Category Archives: food

Hot cocoa, boots, jeans and pink cheeks

May 4, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 4 Comments

“Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus

This is my first Autumn in Australia and also my very first Autumn in March when my family in France is embracing spring time 😉 The weather has changed in Adelaide and it is getting chilly. I am glad I have a fireplace in my living room: it is so cosy! I love to hear the crackling sound and the smell of the wood burning. I enjoy gazing at the joyful flames dancing on the logs, warming slowly the atmosphere. What a lovely setting to curl up comfortably on the sofa under a wool blanket with your favorite book!

It is also the perfect time of the year to enjoy nice walks in the crispy air. Put your boots and your jeans on and have a peek at all these wonderful colours where the trees enter an enchanting parade. Don’t you think the gold, brown and red leaves are just beautiful? Adelaide Hills is the place to contemplate this magical scenery… if you have the chance like me to go to Stirling, your breath will be literally taken away. This charming village only 20 minutes away from Adelaide CBD is a real gem!

Stirling village and its adorable restaurant in summer time!

It is full of cute houses, shops and gigantic trees celebrating gloriously autumn season at the moment. My Australian friend Ann took me there and it was absolutely delightful. The fresh air was so energizing, so pure… I liked the feeling on my cheeks! We enjoyed a hot beverage in a fancy place called Red Cacao chocolatier and I indulged myself with a cup of chili cocoa, one word: delicious! This is the perfect place for chocolate connoisseurs: they offer a wide range of exquisite high quality chockies (Aussie slang for chocolate, sorry guys I could not help it). Well this is the place to go to spoil yourself!

I also do believe that it is very appropriate in this season to enjoy hot and comforting drinks! You can be creative at home like my friend Nasim (from Iran) and add fruits and Haigh’s chocolates on the side: all Adelaide flavours in a cup of tea!

Nasim’s tea: a poetic celebration of Autumn’s colours!

Chocolates, nice walks, chatting with a good friend, reading and snuggling: this is definitely what I like about Autumn season ❤

Red Cacao chocolatier

Shop 3, 41 Mt Barker Rd

Stirling, Adelaide Hill

http://www.redcacao.com.au

australia, food, lifestyle

You should drink more water!

April 16, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

“No water, no life. No blue, no green” – Sylvia Earle

Forget about make-up, beauty creams, vitamins, miracle pills, fancy clothes, jewels to make you beautiful… because a girl’s best friend is closer that you think, it is actually: WATER!

Water has many virtues: it helps to digest, to regulate body temperature, to help with weight loss, to feel full of energy, to have a clearer skin, to stay fresh, to prevent headache, to beat colds, to think clearer! With all these benefits it should definitely be part of your beauty routine ❤

We are supposed to drink around 2-3 litres a day… which seems like a lot! But you can make it fun by adding cucumbers, lemons or fruits in your glass of water, to spice up things so it does not get boring! Here is a lovely article with 20 cool recipes and amazing pictures that will make you fall in love with your glass of water! http://www.diyncrafts.com/7075/health/20-delicious-detox-waters-cleanse-body-burn-fat

Water spiced up with mint, orange, lemon and cinnamon!

I personally adore tea so it is another disguised way to hydrate your body and feel splendid! My favorite time being in the afternoon while blogging and enjoying an homemade iced tea or a warm and comforting cup of my favorite blend.

Delicious mint and lemon iced tea at “E for Ethel” cafe

You can also make it trendy and healthy at home! In Adelaide we are lucky to live near Mount Lofty and its natural springs. You can enjoy pure and refreshing water for a really decent price and it is always nice to buy local! It is non polluted, it is natural, high quality and it tastes good! Here is my tip: buy a 10 liter Mount Lofty water pack (easy to find at Coles supermarket), it is convenient, cheaper and environment friendly! Then buy a beautiful bottle: I went for “Voss”, they have really stylish glass bottles but their water is so expensive because it comes from Norway springs! So now what I do, I fill my trendy “Voss” bottle with my “Mount Lofty natural spring water“, I place it in the fridge and I have always fresh and pure water to offer. I must say the bottle looks pretty cool on my table which is always a PLUS to feel good about yourself or when you have guests!

