Love me some Japanese まっぺん

Now this is a little side step from the regular cafe brunch sort of food but I could not wait any longer to share this place. I’ve been coming to this little ‘joint’ as you may call it with my friends since high school. My good Irish (yes Irish) friend introduced me to little Menya Mappen hiding behind sliding doors right on George Street so chances are you’ve past it on your way to the heart of Sydney!

We used to go as a little exclusive trio (just us) and they creatively called it the Three M’s for “Menya, Matcha and Mimi” because we would go for Matcha Green tea ice cream for dessert and of course Mimi was me! Now they are both abroad enjoying cold weather in Europe and now I rarely go but... you can only last so long without your hit of Japanese noodle.

Menu comes with spot on pictures to make
life easier!

I always try to order something a little different to the last so this time I opted for a soupy Tonkotsu with Soba noodle (you can choose between Udon and Soba). The extras I usually get is the tempura sweet potato, chicken or prawns but this time I felt like keeping it simple. I also didn’t get the Ontama (half boiled egg) which is always delish since I’m not a hard-boiled-egg-kinda-girl anyways!

Some days call for Soba, others for Udon

If you haven’t guessed already, yes it is a Japanese fast food restaurant but there’s no sushi in sight! Its ‘fast’ as in you slide a tray down the self-service counter and end at the register with your drink, noodles or rice, tempura and extras like kimchi! Too Easy! The noodles are all freshly cooked before your eyes and the tempura is there for you to pick with the tongs! It’s definitely more wholesome and less processed than your American fast food chain options! If you feel a little lost (and don’t want to look like a menya virgin) its best to go with the flow and you’ll be pro in no time!

Octopus Balls - one of the many extras 

Tonkotsu is my personal fav despite
 the cloudy broth!!

It’s not expensive at all but that doesn’t mean a compromise in quality! The serving sizes are just what you need (no more, no less) and the flavours hit the spot. The menu may be a tad overwhelming at first but don’t bother trying to pronounce the names like me (unless you want the chef to cheerily recorrect you so you can hear how far off the pronunciation you were) because pointing to the menu does wonders!

This is one of the places I’ll be going over and over again not just for old time’s sake when my friends return but I’ll never enjoy Japanese noodle anywhere else than surrounded by the Japanese Theatre posters with the bustling city a few metres away and the QVB and Westfield shopping so close by!

You’ll find it at: Shop 11, 537-551 George Street, Sydney, Australia  

So here's to exposing new cultural food experiences!
Pop in for your energy hit before you (like me) proceed to conquer Topshop, Myer and the QVB!

MVPD xx

Diary #2 The Beginning, the End or Both?

I have graduated from high school.

Personally I hold it as a personal achievement that remnants of my high school orientation day still exist in my memory. I remember being conscious of the fact that these year 6 girls would be the ones to fill my life for the next 6 years. And as I recall this memory, I remember the day before the first day of high school when I was contacting my exercise books under the air-conditioner of my living room, I was anxious about changing myself. To change or not to change? Presenting to the world a new me. Or maybe even the real me- the one I've repressed. From personal experience in the education system- I believe that primary school contained  whole lot more peer pressure than high school. I sometimes think about the things I had done and cringe and have a little chuckle. Although I am so inherently ashamed of young Michelle but kind of proud that I can feel ashamed at that- It just highlights how far I've com since then. However parents, teachers, mentors, significant people tell children that its ok to be unique, and to deviate from the majority.

But here comes the paradox. Oh man is it a big one.

How is it that peer pressure exist then? That we confine ourselves to some prescribed ideology or expectation. When we relinquish our true selves (if I may say) to the majority. I tell you now friend, when you find yourself in such a dark place, think about your future, past the inky cloud that is suffocating you at the present, strain for the open air behind it- it is beckoning to you. Don't hide or cower. I know it is easier said than done- I understand it so, because I too have been there.

It will feel so unnatural even painful at first, but make a habit of exerting Yourself and it will begin to feel so natural. 

I recently had an email from Sydney University- the most prestigious university in Australia, probably listed among the big guns of the world- inviting me to an interview for a Combined Law degree I was applying for. I can honestly say I cannot remember what or how I answered the questions they asked- considering it was me vs. three academics, only the fact that I was outside in the waiting room re-reading my prepared answers (that would subsequently not be asked) and of course walking out of that beautiful and eerily intimidating Law faculty, dressed in my mother’s business suit. 

