I approach Easter like that of a child: a week long chocolate eating opportunity. Unlike a child though, I get a say in the type of chocolate that I consume and my preferences are by Colefax chocolates in Haberfield and Belle Fleur in Balmain-both Australian made using Belgian chocolate. I have bought, in my time, over 150 chocolate truffles from each company for myself or friends/family, in all various shapes and sizes, lured by the tempting displays at David Jones confectionery counters. What I particularly liked, apart from the sublime taste is the craftsmanship put into each truffle. So when I was told that they both had shops that I should visit, I left it until Easter, when I knew that the best displays would be on show.
We head off to Colefax in Haberfield, the suburb right next to Leichardt where there is a strong Italian influenced population. So much so that there’s even a Bocci court in the local park and all of the shops on Ramsay street have a definite Italian flavour. As its Easter they’re open on a Sunday and we walk into the chocolate coloured shop, resplendent with all sorts of Easter goodies in a kaleidoscope of shades.
Click here to read the full story
|
March 20, 2008
by Not Quite Nigella
I know, I know, its about time I had been to Lindt café. Ever since it opened its first store (in the world apparently!) in Martin Place, I had always been meaning to go and whilst I’ve taken away plenty of macarons (or delices as they call them) I’d never eaten in until today. But as my friends are the kind to watch what they eat, willingly wanting to go to Lindt café seems almost like surrendering to the dieting gods and indulging with abandon. Or at least giving up the notion of dieting which is not something that the girls will do often.
We arrive one Sunday afternoon and as its a beautiful day, Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay is packed. With spy one empty table and grab it. Its dog eat dog here and ruthlessness will be rewarded with chocolate. One needs to order at the counter so we go in to select our goodies. As its a Sunday, there is a 10% service charge added which is reflected in the prices. I can never go past a Delice (macaron) and today sees two new flavours. I order a Pistachio (my standby favourite), a Strawberry because its pink and the prettiest, and two of the new flavours: Lemon and Ginger & Lime (all $2.20 each, usually $2 each). The other flavours on offer are: dark and milk chocolate; hazelnut, coffee and champagne. I also order an Iced Coffee ($6.60). Teena orders a Ice cream sundae with praline and hazelnut chocolate covered with melted chocolate, whipped cream and praline shards ($9.35 usually $8.50). Gina orders a chocolate chip sable biscuit ($3.30 usually $3) and an Iced Chocolate ($6.60 usually $6). There are also slices of cakes and individual cakes that are $11 each.
Lindt Delices (Macarons) clockwise from back left: Ginger & Lime, Strawberry, Pistachio and Lemon $2 each
We take our sundaes, delices and cookies away and we’re told that the drinks will arrive shortly. I try the Lemon delice first and it lovely, light and lemoney but not overpoweringly so. Its as delicate as a butterfly’s wing and is quite simply superb. I hope they become a regular fixture in the rotation. The Pistachio is next, always a favourite and it is slightly larger than the other which is a gluttonous bonus. Of course its gooey and soft inside and whilst not extremely pistachioey, its has a bit more filling than the others which I always like.
I try the prettiest one next, the strawberry. Its subtle strawberriness is lovely and it feels almost like a crime to bite into this beauty. I’ve saved the most curious one for last, the Ginger and Lime. Trying it I am perplexed. There doesn’t seem to be any ginger or lime flavour. In fact all I can taste is the darkest, most bitter chocolate filling which overpowers any other flavour that might be present. Not a hit with me or anyone else at the table I’m afraid.
Lindt Ice cream sundae $8.50
Click here to read the full story
|
March 1, 2008
by Not Quite Nigella
After our Hooters exploit, Queen Viv, Miss America and my husband and I needed to go somewhere a little more on the beaten track to debrief on our experience out in the Wild West. We needed somewhere quieter that did not involve fried chicken. Walking past San Churro a week or so ago, I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous shiny black facade and windows-if I had a shop it would look like this.
I spied their Valentines Day special in their window: For $25 you get your choice of any two drinks (non alcoholic), a tapas plate and 4 boxed truffles. Considering the tapas plate is $15.90 and drinks are around the $4-$5 mark, its not bad value, you’re basically getting the boxed truffles for free and there’s probably more than we need for the four of us so tonight we order this with a traditional spanish hot chocolate and a Mango shake. We could also choose the type of chocolate for dipping (I chose milk from a choice of milk, dark or white) and the truffles (Pasion and Dulce de Leche Caramel).
Its understandably busy tonight as its Valentines Day and where else should you go but a Chocolateria? Still, as promised, the Churros are cooked to order, as all deep fried food needs to be. It seems not only is Valentines day the day for chocolate, but for us this year, its the day for deep fried.
Tapas plate, part of Valentines Day package, usually $15.90
Click here to read the full story
|
February 16, 2008
by Not Quite Nigella
The Paragon is a favourite cafe of mine and despite the fact that it is utterly touristy (and I suppose I am technically a tourist), I love this Art Deco cafe restaurant. The food isn’t quite as memorable as the gorgeous decor but its decent for the most part and one of the few places on Katoomba’s main street that I always must visit (I’m firmly a Leura girl). The cafe has been classified by the National Trust as being essential to Australia’s Heritage so its a real treat dining here and always draws in tourists.
Service is very friendly and as its afternoon, we decide on sharing some afternoon tea type items. We order the Devonshire Tea with Irish Breakfast tea ($12), Waffles with caramel sauce ($15 full serve, two whole waffles), Belgian hot chocolate with marshmallows ($6) and a large Mugacino coffee ($6). While the waffles cook and the delicious aroma permeates the entire cafe, I go out to the back room to check out their assorted Art deco memorabilia.
Belgian Hot Chocolate with marshmallows $6
Soon after our drinks arrive. Rose is particularly impressed with the Belgian Hot Chocolate and marshmallows, she declares it the best that she’s had.
Click here to read the full story
|
January 1, 2008
by Not Quite Nigella
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
