#your 'national dish' was a regional dish with no set recipe and no connection to the concept of the nation-state

[hapalopus]

Reminder to all Europeans: Your "national" traditions were probably invented in the 1800s

[foshanwords]

Savoring the Flavors of Ilhéus: Culinary Experiences to Enjoy During Your Visit

Ilhéus, a charming coastal city in Bahia, Brazil, is not only known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and natural beauty but also for its vibrant culinary scene. The flavors of Ilhéus reflect the region's cultural diversity, blending traditional Brazilian, African, and indigenous influences with fresh ingredients sourced from the fertile lands and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual traveler, Ilhéus offers an array of delicious culinary experiences that will satisfy your palate and deepen your connection to Bahia’s rich culture.

From local street food to gourmet seafood dishes, here are the best culinary experiences to savor during your visit to Ilhéus.

1. Taste the Legendary Cocoa: From Bean to Chocolate Delights

Ilhéus is often called the "Chocolate Capital of Brazil" due to its historical association with cocoa production. The region’s tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for cultivating cocoa, and many local farms produce some of the finest cocoa beans in the country. For chocolate lovers, a visit to one of the many chocolate factories in Ilhéus is an essential part of your culinary journey.

At these factories, such as Fazenda Yrerê and Chocolates Caseiros de Ilhéus, visitors can learn about the entire process of chocolate-making, from cocoa bean harvesting to the final product. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of artisanal chocolates, ranging from dark and milk varieties to those infused with local fruits and spices.

Don’t Miss: Try a fresh cup of cocoa tea, made from the shells of the cocoa bean, or indulge in some brigadeiros—Brazil’s beloved chocolate truffles made with rich, local chocolate.

2. Feijoada: A Classic Brazilian Dish with Bahian Flair

When in Ilhéus, you simply can’t miss the chance to try feijoada, Brazil’s national dish. This hearty black bean stew, traditionally made with pork, is a staple of Brazilian cuisine and has deep roots in the country's history. In Bahia, feijoada often comes with a twist—many recipes incorporate African and indigenous spices and techniques, reflecting the region’s unique cultural blend.

Most local restaurants in Ilhéus serve feijoada on weekends, accompanied by rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), collard greens, and orange slices. This comfort food is best enjoyed in a relaxed, family-style setting, and the Bahian version is known for being both flavorful and filling.

Don’t Miss: Pair your feijoada with a cold caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, for the full Brazilian experience.

3. Moqueca: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

One of the true culinary highlights of Bahia is moqueca, a traditional Brazilian seafood stew with African influences that dates back centuries. In Ilhéus, moqueca is typically prepared with fresh fish, shrimp, or crab, simmered in a flavorful broth of coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and dendê oil (palm oil), which gives the dish its rich, golden color and distinctive flavor.

Many local restaurants offer their own take on moqueca, and it’s a dish that exemplifies the coastal region's connection to the sea. Served in a clay pot, moqueca is often accompanied by white rice, farofa, and pirão (a thick gravy made from fish broth and cassava flour). The combination of the creamy coconut milk and bold spices makes moqueca a true Bahian delicacy.

Don’t Miss: For an authentic experience, try Moqueca de Peixe com Camarão (fish and shrimp moqueca) at one of the seaside restaurants while enjoying a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Acarajé: The Quintessential Bahian Street Food

Ilhéus’ street food scene wouldn’t be complete without acarajé, a beloved Bahian snack with African roots. Made from black-eyed peas, garlic, and onions, these fritters are deep-fried in palm oil and served with a variety of fillings such as vatapá (a creamy shrimp paste), fried shrimp, and spicy pepper sauce.

You’ll find acarajé sold by baianas—women dressed in traditional white clothing—at food stalls throughout the city. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, acarajé is bursting with flavor and heat, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters who want to taste the essence of Bahian street food.

Don’t Miss: If you’re not into spicy food, ask for your acarajé without pimenta (pepper) or try the milder acarajé de frango (chicken-filled acarajé).

5. Fresh Seafood at Pontal Beach: Dining by the Sea

As a coastal city, Ilhéus is home to some of the freshest seafood in Brazil. For a truly immersive dining experience, head to Pontal Beach, where many beachside restaurants and kiosks serve up freshly caught fish, lobster, octopus, and shrimp dishes. You can enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand, while taking in the beautiful ocean views.

Popular dishes include peixe grelhado (grilled fish), bobó de camarão (a creamy shrimp dish made with cassava and coconut milk), and seafood paella. The simplicity of the fresh seafood combined with the relaxed beach atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a memorable culinary experience.

Don’t Miss: Ask for a platter of mixed grilled seafood to sample a variety of the day’s catch.

6. Coconut Everything: Embrace Bahia’s Tropical Side

Coconut is a key ingredient in many Bahian dishes and desserts, and in Ilhéus, you’ll find coconut in nearly every form—coconut milk, coconut water, shredded coconut, and coconut oil. One of the most refreshing ways to enjoy this tropical fruit is by sipping on an ice-cold água de coco (coconut water) straight from the shell. You’ll find vendors selling fresh coconuts at beaches and markets, perfect for quenching your thirst after a day of exploring.

Coconut also takes center stage in desserts like quindim (a baked coconut and egg yolk custard) and cocada (a chewy coconut candy). Whether you're enjoying coconut in a savory dish like moqueca or indulging in a sweet treat, it's a flavor that defines the tropical cuisine of Ilhéus.

Don’t Miss: Try cocada branca and cocada preta—the white and brown versions of this traditional coconut candy for a taste of something sweet and authentic. This website passeios em ilheus

7. Bahian Breakfast: Embrace the Day Like a Local

Start your day in Ilhéus with a traditional Bahian breakfast, which often includes tapioca crepes filled with cheese, coconut, or meat, along with pão de queijo (cheese bread) and freshly brewed Brazilian coffee. You’ll find tapioca stalls across the city, serving this versatile, gluten-free crepe made from cassava starch.

For something heartier, try cuscuz de milho (corn couscous) served with scrambled eggs and a side of caldo de cana (sugarcane juice). Breakfast in Ilhéus is a light yet flavorful meal, giving you the energy you need to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings.

Don’t Miss: Visit a local bakery and grab some beiju (a crunchy cassava cracker), a typical Bahian snack often enjoyed with coffee.

Conclusion: Savor the Best of Ilhéus’ Culinary Delights

Ilhéus is a true culinary gem, offering a diverse range of flavors that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and connection to the land and sea. From sampling local cocoa and indulging in freshly made chocolates to enjoying iconic dishes like moqueca and acarajé, every meal in Ilhéus is a feast for the senses.

Whether you’re dining in a beachside restaurant, exploring the local street food scene, or visiting the city’s cocoa plantations, Ilhéus offers an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more of Bahia’s bold and beautiful flavors. So, when you visit this vibrant city, be sure to bring your appetite—Ilhéus is ready to delight!

[pakmainsmm]

How to Gain Pak Followers: Proven Strategies for Success 

In today’s digital world, the quest for social media panels influence often begins with building a strong follower base. For those targeting audiences in Pakistan, understanding the nuances of attracting Pakistani followers can set you on the path to success. Whether you’re a business, influencer, or content creator, knowing how to gain Pak followers can dramatically enhance your social media presence. This guide outlines practical and effective strategies to help you achieve just that. 

Understanding Your Audience 

Before diving into the strategies, it's crucial to understand the demographics and interests of Pakistani users. Pakistan is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. The preferences and behaviors of its people can vary significantly across different regions and age groups. Conducting thorough research on what resonates with your target audience in Pakistan will lay a strong foundation for your follower growth. 

1. Create Culturally Relevant Content 

To attract Pak followers, your content must resonate with their cultural values and interests. This means incorporating elements that are familiar and engaging to the Pakistani audience. Whether it’s celebrating local festivals, using popular regional languages like Urdu, or discussing issues relevant to Pakistan, culturally relevant content will make your profile more appealing. 

For example, if you're a food blogger, share recipes or reviews of popular Pakistani dishes. Use local ingredients and highlight traditional cooking methods. Similarly, if your focus is on fashion, showcase Pakistani designers or trends that are popular in the region. 

2. Utilize Local Trends and Hashtags 

Trending topics and hashtags are powerful tools for increasing visibility on social media. By tapping into local trends and using relevant hashtags, you can reach a broader audience in Pakistan. Stay updated on what’s trending in Pakistan smm followers social media and incorporate these trends into your posts. 

Platforms like Twitter and Instagram often have trending hashtags that are specific to Pakistan. Using these hashtags can increase the chances of your content being seen by users interested in those topics. For instance, during major events or national holidays, use hashtags like #Eid, #IndependenceDay, or #PakistaniFashion to align with the current conversations. 

3. Collaborate with Pakistani Influencers 

Collaborations with local influencers can significantly boost your visibility among Pak followers. Influencers have established trust and a large following in their niche. By partnering with them, you can leverage their audience to reach potential followers who are interested in your content. 

Identify influencers in your niche who have a strong following in Pakistan. Reach out to them with a collaboration proposal that offers mutual benefits. This could be in the form of shoutouts, joint content, or giveaways. Such collaborations can introduce your profile to a new audience and encourage Pakistani users to follow you. 

4. Engage with Pakistani Communities 

Active engagement with Pakistani communities can help you build a loyal follower base. Participate in discussions, comment on posts, and respond to messages from your Pakistani followers. Showing genuine interest in their opinions and feedback can create a sense of connection and encourage more people to follow you. 

Joining Pakistani interest groups or forums related to your niche can also be beneficial. Contribute valuable insights and share your content when appropriate. This will help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and approachable figure within these communities. 

5. Offer Value and Incentives 

To attract and retain smm Pak followers, your content must offer value. This could be in the form of educational posts, entertaining videos, or useful tips. Providing content that solves problems or enhances the lives of your audience can make your profile more appealing. 

Additionally, offering incentives such as exclusive discounts, giveaways, or special promotions can attract Pakistani followers. Ensure that these incentives are relevant to your audience and align with their interests. For instance, if you run a fashion brand, a giveaway featuring popular Pakistani fashion items can draw attention from potential followers. 

6. Optimize Your Profile for Pakistani Users 

Your social media profile should be optimized to appeal to Pakistani users. This includes using a profile picture and bio that resonate with the local audience. If possible, incorporate elements of Pakistani culture or language into your profile to make it more relatable. 

Ensure that your content schedule aligns with the local time zone of Pakistan. Posting during peak hours when your target audience is most active can increase engagement and visibility. Tools like social media analytics can help you determine the best times to post based on your audience’s behavior. 

7. Invest in Local Advertising 

Paid advertising can be an effective way to reach a targeted audience in Pakistan. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer advertising options that allow you to specify your target audience based on location, interests, and demographics. 

Investing in local ads can help you reach Pakistani users who might not discover your profile organically. Create compelling ad content that highlights the benefits of following you and provides a clear call to action. Monitor the performance of your ads and adjust your strategy based on the results. 

8. Share User-Generated Content 

Encouraging your followers to create and share content related to your brand or profile can enhance your visibility and credibility. User-generated content (UGC) not only provides social proof but also fosters a sense of community among your followers. 

Run campaigns or contests that prompt your Pakistani followers to share their experiences or opinions. Feature the best submissions on your profile to acknowledge and appreciate your audience. This can create a buzz around your profile and encourage more users to follow you. 

9. Stay Consistent and Authentic 

Consistency and authenticity are key to building a strong follower base. Regularly post high-quality content that aligns with your brand’s voice and values. Authenticity helps in building trust with your audience, making them more likely to engage with and follow you. 

Avoid using misleading tactics or purchasing followers, as these can damage your reputation and hinder genuine growth. Focus on building a real and engaged audience by staying true to your brand and consistently providing valuable content. 

10. Analyze and Adapt Your Strategy 

Finally, regularly analyze the performance of your social media efforts and adapt your strategy as needed. Use analytics tools to track your follower growth, engagement rates, and the effectiveness of your campaigns. Identify what works well and areas that need improvement. 

By staying informed and flexible, you can continuously refine your approach to gaining Pak followers and ensure long-term success. 

Conclusion 

Gaining Pak followers requires a combination of cultural understanding, strategic planning, and authentic engagement. By creating culturally relevant content, collaborating with local influencers, and actively engaging with your audience, you can build a strong presence among Pakistani users. Remember to offer value, optimize your profile, and invest in local advertising to enhance your visibility. With consistent effort and adaptability, you can effectively grow your follower base and achieve your social media goals. 

[gurminderjeetsingh]

Local Competition

Bite Food Truck

Strengths: On-wheels mobile service, exotic curries and sandwiches, operating as a food truck since 2022, in Pune.

Weaknesses: Some potential drawbacks of sharing an account for your restaurant are a limited selection of dishes that one can deliver, lack of a dedicated space, and potential instability of the service.

2. Milestones Restaurant

Strengths: National menu, a variety of food choices, prime location in the center of the city and the ability to dine, sit down.

