Sweet Dessert Treats
Everything Fine at LuMi Bar and Dining | Pyrmont
Dining at a restaurant that’s right on Sydney’s wharf and sampling a cuisine that’s Japanese with an Italian twist is something you cannot forget. At LuMi Bar and Dining you’ll be able to maximise the experience as it has a beautiful open kitchen to watch chefs delicately construct your dishes or you can you sip on a cocktail and watch the Sydney view.
Hello LuMi Bar & Dining!
For a weekend lunch, we opted for an 8 course plus snacks which absolutely works for people who’d prefer to seat at the wharf on a sunny day and have a long lunch. First up the snacks arrived at our table with a glass of sparkling NV Rustico prosecco.
Snacks
We kicked off with the zucchini pancake with generous sprinkles of grated parmesan. This tiny pancake of zucchini had me questioning how I was going to lift it up with my fat fingers as it looked very delicate. One sudden move and it could collapse!
Zucchini Pancake
It was quite an unusual snack but had a natural sweet taste to it. The parmesan cheese added an extra level of creaminess consistency, which I liked, a lot. Zucchini-haters will enjoy without them knowing this baby contains a vegetable in it.
Look at that delicate piece of zucchini pancake.
Next up, we were surprised to see the diced tuna wrapped in a thin crispy sweet potato cone. In some cases, tuna is not always a favorite option of mine but serve it like this and I’ll be hunting the chef down. A very satisfying snack that pleases all ages. The tuna was well seasoned and the sweet potato was paper thin. I already feel healthier devouring this and you would too.
Tuna with sweet potato cone
Chanwamushi is a delicate savory Japanese dish that’s simply steamed hot egg custard bathed in dashi, soy sauce and mirin.
Moreton Bay Bug Chanwamushi
At LuMi, the flavors are quite different yet it does keep its original texture as a silky-smooth tofu pudding yet with a hint of Italian. It contained moreton bay bug juice, yuzu dashi and shellfish oil. Not a bad way to blend the two cuisines together into one as it was pure harmonious flavors in a cup.
OH MAN! This chanwamushi was super silky.
We received the housemade rye & spelt brioche. I giggled at the brioche as it looked like one of the Queen’s Royal crown. The brioche was beautifully golden, soft and perfectly puffed outside.
Here comes the Royal Crown rye & spelt brioche.
We smothered the warm toasty bread with easily spreadable burnt butter mascarpone. Add those two combinations together and we’ve created CARB HEAVEN.
I’m telling you…you’re in CARB HEAVEN after having this.
Open kitchen where you can witness the Chefs plate their food art work.
To our next course the tomato & strawberry was fresh fermented strawberries with skinless baby tomatoes. The flavours are zesty and simple, topped off with garden herbs which gave a burst of freshness.
Camouflage, can you guess which one is the tomatoes and which one is the strawberries?
Talk about bugs and everyone will start screaming but when it comes to moreton bay bug, LuMi does a terrific dish that will let you forget about the name!
Moreton Bay Bug
The edible meat was certainly something I’ve never encountered as it was served semi raw but well-seasonally cooked in texture.
Best moreton bay bug dish I’ve had so far!
It certainly brought a strong district flavor to the table which made them a perfect ingredient to marry with the seaweed crisp circular shell and heavily powered with what appeared to be green tea was seaweed powder. GODDAMN IT!!! I want to order another hundred of these.
Just look at this green beauty!
Couldn’t help but order the Yuzushu Sour ($18) just because. A very light, not overly sour cocktail as it contained a mix of Cointreau and Yuzu infused Umeshu. My tongue could feel the delicate hints of yuzu and perfect acidity to refresh my palates for the next course.
Yuzushu Sour ($18)
Here comes some pasta action and we were greeted with four mushroom agnolotti. It was overwhelming to see an oversized plate holding four delicately handmade pasta dumplings as this dish made me feel like I was giant, haha.
