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South Bank Christmas Markets

South Bank played host to the festive Christmas Markets presented by Eat South Bank. An event boasting all things Christmas from twinkling lights, festive decorations, traditional puddings to carols as well as Adriano Zumbo‘s famous Macarons.

We were lucky enough to immerse ourselves in some of the best the extravaganza had to offer. Local businesses collaborated on dishes to create dishes that were not just mind blowing in taste, but were a spectacle on their own. Embracing the Christmas spirit was Nitrogenie Ice-Cream who paired themselves with Donut Boyz to create a marvel. Their collaboration birthed the Gingerbread Nitrogen Donut; a buttery brioche bun donut covered in gingerbread crumble and custard with a condensed milk syringe to sweeten.

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Nitrogenie and Harajuku Gyoza also worked on an unexpected partnership creating the Crepe Cone Dessert. A crepe cone with nitro Nutella ice-cream sliced banana and a Harajuku dessert gyoza filled with chocolate and banana. So much goodness in one serving. The perfect way to indulge this Christmas whilst accommodating for the Queensland heat.

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If you were after something a little more traditional, My Sweetopia was serving up a Vanilla Cupcake with Strawberry Frosting and a little Strawberry Jam surprise at the bottom.

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Savoury options were also on the table at Pig & Kraut. The Brat and Iced Tea stall have combined forces to deliver options that are unmissable. We got to try the Cheese Brat with Sauerkraut and Onions served on a White Roll. Worked a treat with refreshing Ice Teas.

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For more events throughout the year, head to Visit Brisbane.

Photography: Emotive Light 

Written by: Aliyah Ravat

 

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Not your traditional Christmas pudding | Cold Rock

There’s less than 10 days until Christmas, and if you haven’t already planned out your festive culinary spread, let’s face it, the next few days are going to be an absolute rat race for you. Take the fuss out of your menu by ordering a not so traditional Christmas Pudding that your family and friends will love.

I will admit, I am not  huge fan of the traditional pudding. For me, it is far too sweet and decadent of our warm Queensland Summer. Never fear, Cold Rock has got our backs! A dessert that will help you cool down after a scorcher of a day. Ideal for Christmas next to the pool.

The best part is that you can choose your own flavours and add in delicious toppings to this marvel! Yes, you read that correctly. Your own custom ice-cream pudding. What more could one ask for? Wait for it….. These babies will only set you back between $25 (small) and $35 (regular). If you ask me, that is a small price to pay for a fuss free Christmas.

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Written By: Aliyah Ravat

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Christmas at Nest Brisbane

Location: 159 Roma Street

Meal: Dinner (from 2 pm)

Cost: 2 course – $45 per person

3 course – $55 per person

 

Nest Brisbane’s Michelin rated chef, Kenneth Burton has created a Christmas menu with a twist. Its a take on your classic Christmas dishes entwined with an influence of the East. A fuss free Christmas is the way to go, sparing up time for what’s really important, family and friends. I was lucky enough to sample the Christmas menu on offer before hand and I will give you my assurance that it was perfection!

ENTREE

Moreton Bay bug, mango, avocado and a coriander tian, fresh chilli, micro salad. This dish is my description of a Queensland Christmas. Fresh, light and delicious. Prawn and mango work an absolute treat together. A perfect sized entree that will be the talk of the table.

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MAIN

No Christmas dinner is complete without Ham or Turkey. A combination of the two, is what makes the main so exciting. Every bite left me wanting more. Turkey, pistachio, chestnut and rooftop honey glazed ham crusted roulade with five spiced pumpkin mash, wok fried tamarind greens and beetroot essence. Nothing short of perfection; all the flavours of a traditional Christmas dinner entwined together to create a marvellous feast.

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DESSERT 

If you have a sweet tooth then I know you will love dessert. For me personally, I found the dessert way to sweet, but that’s just me. I have never been a fan of Christmas puddings. I would prefer a simple fruit platter to finish my meal. But it is Christmas and tis the season to indulge. Warm plum pudding served with cinnamon ice cream, brandy anglaise plus a summer berry and Thai basil salsa.

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Make a reservation at nestrestaurant.com.au or call 3238 2269

Hope you all have a lovely Festive Season!

xx Aliyah Ravat

 

*photo credits: Emotive Light Photography 

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TOOWONG FRENCH PATISSERIE

Location: 9 Morley Street, Toowong

Overall Experience: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Food: 10/10

We were lucky enough to be hosted by the Toowong French Patisserie for an impressive Blogger Breakfast. Next year will mark their 31st year in operation and I can definitely see why they have been around for so long. Their passion and enthusiasm is evident in all their delectable treats.

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Each and every one of their creations is nothing short of perfect! With options that are designed for ‘on the run’ the patisserie is ideal for morning breakfast. I wish I lived closer to Toowong. Some of their popular options include: The Exclusive Ham and Cheese Croissant made with leg ham encasing a neufchâtel cheese,  folded and rolled into a buttery croissant pastry; The Croque Monsieur, baked ham sandwhich with cheese (yes it tastes as amazing as it looks); and the Almond Croissant. 

The perfect Christmas gift | Libertine Restaurant

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Location: Libertine Restaurant, The Barracks 

Cost: $99

Offer: Valued at $152, the offer includes

  • 2 x ‘I’m Hungry’ banquets, which are Libertine’s signature chef’s selection, 7-course banquet (always filled with lots of Libertine classics such as Crispy Parmesan Baby Squid and Crackling Roast Free Range Pork Belly)
  • 1 x 750mL bottle of either Lolarose Pinot Gris or Syrah

*Redeemable for use from January – March next year (2016)

Purchase the vouchers here