#3 How to uni! A non-comprehensive ramble

How to start uni. The proven guide of basic survival of a first year that has had three weeks of experience that she considers are viable credentials.

Hi there it's Michelle first of all congrats on choosing being decisive enough to choose your potential occupation unless you chose a Bachelor of Arts though- my advice: have a good think every night before you get to sleep what your next step will be. Even if you're not doing uni, it's all good, just reinterpret the information to befit you circumstances.

So just a little bit of background information. I'm currently doing a bachelor of Law combined with a Bachelor of Arts (media and communication) and by the looks of it I will be majoring in government and international relations – that however is subject to change throughout my six - yep six (basically high school again) – years at uni. That nicely leads on to a very important thing I have learnt in the transition from high school to uni. And that is it is very much ok to be uncertain. It would be abnormal to have no anxieties about choosing a pathway to a working life that will span for the rest of your life (and with the demographic trends present, you’ll most likely be working in your death bed and your final clock off will be at your last breath). 

Although I truly envy people who are so adamant in reaching a particular job, I find that everyone needs a little uncertainty to keep us equally open to opportunities that wiz past but also to be alert and flexible to our constantly changing  individual interests. That is to say, I don't want 40 year old me regretting the decisions of 17 year of me. I think that is my biggest fear. I digress. Here is my almost foolproof guide (disclaimer: the term ‘guide’ is used very loosely) to starting uni.

1. If there is any time to reinvent yourself and finally be who you knew you truly were, but was stifled in high school by societal expectations that you inadvertably built yourself when you were a nervous stress ball in junior school…. Now is your chance. Take it. Capitalise on it. Be the person you always know you are.

2. Make friends- network! Be that person that starts conversations and sustains them. Expert tip: ask questions about them! Scientifically if you were to ask a new person questions that centred about the person were more than likely to be liked by that said person. Lest be honest, humanity is shallow. I'm not afraid to admit it. And so shouldn't you. 

3. Don't forget old friends. Expert tip: don't be an asshole. This idea should be taken in expansion to the latter- that being said, the people of your old life were foundational to your upbringing, they made you who you are- even if you wanted to reinvent yourself, something within you (irrevocably motivated by your values which in turn were influenced from your external environment ie your high school friends) has propelled you to do so. Unless they were rude or degraded you, ditch em’ they ain't your friends.

4. Lectures are recorded- abuse the system. Self explanatory PERIOD

5. Find work- don't be stagnant and reliant on your parents/guardians. You don't want to be the only one in your social group still nesting at home at 30. Be independent, search the world, find your ambitions, sculpt your dreams and make your life wholesome. Expert tip: given the chance to go abroad, DO IT. 

6. Show incentive. A little like no. 5 but just a reiteration basically. 

7. Say yes- more than no. Unless you really don't want to on grounds of illness, imminent possibly of death, general discomfort is no excuse. Exercise breaking out of your comfort zone and like muscle memory, I’ll be too easy soon enough. 

So of course they are infinite tips and tricks that I could have shopping listed for you but in reality that's not the way life works. You know it, and I know it. So don't kid yourself. 

Also I just want you to know that life can be a long journey (as cheesy as it sounds) and you should always let yourself catch up with yourself. What I mean is that, soon you’ll be tied down with work and responsibility, and you have to keep conscious of your own personal psychological and physical health to keep yourself floating. 

Tbh I'm still trying to work out how to go about doing that. Starting to drink darker coffee is also not helpful. Expert tip: know your ‘coffee threshold’ (defined as the hour you can no longer drink coffee and be able to sleep peacefully, as an example my threshold is about 3-4pm… More on this later) 

Well I think that is about it, and not just because I want you to have a go at uni and life in general for yourself, but really because I have two assignments due in the very near future that are not writing themselves. 

In summary; know yourself, don't be mislead, live in the ways that count and learn everyday in as many aspects of life as you can.

MLVD

Suzy Spoon's Vego-fy Revolution

It may be hard to guess from my brunch choices but "I ain't no vego"! But in fact vegetarian choices at cafes and restaurants intrigue me to the point that I would choose it over the meaty menu counterparts (what can I say I'm pretty risk-ay and up for anything).

Hence like a loyal friend of a vego, I was happy to pay a visit to Suzy Spoon's Vegetarian Butcher because:

1. Looking at the menu brochure and seeing tempeh, seitan and "facon" made me very curious.
2. I would not hear the end of it from my friend about any other cafe.
3. It's another excuse to come to eat at Newtown.
4. I kinda wanted to meet Suzy and have a nice vego to vego-appreciator chat

Suzy's is on King Street (number 22-24 to be exact) but the countless time I've caught a bus down King I swear I have never EVER seen it! Turns out its a little farther from the restaurant hub of Thai Pothong I'm used to.

We came in on a weekday at 11 for brunch and we were the only customers for a little which kinda surprised me. At Suzy's you order at the counter and while we waited  we had a look at their extensive range of take home vego goodies including homemade tomato sauce ($10.50), sausage varieties ($12) and Vienna Style Schnitzels ($14). We also strolled over for a look at Suzy's own cookbook nearby the counter and it sure made going part vegetarian tempting! The interior is very clean and kinda minimalistic-semi-rustic, not adhering to a certain theme like other cafes but there was this cool antique scale on a wall window looking into the kitchen. I think we just missed out on the true atmosphere of Suzy's coming at a quiet time :( The way seating went, we felt you couldn't really hang for long, chatting during and a little after the meal as you could other cafes (food totally makes up for this). But we did also get served directly by the chef with a helping hand from the waiter!!

