Foodies’ Diary
Image: The silly season can be hard on more than just your wallet – if you’d like brighter eyes, clearer skin, and a happier liver, drop into the week-long community detox in the About Life stores (Bondi and Rozelle) from the 15th-21st February. With school, study and work coming back with a vengeance, it’s the perfect time to learn a little, drink a discounted juice of the day and revel in the fact you won’t be the only one detoxing!
Biggest Ever Community Detox
The silly season can be hard on more than just your wallet – if you’d like brighter eyes, clearer skin, and a happier liver, drop into the week-long community detox in the About Life stores (Bondi and Rozelle) from the 15th-21st February. With school, study and work coming back with a vengeance, it’s the perfect time to learn a little, drink a discounted juice of the day and revel in the fact you won’t be the only one detoxing! Proprietor Jodie Stewart had this to say: “Community Detox is going to be a great week where everyone (staff included!) get together for a week of healthy eating, education and most importantly, lots of motivation and support.” So drop on into either store for a free daily session with a naturopath and guest speakers. Rest-assured Stewart’s “goal is to stay away from any ‘fad’ methods of detoxing and stick to good wholesome foods, personalised naturopathic supplements and a sensible, sustainable approach that can be incorporated into anyone’s busy lifestyle.”
Hair of the Dog
Not everyone atones for past sins, so for the rest of you, the 2009 Ant Moore Marlborough Pinot Gris (RRP $21.99) is my idea of Sunday afternoon in a glass. The slight hint of pink in this nice, wet quaffing wine is very appealing. It comes out of Ant Moore’s ‘Ants Nest’ vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, overlooking the meandering Omaka River. Rabbits, hare and deer wander on the vineyards; also making an appearance on the easy-to-spot, colourful label. Rumour has it Ant (who also launched wine labels Catalina Sounds and Crowded House) will be doing an official Australian launch of his wines in February 2010, so keep your eyes peeled! www.antmoore.com
French-Vietnamese Classes
The personable George Lai has been responsible for many a memorable meal at his French-Vietnamese gem, La Mint. Learn a new skill this year with a La Mint Cooking Class, on Sunday 31st January. Class begins at the respectable hour of noon, costs $95/person and includes a three course meal with a glass of fine wine. Another great way to sample George’s cooking is in the superbly priced Tuesday Night Degustation Dinners – seven courses for $49/head is hard to beat anywhere in Sydney!
La Mint, 62-64 Riley Street, East Sydney (02) 9331 1818 www.lamint.com.au
Aussie Lychees
What’s an Aussie summer without trays of fruit? We’ve been through mangos, cherries and white peaches so far, but another perennial favourite at home are Australian lychees. Ian Groves, President of the Australian Lychee Growers Association, is excited about the 2010 season, because: “Australian lychee growers have delivered a bumper crop, with large amounts of great quality fruit. This means great tasting fruit at really good prices.” Good tasting, and good for you it seems – seven lychees contain as much vitamin C as a small orange. They’re high in antioxidants and potassium, and have good levels of calcium and fibre too. Buy them red and firm, then store them in the fridge in a plastic bag. If any remain in your fridge after three or four days, muddle them with vodka and mint for a summery drink, or toss them in a Thai red curry with duck and pineapple. They’ll be in green grocers until March, so make the most of these gorgeous, red beauties.