Mushroom Agnolotti
Each agnolotti was thin and smooth holding a warm liquid center filled with a pool of manchego and a hint of truffle oil. Now it made perfect sense why the portion size was served as is. All four parcels delivered an incredible fantasy of pure delicate mushrooms with a surface of creaminess that tastes a gazillion times better than it looks, no offence.
Look how adorable is the mushroom agnolotti.
By now my body was asking for stomach expansion but the show must go on. For our last savory dish, we were served a piece of lamb that was nicely cooked as the meat would effortlessly part with not having to use much weight on the fork. There was an exquisite level of juiciness in the lamb and full of flavor that paired well with carrot mash.
Lamb
Don’t need no explanation for the kakigori as it magically looked pretty in pink on a plate. This was no ordinary simple shaved ice as it contained plum kakigori with basil, vinegar custard and lime sherbet. One of most interesting palate cleanser I’ve tasted. It was tangy and a burst of aromatic citrus in my mouth with a punch of vinegar, surprisingly a wow factor and an excellent way to semi end it.
You had me at plum kakigori.
To wrap up our tasting menu the salted geranium that included salted geranium ice cream, black currant reduction and a violet mousse was phenomenal. It was sugar-crusted but not to overwhelming and the violet mousse and black currant provided a touch of sweetness with the slight bitterness from the salted geranium. Very enjoyable dessert as I had the opportunity to play with my food by karate cracking the top shell with my spoon.
Salted Geranium
After 3 hours to get through our small tasting menu all I can say is it’s worth every calorie to visit LuMi Bar and Dining, but it does come with a $120 per person price tag, however you get to eat at one of Sydney’s wharf and see a stunning view. I’d say it’s a one of the greatest ways to spend your money on! I hope this becomes a permanent part of my weekend lineup. Okay…maybe I’ll just keep dreaming, haha.
Exquisite View at LuMi Bar and Dining
This meal was independently paid for.
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Lyndey Milan Baking Product Launch|Blueprint Potts Point
For over 25 years Lyndey Milan has a trademark style of summer baking and what a perfect way to share her exciting secrets on the Lyndey Milan’s Summer Baking Secrets on Channel 7. Lyndey’s six week delicious adventures begin with mouth-watering baked goods, all which can be easily re-created at the heart of your own kitchen, then comes with a fair few of time-saving tips, baking secrets, and her personal insights. Not only does she make the most simple recipes look heavenly rewarding but so does her first-ever bakeware range, the culmination of 30 year’s experience and a two-year collaboration with Margaret Butler, founder of Anasazi.
That summer themed high tea spread at Lyndey Milan’s Bakware Launch.
You’d want a slice or maybe the whole cake in your stomach as the chocolate naked cake is filled with outer layer of buttercream. It’s not your traditional cake as it has a colourful texture of smooth creamy chocolate cream and oh the fresh flowers and leaves adds a nice floral surprise.
Eyes on this Chocolate Naked Cake prize decorated with fresh flowers
That inner shot of the layered cake…HMMMMMMmmmm…
The Mexicans are in town with these adorable child size jalapeno mini muffins. These sweet, crumbly muffins are unbelievably easy to finish and might I say would be perfect compliment to any soup. I didn’t have portion control for this as it was a nice spicy kick to my tastebuds.
Jalapeno Mini Muffins
With the success of Summer Baking Secrets Tv Series, it’s only right for Lyndey to release her first-ever bakeware range. If you’ve been secretly watching Lyndey Milan’s top tips about baking and easy peasy recipes then you would have easily noticed her bakeware ranges. It’s hard to forget where you’ve placed each piece of these products as there’s a variety of modern cream ceramic-coated tinware, new-age silicone bakeware, clever double seal storage containers and let’s not forget Lyndey’s signature hot-pink baking accessories.
Truly the new-age silicone bakeware
The TV series is based around Lyndey’s collection as it brings the best out of every home cook even if you’re clueless about cooking. It’s definitely your bake range heroes. All Lyndey’s Bake Range is available to purchase in store from Blueprint Retail in Potts Point. Better get those silicon heart shaped chocolate mold, it’s too sweet to resist in your kitchen.