Weaknesses: Not for the homemade or ‘tiffin kind of food,’ thus, the restaurant has higher charges for a casual dine-in place.

Such food fairs and festivals are important for the local people since they provide them with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local brands of foods that are produced in their area.

Strengths: The goals should include, selling mainly local food, offer exquisite services to visitors, increase entrant flow of food lovers.

Weaknesses: While not direct rivals of daily meal delivery services, events are not frequent and not offering a service in the same way.

To position "A Taste of Home" effectively, we could highlight the following:To position "A Taste of Home" effectively, you could highlight the following:

Authentic home-cooked meals: Stress on the home-made, home cooked feel of the tiffin delivery along with focusing on traditional recipes and a personal touch.

Convenience: Engage in complementary services of delivery or pickup for the working persons and busy families who would love to have home-made meals but they do not have the time to prepare them.

Variety: Ensure that it is a set menu that changes every now and then, an important aspect when it comes to catering and regional cuisines withdifferent special diets for instance vegetarian, vegan, etc.

Competitive pricing: Undercut the casual dining brands but offer a home-feel and more personalized experience.

Community connections: Source: So extend support to local farmers, manufacturers and events to show support to local food.

[krazyclue]

Italian in Name Only

I am a mixtape of European influences, but the two biggest are Italian and Irish, so it's maybe ironic that I've never been much for family. Not hostile toward it, more like disinterested.

 Italians and the Irish have the reputation of being devoted to their families. If there's nothing quite like a good Catholic upbringing mixed with poverty to convince people to have loads of children, then being middle-class and an only child is the antidote. Never wanted children, never wanted to be part of a family, didn't even really have a notion of them. I just never thought about it.

 Not until lately anyway, and I do not mean in the sense of having children myself. I mean of being suddenly conscious of a growing need to know what my origins are, to see how I somehow fit into the larger concept of a family. When my ancestors arrived in America, what they did once they got here, and how that differs from or mirrors what other families have found. This desire might have something to do with the pandemic and all that time spent alone when the world was shut down—the isolation making me want to reconnect and do so on a deeper level.  

Most of my knowledge of Italy is from the movies, design, and fashion. My understanding of Ireland is even more limited since I spent my only visit there wandering between pubs listening to white guys with 'dreads spinning drum'n'bass. I don't speak any Italian beyond a stray "Ciao, Bella" or "Vaffanculo." I know the second one because English soccer fans used it in a taunting chant whenever they played Italian teams ("Where were you in World War 2? VA-FFAN-CULO!!"). My father spoke fluent Italian when he was a child but forgot most of it in adulthood.  My immediate family is small and spread by time, distance, and some animosity; I know very little about most of the members of my extended one. If I have cultural heritage, it's hard to know what it is.

 I am not at all sure what made me start to think this way. It could have been watching the HBO adaptation of My Brilliant Friend, based on Elena Ferrante's novels. The show is a portrait of two women growing up in 50's Naples. We see their lives against a backdrop of a country coming fitfully to life after the devastation following the Second World War, its progress held back by repressive patriarchy. Grim moments often give way to more ecstatic ones before doubling back again the other way, leading to emotionally vivid set pieces that capture the personal and historical in the same scene. The score by Max Richter alone can induce yearning and seeing the young, very inexperienced cast gradually develop into compelling actors makes the whole experience unforgettable, like the best work of the Italian neorealist cinema.

 But My Brilliant Friend is set in Naples, and my family is from Tuscany. Italy, like the States, is a country of regions that do not always like each other, the north versus the south, and my ancestors would have been culturally different from the show's characters. Still, carried by the show, I find myself more and more drawn to thinking about Italy—I have roots in Germany and France as well, but for some reason, Italy is the country for which I feel the strongest connection. 

 Possibly I am entirely led by my stomach. Early in the pandemic, I started getting into Italian cooking, going carefully through a copy of Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hasan, who you might call the Julia Child of that countries' cuisine. I have a copy of Silver Spoon too, a compendium of real recipes from Italian families, from which I've made a few dishes, and I have my grandmother's pasta maker, and somewhere on an index card her hand-written ravioli recipe. It took all day for her and my grandfather to make that recipe; she stirred the slow simmering meat and prepared the ingredients, and my grandfather painstakingly sealed each ravioli with a fork.

 My German grandfather may have loved his pig's feet and pickled herring, but that obsession thankfully was not passed onto me, nor, as far as I know, to anyone else in my family. I might like a good stout too, even some Irish stew on occasion, but it's Italian food that captures my imagination. I am only beginning to know how each region has shaped that cuisine and the influences that created so many varied dishes. 

 I have not kept up with my family. I hardly know most of them, and outside of my parents and my uncle, I am not in touch with any other relatives. I forget the birthdays of even the closest friends and family; I must mark them on a calendar, or I'll miss the day altogether. My uncle has become something of the family historian and has been sending emails to nearly a dozen family relations. While I do recognize many of the names, there are far more that I do not remember and at least two I only know of by reputation. There are also people I met on that list, only once or twice, and those I saw most often were back when my grandparents were making their famous ravioli to go along with the Thanksgiving turkey, and that was a long time ago now.

 Those emails coincide with my awakening interest in my origins. I know a few more names now: my great grandparents Enea and Italia Lorenzetti emigrated here in 1916 and had two sons; my grandmother's dislike for Enea, a man with old-world beliefs who thought women shouldn't drive, my grandfather's brother, who threatened to walk out if Enea told them how to run their business; a rift with the Catholic Church because a priest wouldn't baptize Enea's and Italia's daughter unless they paid him an indulgence, and that the girl died soon after.

I've seen family photos, the people captured in those images ghost-like in those black and white pictures, and since I am such a mongrel, I do not look at all like them. Of course, I'd like to know more, but really, what I want is a better sense of what Italy is and why I feel so drawn toward it, not only the particulars of my one family's experience. I will start getting to know my family, but that is only the beginning of reconnecting, not its conclusion.

As I read and study (and hopefully get to make that first trip to Italy after the pandemic canceled my trip scheduled for last October), I want to know Italy without romanticizing it. You can convince yourself that life is better "over there" when it's probably the same or worse. Okay, maybe better too, possibly much better. But I don't want to become an obsessive Italy fan. Or fall for obvious cliches—about how Italy is a place where people know how to live. Italians are all passionate and stylish, speaking with their hands, operatic and over the top, and all the other hot-blooded Italian tropes. I'm sure there's some truth there as well.

But Italy also had one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks and still struggles with a government, often in disarray, that cannot impede the dominance of the Camorra clans in Naples. And Italy still hasn't quite overcome the legacy of Mussolini: a far-right movement led by Matteo Salvini remains threateningly close to taking power, a rise aided by racism and xenophobia. I do not want to idealize or unfairly condemn the place, but rather know Italy and its' people for whatever they are, so I can see how it shaped myself and my family. I want to take pictures in the streets, wander without a plan until I got lost and needed one. Maybe discover my operatic personality.

 Coming out of this lockdown, old age not quite here but getting closer, as in just around the corner smoking a cigarette close, with the world isolated from itself, without any family of my own; maybe that is what sparked this need to connect with a sense of place, a sense of family. That's what being "white" can mean—it's when you've become so absorbed into American culture that your ancestry seems like it started around about 1980 (in my case anyway). I used to joke that my cultural heritage was shopping malls and Back to the Future movies at the multiplex.

 I think that has some advantages to being part of a well-defined community or coming from a large extended family. If you have no family, you won't be assigned an identity by what they think you should be. You won't have as many expectations about your choices before you get to choose for yourself.

 The problem is that you also have no sense of history or your heritage or how your small part fits into it the larger story. You are isolated. You can claim America, the nation of immigrants, but you make a claim not knowing where your people came from, and that might be the worst side effect of assimilation: forgetting the past. I've never known much about mine. I regret letting so much time slip before realizing family and heritage are so important. Now I am going to do my best to embrace my past, whatever it may be. 

[weheartweekendsblog]

Filipino Food Through Time

Filipino people are known for their love of food, and this shows through their rich culture and wide selection of foods and dishes.

by Chris Alcantara

Pinoy cuisine is a fusion of Asian and western cuisine that is deeply connected with their history and diversity. The kind of food that is at the top of the list depends on each family, province, and city has its own version of Filipino favorites, and Filipinos love to alter and present their own techniques to each and every recipe there is.

So what makes Pinoy Recipes so Unique?

Pinoy food and cuisine captures the culture, and essence of being a Filipino, food is the main attraction of any festival and celebration, also one can argue that Filipino recipes are combination of western concepts and eastern traditions. You can find many variations of Pinoy ulam recipes from Chinese, Spanish, and American cuisine.

This started in the 11th century where chinese traders went in to the Philippines for the purpose of trading their textiles and ceramics, but one thing that they also brought with them is their cooking techniques and some dishes such as noodles, spring rolls and steamed dishes. Now onto 16th century where the Spanish colonized the Philippines and introduced the catholic religion to the locals, they also indtroduced a wide collection of flavors and spices. Fried rice actually came from Spain, which became a staple in every Filipino breakfst dishes.

Before the 19th century, the Philippines was then colonized by the United States, this became as a mean for them to introduce the English language to many Filipinos, along with this they also introduced their cooking methods such as pressure cooking, freezing, pre-cooking and a variety of sandwich dishes.

See, Hear, Smell, Touch and Taste Filipino Food!

SEE – For westerners, you eat with your eyes so plating is very important. However, Filipino Food like laing, bopis, balut, bagoong, etc. may not look as appetizing as a Lasagna, Greek Salad, and Mexican Tacos, but the sight of them are mouth-watering for most Filipinos.

HEAR – Dining, for Filipinos, is an avenue for catching up, sharing stories, and talking about random stuff. The dining experience becomes more alive when Filipinos talk about food while eating their meal. This gives an amplified appreciation on the food they're eating.

SMELL – Pandan leaves are often placed in rice before cooking giving it a fragrant aroma that makes it more appetizing. These are also used in making sugar syrup for Sago't Gulaman – a staple drink, elevating a simple syrup with pandan infused aroma & flavor. When smoking/grilling food, Filipinos wrap banana leaves to the food giving it a distinct smoky smell and flavor to the dish.

TASTE – Philippines is dubbed as a "Sawsawan Nation". An eatery set up usually offers bottled condiments such as soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, calamansi, chili, and toasted garlic. These elevate the taste of the dish rounding up the whole taste experience.

TOUCH – One true Filipino custom is the "Kamayan" wherein the manner of eating is by pressing rice and viand to firm it up through the use of hands (not with spoon/fork). Kamayan also resonates festive and bountiful meal. Rice is usually placed on the middle of a banana leaf topped with several viands (mostly grilled/fried).

Understanding Pinoy Cuisine

Pinoy cuisine starts out with steamed rice. Steamed rice is a staple side dish for most

. Whether for gulay recipes or otherwise, it's a traditional base for any meal because it goes with anything. In the next section, we'll be talking about regional specialties in Pinoy cuisine that every Filipino household must try.

With over 7,000 islands and three island groups, every region in the Philippines has its unique dishes that were often shaped through cultural borrowing or indigenization.

An example of borrowings according to Doreen Fernandez, a renowned writer on local food literature, is no other than adobo. She said that "adobo" was derived from "adobado" which is a stewed meat dish in Mexico. However, she added that adobo would mean as a pickling sauce in Spain.

Here's our take on the traditional regional dishes from Pampanga, Iloilo and Maguindanao:

Kare Kare & Bagoong Rice

Kare Kare is a distinctly Filipino dish that is popularized by the region of Pampanga. The older versions of this stew consisted of ox tail or lean beef. But a lot of other regions created their own version with different ingredients. It's comforting, creamy, savory, and is best served with rice.

Cansi & Puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves)

Cansi is the sour version of the Bulalo. It's a dish from Bacolod that's sour, spicy, and rich. It uses Batuan fruit which is native to the region as its main souring agent. This is an excellent source of protein and is rich with iron, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Pastil and Lawot Lawot

Pastil is a common dish that's loved by many, especially in Maguindanao. It's a meal of steamed rice with shredded chicken meat, all wrapped in a banana leaf. This dish, which is dubbed as a "Poor Man's Meal," is very easy to make but still very flavorful.

[information2share]

20 local books to read over your winter break in Tucson

Just because you can't make immediate travel plans right now doesn't mean you can't explore the world as an armchair traveler.

For the last three years, #ThisIsTucson has compiled a list of books with an Arizona connection as part of our Summer Reading Challenge for Grown-Ups. Many of these books are written by local or Tucson authors or are set in Tucson or Arizona. Some explore topics relevant to our region.

This list would be crazy long if we included all 72 titles from the past three years, so we selected a handful that span a variety of topics and genres. However, if you want to see the complete lists for 2020, 2019 and 2018, visit thisistucson.com/readingchallenge.

In the meantime, please enjoy exploring locations including the Highlands of Scotland, the Gulf of Mexico, national parks, our very own Sonoran Desert and so many more.

