Mackers

McDonald's (or "Mackers" in Aussie speak) can be found anywhere in the world which is very convenient when travelling because you can always count on them for a public bathroom or free Wifi. The menu is mostly the same but there are usually a few items that seem to be catered to the local market - as a nice reminder of where you are in the world! Ever since the first day we arrived here I've been wanting to try the lamb burger even though I'm not much a of meat-eater and have only tried lamb a few times but for some reason this burger just spoke to me. Time was running out since it is now our third last day in Australia so when I saw those golden arches on our walk this morning I decided to go for it. 

I could only manage about half of the burger because it was absolutely massive but I really enjoyed it - the egg and beetroot on top of the lamb patty was a nice touch. 

Truth be told, I didn't feel super great about myself about ten minutes after this picture was taken - still, I have no regrets.

DG

Queen St. Market

Today Sonja and I went to the farmer's market that are held every Wednesday on Queen St. and it was SO much fun.  We went from shop to shop tasting everything that was offered to us including kangaroo jerky which Sonja actually bought (at a bargain price, of course!). 

For an appetizer, we had a skewer of deep-fried cheese stuffed olives. The shopkeeper informed us that the olives could last up to three days - Sonja and I just burst out laughing and responded "um, no actually they can't!"

 

Next, it was time for our main course. We saw this man making this bread roll thingy that intrigued us. I believe it is called "Kürtos Kalács" or a "chimney cake" which is a Hungarian pastry that can be either sweet or savory - we went with savory and had the cheese and olive variety. Delicious!

Finally, it was time for dessert. We have been wanting to try a "lamington" ever since we got to Australia because we have been told that it is somewhat of a traditional Aussie dessert. It is a sponge cake that is coated in chocolate and coconut - dece. 

All in all, it was a great morning - we left feeling happy and full and wondering if you can ship kangaroo jerky back to Canada? 

DG

The Sanitarium

Ashley had to go back to work today so we met her for lunch at the "Kitchen Sanitarium" (www.kitchensanitarium.com.au) because she has been raving about their curry. The word "sanitarium" refers to "an institution for the preservation or conservation of health". Interesting...so basically it's like an asylum for food-a-holics like me. Perfect. 

We all got the same thing (typical) - the curry special which was a Red Curry with Sweet Potato, Corn & Chickpeas.

DG

Falafel

Currently on the bus back to Brisbane and feeling very satisfied with our weekend in Byron Bay. We had beautiful weather, Sonja got to fulfill her surfer girl dream, and we got to try so many delicious foods - there was so much to choose from! In the span of three days we sampled Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Today we did Middle Eastern because every time we walked down the main road to the beach there was this lovely young lady offering falafel ball samples and after three days of "Oh! What's this?" and "Sure, we'd love to try a falafel ball!" we figured she was probably on to us so we decided to pay our respects. 

We shared the "Mediterranean platter" from this little Middle Eastern restaurant called "Orgasmic". It came with falafel balls, pita bread, hummus, tahini, baba ganoush, salsa, and an assortment of salads. 

You know you've really enjoyed your meal when...

DG

Bar & dumplings

Last night we went for dinner at The Brunswick Social which is a bar and dumplings house in the Fortitude Valley neighborhood in Brisbane - um, what genius came up with this concept??? 

I think Sonja's face pretty much sums it up. 

DG

Sek Fan

In Cantonese the phrase "let's eat" is translated as "sek fan" which literally means "eat rice". That's how much Chinese people love rice - it's like they couldn't even imagine a time when they would be eating and not be eating rice.

Here is a selection of Sunday night dinners courtesy of my mom, Masterchef. 

DG