Now I need this and this and that in my kitchen. OH AND that knife as well 😀
If you’re a cheesecake fan then you’d wouldn’t want to miss out on this. It is dainty and light topped with honeycomb caramel crumbles.
Bite-size Cheesecake
Now now before I start telling myself I need to control my sugar diet these orange and lime marmalade trifle filled in a cup screams summer more than a bright citrusy dessert.
Cute cups filled with Orange and Lime Marmalade Trifle
Now if you don’t like eating veggies then why not hide them in a cake? The gluten-free carrot and zucchini slab cake knows how to disguise it’s healthy looks and taste. There’s a great scent of ground cinnamon and orange grind. By the way you wouldn’t miss it for the world that lemon icing and to garnish the toasted fragrant of sunflower, pumpkin seeds and pine nut mix.
Gluten-Free Carrot and Zucchini Slab Cake
Who needs assistance to eat the simple chocolate fudge cake topped with fresh rasphberries when you can certainly have it all to yourself. This cake is delicious on its own but even better topped fresh pieces of rasphberries. This might be one of the most heavenly bakes to devour and with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream on the side, it would be 110% perfect.
Simple Chocolate Fudge Cake topped with fresh Raspberries
Thumbs up for tasting so good!
A selection of bite-size cakes. Now which one should I eat first? 😛
Simon from SimonFoodFavourites says “Take a selfie with Tetsuya”
Had to join the Tetsuya Wakuda selfie line
Oh who is this CUTIE PIE?! Baby Noah and Jackie M and also HELLO Christine from Cooking Crusade
This extraordinary dessert, made Simon from SimonFoodFavourites eye on it for an hour at least before it was time to cut. Made with crisp hazelnut meringue and whipped cream then topped with fruit pieces, I had leverage over Simon. Teehee.
Perfect Layered Hazelnut Meringue Cake splashed with fresh fruit pieces.
Now that’s one crazy meringue cake I wouldn’t mind taking home.
You’re my five spice plum and almond crumble pie. It contains a rich taste and that hit of salt balances out the sweetness of the stone fruit with some luscious plums in between.
That long log of Five Spice Plum and Almond Crumble Pie
Like Lyndey’s vibrant personality, it’s only right her collection is warm and inviting with each baking piece featuring her recipes. With inspirations from her friends and family, she explains it’s important we don’t waste our time washing and cleaning in the kitchen after a long days work cooking and baking, so every piece is dishwasher safe. For her silicone non-stick and the utensils have eco friendly, sustainably sourced bamboo handles.
Say goodbye to grey coloured bakeware ranges.
Need this in my kitchen cabinet, please.
With all the flavor of a traditional tomato pie, these tiny tarts was a big hit at the party. It was a lovely stylish starter and an appetising savoury. Made with ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant herbs, this tart is both delicious and beautiful.
Tomato Tarts
It’s the Vanilla verison of the Naked Cake topped with beautiful fresh flowers
OH MY! Pink show bags to take home.
Such a pleasure to finally meet Lyndey Milan
It was a fun floral high tea filled with gorgeous fresh flowers all scattered around the cakes and mini tarts. I just couldn’t quite point out which slice of cake I heart the most, but I do know I wanted it all to myself. It was lovely to finally meet a Lyndey as well a few surprise guests like Jackie M and Tetsuya Wakuda. Till then keep baking more sweet treats!
Lyndey knows how to HIGH tea!
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended High Tea hosted by Lyndey Milan, thanks to AC Verve.
Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
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Celebration Cooking with Jessica Pedemont + Interview
Keen to decorate dessert like a Master Chef? Then head along to Celebration Cooking on the 1st Floor 720 New Canterbury Road, Canterbury and join Jessica Pedemont in this hands on class to explore the colourful and vibrant world of of decorating cakes and desserts. Learn the art of pastry from the industry’s finest. We always seem to see those celebrity chefs on TV and they make it all look super easy by taking a pinch of this and adding a cup of that. Then transforming the ingredients into something that makes our mouth water like as if we saw a supermodel walk across the room. At the Celebration Cooking they do the same, by providing step-by-step process at an absolute beginner or seasoned level from $220 a class and then turn you into a patisserie decorator master.
