Burger Mania

The city has been hit by burger mania! There has been a wave of burger joints popping up in almost every suburb and people are loving it. The hottest place to visit is Nordburger. It doubles up as not only as an american style burger restaurant but also a hotdog joint. 

When I say it's the go to place for a burger fix up I mean it! The place is jam packed daily (except Mondays when they are closed), with lines extending out the door. And I'm not surprised! With a price tag like no other and burgers cooked by MasterChef Australia contestant, Michael Weldon, it's no wonder this place has been hyped up so much.  

Today was burger day cravings so we ordered three burgers: Classic Nordburger, Hot burger and Mushroom burger. 

My favourite was the mushroom burger! A burger filled with big portobello mushrooms, slaw, mustard, ketchup and Nord sauce. 

When you think of burgers you think of fries as well! Their crinkle cut fries are crunchy and hot but I'm a definite softy for hashbrowns so the Tater Totes topped my list. A little ball of mini hash browns! 

If you are nearby drop by this delicious new burger joint. 

X MM

Bogans for a night

A few weeks back was quiz night! My friends, with their crazy ideas, decided to dress up as Australian Bogans. For those overseas Bogans are the equivalent to Rednecks, Chav and White Trash. I had only decided on going the day before but thankfully my friends had bought too much for their quest to become bogans and I managed to piece my outfit together minutes before the night began. What do you all think of our bogan attempt? 

PS Our table managed to win quiz night with our witty brains. 

X MM

Mary Cheung

I had the privilege of spending a day with a lady of great elegance, composure and a role model to many generations. 

Mary Cheung is most well known for her crowning of Miss Hong Kong in 1975. She went on to become the founder and managing director of 'Mary Cheung & Associates (International) Ltd." which has seen her working with a range of organisations and companies.

During my time with her I listened to her stories on how she looked past the struggles in life to achieve her goals and visions in giving back to the world. At a young age she was forced to live on the streets for several years before being taken into one of Hong Kong's orphanages. Despite a harsh childhood she has grown into an inspirational woman for people not just in Hong Kong but also internationally.

One of her greatest passion is painting and capturing moments through her photographic works. Her honorary positions with various charities such as World Vision, Oxfam, Aids Concern and Friend of the Earth (to name a few) has allowed her to travel around the world capturing simple and raw moments of children, reflections and things which we take for granted. She is currently in Sydney for her photography exhibition. If you are in Sydney head over to her exhibition. Her photos are not to be missed. 

A few of my favourite photos from her "Inspire" collection.

To spend a day with me without exploring food would be a day which never existed. One of Mary's favourite countries to visit is France and their alfresco cafes and restaurants. So what better place to take Mary than Eros Kafe! Although it is a far cry from the streets of Paris but this greek cuisine restaurant brings a touch of Europe with their open windows looking onto the  restaurants and boutiques of the East End District.

Our second meal was a late night supper stop at Citizen. One of Adelaide's finest restaurants for a Chinese cuisine banquet. This restaurant is truly breath taking. The interior design is modern but captures key elements of Chinese culture. Whether you are there for yum cha, business lunch, family gatherings or a wedding banquet the staff and chefs always deliver a satisfying meal. 

I was extremely honoured to have spent quality time meeting Mary and her husband John. Dining with her, listening to her seminars and sending her off at the airport on her next part of her tour was a great experience and one I will remember. A true inspiration for myself and to many around the world. 

X MM 

Miranda's Muffins

I am a huge fan of Miranda Kerr. I'm not going to lie, but I 'sometimes' wish I was her. Having a job like hers is a dream every girl wants to live. She's not only been Victoria's Secret Angel, married to Orlando Bloom, mother of the cutest son Flynn, the face of David Jones, walked the runway for many high end fashion designers, and written an inspirational book for young girls; but she's probably currently most well known for her dedication and passion to yoga, a healthy diet and beauty regime. Her Kora Organics beauty brand has been a great success. Last year I started using her beauty line and she has converted me to being more aware of what I put on my face and the kinds of food I eat. Her products are  all certified organic and brings a refreshing touch to my skin every morning and night! After using her products for almost a year now, I can definitely see my skin improving. There have been many days this year when I have been confident enough to walk out the house and not wear anything on my skin. Thanks to Miranda Kerr! 

My favourite products: foaming cleanser, citrus mist spray and rosehip oil. I highly recommend Kora Organics for anyone who is looking to improve their skin.

Last week I stumbled across a few of her recipes on Net-a-porter and her muffins caught my attention. After a few shopping trips to the local stores I whipped up these delicious no flour healthy muffins. 

Here is how to make them:

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten free oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 teaspoons gluten free baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 organic eggs plus 1 egg white

1/2 cup goats milk yoghurt

1/2 cup organic apple juice

4 tablespoons coconut oil

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

1/4 cup honey

2 large green organic apples

2 ripe bananas 

*NOTE: Im not a banana person so I substituted bananas with pears. I also added blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and pine nuts to my muffins for added flavour.

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F/ 180 C
2. Using a food processor, grind oats until they reach a flour like texture
3. Mix the ground oats, walnuts, chia seeds, baking powder and baking soda in a mixing boawl.
4. Lightly beat the whole eggs and egg white in a separate bowl. Add the yoghurt and apple juice, then stir to combine.
5. Put the coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder and honey in a small saucepan. Place over a very low heat and stir until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.
6. Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture and stir, then add the coconut-oil mixture.
7. Chop apple and pear (or mash bananas), add to the mixing bowl and stir gently.
8. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease a muffin tin, and fill each one 3/4 full.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with a little more cinnamon before serving.

Tips:

If you like your muffins sweet, add more honey and fruit. 

These muffins are best eaten warm! 

Enjoy!! 

Ground oats 

Ground oats, Nuts, Chia seeds, Baking powder, Baking soda

Chopped apples and pears

 

X MM