Nude Food Day!

October 25, 2016Leave a comment

Aloha Gluttons!

Did you know this Friday, October 28 is Nude Food Day!?

‘Nude Food.. what the heck is that?’ I hear you ask. Excellent question. Well… Nude Food is food without excess packaging; and Nude Food Day! is designed to help people be more conscious of their food packaging choices.

By cutting the wrap and the crap, we are able to reduce the amount of single use packaging thrown away after one use, sent to landfill and left to rot in the sun for years.

Nude Food Day! has partnered with the top folks at SMASH who developed a range of Nude Food Movers (BPA free, of course) which will get your snacks to their destination unharmed, unsquished and 100 per cent nude.

Reusable containers are a great way to transport food. I have banished plastic wrap and food bags in our house. Everyday I pack lunch for my son, myself and my husband in containers. They are brilliant for the environment and also for the pocket. When you use disposable packaging you aren’t just throwing it away, you are throwing away your money.

So everyone, jump on board, if only for a day and send your food NUDE!

SMASH Nude Food Movers are available from Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Target and leading retailers.

Review – Sadhana Kitchen, Bondi

March 26, 2016Leave a comment

Sadhana Lasagne and Carrot Walnut Falafel Plate

Sadhana Kitchen, Sydney’s first organic, vegan, raw, wholefoods café has officially opened their second store location on Warners Avenue, the doorstep of Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

Sadhana Kitchen Menu

The raw, vegan and organic foods culinary trend is quickly gaining momentum across Sydney, with the opening of Sadhana Kitchen Bondi cementing its place in mainstream dining. The new café is set to become a population fixture among locals and visitors alike.

“We always knew there was a demand for our food here in the Eastern Suburbs,” says Sadhana Kitchen Founder and Director, Maz Valcorza. “We had a lot of customers from the Bondi area travelling to our flagship store in Enmore and telling us how much of a hassle it was. Now we can service the inner west and the east as well.” said Valcorza.

It has taken two years for Valcorza to find the ideal beachside location, which has been found at the site once occupied by Nina Ploy’s Thai restaurant. They have kept the space’s industrial feel, showcasing the exposed brick and harnessing the chic appeal of bare copper piping, while incorporating bursts of colour from plants and deep ocean blue tiling.

The Sadhana Kitchen, Bondi store will provide a range of in-house and takeaway dining options including their signature raw, vegan high-tea and 7 course, raw, vegan degustation. The café will also offer a daily menu of breakfast, lunch, sweets, juice, smoothie and cocowhip x SK dessert items. The menu is packed full of Sadhana favorite’s including the pitaya bowl of dragon fruit blended with frozen strawberries and banana, served with fresh fruit and Sadhana’s original blend granola (featuring buckwheat, goji berries, cacao nibs and shredded coconut); and the “Cheezeburger” made with a nut-free vegan patty (also known as “Neatloaf”) and topped with homemade vegan cheddar cheeze.

“I want to make vegan food more accessible. Sadhana Kitchen exists to make organic, plant-based wholefoods and raw food accessible to everyone, no matter your background. By making these foods and services available, I hope that people will cultivate a mindful connection to what they are putting into their bodies. I want them to have the knowledge, and experience to make kinder, healthier, and more ethical choices for themselves, and our world.” said Valcorza.

All Sadhana Kitchen menu items are crafted from raw, plant-based ingredients with everything prepared at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius. “We wanted the least amount of refinement to our dishes. We work hard to make sure that everything we serve is still hearty, familiar and indulgent. I don’t want people to feel like they’re just going out for a salad,” says Valcorza. “When people leave here, they’re going to feel full.”

Sadhana Kitchen Bondi

Sadhana Kitchen Bondi, 132 Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach
Open Daily 8am–4pm

www.sadhanakitchen.com

December Loves

December 17, 20151 Comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – it’s December!

It’s Christmas time, summer time, beach time, pool time, picnic time, time to be run off your feet! With that in mind I have rounded up the very best life hacks to get you through the silly season without you looking, well silly.

Dyson V6 Absolute, RRP $899

Dyson, V6 Absolute, RRP$899 – I love vacuuming, I know it sounds odd but I find it incredibly soothing and rewarding. I have long known Dyson to be the pinnacle of the vacuum industry, and have wanted one for my very own. The stuff us Mother’s dream of, huh, speed, suction and power, oh my! The mess made by babies, husbands and pets would be match for this animal! Not to mention the mess I make when I’m 45 minutes into a Jamie Oliver 15 minute meal. I need all the help I can get!