Guess who made this?! Hint it’s someone who cannot cook and is VERY messy 😛
Now which door will you choose today? 😛
There is so many types of cacao in different processes. Check out the mini museum hidden at the corner.
We are first welcomed with our own individual notes, ganache, chocolate cake and tea towel in class. Yes did I mention you get your very own CAKE…no need to share for those who like it all to themselves *raise my hand*.
Getting the wafer party started
Starting her own business called Chocolate Artisan 8 years ago and just launched her very own Sydney based cooking school early this year AND happen to be the FINALIST for the “Local Business Awards 2015“- Jessica Pedemont, a Muay Thai Kickboxer who is highly regarded pastry chef with over 18 years of experience, runs a cooking class most weekends and offer personalised class. Classes are an ideal way to learn the basics of sugar craft and with a house-made coffee made by Jessica herself on arrival and the opportunity to take home the treats you create, who wouldn’t want to participate? Not only does this bad ass chef uses her fists and elbows along with various wrestling techniques in her own cooking classes just so she can score more points, but she already won the match for being the most sweetest chef you’d ever meet.
HEY it’s Jessica Pedemont in her PINK Chef uniform.
We start off with cooking some cake lace in decorative moulds and my oh my am I impressed with how easy this looks. You so can do this at home if Jessica was next to you.
DIY cake lace moulds
Spotted an EDIBLE “Food Scene” painting made by Jessica who was nominated to make an art work for Australian Cake Decorating Network gallery at the Cake Bake Sweet Show “Sydney in Cake” exhibition. The theme was “What inspires me about Sydney?”. It is clearly evident a lot has got to do with edible ingredients…and mostly sweets I believe. It’s a NO BRAINER that there is royal icing, chocolate, modeling chocolate, rice paper, icing, gum paste, edible paints and wafer paper. Yeah you name it kiddo.
This painting is edible kids!
I knew straight away this girl LOVES her CHOCOLATE as she is so passionate and detailed about explaining the right ingredients for each type of chocolate cake. Who knew I found my chocolate soul mate. Teehee. Stepping away from the kitchen and kickboxing scene Jessica spends her time writing for the Australian Baking Business that offers an inside look at the news and views affecting today’s baking industry.
True face of a chocolate lover.
All cakes and ganache are provided and made from scratch by Jessica using Swiss ‘Felchlin‘ couverture Chocolate, ‘Pepe Saya‘ butter and buttermilk and free range eggs.
Time to set-up a round cake with chocolate ganache and create sharp edges.
Tough love was seen here as we carefully place the warm gooey ganache that was re-heated to the surface of the cake. It felt like a lifetime smoothing the surface as I tried not to remove sweat off my face when dealing with something so delicate in front of me.
You need steady surgical hands to create smooth surfaces for this cake.
SUCCESS for Nessy Eater Girl!
We now move on to colour and handling techniques for fondant. We decided sunset orange and with confidence the cake will look even brighter.
I can see a rainbow
During the roll of sugar fondant icing, we somehow created Mr. Blob. Teehee.
Minutes before we started our class we had the pleasure to meet Tommy Prosser, who worked at the 1 Michelin starred Gravetye Manor and 3 Michelin starred Waterside Inn. Tommy tells us he dreams of one day eating in all the world’s best restaurants. Not just a man who knows how to cook though, it turns out Tommy’s quite the fighter as well…the sporting kind of course.
Sneaky shot of Jessica Pedemont and partner in crime Tommy Prosser.
I spy C-A-K-E!!!
SPOTTED another cake display.
Best quote ever for hard workers 🙂
NOW it’s time to cover with ready to roll sugar fondant icing. Be prepared to work-out your arms as it requires all strengths from your upper body.
