Oz day

Well wasn't it a day on our national day in Sydney with the sweltering heat, bbqs, pinicking, fireworks, outdoor gigs at The Rocks and djs playing at The Opera Bar? As much as I dreaded the heat, I couldn't help enjoying the company amongst friends at a cool and shady spot in The Domain along Macquarie St.

With the humidity, I entertained the idea of pinicking and sharing what we made to share. Besides my tomato and rocket bruschetta, there was also the finger sandwiches filled with lettuce and tuna, banana cake, crunchy vietnamese chicken salad and of course, the good old lamingtons from Thomas Dux Grocery.

Who could forget lamingtons on Oz day? What I loved about these lamingtons

is the denser texture of the sponge crowned with a thicker layer of chocolate icing and grated coconut unlike those found in other supermarkets.

With the djs and bands playing, I couldn't resist the opportunity to check out and shoot people having a ball dancing. I suppose if the music is great, people will dance no matter how hot it is. There were numerous

people tatooing themselves of the Aussie flag on their cheeks. I think its a celebration of our national pride and patriotic spirit. I get the thrill of photographing people dancing wildly with the music playing as it helps me get into it. I couldn't go pass without noticing people wrapping the Aussie flag round their shoulders.

As humid as it was, we couldn't resist the opportunity to watch the fireworks. While I would have loved to have moved closer to where the boats were sailing, I managed to catch some dreamy looking shots of the fireworks.

Since the banana cake and my tomato and rocket bruschetta were a hit, I thought I'd share the receipe.


Banana cake

This is the most rich and moist banana cake out there without the need of

an electric mixer.

Ingredients
4 ripe mashed bananas
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
1/2 butter melted
3/4 cup caster sugar
2 eggs beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Pinch of salt

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Combine mashed bananas with butter in mixing bowl.
4. Pour in sugar, baking soda, salt and mix.
5. Mix in the flour.
6. Pour mixture in the pan lined with baking paper.
7. Bake for an hour and let it cool prior to removing from pan.


Tomato and rocket bruschetta
A perfect salad on its own or of course, with bruschetta. This salad

can be made ahead of time if called for a pinic at short notice.

Ingredients
Grated mozzarella cheese
250g cherry tomatoes halved
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 bruschetta or ciabatta loaf (toasted optional)
50g wild rocket
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic vinegar to serve

Directions
1. Pour the mozzarella and tomatoes in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil and add plenty of salt and pepper. I use the grinder.
3. Cover and leave to marinate for 1-2 hours.
4. Serve with sliced bread and serve with balsamic vinegar.

Shanghai noon

Even in the midst of summer, nothing stops me from craving a solid shanghainese meal, consisting of meat wrapped in pastry. As I arrive in New Shanghai in Lemon Grove Shopping Centre, Chatswood, I observe through

the window the row of chefs busily moulding and rolling the pastry and slabs of meat. I could smell the distinct and undescribable Shanghai flavours.

I couldn't resist the pork buns and dumplings, since this is what most Shanghai food is famous for. Most Shanghai food is wheat-based. I also adore those pan fried buns and biting into them with a hint of fresh chilli. However, if you're someone who's weight conscious especially after the new year, then the steamed pork dumplings and soup dumplings (won ton soup) are the way to go.

Another dish I'm unable to resist is the vegetarian fried rice with fried pork. I also love the fried Shanghai noodles crowned with sliced meat and spring onions.

If you are feeling ravenous after a long swim or workout, this is the place to go which will leave you feeling satisfied.

There are two New Shanghai restaurants in Chatswood.

Chatswood Chase
345 Victoria Ave
Lower Ground Floor

Lemon Grove Shopping Centre
427-441 Victoria Ave
Shop 20

Flippin' pancakes

Hello again after the new year and xmas celebrations has gone. Even though most of you are on diets after scoffing on xmas pudding, alcohol, etc, I thought I'd comment on one of the few pancake outlets "Pancakes on The Rocks". As soon as I hear the name of that pancake restaurant, my mind fills with images of their dessert pancakes, including their macadamian pancakes which melts in my mouth. Who could resist the sweet pancakes menu? Besides their crepes and pancakes, I also adore their pizzas (esp the vegetarian pizza) as it contains the thin crust which makes it easier to bite in.

For those who haven't stepped into Pancakes, it contains a variety of savoury
pancakes if you're aren't such a sweet-toothed like I am. Theres the breakfast pancakes menu which includes sausages, eggs and bacon on the side. Then theres the Mexicana crepes which is claimed to be "one of their bestsellers" according to the restaurant website as well as their chicken and mushroom crepes.

What I like about Pancakes is the quick level of service, casual dining atmosphere and that we can just decide rock up and dine in on the day. It's great for families and large or small groups, especially when everyone each orders a different plate and we can sample each other's dish. For the menu and various locations, check out http://pancakesontherocks.com.au/home.

I always wondered what they add to make the pancakes rise with softness. Is it the
self-raising flour, buttermilk?