At the movies: Robocop

Some movies are icons of a generation, and probably Robocop is one of them for mine. I just wasn't as interested on paying for watching the new version of it.

Well,  I must say that it was way better than expected, especially not being the type of moving I would usually like. Nice effects,  good cast,  interesting point of view about why it was important that Robocop kept having emotions to judge if shooting someone or not, and about the importance of an united family.

The dream of a safer world is always there in our minds,  but robots being an option for fighting crime is a scary possibility for me.

Chips on a stick!

Recently we went to visit friends in Canberra as the National Multicultural Festival was on. What a great feast!

Food, drinks, music, live shows, a lot of people (which is something rare in Canberrs), traditional products and information about different places around the world. But what really got my attention was a food stand selling something called "Chips on a stick". A curlie cutted potato on a stick. There were two stands of this type and both of them had most of the time a long line of people buying. I was impressed to continuously see kids and adults eating these chips.

And of course,  I needed to try it as well as everybody else. Not healthy at all but delicious!  You could choose the flavors you wanted on them. I had the pepper & lemon one, and it was really nice.

Simple food but served in a creative way... You don't need to create new things to be successful,  a good idea to improve something that already exists is enough to win!  :)

Healthy-ish homemade lunch

I just want to share this great idea for eating a great meal without feeling too guilty.

I love a nice pasta and the Bolognese sause with meance meat it is definitely my favorite.  The problem is that I was trying not to have any pasta, bread, rice and potatoes during the week. What to do?

Simple: swapping pasta for cabbage!  Of course it's not the same taste but it does the job and a bit healthier.  Don't forget to use a lot of parmesan cheese. Hope you love it too!

Exploring Alexandria, NSW. Part 2

As I mentioned in my last post, one of my 2014 resolutions is discovering a bit more of Sydney, and Alexandria was the first stop.  It is an area full of places to eat and shop.

I am delighted to have discovered Salt Meats Cheese, a gourmet market that has available a vast variety of fresh delicious goodness from around the world.  Prosciutto ham, Serrano ham, fresh pastas, oils, olives, sweets, sauces, and more awesome food. The prices are right for what you're getting.

I totally recommend to try a bit of all the samples they have available for people to try... it's all good. You can also buy sandwiches there, and the prosciutto + cheese one is a winner.

I bought a bit of everything, including a Cheese Making Kit (I'll let you know how is the home-made cheese I am planning to make); and the 4 cheese raviolis, the Peperonata Sauce and the Parmesano Regiano cheese. That was our dinner that night: easy to make, fresh and delicious.

I'll definitely keep exploring more of Alexandria and come back to this great deli... totally worth it!

Exploring Alexandria, NSW. Part 1

I decided that this year that my desire to change and enjoy the life that I really want is stronger than my old habits.  2014 will ne a year to explore new areas in Sydney and everywhere I go, stop complaining about how boring things could be, and appreciate more all things around me.

 

Last Saturday, first one of the year, I went to Alexandria.  I was surprised by all the places I found in that area.  But this time I'm going to tell you about the place I had lunch at: Vicinity Dinning, on 90-96 Bourke Rd (Cnr Collins St).

 

This nice dinning offers different spaces to suit whatever the reason is you are visiting this place: bar, outdoor terrace, chic restaurant.  I had a delicious fresh orange & watermelon juice, and our choices for main meals were "Pappardelle with heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto, capers and parmesan cheese", and "Twice cooked pork belly with caramelized green beans, fennel seeds and chimichurr".  It was all yummy and nicelly served.

 

Good service but my only complain was that they were a bit slow to take our order and to bring the dishes.  Except for that little details I loved the place and the decoration.  I'll definetely going back there, next time maybe not feeling too hungry.  =)

Indian delicious food in Canberra

I lived for 2 years in Canberra and while living there I tried a few Indian restaurants.  My favorite: Bollywood Masala in Dickson! 

We go back to "The Berra" a few times a year, visiting family and friends, and I always try to meet friends for lunch or dinner. This Christmas holiday wasn't an exception so I went back to Bollywood Masala! 

My selection of food this time was simple but awesome and substantial: Aloo Naan bread (stuffed with potato), Kadai Murg (Chicken),  Special Saffron Rice, and Mango Lasi. It was all great, the place is well decorated so it would be a nice choice for an special occasion, and prices are fine.

The restaurant is conveniently located near Dickson Shops & Canberra's Chinatown, which is surrounded by a few bars where you could have a couple of drinks afterwards. 

Bollywood Masala Restaurant - Bar - Tandoor:10 out of 10 !

Awesome cooking at home

Recently, talking to someone that l know, he quoted the following words that inspired me: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mistery, but today is here and now".

Life changes everyday and I just decided (realised) that I need to save more money if I really want to keep enjoying  a confortable way of living for as long as possible. That doesn't mean that I won't allow myself any gift, pleasures or nights out, but I definitely need to change some habits.  One of my favorites: eating out,  trying new restaurants or types of food.

In my efforts for trying to make the most of my money, I'm cooking more and more different recipes from all around the world at home, from the easiest ones to some pretty difficult recipes. And I am having so much fun! I've never been a big fan of cooking but inviting friends over, taking it as a relaxing therapy, and having some wine while cooking it's been great!

My latest home-cooked meal was delicious, easier that I thought it was going to be, and I impressed everyone with it (even myself): Chicken and chorizo paella by Curtis Stone. This is the recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaToWbSaJcU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Saving money doesn't have to be a nightmare. Have fun cooking by yourself or with friends, and enjoy life!