We set-up a round cake with chocolate ganache and created a magnificent smooth edging. The beauty of this cake is its simplicity. Crisp orange edges and a comfy icing fondant are a solid go-to cake.
I think my ego just boosted for making this cake look so smooth…
There may have been a competition happening between four of us students in the wafer class.
Time to make wafer rose.
Our cake lace moulds are set.
Personally the most difficult part of this class was having patience. We spent a generous amount of time outlining the shapes of the leaves, cutting out and brushing with edible glue. Sadly that wasn’t the hard part. It was making sure you didn’t glue your fingers to other wafer paper leaves. In the end we pulled through and below is what we ended up with. What do you guys think? 😀
*Woo-hoo* Made a wafer paper from scratch
Did you know that this decorative lace mould is edible?!?!
We are almost finished with making our own wafer rose paper cake and now our eyes pay close attention to Jessica as she demonstrates the final steps. I swear I was DEFEATED with Jessica’s 18+ years experience as it looks easy from here as she sticks on the cake laces within seconds.
Jessica teaching us the handling techniques.
Okay…I may not be the best cake decorator but the smell of the cake was astonishing. MUST not eat this cake till it is complete…
Steady now…
Now that’s a wrap folks of the wafer paper rose cake class.
WOAHZA! How simply was that? Hehe
It’s impossible to ignore these cakes…
Incredible hard work has been put to these wafer rose cakes.
You don’t leave empty handed at Celebration Cooking with Jessica Pedemont.
Top view of Nessy Eater’s Wafer Paper Rose Cake. Suspense is killing me to show you!!!!
But FIRST let me show you “behind the scenes” …#Sorrynotsorry…yeah I am childish 😛
We did it GIRLS! Totes can be a pastry chef any day…*coughs*
Jessica Pedemont has an enormous range of cooking and decorating classes to choose from including Brioche Nutella Star, Macaron Mayhem, Handbag cake and Christmas Fruit Cake just to name a few. They are perfect for all ages even catering some of her classes for the wild kids you may have. Jessica’s classes are also an excellent gift to give or if you are impressing the family or maybe someone special *wink wink*. With less than 4 weeks to go till Christmas i’d be be scheduling classes before they all book out. Just make sure you don’t mess with her otherwise she’ll organise a Muay Thai match and we know who will win this one. Teehee.
We had to do kawaii poses just for the sake of it 😀
Tell me about yourself Jessica Pedemont
I started Martial Arts when I was 15, mostly kickboxing and Muay Thai. I’ve always been athletic. I progressed to mixed martial arts, competing on a professional world level, then eventually was asked to do freestyle wrestling for Australia and competed at Oceana. As a kid, I was a national gymnast. I’m always game to learn new things. I love to travel, meet new people, different cultures.
When did you realise being a Pastry Chef was your passion? And do you have any passions outside of cooking?
While I still also do work as a savoury chef, my passion for pastry was a natural progression. I’d trained in both, as you do. Other passions, as above, include sport, well-being and travel.
How did the opportunity at Celebration Cooking come about?
Andrew, the owner of Celebration Cakes, is someone I’ve known in the industry for many years and he offered me this space where I’m current teaching. It’s been a great opportunity to have a dedicated facility so close to my home.
Tell me about being in the FINALIST for the “Local Business Awards 2015”? What was rushing through your mind when you received the news?
It was a pretty unbelievable as I’d only just opened. It’s been a great privilege to be recognised for our work.
What personal quirks does your team tease you about?
Since fitness is important to me, I still like to balance all my cooking with a good workout…
What’s your process for coming up with a new cooking/decorating classes?
We do take a lot of student feedback, recommendations…I’m always open to new ideas. Often my students will ask for things…which is really encouraging. Classes for kids, water colour cookies, marzipan, etc.
Is there a chef that you admire?
I admire chefs who are hard-working, who have a sensitive palette, who have skill, talent, poise…who are deeply passionate and elegant to watch work…oh and and a sense of adventure, a great pedigree, amazing experiences in kitchens…it makes me think of my partner Tommy Prosser. He’s also very humble, which is a killer trait, so I don’t mind mentioning him here. I also like what Jaime Oliver has done. Doing a lot to help communities, get people to think and act, love his fresh approach to food, even making good/healthy eating easy and quick where appropriate.
