Egg Unlimited - Little breads + catering

Gastrology were recently lucky enough to be able to cater a private function with some delicious hampers provided by Egg Unlimited, delivered straight to our door.

We found the choices available on the Egg Unlimited menu innovative and modern, with options suitable for a wide range of events from corporate lunches to high teas. We elected to sample 2 Wellbeing Hampers, an Against the Grain Hamper and a Bagel & Friend Hamper. 

Clearly made with love, each hamper was packaged securely sealing in their delicious contents and making the hampers very convenient – we simply removed the lids and served. 

Wellbeing 1 Hamper 

(Crispy skinned Atlantic salmon (6), Blanched broccolini tossed with sweet raisins and almonds (V) (12), Green zucchini and fresh mint omelette souffle (V) (6), Char grilled free range chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, coriander, olive oil, bay leaf and freshly cracked pepper (8), Two tubs of chef’s seasonal salads along with cucumber yoghurt (to serve) (V), House baked rolls to complement) ​

This hamper was an absolute stunner and our favourite hamper from the evening. The quality of the salmon was exemplary. The skin was perfectly seared to be very crisp while the flesh was delicate and moist. We loved how it was cooked simply, allowing the natural subtle sweetness of the salmon to be enjoyed. The blanched broccolini was fresh and we loved the addition of sweet raisin which complemented the dish as well as the almonds which added texture. The char grilled chicken was cooked to perfection and seasoned beautifully. 

Wellbeing 2 Hamper (Morrocan Lamb Fillets & tahini yoghurt sauce, Sugar & snow pea salad (GF,V), Calamari marinated in chilli ,garlic & coriander (GF), Freekah grain with sweet potato, leek, shanklish & maple (V), Omelette soufflé of sweet corn, chili and baby chervil (GF)(V), Two tubs and chef’s seasonal salads along with cucumber, yoghurt, Bag of spelt flour rolls to complement) ​

Another delicious hamper, we loved the high quality pieces of lamb which were cooked perfectly to a tender and juicy pink and the calamari which was bursting with flavour. The accompanying omelette souffle and seasonal salads exhibited a marvellous freshness and were each skilfully executed. 

Against the Grain Hamper 

(Rare roast Angus beef, anchovy butter, tomato relish and baby rocket tartlets (6), Green zucchini and torn mint omelette souffle (V) (6), Fresh green asparagus spears wrapped in goats curd and prosciutto (12), Prawn and Vietnamese mint rice paper rolls with lemongrass and marinated bean thread noodles (8), Char grilled free range chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, coriander, olive oil, bay leaf and cracked pepper (8)) 

​A low carb hamper, this was yet another winner. The seemingly simple chicken was not only complex with layers of flavour, it was also perfectly cooked. The rare roast angus beef tartless were ​elegant and featured a beautiful depth of flavour - overall a skilfully executed, exceptionally flavoursome array of little bites. 

Bagel & Friend 

(Smoked salmon poppy seed bagel with crème fraiche and Lilliput capers (15), Baby pea and mint leaf torte (V) (15)) 

Continuing the trend for the evening, the ​Bagel & Friend hamper was delicious. The baby pea and mint tortes were creamy and decadent. We also loved the adorable little poppy seed bagels. The smoked salmon filling carried a rich depth of flavour - its subtle smokiness allowing the underlying taste of the salmon to be enjoyed. The little bagels were light and fluffy with a dense exterior - it went well with the salmon. The finishing touch of the crème fraiche and Lilliput capers, a classic accompaniment with smoked salmon, completed the bagels. 

This large selection of delicious canapés were perfect for sharing and were massive crowd pleasers. The flavour combinations were well matched and the high quality meats and fish were beautifully cooked - it was clear that these were sourced from quality producers and had been prepared with care. Egg Hampers made our function a roaring success and definitely impressed our guests. We look forward to trying their other delicious options for our future events. 

Learn more about Egg Unlimited here. 

What: Egg Unlimited - Boutique bakery and catering

Link: https://eggunlimited.com.au/shop/home

Email: orders@eggunlimited.com.au

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Egg Unlimited.

Easter highlights: Best Malaysian satay in town from Sugi Satay | Sweet Easter treats from Michel's pattiserie

Best Malaysian satay in town from Sugi Satay

This Easter, we enjoyed a sumptuous feast of succulent, aromatic, freshly grilled meat on skewers from Sugi Satay. 

Sugi Satay serves the most authentic and delicious Malaysian satays that we have ever tasted in Melbourne.

There are three types of satay to choose from (lamb, beef and chicken) – our favourite was the chicken satay.

We loved how the satay was authentically served with cucumber, onion and delicious ketupat which helped soak up the decadent and perfectly spiced satay sauce.

The creator of Sugi Satay, Soo Ghee Tan, comes from a heritage of chefs specialising in authentic Malaysian cuisine. Secret family recipes were handed down from generations, from beef rendangs to varieties of sambals.

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Sweet Easter treats from Michel's pattiserie

Gastrology bloggers sampled the products courtesy Michel’s Pattiserie.

We celebrated the magic of Easter with decadent sweet treats from Michel’s Patisserie. 

We loved that Michel's had a wide range of Easter-themed products, like their Party Cake, a delicious Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with milk chocolate Easter eggs. Michel's scrumptious chocolate flavoured gingerbread Easter Bunny biscuit were an absolute hit with the children. They were gone in seconds!

Hope you had a lovely Easter weekend too :)

 

Event Review: UCAN Cafe Launch

UCAN Cafe
Location: Altona North Community Library, Corner of Millers & McArthurs Road, Altona North, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9391 7929
Link: http://www.ucancafe.com.au/

UCAN café is a part of an enterprise under the Yooralla umbrella. In a nutshell UCAN provides employment opportunities for people with a disability. Interestingly, they employed Melbourne’s first blind barista, Aaron D’Altera (he wasn’t born with a disability but contracted a brain infection a few years ago which destroyed 90% of his vision). 

To raise awareness about what they do, an initiative called the UCAN challenge is now up and running – the challenge involves some of Melbourne’s most well regarded cafes and baristas taking part in a blindfold challenge. That is, making a coffee without the aid of their vision. 

Various videos of baristas taking the challenge can be viewed on the UCAN website. J and I were privileged to attend the UCAN challenge launch at the Fox FM rooftop on Monday the 19th of November. As expected, UCAN Cafe catered the event. The food was lovely and the service was by far one of the best I have ever encountered. The staff members were passionate, cheerful and clearly took pride in their work. Here are pictures from the launch for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Aaron D’Altera tells us his story

UCAN Cafe treats

performance by Rudely Interrupted