menu and what better way to socialise with the other guests was to comment on their Instagram or Facebook. The moment finally arrived and so much quality time was spent on the first narnie that contains herb rubbed free range roast duck with roast pears, rocket, apple balsamic and aioli ($16).
Narnie: Roast Duck with roast pears, rocket, apple balsamic and aioli ($16)
For my childish behaviour, I had to do what was right and undress the first layer of the narnie bread to see closely all the other ingredients. Whoa, WHOA, WHOOAAAA, I think I’ve taken ownership as soon as Cath from Confessions of a Glutton passed the rest of the narnie to me. Let me be truthfully honest, I ate ¾ quarters of that narnie and I am not afraid to admit that I liked it. The roast pears were sensational and I was completely glued to the juicy tender roast duck pieces. As for that narnie, it’s still super soft and ready to be tackled by me. It’s an excellent combination with that creamy aioli sauce and the green piece of healthy rocket.
Only I would do this to a narnie. UNWRAP IT BABY!
There’s no excuse for me to hold back on the second narnie that includes wild mushrooms, baby spinach, truffle balsamic, stracchino cheese sauce and parmesan ($15). Keeping it classy this time, I decide to let my fork guide me to the mushrooms first. I can definitely see myself converting into a vegetarian. It’s such a down to Earth narnie that the truffle balsamic got everyone’s attention without having to try so hard to sell itself. Call me crazy but those mushrooms with the truffle balsamic and cheese sauce has got to one day turn it into a salad or a side dish. Not holding back, I tried to get as many mushrooms in mouth as possible. Like I said, I’m ready to convert into a vegetable!!! FYI it’s RARE for me to say that because I absolutely HEART MEAT.
Got to appreciate that wildness in this narnie. ($15)
There’s a mixture of feelings with the Grilled Atlantic octopus tossed with savoy cabbage, chilli, radish preserved lemon, hazelnuts and jalapeno dressing ($17). You can find a true voice in this salad as there’s an exquisite place of balance of sweet and sour, crunch from the cabbage and hazelnuts and chewiness from the sliced soft octopus. There’s so much texture on this plate that it made it hard for me to really define the speciality of this salad, however outstanding presentation of colours on this dish.
Grilled Atlantic octopus salad ($17)
What’s next is the organic tofu with charred broccolini, roasted almonds, Japanese seaweed and fresh peas ($15). I loved getting to know the natural flavours and textures of this healthy dish. Tofu and almonds seems to be two of the hottest condiments in any salad across Sydney, but it gets fancier when the broccolini welcomes itself on stage. I can see myself settle down with this.
Organic tofu with charred broccolini, roasted almonds, Japanese seaweed and fresh peas ($15)
I got lost when my lips kissed the Slow roasted free range pork lion with the smeared caramelized apple puree on the plate and crafted cherry tomato with black pudding ($18). I felt a connection with the flavoursome pork lion. Mild in flavour with sweet and savory ingredients from the apples and tomatoes. It’s one well-cooked pork lion that makes a sumptuous and unforgettable experience.
Slow roasted free range pork lion ($18)
I honestly don’t need to introduce the Beer batter chips with home made ailoi because it’s always an essential aspect of creativity to any meal you order here at Three Williams. I will point out it’s EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE! I tried persuading my right hand to settle down with just one more chippie, but no, suddenly my left hand decides to participate in this game.
Beer batter chips with home made ailoi, MUST HAVE IN YOUR BELLY!
There was chemistry between me and the Rangers Valley mbs 7+ wagyu minute steak with red wine butter and chips ($19). I was so impressed how that minute steak can be so tender, though we had issues with cutting this piece of steak. It wasn’t the steaks fault, it was because the ladies weren’t strong enough to cut through that juicy piece of meat. I’m sorry I haven’t been working out at the vending machine lately. As for the red wine butter, it look so airy and bubbly, it instantly reminded me of paté.