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended Wafer Paper Rose Cake, thanks to Celebration Cooking.
Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
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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Gypsy Dining Experience at The Emporium |Parramatta
This year Parramatta has transformed typical quiet urban spaces into a magical vibrant world of colours, sounds and tastes. The Emporium is one of many restaurants that invite people to experience unique nightlife and for food lovers enjoy everything from European inspired delicacies to Middle Eastern flavours. The vibe is rustic style eatery and has a classy edge – draped in greenery and filled with natural light. With three separate dining areas including two alfresco spaces, a coffee roaster and a bakery, this place caters for all guests.
This is what I call enchanting courtyard party at The Emporium.
You’ll notice handmade furniture imported from Venice.
People of Parramatta you better strap yourselves in to get a glimpse of the Mediterranean Feel.
Born in Italy, raised in Australia, the Purezza sparkling water
To start we had albacore tuna tartare with miso, corn and a generous spread of avocado with squid ink puffed rice paired with St Clair Gruner Veltliner 2012, Marlborough NZ. To satisfy the omega 3 lovers this may have been ridiculously addictive, we just kept dunking the puffed rice into that gloriously fragrant smell of corn and miso. I took great delight in seeing who could grab the biggest piece of tuna. Teehee.
Albacore Tuna Tartare
General manager Dominic Borel (ex-Gazebo and the Local Taphouse) shares his tales of how he was contacted by the owners John and Sam Ayoub, who are also behind the successful chain The Coffee Emporium.
Domonic Borel
Next we have waygu beef tartare that’s finely plated with kohl rabi, eggplant, black garlic, salt and vinegar tapioca puffs paired with Soumah Savarro Savagnin 2014, Yarra Valley Vic. To add that extra texture egg yolk puree was in the house. This was a pretty entree and had a perfect rare centre. The egg yolk had me swiping the plate clean of that precious liquid puree. What surprised most guests was the droplets of black garlic that seemed to twist a lot of people’s taste buds.
Waygu Beef Tartare
Stunning Italian-villa inspired garden.
How could I resist Petuna ocean trout with a healthier option that includes thin slices of fennel, radish, apple and raspberry matched with a glass of Chateau Riotor Cote du Provence Rose, Provence FR. It is clear the highlight of this dish was the splash of pink salad. Yeah I don’t know how that happened on the one plate but I’m sure I enjoyed this. This has got to be the perfect spring colour dish. The trout was reasonably cooked and the salad married so well with the flavours. I loved the crunchy bits of the fennel and apple. It made this plate more exciting!
Petuna Ocean Trout
On a heavier side we were served with pork hock that was slow cooked for hours and HOURS in secret master stock and matched with a glass of Jed Malbec 2013, Mendoza ARG. The pork was juicy enough that it didn’t really need anything else.
Pork Hock
That GLORIOUS side view of the pork hock had my heart skip a beat. My god how GOOD was the skin?! That fat could quietly kill me. The hock was so satisfying with the candied chilli and green paw paw salad but me thinks it was missing something. Coming from an Asian background I felt like I needed to order a bowl of plain white rice. Perhaps it was the salad taste that got me wanting rice. It was evident that I enjoyed this dish because I scraped the plate clean.
There’s a hulk in my pork.
The menu, in the hands of Head Chef Robert Cannon (ex-Pony Lounge & Dining) is contemporary Australian with a Mediterranean taste. Trained in the UK mastering classic English dishes, Rob brings a wealth of experience and skills to The Emporium.
Rob Cannon
In addition to the mouth-watering savoury menu, The Emporium has a range of cheeses to get you into the mood for the cheesy side of you. The delice de cremier had a rich, indulgent triple cream cow’s milk texutre with a soft, sweet and buttery flavour. To accompaniment there was quince paste, dried sultans, granny apple slices and gourmet wafers. The refreshing and clean taste of Walnut Block Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough NZ was epic.
