Food Archives | Page 20 of 68

Nespresso Variations Goes For the Nutty Notes This Year

22 November 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 1 Comments Category: Coffee Love, Food

One of the reasons why I hesitated on buying a Nespresso machine before was because I thought that having one will limit me to enjoying just a number of flavours. I was wrong. Nespresso creates a Limited Edition Grand Cru which appears twice a year, one in Spring and another in Autumn. When we bought a Nespresso U machine, we were able to catch their previous limited edition, the Crealto.

Another thing I learned was that Nespresso also comes out with a Grand Cru known as Variations which is available towards Christmas. Last week Nespresso released their nutty notes: Coconut, Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut Variations so we visited the Nespresso Boutique in Sydney to try it out.

The Husband and I tasted the Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut and they were both delicious blends. We especially liked the Hazelnut Variations instantly as it was sweet, smooth and well-balanced. It was like eating a praline. The Macadamia Nut Variations has a subtle nut flavour and reveals a bit of citrus notes which makes it a refreshing drink.

We bought a box of each Variations (10 coffee pods per box at AUD$8.40) and had the Coconut Variations at home.

The Coconut Variations was a lovely blend. If you have noticed from past foodie entries, I have a thing for coconut and I’m glad that Nespresso did their Coconut Variations pretty well. The minute I placed its pod inside the machine, the sweet aroma of Coconut filled the room.

I love the Coconut Variations as it was like I’m enjoying fresh coconut from the shell. It’s very reminiscent of my other home, the Philippines. It’s perfectly intense and rich.

Each of the Variations are 100% of natural origin and contain only roast and ground coffees mixed with natural flavourings that free from food allergens. All the Variations Grand Cru are blended with the smoothness of Grand Cru Livanto and has an intensity level of 6 (on a scale of 1-10). They are only available for at least 8 weeks (or until supply lasts) so visit your nearest Nespresso Boutique or order online.

Koreatown with Friends

21 November 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 2 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Food

Shared our love for Koreatown with friends two weeks ago by meeting up for Friday dinner and coffee at Strathfield.

I arrived early so I can drop by Hanaro Mart (to buy Kimchi and other Korean goodies) and have time for my ritual (coffee first before dinner). I went to Hello Happy for some coffee and Mocha Roll. Half of the place didn’t have lights (parang brownout lang!). There was a thunderstorm earlier that day and according to the staff, it affected the electrical wirings at the back of the cafe. The tables at the back were lit by candles.

I initially had a cup of long black but it didn’t taste right so when the Husband arrived, I asked him to get me an iced coffee. It was kind of a warm day anyway so it was nice to cool down with something more refreshing.

Dinner was with Meds and Charyn at Beauty & the Beast Cafe and Restaurant. It was a night of first times in a way. It was Meds’ first time to be at Strathfield and it was nice sharing our love for Koreatown with her. It was our first time to meet and hang out with Charyn and we’re glad to meet her.

Our table spread included: Clubhouse Sandwiches and Chips, Beef Bulgogi, Pork Katsu and Bibimbap.

Dropped by Morning Glory to look at cute and colourful knick knacks.

Ended the night by having drinks at My Sweet Memory (MSM).

Meds loved being at MSM because it’s a stationery cafe. She loves being surrounded by pretty paper and artsy stuff. I think we all do but since it was Meds’ first time to be here, we saw how fascinated she was.

Enjoyed the evening having great conversations and laughter, enjoying food, savouring our coffee, tea and chocolate drinks and taking photos. The Husband and I were grateful for the fun company we had that night.

Tan Viet Noodle House (Cabramatta, NSW)

15 November 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 1 Comments Category: Food, Restaurants

Tan Viet Noodle House is another must-eat place in Cabramatta. It is so well-known that one must be prepared to queue up for a few minutes during peak hours. We had lunch with friends on our second visit to Cabramatta and since it was a hot day, we weren’t able to try any of the noodle dishes or pho. However, we enjoyed a meat feast by ordering their rice meal offerings.

Tan Viet is famous for their Crispy Skin Chicken and you must certainly try it on your first visit. The chicken’s juicy, succulent and the skin perfectly crisp goes well with their tomato rice.

Thit Heo Nuong (Vietnamese Pork Chop) had a subtle flavour of lemongrass. It’s not a spectacular dish but the juiciness of the meat and huge serving of rice gave my tummy comfort nonetheless.

Bo Lu Lac (Vietnamese Shaking Beef) was a wonderful discovery. These are lean beef cubes stir-fried in salt, pepper and oyster sauce. I want to do cook this dish at home and luckily, I found Luke Nguyen’s recipe online.

Tan Viet is a very busy place but the accommodating staff and well-made dishes are worth a visit.

Tan Viet Noodle House

Shop 3
100 John St
Cabramatta 2166 NSW
Phone: (02) 9727 6853

Pho Viet (Cabramatta, NSW)

14 November 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 1 Comments Category: Food, Restaurants

Today feels like Autumn (even if we’re in Spring season) where the air is crisp and cool and our world is grey and gloomy. Seems like a day for having some hot and comforting Pho. Funny that this entry of mine (which I have scheduled to publish today) is about our gastronomic experience at Pho Viet, a well-known Vietnamese restaurant in Cabramatta where we’ve had two wonderful visits in the past months.

We had lunch here the first time that we visited. After exploring the food markets, we sat down and had a glass of Coconut Juice and Iced Lemon Tea to refresh us.

We started off with Goi Cuon, Vietnam’s version of Fresh Spring Rolls, which consisted of prawns, vegetables and rice vermicelli. Dipped in peanut sauce to enhance it’s flavour.

Gastro-Travel: Cabramatta, Sydney Metro's Vietnamtown

We ordered two dishes to share so we can try one of their Phos and rice meals. The Com Tam Dac Biet (Special Broken Rice with Fried Pork Chop) was served with a tasty piece of pork chop, noodles, veggies, soul and egg. This dish alone was so filling, it was more than enough for one person. I was smitten with how flavourful they’ve made their pork chops, I kept coming back to it.

Never leave Pho Viet without having a taste of their Pho. The Pho Dac Biet is their beef rice noodle soul. It’s packed with beef, veggies and noodles. The broth comes with strong but comforting flavours. It comes in a big bowl which can probably be shared by three people (such big serving!). Don’t be wary of the uncooked beef as the soup is hot enough to cook it in a few minutes.

PGastro-Travel: Cabramatta, Sydney Metro's Vietnamtown1210035

Enjoyed our meal immensely and will come back soon.

Pho Viet

11 John St

Cabramatta NSW 2166

Phone: (02) 9728 6657

Things I Love: Kokomo Coconut Water

13 November 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 1 Comments Category: Food, Things I Love

Everytime I chance upon a new brand of coconut water in the supermarket, I check right away on where it’s made of or where the coconut was outsourced. It always makes me happy when I read if a brand’s coconut is from the Philippines because I know it would taste great.

I found a brand of coconut water I love not too long ago but they are only available in selected grocery stores (which are not easily accessible to me) so I can’t drink them all the time. During last weekend’s grocery shopping, I found a new brand of coconut water on the shelf and was ecstatic when I saw that it’s made with coconut from the Philippines.

Kokomo Coconut Water comes from the sun soaked palms of the Philippines.

Coconut Water is the liquid naturally present in the centre of a young coconut, 6-9 months old. It is clear and fat free, unlike the milk from older coconuts.

We pack it in cartons that mimic nature’s clever packaging, the coconut shell, limiting light and heat exposure to ensure the healthy, hydrating natural goodness is kept fresh.