Rangers Valley mbs 7+ wagyu minute steak ($19)
Feeling like my dress is about to explode the Pan seared market fish with pea puree, broad beans and snow pea tendrils ($20) arrive looking glamourous in green. I underestimated the silver dory as it turned out to be packed full of flavour. You’d be able to smell the aromatic pea puree and the fish flakes easily with a fork. This dish really brightens up any lunch and the seasoning on the fish is properly distributed.
Pan seared market fish ($20)
My jaw actually dropped when the Crunchy brioche French toast with caramel bananas, hazelnuts and Belgian chocolate ($16) came looking like this. I kind of got a little bit distracted at how this toast can look so innocent, yet it’s so devilish inside. Not to pump me full of sugar or anything, but there’s so many possible reasons why I shouldn’t share this with six other girls. If you naturally assumed I’d be attached to this, you’re right!!! I felt an electric commitment with every single ingredient on this dish. It’s so wrong, yet so right! The toast itself looks trenched full of oil, but kids once you slice through this brioche, surprisingly it’s so light and fluffy inside. The crunchy brioche was so incredibly fun that I couldn’t decline the displayed French toast. Yes, the girls table had TWO BRIOCHE! My body couldn’t help it. I’m just rolling with it, no biggie.
Crunchy brioche French toast with caramel bananas, hazelnuts and Belgian chocolate ($16)
This concludes my trip to Three Williams and I am up for anything, particularly the crispy school prawns, brioche French toast and OH the narnies, off course. Three Williams really knows how to drop a major bomb on its customers. They don’t seem to hold back on justifying their own dishes and does one hell of a job at it. Applause to their outstanding team and thank you Three Williams for listening to their loyal customers feedback because there are introducing ALL DAY BREAKFAST!
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended as a guest thanks to Wasamedia. Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Check out my other Three Williams post I did. Click here.
Like to know more about Nessy Eater food adventures?
You can follow Nessy Eater on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter or feel free to leave a YUMMY comment 😀
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Breading Bad at Brasserie Bread Gluten-Free Baking Workshop
Fancy baking in a bakery? How about an evening making a loaf of gluten-free bread and shortcrust pastry? At Brasserie Bread, they have come up with one of the best gluten-free slumber baking party ideas ever. It’s a rare chance to spend 3 hours with an artisan baker and learn the technical skills from starter to finish. For ($160 per person) max 10 students per course, this intimate workshop allows you go create and bake an amazing gluten-free bread loaf, a foccacia-style cornbread and a smoked trout & goats cheese tart with natural ingredient. In 2013 the Brasserie Bread has won sourdough loaf and Gold Medal at the RAS Sydney Fine Food Show Awards and in 2014 winner of champion sourdough & organic bread at sydney royal fine food show. The bakery is always occupied with a variety of hot fresh baked breads and pastries. For those who like to attempt making gluten-free bread, Brasserie Bread offer evening classes. You wouldn’t want to miss out breaducation, if you happen to like bread.
Gluten-Free Baking Workshop at Banksmeadow Bakery.
At 1:30pm sharp, the breaducation door was wide open and whilst we wait for other guests to arrive, I go do my Nessy thang. Wandering around with my camera and trying snoop around and see how a bakery looks like. This crazy large kitchen has a lot of personality and I am talking about GIGANTIC mixer and LARGE oven, it’s a dream baking kitchen alright. We were almost ready to begin, but it was nice of Artisan Baker Jo to let us introduce ourselves. Just a few centimeters to my left, I happen to be standing next to Go Bake Yourself! Urvashi is incredibly an awesome baker and you’d want her to bake you something everyday! Also standing next to Urvashi, Grab Your Fork’s cousin, Yvonne happens to be in the house. What a small world! This woman is seriously a baking enthusiast as she mentioned this would be her second class. SUPER KEEN BEAN!
Baking 3 Hours of gluten-free bread is fun for everyone.
