Tuesday 21 May 2013

Brisbane Paniyiri Greek Festival 2013


Come May every year your taste buds will automatically ignite with a burning desire for all the Greek gastronomical goodness your stomachos can handle — that’s right, it is time for the Paniyiri Greek Festival . Australia’s largest cultural festival has been satisfying Souvlaki lovers since 1976. There is no better way to spend a beautiful sunny day with friends and family than to experience exotic cultural traditions through dance, music and food.
It is a celebration never forgotten, filled with a feeling of Filoxenia all around (which translates into the love of foreigners and refers to hospitality). The Greeks are highly hospitable, the love and happiness heartily emanates throughout the crowd – enough to get you in the mood to join in on the world’s biggest Zorba! Ancient Greeks believed that dancing was invented by the gods and believed that the gods offered this gift to select mortals only, who in turn taught dancing to their fellow-men. At the Paniyiri, witness many talented mortals take the main stage displaying famous Greek dances including the Zorba, Sirto, Kalamatiano and Sousta -  embrace the moves and join in on the fun!


 Yia Yia's hard at work
 
There is plenty for the kids to do; from face painting and the sideshow alley to the animal petting nursery and Shetland pony rides. For the adults: enjoy cooking demonstrations, cultural films, grape stomping, plate smashing, honey puff and olive eating competitions and checking out the variety of stalls.      


Baklava and Galaktoboureko

 In Greek culture, food is more than just sustenance; it’s culture, comfort, family and life. A multitude of members in the Greek community, pour their heart and soul into preparing Mediterranean cuisine for all to enjoy over the entire weekend. Just follow the signs to your stomachos’ desire: Baklava, Galaktoboureko, Kourabiedes, Loukoumades, Spanakopita, Moussaka, Haloumi, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, and Keftedes then wash it down with a coffee or an Ouzo from the bar. Funds raised are directed back into the community via the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane’s oldest Greek community established in the 1920’s.



Loukoumades — also affectionately known as Honey puffs — are the nectar of the gods. Since ancient times honey has been used as both a food, and a source of medicinal therapy.  Some of the legendary greats of Greece such as the “Father of Medicine”, Hippocrates, wrote, "Honey and pollen cause warmth, clean sores and ulcers, soften hard ulcers of lips, heal carbuncles and running sores."  Aristotle, philosopher and student of Socrates, believed that honey prolonged life. 
That’s a pretty good reason to stop feeling guilty when devouring a plate of golden, sweet, puffy deliciousness!

Haloumi, is springy in texture and the original flavour is salty, mellow and tangy. The perfect accompaniment to your favourite plate of meat carved straight off the jumbo rotisserie.





Eat a selection of meats on their own or enjoy with sliced tomatoes and onions, sauced with tzatziki, and wrapped in a lightly grilled pita.

When you have danced and eaten to your heart’s content, wrap up your adventure by watching a spectacular fireworks display.  For those who want to continue the party, head over to the Greek Club and dance the night away.
Did you know?
There are over 30 stalls at the Paniyiri, creating more than 200,000 honey puffs and 500 kg of Haloumi.  
Greece is where the art of beekeeping (apiculture) started in early prehistoric times.


The first souvlaki shops in Greece appeared in Livadia in 1951, selling souvlaki on a stick and rotating gyros.

Sunday 19 May 2013

Jamrock ...My One Love



After spending a day of talking about food and writing about food with the delightful Gourmet Farmer – Matthew Evans – I decided to cruise into Jamroc to try their traditional Jamaican cuisine. Only new in the Valley this Kickin’ Caribbean kitchen is fast be known as totally Ah sey won and I’m here to Loud up di ting!
 

For something fulfilling try one of the strictly wicked burgers filled with your usual burger staples, but made extra special with flame-grilled chicken cooked to your liking. The swagga staff will prepare your chicken how you like it, from chilled out mild to Rasta’s Revenge (if breathing like a fire dragon is more your style). Enjoy the Pickapeppa and Walkerswood Jerk sauces – especially the spicy mango sauce on the Hungry Rasta Burger – in store or buy your favourite bottled condiment to take home and recreate your own Jamaican experience.


 Hungry Rasta Burger
Breast fillet, pickapeppa spicy mango sauce, pineapple, tomato, lettuce and marinated grilled onion.



If you prefer a lighter meal there are various wraps to choose from; or indulge in the moorish munchies on the extras menu – reggae skewers and sticky, tasty BBQ jerk wings (available in regular or oh so spicy) or crunchy, golden give-me-more fries. 



BBQ Jerk Wings and Crunchy, Golden give-me-more fries.

Chill out to the easy-listening reggae sounds billowing through the sound system before heading home with a belly full of happiness. And remember – don’t worry be happy mon!

Walk good!

 Jamroc Jamaican Jerk Chicken on Urbanspoon

Thursday 9 May 2013

Celebrate the London International Wine Fair!

From the 20th to the 22nd of this month it’s all about the London International Wine Fair. It is the second largest annual wine trade event in the world. Exhibitors from every wine producing country come to gather, along with visitors from all around the world to discuss business – strictly trade only!
Check out the latest issue of Dare Online Magazine to acquire tips from the dare taste writer- Kitty Usher from thewinestore – on instilling a cultural twist to your next dinner party...I have even sourced a few recipes and tasty pickings to inspire you!  
Think Global, Drink Local by Kitty Usher #thewinestore

Souvlaki (Wicked Kebabs) - recipe sourced by Jess Danes
 pairing by Kitty Usher #thewinestore


Mini Nacho Pizzas - recipe sourced by Jess Danes
 pairing by Kitty Usher #thewinestore


Purple pasta with walnut pesto and tenderstem broccoli - recipe sourced by Jess Danes
 pairing by Kitty Usher #thewinestore




Tasty pickings sourced by Jess Danes



The special Mother's Day edition of DARE Online Magazine is live. We speak with four incredible mothers who are changing the face of business.

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day we feature several courageous women who risk their li
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DARE you, taste, living and adventure are packed with great reads for dynamic entrepreneurial women.