And now a funny story: I am going to reveal a little secret about Mount Lofty 10 litres pack that only Australian people know because they were born with it I assume. It seems that foreigners don’t know how to make the water flow from the box… My friend Nasim (from Iran) and I (from France) made exactly the same mistake, turning the plastic button from right to left and the other way around… we turned every part of it but nothing happened, not a single drop of water. One day Nasim’s neighbor (from Oz) paid a visit to her and Nasim asked her if she knew how to use the water pack! Her neighbor smiled and said, “Oh, it is easy, there is a little trick to know” and she showed her! Then it happened the same thing to me and I spotted that Nasim had a Mount Lofty water pack at home too, so I asked her to show me how to use it and she said, “it is easy, there is a little trick”… when thinking of it I feel stupid now haha… don’t turn the plastic bit, it won’t do anything! For god’s sake it is not a French wine barrel with a small pourer to turn on and off! So the technique is to lift the small plastic bit up or down like if you were switching a light on or off and the miracle will happen, you will have your own fountain of water springing in your home ❤ magic!

australia, food

So glamorous, so girly!

April 1, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

I think our lives should be more often like in the TV shows when it comes to have a latte with a good friend! Don’t you think?! Let’s face it: the Gilmore girls have “Luke’s dinner”, Friends have the “Central Perk”, Zoe Hart (Hart of Dixie) has the “Rammer Jammer”… and sometimes when we watch these programs we wish we had a place like that too! A place that feels welcoming, cosy and warm. A place that feels like home and different at the same time. Your place!

Well, a couple of days ago, my friend Nasim (from Iran) and I discovered an absolutely charming tea salon called BTS! It is the perfect place to do some catch up with your girlfriends. I must say that the decoration, very “boudoir” style, reminded me of the film “Marie-Antoinette” from Sofia Coppola and we just felt like royalty!

We sat on a beautiful and comfortable black sofa and we were heavenly treated by the friendly staff. It is a very girly chic cafe where the pink and the black bring an elegant and feminine touch to the place!

We spoiled ourselves with delicious latte: Nasim picked a coffee and I chose a tchai. We had a really interesting conversation and we did not see the time flying by, we were in another world. There were appealing and colourful cupcakes dancing on the counter… they looked delicious and from what I heard they are a real treat! I wish I had one… next time I will! If Blair Waldorf (from Gossip Girl) was having a tea party with her friend Serena, I bet this is exactly the place where they would meet!

So next time you are in Adelaide CBD and you are looking for a chic dessert to share with a good friend, don’t look any further and head to this intimate tea salon to share all your little secrets ❤

BTS

61 Gouger Street

Adelaide CBD, 5000

http://www.btscafe.com.au

australia, food, lifestyle

Please summer don’t go!

March 20, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

Adelaide is so lovely at the moment… it is not too warm, not too cold, it is perfect time to enjoy beautiful walks in the city and reward yourself with a nice iced tea sitting at the terrasse of your favorite cafe enjoying the sun and the life going by!

Lovely iced tea and waffles at cafe Troppo

I wish summer time could stay a little bit more… When I used to live in the north hemisphere the 20th March was a happy day for me because it was the first day of spring and I could already think about the nice places in Paris where I would go, the outdoor restaurants by my work place where I would eat, the cute summer dresses I would buy, the markets, the beautiful flowers and the lovely sun on my face ❤ but now it is different I live in Australia and today it is the first day of Autumn! What does Autumn look like in Australia… I have no idea… it is my first time here!

I have been told that after mad March, Adelaide needs to recover and it will be very quiet. People will stay at home, cook and relax! I am not sure I want to do that… I enjoy walking around, exploring the city, going to the beach, spending time with my new friends! I guess I can still do that even if the weather is colder… right?!

So here are a few activities I intend to do now the weather is getting cooler:

Rent a free bike and ride next to the beautiful Torrens river!
Keep on exploring the city thanks to the City council self guided Tours and Trails: http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/explore-the-city/see-do/maps-and-trails/tours-and-trails
Go more often to the Food Court in China Town (by the way I love Mum Kimba Korean cuisine), so nice and yummy!
Buy nice teas at T2 on Rundle street and enjoy the new comforting flavors (Choco Tchai with almonds milk mmm).
Climb on Mount Lofty, in the hills, everywhere… Sport is good for your soul and your body!
Take the train more often and start exploring the surroundings (I wish I could go back to Peninsula Fleurieu, so beautiful… and in autumn the colours must be lovely).
Do more shopping at the Central Market and buy cheese and bread (when winter is coming I generally start to dream about “raclette” or “fondue”: French dishes involving a lot of CHEESE).
Treat myself with some mouthwatering milk rocky roads from Haigh’s chocolates: they only produce them during the cold season and they are to die for!
Find a cosy cafe with a fire place where I can read new books and write beautiful pieces… hey wait a minute, there is a fire place in my new house in the living room 😉 I am already picturing myself with a cup of tchai latte and a nice blanket… too bad I don’t have a cat to complete this perfect winter scene!

