tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59388465483062100222024-03-13T19:55:11.192+11:00All Chenga's FriendsLegitimizing my banter about food, music and pop culture since 2010.chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-38115684448591872512020-12-10T20:28:00.002+11:002020-12-10T20:30:43.920+11:00 We All Need Grub: The Story of the Macquarie University Sausage Sizzle Club<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The year is 2007. I’m in the middle of the fourth and final year of my psychology degree at Macquarie University consisting of a riveting set of subjects (Design and Statistics IV! The Scientist Practitioner Model!), a research project and an accompanying 15,000 word thesis. My project doesn’t have enough participants and I’ve been late submitting my thesis drafts. My supervisor calls a meeting in his office, questions my commitment and asks if there’s anything that might be impacting my motivation or distracting me. I consider acknowledging my indolence and committing to doing my best for the rest of the year, but what I say elicits a concerned frown - “A couple of mates and I founded The W.A.N.G. Club - and it's really busy!”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span id="m_-9135116169673344348gmail-docs-internal-guid-349d343f-7fff-8f7d-b88a-adcd5c9277ed" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rewind 12 months. A group of mates and I are having dinner, reflecting on our time at uni. Macquarie University felt like it lagged behind the bigger ‘sandstone’ universities in terms of social life and campus vibe - people just went to classes and went home straight afterwards. We wanted to change that. One of us mentions that university clubs and societies get money to have sausage sizzles to raise funds for their events or activities. In a flash of Seinfeldian brilliance, one of us posits - what about a club just for sausage sizzles? Eyes widen and excited grins grow. We settle on a name - The W.A.N.G. Club (We All Need Grub) - and the preparations begin. We submit our club application and, much to our surprise, are approved - we can’t believe they are actually giving us money for this!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We decided to launch at the beginning of 2007 during Orientation-week, where all the clubs and societies set up stalls in the quadrangle and compete to attract new members. Our pitch was simple - pay an annual membership fee of $10 and get free sausage sandwiches every fortnight for the year. The most common initial response was laughter, followed by a quick calculation of value, ending with a carefree shrug and the handing over of money. It felt like we became the campus meme - most people that signed up had heard about it from friends and wanted in on the joke too. We bought sausage costumes and ran through first year lectures to spread the word. By the end of the week we had amassed over 500 members and became one of the most popular clubs on campus.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sausage sizzles were busy from the get-go. It felt like we got a taste of the chef life - building relationships with suppliers (well, knowing which supermarket had the cheapest snags), the hours of mise en place (ski goggles do indeed reduce onion cutting-related tears), the adrenalin of service and the sweet satisfaction of a cold beer at the uni bar at the end of it all. We catered for a variety of dietary requirements, although the vegetarians usually opted to have onion sandwiches rather than brave the vegie sausages on offer. One discerning member brought her own wholegrain bun and salad, obviously concerned with staying healthy whilst still partaking in her fortnightly sausage. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we approached the end of the year and most of us were finishing our degrees, we began looking for a new executive team to take over. We looked for people that could carry on the values of The W.A.N.G. Club - inclusive, fun-loving folk that could continue the spirit of food, fun and friends. The new W.A.N.G. crew really took it to the next level, putting funds into social activities for W.A.N.G. members and the wider campus population. Before Conception Day, the university’s annual festival, we ran breakfast barbeques to ensure that our members were properly fed before a day of heavy drinking, dancing and cross-faculty relations. We raised money for a variety of charities including Relay For Life and prostate cancer (a processed meat offset initiative come to think of it). There were talks of expansion, with interest from some of the big clubs on campus and even from other universities. However, there was some sense that it might not be as popular or that some of the magic might be lost - that it was perfect the way it was. Anecdotally, membership numbers continued to be strong in subsequent years. From what I can see on Facebook, the W.A.N.G. Club’s last sausage sizzle was in 2017. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On reflection, It felt like we were a club for people who weren’t into clubs, but still wanted to hang out and meet new people. We attracted such a cross-section of the campus - the larrikins who loved the name, the shy guys looking to make friends, the international students just looking for a cheap feed, even a couple of lecturers. The love of perceivably free food was the only common denominator, and not taking yourself seriously enough to join something called The W.A.N.G. Club was the sole membership criteria. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chatting to the other co-founders and previous executive team recently, The W.A.N.G. Club holds a special place in our hearts. Having such a whimsical idea grow into something so big that so many people delighted in was incredibly validating. Collaborating with others on a real-world project was really exciting - something that a lot of us found lacking in our degrees. Marketing and evolving the club was a fascinating exercise in creativity and entrepreneurship - things that many of us would end up exploring in our careers. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the increased attention on the sausage sizzles at the recent elections, we joked that we should launch the W.A.N.G. Club political party. What would we stand for? Equality! Community! Inclusiveness! What would we do? Sausage sizzles in every suburb every weekend! Guaranteed to reduce neighbourly disputes, increase social cohesion and support local butchers and bakers! Given the current disillusionment with politicians and the larrikin streak in the Australian identity, we might be in with a chance. All for W.A.N.G. and W.A.N.G. for all!</span></p>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-22462950594182830982016-03-24T21:29:00.001+11:002016-03-24T21:29:45.428+11:00Train Trip Album Reviews: 'Alligator' - The National<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">After a period of not listening to albums and a (very) long period of not blogging, this column is an attempt to re-ignite two old passions and curing commute-itis. Please excuse any ramblings or grammatical errors - it's drafted from Ashfield to Liverpool and finalised from Liverpool to Ashfield. </span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The National doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for headphone listening, but such treatment reveals their strengths - the intricate guitar interplay, the subtle piano textures and the cracks and inflections of Matt Berninger’s voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While we’re on the topic, I don’t think anyone is arguing that Berninger’s voice is classic - not in the traditional sense anyway. His baritone drawl is more character than classic technique and barely holds up live. However, I don’t think many other voices could pull off lines like “Karen, can you pull up a chair, fuck me and pour me a drink?” or “I’m a birthday candle in a circle of black girls”. Sometimes the lines are almost as bad as Coldplay lyrics (almost), but I feel that Berninger has big enough balls to pull them off (actually I think I stole this comparison from someone. Yup, <a href="http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/the-national/alligator.htm">I did</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The narratives he gives voice to are mysterious, intimate and completely alluring to me. It feels like you’re listening in on a phone call, reading the draft of a memoir or eavesdropping on a conversation between old friends at the pub. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The National are often accused of being a mopey, depressing band (much like one of my favourite other bands funnily enough). Heck, they even called one of their albums ‘Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers”. This is undeniable - most of the songs are shrouded in neuroticism, occasionally dipped in paranoia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are the cathartic releases though. ‘All The Wine’ feels like a victory anthem for an alcoholic’s night out - charming, confident and brimming with charm (for a limited time only). ‘Mr November’ was used in one of Obama’s campaigns, and fittingly so - joyous, passionate and almost desperate conviction given full voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They do feel like an American band to me. That could be because of the overt references ("you know you have a permanent piece of my medium-sized American heart") or because of the sarcastic tone inherent in lines like that. I feel like they are simultaneously paying tribute to and paying the shit out of America. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If all the elements of the National were stuck in a house fire, the drumming might well be the thing I’d save. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If i think about this band logically or try and explain them to someone else, they end up sounding like a boring band. - unconventional drumming, intertwining guitar arpeggios, ‘Into My Arms’ era Nick Cave vocals and tales of middle class quarter life crisis. However, when I listen to them, it feels so comforting, so intimate - like I’m on the other end of the phone, or like Matt Berlinger’s just bought me another whiskey. </span></div>
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chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-26413291484490391082015-04-22T22:27:00.003+10:002015-04-22T22:27:21.009+10:00A Tale Of Two Dishes: 通心粉 + Macaroni Naporitan<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, food is best when it's honest, thoughtfully inventive and shared with loved ones. I was lucky enough to have grown up in a food-obsessed family and to have an amazing cook to call 'Ma'. Stealing Adam Liaw's idea of combining old classics and new creations, each pair of related dishes will be cooked side-by-side by 'Mummy Chenga' and I during a visit to the family home and recorded here for culinary and (hopefully) drool-worthy posterity. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wikipedia is awesome for many reasons, including these facts about macaroni soup:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* The soup was discussed as a food to improve the health of poor miners.<br />* Weeds can be used in macaroni soup in times of poverty to provide vitamins and minerals.<br />* One book suggests using it as a food to comfort distressed mental patients<span style="color: #252525;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>My memories of macaroni soup consist of sitting down to a bowl of Ma's 通心粉 (<i>tooong sum fun</i> - literally translating as 'empty heart noodle') on a wintery Sunday arvo. In hindsight, it's really a 'there's nothing in the fridge' meal, but my 7 year-old self thought much more of it - nourishing, delicious and made with love. Sitting down and eating this recently really evoked those feelings again (a little bit like David Simon* and his father's <a href="http://davidsimon.com/pickles-and-cream/">pickles and cream</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm fascinated by Japanese culture, especially the way it seamlessly integrates influences from other lands. Naporitan (not a spelling error) is one example of that integration - a pasta dish of spaghetti and ketchup created by a Yokohama chef inspired by the military rations of the allied forces occupying Japan in World War 2. I've included ingredients from Ma's 通心粉 along with some of the ingredients you would find on a supreme pizza, but anything goes. Just ask - what would a Japanese grandmother do? (or what would someone that's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/cookingwithdog">cooking with dog</a> do?)</span><br />
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通心粉</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Eb8qbKbmT_lo5ijdMlTRiQ_ksLS97s8YyxLk_U1jVReib37myksWkdsLthJDRsa5SadMERMUxMJH5lyHSISKbnkOm6WJwzPtGGILAlnp0YQgBPuRgYZ4ISgnug2E9y0QiH7x_fauGg8/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Eb8qbKbmT_lo5ijdMlTRiQ_ksLS97s8YyxLk_U1jVReib37myksWkdsLthJDRsa5SadMERMUxMJH5lyHSISKbnkOm6WJwzPtGGILAlnp0YQgBPuRgYZ4ISgnug2E9y0QiH7x_fauGg8/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT YOU NEED</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">250g macaroni</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2-3 frankfurters, sliced into rounds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 handfuls of frozen corn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6-8 cups of water + 1 tsp chicken powder </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(or 6-8 cups of any stock)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT TO DO</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- bring water and chicken powder (or stock) to the boil</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- add macaroni and cook to your preference, as long as it's past <i>al dente</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- add frankfurters and corn</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- allow to come to a boil for a minute or so</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- serve in a shallow bowl with a big spoon whilst watching bad Sunday arvo TV</span><br />
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Macaroni Naporitan</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRrSxYqgrJ2EHvaJtvFse48jW1DR4rOW1SufeojMXAamM7HKNxjZfxND0L3O3KHv99fe9RSPTu-N5hQk6DDJXhigqPQpEKY3sf7zJ7_BVNKdxIt7LvQxr4JXVCsRa2REszZ3V6cK5irA/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRrSxYqgrJ2EHvaJtvFse48jW1DR4rOW1SufeojMXAamM7HKNxjZfxND0L3O3KHv99fe9RSPTu-N5hQk6DDJXhigqPQpEKY3sf7zJ7_BVNKdxIt7LvQxr4JXVCsRa2REszZ3V6cK5irA/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT YOU NEED</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">250g macaroni</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cloves garlic, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 onion, medium dice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 capsicum, medium dice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">handful of button mushrooms, medium dice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2-3 frankfurters, sliced into hemispheres (little bit bigger than the above dice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6-8 tbsp tomato sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1-2 tbsp soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 grated handfuls of whatever cheese is in the fridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">hard-boiled egg (everyone has a spare one lying around, right?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">black pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT TO DO</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Cook pasta until <i>al dente </i>(it'll keep cooking a little later).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Saute garlic, onion and capsicum in 2-3 tbsp of oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Add mushrooms and frankfurters and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Add pasta and mix well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Add tomato sauce and soy sauce and mix well - add more of either to taste. The sauce should coat the macaroni - add a little water to loosen if required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Divide into 4 bowls and top with grated egg, cheese, black pepper and tabasco. A spoon should do the job - the dice should mean that you get a bit of everything every spoonful. You should feel like a nap afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Creator of TV series 'The Wire' - cheaper and more swearing involved than doing a degree in Social Work (so my colleagues that did Social Work say).</span><br />
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chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-46695101492404806792015-01-07T06:36:00.001+11:002015-01-07T06:41:53.509+11:00A Tale Of Two Dishes: 沙爹锅 + Prawny Puttanesca-ey Pasta<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, food is best when it's honest, thoughtfully inventive and shared with loved ones. I was lucky enough to have grown up in a food-obsessed family and to have an amazing cook to call 'Ma'. Stealing Adam Liaw's idea of combining old classics and new creations, each pair of related dishes will be cooked side-by-side by 'Mummy Chenga' and I during a visit to the family home and recorded here for culinary and (hopefully) drool-worthy posterity. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />My parents will never eat Italian food outside - they just won't do it. They will, however, eat pasta dishes that I occasionally cook for them (I firmly attribute this to filial bias). This particular one is an attempt to emulate the type of pasta dishes that the <a href="http://chelseahotel.com.au/"><span id="goog_237523359"></span>Chelsea Hotel in Chatswood<span id="goog_237523360"></span></a> (an old university haunt famous) used to cook up - a bastard combo of puttanesca and prawn linguine. </span><br />