Delice De Cremier
Dessert time and we had chocolate cremeaux paired with a lovely glass of Piggs Peake Suckling Pig Sticky Shiraz 2014, Hunter Valley NSW. We were SUPER cheerful to see this sweet treat however none of us wanted to share. I believe I fell in love with the honeycomb ice cream or maybe it was the chocolate soil, dulce de leche and espresso gel. Every spoonful I ate had a much more intense flavour and that espresso aroma was intoxicating in a good way.
Chocolate Cremeaux
Front Entrance of The Emporium
Parramatta’s European inspired restaurant.
The Emporium is the perfect addition to Parramatta’s thriving food and cultural scene and might I add it’s a must-visit food destination with an enchanting courtyard party full of gypsy swing tunes, sights and scents of thriving romance! The menu is designed to be shared amongst friends so you better bring your angel side along.
In other news The Emporium will be celebrating Melbourne Cup in style on Tuesday 3rd November with surprise guests, best dressed awards, sweeps, screens, hats, heels and many more. Spoil yourself with canapes and champagne in Erby Place for $50 per head or champagne and sit down lunch in The Emporium and garden courtyard for $75 per head.
Now that is what I call food styling.
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater attended Gypsy Dining Experience at The Emporium, thanks to Stellar.
Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
Like to know more about Nessy Eater food adventures?
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Smooth Festival of Chocolate & Australian Patisserie Academy
One of the best things about being a food blogger is sampling ALL of the amazing chocolates thanks to Smooth FM. Last Saturday we had the pleasure to celebrate decadent desserts and chocolate designs from the best patisseries, chocolatiers and ice-creameries when the Smooth Festival of Chocolate had returned to The Rocks.
Don’t know where to start…
Spread of “CHOCOLATE GOODIE BAG”
Pssst… I have a whole stash of these Tim Tams. Who doesn’t like Tim Tam O’cloak?! Put those Tim Tams in my bag and nobody gets hurt. For the first time Arnott’s Tim Tam joined the festival at the Arnott’s Tim Tam Temptation Tent allowing chocolate lovers like me to experience Australia’s favourite indulgences.
Taking on the TIM TAM CHALLENGE!
It was a pleasure seducing La Renaissance chocolate tart. Garnishing this tart with chocolate included fresh raspberries, sprinkles of pistachio and a gold leaf gives this dessert a truly luxurious finish.
Beautifully smooth La Renaissance chocolate tart
We looked forward to trying some authentic handmade chocolates from Australian Patisserie Academy. We indulged each heavenly chocolate pieces. DAT CHOCOLATE SCENT! 😀 ❤
Impress Australian Patisserie Academy chocolates
Wag-Anna’s Wagon Wheel by Anna Polyviou.
Right before we attended the 2015 Smooth Festival of Chocolate, we were invited to attend the Smooth Festival of Chocolate Blogger Cooking Class at the Australian Patisserie Academy. We had not clue what to expect other then it involved something like chocolate… 😀
Excited and ready for APA’s cooking class
Impressive showpieces by Australian Patisserie Academy
Loving the selection of fine ingredients
Whilst Chef Angelo Roche from the Australian Patisserie Academy discusses ideas for our Tim Tam dish …we couldn’t wait to share our plates with you guys and here’s a hint…it involves TIM TAM BABY!!!
A great pastry education leads to great pastry!
We were a little obsessed with plating our dishes and felt a little tension coming from other bloggers such as *cough* Joe from 2 Hungry Guys *cough*. But this guy sure deserves two thumbs up for the creativity that I couldn’t possibly have. I ended up letting him win so I could eat more…that’s right. Teehee.
Made with love man…can’t you see?!
We had so much fun creating wicked sweet treats. I don’t remember the last time I’ve ever had so much fun creating and eating at the same time. There was so much chocolatey flavour in my dish and to balance it out I HAD to add some fresh fruits like strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and orange slices.
How amazing are these little babies?