Introducing the Dyson V6 – the only engine I’ve ever dreamt of revving. The lovely folk at Dyson and Kids Business sent me this bad boy as an early Christmas gift (you hear that everyone, Dyson + Christmas = great present) and I put it to the test. It effortlessly went from cleaning up shedding pet hair, to a carton of couscous loving sprinkled over the kitchen tiles, carpet and a shag rug by a certain toddler, to a trail of sultana’s Hansel and Gretel would be proud of. And let’s not even talk about the extra gunk it removed from what I thought was my ‘clean’ rug : /

The Dyson V6 Absolute comes with two heads – one for hard floors and one for carpet, along with all the attachments you would need to keep your every corner of your house looking fine. It’s cordless and has a 20 minute battery life which allows you to zip around the house with it and pull out the big guy for a clean every few weeks. Click here to get yours now!

Dyson V6 Absolute, RRP $899

Cardini’s, Original Caesar Dressing, RRP$5.30 – All hail Caesar, the creator of the Caesar Salad. But really, did you all know he was a real person? I mean the inventor of the salad, not the Roman Emperor. Anyway, it was at Caesar’s Place on 4 July 1924, that Caesar Cardini created the Caesar Salad. Unprepared to feed the number of guests the restaurant had, Cardini, improvised gathered up some staples available in all good Italian kitchens and decided to give his dinner guests a show as well as a meal. So, on a service cart in the middle of the dining room, Cardini went to work with cos lettuce, olive oil, lemons, coddled eggs, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, fresh croutons, salt and pepper, combining the ingredients with such a flourish, it left his spectators in awe. The Caesar Salad was born!

Made from all natural ingredients, with no added sugar or preservatives, Cardini’s ‘The Original Caesar Dressing’ delivers a punchy taste with zero without the effort. Perfect to keep in the cupboard for a super quick throw together lunch over the holidays or even as a sauce for the BBQ.

Cardini’s Caesar Dressing, RRP$5.30

Food for Health, Muesli Pod, RRP$3 – Food for Health, one of Australia’s leading muesli brands, has launched their new range of grab and go muesli pods, full of nutrient-packed superfoods. Each muesli pod contains a shot of milk powder and a spoon, so the only thing to do is add water, stir and enjoy! What more can you want? A tasty, nutritious and healthy breakfast without having a lift a finger. Thank you!

Food for Health, Muesli Pod, RRP$3

Merry Christmas all! Have a safe and Happy New Year. X

November Loves

November 23, 2015November 21, 20152 Comments

Pitango, Meal Pots for One, RRP$5 – Did you know that 75% of people eat their lunch at their desks each day, and that they are often unhealthy, boring + uninspired? I am guilty of this, and from my life in offices I know the stats are true! Gone are the days of tinned tuna, four bean mix, burnt toast and cup-a-soups thanks to the new range of Pitango Meal Pots for Ones. These bright pots are tasty and full of flavour. Zap in the microwave for 3 minutes and hey presto, lunch! These bad boys are surprisingly filling and wholesome which is always a winner on days when dreams of lunch are the only thing getting you through. Oh, and share your boring lunch on Piango’s Facebook page to go into the running to win a prize pack valued at $1,500. Visit facebook.com/pitangofoods and share a snap of your lacklustre lunch to enter.

Pitango, Meal Pots for One, RRP$5-

Swig Flasks, Harris Tweed Hip Flask, RRP$145 – Want swag? Get Swig. Damn, these flasks are on point. More than just a hip flask, the body of these luxury flasks are seamless and made from one piece of stainless steel – so there is absolutely no risk of leakage. In keeping with its ergonomic design, the base of the flask is flat, so it can be stood up straight for easy filling. This range is housed in Tweed pouch, handmade on the Isle of Skye using exclusive Harris Tweed sourced direct from the weavers and mills on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Swig offer a lifetime guarantee on their flasks and have never had a return! These guys are made to last. Available from swigflasks.com with worldwide shipping + engraving, which makes them perfect for Christmas!

Swig Flasks, Harris Tweed Range, RRP$145-

Yumi’s, Anytime Range, RRP$4.59 – The good folk at Yumi’s have created a new Anytime range of squeezy pouches that are perfect for topping, dressing, or spreading. This throw in your bag and go range features some classics like curried egg and tuna pate, with the squeezy pouch designs combating the odour issue that can arise if your lunch is left to sit and sweat in your bag/work fridge all day, eggcellent.

