I was asked by @laissezfare to participate in a project called ‘My 7 Links’, organised by Tripbase.
I’ve loved seeing how this project has dredged up some diamonds from people’s archives.
So here’s a little trip down Eat-Tori memory lane as I try and find a suitable post to fit each category.
My most beautiful post
It’s a tie between a cake made at home and a pie that reminds me of being away.
The Hungry One’s birthday cake
Every year The Hungry One asks for the same thing for his birthday; a version of black forrest cake. I was pretty chuffed with how this one turned out. A chocolate brownie base, cherry mousse- with booze soaked dried cherries. Then chocolate sponge, marscapone mousse, hazelnut praline and chocolate shards and cherries. It was pretty to look at, but to me it’s beautiful, because nothing really says I love you like discovering somehow your cherry mousse has turned blue and having to create a new one with two hours until his party starts.
Pigeon pastillas
These pigeon filled pies were taught to me in Marrakech. We were there just four days before a bomb went off in the main square, killing 17 people- including a British travel writer. Every time I make these pies I think of how lucky we are to go off and see the world- and to come home safe again (they’re also very, very tasty).
My most popular post
Osteria Francescana, is currently ranked as the fourth best restaurant in the world. We went as part of our ‘quest for the best‘- a budget busting endeavour to eat at the top 10 restaurants in the world. I think the reason this post is so popular is that not that many people have yet made it over to Modena to taste Massimo Bottura’s cooking Take it from me; if you can, you should.
Most controversial post
Is this the best hotdog in the world?
It wasn’t that controversial when I published it here, but I can’t say the same happened on The Huffington Post (where it was also published). After I dared to suggest that the best hot dog in the world was actually to be found in Iceland out sprang more than 640 comments. And not all of them nice. After trying to engage with a few, I was quickly reminded of the West Wing episode where Josh starts interacting with the commentators on Lemonlyman.com. Sometimes it’s best to just let the internet lie.
My most helpful post
It’s not so much a post, as a page for all the people like The Hungry One who need a proper cup of coffee in their day. Which, when you’re off traveling, can be somewhat of a challenge. So now everywhere we go I make it a mission to stalk down the best espresso/latte/flat white. Here are our picks from Berlin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Brighton, Dublin, Iceland, and the best places we’ve found in central London.
A post whose success surprised me
Prince William Pork Wellingtons
This was part of a series I did to celebrate the Royal Wedding. The Queen Elizabeth Coronation Chicken Cucumber Crowns and Kate Middleton Hazelnut Hearts may have been more photogenic, but the one which got the most hits was the William Pork Wellington- on the Prince Harry Ginger Relish. The thing I love about this recipe is that it really works- not only does it taste good, but pork loins are a darn sight cheaper than beef fillet.
A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
Momofuku for you?
Anyone who is heading to New York is going to want to sample some of David Chang’s food. The only question, is where? There are five of his places in the Big Apple now- and The Hungry One and I took a bite out of all of them. From the high end Ko, to the casual bustle of the Milk Bar, these posts give a pretty good run down on which David Chang place is going to suit you best. For the first time visitor; I say a trip to Ssam Bar and the Milk Bar are best. Though there was an egg dish at Ko which made me say I’d tongue kiss the plate if I could….
The post that you are most proud of
Another tie between a success at home and away…
True Grit, pork and beans with coffee grit
Out of all of the recipes that I developed for this year’s Oscars Fest, I think this one was my favourite. The Black Swan blackberry panna cottas got the crowd vote, but I think this one captured the spirit of True Grit. The pork and beans are comforting and the coffee, garlic and lemon in the pangrattato style grit bring out the subtle flavours of the stew and bring some much needed texture and crunch. It’s a combination I find myself making more and more when the weather turns grim outside.
Nb, this was also the first year that we completely went to town with the food pairings for Oscars Festival. I think we’ve set a dangerous precedent.
I’m most proud of this post and this dish, not because of how good it tastes (which it does) but because of what it reminds me of. It’s going to take a lot more time before my Blue Crush dreams come to fruition, but that strange week learning to surf in Baja highlighted some leading principles in my life.
1) As long as you’re around someone you love, you’ll be fine.
2) It’s important to carry your own stuff.
3) Doing something scary once in a while is good for you.
4) Hearing the sound of the ocean at night makes everything better.
5) So does a margarita.
It’s now time for me to tag a few great women and their lovely blogs to see if they would like to play in this game of links.
1) 12000milesfrombondi
It’s the wry life musings of an arts journalist from Bondi who relocated to London. She’s also the critic who accompanied us to El Bulli.
2) La Domestique
One of my favourite and most recent food blog finds. Jess’s photography is beautiful, writing warm and her recipes are gorgeous.
3) Gourmet Forager
From sourcing the ultimate picnic across New York, to mushroom foraging in NSW, Trina has a knack of finding the most interesting stories and writing them beautifully.
4) Kitchen Island Dreams
Claire’s blog a great place to go for pithy writing about food finds on her travels and in London, plus great recipe ideas for home.
What a great view of your blog! I love it all- the Black Forrest Cake, best cup of coffee, and especially Momofuku for you? I have never eaten at one of David Chang's restaurants but I love his Momofuku cookbook. Thanks so much for your kind words about my blog, can't wait to dig up some gems for my 7 links!
That cake looks fantastic! and I wouldn't mind eating a few of those baja fish tacos right now. I'm actually hopping on a plane to NY tonight, so I'll have to see if I can try some of David Chang's food!
The thing I noticed is that I have been reading your blog for more time than I realized as I remember reading this pretty much all when originally posted. I love the idea of the coffee with the pangrattato, I had forgotten that one and must try it.
hahahhhahaha!!! so glad to see a reference to Josh Lyman holds true in real life. As it should.
Aw shucks! Thanks for nominating my blog 🙂 Love the round up – scary about the Marrakech incident. We were in London a day before the London bombings in 2004 – so much reflection on how close things could have been. And I was just about to get cranky that I hadn't read your coffee post before we went to NY, but noted you don't have a recommended coffee place there. Sorta makes me feel better. I didn't want to find out there was good coffee around the corner from where we stayed.
I just love how Australians use the word "chuffed". It is so cute and I would love to hear it spoken. That Black Forest Cake is incredible. No wonder your husband asks for that every year…smart man!!
Thanks for sharing these interesting potsts and a great insight to your blog. I love them all,
Great compilation post, and that black forrest cake just looks fab!
Love this overview about your past work, you have done some amazing stuff. I wish someone would make me a birthday cake like this by the way, looks better than anything you would get at a bakery really.