Mai Lin Talks

Hot weather for Curry at Lakshmi (Rathdowne St, Carlton – Melbourne)

Mai — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:23:40 +0000

Lakshmi

Lakshmi (BYO)

Ph: +61 (0) 3 9349 5525
687 Rathdowne St
Carlton North – VIC 3054

Summer is finally here. A constant week of 30+ degree days screams for curry. My favourite Indian curry place in Melbourne is Lakshmi. It is not exactly located right in the city but close enough (approximately 3 km off Melbourne CBD).

Lakshmi is very quaint with approximately a dozen tables. The dining room has a very big window overlooking the tree lined street of Rathdowne St.

Lakshmi Quaint Dining Room

Looking at the menu, Lakshmi serves all sort of curries. The menu resembles South Indian Curry which is my favourite part of India as the food is influenced by its neighbouring South East Asian countries. This is reflected in Lakshmi’s menu with items ranging from Malaysian Beef Rendang, South Indian Lamb and for those who are vegetarian, there are plenty of options such as Sri Lankan Pumpkin curry with leeks and coconut or Dahl and eggplants curry.

Hot weather and South Indian Curry seems to go hand in hand On arrival, there is a small bowl of mixed Indian Spiced crackers

Here is what we ordered -

Chicken Wings with Asian Marinates – I really the grilled chicken wings which comes with sweet sauce. A perfect starter.

Chicken Wings with Asian Marinates

Thai Papaya, Mango and Herb Salad - Thinly slices of green papaya and mango with slices of red onion, chilli and coriander. It is not too spicy and has the right amount of chilli which balances with the sweet and sour taste. A very refreshing starter indeed.

Thai Papaya, Mango and Herb Salad

Perkedel Potato Patties with Sweet Soy Sauce – I had these when I went to Bali (Indonesia). We ordered the vegetarian version. It’s basically potato patties with some spices that’s shallow pan fried. The sauce is very nice as it was not just a plain sweet soy sauce, it has small slices of chilli which is what these patties need to add another dimension to the mellow velvety potatoes.

Perkedel Potato Patties served with Sweet Soy Sauce

Thali with one choice of curry served with dahl, raita, pickle, chutney / salad, pappadums and rice - My fellow diner decided to order a Thali with Nyonya chicken curry and potatoes. The Thali comes in a big tray with lots of condiments of Dahl, Raita, Pickle, Chutney, Pappadums and Rice. It’s a value for money ($18.90) meal for one very hungry person .

Lakshmi's Thali - one choice of curry served with Dahl, Chutney / Salad, Pickles, Raita, Pappadums and RiceWe chose a creamy chicken curry with potatoes in our ThaliRaita, Chutney, Pickles in our Thali

Asam Pedas Rockling Curry in a spicy tamarind sauce – This has to be my favourite curry as it has a lot of flavour combinations from sweet, sour and spicy. The tamarind sauce cut through the flavour giving the dish a fresh taste. The fish (Rockling) is so delicate and delicious.

My favourite curry in Lakshmi - Asam Pedas Rockling curry in a spicy tamarind sauce

Roti – An Indian meal won’t be complete without Roti. We decided to order 2 serves. The outside is very crispy and the inside is delicate. The roti is not too oily and has the right texture. The rotis were served pipping hot. Simply delicious.

The best Roti is at Lakshmi

Starters are priced between $5-$8, Curries are priced between $13.90 – $18.90 while Thali set is $18.90.

2012 Australian Open Men’s Final – Novak Djokovic VS Rafael Nadal

Mai — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:17:02 +0000

Novak Djokovic - The Winner of 2012 Australian Open Mens

Serve down the tee, a short return, an inside out forehand and 5 hours and 53 minutes later Novak Djokovic is crowned the 2012 Australian Open Champion Mens Final Champion (57 64 62 67 75).

The Men’s Finals between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was an epic encounter. Infact it was the longest Grand Slam Final in the Open Era.