Well… it sounds like a good plan to me! What about you? What are your favorite activities when the weather gets colder? What do you recommend me to do in Adelaide in Autumn?

PS: maybe I am being a lit bit too dramatic… Autumn does not seem very cold in Australia… actually this weekend is going to be very hot with 27 degree on Saturday and 32 degree on Sunday… I think I can still wear my summer dresses… the umbrella, the boots and the pullover can wait, YOUPI 🙂

australia, food

In the mood for indian food?

March 18, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 6 Comments

I recall a time of my life when I was addicted to Bollywood films and had a poster of Shahrukh Khan (also known as the Indian Tom Cruise) on my wall… YES, I confess I enjoy this kind of movies because they are romantic and lively, full of happy people dancing and singing and it is nearly as long as a cricket match 😉 …but what I enjoy more is Indian cuisine and its beautiful colours!

As you know I am always keen on trying new restaurants! So a couple of days ago, I went to a place called Jasmin in Adelaide CBD and I spent a lovely time there I must say. This award winning restaurant is pretty popular and well located on the corner of Grenfell and Pultney street. The atmosphere is warm and cosy… very intimate! The night I ate in this restaurant there was a couple in a corner holding hands and having a romantic dinner… I bet they were celebrating an anniversary! As for me, I was in good company and we all had a delightful evening.

Delicious North Indian cuisine, lovely intimate atmosphere

Each dish was flavory and so appealing with beautiful colours. I particularly enjoyed their “feed me” menu where they prepare a wonderful selection for you based on your tastes… I am terrible at making decisions with food since everything looks amazing so for me it is the perfect option! Furthermore I like to be surprised and discover new flavours! So they kept bringing a variety of mouthwatering dishes and I felt bad I could not finish all these delicious plates but it was a lot of food! It was also the opportunity to taste new things that I would probably not have picked myself like the Tandoori mushroom! What a beautiful discovery! Basically it is a large thick and tender mushroom marinated in spices and it tastes absolutely marvelous! Definitely a must try!

So next time you are in the mood for Indian food, don’t look further and let the Jasmin Chef surprise you and prepare a memorable meal that will delight your eyes and your palate ❤

Jasmin Indian Restaurant

31 Hindmarsh Square

Adelaide SA 5000

Ph: (08) 8223 7837

http://jasmin.com.au

food, School, Short trips

Highway to heaven

March 14, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 9 Comments

I was 30 years old and it was my first time in the USA. My Californian friends had invited me on a road trip on one of the most scenic drives in the entire world: the iconic Highway One. We drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles and each day was a combination of natural beauty, breathtaking scenery and acknowledging life’s quality.

One of our final stops was in Santa Barbara, in a restaurant called ‘La Superica’. It looked like an old Mexican barrack with its white walls and blue windows. It was not fancy at all and it was nothing like what I would have picked to conclude a mind-blowing trip. But as soon as I went inside I felt that the atmosphere was very welcoming. It was packed with joyful people enjoying lively dishes and for a minute I forgot that my journey was nearly over. I ordered tacos and as soon as the food was placed on the table I understood why my friends took me here.

The fresh handmade tortilla was beautiful with a golden shade of yellow contrasting with the different mouthwatering ingredients sitting on its heart. I could smell the fragrant odour of the corn flour with a zest of lime tickling my nose. The meat had a lovely brown caramelised tint and smelt heavenly. It was tender, smoky, juicy and cooked to perfection. The red salsa was thick, creamy and attractively opaque in colour. I could tell the tomatoes had been cooked slowly and mixed with toasted Mexican chilles and chipotle peppers. The topping was a symphony of colours where the chopped green vegetables were dancing with the fresh herbs under a moon of white creamy cheese. I could see the finely minced onions blending with the minced crisp cabbages promising a textural crunch.

No sooner had the fresh taco touched my palate that I felt shivers and stopped. It was absolutely divine! An exquisite pleasure invaded my senses filling me with all California. Each bite, each colour, each flavour had the taste of my trip on the mythical Highway One. I could see the sunny valleys, the Spanish missions, the rugged beach and the surf towns. I could smell the farmers’ stalls on the side of the road, I could hear the Pacific Ocean crashing down below the steep cliffs and I could feel the intoxicating warmth of the Californian sun and the presence of my friends forever with me.

——————————————————————————————–

This text is one of my assignments from creative writing class. I was asked to write about a vivid memory in 400 words so I picked a special moment I had the chance to experience a couple of years ago with my dear Californian friends: Teresa and John. My roadtrip in California was an amazing journey and I hope someday I will write the full story and share with you this beautiful and breathtaking adventure!

australia, food

I’ve had the “Thai” of my life!