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When I think prawns and noodle-y things, I think of Ma's 沙爹锅 (satay hot pot) - always brought to the table in the wok cos we didn't have any plates big enough to hold it! The use of <a href="http://www.jimmysate.co.uk/recipes.html">Jimmy's Sate Sauce</a> is pretty crucial, as is tracking down <a href="http://www.clovegarden.com/ingred/img/cb_bokbig02g.jpg">this</a> specific type of Chinese vegetable for it's mustard-ey aftertaste. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite sharing common core ingredients and dynamics (al dente-ness / glutinous-ness of the carb), the techniques differ, as does the cultural context:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- High heat to wok-fry and dry-fry Vs Low heat to infuse the oil with the puttanesca flavours</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Unshelled ("Good flavour! Fun to Eat!") Vs Shelled prawns ("Prawn heads - Ewww")</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Served banquet style with rice Vs Usually served individually, maybe with bread</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The honorary father and sister gave ticks of approval to both, but I think Ma's dish has superior flavour and technique - but it's not about winning when it comes to family (right?).</span><br />
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沙爹锅</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ2OrlnSt1xUXWqHJLeC-RDz-SrSo2j-qKEhlq3-xNqw2yPnXfyQrUwBeTVSdzJgQaYp_xytpPtTcVkZDN_Pk1xcfvqIzTxKB2kjblmfE1KIiF6bV6TdQuzeL7KqwYPjtWlbuLZgPP4k/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ2OrlnSt1xUXWqHJLeC-RDz-SrSo2j-qKEhlq3-xNqw2yPnXfyQrUwBeTVSdzJgQaYp_xytpPtTcVkZDN_Pk1xcfvqIzTxKB2kjblmfE1KIiF6bV6TdQuzeL7KqwYPjtWlbuLZgPP4k/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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WHAT YOU NEED</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">100g thick vermicelli</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 bunch <i>gooong muuun </i>(translated roughly as 'asshole moon' by my dad) book choy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16 raw prawns, shell on</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup chicken stock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp light soy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tsp sesame oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp Jimmy's sate sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp oyster sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp water</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT TO DO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soak vermicelli for 15 mins in tap water, wash the veg</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Mix sauces together - it should have the consistency of ketchup and be a balance of salty, sweet and satay-ey.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Boil stock and add the seasonings and dissolve. Add vermicelli in and cook until translucent and 'al dente'.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Take it off the boil and stand to allow noodles to absorb the flavours (and ensure that the noodles don’t absorb the flavours of the satay sauce later)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Dry-fry the prawns over medium heat for 5 minutes in a wok until curled and cooked through.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set aside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Wok-fry veg with 1 tsp oil and a scant tsp of salt for a minute.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cover to steam until cooked through.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set aside and clean wok. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Wok-fry the garlic in 2 tsp oil over medium to high heat to infuse the oil.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the prawns and stir to coat.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the sauce mixture and toss quickly to coat the prawns.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the noodles and veg and mix.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Serve banquet style or with rice for a quick meal. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Prawny Puttanesca-ry Pasta</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhFbs7CICT7qKn9oT0zuqeLx-o8CZZle_rPPDccec2C6X1743ObXmBdZY-9uuxo41lKE2qVOF0LuTl5KJueKaSVUKgRU9XCb9tXeuHKDWoB0GK6YMLWPw1Iq5qHQtjqH41PPN7G-5ml0/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhFbs7CICT7qKn9oT0zuqeLx-o8CZZle_rPPDccec2C6X1743ObXmBdZY-9uuxo41lKE2qVOF0LuTl5KJueKaSVUKgRU9XCb9tXeuHKDWoB0GK6YMLWPw1Iq5qHQtjqH41PPN7G-5ml0/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT YOU NEED</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">250g linguine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16 raw prawns, peeled (leave the brains in - insane flavour here. Just peel the shell on the head and snip a centimetre from the top)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cloves garlic, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4-5 anchovies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp capers (no need to rinse - that brine is flavour!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 heaped tsp chilli flakes (this will give you the necessary mid-level hum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">400g tiny tomatoes (cherry, baby roma), halved</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bag of rocket/spinach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">100g ricotta (or parmesan if you ain’t a fan of ricotta)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHAT TO DO</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Put pasta on - aim for 80% cooked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- In a wide pan or wok, fry prawns in 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat until cooked through (about 2 minutes a side).</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Set aside.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">If you kept the brains in (and I hope you did) it may be a little messy, so rinse the pan with hot water, scrub clean and dry quickly. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- Saute garlic, anchovies and capers in 3 tbsp oil over low to medium heat until the anchovies break down and the flavours infuse. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Your pasta should be ready around this time - drain and reserve some of the cooking water)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- Increase to high heat and add the tomatoes.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Cook for 2 minutes until they give off some of their juice and start to collapse. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- Add the pasta (if it has clumped in the colander, use some of the cooking water to loosen it up) and toss until well-coated with the sauce. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Add prawns and veg until veg wilts slightly.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">- Serve in the biggest plate/bowl you have in the middle of the table with ricotta crumbled on top and a drizzle of olive oil.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Lemon, black pepper, chilli flakes and extra leaves to taste.</span></span></div>
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chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-69835525623984741022013-12-23T15:31:00.000+11:002013-12-23T15:31:30.431+11:00A Guide to Post-apocalyptic America: 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/files/2012/03/Cormac-McCarthy-The-Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/files/2012/03/Cormac-McCarthy-The-Road.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />When it comes to Vinnie's/Lifeline/Salvo shops, the further west you go, the better. I knew that Cormac McCarthy wrote <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCL6OYbSTw" target="_blank">No Country for Old Men</a>,</em> so paying $2 for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 2007 seemed like a pretty good punt. I don't think I've ever read a book quicker, and it's certainly one that changed the way I looked at the world (for a few days anyway). <br /><br />So, here's what I learnt about what life might be like if you survived a catastrophic event:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">It will be a bit like a video game</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The story of a father and
son travelling south to escape the cold in post-apocalyptic America felt a
little bit like playing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yigKsv0nT_I" target="_blank">Resident Evil 2</a></i>
with the lights out after your parents went to bed – searching abandoned towns
for supplies, the constant fear of running out of pistol ammunition and never
knowing what’s lurking in that mansion basement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You can eat pretty much anything to survive</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">In Cormac McCarthy’s pseudo
science-fictitious world, an unnamed catastrophic event has turned the country
into a gloomy, desolate wasteland (many critics claim this novel is a crude
examination of the consequences of climate change). Witnessing them survive on completely rotten
apples, decade-old pickles and ash-ridden snow put my at-times insatiable food
obsession into some perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking
of survival...<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">People will start eating each other</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cannibalism
becomes a horrifying reality for many of the surviving members of the human
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lead me to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism" target="_blank">one of the most interesting Wikipedia pages</a> I’ve read in a long time – the psychological underpinnings of
this seemingly inhuman behaviour, very recent instances of cannibalism and a fascinatingly
descriptive account of eating human meat by a New York Times reporter (tastes like veal, apparently).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Shit's gonna get deep</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">For decades, natural disasters,
catastrophic human events and alien invasions have been backdrops to the
consideration of philosophical themes, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Road</i> is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The essence of
being a father, the survival mindset and the inherent good (and evil) of man
are explored through McCarthy’s poignant, poetic prose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Kids will still be kids</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">McCarthy dedicates the book
to his son, who would have been about the same age as the boy in the book when
it was released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dialogue is
littered with his seemingly naïve observations and enquiries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, the boy guilts his father into sharing
a meal with an elderly man they encounter on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a world struggling to survive, it is in
these rare moments of shared humanity that hope resides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-53245145636708617952013-03-03T13:16:00.002+11:002013-03-03T13:16:39.692+11:00Listomania: 7 quotes (of quotes) from 'Status Anxiety'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldzm1ECvhkTjd7nUiN-y-KrqYJ_QrWsrI8uHh6PFOWn8XmoyIySJZYWx_Rl2D6GWQ8A2-ZHdUNZfrGIJmP99THBub9R9kKdM9W7GK6qKjJQHpXCeih3SCKPyzL_KuPk-5qPwKtX90dpc/s1600/status+anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldzm1ECvhkTjd7nUiN-y-KrqYJ_QrWsrI8uHh6PFOWn8XmoyIySJZYWx_Rl2D6GWQ8A2-ZHdUNZfrGIJmP99THBub9R9kKdM9W7GK6qKjJQHpXCeih3SCKPyzL_KuPk-5qPwKtX90dpc/s400/status+anxiety.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw this title on my sister's bookshelf and was immediately intrigued - this blog post is a 'thank you' for the lend. I'd heard good things about the author and the title seemed relevant in the context of the incredible popularity of social networking websites. <br />
<br />
Upon reading, Alain de Botton not only reveals himself to be an eloquent writer and insightful social commentator, but also an incredibly thorough reader of history and philosophy. I highly recommend reading the whole book, but in the meantime, here are some notable references that he makes:<br />
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1. </div>
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<i>"When inequality is the general rule in society, the greatest
inequalities attract no attention. But
when everything is more or less level, the slightest variation is noticed… "</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>French lawyer and historian <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Alexis De Tocqueville analysing the relationship between dissatisfaction and high
expectation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"></span></div>
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<o:p>2.</o:p></div>
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<i>"Self-esteem = Success / Pretensions"</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Psychologist William James’ equation that backs the cognitive
strategy of lowering expectations</div>
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<o:p>3. </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<i>"I have often seen chance marching ahead of merit, and often outstripping merit by a long chalk."</i><br />
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- Renaissance philospher Michel de Montaigne illustrating the point that success isn't always planned.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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4. </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<i>"Public opinion is the worst of all opinions."</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>French writer Nicolas Chamfort expressing that the views of
majority of the population are often confused or wrong</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p>5. </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<i>"There is in the world only the choice between loneliness and
vulgarity"</i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer explaining the folly
of attaching too much value to the opinions of others</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>6. </o:p></div>
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<i>"… the desire to remove human error, clear human confusion
and diminish human misery" </i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Critic Matthew Arnold on the characteristics of the
work of any great artist</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
7. <br />
<br />
<i>"... those who most keenly felt wonder beneath the stars at night or were best able to interpret and alleviate the sufferings of others."</i><br />
<br />
- Art critic John Ruskin's hope for the new definition of 'the wealthy'<br />
<br />
<br />chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-91993270148914042922012-11-05T17:33:00.000+11:002012-11-05T17:34:45.249+11:00In Conversation: Chatting Radiohead with Robbo<i>In the lead up to their first Australian shows in over 8 years, I sat down with a treasured friend to discuss all things Radiohead. </i><i>Ladies and gentleman, I give you <span style="color: magenta;">Matt Robinson</span> - actuary, Robert Pattinson look-a-like and music fan extraordinaire. </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. When did you first hear Radiohead?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<br /><span style="color: magenta;">MR. It was 2006. <i>OK Computer</i> was the
record. I was coming out of a long phase of
listening to Pink Floyd, so it fit in with the whole concept album thing - the album as a self-contained entity. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. That's so interesting! I've always linked 'Lucky' and 'Breathe' - same chords (Em, A) and incredible guitar crescendos. </span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PyFcXxyQFh4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/rOtW2Tnaj_A/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rOtW2Tnaj_A&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rOtW2Tnaj_A&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">MR. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I don’t listen to it (<i>OK Computer</i>) much now. Gravitating towards different albums. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. Which ones do you mean?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MR. <i>In Rainbows</i> and <i>Kid A</i>.
