Bourke Street Bakery
Whoa it's December already. What happened to 2011? Only 25 days until Christmas and I have not been Christmas shopping at all. ...and I have no idea how I'm going to be ready for Christmas 2011. We are moving to a new apartment the first week of December.
One blessing, Michael, my youngest son, is doing the entire Christmas feast for the first time....and at his house. A little sad we won't have left overs in the our fridge, but a small price to pay for a no stress Christmas feast.
At the beginning of November Bryan and I took a road trip to Sydney. We went via Warwick so we could meet up with Krista from Rambling Tart, who moved here recently.
With Krista
From Warwick we headed to Armidale where I had booked what was described on their website as luxury B & B. It was far from luxurious. We left the moment we awoke the following morning. Leaving Armidale we headed toward the coast on Highway 78.
Known as the Waterfall Way it is described as one of Australia's most beautiful drives. It crosses over the Great Dividing Range.
Ebor Falls Highway 78
We travelled from west to east. I'd like to drive it in reverse next time.
Thankfully the B & B I had booked at Bellingen turned out to be a charming stopover after the disaster of Armidale. Ian and Ulrieke planted a beautiful garden around their home and called it The Rose Patch.
The Rose Patch gardens
The formal part of the garden was full of roses and lilies in bloom. Through the formal garden and over the fence is a bush walk through native bush with birds and local fauna. Back in our room later in the afternoon I realised I had brought back a leech attached to my ankle. He was a fat little leech by the time I discovered him.
Bush walk at Bellingen
We awoke the following morning to a misty day.
Morning mist at Bellingen
Breakfast was served on the front deck overlooking the gardens, complete with Ulrieke's home made bread, farm fresh free range eggs and a jam made with the local Davidson plum. The jam had a delicious sour taste. I loved it.
Breakfast at the Rose Patch Bellingen
Next stop Sydney where we caught up with friends before I attended the Eat Drink Blog Conference. Here are a few photos of conference day.
Eat Drink Blog 2011
We spent an evening with @Carmr at La Casa...and yes the polpotte, made to her Mother's secret recipe, are a highlight. We can also recommend the gnocchi and the pappardelle. Her Papa was there and allowed me to take his photo.
Carmen and her Papa
Bourke Street Bakery was on my 'to do' list so we met friends there for coffee and pastries.
Pastries with Madame Shawshank at Bourke St Bakery
Chocolate Rapsberry Muffin
I love the apple galette.
Apple Galette
On our last morning we headed to Marrickville Markets for breakfast with my little friends Max and Charlie.
Breakfast with Max and Charlie
Fresh seasonal produce.
Marrickville Markets
Coming home we stopped overnight at Coff's Harbour. Despite Australia having plenty of coastline it is really difficult to find accommodation on the beach. This is the view from the dining room of the Aanuka Beach Resort.
On our last coffee stop of the day we discovered the little cafe/wine bar Evolution at Ballina. Again really hard to find cafes and restaurants by the beach in Australia. Evolution at least has a water view.
Evolution Cafe Ballina
I cannot remember the muffin flavour but it was good.
........and as promised, a recipe for a simple cabbage salad. Alter quantities to suit number of servings. This amount is enough for two as a lunch dish. It is best made and served immediately.
CABBAGE SALAD
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 head of a small cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated.
- quality olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
METHOD
- Mix cabbage and parmesan
- Place on serving plate.
- Drizzle with oil, a few drops of lemon juice and a grating of pepper.
- Serve
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