Chick In

Korean fried chicken has taken Melbourne (if not the world) by storm. Tucked away in a laneway off Little Collins Street, Chick In is cosy and offers the usual suspects in terms of Korean fried chicken as well as a broader menus of stews, salads and dumplings.  We found the fried chicken moist on the inside, crispy on the outside and well seasoned. A relative new comer to the Korean fried chicken scene, Chick In is a compelling option to satisfy your fried chicken cravings and we would return.

Christmas A La Malaysia

Malaysian Trade Commission (MATRADE) celebrated Hawker Melbourne yesterday, a Malaysian hawker style market incorporating Christmas and celebrating Malaysian food, flavours, spices and culture. 

Hosted by Malaysian chef Jackie M, the event showcased the full, bold and authentic flavours of Malaysia and saw classic Australian Christmas dishes transformed with a Malaysian twist. During two demonstrations, Jackie M showed guests how to incorporate Malaysian flavours and spices into Christmas dishes and every day meals. 

With delicious Malaysian food available, guests were taken on a journey through Malaysia, tasting bold, authentic flavours and learning  how the flavours and spices of Malaysia tie in Western dishes. 

Malaysian cuisine offers a rich melting pot of flavours, ranking amongst the most delicious and tastiest in Asia. With a palate underpinned by a wide diversity of influences including Chinese, Indian and Portuguese, not to mention the many spices characteristic of South East Asian food, Malaysian cuisine is rightly emerging as a favourite of food-lovers everywhere. 

Here are our top five flavours of Malaysia that work perfectly to up the ante on your traditional Christmas feast… 

Bring life to your seafood. 

We all know that seafood is a staple addition at most Australian homes during the festive season. This year, wow your guests with a decadent prawn Laksa. Laksa is one of Malaysia’s best known and most popular dishes, with its rich coconut curry base. The veritable minestrone of South Asia, Laksas can feature anything from tofu puffs, fish shrimps through to chicken pieces and of course, noodles and lots of delicious Asian vegetables. It’s typically served with a generous spoonful of chilli paste or sambal, and garnished with coriander, or kaffir lime leaf. Laksa is the perfect way to start your Christmas meal with a bang and is the ultimate go-to dish that provides fresh, spicy flavours. 

‘Ham’ up your glazed ham. 

Tired of the same old glazing on your Christmas ham? Why not incorporate delicious Malaysian flavours and give your guests something to talk about. For a unique taste that is sure to impress, add palm sugar and tamarind peel or a Malaysian curry paste for a chilli taste that will be sure to fire up your Christmas lunch. Serve slices of the ham with sweet pineapple pieces and roti to tone down and balance out the chilli factor. 

Tantalise with your Turkey. 

Roast turkey is the veritable star of any Christmas banquet. This year, the proof is in the stuffing, and we encourage you to utilise the vast flavours of Malaysian cuisine when stuffing and basting your bird. Spice up your stuffing with a wide range of spices like cardamom, cloves, turmeric and chilli, or coat your bird in some nyonya curry paste or chilli sambal that are sure to make your turkey flavoursome and exciting this festive season. 

Turn it up a couple of notches in the trifle stakes. 

You can’t go past a classic Aussie dessert at Christmas. A summer trifle is a light sweet treat that is guaranteed to end your festive banquet on a high. Take your guests on a culinary journey, and give it an exotic makeover this year by adding in some traditional Malaysian flavours including some mango, coconut cream and pandan for a truly refreshing indulgence. 

To help you discover the delicious Malaysian products available and to find a store near you, visit www.matrade.gov.my

WOODY.P

After launching in May 2015, WOODY.P  is revamping its Italian offerings with a new Executive Chef, Timothy Martin and a new seasonal menu. Most recently serving as Head Chef at acclaimed restaurant The European, Martin brings over fifteen years culinary experience to WOODY. P with a CV that is jammed with industry accolades.

WOODY.P offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere that caters to a broad range of dining experiences. The interior is composed of polished timber floors, exposed brick walls, textured glass and contemporary pendant lighting. Highlights include a sophisticated bar area with a tiled feature wall and suspended planted hangers. WOODY.P also comprises a large outdoor dining area where diners can eat and drink among greenery, lanterns and bluestone floors, a nod to Melbourne’s rich architectural heritage.

The menu is produce-driven and defined by simple Mediterranean and Italian flavours.

Martin’s Spring  menu leads  WOODY.P to authentic Italian roots, with new dishes such as bone marrow crostini, Moreton Bay bug tagliatelle, suckling roast lamb and charcoal fire grilled steaks, executed using a strong focus on local Victorian produce that references Martin’s Gippsland childhood.

Of particular note is the dish of Swordfish crudo. The quality of the swordfish we sampled was exemplary. The flesh was delicate and moist. It was a fresh dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed.

Positioned on Flinders Lane, the city’s most dynamic food precinct, WOODY.P is part of Melbourne’s bourgeoning range of restaurants and drinking spots.

Location:

121 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Phone:

03 9654 5000

Link:

http://www.woodyp.com.au/

Cuisine:

Italian, Pizza

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of WOODY.P