<i>Kid A</i> is this moody electronic album that you can really immerse yourself in. I think <i>In Rainbows</i> is a social record, one you can play for new fans to enjoy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">C. For me, it's Radiohead's most relaxed record. All the albums up to that point had a vibe of angst or conflict. Songs like 'Nude' and 'House of Cards' just feel so chilled and at peace.<i> </i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MR. It seemed like they didn't need to make a 'transaction' on that record (without a record label), so maybe that meant that they were more relaxed. The second disc is amazing too. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">C. Totally. Have you seen Thom have a go on the drums on 'Bangers n Mash'?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MR. No.</span></span><br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2IQfn97KRFg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></i>
<span style="color: magenta;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. You saw Radiohead at a festival in </span><st1:city style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bilbao earlier this year. What was that like?</st1:city><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><span style="color: magenta;">MR. Festival audience, Festival-friendly setlist.
Really varied crowd. Spanish hipsters, of which there are a fair
few. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2niAbw4j_lhLSe_pyfolEFdqtlC2wky3AwZ3ItSHQYRRo6ngEXEQk_i6fEce-oZOtGg-tE7Lb25xdw9Za3bw_XZAS-EuMjNW1jUQ6mq0sJI0Pyo2xAFn3q5R9YWnDCBdqNgjk4NrVPU/s1600/spanish+hipsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2niAbw4j_lhLSe_pyfolEFdqtlC2wky3AwZ3ItSHQYRRo6ngEXEQk_i6fEce-oZOtGg-tE7Lb25xdw9Za3bw_XZAS-EuMjNW1jUQ6mq0sJI0Pyo2xAFn3q5R9YWnDCBdqNgjk4NrVPU/s400/spanish+hipsters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aforementioned Spanish hipsters at Bilbao festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. What songs are you looking forward to seeing in Sydney?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">MR. 'House of Cards', 'Bullet Proof..Wish I Was)', 'Drunken Punchup At A Wedding'. </span><br />
<br />C. I wanna hear Punchup too ! So many great songs on the second side of <i>Hail To The Thief</i> - 'Wolf At The Door', 'Myxomatosis', 'Scatterbrain'. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpk835d1K7U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C. See you in the mosh, man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Robbo and I will be attending the Radiohead show on Tuesday 12 November. I will also be attending the show on Monday 11 November. There may be tears and manhugs on both evenings. </i></span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-31061412272613845432012-08-28T17:21:00.001+10:002012-08-28T17:21:22.164+10:00The Live Feed: Mamak, Chinatown<em>Inspired by the "Why did the chicken cross the road?" joke format, this review will be written entirely in the form of questions and answers. </em><br />
<br />
Q: Why did my girlfriend and I travel across town at 10:30pm on a Friday <br />
night?<br />
<br />
A: To eat Mamak's fried chicken (we'd had a few drinks and dinner was <br />
torturously delayed).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CXKvhvML4RDwCrzLXH6mJsAQ_WYPk-ABIjIhyqT4M3R-7qJai_ydbTNrNmKVyac8gzxZpWAWH0qVQce1LopjScKTrEONvpj_8lczkJVIIuoV0lbKsLoBqm9FWeQm7oIgoiRfZL9DQC0/s1600/teh+tarik+and+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CXKvhvML4RDwCrzLXH6mJsAQ_WYPk-ABIjIhyqT4M3R-7qJai_ydbTNrNmKVyac8gzxZpWAWH0qVQce1LopjScKTrEONvpj_8lczkJVIIuoV0lbKsLoBqm9FWeQm7oIgoiRfZL9DQC0/s640/teh+tarik+and+menu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teh tarik ($3.50) - warm tea sweetened with condensed milk and 'stretched', creating a frothy head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Q: Why is Mamak's roti canai the best in Sydney?<br />
<br />
A: Because it's light, fluffy and served fresh with 2 delicious curry sauces and <br />
fiery sambal.<br />
<br />
Also, if you're waiting in line, you are conveniently entertained by the <br />
chefs as they pound, stretch and spin the roti dough with acrobatic ease. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFOgtriqtu4RBE5b0csf5j3ydqGsOQHFJNgvIA7aHG2GBkINwlJmiWmqsSOa6zSgrb-SLzOzwwKoQv_wJp9MwRVVU9Dr__yFehiwcm7tzUIn0dNc4_geF5Cj_GJrRLXygNkqINGrVnuU/s1600/roti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFOgtriqtu4RBE5b0csf5j3ydqGsOQHFJNgvIA7aHG2GBkINwlJmiWmqsSOa6zSgrb-SLzOzwwKoQv_wJp9MwRVVU9Dr__yFehiwcm7tzUIn0dNc4_geF5Cj_GJrRLXygNkqINGrVnuU/s640/roti.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roti canai ($5.50)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Q: Why is Mamak's <em>ayam goreng</em> one of the best forms of fried chicken in <br />
town?<br />
<br />
A: Because it's spicy and oh-so-crispy on the outside and always juicy on the<br />
inside. Best eaten with nasi lemak - coconut rice, slices of cooling <br />
cucumber and aforementioned sambal for those that want the extra kick.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKeBjlIAHV4QwYQ_sxdwLCYcbDaWiSUKx9YPKy8dtSoFS4DDcLC_1xpFCjBtve95c_il_cCkFJMNZgF15QMPWz56FXqHGmNBuvOwmPaWt81_6B3nzSF_sTq6n6adhJeUnbRnErFzTF-0/s1600/ayam+macro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKeBjlIAHV4QwYQ_sxdwLCYcbDaWiSUKx9YPKy8dtSoFS4DDcLC_1xpFCjBtve95c_il_cCkFJMNZgF15QMPWz56FXqHGmNBuvOwmPaWt81_6B3nzSF_sTq6n6adhJeUnbRnErFzTF-0/s640/ayam+macro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close and personal with Mamak's <em>ayam goreng</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYEC_7UB17VuJ3bkiDzmx_6enyFEk4V5vdSya6KrZOwqHomNzR6fp5u8vKkdUdk-nq4pe_jAc_AKhbdUtublC_tip3rvyOhPOmmOvwca5omBmxoY1js6ovvUg1o3y6gYV7xaswbeDwiw/s1600/nasi+lemak+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYEC_7UB17VuJ3bkiDzmx_6enyFEk4V5vdSya6KrZOwqHomNzR6fp5u8vKkdUdk-nq4pe_jAc_AKhbdUtublC_tip3rvyOhPOmmOvwca5omBmxoY1js6ovvUg1o3y6gYV7xaswbeDwiw/s640/nasi+lemak+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasi Lemak ($8.50) with <em>ayam goreng </em>(+$3.00)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Q: What is rojak?<br />
<br />
A: A Malaysian-style satay salad - fried tofu pieces, shaved yambean and<br /> cucumber and hard-boiled egg halves are topped with a spicy peanut<br />
sauce and freshly fried coconut and prawn fritters to delicious effect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw_UWIuoCQz9kmZqikIiAKqwDGvsfU2xT2TL5J2amCppejDZU4Zcxce1TRySjOzJ4D2LcZKDo6cVqv-sPvBgv9no0y055GmXBZoeHvbdmhxuFGQVJHU5WKn7iwIW3QXCMdbvhsAXoacY/s1600/rojak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw_UWIuoCQz9kmZqikIiAKqwDGvsfU2xT2TL5J2amCppejDZU4Zcxce1TRySjOzJ4D2LcZKDo6cVqv-sPvBgv9no0y055GmXBZoeHvbdmhxuFGQVJHU5WKn7iwIW3QXCMdbvhsAXoacY/s640/rojak.jpg" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rojak ($14.00)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Q: Why are there still lines for this place at 11:30pm?<br />
<br />
A: Because it's quick, cheap, authentic and open till 2am. You'd be hard<br />
pressed to find better versions of these Malaysian staples anywhere<br />
in Sydney (and according to parental reports, maybe even in Malaysia!). <br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UgBd_1yJsF69zXXZfc8v53hk3QdaBqz57mJr67fY6-U6syYzBKRVQqDX4YtUtIvA5-ieQU4jzu8CxmRHrlWgiAs6ZlrN6lbjkvltdB1hcej9MsvgRIMQtvHeZrIYTU-b8zrLoTExTO8/s1600/the+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UgBd_1yJsF69zXXZfc8v53hk3QdaBqz57mJr67fY6-U6syYzBKRVQqDX4YtUtIvA5-ieQU4jzu8CxmRHrlWgiAs6ZlrN6lbjkvltdB1hcej9MsvgRIMQtvHeZrIYTU-b8zrLoTExTO8/s640/the+line.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em>Mamak</em><br />
<em>15 Goulbourn Street</em><br />
<em>Haymarket</em><br />
<em>9211 1688</em><br />
<a href="http://www.mamak.com.au/">http://www.mamak.com.au/</a>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-31392444570872698732012-07-22T20:50:00.000+10:002012-07-22T20:50:41.756+10:00Listomania: 7 sets that I would see at Splendour (if I was going)<br />
<i style="background-color: white;">Umberto Eco said, "there is nothing more wonderful than a list - an instrument of wondrous hypotyposis." More simply stated, lists make life make sense. Here's one. </i><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>1. The Shins</b><br />
<br />
It's been a couple of years since the indie heroes from Portland toured Australia. Since then, James Mercer has kicked out all members from that tour (including Eric from the Fruitbats) and recruited a new band (with a <a href="http://www.mtvhive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Photo3-SXSW15-800x531.jpg" target="_blank">cute female guitarist</a>). The new album has no shortage of catchy melodies (and a spot of falsetto), so will be interesting to see how those songs sound live, hopefully wedged between plenty of old classics. <br />
<br />
(In other ex-Shins member news, Jesse Sandoval's <a href="http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/nothing-is-permanent-continued/Content?oid=1557132" target="_blank">Mexican food cart</a> has closed down after 2 years of operation - a sad day for indie fans and foodies everywhere. R.I.P. Nuevo Mexico.)<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kU1L2zKwWw0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>2. Youth Lagoon</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">This 22 year old's reverb-soaked pop gems have soundtracked sunny Sunday afternoons at my house for most of the year. Youtube clips suggest that he brings just the one guitarist on tour while he flexes his skills on keyboard. As in the clip below, his live vocals have less reverb applied, revealing tender lyrics and a heartbreaking voice. Hopefully he scores an afternoon slot on a sunny day for optimum impact.</span><br />
<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/NG7xM6fOu_U/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NG7xM6fOu_U&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NG7xM6fOu_U&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Jack White</b><br />
<br />
The shaggy haired guitar genius has proven that his talent extends beyond The White Stripes, and this current incarnation is no exception. He's been touring with two backing bands (one all-male, one all-female) and also <a href="http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/04/jack-white-digresses-on-white-stripes-break-up/" target="_blank">playing some White Stripes material</a>, so this one is unmissable in my books. <br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dSLem5hLxLc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Pond</b><br />
<br />
Members of Tame Impala play balls-out psych rock. The first 30 seconds of this track should be enough to convince anyone that this will be a winning set. I'd skip the Tame Impala crowd and mosh along to these guys instead. <br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/h6cSvOfwxQs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Kimbra</b><br />
<br />
No - she doesn't play that song live. Yes - she is worth seeing. Saw her at the Enmore earlier this year - incredible live vocals, a tight band and bangin' tunes make for a pretty spectacular concert experience. Check out this sassy number, complete with horn sounds and creative gesticulation. <br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TA-GnqC-IbM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>6. Explosions In The Sky
</b><br />
<br />
Instrumental, anthemic post-rock is the genre. According to friends and reviews, blown minds will be the result. I think these guys have a hypnotic, immersive sound which should suit the festival setting. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U7GuGF8Yvac" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>7. At The Drive-In</b></span><br />
<br />
The closer Splendour gets, the greater my regret at not seeing this band. Such an important band for me and their live shows have a formidable reputation - flying afros, scissor kicks and fits of guitar-flinging aggression. This is the one you'll tell the grandkids about. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TGMT7hb8hT8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Hopefully the food is as good as some of these:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/07/best-food-at-music-festivals/">http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/07/best-food-at-music-festivals/</a>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-25589913317744512752012-07-15T21:15:00.000+10:002012-07-15T21:15:29.980+10:00The Live Feed: Bamiyan, Five Dock<em style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">The Live Feed is All Chenga's Friends' regular restaurant and food review column. Warning - the following post will contain graphic food pornography.</em><br />