Rafael Nadal fought hard

Match Point - Novak Djokovic was dead tired

Novak Djokovic - Releasing his emotions after the match

Runner up for the 2012 Australian Open Mens - Rafael Nadal

Final Score - 2012 Australian Open Mens Final

2012 Australian Open Mens Final - The Longest Grandslam Final ever!

Eric Bana is serious about his tennis

Awesome seats - I was seated 2 rows behind Rafael Nadal Family and Coach

Mamasita – Melbourne Cool Mexican Restaurant Review

Mai — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:53:12 +0000

My shared bar stool style dining at Mamasita with a lovely view of Collins St

Mamasita
No bookings except in groups of 8-10 people

Ph +61 (03) 9650 3821
Level 1 / 11 Collins St,
Melbourne – VIC 3000
Australia

This is the 3rd time that I have been to Mamasita. The first time I didn’t get to eat till 11pm, the second time I came early (6pm) but didn’t eat till 8.45 and most recently I had to que at 4.45pm to have a super early dinner. Mamasita is popular, very popular and unfortunately they don’t take bookings.

Dining at Mamasita

Entree

Mamasita Corn on the Cob (Etotes Callejeros – “Street Style”chargrilled corn, queso, chipotle mayonnaise, lime) seems to be everyone’s favourite dish to start off. Your first bite will be scrumptious juicy grilled corn brushed with chipotle mayonnaise sprinkled with queso (a mellow cheese) and squeeze of lime juice. Mouth watering

Etotes Callejeros - "Street Style"chargrilled corn, queso, chipotle mayonnaise, lime ($4.90 / corn)

Tostaditas

Next on the menu is 2 delicious Tostaditas de Cangrejo (2.5 inch fried tortilla with toppings of Crab meat, avocado, cucumber, tamarind, mayonnaise, habanero). There are 4 Tostaditas per serve. I can taste the textures of crunchy tostaditas with soft chewy velvety crab meat. It’s a party in the mouth.

de Cangrejo - Crab meat, avocado, cucumber, tamarind, mayonnaise, habanero ($16 / 4 Tostaditas)

Tacos

My favourites dish is the Mamasita tacos. They are very light and delicious We ordered 2 types of tacos.

Mamasita Tacos

The first one is a fish tacos (Tacos de Pescado – Grilled fish, lime, achiote paste, red onion salsa). Mamasita fish tacos is my favourite as I love the taste of the marinated fish.

Tacos de Pescado - Grilled fish, lime, achiote paste, red onion salsa ($6 / taco)

The second tacos is equally tasty Tacos de Camarones – Marinated prawns, red chilli & chipotle almond salsa.

Tacos de Camarones - Marinated prawns, red chilli & chipotle almond salsa ($7 / taco)

The Tacos came with cucumber salsa side.

A Complimentary Tacos condiment of cucumber salsa

Ceviche

A Mexican meal won’t be complete without a dish of Ceviche. Ceviche is a raw fish cooked in lime juice with corns sticking out of it. We enjoyed Mamasita’s Ceviche de Yucatan – Market fish, green tomato, chilli, mint, lime & coconut milk. We ordered the large size .

Ceviche de Yucatan - Market fish, green tomato, chilli, mint, lime & coconut milk ($15)

Main Dish

The star of the night is the Camarones gigantes al ajilo – Grilled prawns, toasted garlic & green almond sauce. This is now my new favourite dish at Mamasita.

We ordered everything mentioned including 2 bottles of Sparkling Water ($6 each) and NV Calformosa MVSA ‘Brut’ Cava, Catalunya, Espana $9 / glass brings the total bill to approximately AU$110 (for 2 diners).

Camarones gigantes al ajilo - Grilled prawns, toasted garlic & green almond sauce ($28)

Mamasita remindes me of a good chinese restaurant where all you want to do is eat good food and walk out. No Frills, No Ifs No Buts .