Why did I just tell you that? Well it was such a profound moment that I realised the future was dawning. It was blinding my eyes, it's rays burning my skin. But really, isn’t the future always upon us? Just around the bend of the road, the next foot step, the next thought?  

Life is so infinitely mysterious and uncertain. *dramatic hand poised about forehead and back slightly bent back.* 

I’ll leave you with this serendipitous photo I took on the final day of high school, a few hours before the graduation ceremony. My phone lens opened at just this particular moment and this angle to capture this beautiful sunset.

Toasted Sandwich w/ Rocket Salad

A simple and fuss-free meal is always the best meal. 

That's an essential motto for any uni student, I think.

But simple doesn't have to be; bland, tasteless, boring etc. No way, take the effort to delve into the deep recesses of your fridge/pantry/cupboard and whip up something extra special, for yourself! Because why not.

This is just a very simple baked beans and cheddar cheese toasted sandwich and a complimenting rocket, baby bell pepper, sesame, fetta salad with a drizzle of a mango and chilli dressing. The second half of the sandwich couldn't be there for reasons too graphic and traumatic to recount- but just imagine it there in spirit. Although, I don't know about you but I'm not complaining for sure. ;)

I hope this awakened your inner Masterchef xoxo

MLVD

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

Grounds of Alexandria Date

This is most probably the billionth blog post raving about the Grounds of Alexandria located in Alexandria Sydney on 7A/2 Huntley Street. I’ve even read that this is one of the most instagramed places in Australia so I’ll admit it now -I did do a foodgram and it doesn’t even do justice to how delicious and lovely the dish was!!!

So the love story goes something like this....
Despite the overcast day, my girlfriend and I still made the journey (my first visit) to the Grounds with an empty stomach ready for some feel-good food. We actually had an outfit planned the night before (don’t judge) because 1. Alexandria being in the inner city is full of hipster, stylish people and 2. We were going to head into the city afterwards to check out the new Sephora store and for a little Chrissy shopping!

I know what you’re thinking, cut the talk and show the pictures which I totally agree! So instead of boring you with my attempts at describing how lovely the whole place was, just enjoy the pictures (cause I know we all skip the text for the photos)!
Note: I did refrain from taking too many photos because that was waaay too mainstream there :D

This was the sink for the bathroom, as if
this isn't so country old fashioned I love it!

A little florist on site with displays just
spilling onto the walkway - so lovely!

The courtyard lies beyond with a fountain
where the little kids play

Yes they have a small animal farm and yes
Kevin Bacon is the resident pig :P

Guess who!

There are a few choices for eating at the Grounds, you can choose to dine in the restaurant-style cafe or buy from the little kiosk and enjoy your munchies at the courtyard. Service was so lovely at the restaurant-cafe we ate at (including tres good looking waiters). You get a little buzzer like at the bistro that will buzz when your table (no need to reserve) is ready for you = keep exploring instead of waiting in a queue! Peerfect!

The menu was organised into Breakfast – small and substantial (til 11:30am),Brunch and Lunch (both from 12pm)! They were quite strict (in a kind/reasonable not “you die” kind of way - don’t worry) with the times so sadly one could not order a lunch at 11:30am L

But we did spend a good 10 mins having a long think about what to order because man that was a tough decision! Too many delicious choices!!! We had a look the other tables on the way in to see what dishes looked yummiest – which was all of them!!

My friend's "Petuna Salmon" order for brunch = MEH!!

Oh Lordy - behold the "Healthy Plate"

It definitely packed a punch for the sweet tooth too! I mean check out

that little shot cup of green juice! How do you say no?

Along the main walkway there’s a wagon selling fresh fruits and homemade lemonade in yellow, pink and peachy colours! We also saw a donut wagon but it wasn't in business at the time!

Now let me put my two cents worth here – that Grounds Granola (as it was called) was actually the substance of my wildest dreams. You tip in the mini milk jug and that’s when the party at the taste buds began. It was your ordinary breakfast transformed into a breakfast of the Gods. Despite the name Healthy Plate and the appearance of assorted fruit and the granola – it was definitely filling!