Yumi’s, Anytime Range, RRP$4.59

October Loves

September 30, 2015Leave a comment

It’s OCTOBER tomorrow! Whattt??? When did that happen? Last I checked it was still winter, not midway through spring! It must be the Mother in me. I’m so forgetful these days I swear I could plan my own surprise party!

Here is a round-up of the latest and greatest items that have hit the shelves these past weeks.

Enjoy!

Beak & Sons, Gluten Free Gourmet Sausage Range, RRP$6.49 – Beak & Sons have this month released their brand new range of gluten free, gourmet sausages. The range boasts 3 new flavours – traditional beef, Tuscan pork, and chicken and mushroom. The chicken and mushroom were the clear winner for me, absolutely delicious. Not fatty but still juicy and 100% yum! I was overly impressed with the other two flavours, I found them a little dry and chewy. However, Ben was a big fan of the Tuscan Pork.

Beak and Sons, Gluten Free Gourmet Sausage Range, RRP$6.49

Closer to Nature, Non-Spill Cups, RRP $various – as a breastfeeding Mother to a now 1 year old, I have often wondered when I would get my ~~breasts~~ freedom back and be able to be away from my little sprout for more than a few hours. Mr Max is fussy when it comes to drinking, and has refused to drink from anything that isn’t me. I have tried expressed milk, formula (several), water, goats milk, cows milk and every form of bottle, teat and cup under the sun. All to which he turned his nose up to and refused even the smallest sip. Which was frustrating and torublesome to say the least. Enter, Closer to Nature and their new range of Non-Spill Cups. Bravo to their designers as Mr Max will drink from them! His preference is an adorable blue/green straw cup with a “be kind to bees” picture. I have found FREEDOM, along with an excellent method of hydration for my little explorer. THANK YOU!

Closer to Nature, designed to keep your baby hydrated from their very first first sip, to their first big adventure.

Closer to Nature, Non-Spill Cups

Woolworths, Nuts About You Ice Cream, RRP$4.00 500ml – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Woolworths’ ice cream game is on point. Their new range includes the delicious flavour “Nuts About You” we’re talking chocolate, nuts, caramel – all that is good. Get it in your belly!

Woolworths, Nuts About You ice cream, RRP$4.00 500ml

July Loves

July 29, 2015July 29, 2015Leave a comment

It feels like only last week I was typing up my last ‘Loves’ post, although I know it has been awhile. A baby will do that to you! I send my apologies to all who were wandering aimlessly around the supermarket wondering if there was anything new and tasty to try. Never fear, I have rounded up some new and delicious products below for you to chomp on.

Oh, and I promise [~~fingers may or may not be crossed behind my back]~~ that I will be more diligent with my next ‘Loves’ post.

Alana’s Pantry by Alana Lowes, Spicy Sauces, RRP $5.50 each – OMG these sauces are seriously good! Full of flavour, packing a seriously spicy kick, and made with no weird shit. These guys have been getting a definate work out in my kitchen of late. Seriously though, I caught Ben using the Spicy Morocco sauce for 7 meals straight. This includes 2 breakfasts. All of the sauces in the range are delicious, I personally cannot get enough of the Spicy Vietnam. It is a heavenly marinade that takes me instantly to South East Asia. Oh, and for those of you playing along at home you may remember the lovely Alana from season 3 of MasterChef Australia.

Alana’s Pantry, Spicy Sauces – RRP $5.50

Carpineto, Dogajolo, Toscano Rosso, RRP $17.00 750ml – is this not one of the most beautiful bottles of wine you have ever seen? I’m not going to lie, I totally judged a bottle by its label and bought this wine because it looked super cool. And, I have never been happier with my slightly superficial tendencies than ever before, because this is seriously a good drop. Big flavours, spicy notes of raspberry, vanilla, coffee and cherry shine through from this terrific Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet. The palate is lean and lively with red berry fruits, plum flavours and notes of spice from wood-aging.

