Road Trauma – are we really doing enough? John's comments.

                                                                                 
Most of us have recently enjoyed another festive season, but inevitably it would seem, many families have been traumatised by road injuries and sadly too many deaths, 6 in the first 8 days of 2018 in Victoria alone. Those affected go far beyond those immediately involved and extend to emergency service personnel, hospital staff and medical professionals, indeed entire communities can and are affected.  I pose the following and make no apology for calling it as I see it.

Review: The Fig Cafe

The Fig:     59 Esplanade, Paynesville VIC 3880               Menu: thefigcafe.com.au
                   Reservations: opentable.com.au  Ph: (03) 5156 6190
                    Breakfast & Lunch    Sun to Thurs 7:00am — 5:00pm   
                    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    Fri & Sat 7:00am — 10:00pm

Tag:      “Great location for coffee or food”

Review: Albert & Co

Albert & Co:   Coffee – Food – Catering. 
201 The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909  Ph: 03 5155 1209
Hours: from 6:30am:  Check for closing time.  Serving Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner (advise to book)


Tag:  “A new beginning for an old favourite”

The “West End” – replenish yourselves in a choice of 3 great locations.

Well finally we have a West End in Lakes Entrance. We all know about the West End of London, famous for its theatres, The West Wing of White House fame, “go west young man” a cry to populate the west USA in the 1800’s.  West Point, the military academy, West Ham the English soccer club, even Western Civilization. The West is significant in Chinese Buddhism, representing movement toward the Buddha or enlightenment. In Ancient Egypt, the West was considered to be the portal to the netherworld!

What has all this got to do with my foodie blogging you may well ask?, read on……

Prints on Canvas Exhibition and Sales

An updated exhibition has been installed in the “Art Space” upstairs at the Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre in Marine Parade. The display features photographic images including local and regional scenes together with some images taken in a wide range of other locations including some from overseas, all have been printed onto quality 360gsm canvas which has been stretched over a wooden frame.  All are made and printed in Australia and are for sale. In varying sizes a perfect gift or great on the home or office wall. The Centre is open 9am to 5pm  7 days a week.

"Albert & Co- a third awakening"

Last night I was privileged to be able to gain a sneak preview of the new Albert & Co. I have followed with interest the growth of this local establishment over many years and which has maintained not only my caffeine levels but also my insatiable need to find the best that Gippsland has to offer. We here right on my own back yard may just be one of the leaders in the field.

Savoury Slice – a snack a nibble or just comfort food in-front of the TV!

Still not travelling far so having finished with the football finals (all codes) and Bathurst, I am now in the midst of the Rugby League World Cup, F1 and Moto-GP racing with the Spring Racing Carnival thrown in by “She who must be obeyed”.  I found a few sheets of puff pastry in the freezer, (they HAD to be used), and some left overs in the fridge.  Aha I thought, what can I come up with, just as something to nibble on in front of the TV!  Here we go I will call them Savoury Slices or Savoury Squares depending on your cut, only problem was, they didn’t last long - food to savour!  😋

Beef Hotpot with Mushrooms and Port

Of late I have been more than a bit limited with travelling and continuing my quest for good eating    (and drinking) in and around Gippsland. So much to my wife's horror I have taken to the kitchen.

Here is a sample of my gastronomic experimentation. Normal stews can be boring so I added a few extras. Much to my delight, it tasted great (well I think so), and Joy admitted to enjoying it too. This is simple tasty good eating, cooked in a slow cooker so the meat comes out really tender.

Go on try it, I hope you enjoy.......

John's Pumpkin Soup with Garlic

Many who know me would say that I have food on my mind most of the time. This is possibly true and whilst I do enjoy going out and reviewing various eating houses, I also enjoy dabbling in the kitchen, much to my wife's irritation when I make a mess, (most of the time!), but thankfully to her enjoyment when my offerings turn out OK, and she has been relived of the cooking duties. Since recovering from surgery, I seem to be spending more time in the kitchen, this could be good or not so good from the boss's aspect!

I tried a pumpkin soup yesterday and had the nod of approval today so I thought I would share it, and if all goes well, some more of  my favourites to come.  So here goes......

Top Take-Aways...and Eat Ins

Take Away or Eat In – the choice is yours.

There is something about a take away meal, and I have many happy memories of consuming plenty of them in some very interesting places, (that's another story!). One of my favourite's is sitting up on Jemmey's Point Look Out overlooking Lakes Entrance itself on a summers evening with a good old fish and chips. I am sure you have your own favourite, but try some of these, I am sure you will enjoy. I have purposely left pizzas out as these will feature in there own category later.

Again then and in no particular order as usual:-