<br />
I don't know much about Afghanistan, so when I saw a <a href="http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/bamiyan-five-dock.html" target="_blank">review of an Afghani restaurant</a> AND discovered its location in the Inner West, I knew this would be a convenient, cultural and culinary experience to savour. Enlisting a few lads from around the area (and one birthday boy from the Lower North Shore), we headed along to <b>Bamiyan </b>on a chilly Tuesday evening. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiRUxiMdHYeVdtlLDLr_1sT2uwwqKlNUoTLplTgF6M192ojXEd2hLRx-7wzVWeLHcFTYmd6iB6g1ruDlpfcbuNHsMn8Fa2xZLHDk1amgicknDXFbvjN2V0XEFJfhD4_OTYOqTAG2qQSw/s1600/Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiRUxiMdHYeVdtlLDLr_1sT2uwwqKlNUoTLplTgF6M192ojXEd2hLRx-7wzVWeLHcFTYmd6iB6g1ruDlpfcbuNHsMn8Fa2xZLHDk1amgicknDXFbvjN2V0XEFJfhD4_OTYOqTAG2qQSw/s400/Inside.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Warm-coloured walls, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOrDneiOJDM" target="_blank">sitar tunes</a> and a roaring fireplace create a homely atmosphere in an otherwise unassuming </span><span style="background-color: white;">building</span><span style="background-color: white;"> off </span><span style="background-color: white;">the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> main drag of Five Dock. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The menu seems to take a culinary carpet ride (sorry) around the Asian continent (dumplings, curries, naan) with the occasional foray into other regions (kebab-style meats, meatballs, Afghani pasta). Our ordering was guided by the friendly staff and <a href="http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Grab Your Fork</a> (every diner's best friend). </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4h9KfxXBpW0dkJBi9aye2KMJ-yWY9yTCbcla9YdAG9QBDWmoCDkIO-3zkCsvxvA9bRlN5qnjSoyU4tVzmhnQA_sPQ7U38D2AfbvYgKyaPXZOIHZ1QO-sye61BtzMOhRsZUIPPPO4QOE/s1600/afghani+flat+bread+and+dumplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4h9KfxXBpW0dkJBi9aye2KMJ-yWY9yTCbcla9YdAG9QBDWmoCDkIO-3zkCsvxvA9bRlN5qnjSoyU4tVzmhnQA_sPQ7U38D2AfbvYgKyaPXZOIHZ1QO-sye61BtzMOhRsZUIPPPO4QOE/s640/afghani+flat+bread+and+dumplings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kadoo Bolanee ($9.90) + Ashaak ($10.90)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">The Afghani take on flat bread, </span><i style="background-color: white;"><b>Kadoo Bolanee</b>, </i><span style="background-color: white;">is stuffed with pumpkin and spices before being pan-fried. It's not stuffed with as much pumpkin as desired, but the flavour is there and certainly complemented by a dab of the fiery green chilli chutney. The texture and flavour of the </span><i style="background-color: white;"><b>Ashaak </b></i><span style="background-color: white;">dumplings are not dissimilar to Chinese </span><i style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&pq=gow+gee&cp=8&gs_id=1v&xhr=t&q=shui+jiao&safe=off&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=683&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=MaUCULGPCIquiAfZ_4SgCA" target="_blank">shui jiao</a>. </i><span style="background-color: white;">Here they are filled with chives and topped with yoghurt, a spicy chickpea tomato sauce and ground mint - a winning flavour and colour combination.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUCuk63Z3gHak9bRZyRA3QQy-SGG1-vFSAOa210II_JYVUCEVRyLDguMp3uKT3o17iTAvgDfo9eBQmQ3cHp5kxTGaejVLVcoeYkXVUO_nOK2L9tFxpGDnkl9JaFZufkd2XvNuP6npvDw/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUCuk63Z3gHak9bRZyRA3QQy-SGG1-vFSAOa210II_JYVUCEVRyLDguMp3uKT3o17iTAvgDfo9eBQmQ3cHp5kxTGaejVLVcoeYkXVUO_nOK2L9tFxpGDnkl9JaFZufkd2XvNuP6npvDw/s400/chicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Nakhut Korma Pallow - served with Pallow Rice ($21.90)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1enH3YVc_aiQK9DMvn8RSFBiRQSk_rg_3aF2QP7QeQDGLm4wDuQ_PriyU8G3BIGlo72a09kAJMi5ekazMP6MJCrtpeaS0u39aq6atNOF9xN8d5AhGM2rwP4VrvLgDnPwa9jFl8p2qo4A/s1600/paneer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1enH3YVc_aiQK9DMvn8RSFBiRQSk_rg_3aF2QP7QeQDGLm4wDuQ_PriyU8G3BIGlo72a09kAJMi5ekazMP6MJCrtpeaS0u39aq6atNOF9xN8d5AhGM2rwP4VrvLgDnPwa9jFl8p2qo4A/s400/paneer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabzi Paneer ($16.90)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The mains we ordered definitely remind me of Indian dishes I've had before, just with a bit of a fresh twist. <b>The Bamiyan version of a Chicken Korma</b> sees tender thigh pieces cooked in a rich tomato gravy, studded with chickpeas and fresh herbs. <span style="background-color: white;"> <b><i>Sabzi Paneer</i> </b>is close relative to an Indian/Pakistani <i>palak paneer, </i>but adds chopped garlic and cumin which imparts a spicy kick and a darker complexion. The wonderfully named <b><i>Kabab Daggy</i> </b>neglected to be photographed - cubes of lamb back strap cooked in garlic, onions and herbs and served with fresh afghani naan. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbezfLMY8hGR1f7bvZKXHJG_hlexlgfLgn0wqWgKPBIelzFxZDSOeH6GQpjoTp4HiWh5E8M_oj2CpRVvYBN8rjG9lmfgpYYugNj-M_FJ1WKYk4HO0GD1KTpcs9w41gkf-5qtazWckxiA/s1600/naan+and+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbezfLMY8hGR1f7bvZKXHJG_hlexlgfLgn0wqWgKPBIelzFxZDSOeH6GQpjoTp4HiWh5E8M_oj2CpRVvYBN8rjG9lmfgpYYugNj-M_FJ1WKYk4HO0GD1KTpcs9w41gkf-5qtazWckxiA/s640/naan+and+rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afghani Naan ($3.50) and Pallow Rice ($4.50)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrL4JTPES1dnyP9eFEG4a1D8B3cxyEOXaQEvj9cgMlmSAwnfe10id20yNx6n51Fv2LyHz5UsONwiYZ8FMR6nx7jkC0jnnbk3IUP7Toy7MAd3MgJN1zWzYZVXNiftI9JEpUGqFauQn1RM/s1600/kulfi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrL4JTPES1dnyP9eFEG4a1D8B3cxyEOXaQEvj9cgMlmSAwnfe10id20yNx6n51Fv2LyHz5UsONwiYZ8FMR6nx7jkC0jnnbk3IUP7Toy7MAd3MgJN1zWzYZVXNiftI9JEpUGqFauQn1RM/s400/kulfi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safran Kulfi ($6.00) and Pista Kulfi ($6.00)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A pair of <i>Kulfi</i> to finish - the saffron flavoured milky ice cream was particularly good, paired with a sweet strawberry coulis. The staff commented how clean our table was after the mains. We pitched for a freebie (saving them cleaning costs, no?) and were served glasses of Afghan green tea on the house. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4hCF7_RSyFxmean-hNhq2PQI0WIoZXCcCjwa4k56aE7dcKE0T_a5XvIE9Y8Q8B4qYTKWDAMHY3CmIzH3YRnBoGJRMh5dfOY-vICe0nV1IiXRU4PdqXeykGvSUoFAajTyeakHxGfWlr4/s1600/menu+and+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4hCF7_RSyFxmean-hNhq2PQI0WIoZXCcCjwa4k56aE7dcKE0T_a5XvIE9Y8Q8B4qYTKWDAMHY3CmIzH3YRnBoGJRMh5dfOY-vICe0nV1IiXRU4PdqXeykGvSUoFAajTyeakHxGfWlr4/s400/menu+and+beer.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">5000 years of historical world flavours<br />
... and just a couple of drinks brewed in Manly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">All the dishes were well balanced and tasted fresh, consistent with the restaurant's assurance that all curries are "made fresh on the pan after your order has been placed". Coupled with friendly service, warm atmosphere and a bottleshop stocking <a href="http://www.4pinesbeer.com.au/" target="_blank">4 Pines</a> across the road, Bamiyan looks to be a winning local option for a twist on your regular Indian/Pakistani fare.</span><br />
<br />
<i>Bamiyan</i><br />
<i>175 First Avenue</i><br />
<i>Five Dock</i><br />
<i>9712 7801</i><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF8&q=bamiyan+five+dock&fb=1&gl=au&hq=bamiyan&hnear=0x6b12a54cc26f27f3:0x5017d681632b760,Five+Dock+NSW&cid=0,0,4546203029356265328&t=m&ll=-33.860723,151.129389&spn=0.024946,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF8&q=bamiyan+five+dock&fb=1&gl=au&hq=bamiyan&hnear=0x6b12a54cc26f27f3:0x5017d681632b760,Five+Dock+NSW&cid=0,0,4546203029356265328&t=m&ll=-33.860723,151.129389&spn=0.024946,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-35049235073776291872012-07-09T13:09:00.001+10:002012-07-09T13:28:07.406+10:00Single Serving: Beach House - "Myth"<b style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>This column examines a song - old or new, neurotic or belligerent, classic or indie-tastic. It's got "the buzz", it gives eargasms and it's freakin' awesome. </i></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.19023276795633137" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before this week, I knew just a few things about Beach House. I knew that they <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ8kgXCESxs" target="_blank">hung out with Grizzly Bear</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVoUqcWg_co" target="_blank">counted Jay-Z and Beyonce as fans</a>. I knew that they were critically acclaimed purveyors of ‘dream pop’ who often found themselves at the single digit end of <a href="http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7893-the-top-50-albums-of-2010/5/" target="_blank">Pitchfork year end lists</a>. I knew their albums were popular soundtracks for hipsters to pro-create to and that lead singer Victoria Legrand had been <a href="http://fuckyeahvictorialegrand.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">forever immortalised in the Tumblr-sphere</a>. </span></span></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOjuzO16bXidjtWxgTMRcGgG8rMCc8CJKUxRELoCf6yKtsvF-YrVVg_ieegdCFxMfIGEbynpfxCcLduJ0Wx4JZiXRJghlWZrJyj2c8ugNNykgeq0qQJvBO8BSYYLTDbsUsc4HCfeQz8U/s1600/beachhouse_eddroste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOjuzO16bXidjtWxgTMRcGgG8rMCc8CJKUxRELoCf6yKtsvF-YrVVg_ieegdCFxMfIGEbynpfxCcLduJ0Wx4JZiXRJghlWZrJyj2c8ugNNykgeq0qQJvBO8BSYYLTDbsUsc4HCfeQz8U/s320/beachhouse_eddroste.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Instagram by Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear<br />
(via <a href="http://www.brooklynvegan.com/">Brooklyn Vegan</a>)</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I didn’t know was that they were actually a pretty phenomenal band. </span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d been hearing this song sporadically on 2SER and thought it a pleasant, if unremarkable indie pop song. However, it wasn't until I procured a copy of the record and gave it my full attention in the car that I realised that Beach House were doing something rather special. </span></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FuvWc3ToDHg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The nostalgic, dreamy sound is carefully built with hypnotic keyboard arpeggios, reverb-laden guitar couplets and a steady, simple drum beat. The lyrics are ambiguous at best - <em>"What comes after this momentary bliss / consequence of what you do to me". </em>It may refer to the confusion of a one night stand, a long term relationship or re-kindling of an old flame. However, it's her heartbreaking refrain of <em>"help me to name it"</em> that suggests she's yearning for some answers and emotional comfort.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The song comes to life with a beaming, anthemic chorus - strummed power chords, tumbling percussion and Legrand's soaring vocal. The second verse hears her perhaps coming to terms with the loss and giving some cautionary advice about false expectations: <i>"Can't keep hanging on to all that's dead and gone / if you build yourself a myth, know just what to give"</i>. A shimmering solo from guitarist Alex Scally echoes the beautiful simplicity of the vocal melody. Just when you expect the chorus to kick back in, the song ends as simply as it started. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't ever recall being this obsessed with one song - we're talking at least half a dozen listens every day for the past month (sorry Tim). Maybe it's that dreamy wall of sound that seems to suit a sunny afternoon or a rainy evening equally well. Maybe it's Legrand's evocative and nostalgia-inducing voice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maybe I just need to hear that chorus one more time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /><em>Beach House have just been announced for Falls Festival 2012/2013. Here's a taste of how they might bring it live:</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H0MOcMPB5RQ" width="560"></iframe></span></span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-37738169620400538052012-05-06T21:53:00.000+10:002012-06-30T22:41:22.091+10:00Live Review: St Vincent @ Factory Theatre, 12 March 2012<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c2pNdWXkIfJlGB6FAmy5Grwv2DBUMPE5fCBKeXU2gscUSosUoBv_Tkn586SaztXRwNP3-uHR3_s7_uvZtwagQUtNQxeMk1VHjCRZXNhsuLawLaS_kjWLDNedF4PnXrAAaK78A9q6RuI/s1600/vincent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c2pNdWXkIfJlGB6FAmy5Grwv2DBUMPE5fCBKeXU2gscUSosUoBv_Tkn586SaztXRwNP3-uHR3_s7_uvZtwagQUtNQxeMk1VHjCRZXNhsuLawLaS_kjWLDNedF4PnXrAAaK78A9q6RuI/s400/vincent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo via fasterlouder.com.au</span></td></tr>
