FoodieChat

I thought I could let my birthday pass without anyone from work knowing or at least making a fuss about it, but the girls at work managed to surprise me and made my birthday even more special! They managed to sneak in some cupcakes from a bakery until I walked to the fridge for some milk and saw these cupcakes, and… surprise! I was so touched!  Who can resist pink iced cupcakes, perfectly smooth drizzled with white chocolate over the buttery dense base; or these devilishly delicious chocolate chip and nut cupcakes with dark chocolate ganache,

Or these deceptively healthy looking (I assure you, they are not!) blackberry baked cheesecakes…. and finally, tangy lemon baked cheesecakes!! As if I hadn’t indulged enough already (other birthday blogs to come)…. but cupcakes really are so extra special Thanks for the sweet surprise girls!

The first ever Lindt Cafe in the world opened in Sydney’s Martin Place two years ago, and sees a regular stream of chocolate lovers come in for their hot chocolate (which you mix yourself from melted chocolate and milk), handmade chocolates, and indulgent cakes, and even Lindt ice cream! Recently, they replaced their take away sandwiches with these “delice”ous chocolate filled macaroons called “Lindt delice”.  (more…)

Dragon Well Green Tea is one of the most well known and reputable brands in China.  Originating from Hangzhou, a city which is known for its beautiful West Lake, the tea is highly prized for its pure flavour, and health benefits.  Green tea has been shown to be high in antioxidants, which are said to reduce the risk of cancer.  It also is an excellent palate cleanser after a meal and also for me a detoxer.  It’s also said to aid in weight loss through speeding up your metabolism!  Well, medical research aside… the tea is grown in vast fields lining both sides of the road.  The beautiful, neatly groomed bushes grow to waist height and are in perfectly manicured rows.  Apparently, traffic is forbidden in the evenings, in order to reduce pollution in the tea.  Each leaf is handpicked by workers – and only the young buds. Painstaking work, which is why it is fairly expensive.  Next, it is dried again by hand, in a metal basin, and also sorted according to its quality. First grade costs 240 Yuan for 125g (ie A$40), second grade costs 120 Yuan (ie $20), and third grade costs 160 Yuan (ie $16.67) per 125g.  We were given the best grade to try at the shop, but only dared to buy the lower quality one, lest it get confiscated at customs!

The tradition is that if you are poured a full cup, it means “drink it and leave, you are not welcome”, but being poured half a cup means that you are welcome to stay as long as you like. You thank the pourer of the tea by tapping your index and third finger on the table 3 times near the cup, to say “Thank you very much”.  And the chinese say to come and “eat tea”, because the leaves are also edible.

(more…)

French Renaissance meets hip night club is the best way I can describe this super chic unconventional high tea venue (ie not a stuffy posh hotel).  Walking up the stairs, you feel like you’re entering a nightclub. Pitch black - save for the tea light candles lining each side of the stairs. Then, when you reach the top, it opens up to an intimate, swanky nightclub/lounge like venue, with clusters of women sitting in circles on plush lounges,  antique armchairs and French style chairs.  Towers of dainty food on tiered stands appear like towers above their heads on the coffee tables interspersed with all sorts of tea paraphernalia and flutes of champagne.  

(more…)