Enough of me waffling and we start off with our starter ingredients to make Gluten-Free Bread Loaf. This includes organic gluten free flour, organic buckwheat flour, organic besan flour, river salt, raw sugar, fresh yeast, extra virgin olive oil, milk, water, xanthan gum and biga. Jo mentions that in the gluten free flour, there is a mixture of organic gluten free flour, 75% organic brown rice flour, 12.5% millet, 12.5% buckwheat. Top secret tip: For every 500grams of this mix, add 1tablespoon of gelatine, so this let’s the bread mingle well together. With the mix of these organic flours and gelatine it helps create a better tastier characteristics, especially the tendency of the bread is quite strong. For the gluten free enthusiast, Jo recommends Eating Gluten Free and Bette Hagman’s recipes. After Jo introduces us to gluten-free ingredients and our schedule, we hop to it with our mixing. We blended our fresh yeast, raw sugar, salt to our cup of milk, then poured it straight into our bowl and mixed thoroughly together till it looks sticky.
This is not so hard! Gluten-Free Bread Loaf here I come.
Next, we add water and oil, then continue mixing thoroughly till you get a nice mushy texture.
Adding 40ml of extra virgin oil plus 80ml of water into the mixing bowl.
After a nice arm workout with mixing, add 200 grams of biga into the mixing bowl. Did you know? Biga is a natural fermenting dough that is used to create a breads characteristics of flavour.
That’s 200 grams of Biga.
Mixing all ingredients together.
Well that’s a wrap for Gluten Free Bread Loaf. Just kidding! We had no choice to say farewell to these babies for about an hour so they can bulk ferment in a warm place. We all had to make sure our bowls were covered in clean wrap, so no flavours dissolve out in open.
Placing these Gluten-Free Bread Loaf mixture into the refrigerate room before baking.
Eagerly waiting for a next activity, Jo introduces us to Lupin. Lupin is a fantastic ingredient as it contains LOW GI and HIGH in PROTEIN (up to 40%) and great health benefit for those participating high content of dietary fibre. It is made from dehulled leguminous lupin kernels, not maize. From an Artisan Baker’s perspective, Jo suggest Kialla Pure is an excellent choice to making gluten free products, however if you don’t have that then use whatever that best fits you.
Jo talks about the ingredients we were using.
For making our Gluten Free Focaccia, it was exactly the same steps to making Gluten Free Bread Loaf. However slight difference with ingredients: organic gluten free flour, river salt, raw sugar, fresh yeast, organic Lupin flour, extra virgin olive oil, milk, water, xanthan gum and biga. After combining all ingredients together, cover it with clean wrap and store in a warm place. During the waiting process, six lucky guests including myself got the opportunity to go behind the scene and witness Brasserie Bread baking world. Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take photos, but let me point this out, it was FREAKEN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! It felt like Willy Wonka Wonderland, except this one’s for the bread fanatics. We stopped at the croissant pastry room and endless trays of croissants were waiting to be baked. We even witnessed bakers who had no gloves on taking out hot crisp sourdough bread straight out of the oven. That’s unbelievably insane!
Excitingly waiting to place the mixture into that tiny tray.
I know! Time flies and our Gluten Free Bread Loaf mixture was ready. I am going to make sure this bread is going to look attractive to eat. But first, let me out scoop 250 grams of Gluten- Free Bread Loaf mixture to take home and test it out in my own oven.
We were allowed to take home 250g Gluten-Free Bread Loaf mixture.
Jo suggests we should sprinkle nothing but sesame seeds to add that additional flavour to our loaf of bread. Hmmmmmm I can smell it already!
Get ready to get baked Gluten-Free Bread Loaf.
Can’t wait to see how these bad boys will turn out.
Once these adorable tins are in the oven, get your hands dirty cause it’s time for Gluten Free Shortcrust Pastry. Each guest gets one piece of already made mixture that has been refrigerated for at least 1 hour before ready to use.
Excited to make Gluten-Free Shortcrust Pastry.
