Blacksmith Catch Ups

I can finally say I've visited the Surry Hills cafe scene after weeks of seeing blog reviews, the top Sydney cafe lists and of course every second foodgram from fellow brunch bloggers!

We hit Blacksmiths cafe on Chalmers Street and got hooked up with a small window table, ordered then were left in peace to admire the industrial decor. The creative menu is defs worth a mention too! Nowadays who wants to order from a simple, ordinary piece of paper! One look to our right (we didn’t ‘See a Hollywood sign’ like Miley Cyrus) was a green view of Prince Alfred Park to watch the day go by!

There's just something about Surry Hills that's so close to the bustling city but at the same time so slow moving and relaxing!

 

We came during the late lunchtime when it was winding down and ordered the chicken baguette ($13.50) and tricolor quinoa ($16 - because who doesn't love quinoa)! The lunch menu touches all tastes but doesn't dally on one sort of dish which makes for great choice of dishes that are uniquely different. The most choice you have is your baguette!

 

The quinoa - no offense baguette-  looked PERFF in all its tricolour glory!! It did come out looking slightly less in the terms of the actual quinoa versus other ingredients than I expected as I've had the pleasure to acquaint myself with quinoa dishes of other eateries at slightly lower rates - a bit of a player I know :P . But it was fresh and still the perfect serving size leaving me full but not heavy with the sweet pomegranate, non OTT salty goats cheese and amazing date vinaigrette. This was one of the best quinoa combination of ingredients that I have tried so I was happy inside and out by the end of it! 

 

The baguette was glitzed up with fresh salad and homemade sauce so you weren't just having chicken in a bread roll. The chicken was succulent and easy to eat with cutlery without making a large scene (always a plus!)

Fresh, healthy and fulfilled was how we left! We will definitely come again, this time for the cakes which looked so good as we were checking out (not sure if we'll be leaving with that same healthy feeling the next time)! It makes for such a good catch up place for friends towards the late lunchtime so you can update on all the gossip and what not, talk animatedly for ages (the food won't go cold and hard on you) and also good exercise for the neck as you look around at the decor! (The toilets were pretty cool too :D )

Walking past the counter towards the back are some pretty authentic and practical touches to the industrial theme with the sacks of baker's flour and strange machines and contraptions (my guess is something Blacksmith related?). If we weren't talking we spent most of the time checking out the cool ceiling in a non-awkward way - there's such a nice contrast with the greenery, hanging pot plants and the tin lights. 

 

To Surry Hills..... doing it right since the 1790’s

Three Word Summary: Rustic, Authentic, Contemplative
Ambience 5/5
Fare $$
Service 5/5
Foodwise 4/5


MVPD

Quinoa Queen

Quinoa is just one of those things I've discovered a little too late in my life (to late for my liking, that is, I'm still young). It's always easy for me to order brunch when there's Quinoa on the menu - it's Quinoa or nada but of course when its not on the menu the ordering time sky rockets!

I was even more scared to try and recreate Quinoa salads at home but finally (with the holidays coming to a close) I have finally attempted it. I didn't really search for a specific recipe because in reality, anything (must be reasonable enough) can be tossed and enveloped in the Quinoa goodness! All I had to do was search for leftover veggies and the vinaigrette recipe (which there are endless!).

Without further ado this was my fancy lunch for today - If I could make it on my first go, you will be glorious!

Summery Quinoa with roast veg, mango and red wine vinaigrette

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Quinoa:
1 teaspoon oil, for frying
1 garlic clove, finely diced
1/2 C toasting Quinoa (or any quinoa of choice)
1 C water

Salad add ins (anything really - go for your life):
1 sweet potato (kumara), chopped and roasted
2 canned whole beetroots, chopped
6 pitted dried dates, chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 small mango, chopped

Red wine vinaigrette:
1/8 C red wine vinegar
1/8 C olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch dried oregano leaves
1 grind of pepper

Bought this from Dr Earth in Newtown but not
sure what makes it "toasting Quinoa" :P
Best to follow packet instructions for different Quinoa! 

Method:

1. Soak Quinoa in water for 30 mins

2. Drain and rinse the Quinoa

3. Add oil to saucepan and fry your garlic until golden and fragrant

4. Now add your Quinoa and allow it t toast and become golden

5. Add the water and bring to a immer

6. Cover with the lid and simmer for 15 mins or until water all absorbed

7. After all water absorbed, give it a fluff and rest it with lid to cover

8. For the vinaigrette, just combine all dressing ingredients in small bowl :)

Plating!

9. Begin with a bed of Quinoa

10. Pretty self explanatory, in goes the salad add ins with a drizzle
of the vinaigrette over the top!

11. Photo moment before you dig in!

I need to work up the ranks a little before I truly become Quinoa Queen but for now there are no excuses! That was almost dead easy! The only hiccup may come from the cooking of the Quinoa but you should be all G if you follow the packet instructions!

I challenge you to take advantage of the seasonal produce and to add bursts of colous! Try another vinaigrette is red wine is not "your thang".

It's been fun making this today! Feel a little fancy today - you can only go so long with the microwave as your weapon for lunch :P


MVPD xx

Dezerts @ Brighton le Sands

Situated at 373 Bay Street, the main strip of Brighton le Sands lies a reputable cafe with a name that would strike curiosity within those few that appreciate the art of word play in this day and age. Yes DeZerts got my attention not only as a means of completing my quest for air-conditioning on this particularly hot day.

Nothing particularly "hipster" about this joint but with its clean and simple interior and (unfortunately inactive) chocolate fountain I was more than willing to return to the mainstream. But truthfully they have a wonderful menu for lunch including their extensive choices of crepes, waffles and ice-cream- that and your usual cafe essentials like the $18 Fresh tuna quinoa salad w/ roast pumpkin, olives, feta, and lemon vinaigrette that Mimi ordered. I ordered an $18 Turkey, grilled chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe- which I must warn you, is extremely cheesy (like pooling on your plate, cheesy) and very filling. I would say you could share this between two, that is to say the proportions are generous.


I was very excited at the plentiful refreshments menu with its healthy green and freshly squeezed classic juices. I opted for a $7 iced-coffee and Mimi a $7 Green juice. Most drinks come in rustic milk bottles and mason jars if you were wondering.























Also its vegan friendly so these members of society may for once enjoy an equally satisfying experience! (Shout out to my vegan friends- "Keep doing you!" xoxo)

Overall the dining experience was nice and the staff were very friendly, although it was pricey ($$)- it helps to keep in mind that it is in an exclusive location- the food was wholesome and delicious. Definitely worth a try and if you ordered crepes- I recommend a brisk walk down to the beach and a subsequent fitness regime for a minimum of 2 weeks.

MLVD