March 11, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 2 Comments

I really enjoy Thai food: the dishes are a combination of lively colours and the flavours are always a real treat for my demanding palate!

Yesterday, we went to a lovely restaurant in Adelaide CBD on South Terrace, it is called ‘Thai Chef’ and I was really glad we did! I have been meaning to go to this place for a long time but I guess I had to wait for the perfect opportunity! Yesterday, my friends were in the mood for Thai food so we took our chance!

Actually this restaurant is pretty popular and has received many good reviews. Furthermore I had the opportunity in December to attend to a cooking presentation at the North Adelaide Community Centre and ‘Thai Chef’ cooked for us an amazing selection of authentic dishes during this event! You see it is a family business: the dad is the Chef, the mother is helping him in the kitchen and the daughter is taking care of the customers. So no wonder the atmosphere in the restaurant is so friendly and welcoming… it feels nearly like home!

We had a lovely time I must say. The dinner started with a complimentary dish (stuffed chicken wing), I love surprises so it was a yummy start! Then all the beautiful plates were placed on the table and it smelt so good! We ate crispy cashews prawns, crispy cashews chicken, satay chicken, spring rolls and an amazing roast pork fried rice… I am still dreaming about this rice, it was so good! It was authentic and flavory cuisine cooked with passion! I could really savour each ingredient and I loved the crunchy texture of my meal!

I am so glad we came to this place because I really enjoyed each bite and I am curious to try the other dishes now. Anyway, I don’t know how I managed the miracle to save place for dessert but I did and I had the pleasure to taste the sticky coconut rice with egg custard… OMG… I think I have fallen in love with it. You know I have a sweet tooth, I can’t help it, this is how I am and the definition of a perfect dinner for me includes to end with a mouth watering dessert! It is like literature, you have to end on a mind blowing note to fully appreciate it… if you miss your final you lose the magical effect of this unique moment.

Sticky coconut rice with egg custard… so good!

Well done Chef! My dessert did not let me down and it was the perfect conclusion to a lovely evening in good company. Eating at ‘Thai Chef’ is not just about amazing food, it is also a real experience! Somehow you have the feeling that you are part of the family and you are their guests (a great place for celebrations). The staff is absolutely lovely and will be happy to have a little chat with you to put you at ease. Once a month or so, the Chef holds a morning tea where he cooks for his guests for free and everybody is welcomed to join… ‘Thai Chef’ is that generous and friendly ❤

Thai Chef – Modern and Authentic Thai Cuisine

1/465 Pulteney Street,

Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Tel. (08) 8232 8896

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiChefSA

australia, food

Beautiful colours at cafe Troppo

February 27, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 2 Comments

I have noticed that each time I am moving to a new country, I need to find a little cafe I like. Maybe it is because I need a routine, a place that I can call mine, where I feel at ease. It is fun how you try to create your own story when you arrive somewhere new… I guess it is a way to appropriate yourself your new life and your new city.

When I moved to Adelaide, my first house was in in the South West CBD. I think it is a lovely area because it is very closed from China town, central market and Victoria square. In my opinion it is very lively and there are many cool and cheap restaurants in this part of the city!

Anyway, one day I was exploring the neighborhood and I have noticed this little charming hipster place: Cafe Troppo. I love the funky decoration, the wood tables and chairs and the beautiful view on Whitmore square. I really like to sit at the Terrace while enjoying a nice and refreshing drink. It is the perfect spot for a drink with a friend or to relax on your own with a book or the newspaper.

The staff is nice and friendly and the menu looks really appealing! So far I have tested the iced chai latte and the homemade iced tea and they were both delicious. I have been told that the coffee and the food are also a hit!

I love also the way they present the drinks with all these colors, it definitely adds charm to the experience. I can’t help taking pictures to post them on my Instagram 😉

I bet you are thirsty… Now you know where to go 😉

CAFE TROPPO

42 Whitmore Square

SA 5000 ADELAIDE

http://cafetroppoadelaide.com

https://www.facebook.com/CafeTroppo

australia, food

3 typical dishes to eat in Adelaide – Australia!

February 20, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

I find it always interesting to get to know a new culture and a new city through its cuisine! I really enjoy to explore new flavors and to discover dishes I have never heard about before!