Lunch at the Conservatory of Sweetwater Cafe (Chateau Yerring) – Yarra Valley (Melbourne, Australia)

Mai — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:34:10 +0000

Sweetwater cafe (Chateau Yering, next to Yering Station cellar) - a place to enjoy great food in a beautiful dining room setting

Sweetwater Cafe (Chateau Yering)
Phone: +61 (03) 9237 3333
42 Melba Highway
Yering, Yarra Valley – VIC
Australia

I like to get my Australian wine directly from the cellar door whenever I can. I drink lots of Yarrabank Creme de Cuvee and since there is only one bottle left I decided to make a trip to Yering Station located at Yarra Valley (approximately 1.5 hours out of Melbourne CBD) to restock.

I booked myself for lunch next door at Chateau Yering’s Sweetwater Cafe. The cafe is a conservatory style and really beautiful. It has lots of natural light. I adore the whole dining room. I feel relaxed and happy.

A conservatory style dining room of Sweetwater cafe (Chateau Yering)

After being seated, the waiter informed us that I can choose from the a la carte menu or a 2 course special lunch with a glass of wine for $35. The lunch special sounds really nice and value for money so I decided to opt for that.

I ordered a main course with dessert with a glass of Yering Station Pinot Noir.

Main – Grilled Barramundi with beetroot and spinach puree, honey glazed carrots, mashed potato and vegetables, orange segments garnish with crispy prosiutto and pickled ginger

Grilled Barramundi with beetroot and spinach puree, honey glazed carrots, mashed potato and vegetables, orange segments garnish with crispy prosiutto and pickled ginger

The barramundi was perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and velvety soft fish. The combination of the vegetables give a compliment to the fish. I really like the sweet and salty combination and the garnish of pickled ginger just tops it all up. This dish showcase simple ingredients work well together. It was delicious.

Dessert – Apple Bread and Butter Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Cinammon flavoured ice cream

Apple bread butter pudding with caramel sauce and cinammon flavoured ice cream

Where should I start with this dessert…I will be more than happy to eat each element of this dessert individually, i.e. The Apple Bread and Butter Pudding with Caramel Sauce, The cinammon flavoured ice cream. However, combined it was even better. Who would’ve thought a simple bread and butter pudding can be twisted with Apple pieces. I love the fact that I can taste the vanilla beans in the bread and butter pudding, the caramel sauce was the cherry on top. The cinammon ice cream adds another element to the dessert. We all know Apple and Cinammon is a match made in heaven. I finished the dessert very quick .

I really enjoy my lunch at Sweetwater Cafe. I am just surprised that I don’t eat here more often. Sweetwater cafe has show cased that a great meal in a gorgeously styled dining room does not require one to break the bank.

Sweetwater Cafe also serves high tea every Sunday which include a selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, miniature cakes, a glass of sparkling wine and tea / coffee. An excuse for me to return

2012 Australian Open – Day 4

Mai — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:14:49 +0000

I almost did not make it to Day 4 of 2012 Australian Open

I only managed to stay half the day today due to work commitments. I had an excellent time on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.

Daniella Hantuchova / Urzula Radwanska VS Anna Tatishvili / Anastasiya Yakimova

The first match of the day was a doubles game that Hantuchova was playing. Unfortunately it was on court 5 with limited seating and when I finally got a seat it was almost over! Daniella Hantuchova / Urzula Radwanska defeated Anna Tatishvili / Anastasiya Yakimova 61 60.

Daniella Hantuchova partnered with Agnieszka Radwanska in the doubles

After the match, I went to check out my favourite court 16 and 17. Suprise, surprise, Roger Federer was there training again. I had a short stay as I wanted to watch Samantha Stosur’s conquerer, Sorana Cirstea VS Urszula Radwanska (Sister of Agniezska Radwanska). Sorana Cirstea is a strong player with a great whippy forehand, though can be error prone. Still, she won the match 16 62 63.

Sorana Cirstea

It was a short but pleasant day at the 2012 Australian Open. The next time I’m here will be for the Men’s Final .

