Brunch in the Kitschen: Your 12 step guide to the perfect brunch

1. Mushrooms are ALWAYS a good idea. Fresh only, otherwise don't bother! Those canned ones are a poor excuse for "mushrooms"

2. Eggs Rothko. First tried it in NYC, next time was in my own kitchen. We couldn't find brioche so we used turkish bread instead.

3. While cooking, keep your friends entertained with alcoholic beverages, like a seemingly innocent smoothie with peanut butter, chocolate...and Bailey's. Lots of it. (Plus have them bring bubbly for mimosas...then later on to drink alone, when the juice is gone)

4. Or...let them play with their food.

5. When you're done, plate your food as best you can---> we're no pros, but make an effort. Also, if your guests don't mind, use a plastic plate that you can chuck in the bin right after. In Manila, where there are helpers to do your dishes, use your fine china if you wish.

6. Be a gracious host and serve your guests :) Don't forget to smile!

7. While they are taking a break after the savory part of the meal, go back to the kitchen and stew some fresh peaches ( or apples, or pears...or any fruit you want) Steal some of the juice from your mimosas to add to your peaches.

8. Act silly with your friends while waiting for peaches to cook.

9. When finished cooking, create a "healthy" greek yogurt sundae with your peaches, and top with toasted almonds!

10. Surprise your friend who just turned 30. Buy plastic skulls for her bday cake because you know she will love them.

11. When you are too full to move, stay in your seat and dress up used bottles of wine and champagne.

12. Ask them if they want to have brunch again someday...and hope their answer is the same as Ben's.

:)

Traveling Tummy-Sydney: Shenkin

In Erskinville, just a few blocks from the busy King street, there is a little cafe that serves Israeli breakfasts (and others but you go there for this)My sister took the whole family to Shenkin last week for some quality time and yummy food.

My brother's big breakfast. This came with bread and jam too. Growing boy!

My dad's kebab!

Ananda's banana pancakes. So goood. Not fluffy like how I usually like it. They were layers of thin ones with banana slices in between. YUM!

Shakshuka with chorizo and pita---> what you MUST order when eating here. It was SO good. I can imagine it being really good in the winter. It's basically a spicy tomato stew with poached eggs and this one with chorizo slices. You can throw in whatever you like though!Traditional Israeli brekkie.

Shenkin, 53 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville, NSW 2043 Call: 02 9550 5511

Restaurant Rave: SALA Bistro

Much as I love dinners, I also adore brunches, most especially when it's with the company of ex-colleagues from my magazine life. We try out a new place every time we meet up and each time is a late morning full of great food and plenty of industry gossip.

I love the simple elegance of SALA Bistro, and the food ain't too shabby either. I wanted to have the Champagne Brunch with unlimited bubbly but everyone was in a rush that day. Next time!

My Bistro Sunday Fry Up-- essentially a Full English brekky without the beans and black pudding. I ate every last bit of this.

Kat's Bistro Minute Steak (topped with Onion Rings!)

Tippi and Andrea got the Creamy Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

As if our mains weren't enough, we had little desserts to top off our meal as well.

I got the rum and raisin bread and butter pudding with vanilla seed ice cream. I was mad full but guess what, I still finished it!

Warm chocolate croissant with vanilla seed ice cream

Ricotta and Banana Pancakes with Maple Syrup---I'm getting this next time!

Happy Faces--and bellies!


P690 for a two course brunch and P1280 for a two course brunch plus unlimited bubbly.
Available Saturday and Sunday 11am-2pm Call 7294888 for reservations. Sala Bistro is located at the G/F Garden Side, Greenbelt 3