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<em><br /></em><br />
<em>An open letter to Annie Clark (AKA St Vincent):</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Annie</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I heard your band for the first time on a train in Europe when my mate Robbo made me listen to your second album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Actor. </i>I really dug your cinematic pop sound laced with abrasive guitars and angelic vocals. However, it wasn’t until i heard your latest
LP, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Strange Mercy, </i>that I fully fell in
love with your band.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(I may also have formed a crush on you at this point, but I don't believe this is the right forum for airing those intentions)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I saw you at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville
recently. The crowd included local indie babe <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfDks9tUvps">Holly Throsby</a> and a swathe of good-looking hipsters. My girlfriend really loved <a href="http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/photos/galleries/143180/st-vincent-3.htm#16">your outfit</a>, but i really only had eyes for your keyboardist’s
Garfunkel-esque head of hair - truly glorious.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good option opening the show with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjZgiv2F1QY">Surgeon</a>, </i>showing off your intricate finger picking skills before a
face-melting solo to finish. The blasting
chorus of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEY9GJAm8bA&ob=av2e">Cheerleader </a></i>showcased the
amazing sound and lighting that characterised the entire show. Older cuts like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZW9NYX6JZA&ob=av3e">Actor out of Work</a> </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Black
Rainbow</i> worked surprisingly well without the studio orchestration, with the
distorted snarl of your guitar adding extra bite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought you looked a bit tired, perhaps due to the commute
from Perth, but you engaged the crowd with genuine gratefulness and some humorous banter. In particular, I enjoyed your reference to Mark Stewart's argument about the death of punk music as evidenced by the existence of the 'Sid Dishes' washing up brush (in the shape of the Sex Pistol's notoriously badass bass player, Sid Vicious).<br /><br />The vicious robo-rock of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zVlr-ynnAI"><i>Marrow</i> </a>and new track <i>Krokodil</i> got the crowd moving, especially when you invaded the mosh and appeared to engage in a one-man circle pit - a brave move! Great to see the latter getting released for Record Store Day - the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX7WEzJuUiE&ob=av2e">studio cut</a> sounds great and hopefully a sign of future punk-sounding tunes. <i>The Party </i>was a set highlight, stripped back to keyboard and your ethereal vocals. <br /><br />Anyway, great to see you in Sydney please come back soon! I hear you're making an <a href="http://pitchfork.com/news/46175-st-vincent-talks-david-byrne-collaboration/">album with David Byrne</a> - bring him along if you can. <br /><br />Warm wishes<br />Chenga<br /><br />P.s. Great job on Jools - love the outfit!</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-84692617435385559802012-04-05T21:48:00.001+10:002012-04-05T22:43:58.275+10:00Cereal Killer: Philipino brekkie out West<div>
<i>Let's be honest - cereal sucks. This column documents my mission for tasty, weird and wonderful breakfast meals at home and around town. It's the most important meal of the day, right? </i><br />
<br />
For me, an early work appointment in Blacktown means a chance to explore ethnic breakfast foods! Blacktown is one of Sydney's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacktown,_New_South_Wales">most multicultural suburbs</a>, and folks from the Phillipines are the highest represented. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ty8b85P0BqY/T32Gn2MA19I/AAAAAAAAANU/U7V2yXSkrhI/IMAG1312.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ty8b85P0BqY/T32Gn2MA19I/AAAAAAAAANU/U7V2yXSkrhI/IMAG1312.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small print says: "Tired. No time to cook. Let us do the cooking for you. Our touch. The Pampanga's touch."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Enter Phillipine Take Away, an unassuming shopfront eatery opposite the station with just a couple of chairs to eat and go. Philipino TV blares in the background and ladies in shower caps are already busy filling the bain-maries - and it's only 9:30am. <br />
<br />
After convincing the ladies that I wasn't on my way to school and actually in the workforce, I managed to order some tiny sausages called <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longanisa">Longansia</a></i> with a side of rice and a bowl of soup called <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinigang">Sinigang</a></i> that the ladies assure me is authentic Philipino cuisine.<br />
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Longanisa</i> with rice and <i>Sinigang</i> ($8.00)<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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The sausages remind me of the Chinese <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lap_cheong">lap cheong</a></i> - sweet, fatty with a strong porky flavour. It's accompanying sauce is cloyingly sweet, making the mound of rice all the more crucial. The soup is brimming with hunks of beef, potatoes and chinese veg, with a strong sour flavour highly reminiscent of a Thai <i>tom yum</i>. </div>
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As i chow down on brekkie and have a chat to the Philipino lady next to me waiting for takeaway noodles, i feel like i've taken a holiday to South East Asia - eating streetside, getting to know the locals and eating honest, homestyle food. </div>
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Then i notice a posse of coppers approaching a trio of loitering youths. A world-weary woman walks by, pointing an accusing finger at the Philipino TV and mumbles something absent-mindedly. This is Blacktown, and i'll definitely be back. </div>
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<i>Phillipines Take Away</i></div>
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<i>24 Main St</i></div>
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<i>Blacktown</i></div>
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<i>9672 4264</i></div>
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</div>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-59155275913420666592012-04-04T00:24:00.001+10:002012-04-09T17:51:16.324+10:00Live Review: My Morning Jacket @ Enmore Theatre, 3 April 2012<i>Highlights from the evening:</i><br />
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<u>6:55pm - Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Enmore</u><br />
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Chenga: What position would u take Jim James in?<br />
Tim: Doggy so u can grab his cape and he'll sing the outro to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUWBOdK7h1w">Wordless Chorus</a>.<br />
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Chenga: Fave album?<br />
Tim: It Still Moves. Still bit country, but hit o clock all round.<br />
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Tim: What song u requesting?<br />
Chenga: Lay Low (slightly drunk)<br />
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<u>7:15pm - Faheem's Fast Food, Enmore</u><br />
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Tim: Is it acceptable to eat with your hands in Newtown?<br />
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Robbo: This place should have been called Faheems medium paced food.<br />
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Chenga: This naan is in the shape of a right sided bell curve.<br />
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Chenga: When are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsTckF5C30">Of Montreal</a> touring?<br />
Robbo: Dunno. I've seen them twice. They bring horses, and strippers. Last time it was a male stripper.<br />
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<u>7:55pm - Outside Enmore Theatre</u><br />
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Chenga: You a big fan?<br />
Girl in line: Flew down from Brisbane this arvo. Flew to Melbourne last time they came out.<br />
Chenga: Woah! Big fan. You here by yourself?<br />
Girl in line: Yeah.<br />
Chenga: Meet my friend Tim - he's the biggest MMJ fan i know. <br />
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<u>9:30pm - Inside Enmore Theatre</u><br />
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Jim James: When we flew into Sydney and saw the harbour, it was incredible. A true life moment.<br />
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<u>10:30pm - Inside Enmore Theatre</u><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CpvH1RldX44?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><u>11:45pm - Outside after the show</u></span><br />
<br />Tim: That was better than the show at the Metro last time.<br />Chenga: His voice was absolutely spot on. Great setlist, great sound, great venue. Possibly one of my top 5 gigs ever. But, Jim<br />
James is a freak right? <br />Tim: Yup, he's a bit of a weirdo.<br />Chenga: Cool.<br />chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-59923305456997312692011-11-20T15:04:00.001+11:002012-06-30T22:53:34.438+10:00Single Serving: The Klaxons - "Gravity's Rainbow (Soulwax remix)"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><em>This column examines a song - old or new, neurotic or belligerent, classic or indie-tastic. It's got "the buzz", it gives eargasms and it's freakin' awesome. </em><br /><br />Cast your mind back to 2006 - Saddam Hussein is sentenced to death, Brokeback Mountain wins for Best Picture and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Italy </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6Wqt00gTc&feature=related" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">simulate</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">their way past the Socceroos to claim the World Cup (still dirty). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">In March of that year, The Klaxons released their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDrctb2BzLg">debut single</a> to critical and commercial success. The bouncing basslines, furious drums and multi-tracked shouts of "we'll travel to infinity" became the anthem of what NME dubbed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_rave">'Nu Rave'</a> along with bands like CSS and Hot Chip. However, it did encourage people to dress like <a href="http://www.google.com.au/search?q=corey+worthington&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=NILITrLgL4GViQfivpj8Dw&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1152&bih=773#hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=nu+rave&pbx=1&oq=nu+rave&aq=f&aqi=g7g-S3&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=62083l62751l0l62875l7l5l0l0l0l0l311l1078l2-3.1l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=1df06869df1d12a&biw=1152&bih=773">this</a>, which is most unfortunate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">I don't recall exactly where i stumbled upon this remix by the Belgian mash-up maestros, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">(</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.candys.com.au/">Candy's Apartment</a>? <a href="http://hypem.com/">Hype Machine</a>?) </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">, but my brain has certainly not recovered fully since:</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soulwax transform the original bassline into a tortured synth part and adds some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3NqGGDO-3E">LCD Soundsystem</a>-style cowbell percussion, preserving the original vocals. After 3 minutes, it's all going along nicely enough - then it starts getting nasty. The crescendo makes a beeline to your dopamine pathway before the climax does otherworldly things to your brain for the next minute. