Holly Cupcakes Hiatus

Hello!!

I apologise for the lack of updates by me, however I have been super busy baking & setting up a cake business - 'Cakes by Bertag'

Below is sneak peek of the ' Pastel Range' Cake Pops made for the UTS Communication Society's 'Barbie & Ken's Dreamhouse' Party, taken on my Bold9700. I promise to upload more verrry soon!

I'm actually jetting off to the UK & Europe for the next 6 weeks and have booked into some fabulous restaurants including: Fifteen- London, Afternoon Tea at the Dorchester - London, L'atelier de Joel Robuchon - London, Maze - London & Le Jules Verne (an Alain Ducasse restaurant situated ON the Eiffel Tower) - Paris!! I'm extremely excited and cant wait to share these experiences with you all :)

Until then.... Enjoy these Cake Pops by  Bertag

Holly Cupcakes, X

Are we there yet?!

There are few things i get myself into without first considering the pros and cons. But i have to admit, this was trip was a "dive first, and, hope for water" type of scenarios.

I'm off to the snows today with four children, all in primary school, and none of them are mine! Gulp.

 It started with a booking for a romantic getaway and somehow the extended family's phones were dialing my number and i ended up with four others. The last few days I've stressed the hub out by murmuring food ideas and scribbling down dinner plans.

My poor grocery trolley had the shock of its life when we entered through the sliding doors. A young married working couple with no children, replaced their health oriented products with underage snacks. Individual tiny teddy cookies, jelly and fruit cups, cheese and dip snacks and the mixed chip packets. I was almost tempted to make individual lunch packs with the classic brown paper bag and names scribbled in front.

I can definitely understand a parent's dilemma of being active in their children's life and making sure you give them foods that they like. Add to the list - healthy fresh food, that is a full time job! I'm praying i can match up a packet of crisp with some strawberries to subsidise the fat content.

One thing to draw from this experience so far?

 I'm starting to get an itch to write to Parliament and request for Mother's day to be a public holiday.

 Did i forget to mention that one of the little ones likes to dribble?

Wish me luck!

Truffles

Reminiscing About Paris



Our 1 year wedding anniversary was celebrated over in Europe

The Eiffel tower was a grand reminder of the beautiful cheeses, baguettes and sauces we encountered on our trip.

One thing that amazes me is the time and effort the french pour into their delicate food to fold in layers of flavour. Take the time out and make a spectacular meal with simple ingredients this coming weekend and savour every moment =)

Truffles

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