Carpiteno, Dogajolo, Toscano Rosso – RRP$17

Mamee, Chef Premium Instant Cup Noodles, RRP $2.29 each -remember Mamee Noodles? You know, the ones with the monster on the packet that you’d chomp on dry, from the pack, in the play ground at school? Well, cue nostalgia, these guys and back; and this time it’s with something for us oldies. Their new range, Chef, is perfect for busy adults looking for quick and convenient lunch and snack solutions. They are ready in 3 minutes, which when you have a baby hanging off you is a god send! I was pleasantly surprised with the the flavour of these. They honestly tasted like noodles I have had from market stalls in Asia. Folks, you don’t need to substitute quality for speed! The pastes are made from real ingredients and there is a freeze dried veggie sachet that’s packed with slices of chilli, shallots and other delicious treats like shrimp or tofu depending on flavour. Giving you restaurant quality taste. Available in three delicious flavours; Curry Laksa with Dry Tofu and Vegetables, Tom Yam with Tasty Shrimp and Vegetables, Spicy Chicken Shiitake with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegetables. Available in Woolworths supermarkets nationally. mamee.com.au | facebook.com/mameechef | #MameeChef
TIP: look out for an upcoming recipe on here using the Mamee Chef Noodles to make a super quick and super tasty family dinner!

Mamee Chef Noodle Range, RRP $2.29 each

Enjoy!

Review – Little Gunga, Milton NSW

June 25, 2015June 25, 2015Leave a comment

Little Gunga, Milton NSW – http://www.instagram.com/cafegunyah

Billed as a “coffee/art space” Little Gunga is one of the many coffee offerings in the buzzing tourist village of Milton on the South Coast of New South Wales.

My husband’s family is from Ulladulla and while visiting one weekend a few years back his sister insisted we visit the newest cafe, obligingly we went along with the promise of good coffee, and we weren’t disappointed. As we walked in the door we were greeted by the welcoming face of a barista I had worked with many moons ago at a cafe in Cronulla, so immediately I knew we were in for a coffee treat. Blake has since sold the cafe, however the new owners have employed a lovely lady, Rhiannon, I went to high school with who is still pumping out high quality coffee.

Little Gunga is nestled in an ally leading to a car park but has much more charm that one would expect to find from that description. Hosting an eclectic mix of seating and well lacquered wooden bench tops, paired with a beautiful bench front composed of reclaimed timber off-cuts, you immediately feel at ease in this relaxed space.

Cappuccino – Little Gunga, Milton NSW – http://www.instagram.com/cafegunyah

Go for: the coffee – around $4 for small

Stay for: I’m not going to lie, I usually order take away and wander through the local boutiques while sipping

Order: Coffee!

Bonus: check in-store for music acts and art exhibitions

Sadhana Kitchen - raw, gluten free, sugar free, vegan cake

April Loves

April 21, 2015April 20, 2015Leave a comment

Let me start by sending a big apology for missing March Loves. I know that it must have been a real struggle for you to figure out which shiny, new products to try this past month. I had appendicitis, so you can blame my non-vital organ that was yanked out and kicked to the curb. What a jerk.

Without further ado, here is my round up of yummy finds to nom on this month:

Woolworths Select Ice Cream, Caramel Toffee with Biscuit Pieces, RRP $4.70 1L – Woolworths’ ice cream game is on point. There are a few flavours in this range but this one of by far my favourite. In fact, the words “this is the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten” spilled out of my mouth as a I was curled up on the couch, tub and spoon in hand. Sorry, not sorry.

Woolworths Select Ice Cream, Caramel Toffee Biscuit

Counting Sheep, Sauvignon Blanc, RRP $13, 750ml – this Marlborough Sauv Blanc is zesty, fruity and light. Its tasting notes proclaim cut grass aromas, which to be honest doesn’t sound all that appealing to me. I’d probably toss the glass if some lawn trimmings fell in. Never the less, this is a fine drop and is perfect for spring afternoons in the sunshine with friends and seafood.

Counting Sheep, Sauvignon Blanc

Sadhana Kitchen, 147 Enmore Rd, Enmore – You wouldn’t be the first to think you’d be craving a big, fat, juicy steak after snacking at Sydney’s original raw, organic, vegan cafe, but you’d be wrong. Stuff your pie hole with raw pad Thai, guilt free treats like “Better than Wagon Wheels” and wash it all down with a mylk chai or fresh juice. Even this carnivore waddled away with a full belly.

Sadhana Kitchen, Enmore

Delicious Skin, Butter Cleanser, RRP $25 100mls – I was sold at butter for your body. Organic and it smells good enough to eat. I mean, who doesn’t want to rub butter on their body? In a non Homer Simpson kind of way.

Delicious Skin, Butter Cleanser

Enjoy!

