A simple lunch

20/04/2012

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A taste of France: baby zucchinis, heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese
A few people have commented to me recently that I was lucky to know how to cook, as they would like to be able to do so themselves.
(one of my clients recently tried, unsuccessfully so far, to convince me that cooking lessons were part of my contract. No way, and he is of Italian descent as well!).
Anyway, today is a quiet day, as my children are away studying or partying and my wife in France, taking care of my Mum...
This is not a good enough reason for not eating properly. Besides, I went to the Orange Grove Market in Rozelle and came back with some baby zucchinis and goat cheese(s) from my friends at Willowbrae.
So, here we go: Braised the baby zucchinis with some spring onions, added some heirloom tomatoes at the last minute and topped up the onions with a dollop of fresh goat curd. Some smoked salmon on the side, some more goat cheese and fresh figs for dessert: et voila!


I should mention as well the multigrain baguette from Pierre Labancz, a real treat and perfect companion to these goodies.

I have recently developed a sweet tooth for Pinot Grigio from the Venice region, thanks to my friends Ian and Ettore, the local importers of Abet Laminati, and tried some more at Ventuno and at various other Italian-infused restaurants. So, I had to have a few glasses with this lunch, and it proved to be a perfect match!
ready now for a good cuppa and some music: life is beautiful...
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Back in Sydney, to the Pyrmont Growers Market

03/02/2012

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A taste of France: The Growers Market Sydney
After a two month break, the growers are back at the Pyrmont Market in Sydney.
Before Christmas, I paid a visit to compatriot extraordinaire, Gilles, who with his wife of 30 years grows organic garlic near Braidwood, a small town between Canberra and Batemans Bay. It is a very seasonal business, as the garlic is harvested in November and all sold by the end of February, when it is time to plant again. See photo below.
Today brought two surprises; a new frenchman, Jean Marc Amar, who is at the market for the first time with his Australian made, but very French saucissons. It is believed that a 300g saucisson doesn't last more than 15mn...These ones will certainly have the same fate (or should I say fete...)
The second surprise comes in the form of an Italian inspired goat cheese from Willowbrae Cheese. Karen went on a grand tour of Italy last European Autumn and has refined her recipe since. One word: amazing!
Both products featured photographically below.
If you are going to have saucisson and/or cheese, then you need bread...and some red wine: you are in luck!
Near by in Ultimo, Ultimo Wine Centre have just received a shipment of the most amazing Pinot Noirs from Burgundy, and Domaine Gachot-Monot: Nuits-Saint-George, Cote de Nuits-Village and Bourgogne.
I have tried the Cote de Nuits-Village: it is simply delicious, supple, fruity, typical Pinot Noir, and thanks to the high aussie dollar, it is only 39.00$. I gather it won't last very long...If you miss out, you might want to rush and get one of the very few bottles left of Ultimo Wine Centre Hospices de Beaune Corton Grand Cru ‘Cuvee Dr Peste’  2007...
Finally, we can find bread and pastries (fromage et dessert anyone???) in Rozelle, where Labancz Patisserie boulangerie has taken over my favourite bakery, Moana Bakery, which has been operating for over 15 years and with three different owners. Pierre Labancz, of Deus Cafe fame is baking a reasonable baguette, although not as good as Moana, but excels in the "pate feuilletee" department: croissants and pains au chocolat being butter rich, crispy and fluffy at the same time...
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