2012 Australian Open – Day 3

Mai — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:15:18 +0000

At Day 3 2012 Australian Open

Today is my 3rd day and Day 3 of the Australian Open. Here is Day 1 and Day 2.

The plan for today is to hit training courts 16 & 17 and then watch the matches between Daniela Hantuchova Vs Lesia Tsurenko and John Isner Vs David Nalbandian.

As luck would have it, training on court 16 was none other than world no. 1 and one of the hottest tennis player Carolina Woczniaki.

Carolina Woczniaki

Daniela Hantuchova Vs Lesia Tsurenko

After about 30 minutes I left Caronlina for the match between Daniela Hantuchova and Lesia Tsurenko. The first thing I noticed was Daniela Hantuchova’s dress, the colour was so bright. The match was closely contested but Hantuchova fought hard and eventually prevailed 46 64 63.

Leggie Daniella Hantuchova

Lesia Tsurenko

Daniella Hantuchova - After winning the match

Training with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic & Co

I went back to courts 16 and 17 and spotted Roger Federer training on court 17 and Novak Djokovic on court 16. I decided to watch Novak train. After training, Novak was nice enough to spend some time with his fans signing signatures, taking photos and lots of smiles. Fans went crazy with alot of screaming.

Novak Djokovic

Peter Luczak

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

After watching Tsonga train I manage to track down a shirtless Andy Roddick. It may not be obvious here but it seems Andy was still carrying some pre Christmas weight around his belly I also found out a little piece of trivia, the Australian Open is one of the few tournaments that allow shirtless training. Fancy not being allowed to train shirtless

Andy Roddick

John Isner Vs David Nalbandian

My last match of the day was between David Nalbandian and John Isner. This was another classic from John Isner! It seems that long 5 setters is his speciality. After over 4 hours and 8-8 in the 5th, one can only think back to the match he played in Wimbledon against Mahut which lasted over 11 hours and 70-68 in the 5th. Fortunately though this match didn’t last as long with Isner finally winning 46 63 26 76 108.

David Nalbandian

John Isner

Margaret Court

Here are some more photos -

2012 Australian Open – Day 2

Mai — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:32:27 +0000

Enjoying a very hot Day 2 of the 2012 Australian Open

Today was a scorching 37 C on Day 2 of the Australian Open. For those interested here is Day 1.

Once again I visited my favourite court 16, the first person I spotted was the hottest player in female tennis, Daniella Hantuchova. She is quite pleasing on the eye. I want her body. She has the nicest calves and longest legs. I spent a great deal of time admiring how gorgeous she was and oh, she has a mean backhand.

Daniella Hantochova

Daniella Hantuchova - I want those legs and calves!!

Daniella Hantuchova

Daniella Hantuchova in action

Daniella Hantuchova pretty painted nails - she's a girl after all

Moving along, I spotted the 2010 Womens French Open winner Italy’s Francesca Schiavone. She was working on her serves. Another very fit player.

Italy's Francesca Schiavone

As I was walking towards the match between Jelena Dokic and Anna Chakvetadze, I noticed John Isner doing some drills. Seemed like a great person as he was speaking to some fans.

John Isner

I sat for the match between aussie Jelena Dokic and Anna Chakvetadze. It was an easy win for Jelena, winning 61, 62. What ever happened to Anna Chakvetadze, if memory serves, she was a top 5 player.

Jelena Dokic still calls Australia Home

Anna Chakvetadze

After the match, I walked around and bumped into a couple of french players. Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils. Gael is due to play in a few hours.

Gilles Simon

Gael Monfils

I went back to the Show Court to 2 watch the game between Vera Zvonareva and Alexandra Dulgheru. The real interest though was to watch the following match between Ana Ivanovic and Lourdes Dominguez Lino. Unfortunately fast forward 3 hours and the match was still going. Not wanting to stay till 8.00pm I left after the match and went back to the training courts before I decided to go home.

Vera Zvonareva

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal training on courts 16 and 17

Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer

The view of Yarra River and Melbourne Waterfront as I walked from the Melbourne Park (Australian Open) to the city.

