Tag Archives: Chocolate

Easy like a Sunday morning!

October 16, 2016 Virginie the Frenchie 2 Comments

Spring time is my favorite season here in Adelaide. It is not too hot, it is not too cold and when walking in the parks, all the colours are so vibrant. I have never seen a sky that blue, a grass that green, a flower that orange, a bird that colourful. Every day is the perfect excuse for me to take my bike and wander around.

The best way to enjoy Adelaide is by bike!

One of the many things I enjoy the most is to go to the market (central market on Saturdays is my fav). But I have my little routine: it has to be with my bike (so rainy days are excluded) and I like to have a purpose like : today I need to buy parsley or triple cream cheese or blueberry muffins or god knows what! Give me a mission and I am on my way!

Take the time to smell and gaze at these beauties!

There is a cute little market on South Terrace, I discovered it lately and I really think this is the perfect spot to meet friends for brunch. It is called the Market Shed on Holland street and it is a lovely place to be on Sundays! It has a cool vibe with its local fresh products and its intoxicating scent of freshly ground coffee ❤ Besides there are bands playing live music and it has this “je ne sais quoi” in the air that makes it so welcoming.

If you are into healthy drinks, may I recommend this kermit beverage. It is full of vitamins with oranges, apples and seasonal greens (Kale, Spinach and broccoli). Delicious without guilt, so the perfect combination! Besides green is the colour of luck so it is a good start for a perfect day!

Fiesta on your plate, fiesta on your palate!

There are many different stalls and food from all other the world are well represented. Lately I have been obsessed with Mexican food (probably related to the fact that one of my Bestie is from Mexico). So my eyes were caught by this stand. I mean, look at it, it is so colourful that it is already a Mexican party in your plate before hitting your palate! I am instantly attracted to it but then, I can’t help it and there is always the same old question “Is it spicy?”. Let’s be honest, I am French and apart from pepper, spicy is not really my thing 😉

Aren’t these terrariums adorable?! The simple fact to gaze at them is already a blessing. Maybe someday i will buy one but I am not sure it will survive the trip by bike! Actually I have a green succulent at home (a present from my colleagues), I put it on my desk and I really like it. It is hard to explain but somehow I find it very calming.

I confess, if that exists, I am definitely a chocolatarian!

At the back of the market, there is the real deal: Belgium hot chocolate! I tried it once with my friend Cathy (from China) and we both felt in love with it! Besides the guy working at this stall is soooo nice. Don’t hesitate to have a chat with him, you won’t regret! As a matter of fact, he comes from Brussels, he used to work in a Bank and he decided to change his life, to come to Australia with his wife and start his chocolate business! Sweet!

So next time, why not sit and relax at the Market shed on Holland Street and take it easy as a Sunday Morning!

The Market Shed on Holland

1 Holland Street

Adelaide SA 5000

open every Sundays from 9am to 3pm

australia, food

Add some “Bliss” to your cup of tea

June 12, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie 7 Comments

“Sometimes, you just need a break. In a beautiful place. Alone. To figure everything out!”

There is a charming organic cafe right in the middle of China town. It’s called Bliss Organic Cafe and it is colourful, cosy and very friendly! The menu is really appetizing and there is a large choice of vegan dishes. The staff is absolutely lovely and they are always happy to chat and put people at ease. It is impossible to feel stress when you enter this little paradise: so peaceful, so many good vibes! But most of all, there is an amazing secret garden at the back of the place where you can relax and enjoy a drink! Can it get even better than that?!

Bliss Organic Cafe and its lively secret garden

My favourite beverage is the warm apple juice: so sweet and so comforting! I just love the flavour and the smell of it! As you know I have a sweet tooth and I can’t help indulging myself with their homemade pastries! I highly recommend the chocolate and goji energy ball or the dark chocolate rocky road bar! Both are absolutely divine. As for the perfect spot to enjoy these little treats, I would definitely point the sofa at the back of the secret garden under the majestic trees.

This is what I like about Adelaide and about Australia: no matter the season you can really enjoy being outdoor! Actually maybe it is even better sitting outside when it is Autumn or Winter time. Let’s be honest it never really gets “very” cold here (comparing to Europe… and my vague memories of -20 in Canada haha). Furthermore, Aussies cafe are very well equipped providing special outdoors heating and/or beautiful warm blankets. So when the sun disappears below the horizon and it is getting chilly, “no worries”, you can still enjoy the moment and sit outside under the stars feeling bliss in your heart ❤

Bliss Organic Cafe

7 Compton Street

Adelaide, South Australia

(08) 8231 0205

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

australia, food

On the rocky road again

May 21, 2015 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

Easter time is all about chocolate and you would think that now you can wait until christmas for your next chockie shot… but can you really get enough of those little treats?! I really doubt it!

