Quay

I love birthdays, anniversaries or special occasion. Not only it's a day to be remember but a day to reflect and celebrate in style. Think about how often will one buy their mother a present, flowers or simply tell them how much you love them and thank them for always being their for you. I guess not often right? Perhaps only during mothers day? Doesn't matter how busy we are, I reckon we should at least make an effort to remember and embrace that special day.

In this occasion, it's our wedding anniversary. Two years in a roll, I'm celebrating with injuries of some sort which requires me to use crutches. Not the ideal way to celebrate but Ray never complains. Without fail, he took me out to dine. This year we headed to Quay to celebrate

Amuse

Sea Pearls

Sashimi tuna, sea scallop, crab, smoked eel, octopus

Raw Chinese artichokes, Hiramasa kingfish,

smoked eel, horseradish, nasturtiums, octopus, pickled kohlrabi, egg white & radish flower

Watching how Peter Gilmore cooks on master chef, with the use of baby vegetable and how he present his food on the plate is truly an art. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to be able to smell it and taste it for myself with the best companion- my darling hubby.

Butter poached coturnix quail breast,

chestnuts, truffle, bitter chocolate black pudding, milk skin, walnuts

Crisp confit of pig belly,

green lipped abalone and cuttlefish, handmade silken tofu, Japanese mushrooms, chive flowers

Milk fed Suffolk lamb leg poached in salted butter,

slow cooked crisp lamb belly, Pantelleria capers, nasturtiums, purslane, artichoke emulsion, bergamot jam

erkshire pig jowl,

maltose crackling, prunes, cauliflower cream, perfumed with prune kernel oil

I'm not a food expert and may not able to taste all the flavours as descried on the menu, though all dishes shows a great attention to details. I find the pig jowl a very interesting dish. With the first glance, it looks like a layer of smooth and soft camialised skin on top, instead it's a maltose cracking. While my most favorite would be the butter poached quail breast, with the breast meat so soft and elegant.

Fresh custard apple, vanilla,

warm caramelised brioche, palm blossom sugar, cream, wild thyme honey

Jackfruit snow egg

During our dinner, I witnessed for the first time ever that someone proposed in a restaurant. The traditional, a ring and one knee on the floor, shortly follow with a bunch of flowers. I felt so happy for the couple and linger my thoughts back to our wedding day.

I remember part of our wedding vow included this

"Successful marriages are not made easily. They need practice, patience and understanding, a lot of love, and above all, a sense of honour! You are promised no fairytale that is characterized by happy endings. You are promised the opportunity to work together in developing your own future, creating a story that is uniquely yours. Its unfolding lies in your hands."

During the years together, we hardly have an argument. With the accident last year, instead of being impatient and frustrated with me, Ray always shows his caring and patience. He never once complain, at least not to me. On the other hand, I question why the accident happened upon us. Someone told me that accident can happen to anyone even if it's not your fault, having a near death experience perhaps make you treasure family and friends around you more.

The logic of having a near death experience makes me treasure family and friends never justify for me to have such experience. Family and friends are always important to me. Only after more than a year, I think I come to a conclusion that the accident is an experience for me to learn to forgive, to grow stronger as a person, to look forward instead of dwelling on the past. Most important of all, embace life and celebrate all occations!

Quay

Upper level, Overseas Passenger Terminal

West Circular Quay NSW

(02)9251 5600

www.quay.com.au

Baffi & Mo

"I am so happy today, I finally opened my bowl after a whole week!"

Oh deary me, not the best start of the day for me to hear while I just woken up from hunger and waiting patiently for my breakfast. While in hospital, that is exactly my so call "room mate" told the nurse in great excitement in her husky and loud voice. A bit too much information for me to over heard such conversation. Somehow, I was able to finish off my selection of high calcium diet to boost the growth of my bones which includes raisin toast, yogurt and a small bottle of milk.

After almost a month resting at home, I finally feel well enough to dine out for brunch and the choice of cafe is Baffi & Mo which is recommended by my cousin during her visit over the weekend. I was so excited, not only am I finally able to dine out again but it's a cafe that I haven't been to.

Sydney is truly an amazing place with so many great dining places and more new restaurants coming along. Baffi & Mo is located at Redfern, the cafe was already filled with diners and customers whom waiting for their take away coffee when we arrived. Surely that must be a good sign for good cafe.

Funny enough, when we were seated the first thing I noticed is people around me, all seems to have branded handbags like LV , miu miu and Chloe. Probably Redfern is truly going to be the next Surry hills. Back to the food, Baffi & Mo provide a great range of brunch, lunch and sandwiches with reasonable pricing.

Ricotta hotcake / Potato hash stack

Having a sweet tooth like mines, I ordered their ricotta hotcake. The hotcake itself is salty but blend beautifully with lemon curd, passion fruit and strawberries. None the least, their coffee taste good as well. The serving is so big, I left totally full though am one very satisfy and happy customer.

P.S Can't believe I'll ask this, but have you open your bowl yet?

Buffi & Mo

(02) 8065 3294

94 Redfern Street

Redfern NSW 2016