Pinoy Streetfood Sampler Platter - BBQ

Aussies love the bbq, especially on a hot summer day - beer in the esky and snags in the barbie. I bet if these delicacies up in that photo were in the menu, it would probably make it to the Fear Factor Food Section instead your mate's plate. But for pinoys, it's an afternoon snack, sometimes even lunch, or a perfect beer match.

Far left - pork intestines. Typically boiled with garlic and onions, and then grilled for the carcinogens that make it extra tasty (just kidding). Anything out of hot coals could really taste extra good. Best with vinegar and chili (especially the communal dipping in a bottle of dipping sauce.)

Middle - chicken intestines. Like the pork intestines, they are typically boiled, but not completely cleaned - who doesn't like the yummy grits inside those squiggly tubes? The orange color is attributed to the broth that it has been boiled with - it's supposed to make it look extra tasty.

Far right - coagulated chicken blood. Also known as "betamax" as it takes the shape of the small rectangular video tapes.

These treats can be typically found at the side of the street. Sometimes there is a small fan at the side of the bbq to save the person from constant fanning of the flames. Fall in the line, there is almost always a queue. Regardless of the season (that is, wet or dry), the bbq on the 'sidewalk' will always be a winner.

Tiny Chili

tiny chilis, smaller than a champagne cork
squished at the mercy of the tines of a fork
fate threw them in a stir fry (not the cork, but the chilies)
habanero could be this small, but they're still quite spicy!

Lemnos at High St

Lemnos Tavern - Greek restaurant in Prahran : Great service, excellent food, too bad the baby goat was out of stock - was pretty sure it would have been tender, juicy and perfectly cooked just like the lamb chops that were ordered in its absence! The taramosalata (fish roe dip) was sensational and made ordinary bread taste heavenly. Zuccini patties appear as small burger-like treats but were surprisingly tasty, you wouldn't look at veggie patties the same way. A must try if you would like to experience a typical Greek tavern.

the zuccini patties flavored with dill, and char-grilled fish - yummy& smoky
and the meal ain't complete without dessert and greek coffee



curious evening entertainment - it was a Friday night, probably a good reason to belly dance!

Check them out at 445 High St, Prahran 3181 Phone (03) 9510 2058

Yarra Valley

Not too far away from the heart of Melbourne is Yarra Valley and its wonderful wineries. Around 55 minutes of easy driving and the long stretch of vineyards are easily within the horizon. After the bushfires in Victoria, this area have been lobbying for constant support from its patrons, and although there were some traces of burnt grass, the area in general (particularly the grapes!) has been saved from the flames.

First stop for this particular trip was lunch at Rae's Restaurant at Balgownie Estate. The option was easily shortlisted between the Native mint rubbed lamb rump with green onion potato whip, roast garlic, ruby
capsicum and pan juices and the Crisp skinned barramundi, kipfler potatoes and grilled asparagus.... but the lamb won and it was without regret. There was an ample selection of red wines from the cellar door, so there is nothing to worry.

Rae's Restaurant
serves Lunch from 12pm-3pm, 7 days a week

After the main course, there was a quick trip to De Bortoli Estate. It may sound a bit posh for this outdoor no-fuss blogger but the 3 cheese platter was simply exquisite (particularly the Spanish Blue Cheese!!!). Coffee was served with italian style with vanilla ice cream, otherwise known as an affogato, with italian doughnuts - yes, deep fried flour balls rolled with sugar. Calorie counting is extremely NOT recommended at times like these.

Italian and Spanish cheese - absolute YUM.


in need of a walk after such a divine dessert - visit the pinot lane


must have been better sneaking some of the grapes!

These are just two of the many, many wineries in the area (check it out here. ). All in all a worthwhile weekend treat.

Book : The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde caused quite a stir during his time when 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' was published in the Philadelphian Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. Some called him immoral, others accused him of 'writing between the lines' and depicting his homosexual inclinations, or leading a double life and unspeakable vices that the society should abhor.

Having written a lot of reviews himself, some believe that these attacks could be jealous hissy fits towards an accomplished author, or probably fictional plots that have found their way into imaginative minds and hence triggered an (infamous) successful novel.

Not wanting to divulge the plot, it is perhaps best for the reader to peruse the book (widely available, especially with Penguin Classics making timeless novels more affordable!).