Luckily for me, I live in Adelaide: Haigh’s chocolates paradise! Forget about Willy Wonka’s factory because here it’s not just a story, it is the real thing! They have just celebrated their 100 years anniversary and it is too bad they did not organise a chocolate lottery for this special occasion 😦 Anyway, I am in love with their chocolates but the one that drives me literally crazy is: Milk Rocky Road! I could eat it all day and then probably cry a river because my jeans don’t fit anymore. What can I say, it is my secret weakness, I must say they are absolutely delicious! Imagine cubes of light vanilla marshmallow mixed with cherries, sultanas and almonds, tossed in chocolate. The first time I tried them was in September 2014, only a couple of days after my arrival to Australia and I still remember the flavour on my palate ❤ what a delightful surprise when you think that I am not a big fan of marshmallows! I am not sure you can find “Rocky Road” in France, well I have never heard about them before. On the contrary, it seems to be easy to find those little treats in Australia, Great Britain or America (with slightly different variations).

So if like me you are a chocolate lover and you want to know what Rocky Roads taste like, then here is an easy recipe from the famous Chef Jamie Oliver himself! In this recipe, he uses dark chocolate (healthier option) but I prefer the non diet friendly version with milk chocolate 😉

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/rocky-road-kill/#owepoyEMDyxbMiaw.97

My tip: should this not be easy for you to find golden syrup in your country, I think it is ok to use substitutes such as Agave syrup, Maple syrup or molasse. Careful with the dosage since you don’t want the result to be too sweet. Please feel free to let me feedbacks in the comments section as I am curious to know how it went, if you liked it and if you have any tips to share.

australia, food, lifestyle

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

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

Virginie and the Haigh’s Chocolate Factory

October 24, 2014 Virginie the Frenchie Leave a comment

One day I have read « LIFE happens, chocolate HELPS!’ I really think it is true. You see I adore chocolate, I particularly enjoy milk chocolate and in my opinion it is the best therapy ever! Luckily for me, there are Haigh’s chocolates in Australia and cherry or should I say chocolate on the cake the factory happens to be in Adelaide! If you are living abroad I bet you have never heard about them and neither did I… because they do not export their precious products overseas because the chocolate quality could not handle an oversea trip! Their chocolates are very famous here… Actually Haigh’s is one of a few Adelaide icons and deservedly so. They will celebrate in a couple of months their 100 existence anniversary! All of their chocolates are still made by hand and they are literally mouth watering!

I have fallen in love with the « milk rocky road » basically it is freshly made fluffy marshmallow with roasted hazelnuts, cherries and juicy raisins, smooth milk chocolate, glace… it tastes absolutely marvelous! No words to describe it…. it is sooooo good! So I went back to the shop to buy some more…. guess what…no more left! Not a single one….over! The nice lady in the shop informed me that these little treats were only seasonal products…which means they make them only in winter season and now it is spring time here in Australia so I will have to wait for next year…

But you know me I do not want to give up so easily….. so I have tried a second shop…. same answer… a third shop same answer….but this time the lady was so friendly and had so much empathy for the little poor french girl who could not possibly wait for next year that she asked « Do you want me to call the factory for you and check if by any chance they have some left? » of course I want « Please,dooooo! » and she did and guess what?! They still had some small and big boxes of them… they took my name and said I could pick them up directly at the factory on the following day and they offered me to take the opportunity to attend to their free factory guided tour too and I did!

What a lovely tour I must say, it is so interesting to learn about the story of Haigh’s chocolates, how they started and became famous. It is a family business and it reminded of my small home town Clermont-Ferrand where we do have also a old and famous family factory business called MICHELIN… pretty sure you have heard about them 😉 but let’s go back to chocolates… it smells better! So visiting the factory was in a way like visiting Willy Wonka Chocolate factory and see how the magic happens, the machines, products, staff gestures…. no wonder these chocolates are so amazingly good gorgeous, smooth, luxurious…. furthermore it is a good opportunity to taste a lot of sample chocolates for free and if like me you are crazy about them you can still purchase more from the outlet shop at the end of the tour…clever!

So next time when visiting Australia make sure to visit Haigh’s shops and eat their delicious chocolates! And if you happen to be in Adelaide take the tour in their amazing factory (it is very closed from Adelaide South Terrace and the lovely himeji garden), you will not regret and your belly will say thank you, I promise 🙂

Free guided Factory viewings tours

154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063

Tours operate Monday to Saturday from 9am.

Please book your free tour online http://www.haighschocolates.com.au/tours