Goodreads ratings taken on Dec. 11, 2020.

Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona

Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich

Culture of Southern Arizona by Jackie Alpers

Author: Jackie Alpers

Goodreads rating: 4.56 stars; 18 ratings

Arizona connection: Tucson author; Tucson food

Summary (from the library catalog): Cookbook. "A cookbook dedicated to the foods inspired by the region’s beauty and diversity, 'Taste of Tucson' discovers through recipes and photos the unique mix of cultures that create Southern Arizona’s incredible cuisine. Award-winning photographer and cookbook author Jackie Alpers shares her own inspired food creations in this book as well as her favorite restaurants’ dishes, while incorporating the history of the Sonora region, the mysticism and lore, and how it has contributed to the food of the people who live there. Building from tried-and-true basics and tutorials on tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, and huevos rancheros, she divulges secrets to making Sonora’s most unique savories and sweets, including Chicken Mole Amarillo, Adobo Pulled Pork, Red Pozole, Dark Chocolate and Coffee Figgy Pudding Cakes, and more. For cooks of all levels, from anywhere in the world who love to dine on this Southwestern region’s foods, this cookbook welcomes you to bring Sonora’s best and most iconic tastes into your own kitchen."

The Water Knife

The novel imagines a dystopian Phoenix sometime in the near future when the water has dried up.

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi

Goodreads rating: 3.84 stars; 21,355 ratings

Arizona connection: Set in Arizona/Phoenix

Summary (from the library catalog): Fiction. "The American Southwest has been decimated by drought. Nevada and Arizona skirmish over dwindling shares of the Colorado River, while California watches, deciding if it should just take the whole river all for itself. Into the fray steps Las Vegas water knife Angel Velasquez. Detective, assassin, and spy, Angel 'cuts' water for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, ensuring that lush, luxurious arcology developments can bloom in the desert and that anyone who challenges her is left in the gutted-suburban dust. When water is more valuable than gold, alliances shift like sand, and the only truth in the desert is that someone will have to bleed if anyone hopes to drink."

Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez

Author: Brooke Bessesen

Goodreads rating: 4.37 stars; 81 ratings

Tucson connection: Arizona author

Summary (from the library catalog): Nonfiction. “In 2006, the last of China's Yangtze river dolphins—baiji—succumbed to extinction, and la vaquita marina, a diminutive porpoise endemic to the Upper Gulf of California, quietly and without fanfare inherited the title of world's most endangered marine mammal. Unlike many other critically endangered species, the vaquita is not hunted. Nor is its habitat disappearing or degraded. The species is even protected by law. Why then have its numbers plummeted to near extinction when few humans have seen it live in the wild? The answer lies in a shadowy mix of international cartels, fishermen entrapped by politics and culture, and an unlikely fish called the totoaba. In this haunting story, Brooke Bessesen sets out to Mexico's Upper Gulf region to untangle the intricacies of the biology, acoustical science, and international intrigues behind the vaquita's decline. She interviews townspeople, fishermen, politicians, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. When diplomatic and political efforts to save the little porpoise fail, Bessesen follows a team of veterinary experts in a binational effort to capture the last remaining vaquitas and breed them in captivity—the best hope for their survival.”

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Author: Dusti Bowling

Goodreads rating: 4.33 stars; 13,957 ratings

Tucson connection: Set in Arizona; Arizona author

Summary (from the library catalog): Fiction. "New friends and a mystery help Aven, 13, adjust to middle school and life at a dying western theme park in a new state, where her being born arm-less presents many challenges."

The Lost Letter

Author: Jillian Cantor

Goodreads rating: 4.22 stars; 9,679 ratings

Tucson connection: Tucson author

Summary (from the library catalog): Fiction. "Austria, 1938. Kristoff is a young apprentice to a master Jewish stamp engraver. When his teacher disappears during Kristallnacht, Kristoff is forced to engrave stamps for the Germans, and simultaneously works alongside Elena, his beloved teacher's fiery daughter, and with the Austrian resistance to send underground messages and forge papers. As he falls for Elena amidst the brutal chaos of war, Kristoff must find a way to save her, and himself. Los Angeles, 1989. Katie Nelson is going through a divorce and while cleaning out her house and life in the aftermath, she comes across the stamp collection of her father, who recently went into a nursing home. When an appraiser, Benjamin, discovers an unusual World War II-era Austrian stamp placed on an old love letter as he goes through her dad's collection, Katie and Benjamin are sent on a journey together that will uncover a story of passion and tragedy spanning decades and continents, behind the just fallen Berlin Wall."

source - https://thisistucson.com/tucsonlife/20-local-books-to-read-over-your-winter-break-in-tucson/article_c2973db8-3b3c-11eb-91f2-8f4c859a07a3.html

[your-welcometotheblackparad-blog]

New Article Reveals the Low Down on Chicken Fried Steak and Why You Must Take Action Today

The Fundamentals of Chicken Fried Steak You Will be Able to Learn From Starting Today

Add cayenne if you'd like your steak to bite back a little. You're also likely to want some cubed steak. Although most men and women use cubed beef steak for country fried steak, I frequently use cubed pork steaks because of the majority of the moment, they are less costly.

When all four steaks are coated, set them on waxed paper and set them into the freezer for a number of hours till they are solid. In summary, it is a steak cooked in an identical fashion as Southern fried chicken. Repeat until all the steaks are cooked. Chicken fried steak is most likely my favorite meal, particularly with gravy. It is just yum, Baldwin said.

You never wish to have 2 or more steaks in the pan at the exact moment. By doing so you guarantee that the steak won't turn out dry. With the right technique, you can possibly make delicious and juicy steak.

Everyone loves steak, but a lot of folks fear to prepare it. Some folks will say that country fried steak includes a brown gravy and onions, whilst chicken fried steak has a white pepper gravy. Chicken-fried steak is the fantastic equalizer.

Repeat until all steaks are prepared for the fryer. It's safe to say I've fixed more chicken-fried steaks than every other person. A really good chicken-fried steak is a visit to mouth heaven.

The Hidden Truth About Chicken Fried Steak

Fried food is normally oily. In virtually no time whatsoever, you are in possession of a delicious meal that may easily fill a hungry family, including teenagers. In other words, the food here is wonderful. Soul food is normally connected with black communities but is also enjoyed by other people in the South. You have to eat food that softens your stools to alleviate constipation. The term comfort food' took on a completely different meaning!

Ok, I Think I Understand Chicken Fried Steak, Now Tell Me About Chicken Fried Steak!

You are able to add side dishes to your dinner menu, but you want to see the sort of vegetables you decide to create side dishes. The exact same dish can be known as country fried steak'' in different areas of the USA, where it's subject to some regional variations. 

Now, ensure you serve this traditional southern dish with a different traditional part of the South my Mama's buttermilk biscuits. This recipe also lets you know how to create a hearty, warm gravy that truly makes the steak into something special. 

Most recipes for chicken-fried steak are easy and similar, but there's as much art to getting it right because there is science. If you would like tasty diabetic recipes, you must use a black iron skillet often. If you prefer to prepare toaster oven recipes for one, just lessen the quantity in one of these recipes mentioned previously.

What to Expect From Chicken Fried Steak?

Repeat until all the meat is fried, adding a little additional oil if necessary. Another important trick is to place the breaded meat on a sheet pan, cover and put back in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before frying. Repeat until all the meat is browned. Wet meat is not going to hold the breading.

The steak is going to be done 6 to ten minutes. In addition, it is referred to as minute steak. Deciding upon the right cut and grade of meat is extremely important if you would like to cook a fantastic steak.

How to earn chicken fried steak. So what exactly is it fried steak and why is it so popular in some parts of the country. In different parts of the nation, you've fried chicken, he explained. You may be surprised to learn that there isn't any chicken in Chicken-Fried Steak.

Employing pork adds a completely new degree of deliciousness. You might not have considered grilling beef on a panini maker, but nevertheless, it can be carried out. Ground beef can be found in an array of different fat contents, to suit the demands of unique tastes. The method could possibly be used for chopped or ground beef, but it's not referred to as chicken fried steak.

Making gravy is very easy, and therefore don't be too intimidated by it. Don't be worried if your gravy has a couple of lumps in it. It is very important to this outfit.  The gravy, however, you are probably going to wish to keep that warm. Frying the cube steak is simple, and making the gravy is equally as simple.

Flour is essentially a carrier for different foods. Almond flour is a superb alternative to regular flour. When the butter melts, attempt to scrape up as a number of the browned bits as feasible sprinkle in the flour. When it sizzles immediately, you know it's ready. I want to get the key to the simplest approach to cook bacon doesn't forget to read my recipe for How to Cook Bacon. The potatoes take more time to cook than the steak! Sweet peas would likewise be a wonderful side dish.

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Lavender Fields, Bouillabaisse, and Calanques: The 4-Day Weekend in Marseille

You already have some understanding of Provence; it’s a fancy region in France, oui? Oui, that’s right. Provence is chic, since it includes the glitzy Riviera (think Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez). It’s not as wine-drenched as Bordeaux, Burgundy, or the Loire Valley, but in place of those vineyards are purple lavender fields that roll into oblivion. They also happen to be just a short drive from Marseille, Provence’s capital and largest city (and France’s second-largest after Paris). A vacation anchored in Marseille offers all sorts of sensory rewards: There’s the smell of lavender, outdone only by the savonneries—the famed soap makers. There’s the taste of tomato-fish bouillabaisse stew, swapped for ratatouille if you’re seafood-averse (or especially hungry), chased by French wines that may or may not be Provençal. There’s the blue Mediterranean expanse to savor as the sun warms your skin, though it’s best earned by hiking through the forested Calanques National Park. After your trek, you’ll settle into a walled-in calanque cove to soak up the natural beauty and isolation. ]] Inn-to-Inn by Bike in Southern France The city itself is restless, in a good way. It has the reputation of being grittier and more grounded than Paris—which is a compliment, really. There’s rarely a quiet moment in the Vieux Port, between the ferries to Count of Monte Cristo-inspired Chateau d’If, the aperitif crowd, and the late-night local revelers. It’s teeming with top-tier restaurants that don’t know how top-tier they are. The city is grounded and world-class, without the urge to show it off. Four days is not enough, in my opinion, given how much time you could spend exploring the region. But if that’s all the time you’ve got, here are the places to spend it.

Where to Stay in Marseille

]] Hotel Dieu—InterContinental Marseille: You really can’t miss seeing Hotel Dieu, just off the Vieux Port, acting like a palatial gateway to the old town. You might even mistake it for a royal palace, though it’s actually an 18th-century hospital that was operable until the early aughts. In 2013, it reopened as the InterContinental—Hotel Dieu, and is now one of the most luxurious homestays in Marseille. There’s the Michelin-starred Alcyone onsite, serving inventive Mediterranean fare, as well as the terraced cocktail bar Capian offering aerial views of Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde. As for the rooms, well, it’s an InterContinental after all; you get stately accommodations designed in mineral tones to match the city’s rocky coast. The icing on the cake is the onsite Clarins spa, fit with a warm indoor pool, experience showers, hammams, massage and spa treatments, and an adjacent fitness studio. Le Petit Nice Passedat: The 16-room Le Petit Nice Passedat offers 5-star luxury with views of the sea—and private terraces from which to take it all in. It’s connected to the 3-Michelin-star restaurant by the same name, serving eclectic regional seafood (get the Marseille favorite bouillabaisse fish stew multiple times in town, but order the deconstructed, reimagined version of it from the fixe prix menu). Both hotel and restaurant are passionate undertakings of noted chef Gérald Passédat. While you’re a couple miles from the city center, it’s no inconvenience given the day or two you’ll spend near the coast or daytripping from the city altogether.

