Category Archives: Eating Out

What you get away from home.

Springing into action.

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I love Strawberries. Glorious reddy pink orbs of joy. Have them naked or dress them with cream. Toss them into a salad and they somehow lift the whole thing. A little black pepper brings out the flavour of the strawberrry which in turn brings out the flavour of the good champagne. I’ve taken up watercolour painting and could not resist the strawberry…

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Slice them and wrap them in the warmth of a crepe at breakfast and feel the summer around the corner. Crush some and let them sit in the bottom of a shooter glass covered with gin and a lick of soda. Soak them in a little brandy and cover with thick cream and enjoy them outdoors while the sun sets. Ah yes, winter is finally a fading memory… I am dreaming of the sea shore, of sun and seafood, and of course – some strawberries.

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Kind regards, J.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds…

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I love pies. I’m not sure about the why’s, other than they are great orbs of joy, particularly ones like these artisan pies I found on my travels, right next to the cheese stall, heaven…

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This particular spectacular morsel is a Tractor Wheel Pork Pie made from an old Tudor recipe. The photo doesn’t do it justice. Inside is a spicy pork filling with a nice amount of jelly that balances the pie beautifully. The pastry is rich and crisp without being too heavy or greasy, which is a common complaint. I’m now inspired to go home and make some more of these beauties. Hopefully, I can find a fluted game pie mould in France which will suit me well. I thought this pie was the best ever until I bit into the pork and black pudding pie this fellow also makes, and then I fell in love all over again. Wow, what a revelation that was. Rosa’s spanish sausage shop in Perth will be getting plenty of my custom to add her fabulous sausages to my pies. Beer goes very well with the pork and there has been plenty to try from different brewers over the last two weeks. Fragrant and hoppy, the slightly bitter taste is a great foil for the sweet and succulent pork.Image

We came across a little French Restaurant that was serving calves brains. Yes I know that sounds a bit challenging (read gross) but I’ve always wanted to try them and again, if this place couldn’t do them right with their reputation, then no one could. So, we ordered some to share. This is what came out…

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They came covered with a delicious black butter sauce and capers which cut the richness of the dish nicely. They were crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside like very mild pate with a texture not unlike firm cod. It was a little daunting to eat at first, but once we got over the “strange factor” and started to enjoy the flavour they were actually quite delightful. Would I eat them again? Yes, but I would have to be in the right mood.

I wish I could bring the markets home with me. There is such an array of stuff that we just don’t get back home. The mushrooms alone were to die for.Image

I could get seriously fat over here. Next week I’ll be setting out to consume my own weight in cheese, and hopefully marinating myself in some good wine. Life is good.

Enjoy.

Kind regards,

J

PS: check out these fellows…

http://www.orchardpigs.co.uk       http://www.mrskirkhams.com

Sautéed Veal Sweetbreads and Marron with Almonds, Oranges and Rosemary.

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It sort of jumped out of the menu at me.

I’d never eaten sweetbreads.

It’s not something you generally see on a supermarket shelf or even in the weirdo ethnic butchers fridge cabinets that I frequent, and trust me, I’ve seen some weird stuff. I suppose they are the special “whisper quietly in the butchers ear” type of order. Since I had never tried them, and I was dining in a particularly auspicious, fancy restaurant in Perth, I figured that if these guys couldn’t make them taste great then no one could. It was either that or the item labeled Four Raw Tastes of the Sea, and I wasn’t really in a sushi/ceviche sort of mood, I was feeling adventurous.

The plate arrived with popcorn sized crispy looking morsels on a bed of salad greens that contained the almonds, slices of orange and some fine rosemary sprigs. My fork pierced the crispy coating into the soft textured middle. I was somewhat apprehensive of the first bite (colleagues had regaled me with horror stories from their childhood, ugh.) Thankfully though, I have never embarrassed myself publicly with a loathing of food on first try (except perhaps for the century egg incident, but that is another story.) So, with a brave breath, I took my first taste of sautéed sweetbread.

Amazing. Just amazing. The texture and taste was reminiscent of firm pate, but still soft and creamy, and the crisp crust added to the delight of the mouth feel. Through the citrus dressing you could taste the rosemary, but there was also a hint of star anise and Szechuan pepper that went well with the slightly bitter greens, almonds and plenty of salt that left a lingering savoury note that suited the semillon sauvignon I was drinking.

The marron pieces were also excellent, with their sweet flesh also crisped on the outside, yet preserving a juicy middle. All in all it was a great entrée. I polished the lot off, relishing every mouthful. I actually wanted to lick the plate (Mummy would have died of shame.)Thankfully, the restaurant had the good sense to provide some fabulous artisan bread and some wonderful French lactic butter to mop up the remaining dressing.

Delightful.

I think I shall have to have a go of that one at home…

Regards, J

Fact File:

Rockpool Bar and Grill

08 6252 1900

Victoria Park
Great Eastern Hwy (Burswood Entertainment Complex)
Burswood, WA 06100
rockpool.com