 

Suzy comes into her store everyday but wasn't there at the time which was kinda sad for me because she sounded like a pretty cool, worldly person! We ordered the Tempeh Burger ($12), Chilli Dog ($12) and Spoon's Big Breakfast ($18.50) and no complaints what so ever. Kudos to the menu - it was great at explaining what to expect in your order even though there were some new words to me.

The Tempeh Burger of mine really made me believe in a bright future as a vegetarian. The English muffin style bun was toasted just right on the inside, the tempeh itself had a likeable nutty flavour and the homemade mayo, caramelised onions and peanut sauce was just the creme dela creme finish to a great burger! The burger came with a skewer and it was still on the brink of toppling over but I had a ball taking it down and demolishing it with the cutlery! It was AMAZING, who needs a side of chips anyways! I managed a swipe at some of the Sunday Sausage from the Big Breakfast which so fragrant and tasty with the herbs infusion and the Smoked Chilli Sausage in the Dog still messed with my brain because it looked like the biggest, meatiest American hot dog ever (such an illusion)!

 

I was so full and satisfied after! The portion was big but you kinda powered through because of the mystical allure of the peanut satay sauce! I couldn't manage finishing the top bun though after removing the skewer and letting all hell loose. You also felt pretty good having eaten a product that supports Suzy's vision of cruelty free and meat free food. Bonus: tasty and not over processed!

Wow I'm still feeling good inside (plus no regrets having ordered a burger for brunch)! I'd go back for that burger anytime or maybe to try the Spoon Burger with its vegan homemade rosemary and garlic pattie!

Three Word Summary: Feel-good, innovative, original
Ambience 3.5/5
Fare $ !!
Foodwise 5/5

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

Vietnamese food that isn't PHO?!

Let's get a little cultural and adventurous. When you say Vietnamese food. We say Cabramatta and Canley Heights. We're not always keen to head in the westerly direction but you'll be kidding yourself if you think you're enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the city (there are few exceptions)! This could be the next road trip with friends!

As suggested by mum, we paid a little visit to Huong Xua on 208 Canley Vale Road for a slightly different kind of Viet food.

The restaurant specializes in dishes with Oc which is Vietnamese for sea snails! A little French vibe oui? Well that made ordering a tad easier - just order the specialty.

And the reason we wanted to share this food outing was to show that there's more to Vietnamese cuisine than good ol' Pho soup and noodles! We're not hating on the Pho (we couldn't flick past it on the menu) but we just wanted to show something new. Pho we will save for another day don't you worry!

We ordered Bun Oc (pronun. Booo-m Op), not in the soup for but as dry form (you can choose between the two) which came with vermicelli noodles and bowl of soul with the sea snails to dip with a side salad. Everything tasted fresh and light - it was really satisfying. 

We also called for pork Hu Tieu (pronun. Who Teew) in soup form (thin flat glass noodles in pork broth) which the noodle was just a little chewy just as it should be and the broth was light but deep in flavour at the same time!

Here’s a little step by step on how to eat your Bun Oc (kind of like Oreo - dip and enjoy!):

How else do you end a Vietnamese dinner out than with the traditional dessert Che! We only had to cross the road before we were seated outside with our orders taken. There was simply only one choice on our minds: Che Thai

I'm not sure about the English translation but I can tell you what's in it: cubed fruit salad, agar jelly, mung bean, durian, lycée, sweet coconut milk and topped with shaved ice

Usually durian is too hard core for me but I can always manage it here only for some reason! Che Thai is always a personal fav of mine (I’m not even sure how it gets the ‘Thai’ in its name – just don’t take it too literally) and here is the best cafe I’ve had it at.

We were beaming inside by the end of the night – such great Vietnamese food to explore all the time even for us Viet sistas.Until next time!MVPD

Shine bright like a Blackstar Pastry

Blackstar pastry I’ve visited before to try the frangipani tart which was delicious with its crumbly crust and sweet flowery scent but today we were on a mission far greater......to bear witness to the all-hailed Strawberry Watermelon Cake ($7.50) and finally taste this ~420 cm³ mystery and prove whether the “Best things are [indeed] the Small things”.

We walked into the cafe and had eyes for nothing else, scanning the displays for any word of “watermelon” without looking too objective. I love the outdoor seating at Blackstar, chatting while seated side by side with friends and the occasional swoon down to enjoy your cake and coffee. You’re so close to other fellow cake-lovers, acknowledging them with smiles as you eloquently scramble out to secure your seat and I guess that’s what I love about the Newtown area – the random interactions with friendly folk!

There’s fresh, juicy goodness of the watermelon layer in between the fluffy rosewater cream and sponge and the jello-ed strawberries and pistachios at the top, that is, if you are skilled enough to get all layers onto your spoon in one clean swipe!

I must say there's too much hype about it for what its worth for a moderate sweet tooth like me. But presentation looks divine, atmosphere is lazy and on point and hey, cake is everyone's cuppa tea!

MVPD

Happy Lunar New Year, love sydney

You notice all the red about the city recently? No, it not in anticipation of some pagan sacrificial offering! Its the official start of the Lunar Calender, and being Asian myself isn’t the only reason I’m up for seconds in the New Years department- because who doesn’t like a good party. 

This year Sydney siders were indulged with a spectacular light display at Dawes Point, right under the Harbour Bridge. Sentient terracotta warriors stood to attention in their neon get-ups that ranged from hot pink to the most blinding yellow. The instalment attracted soo many people of a range of cultures and backgrounds last night, which gathered an aire of excitement and genuine joy that was intoxicating.
 

On to dessert though, we went to “Meet Fresh” which is a Taiwanese desserts place on the edge of the main strip of Chinatown. Its bustling employees and cozy-cramped interiors mirrors the food culture I associate with an Asian country which is handy in drowning out awkward silences. Nevertheless it’s a family favourite and last night it was a great way to ring in the “second new year.”
 

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