Kindly Yours

This scenery does remind me of Hoi An in central Vietnam, but it is on the NSW South Coast! A vista of the river mouth at sunset. Cruise boats, holiday makers, birds and the river. Looking back at the Mara Mia Walkway, today lined with several cafes and restaurants, but always good for cycling and jogging. The fish and shellfish, especially oysters, remain for harvest today. Strewn rocks and carefully anchored yachts. The light breaks through on an early morning before breakfast. The long and straight pier. A historical perspective at dusk. 2014 prices! A cloudy and leaden twilight sky is reflected in the waters below. The bridge that joins the northern and southern parts of Batemans Bay town is seen in the foreground.

Mee goreng - South Indian flavours with a twist of lime and crunchy garnishing. Cendol green bits in a cooling concoction. Milky lolly from Malacca beside the glass. Lamb skewered satay - tender, moist and spicy. Highly recommended. A Penang high tea to survive the humid afternoons outside - scones, pies and sandwiches. Choon pniah - Fujian snacks with thinly cut vegetables and bits of pork. Penang curry mee - unique to the island, different from curry laksa , with condiments such as well pound chili, coagulated pig's blood and tofu puffs. Cantonese steamed dumplings with salmon roe for toppings. Penang char koay teow - a dish to dream about, crave for and travel to. Served on banana leaf, it has bean sprouts, slices of Chinese sausage, prawns off the shell, garlic, pork fat and shallots. Musang King durian - love or hate it, drink water from the emptied shells after consuming the custard like fruit, which can smell like bad ...

The Ang Ku or red coloured tortoise mould snacks with mung bean paste inside. Making pre-wrapped Beijing duck servings. Troika of festivity - Indian inspired  turmeric flavoured steamed rice, southern Chinese red dyed hard boiled eggs and Straits Chinese chicken curry. Veg spring rolls being prepared fro deep frying. Roundness and promise in life - such hard boiled eggs are also a tradition in Eastern Europe and Russia.

The forte of the man is fish and his passion is for fish and various cooking styles, whether in South-east Asia, India, Spain or in his native England.  Rick Stein is a television, culinary and book personality and was appointed the official  food Ambassador for the federation of Malaysia. He can be chatty, offer embracing smiles, make interesting observations and does not mind getting into the elements to emphasise the uniqueness of a food ingredient or the beauty of a place.  I reckon I am fortunate that I live at the start of the New South Wales South Coast - and only two hours drive away from my home is where I can find one of Stein's culinary ventures in the South Seas, Bannisters Restaurant is located in Mollymook at the end of the aptly named Bannisters Hall Road, adjoining the Bannisters accommodation for guests who live a hideaway and over looking the rather captivating and sometimes calm Tasman Sea. Passing by the village of Milton, with fin...

Tranquility can be rediscovered at the Penang Botanical Gardens, which is nestled below Penang Hill and located almost some what in the centre of the island. Hit the pavement, open your eyes and listen to the sounds - strolling at your pace on the streets of the Old Quarter of Georgetown, bets done in early morning and late evening. Traditions are very significant to the locals of Penang. Above photo depicts home made sweet cake or the thih kueh , traditionally only steamed fort he Lunar New Year, made with tapioca flour and often eaten with fresh coconut shavings. A Dickension moment, reflecting the British heritage for Penang - apparently an abandoned mansion that was built in the early 20th century, echoing of richer times for a Straits Chinese family.  Architecture from the Victorian era and various periods commencing from 1786 can be delightfully discovered on the island. Street food in Penang is valued highly for its tastiness and bargain pricing - above...

Batemans Bay is a holiday and lifestyle place, attracting visitors and residents of all ages - and an easy going, popular joint is the Starfish, with its many tables, split level floors and its open glass views of the Clyde River and its iconic bridge that links both sides to north and south.  For the first time in as many years I found the Coke Spider (photo above), full with foamy ice cream kick and the essential combination with a soft drink that is still holding its spell after a long time. The place was chock a block during my visit to Starfish, but the staff were coping well despite this busy Sunday night.  The menu is family friendly.  I did find my serving of pork belly a tad rich in fat, but the good blend of gravy made up for this, reminding me of Thai and Vietnamese influences.  Many groups had converged at this deli cafe restaurant that evening - and it was also popular at lunch time.  Its casual and holiday feel have struck a chord wi...