Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Mysterious Bro-Mance

One of the greatest man made invention was the car. 

Cars are no longer primarily used for transport. The modern car is now decked out with DVDs, GPS systems and sound systems. No one can doubt that mankind is progressing....

There is however something that is actually in reverse gear…the mysterious Bro-Mance. There is a new trend popping up amongst the traditional ” blokey relationship” things like burping, comparing beet gutts and eating 1 kg steaks are being threatened by the “Bro-Mance”.

 Let’s explain this concept ” bro-mance”. The metaphor gives permission for men to give each other fashion advice, go to restaurants together for a meal, hug, slap each others butts and tell one another via SMS how much they appreciate one another.

The Husband is a fore runner of bro-Mance. Where he goes he leaves other blokes love struck. He constantly gets the hugs, the love SMS and the occasional male fashion admirer. The food trend is also changing although I would say its progressing. Goodbye to greasy chips and pies and big macs, the boys have a slight touch of sophistication. They tend to add new touches to the meals such as having a wagu beef burger or a grilled fish with beer battered fries.

The Bro-Mancer also enjoys the indulgent dessert such as a chocolate fondue or dark chocolate mousse and is not afraid to finish the meal with peppermint tea. An hour drive for good food is no longer a problem on the agenda. And the shirt is crisply ironed and hair is neat and presentable.

Well ladies I’ve come to a good conclusion as to where did all the good man go? Most likely the blokes aren’t hanging out in the pubs any longer, you”ll find them in the corner having gluten free cookies and sipping on lattes. Blame it on the mysterious Bro-Mance….

Signing Off- F. Truffles

Monday, December 27, 2010

The End Of Year Work Function

What’s sad to admit is that the food doesn’t seem to matter to one who has had one too many Midori and Lemonades. The crowd flocking to the waiters tend to be enough to draw me to the food before it runs out. So at the end of the night, when all decent cafes and eateries are closed i take off my heels and wonder how i can justify a trip to Maccas.

Truffles

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Uno Italian Restaurant and Bar



A quick trip to the Gold Coast this past week = several yummy food experiences.. So lets begin with Uno, which quite fittingly was  Numero Uno on the list of restaurants I paid visit to....

Having arrived at the Gold Coast late into Tuesday evening with the assumption that the tourist hot spot included a wild dining and party night life. Lets sum my thoughts with these words- "Night life? More like no life!"

 The original plan was to wine and dine somewhere in Jupiter Casino as it was a short walk away from the hotel with a bevy of restaurant choices. However arriving there at around 10pm, we were sorely advised the only thing open at that time was battered fish and chips - a la fast food style. We ended up catching the monorail which delivered us to Surf Parade, Broadbeach and so continued the hunt for our first meal.

Uno Italian Restaurant and Bar.

We stumbled across this trattoria that had only one couple romantically dining away, whilst the restaurant was closing up. We asked them whether they could accommodate us and were given the expected rejection,  we explained how unfortunate we had been that evening. Alas! That was our meal ticket as they took pity and re-opened the kitchen.
So onto the food… The two dishes up for review are the Penne Boscaiola and the Penne Pollo. The choice was to ensure a hearty feed with full flavours.

 The Penne Pollo was served in a cream sauce and Boscaiola was delicious and flavoursome served with mushrooms, fried bacon in a pink sauce garnished with herbs. Both dishes ordered to share with the Boscaiola being a clear winner as it was quickly demolished. The Penne Pollo was slightly disappointing as it was lacking in overall flavour. The chicken pieces were quite large and a little dry, I often found myself swirling the pasta and chicken around the plate a little more to try and scoop up some extra sauce.

The waiter was extremely attentive from taking our order to receiving feedback. The staff were gracious in accommodating us when all other restaurants were closed. I would personally return and encourage all others to go- a friend in need... is a good friend indeed.

Next time you’re in Broadbeach, or are a local looking for some decent Italian, check out:

4/90-104 Surf Parade
Broadbeach QLD 4218
(07) 5538 1222


Holly Cupcakes X

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Cherish Christmas




Let’s not let Christmas pass us by with memories of the heat and demands. Let’s create a Christmas where the fresh seafood and heavy desserts are admired by all. And the friendship and love is handed out generously!


Friday, December 24, 2010

The Home Cooked Meal



In the midst of glam and design its so nice to just be simple. Alas, there is so much comfort to the home cooked meal made with love.
Love F. Truffles

Monday, December 20, 2010

Got Pho?



In my group of close friends i tend to be the only one who can read and understand the Vietnamese menu......

Dishes such a the Bun Thi Nuong – Grilled Beef Vermicelli Salad with Basil and Mint, Banh Hoi Thit Cuon – Do It Yourself Rice Paper Rolls and Pho – Beef Noodle Soup brings fond memories of food from my travels in Vietnam. There is one thing that never fails to amuse my dear friends, they always tend to laugh on cue and that when they hear anyone speak Vietnamese.

Let me set the scene for you – Its 10pm at night and the group had finished meeting up and its time for a good meal. They all share the different places they would like to go which can range from KFC to a fancy restaurant in the city and then we end up usually going to Bau Truong. Bau Truong is on a main road in Canley Heights and is well known for its tasty char grilled meats and fresh herbs.

It’s busy, loud and noisy and these very sweet waiters wait patiently as everyone share menus and keeps juggling what they would like for our late dinners. As the Vietnamese dances across the table it is meet with giggles and smiles, soon there are people imitating the sounds and accents and they even try to order in Vietnamese!

Drinks that’s are ordered include a very unique Avocado Shake which is blended avocado, ice and very creamy condensed milk that resembles a thick shake. Other drinks that are popular is the sweet and sour Strawberry Shake and Jack Fruit Shake that tastes as though it belongs to the Mango family. Foods are next including Hot Deep Fried Quails served with a piping hot Tamarind Sauce, a Chicken Lemon and Lime Leaf Salad served with roasted Pepper and sliced red chili. The Hot and Sour Soup with bean sprouts and seafood are one of our favourites and also the Sugar Cane Prawns that has a peppery and sweet combinations served with fresh herbs and noodles.

When the deed has been done and the group has had their share of food there is a short walk to the car. The air in Canley heights must have magical properties, just as we enter in the car someone recalls another funny Vietnamese saying and teasing starts again!


Bau Truong Restaurant
250 Canley Vale Road
Canley Heights 2166
(02) 9755 7099
Open Daily 10am-12am


 Luv   F.Truffles

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Hello World!





Come and join Holly Cupcakes and Francine Truffle as they capture the special “everyday moments” with their love affair of fresh and indulgent foods.

These two young ambitious ladies are a prime example of today’s modern generation. Goals of successful careers, high quality clothes and exotic holidays has enslaved the modern generation into a time-starved group that often overlooks the most simple things in life!

Say farewell to the stress, the never-ending credit debt and the endless train ride as you tune into life again.

How better else to slow down and smell the roses? As You Know- Everything… is … Better With Food!