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Les Bistronomes Braddon @ACTBistronomes

Posted 2014-12-21 by Gary

The Yummy Lummy Cooking for one podcast

Les Bistronomes Braddon @ACTBistronomes

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It’s a Friday night after a big week and Bron and I enjoy a meal at Les Bistronomes in Braddon. Les Bistronomes is a relatively new French restaurant in Canberra. From what I’ve seen in blogs and Instagram it’s pretty popular. It’s sitting in a group of new places like Blackfire and Bent Spoke.

We need to step back a bit though. We’ve seen Canberra bloggers post stories and images and we both would like to try the Beef Wellington. To get the Beef Wellington you need to pre-order so that’s what I did

It’s a warm afternoon so we elect to eat outside. However, the ambient temperature drops quickly and by the end of the evening there’s gooseflesh on show.

The service is very friendly and after we mention we’ve pre-ordered the Beef Wellington we see the menu and choose some entrées and a side for the Beef Wellington.

This bread came out warm and the butter was subtle. It was good.

Warm bread and tomato butter | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/280sec, ISO 32

I love snails. The combination of the snails with the pork loin is great. The parsley cream though, while delicious gives me a green smile (sorry no selfie)

Escargots Et Fillet De Porc en Persillade (Garlic Snails and Pork Loin with Parsley Cream) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/120sec, ISO 32

This bread was delicious. The caramelised onion and anchovies were really tasty.

Pissaladière (Caramelised Onion and Anchovy Bread) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/60sec, ISO 32

Escargots Et Fillet De Porc en Persillade (Garlic Snails and Pork Loin with Parsley Cream) Pissaladière (Caramelised Onion and Anchovy Bread) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/120sec, ISO 40

Here’s the Beef Wellington. We think, but we don’t know, the beef is cooked sous vide and then finished in the pastry with the Duxelles. Happy to be corrected by anyone who does know.

Filet De Boeuf en croute Au Foie Gras Et Duxelle De Champignon (Beef Wellington, Mushroom Duxelles, Foie Gras and Red Wine Jus) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/60sec, ISO 32

The foie gras and horseradish go well in the Duxelles. The foie gras is quite subtle while the horseradish at least in one piece I ate was prominent. The French peas with the bacon lardons were nice and went well in the pastry shell after the meat had been eaten

Filet De Boeuf en croute Au Foie Gras Et Duxelle De Champignon (Beef Wellington, Mushroom Duxelles, Foie Gras and Red Wine Jus) and Petit Pois A La Française (French Peas) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/40sec, ISO 32

The Flambé Crème brûlée was very nice. Nothing like seeing some flames coming out to the table.

Flambé Crème brûlée A La Vanille (Vanilla Crème Brulée) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 125

Bron asked for the chocolate and avocado mousse which she was was very good.

Mousse Au Chocolat et Avocat (Chocolate Mousse and Avocado) | Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/4sec, ISO 100

Overall the evening was very enjoyable. The meal was great and the atmosphere on a summer night in Canberra was very pleasant albeit towards the end quite cold. Next time I think we’ll eat inside. I’d happily recommend Les Bistronomes for a meal.

Smoque Woden Restaurant @Smoque_Canberra

Posted 2014-12-18 by Gary

Today is the second time I’ve been to Smoque Woden in as many weeks for work Christmas lunches. This relatively new restaurant is an offshoot of Smoque in Civic and has opened in the new Abode Restaurant on Bowes Street in Phillip.

Both times I’ve eaten the same thing, viz., a pulled pork protein plate and a side of potato gems with sour cream and bacon bits.

Today as I ate the pulled pork I did think of Lara Bingle albeit briefly and then I changed my thoughts to pancakes at 63 Racecourse Road.

The pulled pork protein plate at Smoque Woden is pretty good. The meat is tender and juicy. The flavours are strong but not too salty. I also like a pickle although I’m not a huge fan of corn bread. I noticed some of my friends from today’s lunch had never tried corn bread and weren’t impressed.

Pulled pork Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 50

The potato gems were pretty good. They were well cooked and not under or over cooked.

Potato gems with sour cream and bacon bits Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/30sec, ISO 50

It wouldn’t be a work Christmas lunch without bon bons and Christmas jokes and toys

Christmas toy Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 32

63 Racecourse Road

Posted 2014-12-17 by Gary

Today is my last day in Brisbane to help Mum after her surgery. Miss13 and Mss17 suggested 63 Racecourse Road for breakfast after their morning work out.

I’d never heard of this place but Miss17 has been here a few times and explained the menu theme changes with current events affecting Brisbane. Recently the specials were on a G20 themed menu. Currently the theme is cricket. My only concern is that whenever I eat a pulled pork burger I’m going to be thinking of Lara Bingle.

I won't be able to eat a pulled pork burger again without thinking of Lara Bingle. That's not a good thing people. Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 32 — I won’t be able to eat a pulled pork burger again without thinking of Lara Bingle. That’s not a good thing people. Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 32

I like that we can ask for good solid meals like lambs fry (that’s liver to the younger readers) which I love, poutine which I’m dying to try and of course the usual fare for breakfast and lunch.