]]

What to Do in Marseille

If you plan to hit the city’s key tourist attractions and want unlimited public transit access (in particular its bold-and-bright orange metro), then consider purchasing a Marseille Tourism Pass for intervals of 24, 48, or 72 hours (for 27, 37, or 43 euros, respectively). You can purchase it at various spots in Marseille: the Tourist Office and Convention Centre, La Capitainerie des Docks, Vieux-Port and Saint Charles metro stations, or Airport Information Office. Hike the Calanques: See “Day Trips” below. Vieux Port (Old Port): Marseille’s central bustle seems to swirl around the Vieux Port, a hotel- and restaurant-lined marina that stays boisterous at all hours of the day and night. You can nestle in for aperitif or a late-night bar crawl, stock up on soaps and market souvenirs, catch the boat to Chateau D’If, or marvel at religious relics like Saint Victor’s Abbey (5th century), or Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (15th century). ]] Going on an Outback Helicopter Pub Crawl Outside Darwin Buy soap: Since the 17th century, Marseille has been known for soap-making, and the city is still famous for its 72-percent-oil recipe. And because it’s more of a tradition than a reliable global export these days, Marseille soap makes for a terrific gift or souvenir from your travels. Save some room in your suitcase, and never mind if you have yet to appreciate this craft: You’ll have a hard time narrowing down which scents and shapes to bring home—and for next to nothing. (At the very least, you’ve got to get some lavender soap, since it’s Provence.) Stock up at these stores and makers: La Savonnerie Marseille, La Maison du Savon, Soap Factory — Le Serail, or The Marseille Soap Museum. Unité d’Habitation/Corbusier’s Radiant City: Le Corbusier’s architecture is characterized by the marriage of colorful expressionism with functional spaces, and this “Radiant City” apartment complex is one of the most famous structures. (It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and French National Monument.) This residential complex largely influenced the brutalist movement and redefined urban living for its residents, thanks to symmetrically designed apartments and thoughtfully executed public spaces. Most notable is Le Corbusier’s use of color, which you’ll see from inside and out. Book an English tour while in town for an eye-opening tour at the complex, including a preserved apartment room. (The others are now inhabited by some of Marseille’s upper class. A pre-booked Saturday 10 a.m. tour is requisite for viewing, unless you otherwise visit the onsite cafe or stay in the onsite hotel. ]] Coastal R&R: Head to the coast for aperitifs, sunbathing, long walks on the cliff, romantic dinner views, and more. Just note that sandy beaches are few and far between and rather small, hence why most residents are totally fine lying out on the rocks. If you crave sand, point yourself to Plages du Prado, Plage du Prophete, Plage Borely, Plage de L’Estaque. If you want to relax under the sun on a reserved beach lounger, drink in hand, with a ladder into the big drink, then call one or two days ahead to Le Bistrot Plage, a restaurant and public beach club that will have you feeling like you’re at the Riviera, minus any absurd prices. 15 Beaches That Are Better in the Fall Chateau d’If and Frioul Archipelago: You might know this 16th-century army fortress as a key setting in The Count of Monte Cristo. Chateau d’If on the smallest island of the Frioul Archipelago, just two miles west of the city. Book a roundtrip ferry to and from the Old Port to the Chateau for a 45-minute tour (plus ferry travel time), and you can even hop off at Ratonneau, one of the larger of the Frioul Islands, for lunch or leisure, before returning to Marseille’s port. (Walk to the cozy but sandy Plage de Saint Estève from the Frioul Port if you want some snacks and beach time away from the city.) MuCEM and Villa Méditerranée: If you fancy some art, history, or both, then check out MuCEM, or the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, as well as the neighboring exhibition hall Villa Méditerranée. At the very least, take a walk to the end of the harbor where they reside, to gawk at their marvelous facades. ]] Cathédrale La Major: In stark contrast to the neighboring and aforementioned art museums, this massive 19th-century Byzantine-Roman-Revival–style cathedral is all-imposing. Off the Beaten Path: 27 Epic Views Every Hiker Should See Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Marseille’s compass rose, if you will, this hilltop Catholic basilica can be seen from nearly everywhere in the city, and offers stunning panoramas for that same fact. Parc Borély: In a city not known for its parks, the 17-hectare Borély stands out as one of Marseille’s prettiest features. Catch some fresh air in its formal gardens, mosey across the promenade to the coast, or visit the neighboring botanic gardens. La Vieille Charité Cultural Center: History, culture, art, and performance come together at the 17th-century grounds of La Vieille, in the heart of Marseille’s old quarter, Panier. Orange Vélodrome: Be it rugby, soccer, or stadium concerts, the Orange Vélodrome is probably playing host to some event while you’re in town. You can also tour the century-old, ever modernized stadium, in case you can’t catch a game.

]]

Where to Eat and Drink in Marseille

Pizzeria Chez Jeannot: It’s not just a pizzeria—really, get the steak or the catch of the day—but it’s very much a staple tucked inside the cozy port de Vallon des Auffes. It makes for a romantic date night, or a great group dinner. Book ahead. Chez Fonfon: A perfect place to slurp bouillabaisse and savor a bottle of wine. The fancy Fonfon resides next to the aforementioned Chez Jeannot inside port de Vallon des Auffes. Yes, it’s worth coming to this nook twice in one weekend. Carlotta With: Seasonal dishes, local ingredients, all done real nice and French-like. Come for any meal, or a respite between. How to Order a Pint of Beer in Some of Europe’s Biggest Beer Hotspots Le Café De L’Aabbaye: Plan at least one hours-long aperitif here, alongside Marseille’s hip and scene-y crowd. You might even see a few French A-listers enjoying the same vices. (We did, apparently, according to our sharp-eyed and starstruck hosts.) Le Four des Navettes: Marseille’s oldest bakery (dating back to 1781), and perhaps still its most notable. Get their famed orange blossom biscuits. ]] Le Carrousel: Come here for craft beer, with a dozen on tap and two dozen by the bottle. La Côte de Boeuf: This Vieux Port staple has every cut of meat you might want—not just beef—and 400 kinds of wine with which to chase it all. 18 of the Best Modern Cocktail Bars in Europe Le Miramar: Have your pick between the bouillabaisse or bourride stews, the fixed menu (with the likes of scorpion fish and truffle bass), or the shellfish platter for two. Le Café des Épices: A deep-dive into colorful Mediterranean flavors, with dishes like octopus-pan-fried chard and confit lemon boneless rabbit. Madame Jeanne: Natural wines paired with fresh, small-menu dinners—like confit rabbit-shizo squash. Where else can you get that?

]]

Day Trips From Marseille

Calanques Hiking: The rocky coastline of Marseille leads to the Calanques National Park, a 200-sq. mile grade-changing wonder with an equally rugged shore. It’s most spectacular from its various inlets, the actual calanques, which are walled in by dolomite or limestone and collect the crystal-blue waters in their public basin. You’ve got to earn this reward though, by parking your car and hiking through the national park itself—some of them are reachable under half an hour, others twice or triple the distance. It can be unpredictable, but think of this as a beautiful hike with a relaxing reward at the end (on rough, rock-covered beaches), rather than framing it as a beach day preceded by a hike. I think that mentality will better suit the experience—and will inform the necessary footwear you must wear for the walk. Rent a car; pack water, sunscreen, lunch, and a backup phone charger; and head to the Calanques for at least one full day of your visit—and budget the day, starting early to maximize water time. And yes, you can also boat into some calanques from nearby Cassis or other small towns. But that’s kind of cheating. Oh, and during the hottest months of the year, namely July and August, the park is susceptible to fires, and oftentimes closes for entire days. So check the park calendar the day before you go, to see the forecast and clearance for the following day. The Best Budget-friendly European Cities For Travelers ]] Avignon or Aix-en-Provence: Provence provides plenty in lieu of humbler urban day trips. The medieval, walled-in historic center of Avignon makes for a charming and humbling day trip, just one hour by car and half that by train. Or opt for Cézanne’s birthplace, Aix-en-Provence, which is buzzing with academic energy. It’s a half-hour from Marseille by train or car. Lavender fields near Luberon and Verdon: Want to see Provence’s trippy purple lavender fields? Rent a car and point it to the various farmlands between Luberon and Verdon. Do this in late spring through mid-July, and you’ll feel like you’re on another planet, with sprawling rows of purple—not to mention the soothing scent lingering in the winds. As a landmark, you can route yourself to the picturesque town of Valensole for dinner or lunch—you won’t miss the lavender fields on this drive, so long as you’re in season. The post Lavender Fields, Bouillabaisse, and Calanques: The 4-Day Weekend in Marseille appeared first on Men's Journal. Read the full article

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New Post has been published on https://travelonlinetips.com/where-to-eat-in-airlie-beach-and-the-whitsundays/

Where to eat in Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays

They don’t call The Whitsundays the heart of the Great Barrier Reef just because it’s home to a reef in the shape of a love heart.

There’s lots to love about the region – and its reef, islands, beaches are only just the beginning. Under the surface there’s a killer food scene, ranging from casual bar bites to fine dining with personal chefs who promise love at first bite.

So if you’re wondering where to eat during your stay in The Whitsundays, get ready to taste the best of the best with this guide:

For the best breakfast … The Deck Restaurant, Airlie Beach

Hotels don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to serving a delicious breakfast, but this one bucks the trend. The Deck Restaurant at the bottom of Heart Hotel is where you’ll find locals for the most important meal of the day.

An a la carte menu is a far cry from the normal hotel buffet spread (soggy omelettes, why?) and each meal is served with complimentary sea breezes straight off the Coral Sea. Its location in the centre of town, makes The Deck the perfect launch pad to these Airlie Beach activities, providing the perfect fuel for your next Great Barrier Reef adventure.

You have to try their… Breakfast Bruschetta – a modern twist on the Italian classic.

Address: 277 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach Open: 7:30am-10pm Sunday – Thursday, 7:30am-11pm Friday and Saturday

For the best coffee… Fat Frog Beach Cafe, Cannonvale

Grab your pooch and head to the Fat Frog Beach Cafe for (all-day) brekkie or lunch with a view. This quirky cafe opposite Cannonvale Beach is a popular spot with locals and tourists for good reason; serving up healthy homemade dishes, Campos coffee, and yummy treats for little tadpoles (aka kids) and four-legged fur babies.

After scoffing down your meal, walk it off with a stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk.

You have to try their… Fish tacos with Asian slaw and grilled corn, and delicious baked goods!

Address: 44 Coral Esplanade, Airlie Beach Open: Monday to Friday from 7am-2pm and Saturday to Sunday from 8am-2pm

For somewhere off the beaten track…. Oar Bar & Restaurant, Cape Gloucester Resort

Whitsundays locals will hate us for sharing their secret, but some places are too good to keep to yourself. Fifty-three kilometres north of Airlie Beach, Cape Gloucester Resort is hiding in the aptly named Hydeaway Bay.

Their onsite restaurant Oar Bar & Restaurant is as popular as the resort itself. Uninterrupted views are a hard guarantee for a venue to make – but one this restaurant can uphold being entirely open air and fronting onto 1.5km of beachfront. Come by car, come by yacht, seaplane or helicopter, either way, just make sure you come to this slice of paradise.

You have to try their… Seafood Platter because seafood always tastes better when you can see the connection from trawler to table.

Address: 128 Gloucester Ave, Hydeaway Bay Open: Daily from 12pm-8pm

For the best water views… Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Woodwark

Views don’t come much better than the ones you find at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, 15 minutes north-east of Airlie Beach. It’s the kind of restaurant where you’ll want your phone set to panorama to capture the vistas over Airlie Beach, Whitsunday islands and the Coral Sea.

Just like the destination itself, the menu and atmosphere at Northerlies is casual and family-friendly, but with none of the fluoro lighting or loud music that so often go with the casual-dining territory. People come for the views and relaxed atmosphere, but stay for the food, with its seafood-focussed menu.

You have to try their… Kingfish carpaccio with avocado, salmon roe and miso vinaigrette – light and fresh,  just like the destination itself.

Address: Lot 116, Pringle Road, Airlie Beach Open: Daily from 10am-8:30pm

For a honeymoon or uber special occasion meal…. Elysian Retreat, Long Island

There’s a long list of reasons why you should visit Long Island and Elysian Retreat is just one of them. If the lure of staying in your own private haven isn’t enough, the food will do all the convincing for you.  

On arrival, you’ll be met by the chef to discuss your palette’s preferences and dietary requirements, so each meal is customised to you. We’re not just talking breakfast, lunch and dinner – chef will want to get to the bottom of what you’d like in your alfresco picnic hamper to take for a day’s exploring too. Save room for dinner, because each night guests are treated to a three-course meal served overlooking Conway National Park.

You have to try… Catching your own fish for chef to cook. Seriously, if you catch something while out fishing in the day, chef will prepare your catch for you that night.

Address: Long Island, Whitsundays Open: Daily from 7am-9pm

For the best pub food… KC’s Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach

You’ve come to the Whitsundays and blown the food budget on one of these jaw-dropping experiences – KC’s Bar & Grill to the rescue! It’s somewhat of a Whitsundays institution, serving steak and seafood to the sounds of live music.

Just as Cheers was the bar where everyone knew your name, KC’s Bar & Grill has built its reputation on making everyone feel as though KC’s is their local.

You have to try their… Taste of Australia on a plate –  a roo and croc medley cooked on chargrill.

Address: 382 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach Open: Daily from 12pm-12am

For date night… La Marina, Airlie Beach

It’s not just a date night, it’s amore when you visit La Marina. This family-owned Italian Restaurant at the Port of Airlie brings a taste of Rome to the Whitsunday Coast.

Everything is made fresh onsite, right down to the tiramisu and doughnuts, with recipes passed down (and perfected) over generations. What you see is what you get at this restaurant, with the owners working the kitchen and floor – guaranteeing quality no matter when you go.

You have to try their… Salsiccia pasta. It’s about to become your death row dish – homemade Italian pork sausage, wild portobello mushrooms, parmesan and fresh ricotta.

Address: 1/33 Port Drive, Airlie Beach Open: 11:30am-10pm, Monday to Friday, 8am-10pm Saturday and Sunday

For the best seafood… Fish D’vine and Rum Bar, Airlie Beach

Not only will you be over-the-freaking-moon with this award-winning restaurant’s drool-inducing seafood offerings (ocean basket and seafood chowder anyone?), but Fish D’vine also boasts an impressive collection of over 560 rums!