Yarra River (Melbourne)

Here are some more photos from Day 2 of 2012 Australian Open -

Outside Court

2012 Australian Open – Day 1

Mai — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:36:36 +0000

At the 2012 Australian Open with my ground pass

My favourite time of the year has arrived! I’m talking about the Australian Open. I usually only attend the Mens Final (have been the last 6 years) but this year I am also going the first 4 days.

A ground pass to the Australian Open is just $29, considering a movie at Hoyts can set you back $22.50 I think this is a bargain! I mean $29 to see Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga & Co, definitely money well spent

My Australian Open ground pass

So this is who I manage to see play or train, unlike centre court you are literally metres from them. Sometimes I wonder what will happen if I touched one of them

Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
John Isner
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Juan Carlos Ferero
David Ferrer

Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer

John Isner

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Juan Carlos Ferrero

David Ferrer

I also managed to watch a great match between Ivo Karlovic and Jurgen Melzer, Karlovic winning (7-6, 7-5, 6-3). Andre Agassi once said, its not the speed of Karlovic’s serve that made it so difficult to return, instead it was the angles. Well now I know what he meant. His serve was effortless, poor Melzer, never stood a chance.

Ivo Karlovic greeted by fans after defeating Jurgen Melzer

Jurgen Melzer

22 aces to 0. How can that be fair?

Tommy Haas in action.

Tommy Haas

If you’re wondering how I managed to get so close to the players the trick is to know where they train. The big guns seems to be always training on court 16 & 17. If you stay within the vicinity your will likelyhood of seeing them will skyrocket.

Another thing is to look at the players’ schedule. If Roger Federer is playing in the night session then it is likely he will be training at around 4.00pm. So keep that in mind.

My aim tomorrow is to hopefully get some great photos of the hottest female tennis players

Here are some of my photos (all taken with my iPhone camera ) -

My New Running Shoes – Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

Mai — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:53:40 +0000

My new runners - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

One thing that has helped me relax from the stresses of work is to run. I have been runing short distances regularly now, usually between 3-5km. Lately though, I have increase the distance significantly, from my regular 3-5 km to 15-20km. It’s getting exciting because I realise this is half marathon territory. My goal, as part of my new year resolution, is to train for The 2012 Melbourne Marathon

As the distance I was running increased I realised it was time for new shoes. After doing some research online, I was still hessitant as to which pair of shoes suited my needs best. My friend recommended me to go to Active Feet.

My experience with Active Feet

Active Feet consultant (who's a podiatrist) assisted me in getting the right running shoes

Active Feet is a podiatrist owned shoe store that. The consultants examine your feet using slow mo camera while you are on the treadmill. There, they are able to assist you in selecting the right running shoes. As I walked in an Active Feet consultant, Jane came to my assistant and we had a 5 minute chat to understand my running habit. After our chat, we walked bare feet onto the treadmill. While performing a slight job, the consultant analysed my feet on a large TV screen. Jane explained that my left foot was over pronating (inward) a little.

Feet analysis service by Active Feet is a unique analysis to help determine the right shoes for me

She then came out with a pair of shoes and I was back on the treadmill again. It seemed like I need a little extra support. Back to the drawing board. Jane then came up with another pair of shoes and explained that the cushioning in these pair had more support than the previous one. I was back on the treadmill again and bingo, I think I’ve found my next pair of running shoe.

Jane told me to run outside and give it a good test. WOW, the difference was noticeable. I can definitely fell the extra support compared to my old shoes.

I ended up getting the Broooks Adrenaline GTS 12.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

If you are serious about your running and your feet and you want to get the perfect pair of running shoes then I highly recommend Active Feet. The consultants were knowledgeable and very helpful.

The only issued I had with Active Feet is that the prices for the shoes are generally dearer, perhaps 10-15% more expensive than Rebel Sports, let alone online shopping. But I feel that the extra price paid was very well worth it.