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">To me, this is an incredible remix because it does 3 things:<br /> 1. it preserves the energy and the character of the original</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> 2. it creatively re-interprets the musical elements and</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> 3. it causes incessant head-bopping and a guaranteed <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=eargasm">eargasm</a></span><br /><br />As with similar experiences of the -gasm variety, it might not do it for you, but give it a go - headphones will heighten the experience significantly!</span></span></div>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-77574774776726528292011-09-19T22:00:00.001+10:002011-11-20T16:22:21.505+11:00Recipe: faan ke ju daan (tomato cooked with egg)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Wsw-4YcJgXJMfdjOnDMcaLRySXd3eP4SsKYB2zltm-WU9LBUwKLW53D1fkulGCIexYGkh4d3qHo7CQshETmrg7VgbwWB4c2NBmYI9ne4kV5dUUgCsKLqNPWI2kjolRK3zUSnjYHDhA/s1600/Tomato+and+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Wsw-4YcJgXJMfdjOnDMcaLRySXd3eP4SsKYB2zltm-WU9LBUwKLW53D1fkulGCIexYGkh4d3qHo7CQshETmrg7VgbwWB4c2NBmYI9ne4kV5dUUgCsKLqNPWI2kjolRK3zUSnjYHDhA/s400/Tomato+and+egg.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This one's a Mrs Cheng classic. I've loved it from a young age and still do! Its simplicity is part of its charm - perfect for when the fridge is looking a bit sparse. Much like spag bol in the West, every mum will have a different recipe for <em><a href="http://frugalcuisine.blogspot.com/2006/08/fan-qie-chao-dan-tomatoes-and-eggs.html">faan</a> <a href="http://feedmeshanghai.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/simple-stir-fry-fanqie-chao-dan/">ke</a> <a href="http://nookandpantry.blogspot.com/2008/03/tomatoes-and-egg-stir-fry-fan-qie-chao.html">ju</a> <a href="http://eatingasia.typepad.com/eatingasia/2009/07/about-that-eggs-tomato-dish.html">daan</a> - </em>here's my mum's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 tsp oil</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 eggs, beaten</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped into eighths</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 tbsp tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tbsp oyster sauce</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 spring onion, chopped</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WHAT TO DO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok or non-stick pan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Pour beaten eggs in (it should sizzle slightly) and cook for 2 minutes or until the bottom cooks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Flip the eggy disk and cook for 1 minute (it should be slightly oozy). Set aside and roughly chop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Get the pan nice and hot and saute the tomatoes with the sugar and salt in a tablespoon of oil for 2 minutes until they break down and release their liquid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Add the tomato sauce and oyster sauce and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning (it will depend on how sweet your tomatoes are)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Return the egg to the party and stir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. The eggs will slurp up some of the sauce, so add a tablespoon or twoof water and stir to achieve a gravy-like consistency. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Garnish with spring onions and serve on white rice or noodles. </span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-85262444269071152662011-09-13T22:10:00.002+10:002011-09-13T22:15:01.499+10:00The Suburbs: Eastwood<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: #b3b3b3;">This column acts as a visual companion to my radio segment on </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2ser.com/home" style="color: #0da735; text-decoration: none;">2ser 107.3FM</a></span><span style="color: #b3b3b3;"> called 'The Suburbs'. It airs on </span></span></em></strong><a href="http://2ser.com/programs/shows/thedailymonday" style="color: #0da735; text-decoration: none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Monday Daily</span></em></strong></a><span style="color: #b3b3b3; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><em> with the mellifluously manly Tim Higgins.</em></strong></span><br />
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<object height="225" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F1105836">
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<embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="225" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F1105836" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/mondaydaily2ser/sets/the-suburbs-1">The Suburbs</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/mondaydaily2ser">The Monday Daily</a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli Miso Ramen from Zenya</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI6aGkm7XVusVfzCUI4kTUU-dpxU6mZeSfpn-1pStIlU2fNDxqkZ9pAW8bCCl3l3ttYjHoSAiE8ZcqLKpAWaYJxJ3e1VJ95XpZxmDamGK3qd2ZD9nIs4UNNdsEFAwf6JRtfIwVfS7Ar8/s1600/red+rooster+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI6aGkm7XVusVfzCUI4kTUU-dpxU6mZeSfpn-1pStIlU2fNDxqkZ9pAW8bCCl3l3ttYjHoSAiE8ZcqLKpAWaYJxJ3e1VJ95XpZxmDamGK3qd2ZD9nIs4UNNdsEFAwf6JRtfIwVfS7Ar8/s400/red+rooster+chips.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Chips and gravy from Red Rooster of Eastwood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfQLhDGuxNXLGQDCVHvia0y01K5TP9X_HFfH6ks8zorp-PRB1XmgZaUDuP9yn-3AAx4Lo7dyMjILJ5lkYNneZR-v8KhfYagQJSBqRlMXaLhisQmzkzvJi5gewv8FVYM1UxvOTbAGUB_4/s1600/Lim%2527s+hot+bread+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfQLhDGuxNXLGQDCVHvia0y01K5TP9X_HFfH6ks8zorp-PRB1XmgZaUDuP9yn-3AAx4Lo7dyMjILJ5lkYNneZR-v8KhfYagQJSBqRlMXaLhisQmzkzvJi5gewv8FVYM1UxvOTbAGUB_4/s400/Lim%2527s+hot+bread+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs at Lim's Hot Bread - home of Sydney's best Banh Mi!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5va0flJRw6sQCSqxk1li5ZAMqNnw3M3ggcssldTPyt_ss91YaGq0KrhU2rqipSCMuYb1-R9U0Jsm70Qbo2cbmA9-2Ivm7QTKgCnC5iDtRSCR5suNvSqF24Yy3-etZmp2j7T9Y8RT1bc/s1600/dagwood+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5va0flJRw6sQCSqxk1li5ZAMqNnw3M3ggcssldTPyt_ss91YaGq0KrhU2rqipSCMuYb1-R9U0Jsm70Qbo2cbmA9-2Ivm7QTKgCnC5iDtRSCR5suNvSqF24Yy3-etZmp2j7T9Y8RT1bc/s400/dagwood+dog.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean-style dagwood dog from Suwahre House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUTjV8Vb_xhM8_DPPTGwHXFeIk9g5GjRjqm4QBYQCBVQw3kkyuTyM4LPOdInINgbKKAWwn7aGrOfvBM_hyphenhyphenbqPy5jY7sNDeauWPm0f2oIhQzUbTkXUpuaimsk5_R210fN-ixKaxwU7Aa4/s1600/Jean%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUTjV8Vb_xhM8_DPPTGwHXFeIk9g5GjRjqm4QBYQCBVQw3kkyuTyM4LPOdInINgbKKAWwn7aGrOfvBM_hyphenhyphenbqPy5jY7sNDeauWPm0f2oIhQzUbTkXUpuaimsk5_R210fN-ixKaxwU7Aa4/s400/Jean%2527s.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu at the Eastwood Hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Mn7sWcZaTyoGS7dfHCfc1WFDRbmhu6JgghojvQkRIONrTHJ6g4eO7PLzYGByGBSkmlkw0p_-1obA1Cxhw7FGdFaWSx11tKlyb0h_dyBgB0NlaOolqcf33GoV8WD50vOHQR4Bv9scr4/s1600/hotpot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Mn7sWcZaTyoGS7dfHCfc1WFDRbmhu6JgghojvQkRIONrTHJ6g4eO7PLzYGByGBSkmlkw0p_-1obA1Cxhw7FGdFaWSx11tKlyb0h_dyBgB0NlaOolqcf33GoV8WD50vOHQR4Bv9scr4/s400/hotpot.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find all your hotpot goodies in Eastwood! How-to Guide <a href="http://all-chengas-friends.blogspot.com/2011/09/recipe-hotpot-steamboat-chinese-fondue.html">here</a></td></tr>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=218172299673772222132.0004ac5292e9b174b0faf&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.791297,151.081032&spn=0.001764,0.005759&t=m&vpsrc=0&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=218172299673772222132.0004ac5292e9b174b0faf&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.791297,151.081032&spn=0.001764,0.005759&t=m&vpsrc=0&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">The Suburbs: Eastwood</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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<small>As a tribute to the home of the Granny Smith Apple, here is that rockin' cowbell-fuelled pop number:</small><br />
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chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-26911134503765514962011-09-12T17:37:00.001+10:002011-11-20T16:23:37.776+11:00Recipe: Hotpot / Steamboat / Chinese Fondue<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A family favourite, perfect for the cold winter months. The list of ingredients is just my family's version - explore a Chinese supermarket and grab what catches your eye!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjRhUxWhZC60OKEBRIYYJ3Yb-7i5Ldx-xXp2zNTzCrtjfJdCWBxw4EjftVCvIRvUcL-F5UqEYMuBRdvuPyho7DHqqWPztdeunu8fgE_P-myo2anqJW19VnPZl0EhET38ALThrL1xfyc8/s1600/hotpot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjRhUxWhZC60OKEBRIYYJ3Yb-7i5Ldx-xXp2zNTzCrtjfJdCWBxw4EjftVCvIRvUcL-F5UqEYMuBRdvuPyho7DHqqWPztdeunu8fgE_P-myo2anqJW19VnPZl0EhET38ALThrL1xfyc8/s320/hotpot.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l2pPsMtc6QrDOSkvYc_afEXB6Bua7CBy6zRDXsXd3loJWK0zP1KrxryHOF_RBtL7QmMEipeR_bbX1LwK2fv0pBn2-4zArcfUOC8q0nvFndlhzQrb0alL52SnK7voYUDF7seSQ0Z78Pk/s1600/IMAG0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WHAT YOU NEED</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(all available at your local Chinese supermarket)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Portable gas stove</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gas cannisters</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wok or wide-mouthed pot</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 pair chopsticks per person (1 for picking up raw food)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bowl and plate per person</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hot pot soup mix </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Assortment of balls (beef, fish, squid, exploding roe)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dumplings (pork and chive is a personal fave)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fried tofu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Soft tofu</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chinese veges</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 packet Sliced beef/lamb</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rice vermicelli (or any other favourite noodle)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sauces for dipping (Chiu Chow Chilli Oil, Sate sauce, Hoisin sauce and Sriracha sauce)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1Y9T0dRVsSt0tjhczLfL_PaZ9kFxhR3eyx8XBwfPUqw_iAsZOziQp9bBTDsDuy-EnWESsn4PbHJP4x_G-H6YfOqf4sb1cnNHzSIzw8eK_lOCzlQZzzx7gveGFfXNmAEfWP3FzBobF2c/s1600/sliced+beef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1Y9T0dRVsSt0tjhczLfL_PaZ9kFxhR3eyx8XBwfPUqw_iAsZOziQp9bBTDsDuy-EnWESsn4PbHJP4x_G-H6YfOqf4sb1cnNHzSIzw8eK_lOCzlQZzzx7gveGFfXNmAEfWP3FzBobF2c/s320/sliced+beef.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love lamp</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02k4jp8nqPUj5HHmfQpna2YFwXW9fr5Hk1fBPP9s2pNxK0XBsjMx1_hVzl3tEZF42PjZ9JQt6g-lSwwwYLrQS76fxYHIYXZRbC6fJPXj7IXbK4gWWkT91FKz3EKsf9Ul0kSaO5Dsbuxc/s1600/fish+balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02k4jp8nqPUj5HHmfQpna2YFwXW9fr5Hk1fBPP9s2pNxK0XBsjMx1_hVzl3tEZF42PjZ9JQt6g-lSwwwYLrQS76fxYHIYXZRbC6fJPXj7IXbK4gWWkT91FKz3EKsf9Ul0kSaO5Dsbuxc/s400/fish+balls.jpg" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">My favourite balls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l2pPsMtc6QrDOSkvYc_afEXB6Bua7CBy6zRDXsXd3loJWK0zP1KrxryHOF_RBtL7QmMEipeR_bbX1LwK2fv0pBn2-4zArcfUOC8q0nvFndlhzQrb0alL52SnK7voYUDF7seSQ0Z78Pk/s1600/IMAG0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l2pPsMtc6QrDOSkvYc_afEXB6Bua7CBy6zRDXsXd3loJWK0zP1KrxryHOF_RBtL7QmMEipeR_bbX1LwK2fv0pBn2-4zArcfUOC8q0nvFndlhzQrb0alL52SnK7voYUDF7seSQ0Z78Pk/s320/IMAG0998.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The unsung heroes of steamboat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WHAT TO DO</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Set the stove in the middle of the table and bring a wokful of water to boil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Add the soup mix and add the balls, dumplings and any other ingredients that take a little bit of time to cook. Pop the lid on for 5 or so minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Uncover and dig in with your choice of sauces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Each person can cook the meat, tofu and vegetables at their leisure, or negotiate a group deposit into the hotpot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. When all steamboat participants are nearing stomach capacity, cook the noodles and slurp them up with some of the hotpot soup - it will be delicious from all the dipping!</span></div>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-29005147838588320232011-09-05T21:04:00.000+10:002011-09-13T22:13:04.371+10:00The Suburbs: Parramatta<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><em><span style="color: #b3b3b3;">This column acts as a visual companion to my radio segment on </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2ser.com/home" style="color: #0da735; text-decoration: none;">2ser 107.3FM</a></span><span style="color: #b3b3b3;"> called 'The Suburbs'. It airs on </span></em></strong></span><a href="http://2ser.com/programs/shows/thedailymonday" style="color: #0da735; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><em>The Monday Daily</em></strong></span></a><span style="color: #b3b3b3; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><em> with the mellifluously manly Tim Higgins.</em></strong></span> <br />
