- Flowers -

Things have been sh*t lately.

I know I whinge and whine alot. All my friends tell me I do. But why oh why is God doing this to me? Maybe it's character building? Maybe I've had it coming for me? Whatever it maybe, I want out.

I want to submerge myself into the land of the sweet and sticky. The soft marshmallowy goodness of smiles and laughter. The brain numbing few seconds worth of ecstacy otherwise known as "WTF, Ooo Ooo OMG, COLD!!" when an icecream is devoured a little too quickly. The comforting, hearty (usually fatty) awesomeness of a home cooked roast with beautiful aromas wafting through the household, to which I float towards with an empty belly and a wide open mouth.

That is what my life should be like. That is what I want. If you are not that then please find your way to the exit, get out of my sight and never return! *foot stamp*

Yes, I can be dramatic. I know, I know.

I tell myself it's not so bad. It's not so bad. Onward I plough. My guiding light? (drum roll please...)

I AM GOING TO THE US of A, baby!!!

I will be going there for 6 months. To do what? I hear you ask?

B.
A.
K.
E.

:)

I have finally built up the courage to do it. I'm going to Orlando, Florida to partake in a 6 month baking course at the Notter School of Pastry Arts. I was inspired by a fellow blogger Su Yin of The Journal of a Girl who loves to Cook.

I used to stalk her blog along with several other food blogs whenever I was having a bad day or just needed some inspiration (usually at work). Somehow all the beautiful cakes & pretty cookies would always bring a smile to my face and erase whatever crap was bringing me down.

Now I can make my own journey, instead of living life vircariously through others. I don't intend for this trip to be a band aid solution to all my problems here. But a good break and a breath of fresh air might just make me see things clearer and teach me the art of "letting go".

I hope this trip will be a good learning experience, both in the kitchen and life in general – take each step with my chin up, big smile and a mouth full of food! :) ... and of course, you guys will be coming along on the journey with me too...so get ready for a ridiculous rollacoaster ride!!! ;)

"But I won't regret ‘cause you can grow flowers from where dirt used to be"
- Kate Nash -

I'm not dead

Hello Everyone!

I know I've been a little M.I.A lately... this year has just been very difficult ...already. I'm sure many of you feel my pain; juggling my work, family, social & love life has been an arduous task to say the least. BUT alas I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel :)

For now.. I dont have any baked goodies to share with you all but I do have a little gem my gf, G and I came across for dinner the other night... its called Sushi Hotaru. Its a new sushi bar that has opened underneath Ichiban Boshi in Galleries Victoria. They have an opening special, where all sushi plates and side dishes are only $2.50!! Bargin, I know!! Hurry, the deal is only until the end of the month tho! Enjoy! x

Sushi Hotaru was a really nice surprise! I was cynical at first, thought that maybe the sushi wouldnt be authentic.. another "Sushi Train" prodigy. But I was impressed, not only do they have an awesome selection, the sushi was true and fresh! It's obviously no Kobe Jones or Sake but I think its good value for money, especially if you want to chill for a mid week dinner out. And who wouldnt want to take advantage at $2.50 a dish!!!

They seriously have the longest sushi train in the world! (Ok not the world but I reckon they could give in the title - "Longest sushi train in Sydney" a good run for its money) It's pretty much the entire width of the building!!

Loved the decor of the place too! The tiled mosaic walls were of the Japanese cityscape, very artsy fartsy :) hehe

Roll Menu

Gunkan menu

Grilled Eel nigiri - $2.50

Edamame beans gunkan $2.50 - this was interesting, I love Edamame beans, so initally I really liked the idea behind it, but I dont think I can say that I am a fan of this one. The rice made the beans too heavy for me.

Kingfish Aburi sushi - $2.50

Kaarage Chicken $2.50 & Gyoza $2.50

Ebi Fry -$2.50

Soft Shell crab salad - Ok so I got a little excited/carried away and thought this was part of the $2.50 menu, unfortunately it wasn't but it was still very delicious, could've lightened up on the ponzu sauce as it got quite acidic towards the end but still good. The crab was fresh and had the right amount of crisp.

Scallop nigiri $2.50 - this has to be my favourite next to the Iku (Squid) nigiri. The freshness and sweetness of seafood really comes through - truely beautiful!

Salmon Aburi sushi - you guessed it! $2.50

Salmon nigiri - $2.50

Strawberry & Red Bean Daifuku $2.50 - one of my favourite Japanese desserts - mochi (rice cake) filled with a red bean paste and a strawberry in the middle. I have to say that the red bean was a little too thick which made it a little heavy and stuck to my throat but all the flavours were there and it was still quite enjoyable!

There were other desserts there too but by this stage I was at bursting point so couldnt fit any more in!! Lol! So I guess I'm just gonna have to rely on you guys to let me know how the other main dishes and desserts are when you go try out this place! ;)

Oooiiissshiii!!! x


Sushi Hotaru
Galleries Victoria, Shop RP1
500 George Street
Sydney, 2000

Welcome 2011

Happy New Year Everyone!!! Hope everyone had a lovely break over the festive season and brought in the New Year with a big bang!! :) x

I just wanted to take a moment to say that my sincerest thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been directly and indirectly affected by the floods happening all around Australia. I applaud all those who have worked tirelessly & effortlessly to help restore order and have provided unwavering support to those who have lost everything.

At first I didn't realise the magnitude of the damage that these floods have caused but imagine losing everything that you've always taken for granted like precious memories in the form of photos & personal belongings - destroyed, loved ones missing, injured or even taken by the floods; I realised that it must be extremely tough and heartbreaking.

Although the floods are starting to receed in Brisbane, they need our help now more than ever to restore things back to normal. Every little bit helps and you can do your part too. Please dig deep and donate here.

Lots of love
xox