OH and I couldn’t resist making my very own “Tim Tam Ferrari Car“. Totally everyone that night suffered from major envy that I made this baby. Cameron Daddo and Chef Angelo Roch was pretty impressed with my work. #nonotreally
Perfection on a plate
Cameron Daddo in the house!
Perfection by Joe from 2 Hungry Guys
You don’t need a map to figure out that Chef Angelo Roch is super talented. This born Sri Lanka and raised in India chef committed to sharpening up his patisserie skills in France and America to complete his professional development pastry courses at Ecole Lenôtre France, Ecole Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil Paris and the Callebaut Academy Chicago.
Chef Angelo Roch
A sneak peak of one of the dishes Chef Angelo Roch created. I couldn’t bring myself to eat this especially when it looked so special and delicate. It was everything I imagined, but BETTER.
Insane presentation by Chef Angelo Roch
Smooth FM’s Host Cameron Daddo and Nessy Eater Girl
We got to work with the most talented pastry chefs in Australia at Australian Patisserie Academy. And not just because these two chefs are brothers but they are both skilled, thoughtful and original chefs who are able to concentrate solely on patisseries.
Chef Joseph and Chef Angelo Roche
If only I could add smell to these photos!!
Got another sweet surprise to take home that night at the Smooth Festival of Chocolate Blogger Cooking Class, I call it the “CHOCOLATE JEWELLERY BOX”. The harmony of sweet flavours starts with the white chocolate pieces. Teamed with the milk chocolates and dark chocolates, this box packs a punch when it comes to flavour and texture.
“CHOCOLATE JEWELLERY BOX“ by the Australian Patisserie Academy
Another gift bag and I don’t think I can ever refuse chocolate.
It was SATURDAY 12th September and we started our Smooth FM journey at the Tim Tam Temptation Tent and guess who was in my camera screen looking all happy with candy…ADRIANO ZUMBO of course.
Happy Adriano Zumbo with science beakers filled with candy.
Working in progress to eat all the chocolates in the world!
Tim Tam Temptation Tent Instagram Wall.
Adriano Zumbo with family memebers at the Tim Tam Temptation Tent
Löwenbräu HOT Pretzels
Löwenbräu Keller hot dogs
OH MY GOD Chocolate Cronuts
Bumped into Adriano Zumbo AGAIN!!
Fast forward two hours and we were inside BAR100. The solid sandstone building at 100 George Street in the Rocks was built as a mariners’ church more than 100 years ago. Our jaws dropped when we noticed a long table filled with…you guessed it chocolate. While I tried my hardest to try everything…I kinda failed but that’s okay I knew 15+ packs of Tim Tam were waiting for me to eat them. HAHA.
Spread of sweet SWEET chocolate TREATS at BAR 100
And there was MORE MORE MOREEEEEEE!!!
Chocolate cocktail
I had a bit of this and that and this and that…
We arrived fashionably early that we managed to spot this elegant lady dressed in 1910’s style. She was hovering with her table filled with Tim Tams. It sounds crazy but she graciously moved around better than I can.
Tim Tam Lady
I was so tempted to take this GIGANTIC TIM TAM home.
Well that’s a wrap! It was freaken awesome to experience a taster of the amazing talent in this year’s Smooth Festival of Chocolate. There were truly some extraordinary chocolatier’s such as Adriano Zumbo and award winning Chocolatier Jodie Van De Velden. How can we forget Shangri-La Hotel Sydney’s Executive Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou punked up the kitchen at the Callebaut Test Kitchen. By the end of the day I realised I have a condition that makes me eat when I can’t sleep. It’s called insom-nom-nom-nom-nia.
Photos by Vanny Tang
Disclaimer: Nessy Eater plus guest attended Smooth Festival of Chocolate thanks Nova Entertainment, SmoothFM and The Society Group
Nessy Eater attended Smooth Festival of Chocolate Blogger Cooking Class thanks to Nova Entertainment and Australian Patisserie Academy
Opinions are however, Nessy Eater’s own.
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