Closely listening and examining Jo’s method of placing the shortcrust onto the tin seemed super easy, but when I done it, it was a bit of a struggle. Luckily, a great tip Jo mentioned is use your roller to evenly shape the edges of the crust. Once you have enough confidence with the mold of your crust, add baking beans to hold the shape before place it in the oven.
Baking beans are used to get the shortcrust pastry to hold their shape before putting it in the oven.
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees, then push the tarts into the oven for 10 minutes until slightly golden brown. My tart almost looks golden brown, but don’t forget I need to add a few things then back in the oven again.
Hey! My gluten-free shortcrust pastry turned out not so bad for a first timer.
Jo offered us smoked trout, goats cheese, caramelised onion, ricotta and pesto to fill up a lovely tarts. Once all guests were finished showing-off their presentation talents, tarts went straight back in the oven again for about 10 minutes.
The best part about making gluten-free tart is filling it with smoked trout, goats cheese, caramelised onion and pesto.
What do you think? The crust was perfectly baked and texture was very nice and crumbly with a hint of buttery flavour.
TA DA! My work of art 😀
Fruit flavour refreshments : Frou Frou Cordials is a must try! Taste very fancy without any preservaties, colouring or artificial flavours.
Back to the bakery lab and our Gluten Free Focaccia is ready for us to mold. Before that Jo gives us some helpful hints to create the perfect flavours to our focaccia and that’s adding extra virgin olive oil. Once we’ve completed shaping our Focaccia, it’s ready to get baked!
Allow the mixture to ‘bulk fermet‘ for at least 1 hour in a warm place.
Jo demonstrating how to decorate the gluten-free focaccia.
Time to top the Gluten-Free Focaccia with desired ingredients.
Can’t believe I made my own Gluten Free Bread Loaf!!! I like I am one step closer to becoming the perfect future housewife 😛
Our Gluten-Free Bread Loaf is ready!
Ok ok, I confess and Urvashi can be my witness that most of the time I was the kid in this class. Everyone elses Gluten Free Focaccia turned out to be a normal, except mine and Urvashi. Haha! You see Urvashi focaccia and my Franklinstein focaccia got married in the baking room. They were baking it out for 15 minutes in the oven and they look perfectly happy with a nice golden crisp tan face. They make an excellent couple because they both have wonderful red sun dried tomatoes and sprinkles of rosemary smile and oh, can’t forget dusted cheddar cheese to add that extra personality.
Haha! Urvashi and I may of decorated our Gluten-Free Focaccia in a different manner.
Before we left, it was my duty to go for a BREAD-ING SPREE with Yvonne and Urvashi. Can you imagine how much bread and danishes one can take home and eat? Brasserie Bread have an enormous supply of bread, cake and pastries. It honestly didn’t take us long to decide what bread to take home because everything smelt so delicious, my body was ready for it.
WOW! Is this bread heaven or what?! ❤ ❤ ❤
Ready to eat Olive & Rosemary Loaf
Love to whack someone in the head with the Rustic Loaf. KIDDING! Or am I ? 😛
All the French Pastry one could ever ask for!
This is where beautiful breads and pastries are made.
I only have one sentence to sum up my BREAD-ING SPREE feelings. DAMMMMMN GIRL!!!! Mama’s bringing home the bread. 😛 I apologise to you readers in advance that your eyes will have to witness a few disturbing photos and maybe some side effects include craving for bread and pastries.
Just doing my BREAD SPREE with Urvashi at Brasserie Bread Bakery store. No biggie!
Let me introduce you to some unique breads that Brasserie Bread has to offer!!! You won’t be bored from this bakery. Behold! Organic Sourdough – Large Bakers Round that’s the size of my face and BIGGER.
French Mountain Bread – Large Bakers Round-It’s TWO TIMES BIGGER than my FACE.
Granary Toast Loaf packed with variety of 6 grains.
The Kalamata Olives & Fresh Rosemary Boule ($7.50) is great with soup.
