Tourist in your own backyard

My friend Sally and I are on a mission. We're out to make Adelaide our London.

We both lived in London in 2004/2005 and lapped up all the city had to offer - the theatre, nights at the pub, shopping, you name it - we did it.

So now that Sally and her hubby have moved back to the Rad, she's given me all the motivation I've needed to play tourist in my own backyard.

Last weekend we hit up the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Large sections of the gallery are under renovation at the moment, so we didn't see much at all . . . but we did enjoy a glass of bubbles at the gorgeous Art Gallery Restaurant afterwards!

Continuing our day out, we headed up to Norwood for a spot of shopping and a cheeky drink and little snack at Grace The Establishment.

The $20 meal deal won us over so we indulged in their signature burgers - tiny little buns with all the trimmings.

I had the lamb while Sally had the wagyu beef. Nothing more than two or three bites, but they tied us over until dinner. The aerated ketchup and french fries also hit the spot (not to mention the bubbles!)

A perfect day in our home town!

Any other suggestions for our sightseeing adventures?!

Haloumi, I love you

Looking for one of the world's easiest yet most IMPRESSIVE dishes?

Well, look no further.

Who else but Donna Hay to the rescue?

I don't know you about you, but I've been LOVING her fast, fresh, simple show on Foxtel. It made me go out and buy the cookbook of the same name and instead of just flicking through the pages marvelling at the pretty pictures and beautiful ingredients, the Hay-meister made it look so easy on the silver screen that I could even do it myself.

The latest of my little ventures was her baked chicken with haloumi, honey and lemon. OMG. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD.

SO easy yet SO impressive.

Chicken with haloumi and honey

Serves 2

2 x 200g chicken breast fillets, trimmed

150g haloumi, cut into 4 slices

1 tablespoon shredded lemon zest

6 sprigs lemon thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey

1. Place the chicken, haloumi, zest and lemon thyme in a ceramic baking dish.
2. Combine the oil and honey and pour over.
3. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve with a fig and rocket salad. 

Recipe from here

Strawberries and cream

While most people think of legends like Roger Federer and Pete Sampras and home grown heroes like John Newcombe when they think of Wimbledon, I think of strawberries and cream.

  

Oh, and totally cute preppy boys!

Pic from here and here

Play Melbourne

Reason #271 why I should move to Melbourne . . .

How much fun is this ad!? The city is just full of so much joy and creativity and everyone's happy to PLAY!

Don't worry Mum, I am staying put!

Souper easy

It's the end of pay week so in an effort to save my last cherished pennies, I turned to the pantry for a cheap dinner solution!

Lentils are great - I'm no vego but I do appreciate them as a great addition to soups and a wonderful base for salad.

This soup is super (or is that souper!) dooper easy, filling and yes . . . cheap as chips!

Spiced lentil soup
splash olive oil
1 medium brown onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed
1 Tbspn curry powder (yes, I'm throwing it in everything lately!)
1 cup dried red lentils (french are also good, but you'll need to cook them longer)
400g diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
3 or so sprigs finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1. Heat oil and add garlic and onion and cook, stirring until softened
2. Add curry powder and stir until ftragrant (only about 30 seconds or so)
3. Add lentils (uncooked), tomato, stock and two cups of water and bring to the boil
4. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until soup has thickened and lentils are tender
5. Serve with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top

Meet Meggie

This is Meggie.

She's about a million years old and is keeping me company during this horrible weather we're having in the Rad.

I'm housesitting at Mum and Dad's friends' place and while it poured outside last night, Meggie and I cuddled up on the couch with a glass of red, watching Monday night's Offspring (thank goodness for Foxtel IQ!)

Gosh - I'm sounding very spinstery, spare me! At least it wasn't a cat!

My new friend

Okay okay, if the truth be known . . . I like a beer or two. Especially at the pub with the boys from work on a Friday - they don't really understand the concept of 'Jansz' in the sports bar while laying bets on the dish lickers (that's the greyhounds for the unitiated).

Tragic, I know.

But last week, while making eyes with the cute barman, I was introduced to a new 'white beer' by Hahn. It was served in a tall glass . . . complete with slice of orange! I almost felt like a lady!

From the Lion Nathan website . . .

"Subtly spiced with essences of orange and coriander it’s excellent with food and makes a great alternative to wine."

I concur!

Footnote: I don't voluntarily spend my Friday nights in the Sports Bar with my workmates but my team lost the footy and I had a bet to settle!