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<object height="225" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F1105836">
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<embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="225" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F1105836" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/mondaydaily2ser/sets/the-suburbs-1">The Suburbs</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/mondaydaily2ser">The Monday Daily</a> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Parramatta Park</em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHmlKHZqmdMXx65b2i9299yzt7x-6S_PgU1cJU55bCJo-NOFqCQlJ-f4PQwtUgwjXv6MASMS866xtOZ3odNap8iFglaiJX9CmCiybPNPSYVV08q9LHVP1hsd774NMuFxok-mCXBgm5jM/s1600/631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHmlKHZqmdMXx65b2i9299yzt7x-6S_PgU1cJU55bCJo-NOFqCQlJ-f4PQwtUgwjXv6MASMS866xtOZ3odNap8iFglaiJX9CmCiybPNPSYVV08q9LHVP1hsd774NMuFxok-mCXBgm5jM/s400/631.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Pork belly pizza from Bavarian Bier Cafe</em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpIKJawC75AI_yD_qAHZIOunWC0u1PlKxqbS6BdZKCgBwMtiW_BByyjYhhSBKfK8JLfsdlpWC6YgKpvE3nDBk1edaD_j0Lo520TWgN3GSTgB81JSwoI17N2TDumvUvXFoqrv7u0HHh2E/s1600/Lanzhou+Ramen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpIKJawC75AI_yD_qAHZIOunWC0u1PlKxqbS6BdZKCgBwMtiW_BByyjYhhSBKfK8JLfsdlpWC6YgKpvE3nDBk1edaD_j0Lo520TWgN3GSTgB81JSwoI17N2TDumvUvXFoqrv7u0HHh2E/s400/Lanzhou+Ramen.jpg" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The man's pretty proud of his noodles, and so he should be</span></em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Great Wall of Sauces at Kai Sun Supermarket on Church St</span></em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My version of the Century Egg Salad from Kambozza (click <a href="http://all-chengas-friends.blogspot.com/2011/09/recipe-century-egg-salad.html">here</a> for recipe!)</span></em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally, this week's indie-related song sees a young man turn into a carrot:</span><br />
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chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-39566333479396776592011-09-05T18:19:00.000+10:002011-11-20T16:23:56.390+11:00Recipe: Century Egg Salad<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my attempt at re-creating the Century Egg Salad from </span><a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/kambozza-burmese-cuisine-sushi-restaurant/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kambozza</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, a Burmese restaurant in Parramatta. The lemon juice and fresh salad ingredients offset the rich, slightly funky flavour of the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_egg"><em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pei dan</span></em></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. For the less adventurous, replace the century egg with regular, soft-ish boiled eggs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 pei dan (century egg), peeled and sliced into eighths</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 tomatoes, halved then sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 handful of chinese cabbage, sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 small brown onion, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 handful of coriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 large chilli, finely sliced (include seeds at your own risk)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tbsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tbsp fish sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tbsp oil (any type will do, just not extra virgin)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Combine all ingredients and dress with lemon juice, fish sauce and oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Stir briskly so that the century egg yolks break down and coat the salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Garnish with extra peanuts and coriander before serving</span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-27501011656858260972011-07-26T15:45:00.006+10:002011-11-20T16:24:46.129+11:00Youtube Highlight: Wilco feat. Leslie Feist - "You and I" (Live on Letterman)<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><em>This column seeks out the best bits of the weird and wonderful world of internet videos.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><em><br /></em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">After hearing news that both </span></span><a href="http://pitchfork.com/news/43034-wilco-announce-new-album-fall-tour/"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Wilco </span></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">and </span><a href="http://www.tinymixtapes.com/news/hermit-singer-feist-announces-new-album-metals-sadly-not-collab-boris"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Feist </span></a><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="color: #999999;">are to release new albums this year, I thought it appropriate to post a live video of the track they sung together from Wilco's self-titled album. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="color: #999999;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="color: #999999;">Visually, it's an indie fan's dream. Jeff Tweedy and his ruggedly handsome, shaggy-haired band construct a beautiful wall of sound effortlessly, exchanging glances and clearly enjoying playing together. Leslie Feist harmonises with Tweedy, air-drums and generally gets her cute on around the stage. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;">The psychologist in me says that the song refers to the importance of maintaining independence and sponteneity while in a relationship, and avoiding the potentially catastrophic effects of </span></span><a href="http://www.alaskawellness.com/may-june09/stages.htm"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">enmeshment</span></a><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="color: #999999;">. Really, it's just a song about 2 people that love each other - not so much as to sacrifice themselves, but just to "make something that no-one else has". </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I remember when i first heard this song - I called my girlfriend and played it to her down the line. I think it's a great blueprint for two people to live by, and i'm lucky enough to have a gal that agrees. </span><span style="color: #999999;">Happy 5 years Xanth!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 85%;"><object height="349" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYhQ2ReEyvQ?version=3&hl=en_US">
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYhQ2ReEyvQ?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></span></span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-42755020135533239112011-06-15T22:16:00.006+10:002011-06-15T23:29:19.292+10:00Single Serving: Arcade Fire - "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)"<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>This column examines a song - old or new, neurotic or belligerent, classic or indie-tastic. It's got "the buzz", it gives eargasms and it's freakin' awesome. </em><br /><br />I am guilty of neglecting Arcade Fire.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;color:#999999;"><a href="http://www.pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/452-funeral/">Funeral</a>'s joyous odes to childhood and death captivated me immediately and the anthemic sounds of <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/the-arcade-fire-neon-bible">Neon Bible</a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;color:#999999;"> cemented the band as one of my very favourites. Despite <a href="http://apps.metacritic.com/music/artists/arcadefire/thesuburbs">rave reviews</a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;color:#999999;">, winning a Grammy Award and creating <a href="http://whoisarcadefire.tumblr.com/">widespread confusion</a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;color:#999999;"> in the mainstream music media, I never really got around to listening to The Suburbs.<br /><br />... until now. It’s been on my car stereo for a couple of weeks, but in particular, this song has not left my brain. Regine’s previous contributions have typically been energetic and joyous, and this is no exception, with a driving disco drumbeat, synth arpeggios and a killer key change. In contrast, the lyrics express a frustration with rat-racing suburbia, yearning for the comfort of darkness among the city lights.<br /><br />Yet again, Win, Regine and their merry band produce a nostalgia-tinged anthem to both contemplate and to celebrate. </span><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_g-MkwfFJo0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-24527853715130573392011-05-24T23:17:00.008+10:002011-06-01T22:57:51.881+10:00Cheap Eats and Indie Beats: Indian<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px; COLOR: rgb(179,179,179)" class="Apple-style-span"><em><b><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">This column acts as a visual companion to my radio segment on <span class="Apple-style-span"><a style="COLOR: rgb(13,167,53); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://2ser.com/home">2ser 107.3FM</a></span> called 'Cheap Eats and Indie Beats'. It airs on </span><a style="COLOR: rgb(13,167,53); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://2ser.com/programs/shows/thedailymonday"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">The Monday Daily</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"> with the mellifluously manly Tim Higgins.</span></b></em></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="100%" height="81"><param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15417184"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><br /><br /> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F15417184" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object></span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/the-monday-daily/cheap-eats-and-indie-beats-indian"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cheap Eats and Indie Beats - Indian</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> by </span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/the-monday-daily"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Monday Daily</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/48eHkZfnGug" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAy1fv1pLBaQw3pjghmPXSAvsNZXGTv7iwMyfOrCaFm4mzx_MDkqWBP6xubcvbFWbM92IBES8n85GWLjcClpKMo3QWtDK6wtBZBvBHz4g4wjMiDXldPStwCtjSzYvkB2W_IrkyG1U98c/s1600/Palak+patter+chaat.jpg"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613228122397817314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAy1fv1pLBaQw3pjghmPXSAvsNZXGTv7iwMyfOrCaFm4mzx_MDkqWBP6xubcvbFWbM92IBES8n85GWLjcClpKMo3QWtDK6wtBZBvBHz4g4wjMiDXldPStwCtjSzYvkB2W_IrkyG1U98c/s320/Palak+patter+chaat.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Palak Patta Chat - deep fried spinach leave with awsm sauces!