Walnut & Fig Loaf ($7.50) contains chock-full of walnuts and dried figs and is the ultimate fruit sourdough.
Ready to take on the world with my my French Mountain shield and Rustic sword.
(Excuse my messy Nessy hair, I just came back from a battle).
I am not ashamed of myself for not being that typical girl who enjoys shopping spree at a shopping center ( don’t get me wrong, I love that too), but I rather get some carbs in my system and go all bread-ing bad at the bakery.Teehee.
Nessy Eater girl clearly brings home the bread. Haha!
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended as a guest to Brasserie Bread Gluten-Free Baking Workshop, thanks to Brasserie Bread.
Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
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Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar – Crown Metropol Continental Breakfast
My first visit to Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar was on a sweet matter and now the ultimate ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT breakfast (from $38.50 per person) is calling. With the simple smart casual interior approach, one of its unusual highlight is the extravagant wooden bird-cage light fittings. Near the entrance you will be pleasantly surprised by the wine wall and at the dessert bar, shelves decorated with crystal clear glass jars that are filled entirely with house-made candies. On a relaxed day, I somehow managed to skip Melbourne’s famous breakfast hotspots and zombie my way down to Mr. Hive.
Entrance
The quirky elegance of this spacious long dining room is set to be inspired by Middle-Eastern sense- quite a contrast from the usual bright earthy colours. Properly furnished in fine black wooden tables are set with soft snug leather chairs. Bizarrely I kept track of the number of waiters who served us, at least five, who are very eager to help you with anything.
Mr. Hive dining area
Found my own little happy place – this is just one section of our continental breakfast- fresh fruits and cereal is displayed on a HUMONGOUS wooden table, right in the middle of a sacred room.
Secret fruit room with Bird cage like lamp
Something nutritional and healthy to munch on whilst having a bowl of crunchy cereal with milk.
Selection of fruits
Never ending table filled with sliced watermelon, grapes, sliced rockmelon, pineapple, banana, apple and if you are feeling lazy to peel or cut then fruit salad is an option.
The other side of fruit selection
Contemplating on which cereal to eat first… it may take a while…
Can pick any cereal! Which one would you want to try?
I downed several glasses of fruity drinks before I started my next food hunting. It feels like paradise when they offer a tropical selection of orange, mango, apple and pineapple juice.
Juice Station
Dishes are replaced at a crackling pace once a plate is near to being empty. The pink grapefruits are a catch to the big kids, whilst dried fruit such as apricots and sultana and nuts like almond are superb nibbles while I stroll a merry-go-round a few times at the fruit section. Teehee.
Breakfast typically consists of just cereal, right? WRONG. Mr. Hive Kitchen serves smoked salmon for a starter. We were most impressed with the flavours and texture- very smooth and complex. A cold dish that doesn’t disappoint the salmon lovers.
Smoked Salmon
If you much prefer an Aussie start of the day breakfast, don’t fear because pan-fried crispy bacon (top left) is here. Grab a few chicken (top right) or pork (bottom right) sausages or maybe a sunny-side fried egg?
Bacon, Sausage and fried eggs
We are whisked over to the freshly baked pastries area that is too irresistible to not be in my belly. Seriously a pastry haven here in Mr. Hive Kitchen. They offer apricot Danish (top left) with custard for added squishy-ness, light flaky buttery mini croissants (top right), solider of oat muffins (bottom left) and basic bread rolls. Slab on some butter and enjoy it while it’s warm!
Please pack me some pastries to take home.
I am a sucker for the low fat thick Greek yogurt (bottom right) with seasonal mixed berries in a jar. An easy peasy way to finish a luxurious continental breakfast.
Greek yogurt with seasonal mixed berries.
Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar features a rustic dining area, complete with a very relaxing atmosphere for any occasion. With a delicious range of house made pastries, pan fried bacon and selection of fresh fruits, I wouldn’t mind accepting an invitation if they offered to let me grab something for road to go.
Mr.Hive bar area
Photos by Vanny Tang
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