Mmm...lambs fry Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/30sec, ISO 50 — Mmm…lambs fry Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/30sec, ISO 50

On entering we’re greeted by friendly wait staff and we ask for a table and are shown to one inside. The tables are old and distressed but solid. No wobbling. The chairs are solid too. The tables are big and there’s space between the tables so you aren’t sharing your life with other people eating.

Inside 63 Racecourse Road Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/15sec, ISO 64

Inside 63 Racecourse Road Apple iPhone 6 Plus with iPhone 6 Plus back camera 4.15mm f/2.2 at 4mm and f/2.2, 1/10sec, ISO 100

Even though I’ve eaten quite a bit since being in Brisbane and caring for Mum by feeding her and Dad, despite using the next hole in my belt I have a hankering for pancakes and bacon. Miss13 wants waffles.

The pancakes are nice, nothing special, but not stodgy which is good. They’re light and fluffy and absorb the maple syrup well. The maple syrup combined with the frozen yoghurt goes well with the pancakes.

Pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and frozen yoghurt at 63 Racecourse Road SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/2.8, 1/60sec, ISO 320

Miss13 said she loved her waffles.

Waffles with ice cream and maple syrup at 63 Racecourse Road SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/4, 1/60sec, ISO 640

Pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and frozen yoghurt at 63 Racecourse Road SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/4, 1/60sec, ISO 500

Mum and Dad's front door SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/2.8, 1/60sec, ISO 2000 — Mum and Dad’s front door SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/2.8, 1/60sec, ISO 2000

Curried salmon

Posted 2014-12-16 by Gary

It’s Monday so that means salmon. I’ve eaten salmon every Monday in 2014. Tonight I cooked curried salmon for Mum, Dad, Miss13 and Miss17. Miss19 is working tonight.

Cooking a kilogram of salmon with the skin on isn’t quite like cooking one portion for myself

Miss17 helped with the salad again which was good. I prepared the vermicelli by soaking it in room temperature water for 15 minutes and then draining the water.

I cooked the salmon in the same way I usually do. I rubbed in some curry powder and oil and then laid the portions out on a hot frying pan and put the lid on top for 5 minutes. I then poured in a tin of coconut cream and then added the vermicelli and then another tin of coconut cream. I broke up the salmon in the frying pan while cooking through the vermicelli and coconut cream.

The salad had mango, avocado, cucumber, cos lettuce, nectarines and tomatoes in it.

Earlier for breakfast I also had some granola

Christmas dinner

Posted 2014-12-15 by Gary

So I’m up in Brisbane a little earlier than usual. I’m here to help Mum and Dad for a few days while Mum continues her recovery from spinal surgery. She’s doing well and maintaining her exercises. I’m pleased to see her getting around and moving better than I imagined. I’m still trying to convince her though that things like ironing and perfect hospital corners on her bed are not essential to living and enjoying life.

Given that I’m in Brisbane earlier than usual I was so happy that Miss13, Miss17 and Miss19 came for a visit yesterday for Christmas dinner

I started the day knowing I had a lot of cooking and food ahead of me.

Vegemite on toast bathed in butter SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/5.6, 1/10sec, ISO 800

Vegemite on toast, also known as the breakfast of champions.

For lunch I made a simple smoked salmon and sour cream on toasted wholemeal bread plate for Mum and Dad. They both enjoy smoked salmon and sour cream. I should have bought bagels.

Smoked salmon and sour cream SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/5.6, 1/13sec, ISO 400

Smoked salmon and sour cream on toasted wholemeal bread SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/5.6, 1/20sec, ISO 400

In the afternoon as I was thinking about preparing for dinner I got some cheese out for Dad. Dad loves cheese and this was a treat for him. What I also love about my daughters is they will try anything, even smelly cheeses. Miss13 said it wasn’t something she’d actively go looking for again but understood when I explained our palates change over years and as she gets older she may appreciate cheeses like this more. I love the spirit of Miss17, from an early age she’d try things, like oysters. I remember the first time she wasn’t that impressed but she made a conscious decision at a young age to try one every time we went out and now she loves oysters.

For afternoon tea we had Roquefort, Castella white and a Tlba cheddar SONY ILCE-7S with E 35mm F1.8 OSS at 35mm and f/5.6, 1/60sec, ISO 1250

Christmas dinner is usually quite large in the Lum household. I tried to explain to Mum we could do something simple and still enjoy it. So I suggested we limit ourselves to two meats and just a salad plus some spuds (potatoes for refined readers).

So here we have a series of photographs that I shot as dinner was being prepared. I’m grateful to Miss17 for help with the salad and of course Mum who supervised and made the apple sauce even though I was meant to be looking after her.

So I apologise in advance for the number of photographs in this post but what you won’t see is the number of photographs I shot and are still in my Adobe Lightroom library.