Even if you’re not into rum, you’ll walk away with a new-found appreciation for the spirit (and hopefully a new fave beverage of choice). Bookings are essential!

You have to try their… Tempura battered local tiger prawns with Asian slaw, the chilli mud crab, and retro banana fritters with spiced rum maple syrup, vanilla bean ice-cream and dark chocolate swirl to top it off.

Address: 303 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach Open: 7 days a week from 5pm till late

For fine dining (and a divine degustation)… Clipper Restaurant & Bar, Airlie Beach

Picture this: A five-course meal featuring culinary delights such as kingfish ceviche, braised beef cheek, pan-seared snapper, pork loin served with truffle sweet potato, and sticky date pudding with homemade honeycomb for dessert – all with uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, poolside.

Yes, that my friends is a degustation with Clipper Restaurant Bar and Lounge at Coral Sea Resort.

You have to try their… Tasting menu, of course. (But if that’s a bit too much to handle, their a la carte lunch and dinner menus are damn good too.) And if you want to surprise a loved one, book the private gazebo.

Address: 25 Oceanview Avenue, Airlie Beach Open: Monday to Sunday from 6:30am-9:30pm

Looking for more information on The Whitsundays? Step over here for everything you need to know before you go.

What’s your favourite restaurant or cafe in The Whitsundays?

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Why You Ought To Beginning Searching For A Couples Food Preparation Lesson and Comfort Food Courses

Why You Ought To Beginning Searching For A Couples Food Preparation Lesson and Comfort Food Courses

 Every thing a married couple ought to understand about kookworkshop preparing food training class is actually specified here:

 If you ever wondered exactly how to stun a person that you love or even would like to wow, a fantastic tip would certainly be actually prepping all of them a tasty dish. Several females discover on their own attracted to men who recognize how to make great food. You should always remember that meals and also consuming with each other is actually a fundamental part in affection and also it might assist a pair obtain closer. Couples cooking training class are the location to go if you would like to share your passion for cooking food with your liked ones. https://www.kookparty.com

 Such kookworkshop training class gives both you and your companion the capacity to take component in the kookstudio cooking method. They primarily show you how to operate as a staff to ready the tastiest dishes. In reality you might even discover exactly how to cook elegant 3-course suppers together. Including in that, meals prep training class are excellent birthday party as well as special affair presents!

 Our company wish to detail to you temporarily, what to assume if you enlist a couples kookstudio preparing food course as well as just how it might help your relationship.

 So why cooking courses?

 One of the most essential target of pairs sushi cookery classes is to take you and also your loved one closer. It assists you take pleasure in each various other as you participate in the preparing food procedure. Normally after time of residing in a relationship pairs often tend to forget the enjoyable they possessed when they began finding one another, as well as they discover themselves dealing with amount of money and also each various other's accountabilities. This is actually where cooking programs come-in and also bring the fire back into your connection.

 Typically, all pairs sushi training class that you might join, will certainly be created to make you and also your companion job being one. You will definitely be actually taught exactly how to disperse the duties between yourselves. This will definitely aid you to discuss the complications that you may encounter as you undergo the cooking food method. A wonderful advantage of the course is actually that it will definitely explain to you, how to efficiently cooperate however very most importantly you will learn how to enjoy preparing food.

 Married couples cookery classes are actually typically single or even a collection of 3-4 workshop. They are going to typically center on some certain meals, or even form of cooking food. Generally they take about 4 hours, however do not bother with the schedules as there are actually a variety of classes to suit your opportunity needs. The majority of them are hung on weekend breaks when both you and also your friend are actually devoid of your regular projects. The series of 3-4 lessons are actually also hung on weekends and also are actually created to show you every basics of your wanted food selection in only 2-3 days. We suggest taking the advantage of these weekend preparing food lessons and also to create a 2-day excursion out of it. You might reserve a resort in some city that comes to travel to and also discover the local couples cooking courses there certainly. This are going to undeniably carry you more detailed.

 Including to the truth that you'll invest more opportunity all together, food preparation workshop will certainly strengthen your kitchen skills. If you've grown worn out of the customary eggs and bacon strips for morning meal, pairs cooking lessons are going to show you different standpoints on just how to make use of numerous preparing food components.

 An important perk of couples lessons that you can fulfill new people/other married couples. When you are actually stuck between work as well as duplicated everyday problems, conversing along with clean brand-new people would create that course a lot more unique, you and also these brand new folks that you've come across can also possibly meet for themed supper celebrations.

 Nonetheless, once more one of the most important benefit is that cooking food training class might deliver that sparkle in to your partnership. Lifestyle can be actually thus nerve-racking sometimes as well as couples locate it difficult to loosen up as well as merely enjoy being with each other. Generally both partners operate lengthy hours as well as are actually dead-tired through the opportunity they end up work, as a result of this they don't have the power to have a good time together. Nonetheless, one hour at a cookery course might be the greatest opportunity in your past number of weeks.

 Home-based cooking courses are actually definitely terrific because you can easily find out about cooking food even at the comfort of your residence utilizing you cooking equipments in your home. At house cooking food classes may be identified depending on to the geographic region and also the cuisine knew. Those who would like to find out in your home cooking can easily pick what sort of cooking food they require and yearn for.

 In New York, at house cooking classes essentially use private sessions on at house food preparation classes straight in the pupil's home. Preparing food trainees may likewise choose to host after the college classes a cooking gathering on their own or even a birthday celebration for youngsters. Individuals can easily additionally choose to possess professional to help make the dishes that they need or wish. Often, in your home food preparation training class take around pair of hrs and also may stretch for half an hour. The treatments adhere mainly in cooking the entire dish. Those that are actually from New Jersey, Westchester, Fairfield, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island might take the training program. Fascinated cooking trainees may decide to generate their personal courses or even may decide on the accessible courses that they can easily sign up with. The charge in taking part in these training class is actually pegged at $250 for two individuals and $75 for an added trainee. If you are already signed up, you are expected to become ready along with the components as well as grocery items just before the beginning of the class. Trainees have the choice to either range a cooking food party at their residences or even offer a preparing food training class as a present to certain as a wedding event present.

 In Washington D.C., the cook teacher prepares to instruct individuals for in the home cooking food courses. Pupils can easily pick to have a private session in teaching people a new preparing food ability or educate them the food preparation techniques of the food that they really want. This lessons might additionally last for regarding four hours which would certainly set you back $350 especially created for 2 people. One may likewise choose to possess a cooking event for six individuals along with an expense secured at $400. Other than these, one may likewise opt to perform the courses one in each week. One can easily likewise pick to find out the essential approaches and skill-sets, naturally which is actually assumed why they chose to sign up with th lesson. These training class additionally offer the history right coming from the overview approximately the planning methods of having ornamental meals for parties. One may additionally learn the different foods of different nations.

 Culinary Business is essentially various on the options it provides in the in the home cooking lessons. Remarkably, Culinary Business assists one to instruct individuals in providing lessons to various other individuals. An Entertainment Cooking Training Program is actually delivered that may help the students in starting their very own business. The students registered would obtain their Visual Tutorial Guide, Business Manual and also even a Jacket Patch for Chef.

 If finding out exactly how to prepare has actually gotten on your order of business for pretty some time, then you may wish to consider enrolling yourself in to team food preparation classes. These classes may help you to master the art as well as scientific research of cooking delectable meals with each other along with helping you to know the usefulness of functioning in a team. And furthermore, you can easily likewise wind up making a handful of close friends in the good deal at these training class, all together along with the total satisfaction of having know something useful. Read our write-up to discover out concerning even more regarding these classes as well as their perks.

 Cooking is actually often looked at to be a craft blended with scientific research, something that is actually certainly not everyone's favorite. Having said that, cooking food is actually likewise one thing that everyone needs to become knowledgeable about as well as understand at the very least the rudiments as it could be a significant life saving idea eventually of necessity - when appetite pangs strike as well as there's nothing ready-made to consume at palm. This is why finding out to cook can be a crucial capability to possess. Also, being an excellent cook has its decent reveal of perks - there will be actually no lack of admirers consistently hanging around to try your next recipe, your companion will be greater than thankful to eat at property daily and are going to happily boast to their friends concerning the miracle in your hands. That stated, food preparation while complicated is certainly not a really tough skill-set to harness. This is where; enrolling in team cooking lessons may be a wonderful technique for finding out just how to prepare some mouth-watering dishes and also foods in an enjoyable as well as non-boring method.

 Group cooking lessons are actually carried out in nearly every space and gully nowadays and also there is no dearth of individuals desiring to participate in all of them. Having said that, just before signing up in one, perform look at answering a few necessary questions like - Why perform you would like to learn cooking food? What foods will be interested in? Just how much time would you agree to commit to this activity, etc? For instance, if you are a bachelor single and would as if to discover a few basic dishes, after that signing up for a higher amount training program would be actually of no use to you. Once you've decided regarding the type of food preparation or perhaps cooking you would love to know, after that finding one that suits your demands must not be actually a trouble.

 Team cooking food lessons, greater than exclusive cooking university tuition's may be a lot more enjoyable. As additional is actually merrier, for that reason finding out to cook in a group, vows to make the whole entire activity a lot even more interesting and also exciting. You may even create a couple of friends during the course of the course. In these times lots of married couples, close friends as well as even moms and dads and little ones obtain on their own enlisted in cooking lessons therefore in order to manage to devote even more opportunity together and also connect with one another, while knowing one thing new as well as beneficial. Joining a team cooking course can easily be a massive incentive, especially if you would like to startle an adored one on his or even her birthday celebration with an exclusive food cooked through your palm. Every one of these advantages and also even more create these training class zero less fun as well as advantageous than every other activity lesson.

 It is actually surprising exactly how some food nurturing people have actually volunteered to utilize every cooking possibility readily available to all of them, as well as one is actually the event of a cooking course. These folks believe that a person does not need to have to become an expert, or a full beginner to make use of several of the cooking information.

 Whether you reside in the South or North, there must be actually some cooking food training class in your place that can facilitate a food preparation training course to help you strengthen your existing capabilities. There are actually areas that deliver training class at night, or even on the weekend break along with a small cost. You ought to also rejoice with some that provides cost-free preparing food workshops, although chances similar to this begun the weird occasion.

 A typical cooking training class educates extra on the simple and also is usually made to help ladies discover the principles of sensible and also healthier meals. It shows on necessary preparing food methods, the appropriate strategy to matching food items structures as well as flavors, and the usage of particular active ingredients for certain meals. This preparing food course is the one for you if you are actually brand-new to preparing food. For those who are seeking the culinary expertise along with fine food, you will certainly must perform some looking for the necessary cooking lessons. Your neighborhood collection is often the first source for feasible tops in your place. If you are residing in a village however is actually definitely curious about learning amazing preparing food techniques, you need to take into consideration a travel to the metropolitan area to make an effort out a couple of brand-new food preparation courses for your goal.

 Modern food preparation training class will definitely educate you exactly how to appear at dishes in addition to comprehending the various factors responsible for every option of component. You will certainly be revealed to different disheses from all over the world and you will definitely learn exactly how to prepare a menu of foods. You are going to be actually learnt food items discussion, plan, garnishing and edge meals, which may enrich your confidence in the overall culinary knowledge. Possibilities like these are going to give you a little additional than the usual souvenir to restore coming from your trip, as well as an expertise that in a lot of situations may be remarkable.

 There are actually a lot of exquisite food items outlets that use cooking training class. You may also discover one that enables parents to take their youngsters in the lesson, which may be a terrific option for you and also your child as you know to prep a brand-new food all together. It is actually most likely that you are going to be amazed exactly how fast your little one may learn in the training class that can easily be actually a manner of a culinary job. The casual training will definitely function as an important hands-on knowledge that you can easily strengthen in your own kitchen area.

 Regardless of exactly how knowledgeable you remain in the home kitchen, there is regularly a lot of things that may be learned. If you are a couple, why deficient extra intimate by subscribing in a pairs cooking class? Don't underestimate the energy of husband as well as better half in the kitchen, it is going to allow your relationship to vapor up even more.

[soniawto]

What Does A Housemaid Do

A caretaker might be asked to have a high school diploma or the equivalent to get a job, however it is not always necessary. An employer might anticipate you to have work related experience such as a history and good referencing cleaning at various other businesses, petroff and also want someone that successfully works with people well. They may likewise ask how long cleansing a particular area may take you. This can likewise be a part-time work for someone who needs added work or an alternative for a student that has yet to graduate high school as they may be able to get a setting on the weekends working with an experienced housekeeper.

If you are a brand-new housekeeper, you might function under a much more knowledgeable individual from a couple of months to one year. A caretaker needs to be physically able to do the work as you will often flex, extend to reach products as well as tough to get to places, and also require stamina to depend on your feet for lengthy hrs. Having excellent core stamina is additionally helpful as you may need to lift or move hefty items. Employers like maids that are detail-oriented, extensive, dependable, and prompt.