15 Australian Food Blogs Guaranteed To Change The Way You Eat

March 16, 20151 Comment

Recently the super fab team at Buzzfeed compiled a list of “15 Australian Food Blogs Guaranteed To Change The Way You Eat” and none other than Daily Gluttony came in at number four – BOOM!

They asked the Buzzfeed community what pages they had bookmarked for food inspo and this little page popped up in the list, thanks guys! The complete list is below along with a lovely write up on Daily Gluttony, wow.

Enjoy!

1. The Healthy Chef

The Healthy Chef

Via Facebook: healthychefteresacutter

Perfect for: The healthy eater who still wants food that tastes damn good.

“Awesome recipes which are healthy BUT ACTUALLY TASTE GOOD and are easy to cook!” – Jemima Skelley

2. Noodlies

Perfect for: The next time you feel like going out to enjoy the best in Asian cuisine.

– Anna Mendoza, Facebook

3. Not Quite Nigella

Not Quite Nigella

Via Facebook: NotQuiteNigella

Perfect for: Those times you need to cook something that will do some hardcore impressing.

– Priscilla Delatorre, Facebook

4. Daily Gluttony

Daily Gluttony

Via Facebook: dailygluttony

Perfect for: Everyone who needs convincing that at-home food can taste just as good as the stuff you pay the big bucks for.

– jmacacino

5. Grab Your Fork

Grab Your Fork

Via Facebook: grabyourfork

Perfect for: Anyone who wants eating advice from a blogger they can trust to point them in the right – and most delicious – direction.

– Jenna Guillaume

6. Raspberri Cupcake

Perfect for: Baking fans. Every last sugar loving one of them.

“Love Raspberri Cupcakes for her adorable cakes and muffins and insanely detailed macarons.” – Kyri Fuss, Facebook

7. Health for Happy

Perfect for: Those days the healthy food craving is high.

– Lucy Axton, Facebook

8. Gusface Grillah

Gusface Grillah

Via Facebook: gusfacegrillah

Perfect for: “Dude-food”.

“So much delicious BBQ.” – Sherryn Gallagher, Facebook

9. The Stone Soup

The Stone Soup

Via Facebook: thestonesoup

Perfect for: Anyone who wants quick recipes that only require a few ingredients.

“Super healthy, delicious and simple dishes.” – fionam7

10. Michelle Schoeps Organic

Michelle Schoeps Organic

Via Facebook: 135160283210235

Perfect for: Parents with hungry – but fussy – kids.

– harryc411491c3f

11. Miss Foodie

Miss Foodie

Via Facebook: MissFoodieAus

Perfect for: Those who like a side of recipes with their restaurant reviews.

“She is Brisbane-based and has a fantastic blog. She gives great recipe ideas, food and restaurant reviews. She was just recently a guest speaker at Apple on how tostart a blog. Do yourself a favor.” – Debs Ward, Facebook

12. Breakfast Confidential

Perfect for: The brunch lovers of WA.

“The most important meal of the day!” – Dame Samantha, Facebook

13. Expensive Delicious

Perfect for: Melbourne coffee and lunch addicts.

– Claudia Hartley, Facebook

14. Insatiable Munchies

Insatiable Munchies

Via Facebook: InsatiableMunchies

Perfect for: Sydney-siders who want to know which cafe is actually worth the 45 minute wait.

– Tammik

15. Cookbook Resolution

Via Facebook: CookbookResolution

Perfect for: Anyone who agrees that everything looks better in cartoon form, including recipes.

“It’s a comic! It’s both delicious and funny – everything you could hope for.” – Yumbo McGillicutty, Facebook

Review – Bannisters Pool Bar, Mollymook NSW

February 10, 2015February 3, 20151 Comment

Image: http://www.bannisters.com.au

If relaxing by a pool, over looking the ocean, with a cocktail in hand is your kind of thing; then you’re going to like Bannisters Pool Bar.

Set at Bannisters, Mollymook, home to Rick Stein’s Australian restaurant venture, the Pool Bar is the more affordable sibling of the aforementioned dining option at Bannisters.

An effortlessly chic layout, sees lounges and share tables littered among pool recliners; along with private function rooms that accommodate everything from birthdays to weddings.

The extensive drinks menu serves crafty cocktails like the coriander martini alongside French champagne, and a relatively standard beer offering. Food is prepared with sharing in mind and offers pizzas, dips, dukkah and a few heartier options if sharing isn’t your thing.

While I am yet to frequent the restaurant (it’s a bit exy) I am told that you can order selected dishes created by the master himself at the pool bar, for a fraction of the cost.