So forget for a moment about your home country… I mean I can have “blanquette de veau”, “ratatouille” and “raclette” everyday in France if I want do! Let’s try something new 😉 something you have never tasted before, something typical from here that you will remember for sure! Here’s my top 3:

1. Pavlova

A traditional and festive Australian dessert that people seem to particulary enjoy during summer time. Basically a beautiful meringue cake, crusty on the outside and smooth on the inside, topped with whipped cream and red fruits! It is very sweet and it tastes good. I don’t know if you can find those in a bakery/restaurant here… but you can definitely make one at home and buy everything you need at the Coles supermarket (here’s a good recipe from a previous article). If you are lucky and make friends with locals, I am sure if you ask they will bake one for you! Adelaideans are very friendly and generous people!

2. Pie floater

Again a very Australian dish, very common in Adelaide! It is a traditional meat pie floating or submerged in a sea of thick pea soup. It reminds me of the Titanic… It is usually covered with tomato sauce (ketchup) which was the weird part for me… but “when in Adelaide, do like the Adelaideans” so I ate it exactly the same way and it was ok. Australians enjoy it mostly as a late evening meal. I must say it tastes good and it is budget friendly (only $6) but it is pretty heavy on the belly especially on warm nights (and there are many here!). In my opinion the best place to enjoy this typical dish is the Bakery on O’Connell in North Adelaide.

3. Lamington

Another Australian dessert. It is a sponge cake coated with chocolate sauce and grated coconut. There is another version with a layer of cream and strawberry jam in the middle. It is quite nice to have it with tea or coffee. You can find those cakes at the supermarket or in a cafe/bakery. I personnaly like to have mine again at the Bakery on O’Connell in North Adelaide (I know I am repeating myself but this is a good address)! As for those who are not living in Australia and want to give it a try, here is a nice recipe http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lamingtons/

I hope you will enjoy this selection and that you will make sure you have ticked these 3 dishes on your list so you can feel you are becoming a perfect Australian 🙂 And as an Adelaidean don’t forget to pop by Haigh’s chocolates to indulge yourself, they are an icon here!

As for me, I am always glad to experiment new things when living abroad and I am really looking forward to it/eat. Speaking of that I have found a very interesting article called “100 things to eat in South Australia” http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/special-features/things-you-must-eat-in-sa-great-plates-1/story-fnmhkdr1-1226892366054 – this could be my next challenge by the way!

What are your favorites foods here? Do you have any typical Australian dishes you would like to recommend me? I would love to hear about it ❤

Bakery on O’Connell

Bakery – Cafe – Caterer – Open 24/7

44 O’Connell St,

North Adelaide

South Australia, 5006

Phone: (08) 8361 7377

http://www.bakeryonoconnell.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/bakeryonoconnell?pnref=story

australia, food, lifestyle

Secret garden at Cafe Komodo

February 12, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

There is a place in my heart that I go in my dreams! It is a funky patchwork of blue, yellow and green. It has a vintage touch and a vibrant spirit. It is a little gem and I am glad I found it ❤

Cafe Komodo has definitely a special spot in my heart and I feel poetic about it. I like the fact that it is hidden at the end of a flourished lane way. It is like entering a new world with its retro decor : formica tables, vinils on the wall, old books and magazines… I really think it is a cute place and it is impossible not to feel at ease.

This cafe has a nice garden where you can sit outside under the shade and enjoy a brunch or a refreshing smoothie. It is very quiet and it is the perfect place to read your favorite book or have a little chat with some friends. I absolutely adore this little garden, with all the flowers, the plants, the trees… it is so charming and I really do believe it adds a real plus to the whole experience!

Everything on their menu looks delicious and their drinks are pretty cool too. I have tried so far a chocolate/coffee smoothie which was perfect and then I felt full of energy! Lately I had a vegan smoothie with crushed ice, it was yummy and very refreshing ! I have also tasted their warm pears and yogurt muesli and my friend Nasim (from Iran) had the chicken burger and it was yummy! I haven’t tried all their dishes yet but I have been told that it is really fresh and good! Furthermore last time I was there the cakes on the counter looked really appealing.

Cafe Komodo is really closed to North Adelaide and it is on Prospect road so it is easy to locate. There are many retro shops in the neighbourood and it is worth visiting them.

Last time, I went to Prospect, I was with my friend Nasim and we had good fun trying different kind of old hats. She tried one which was covered with nice and colourful birds feathers. It was both original and awkward at the same time. But I must say she looked so stylish when she wore it with her long brown hair falling into a cascade over her shoulder. I told her she reminded me of these stunning models during fashion shows wearing incredible outfits that look so original… but the question (besides the price) is: can you really wear these kind of clothes in real life?!

Cafe Komodo

118 Prospect Road

Prospect SA 5082

Tel : (08) 8344 7448

https://www.facebook.com/cafekomodo?fref=ts