So what are you waiting for, book a brunch/lunch date with your girlies or mum/grandma on your next free day. Boys take the special women of your life (girlfriends, mums and grandmas) to impress! The place is literally a little archaic, rustic world of its own in the midst of the city and my friends have been raving about this place since forever. We used to fantasize the time when we would finally make the visit (how else do you get through boring uni - you think of your food tours of course)!!!


This is just one of those places you hear so much about and need to see for yourself! There's something for everyone!
Go on a little adventure this weekend!

MVPD

Diary #1 The Future

This is a late entry that I've been working on...

So I have recently I begun to think about uni (not that I haven't already...) and the only thing I salvaged from that experience was ....that I really didn't know what I wanted to do for the rest life (occupation-wise).

It is also becoming clear that I'm ok with that...

This might sound cliche, but what senior school has taught me was that nothing should be taken for granted. As a junior, you go about silently observing the seniors- imagining yourself in a couple of years time and quickly turning away and assuming a submissive stance when they catch you staring. Shying away from direct interaction you still envy their aura- that air about them that seemed so ready for the real world. And you tell yourself that there's plenty of time to think about 'after-school.' You remind yourself this multiple times during your education, but you forget the night before Graduation. 

In retrospect there is never enough time to think about the future and other associated subjects. It seems that no one is allowed the hypothetical time to test the waters- one toe at a time. Its more like a leap of faith most times, if not all. Essentially no one ever is prepared for life. Everyone, behind their facade of grace and security is just as hopelessly confused and capable of uncertainty as everyone else. I hope I'm making sense.... As my Grandfather would say; "Its safe as life!" No a spoken word was truer. Life is dangerous, it is scary, unpredictable, filled with infinite possibilities, unspoken words, unannounced love, full of pain, anguish- all this is true and real. 

I didn't intend to reach a conclusive answer to this enigmatic subject- and so fittingly I think I will never. Otherwise, life would be pretty predictable and undeniably boring.

I think I might write. I don't know what though. To transcend the comfort zone to really experience life. That is what a writer needs. I think I may be too taken by this idea. In my defense, I have tried to be more worldly. More open to everything and everyone. 

I want to be worldly. Then again I have a habit of being too ambitious. 

On a lighter note, I think I might get back into blogging. Otherwise I'm just thrashing around on the internet aimlessly.

MLVD

Vegetarian Cous Cous Summer Salad

This is such a simple, fresh and healthy idea for lunch especially if your on the go. It takes about 10 mins (depending on your culinary chef skillz) and the best thing about it, is that it stores really well- that is you can take it along to school, uni or work and it will still be crispy to bite and not so soggy.

Warning: this salad has mango in it. Yes, Mango! At first I was always skeptical about fruit in salad (of course with the exception of tomatoe, cucumber and what have you...) but the sweetness of the fruit compliments the tang of tomates and the overall texture of the Cous Cous and lettuce.

Ok enough dawdling here's the recipe:

For a single serve you'll need:

- A handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered

- About two table spoons of cous cous grain

- Half a cup of diced mango

- A few lettuce leaves roughly chopped

- Three table spoons of beansssssss

- Two table spoons of corn

- Quarter of a red onion, diced

- A lil' bit of pasley, roughly chopped

- drizzle of olive oil

**optional: cashews, mint, balsamic vinegar, tuna, chicken

1. Prepare cous cous grain according to the box or packet. Usually the ratio of cous cous to hot water is 1:1.5 (you can add broth powder here for added taste). I use a mug and chuck everything inside and place an inverted plate on it. Set aside for later.

2.  Put everything else into a bowl, mix thoroughly

3. The cous cous should be softer by now- if not you can put it in the microwave at high for max 15 secs. Give the cous cous a good mix in the mug and tip it into the bowl, mixing again.

4. I definitely recommend crushing some cashews for a bit of crunch and the mint and balsamic is optional, as is tuna and chicken for my meat appreciating folk out there.

  

5. Take a pic and insta it with the hashtag #thesydneysideup for me to seeeeeee!

6. Now you may eat it!


I hope you enjoy it, it's not very original but it's delish- which counts the most I think. Also let me know how fast you can make this in the comments below!

MLVD