Melbourne, New York, Paris… Sunshine?
Not being a typical wish list destination for most people’s food or cultural experiences, the Sunshine Business Association is taking aim to change this perception. Playing host to a progressive cultural dinner experience and walking tour around the western suburbs of Sunshine for the final Friday of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival MFWF.
Vegemite, Tim Tams, Fairy bread, Lamingtons, Pizza Shapes and a snag on the Bunnings BBQ are just some of the collective responses.
When Argentinian grill San Telmo was asked to think outside the square for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival they decided to stay on home soil and take inspiration from local Aussie ingredients and time honoured home-grown favourites.
Konjo Cafe and Restaurant Footscray was the scene of an abundant Ethiopian Vegan Feast last night.
All part of the annual March Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF), an intimate gathering of about 25 people gathered into the cozy Konjo dining room, eyeing off the bubbling buffet pots with anticipation (and more than a few tummy rumbles).
One of the stellar things about heading to an MFWF event is experiencing cuisines, dishes and cultures that may not be part of your usual “go-to” options.
90s kids will likely remember the Simpsons episode where Homer orders the Fugu (or pufferfish) at the Japanese restaurant, only to be told he has 24 hours to live after consuming its incorrectly prepared flesh.
It’s been nearly 24 hours since I ate Fugu, so I’m unsure if I’m barrelling towards my imminent demise, or if my gut ache is just a touch of wind. Either way, I’m still living it up in Japan so if this is my last 24 hours then cest la vie!
Weird food, Michelin starred food, comfort food, cheap food, street food, you can’t go anywhere with a plethora of options confronting you.
The worst photo ever of a sign
A couple of km outside of the relative hustle and bustle of Ubud’s centre is a side of the road shack or “warung” with a flaming grill front and centre.
This grill emanates smells so mouth-watering, it attracts locals, tourists, dogs and the occasional celebrity to sample the BBQ, charcoal coated meaty fare, every night until they are sold out.
I entered the heavy wooden carved door of Mjolner on Harware St in Melbourne, knowing very little. Armed only with the knowledge that this was a “Viking” inspired restaurant, specifically centred around the story of Thor, the god of thunder and his desire to create a dining hall that would allay the feelings of homesickness from Valhalla.
A majestic animal, known as Reindeer in Europe and Caribou in the USA. Large males can weigh more than 300 kilograms with antlers spanning well over 1 meter. They are prized for their fur, milk and used for transportation.
Set to tick off a bunch of NOLA dishes on Saturday night, alas we were flooded in… The 6 inches in less than an hour downpour saw us wade through raw sewerage to get back to the hotel… turns out restaurants can’t be open when they are a foot deep in poop, who knew!?!
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while being a semi-professional gadabout, is to get out of the comfort zone and ask a local.
I don’t mean asking for directions, I’m referring to plucking up the courage to ask people who live in your destination to tell you where the “best place for (insert what you’re looking for here) is”.
The Hungry Ginger 