Job Description of a House cleaner

A house cleaner cleanses spaces and should finish jobs such as vacuuming, emptying the garbage, dusting, sweeping, wiping floorings, doing dishes, as well as a selection of other jobs. They might be called for to move furniture or devices in order to tidy as well as carry things such as bed linens, towels, cleaning materials, as well as garbage.

Depending where they function, they might likewise need to transform any utilized bed linens as well as replace them with clean bed linens. In the washroom, they would certainly be accountable to eliminate any type of made use of towels as well as replace those with clean towels.

House Cleaner Job Posting

Let's look at a work description uploaded by the National Park Service. This work statement is looking for an individual to execute the adhering to responsibilities:

Performs differing degrees of complexity in cleaning up processes.Demonstrates effectiveness related to day-to-day solution, check-out, deep cleaning, and also unique job cleaning assignments based on Accommodations program cleansing standards.

Sponges, sweeps, as well as vacuums floorings; dirts, polishes, cleanses, and relocates furniture.

Gets rid of trash, locations in dumpsters, and also replaces linings.

Places proper number of facilities in space to consist of consumables/non-consumables, restroom, linen, as well as cooking area.

Changes and also removes bedding, checks cushions and also pull-out couches, as well as moves/re-positions beds upon visitor checkout, weekly, or at a guest's demand.

Cleans wall surfaces, doors, ceilings, stand-up/ceiling followers, light fixtures, exterior of air vents, windows, sills, blinds, curtains as well as tracks.

Cleans coffee machine, ice buckets, drink packages, fridges, oven tops, pots and pans, tools, cutlery, cups/glasses, plates, sinks, counters, stoves, arrays, drawers, microwaves, and also cupboards to include correct shows of its particular clock/time.

Makes certain dishwashing machines are clean as well as in functioning problem.

Cleans vanities, mirrors, equipment, cabinets/shelving, bathrooms, bathroom tubs/shower delays, ceramic tile, as well as shower room exhaust followers. Replaces restroom terry and bed linens to consist of shower drapes.

Cleans irons, gets rid of excess water and also replaces as needed, cleans ironing boards and also replaces covers as needed, cleans up and makes sure proper capability of baggage shelfs and also makes certain appropriate varieties of tidy male/female wall mounts are offered in wardrobes.

Cleans clothes dryers and also washing machines as well as guarantees makers are operational.

Ensures in-room guest directory sites are clean and arranged, TV's are tidy as well as programmed to correct network and also quantity, alarm are effectively set with back-up battery and also in-room phones are tidy, properly configured, and also in functioning condition.

Cleans usual area rooms to consist of vending areas as well as ice machines, laundry rooms, lifts, break rooms, sidewalks, passages, stairwells, office spaces, lounges, storerooms and also storage areas.

Carries out deep cleaning as called for by program standards, which includes, but is not limited to: thawing the fridge, cleaning up home windows (in and out), replacing and/or cleansing drapes, moving furnishings as well as cleansing usually hidden areas, carpet cleansing (shampoo and/or spot treatment), cleaning walls/woodwork, and various other such jobs.

Counts, sorts, checks, as well as prepares bed linen for operational use.

Applies Blood Borne Pathogen criteria to figure out prospective security worries connected to contaminated linens and also uses ideal NGIS methods throughout everyday solution activity.

Finishes maintenance ask for products damaged, defective, or in need of changing.

Performs basic, routine upkeep on hoover by cleaning up all locations as well as changing filters as necessary.

Preserves the cleanliness, supply, and organization of housekeeping carts and linen carts.

Reports any damages or belongings omitted outdoors by guests to the Manager.

Records any type of activity that appears hazardous, prohibited, or questionable to the Manager.

Interacts expertly with guests as well as various other staff member, presents a positive attitude, makes use of effective communication skills, and also aids visitors to consist of answering concerns concerning hotel facilities and also offers info concerning on base and also regional attractions.

Interacts with the front desk when determining shed and also discovered things by annotating all pertinent info to promote access of the item for that particular guest.

They may additionally ask how long cleaning up a particular space might take you. A caretaker cleanses rooms and also should complete tasks such as vacuuming, emptying the garbage, cleaning, sweeping, mopping floors, doing recipes, and a range of other jobs. They may be required to move furniture or equipment in order to clean as well as bring things such as bed linens, towels, cleaning supplies, and trash.

Depending where they work, they may also need to change any kind of utilized bed linens as well as change them with tidy bed linen. In the shower room, they would be responsible to remove any kind of used towels and replace those with tidy towels.

[japanheart88-blog]

The 9 Most Legendary Cookbooks of the Last Decade

The Piglet Tournament of Cookbooks has a long and storied past. There are illustrious judges, controversial decisions and upsets, comment squabbles galore, and really solid books. If you're with us for your very first Piglet (which starts next Tuesday, on March 5—huzzah!), you can read all about how it works here.

But seriously...about those books. Each year, the title that takes home the prized Piglet trophy (yeah, there's actually a trophy) is the best of the best, the crème de la crème, the cookbook we couldn't live without. Collectively, they're the books we turn to time and again, the ones that have changed the way we cook and bake. They're the stuff of legends.

So, to get us all in the Piglet spirit—newcomers and superfans both—I am proud to share your Piglet winners through the famed history of the tournament, so you're all caught up for this year's action. You'll also see some recipes from each winner, so you get a sense of the deliciousness that earned the book its top spot.

Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way by Francis Mallmann & Peter Kaminsky

This book, at its best, will totally change the face of your outdoor cooking game. And at its worst, will teach you how to fire up some really good char-grilled meals, Argentinian-style.

According to judge Gail Simmons: "It was Seven Fires that I kept coming back to. Not only did I learn a great deal about this style of cooking, but I felt a sincere sense of familiarity with the author and his fierce passion for the foods of Argentina. I loved that Mallmann gives a realistic indoor and outdoor option for every dish and a thorough explanation of its significance. And his voice, conveyed by American food writer Peter Kaminsky (who has also co-authored books with Daniel Boulud and Gray Kunz), is commanding and dramatic, imparting a sense of romance that I doubt could be pulled off by an American. Mallmann skillfully captures the vast expanse of his country’s cuisine and leaves me wanting more.

Also, Nora Ephron nearly cut her finger off while making the Potato Dominoes. It was worth it. (Recipe below—caution, or a mandoline hand guard, is advised.)

Good to the Grain: Baking with Whole-Grain Flours by Kim Boyce

If you're gluten-free, or are just interested in learning about alternative whole-grain flours, like amaranth or teff, this book is your baking-sherpa (TBH, wish I had one of those all the time).

Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, who knows a thing or two about baking, said the book was a "clear winner". "Cookbooks these days seem full of promises: that they will make your life easier, your jeans size smaller, your time in the kitchen shorter and the earth a better place through a blend of fresh/organic/local/free-range ingredients and I am delighted, because these things are important to me, too. But in the end, I am a glutton and if a recipe doesn’t work well and the food does not taste good, I don’t want to eat it. Whole grains or not, the recipes in Good to the Grain will go on repeat in your kitchen, not because they are chock full of ingredients we should have more of in our diets, but because they work, and they are delicious."

If you don't believe Deb, check out the recipes below. Those whole-wheat chocolate chip cookies speak for themselves.

The Art of Living According to Joe Beef: A Cookbook of Sorts by David McMillan, Frédéric Morin, and Meredith Erickson

This book is about inspiration as much as really tasty food. In the debut cookbook from the celebrated Montreal restaurant, Joe Beef, you'll find recipes (though they're anything but standard) for the requisite smoked meats and foie gras. But you'll also find "Kale for a Hangover" and "Carrots With Honey."

Per Dorie Greenspan and her son Josh, "A book like this is rare. The writing is too good to miss, the people in the book are too deeply interesting not to spend time with, and the food is too lusty not to revel in the indulgence. It's not a perfect book—the recipes work, though some of them are a little less polished than the prose used to write them—but it's an exciting book, an inspiration and a bright star for other talented cooks and writers to follow."

There's a little somethin' somethin' for everyone in Joe Beef, and the recipes below reflect that.

A Girl and Her Pig: Recipes and Stories by April Bloomfield

Critically-acclaimed chef April Bloomfield may have written this ode to her pig (clearly welcome in our world), but she celebrates so much more in this book.

Kurt Andersen liked "the way Bloomfield's plainspoken regular-girl voice comes through strong, such as her description of being a blotto English teenager, her "eyes squinty like two piss-holes in the snow." Her dishes are mostly like that as well—simple (what she calls 'rustic') but tasty, vivid, and idiosyncratic, pub food rethought with care and originality. My dinner of Carrot, Avocado and Orange Salad and Sausage-Stuffed Onions was delicious. And hereafter I will cook oatmeal with half water and half milk, and feel unwise for buying (inevitably crappy) tomatoes in winter."

See the famous oatmeal recipe below.

The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia

For your primer on the Persian cuisine of Iran—traditional recipes and more modern takes—look no further than Louisa Shafia's book.

April Bloomfield (hey, Piglet friend!) sang its praises: "When I��m looking to cook from somewhere other than my own memory, I look for clearly written recipes. I look for easy-to-follow steps. But above all, as a professional chef, I’m drawn to adventurous cookbooks, especially those that are bright and colorful and that draw me in—and away from what I normally make in the kitchen. Those are the types of books I can sit down with and read in just a day. The New Persian Kitchen is one such book—and because of that, it takes the win."

"Bright and colorful" is right! Just look at these following lively-hued dishes.

Brooks Headley's Fancy Desserts: The Recipes of Del Posto's James Beard Award Winning Dessert Maker by Brooks Headley

The brainchild of the former pastry chef of famed N.Y.C. restaurant, Del Posto, some of these kooky, quirky, utterly delicious desserts take a second to make (as well as a bit of imagination, and some special equipment). But the results are well-worth the effort.

Bill Buford raves. "It is humble. It is brave. It is extreme. It is wacky. It is by far and away the best anti-cookbook cookbook I have ever read. I will be reading it again and again. It is genius. Bravo, Brooks Headley!"

The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook: Artisanal Baking from Around the World by Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez

Bread from around the world. Bread from around the world! Plus, the book's recipes come from the amazing multiethnic N.Y.C. bakery with a fantastic mission—to bring together immigrant women-bakers from across the globe.

Yotam Ottolenghi couldn't have better things to say about the book. He remarks on how "many things I wanted to try, to make, to eat at home. At the same time as having a really clear focus—the book is full of recipes from women from all over the world who have come together to work at the bakery in exchange for training and education—it is absolutely rammed with all sorts of other information. We get baking tips and tricks, in page-long instructions and little quick-fire tidbits both; we get baker profiles; we get business advice for those wanting to set up their own company, and snippets on what the author has learned about juggling her career and family life. All of these weave together to give the book such a strong identity; it’s the sort of volume you want to have in both the kitchen and in bed, simply to read for pleasure at night."

I'd like to read the book and snack on the below Persian flatbread in bed, thankyouverymuch.

My Two Souths: Blending the Flavors of India into a Southern Kitchen by Asha Gomez

Asha Gomez's cookbook connects the author's past and present, bringing together the bright flavors of Kerala, in South India, with iconic recipes from the American South.

As Talia Baiocchi puts it, beautifully, "My Two Souths is a compelling invitation into a kitchen that is singular in its perspective and striking in its ability to weave in ingredients like kodampuli and garam masala, but still read, firstly, like a cookbook about American Southern food. It is a testament to the very spirit of this country’s culinary present: American cooking is as much about mining our country’s past and indigenous flavors as it is about a cook like Gomez mining her own."

If the below Kerala Fried Chicken is the country's culinary present, I'm even more excited to learn about its future.

Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking by Bonnie Frumkin Morales

This book, which has the same name as Bonnie Frumkin Morales' popular Portland restaurant, is a love letter to the cooking of the chef-owner's heritage. It's also so comforting, you'll want it to tuck you into bed.

Carmen Maria Machado praises the book for being part-cookbook, part-memoir, and "an exploration of the space Russian cooking occupies in Morales’ life. I was delighted that the section about infused vodkas ends with a discussion of drinking culture and a list of toasts, and spreads about Russian markets, pantry staples, and sample menus. I admire how the author approaches the thorny nature of the Russian/Soviet Union diaspora; how she tackles the multifaceted identity of her cookbook’s food in relation to a constellation of nations and peoples, cast against the width and breadth of the region’s history. The text is sharp, funny, playful, and informative, and the biographical opening is beautiful—the story of the origins of the cookbook’s name made my nose tingle like I was about to cry."

The soulful, stick-to-your-ribs meals in the book—like in the two recipes that follow—just about make me cry, too.

Made you look! We don't know this one yet, because the upcoming Piglet is going to help us find out. Will it be 2018's "Buzziest Cookbook", or the newest installment from the author of The Baking Bible? Only time will tell.