Nothing else left to do but to start running

RIP my old Nike shoes - You have been good

Me and my old Nike running shoes (Albert Park)

Me and my old Nike shoes (Princess Park)

Degustation at Bentley Bar and Restaurant – Surry Hills (Sydney, Australia)

Mai — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:51:52 +0000

Bentley Bar and Restaurant
Ph: +61 (02) 9332 2344

320 Crown St
Surry Hills (Sydney)
NSW 2010

I had a really great culinary experience at the Bentley Bar and Restaurant in Sydney.

I joined a friend from Melbourne who is an apprentice chef who works for a 3 hat restaurant (“The Age“). I find it very different dining with someone who’s a chef as opposed to someone who is a foodie. A foodie usually talks about the presentation, smell and taste of the food. While a chef talks about ingredients (every single tiny details) and techniques that form a dish.

We scored a table at the Bentley Bar and Restaurant and decided to go to a tasting menu with an extra dish from the a la carte. Talking about eating up a storm! I went along with it . Here are some of the dishes from the tasting menu.

They are beautifully presented and a showcase of skills and creativities.

Mud Crab (with Sweetcorn, Ham and Prawn)

Mud Crab (with Sweetcorn, Ham and Prawn)

A great combination of presentation, texture of mud crab, sweetcorn pudding, ham hock jelly and brik pastry. This is one of my favourite dish.

King Fish (with Roe, Juniper and Baked Potato Broth)

King Fish (with Roe, Juniper and Baked Potato Broth)

I love this dish, it consists of a very well cooked king fish, juniper, potato, tomato broth, radish, spring onion, and a very nicely deep green coloured kale.

Jamon Poached Tuna (with Khol Rabi, Squid Ink & Black Sausage Crumbs)

Jamon Poached Tuna (with Khol Rabi, Squid Ink & Black Sausage Crumbs)

Considering I am not a big fan of Black Pudding , I managed to feast on this dish. It is a Tuna cooked in Jamon (Spanish ham), Black Pudding Crumbs & Quinoa, Kohl Rabi and Squid ink.

Lobster (with Lamb Sweetbread, Black Bean and Coconut Curd)

Lobster (with Lamb Sweetbread, Black Bean and Coconut Curd)

The menu listed this dish as a Lobster but it tastes like a Balmain Bug with Sweetbread, Coconut Mousse, Tapioca in Black Bean and Fingerlime Samphire. This has to be my favourite dish.

Pork Belly (with Wattle, Garlic Milk & Rhubarb)

Pork Belly (with Wattle, Garlic Milk & Rhubarb)

Everyone’s favourite Pork Belly with Bay Milk Gel, Wattleseed, Rhubarb pieces, and Black Fungus.

Fillet of Black Angus Beef (with Carrot, Azuki Bean & White Sweet Potato Cake)

Fillet of Black Angus Beef (with Carrot, Azuki Bean & White Sweet Potato Cake)

I didn’t think the following ingredients put together can be so tasty but I was so wrong – Beef, Azuki Bean and Licorice Puree, Licorice Salt, Black Carrot, and Sweet Potato.

Slow Roast Duck Breast (with Cuttlefish & Mushroom)

Slow Roast Duck Breast (with Cuttlefish & Mushroom)

A perfectly cooked Duck Breast with Nettle, Jerusalem Artichoke and Turnip.

Dessert – Roast Peach Sorbet (with Peach Custard, Peach and Black Sesame)

Roast peach sorbet (with peach custard, peach and black sesame)

A very flavourful Roast Peach Sorbet with Peach Custard, Peach, Black Sesame Nougat and Biscuit

Dessert – Sorrel Sorbet (with Geranium, Fresh Berries)

Sorrel Sorbet (with geranium, fresh berries)

I am not really a big fan of this dessert as it tasted like carrot, however, my friend really enjoyed this dessert

Bentley Bar and Restaurant is a show case of highly skilled, creative and talented chefs on the Modern Australian Cuisine. The degustation menu is certainly worth experiencing. I was educated culinary wise in the way ingredients were put together to form a perfectly balanced dish.