</span> </span></em></span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuVVSkcId0pZBRnzWDbp7YcDZHbqZ39Fz60SOdcrlo0yjz51LOC0hLQfhtanQa0_C5CeglMcU_Vo22NZd82AJ83Fcg0c1IsTF2YL8ClclFT1GFpxneG4mQrRJEPgr94iMB_SurKD7RPs/s1600/Dosai.jpg"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613228117509168914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuVVSkcId0pZBRnzWDbp7YcDZHbqZ39Fz60SOdcrlo0yjz51LOC0hLQfhtanQa0_C5CeglMcU_Vo22NZd82AJ83Fcg0c1IsTF2YL8ClclFT1GFpxneG4mQrRJEPgr94iMB_SurKD7RPs/s320/Dosai.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;color:#999999;"><em> Dosai - crepe-y goodness, Indian-style</em></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu9-p2YOiFt49-qH22tcV3MdM9vsAcC62VqVYd_PhiGDTZM4Q3CIBXXx8fXA1NLc450gO8j58-KzOWACgSBzOeCFiRyi7h6Jk9EPdhKRGpv7468PKvyqnSgRTn-eml3LlToha7JkD0bE/s1600/lamb+saag+and+eggplant.jpg"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613229297864329410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu9-p2YOiFt49-qH22tcV3MdM9vsAcC62VqVYd_PhiGDTZM4Q3CIBXXx8fXA1NLc450gO8j58-KzOWACgSBzOeCFiRyi7h6Jk9EPdhKRGpv7468PKvyqnSgRTn-eml3LlToha7JkD0bE/s320/lamb+saag+and+eggplant.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Delicious lamb and eggplant curries from Harris Park</em></span></div><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;color:#999999;">Where to get great Indian in Sydney:</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;color:#999999;">- Wigram Street in Harris Park - great restaurants and spices galore</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;color:#999999;">- Aki's (Wooloomooloo) or Abhi's (North Strathfield) for a special occasion</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;color:#999999;">- Janani (Homebush) for authentic home-style food and atmosphere!</span></p><br /><p><br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wwTa0AMhEr0" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe></p><br /><p></p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-2679622700867314102011-05-09T21:57:00.012+10:002011-05-26T13:05:16.940+10:00Cheap Eats and Indie Beats: Sausage Special<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px; COLOR: rgb(179,179,179)" class="Apple-style-span"><em><b><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This column acts as a visual companion to my radio segment on <span class="Apple-style-span"><a style="COLOR: rgb(13,167,53); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://2ser.com/home">2ser 107.3FM</a></span> called 'Cheap Eats and Indie Beats'. It airs on </span><a style="COLOR: rgb(13,167,53); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://2ser.com/programs/shows/thedailymonday"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Monday Daily</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> with the mellifluously manly Tim Higgins.</span></b></em></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><object width="100%" height="81"><param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F14997070"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><br /><br /> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F14997070" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object><span style="font-size:0;"><a href="http://soundcloud.com/the-monday-daily/cheap-eats-and-indie-beats-sausages">Cheap Eats and Indie Beats - Sausages</a> by The Monday Daily</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;">3 minut</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;">es of Tom Green madness - strangely catchy!<br /><br /></span><iframe height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/stiSEuPqLdA" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;">James and I doing our WANG duty:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610260081873593874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E9aLEkO__daaIizE6TC6PAmI4f0eev_tVnAxJyITzqAG6Reb4cwhxHguPhcNhRLWlTKNmneh2rvG7Ms2y7_QycT_itFE7ERUHVYCFmCNUkZkrVM9RDhaDFa8ujur8nZijVQZuoTEuiA/s320/wang+-+cheng%252C+twin%252C+james.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;">The might currywurst from a sweet hostel in Berlin:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC33hNZtoaxphM0LTKVQmo0y3zmQBV9Gk9r6OyVIrskc_2NTzzkkIfC37ue7cWmWA5Soejf9OTyyeRXXjIZetARV1eAikoDpjnIR6vBGReHXpVJur8zIgqgvey10ukPlTyJMDm0savo2w/s1600/curryworst.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610263942292321922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC33hNZtoaxphM0LTKVQmo0y3zmQBV9Gk9r6OyVIrskc_2NTzzkkIfC37ue7cWmWA5Soejf9OTyyeRXXjIZetARV1eAikoDpjnIR6vBGReHXpVJur8zIgqgvey10ukPlTyJMDm0savo2w/s320/curryworst.JPG" /></span></a> </p><br /><p><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;">Our humble show host all rugged up in sausage: </span><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRJKlPOi6-E1AIlKgVihPUNZ4m-9-bZIWlgFFFpy7isscRj6zG2L2LXPJU0I5Q3HqeTXIil_gWUgJFTxDIR_dZHXJ9vYEu9fpM1PtfF10dUNbEEFJrzBG75tq2AdYJWdISm9F6Jly-zY/s1600/wang+-+tim+in+suit.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610264983457233026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRJKlPOi6-E1AIlKgVihPUNZ4m-9-bZIWlgFFFpy7isscRj6zG2L2LXPJU0I5Q3HqeTXIil_gWUgJFTxDIR_dZHXJ9vYEu9fpM1PtfF10dUNbEEFJrzBG75tq2AdYJWdISm9F6Jly-zY/s320/wang+-+tim+in+suit.jpg" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px; COLOR: rgb(179,179,179)" class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="FONT-STYLE: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></b></span></i></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px; COLOR: rgb(179,179,179)" class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="FONT-STYLE: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px" class="Apple-style-span">This is how you entertain hormonal teenagers and rip off Nine Inch Nails at the same time:</span></span></b></span></i></span><br /><br /></span></span><iframe height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0-h23jWD41w" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px; COLOR: rgb(179,179,179)" class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="FONT-STYLE: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px;font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#999999;" class="Apple-style-span" >A bunch of friends + large supply of hot dogs = genius film clip</span></span></b></span></i></span><br /><br /><br /><iframe height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RW9Xm4l8gls" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938846548306210022.post-19977995428698474962011-05-01T22:50:00.009+10:002011-05-03T22:57:37.247+10:00Cheap Eats and Indie Beats: Japanese<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><em><b>This column acts as a visual companion to my radio segment on <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2ser.com/home" style="color: rgb(13, 167, 53); text-decoration: none; ">2ser 107.3FM</a></span> called 'Cheap Eats and Indie Beats'. It airs on <a href="http://2ser.com/programs/shows/thedailymonday" style="color: rgb(13, 167, 53); text-decoration: none; ">The Monday Daily</a> with the mellifluously manly Tim Higgins.</b></em></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">The sweet soundtrack to your childhood, played here by one man on two guitars:</span></span></b></span></i></span></span></div><br /><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aZpD0btOZx8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_9IL7W023T4NC0_u2x9zovhnm_6MXeYuqIaERxrqYu0ZzhPSwNvAjFz1PQbFBZQAqCwouahhkJrhKNDjYkb0BydyDJ7Dan-WO9xtQUqF5X05gT4uKEbaV-VksC1NYdklAaXZsdqGNYY/s1600/sushi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_9IL7W023T4NC0_u2x9zovhnm_6MXeYuqIaERxrqYu0ZzhPSwNvAjFz1PQbFBZQAqCwouahhkJrhKNDjYkb0BydyDJ7Dan-WO9xtQUqF5X05gT4uKEbaV-VksC1NYdklAaXZsdqGNYY/s320/sushi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602466921044528610" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Sushi platter from Blue Fin Sushi in Belmore - Scampi appears on the bottom left</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0vds3bo6SZ24GKaf-4bs8NZV8Kg3wcwxeXPKxvG1g2BgWhlGDeTDvDSw-xHLiO7Gtf30wSZ19nhjp7688bWPOAKkHDUbXbT5CjGUaeeWmeArNu2uQVOc0pJKvzIusse61cevyp_miBM/s1600/tempura+rice.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0vds3bo6SZ24GKaf-4bs8NZV8Kg3wcwxeXPKxvG1g2BgWhlGDeTDvDSw-xHLiO7Gtf30wSZ19nhjp7688bWPOAKkHDUbXbT5CjGUaeeWmeArNu2uQVOc0pJKvzIusse61cevyp_miBM/s320/tempura+rice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602467594301768882" /></a></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Big pile of tempura from a chain restaurant in Tokyo</i></span></span></b></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwsaJ7oxpyZhXq78d-6wwaK2_L6DSIHv_LOVdmyHQK0X3-FrejGguW7HnxSj7eKTbcKfZXi5nh8MRkUcx3kqmrTgqD6nfbBEkyoK0HQr14Zcrh0SGP83kxhHbVa2-IO4rhxR4tDsuWXw/s1600/chicken+katsu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwsaJ7oxpyZhXq78d-6wwaK2_L6DSIHv_LOVdmyHQK0X3-FrejGguW7HnxSj7eKTbcKfZXi5nh8MRkUcx3kqmrTgqD6nfbBEkyoK0HQr14Zcrh0SGP83kxhHbVa2-IO4rhxR4tDsuWXw/s320/chicken+katsu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602468872163866722" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center;font-weight: bold; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Chicken Katsu from Zenya in Eastwood</i></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><i><br /></i></span></div></span></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFb3oY1q0rxwxkhwLfdPyd4ruzi133-mcIlfpGMXIYyVoS8B6G0Yy_Gxr-Ke_L0fo7YYJbrHd2Ft-ueZ7DqGyMtv_buXpL8oid4A5wx9k6joE5sbPZkWwv16BdqAGTR_cpFXynP5BWYM/s1600/ramen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFb3oY1q0rxwxkhwLfdPyd4ruzi133-mcIlfpGMXIYyVoS8B6G0Yy_Gxr-Ke_L0fo7YYJbrHd2Ft-ueZ7DqGyMtv_buXpL8oid4A5wx9k6joE5sbPZkWwv16BdqAGTR_cpFXynP5BWYM/s320/ramen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602469270931740386" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Chilli Miso Ramen from Zenya in Eastwood</i></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><i><br /></i></span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUgW0nPtXEAFC99JUfEv3RSYr8EnbqdbW3a4a7hXAmIF36Qk8XSTpYGaYNVuHWrehGfyiurdPLOLQOI0CHduer1dfUtkKvtIsGXK8fulwD0ahDwY0wdlSI9hGiPOsJ_pyLeSAW0Yr0ps/s1600/takoyaki.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUgW0nPtXEAFC99JUfEv3RSYr8EnbqdbW3a4a7hXAmIF36Qk8XSTpYGaYNVuHWrehGfyiurdPLOLQOI0CHduer1dfUtkKvtIsGXK8fulwD0ahDwY0wdlSI9hGiPOsJ_pyLeSAW0Yr0ps/s320/takoyaki.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602469732932916802" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Fresh takoyaki near Osaka Castle</i></span></span></b></div></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw7NenwRAFVnFjvIzahvOXtUWOtVvrcjV4MbT3LDKcC7oCCPXrulECTWFw1THTLQdRimiDgY1rd_iXrOPd9VECpcM8W15wwt5q-U_tpVIxnAnKp4J8EQI1iOH1tRCTWd3GxuKXxDonAc/s1600/tataki.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw7NenwRAFVnFjvIzahvOXtUWOtVvrcjV4MbT3LDKcC7oCCPXrulECTWFw1THTLQdRimiDgY1rd_iXrOPd9VECpcM8W15wwt5q-U_tpVIxnAnKp4J8EQI1iOH1tRCTWd3GxuKXxDonAc/s320/tataki.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602470071446450338" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i>Beef tataki - steak never tasted so good!</i></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(179, 179, 179); line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Places to sample some Japanese delights:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Sushi trains in Chatswood - </span></span><a href="http://www.masuya.com.au/en/restaurants/makoto_cw.html">http://www.masuya.com.au/en/restaurants/makoto_cw.html</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Fresh, value sushi in Belmore - </span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1471887/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Canterbury-Bankstown/Sushi-Bluefin-Sydney">http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1471887/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Canterbury-Bankstown/Sushi-Bluefin-Sydney</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Super ramen from Zenya in Eastwood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> - </span></span><a href="http://www.zenyanoodlebar.com/">http://www.zenyanoodlebar.com/</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Self-serve udon and tempura in the city</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> - </span></span><a href="http://menya.com.au/mappen/index.html">http://menya.com.au/mappen/index.html</a></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(179, 179, 179); line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Thom and the boys rocking out in Tokyo:</span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(179, 179, 179); font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; "><b><i> </i></b></div><iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kGLqmuJlcQQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>chengahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08845991394564833555noreply@blogger.com0