But I will tell you—now—who's going to help us decide. Without further ado, here, in alphabetical order and definitely not the order of the tournament (you'll have to tune in next week to get that info), are the 15 illustrious judges who will put this year's books to the test:

Umber Ahmad, founder & chef of N.Y.C.'s Mah Ze Dahr Bakery

Dominique Ansel, chef/owner of Dominique Ansel Bakeries

Jenni Avins, Global Lifestyle Correspondent for Quartz

Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, Hunger & more

Vivian Howard, chef, restaurateur, author & TV personality

Andrew Knowlton, Editor-at-Large of Bon Appétit

Emeril Lagasse, chef, restaurateur, author & TV personality

Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo's Top Chef & author

Kyle MacLachlan, actor & winemaker of Pursued by Bear wines

Tracee Chimo Pallero, actor on Netflix's Orange is the New Black

James Pomerantz, photo editor for the New York Times & photographer

Antoni Porowski, food & wine expert on Netflix's Queer Eye & author

Matt Sartwell, managing partner of Kitchen Arts & Letters

Emily Weinstein, Deputy Food Editor of the New York Times

Meg Wolitzer, author of The Interestings, The Female Persuasion & more

It's almost Piglet time! What are you most excited about for this year's tournament? Let us know in the comments!

Watch the cookies above in action!

Source: https://food52.com/blog/23857-best-cookbooks-of-the-last-decade-piglet-tournament

[peacefulheartfarm]

Peaceful Heart FarmCast Intro

Peaceful Heart FarmCast – Intro

Today’s Peaceful Heart FarmCast is about how we came to live the homestead life and how we decided to create a small artisan cheese business.

TODAY’S TOPICS:

What happened last year, where did I go?

Peaceful Heart FarmCast

Updates on the farm and creamery

Preview of upcoming topics

Homestead Recipe

What Happened Last Year, Where Did I Go?

First, I want to address what happened last year and where I am at the present time. I was podcasting regularly, twice a month. And even though the recorded podcasts were 45 minutes to an hour, it took more than an entire day to make that happen. Once spring came on in full force, I was overwhelmed with caring for animals and the garden.

There was no time left for anything that did not contribute to furthering of the farm enterprise. That included my podcast hobby. So, I just stopped it and took care of what was in front of me.

I’ve spent the winter catching up and getting better organized. So here I am, back at it again, this time with a better plan for using my hobby as part of the farm business plan. I’ll talk about the topics I plan to cover a little bit later. For my current subscribers, I hope you’ll decide to stay with me, but if not, I appreciate our time together and wish you the best. You have an open invitation to revisit and rejoin anytime.

Peaceful Heart FarmCast

Now I’m pleased to launch the Peaceful Heart FarmCast. I’m excited about what I have lined up for you guys. If you are a regular subscriber, you may have noticed that the intro with the purpose of the podcast has changed.

While I enjoyed talking about the crazy stuff that is going on in the world, it added little to my life goals on the farm. In fact, it is quite removed from my life on the farm. As I mentioned, publishing a podcast takes quite a lot of time and effort and I need to optimize my time. The farm pushes on and waits for no one. You better be ready. I’ll be sharing more stories about what that means as we go forward.

Perhaps you’ve thought of making the rural life happen for you and your family – or perhaps you’re thinking about a homestead in suburban America. I hope to help you with ideas and encouragement. It truly is a fabulous lifestyle, filled with ups and downs, but well worth it.

Or perhaps you don’t want to make that kind of commitment to gardens and animals yourself, but you want to partake of the benefits of what other land and animal caretakers produce. Perhaps you want to learn to cook from scratch or add variety to your current recipes using the great seasonal products you buy at your farmer’s market. That’s great too.

Much of what I will talk about can be done in even the smallest household, the smallest kitchen, no land and animals required. Just a desire to learn how to care for your family with your own two hands. Technology is great. I’m using it right now. But there is something deeply satisfying in creating safe and wholesome food for your family. There is an inner peace that comes from personally crafting the dishes with ingredients you can trust.

That’s why I’m focusing on tradition and traditional techniques that will enhance our lives and bring a deeper fulfillment to everyday life. The way that happens is creating and/or passing on a tradition. That entails knowing the words to convey to bring wisdom or having skill with a particular technique or method of creating an end product, and passing it on. But more importantly, it means knowing why we do it that way and passing that along as well. A tradition can turn into dogma without passing along the reason why it is done that way.

Why did the tradition start? Is it still relevant for you today? If so, we learn it, do it, and pass it on. That is how tradition is built. There is a reason that things were done a certain way. And if circumstances change that require altering a tradition, it is important that changes are thought about deeply and then incorporated as necessary. These are difficult questions. Just because new technology comes along doesn’t mean it will replace a tradition. These are individual choices that you will all make based on your own set of core values. I hope to provide thought provoking ideas to help you with making some of those decisions.

If you love trivia and history, this is going to be both educational and entertaining for you. If you are looking to live the homestead life or already are, I’ll be sharing my day-to-day learning experiences and ideas to help you with working through the long list of tasks, problems and solutions that you will encounter. At the end of each podcast I’ll give an overview and description of a recipe that may become part of your tradition. There will be corresponding download link to the recipe in the show notes.

Updates on the Farm and Creamery

Now I want to better introduce myself, my husband and a little bit about our history of how we came to be farm homesteaders after professional careers in medicine and information technology.

Present

Let’s start with the present time. We have 62 acres in the Blue Ridge mountains. We are building a creamery to make artisan farmstead cheese. Our cheese is handmade using traditional methods. That requires cows. We also have sheep for meat, goats for fiber and donkeys for livestock protection.

We raise a traditional breed of cow. They are Normandes, bred and raised in the Normandy region of France. Normandes are a dual breed cow. That means they provide lots of milk but also make really, really good beef. I’m going to be talking much more about these cows as I talk about our cheese.

That’s our homestead in a nutshell. But how did we get here? Scott spent 20 years as a chiropractor before entering into the electronic medical records IT field. I was an IT professional for just about my entire career. So again, how did we get here?

I know you’re asking because you might want to get here someday as well. And why did we make that decision? I mean, isn’t having a successful career the be-all, end-all of life? Nope. It’s not. Or at least not for us. Our life experiences led us to a desire to get in touch with the land directly. It wasn’t enough to look at the mountains from afar. We needed to connect to the roots of our spirit. We wanted to go outside at night and gaze in awe at the Milky Way.

After years of dreaming, planning, and saving we are here. We watch the birth of animals and are continually amazed at creation. Sure, there is loss and sadness when an animal dies. It happens often in nature, but there is also life and joy.

Past

We began our dream back in 1999 in Western North Carolina. That’s 20 years ago as of this publication. We met, became friends, and started talking about our dream life. We spent hours reading and talking and pouring over articles and books by Joel Salatin. I think he is the gateway for a lot of people. We began to dream our dream out loud with each other and with our friends and family.

But like for most of you, I’m sure, life happens. It was a great dream, but we had to make money to live, right? It takes a lot to make a small farm profitable enough to support a family. So, the dreams were sidelined for a little while – but not forgotten. We kept talking about it. And we kept dreaming about it. We kept planning what we would do. And in 2003 we bought our first piece of land. In 2005 we married and moved onto that land. At this recording, that first purchase was 15 and a half years ago.

During 13 of those years we continued to work for others. We were making really good money. We were determined to make the journey debt-free. We persevered in pretty radical circumstances. Perhaps I’ll talk about that at some point also.

Buying additional land in 2008 set us back in our timeline to be full time homestead farmers, but in January 2016 we made our last payment on the land and in December 2016, we left working for someone else in the rearview mirrors.

We Made It

From 2003 to 2016 is 13 years. I know a lot of you plan to just sell the house in the city and move to the country and make a living off the land. And maybe you will. Maybe you’re one of those that risks it all and just dives in. You’ve got that entrepreneurial spirit strong and you go for it. Not for us. We took the longer road.

Our priority was to be able to enjoy the life.  We wanted to live without the threat of adverse weather or disease derailing our business plan. When the loan comes due, the bank wants its money. We didn’t want that hanging over our head every, lurking in the back of our minds every day.

The delay provided us the opportunity to learn how to become farmers and homesteaders as well as to develop the entrepreneurial spirit. Did you know that could be learned? Well, we are still learning. It doesn’t come naturally. But if you have the dream and you want to make it work, you need to learn how to make money on your homestead. It’s the slow, sure path for us. I want to give a shout out to Tim Young at Small Farm Nation. He is offering his vast experience in marketing as well as the needed technological tools to help you build a profitable farm. Link in the show notes.

Deciding to build the creamery also set us back in our time line goal to stop working for others. It is a great way to make the homestead profitable, but requires tremendous infrastructure and that means a lot of monetary investment. But like any dream you are committed to, you keep at it until it becomes your reality. All in all, as I mentioned, it was 13 years from first purchase to homestead living. And 17 years from conception of the idea. But we are here now. The last 2 years have been all that we imagined and more.

I can’t convey in words how peaceful and contented we are now that we are fulltime homesteading. It’s a lot of work, no doubt. And it is worth every drop of sweat, every sore muscle, every exhausted night of sleep. There are a lot of those days. And there are a lot of other days filled with awe and wonder at, not just looking at nature from afar or from your house on the side of the mountain, but days filled with awe and wonder at being IN that life.

That’s all I’m going to say about that for right now. Let me know if you have questions about how you might make that journey and what your plans are. I talked about our path but yours will be different. It’s unique for everyone.

Preview of Upcoming Topics

I’ll provide you with more information about our specific journey and the current homestead enterprises we manage in future podcasts. Updates on the status of the creamery will be front and center.

There will be lots of information on cheese – and specifically the history and tradition around this artisan craft. I’ll also include other historical traditions related to living the homestead life.

Some upcoming topics are:

how did cheese get started in the first place?

how a lot of the different cheeses were developed and where.

What were the life conditions present that led to the development of that particular cheese in that area?

Other topics I’ll touch on are:

How was food cooked and preserved in the past?

Today’s modern preservation – Food preservation is important.

How women cooked at the founding of our country. Let’s talk about hearth cooking.

Cooking with cheese on a wood stove. We have a wood stove that even has an oven.

These things bring appreciation for what we have today, do they not?

Podcast Recipe

With each episode I’ll offer a new recipe. Either making cheese, cooking with cheese, or making some other homestead recipe from scratch. The link for the recipe is in the show notes.

The recipe for today’s podcast is: how to make bone broth. We really need this winter to keep us warm.

Health Benefits

Let me first address some of the health benefits of bone broth. There are a lot of technical words out there like glycosaminoglycans, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. What I want to talk about is the bottom line without big words. Bottom line, it’s highly nutritious. Bone broth soup is rich in nutrients. One word I will throw in here is collagen. It’s the basic building block of connective tissue. Bone broth is a source of collagen building gelatin. Think joint health.

may protect the joints.

may help fight osteoarthritis.

may help reduce inflammation and heal the gut.

may aid sleep.

may support weight loss.

  It has a whole lot of benefits. Additionally, it’s really tasty and is easy to make.

How Much Do I Drink?

How much should you drink in a day. You might drink 8 ounces a day. But some people drink much more – 16 to 32 ounces daily. Usually that is for a short period of time, perhaps to halt the progression of inflammation. Typically, 8 to 12 ounces is a maintenance kind of program that you might try first. Or you may drink it only occasionally and use it mostly in soups and stews.

Where Does One Get Bones and What Kind?

Where can you find the bone ingredients? Your local farmers markets are the best resource assuming there are meat producers selling at your market. If you don’t see it on their price boards, ask. They will have them.

What kind of bones should you use? I’ll be talking about lamb today, but any meat bones will do to make the recipe I am sharing today. Beef, chicken, lamb, and goat are examples. Go with whatever you like and what is available at the market.

Bone Broth

Now on to the recipe. This particular recipe has herbs added to it which is a little bit different than some other recipes I have used. I’m going to give you the instructions on how to make the broth, but some of the ingredients are not required. You can experiment with those. You can even leave them all out.

You may drink it daily or only occasionally. You may use it in soups and stews. If you are drinking it heated right out of a jar or freezer container, you may want all the spices. I use mine a lot in soups and stews. Consequently, I season my stew rather than seasoning the broth.

What You Need

Let’s look at the ingredients in this recipe. A pound of bones of your choice, a tablespoon of olive oil, a large chopped onion, three medium carrots cut into chunks, and three sticks of celery roughly chopped. Three cloves of minced garlic, 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, and five sprigs of fresh thyme. You could use dried as well. In that case, I’d go with ½ tsp of the rosemary and a tsp of thyme. You’ll also need water. Approximately 1 to 3 gallons. The amount will vary depending on the bones you use and the time you simmer the broth. Salt to taste is an optional ingredient.

Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are a typical base for flavoring any soup or stew. Keep that in mind if you are just learning how to cook. There is so much about cooking that is not really complicated and is used over and over in various recipes.

