Mamasita, CBD

After our afternoon at the Australian Open, we decided to pop by Mamasita for a snack. It was already packed by the time we got there around 5:30pm but we did not have to queue up (who would have thought people queued up for food you had to pay for these days?).

We were shown to our seats at the bar, from which we could see all the mixing, juggling and pouring action behind the bar. We saw one of the drinks being made using a raw egg.. definitely not one I will drink.

We ordered the corn on the cob for starters ($4.90 ea) (not pictured). It was chargrilled, and generously sprinkled with grated cheese, chipotle mayo and queso. It was nice, but I think I prefered the corn at Fonda's. It tasted sweeter.

Next, we ordered two types of tacos ($6 ea). One of it was braised ox tongue & cheek, pickled veges and ghost mayo chilli. It was spicy! The other was the grilled fish taco. They taste good, and was gone in two bites.

The last dish we ordered was the braised pork belly with habanero cream, fried parsley ($25). The pork belly was just a little stringy. Being braised, it did not even have a crispy crackling to compensate. The fried parsley did not give it the difference in texture it needed. Gaz thought it was too sweet, but I think the lime and the habanero cream counters the sweetness.

I can finally say that we have gone to Mamasita, but there is no return trip scheduled in the near future.

Kizuna, Boronia

Gaz and I are always on the lookout for new restaurants to try. Last week, we stumbled upon Kizuna in Boronia Central. The interior was new and looked spick and span, so we asked if they are newly opened. It turned out they have been opened for at least 6 months.

The restaurant looked like a family business, with the husband cooking and the wife serving. There is a new baby on the way too, so in time there will be a little child at the cashier, perhaps?

We had to wait because there was a table of 6 and 2 who ordered before us, and there were only two people working that night (including the chef). But it was not too long of a wait, and our glasses were always promptly filled with chilled water which was really good because it was a very hot day.

We ordered the takoyaki ($5.80 for 8) which came out piping hot. It was so delicious! The batter was gooey on the inside which was perfect.

The next dish was the main sized sashimi $18.50

 
There were 20 pieces of sashimi altogether, with 4 varieties of fish including tuna and salmon.

The last dish we ordered was the Katsu Don $9.80. The katsu was a little soggy but the time it got to our table but it was flavourful, and reasonably priced.

We are so happy to have stumbled upon this little gem!

Kizuna
Shop 3, 123 Boronia Rd
Boronia

Update: This restaurant is now closed

Tomato Harvest 2014

The weather has been very hot recently. There were a few consecutive days with temperatures over 40 degrees.

Although it has been uncomfortable, the hot weather has done good things for our vege plants. The tomatoes are beginning to ripen, and we have a few tomatoes to show for our gardening efforts.

Soon, we will also have chillies, and the strawberries were already fruiting but the snails and birds often get to them first before we do.

Gaz took this picture of one of first tomatoes we harvested. Looks a little naughty doesn't it!

Banana Bread

Someone I know was recently asked to leave after 30 years in the organisation. These days, the expectations are so high, that not even experience, dedication and loyalty matters.

Like bananas, you can transform those that have been out on the counter for too long:

into banana bread. Hot and slathered with butter, it tastes even more delicious.

Here's a lesson for life - There are no place for bananas that do not reinvent themselves..

1 cup self raising flour
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 egg
pinch of salt
2 large mashed bananas

Mix all ingredients well, then pour into greased loaf pan. Bake for 45 mins in a 180d oven or until skewer inserted into the loaf comes out clean.

CNY Fest Melbourne CBD 2014

The CNY festivities in Chinatown were held on Sunday 2nd February. There were stalls along Russell Street selling products like birds nest, phone card and of course property developers selling properties in inner city suburbs or in the CBD.

There were lion dances at shops in Chinatown, I caught around 5 performances on the day. This must be the biggest earning day in a lion dance troupe's business because not only do they receive fees for performing at the shop but they might also receive money from the crowd. This is especially true when they perform for restaurants.

Although there were around 2 or 3 lions performing simultaneously on Russell Street, the most anticipated performance is the big dragon Dai Loong parade at 12pm on Little Bourke Street.

We were all waiting patiently for Dai Loong to make its appearance on Little Bourke Street. The crowd lined both sides of the street. Kids perched on top of their dad's shoulders were eager to catch a glimpse of the mythical dragon which makes it's appearance only once a year, and only on Chinese New Year.

Many had heavy, professional photographic equipment. The rest were ready with their mobile phones for taking the perfect photo. Everyone, young and old were excitedly waiting for the start of the parade.

When the firecrackers started, and the distant sound of clanging cymbals, and pounding drums reached our ears, the crowd started with a renewed enthusiasm. Even the piercing heat could not sap away our energy.

When Dai Loong slowly made its way down the street, many reached out to touch the head of the dragon and take photos. One of the mothers next to me carried her child to touch the dragon head, and doing so interrupted what must have been a picture perfect moment for the photographer next to me. He complained crossly, but she cleverly answered - 'It's a long dragon, it'll be coming for a while!'

Surely it is better to experience the moment rather than placing too much focus on capturing the moment?