There are two ways that you can prepare the bones. 1. Thaw them out and throw them into the pot or 2. you can roast them in the oven prior to putting them in the water. I’ll give those instructions and feel free to leave off that second step as needed.

What To Do

Place the bones in a roasting pan and bake them for 30 to 40 minutes until they are browned.

With either method, in a large stock pot add the oil and heat on medium. Next add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and rosemary and sauté them for about five minutes. Add the bones and scrape any fat and juices from the roasting pan (if you did the roasting method) and put that into the pot. Add a gallon of water or enough to cover the bones. Allow it to come to boil before reducing the heat to low. Simmer anywhere from 8 to 24 hours uncovered. The longer you simmer, the more nutrients are extracted from the bones. Add more water as the water level drops. The amount of water you use will depend on how long you choose to cook it and how many bones you have in the pot.

After the broth is cooked for your desired length of time, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer. You can use a tea towel or an old T-shirt. You are looking for that clear liquid that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Likely you will have more than you can use right away. It’s easy to freeze it. Or, if you’re skilled with pressure canning, that’s an excellent method of keeping a larger amount on hand.

So, there you have it. That’s the basics of making a very healthy bone broth. I hope you’ll give that a try. Again, the recipe link is in the show notes. You can print it right from my website.

I hope I’ve simplified it for you. Not only is it easy to make, but there’s a lot of variety and personal creativity you can incorporate as you gain confidence. Perhaps you will make a family tradition around bone broth. The entire family sitting around the fire in the living room on a cold winter evening, sharing what brought you peace on that day is a fine vision.

SUMMARY:

That’s it for this podcast. It really is all about the journey, the dream. Dream the dream. Talk the dream. Take baby steps everyday toward the dream. Our baby steps, over 15 years, brought us to where we are today. And don’t be afraid to try a new recipe or a new cooking method.

Next week I’m going to talk about how the fermented food called cheese came about.

If you’ve got a specific topic you’d like me to cover, please post on our Facebook page, @peacefulheartfarm.

As always, I’m here to help you “taste the traditional touch.”

Thank you so much for listening and until next time, may God fill your life with grace and peace.

Recipe Link:

Bone Broth with Herbs

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Find Rooms For Rent In Singapore – Tampines, Pasir Ris, And Other Eastern Estates

If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient way to find a property and rent in Singapore, TRUrental is a great option for you. The app sends you daily notifications about new listings, which are selected for you based on your specified search criteria.

With the app, you’ll also hear from landlords who want you as their tenant, which makes finding a home twice as easy and twice as fast!

Here are some of the active rental listings available for September 2018.

Check out more inside the Truuue Tenant app! If you are a landlord or agent, you can list your rental unit for free in our Truuue Landlord app.

To learn more, call TRUrental at 65918842. You could be scheduling viewing appointments as soon as today.

Renting in Tampines, Simei and Pasir Ris: Everything You Need To Know

There are many advantages to having a property on rent in Singapore’s eastern region. For one, it means quick and easy access to Changi International Airport, which is an absolute bonus if your job requires frequent travel. (Besides, the number one airport in the world also boasts four terminals that are chock-full of family-friendly amenities, activities and eateries.)

Secondly, you’ll find that some of the best local parks and beaches are located in the east, including Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park. And finally, life-long ‘easties’ will argue that the sun shines just a little brighter on their side of the island (a claim that’s not actually backed by proper scientific evidence).

By the time we are done, you will have the information you need to decide if you are an “east-sider”!

Basic Figures

Tampines        Area: 20.89 sq km       Population: 258,310 (2015)

Simei               Area: 2.78 sq km         Population: 42, 710 (2015)

Pasir Ris          Area: 15.02 sq km       Population: 139,810 (2015)

Got A Job In The East? Great!

Known as the commercial hub of the east, the Tampines Regional Centre is home to insurance giant AIA, major banks such as UOB and OCBC, and the Central Provident Fund (CPF). I don’t know anyone who likes a long commute, so if your place of work happens to be located in and around the regional centre, that may be reason enough to make Tampines your home base – you could be walking to work or just be a short bus ride away. (Simei and Pasir Ris would just be one and two train stations away, respectively.)

Also located in the area is the Changi Business Park (also known as the CBD of the east), a technology, IT and financial services centre. It houses major banks – Citi Group, DBS, Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered, to name a few – and other major companies including Cisco Systems, Infosys, Huawei, Honeywell, Wipro – the list goes on. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and the Singapore Expo are also situated in the area. If you’re working in any one of these organisations, know that the business centre is serviced by the Expo MRT station, which means a quick train ride to and from any of the three estates.

The estates are also extremely well-connected to the rest of the island. The Tampines bus interchange and MRT station (East-West Line and Downtown Line) – both located in the heart of the Tampines Regional Centre, makes travel to the Central Business District (CBD) – and to the rest of the country – uber convenient. (too early?)

For drivers and “Grab-ers”, the entrances/exits to major expressways like the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Tampines Expressway (TPE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP) are just minutes away from these two major centres.

And if your day-job is an international man/woman of mystery, just note that the by-road commute is only mere minutes from your departure gate.

MATURE ESTATE NICETIES

Are you a homebody? Do you fantasize about pan roasted meals, fresh home cooked pasta, and ice cream binging? No less than 6 supermarkets (yes, more than the fingers on your right hand) are at your grocery run’s disposal.

At the Tampines Regional Centre alone are three supermarkets, each located within the following malls – Tampines Mall, Tampines 1 and Century Square. Next to the Simei MRT station is EastPoint Mall, which has a FairPrice supermarket taking up the entire fifth floor.

In Pasir Ris, White Sands Shopping Centre (located right by the Pasir Ris MRT station) also has an NTUC FairPrice in its basement. As if that isn’t enough, there’s always the Giant Hypermarket located at 1 Tampines North Drive 2 (right across from an IKEA and a Courts Megastore, in case you need to do some furniture shopping).

As you get to know your area, you’ll find more minimarts and smaller supermarkets peppered around the residential areas within each of the estates, many of them located at the void decks or ground floors of HDB flats and private condominiums – you’ll never have to worry about running out of milk.

The area is also well supported by medical services. If you’re feeling under the weather, you won’t have to travel far to see a doctor. The Singapore Doctors Directory online lists at least 37 clinics in Tampines alone (6 in Simei, and another 12 in Pasir Ris). Along with SingHealth, these are useful resources if you need to locate a 24-hour clinic, check where your nearest hospital is at, find a paediatrician, and so on.

In a medical emergency, there are two hospitals (open 24-hours) to save your life: Changi General Hospital at 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, and St Andrew’s Community Hospital at 8 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529895.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Locksmith/Key Duplication

So you’ve just rented your apartment and need to make an extra set of keys. Mister Minit is a reliable key-duplication chain store to go to and there just happens to be one located at EastPoint Mall (B1-K1). But what if you’ve misplaced your keys or are locked out of your rental? Well,  Hoe Siong LockSmith(Blk 406 Tampines Street 41, #01-13, Singapore 520406) can not only duplicate your keys, they also happen to be (well-reviewed) locksmiths that have been in the business for 25 years and is one of the best 3 in the business!

Singapore Post Offices

Pay your utility bills and send your letters at any one of these locations:

1 Tampines Central 5, #01-03 CPF Tampines Building, 529508

350 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469538

White Sands, 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, #05-01, Singapore 518457

Laundromats

If your rental doesn’t come with a washing machine, or if said machine is eaten by the Cthulhu, here are some 24-hour anti-monster laundry solutions:

Wonder Wash (24 hours): 527D Pasir Ris Street 51, #01-02, Singapore 514527

Dobi Ekspress (24 hours):  445 Pasir Ris Drive 6 #01-100, Singapore 510445

Bubble Wash Simei (24 hours):  17 Simei St 4, #01-58, Singapore 529881

Wash2Dry (24 hours): 201E Tampines Street 23, #01-122, Singapore 527201

The Laundry Room (24 hours): 164 Tampines St 12, #01-297, Singapore 521164

FEAST IN THE EAST!

Seriously, food is everywhere. In Singapore, you cannot walk one kilometre without running into an eatery or food kiosk of some sort – eating is unabashedly the nation’s favourite past-time and this region has an equal share of delicious food finds. We’re simply highlighting some of the places where locals have given the thumbs up.

1.     Ministry of Rojak

White Sands Shopping Centre, 1 Pasir Ris Central St 3, #01-30, S(518457).

Known for their Indian Rojak Fondue, the stall also offers local favourites such as tulang, mutton chop and bee hoon goreng. Wash it all down with a hot Teh Tarik or an ice-cold milo dinosaur.

Mellben Seafood Palace

440 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #01-13, S(510440).

This coffeeshop is famous for their pepper crab and crab bee hoon dishes. If you love seafood, it’s worth a visit.

Humble Burger

Pasir Ris Hawker Centre, 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-22, S(519641).

For an interesting take on the traditional burger, head down to this hawker stall to try their Chicken Rice Burger (with buns made from chicken rice) or Sio Bak Burger. Or you could just indulge in the classics (with a side of twister fries) – their fish and beef burgers are really good.

Comida Fiesta

Singapore Expo Hall 4, 1 Expo Drive, #01-41, S(486150).

The restaurant serves up Filipino-Spanish fusion cuisine with dishes like Kare Kare, Sinigang, Sizzling Sisig, and Seafood Paella.

The Flourist

824 Tampines Street 81, #01-36, Singapore 520824

Here’s a cozy café where you can choose from a sweet selection of gelato flavours such as Matcha and Horlicks, and pair them with a plain waffle, or something more adventurous like charcoal mochi.

GET OUT OF YOUR HOME TODAY

Whether you choose to rent in Tampines, Simei or Pasir Ris, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do in the area.

If your idea of recreation is picking up a great book, you’ll probably never want to leave the massive five-storey Tampines Regional Library. It spans over 10,900 m2 and has over 400,000 books. The library has designed several reading areas that cater to the different age groups.

Flip through a magazine while overlooking a football field or hop on the one exercise bike that’s fitted with a reading desk – after you’ve worked up an appetite, why not take out one of the many recipe books available for loan so you can whip up a lovely meal. (Incidentally, the library also has a culinary studio where cooking classes are periodically run. Just saying.)

There’s another library at White Sands in Pasir Ris, albeit on a smaller scale (1,986 m2 and housing 125,000 books).

If retail therapy is your idea of a good time, there are five malls to drain your bank account: Tampines Mall, Century Square, Tampines 1 (Tampines); EastPoint Mall (Simei); and White Sands (Pasir Ris).

Catch the latest blockbuster at any one of the four movie theatres located at Tampines Mall, Our Tampines Hub, Century Square, and Downtown East.

Dreaming of that beach bod? No more excuses!

The sprawling Tampines Hub, houses swimming pools, jogging tracks, a professional football pitch, rock-climbing walls, a 30-lane bowling alley, an 836 m2 gymnasium, and so on. Alternatively, slap on some sunblock and go for a run or a bike-ride on the Tampines Park connector, a respectable 7 km stretch of largely car-free pathways that connects the three estates, and takes you from Bedok Reservoir Park to Pasir Ris Park. And as you explore the neighbourhoods, you’ll discover that the various estates are peppered with smaller parks, and outdoor playgrounds and gyms (and they’re free to use). With such easy access to everything, there’s no excuse not to get your workout on.

For something a little less manicured, take a leisurely cycle to the Tampines Quarry Park, a small body of water frequented by locals in the know. On weekends, drone-flyers and anglers looking for their elusive catches are a familiar sight, as are cyclists and picnickers.

Pasir Ris Park is another great outdoor space that’s perfect for a day out with friends and family. Not only is the park a safe and scenic environment for cycling and inline skating, kids can also go on pony rides and enjoy the park’s adventure playground. When you’re hungry after all that activity, you could have a packed picnic lunch or rent a barbecue pit (or enjoy a meal at the nearby food outlets). But this isn’t any run-of-the-mill park. There’s also a six-hectare mangrove forest that you’re welcome to explore, as well as a butterfly garden and a birdwatching tower. You could even pitch a tent and camp under the stars in one of the designated camping sites – a pleasant respite from the concrete jungle.

Downtown East in Pasir Ris is a great way to spend the weekend afternoon in a game of laser tag or get some watersports fun at Wild Wild Wet, Singapore’s largest water park.

The integrated accomodations at D’Resort can give you and your family overnight fun at all of Downtown East’s offering too!

These three estates are exceedingly self-sufficient; not only would you have easy access to all your daily needs, there’s also plenty of fun to be had. You may be hard-pressed to think of reasons not to lease in the east!

READY TO RENT? CHECK TRUUUE OUT!

Download the Truuue Tenant app and let landlords find you today. It’s the easiest way find a room or apartment on rent in Singapore. For landlords, list your unit for free on Truuue Landlord today!

Plus, you can use our super easy-to-use app to coordinate your rental unit viewings, for free! And if you need to speak to a real person, simply call our hotline at 6591 8842 to access our Concierge services!

Rent happy with Truuue!

Original Content available at https://blog.truuue.com