Mushroom-fest

I just had to have mushrooms - Woolworth's had Portobellos on special so BCF bought two punnets, then found locally grown at the wonderful farm shop where we buy most of our vegetables on the way to (and from) Camp Cockatoo.
So, armed with more mushrooms than any cook can handle, we arrived at CC last night to find we had had 30ml of rain and the road a bit the worse for wear. Luckily arborio in the store cupboard and the rest of last weekend's reggiano + a couple of brown shallots.
Mrs BCF planted some herbs a while back so raided some slender stems of sage (which I adore with mushrooms) to sizzle up with onion, shallot, mushrooms, a little salt and pepper and a sliced large red chilli. Arborio in next and then stock. Sprinkle of the parmesan added while cooking.
NB: Bit of a deadline as Mr BCF had a film to watch but risotto gives in when it wants to and I wait until the moment arrives.
Verdict: Divine.

Cuisine NOW

BCF was extremely lucky to experience the cooking of Philippe Mouchel (currently Brasserie at Crown, Melbourne) at CuisineNOW, the initiative of the one and only Tony Bilson. Philippe Mouchel's Master Class/lunch meant divine food and surroundings at Sydney's Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf. Personal favourite: Oyster jelly with pea puree & mushroom foam. Also thought that Doltone House makes a great venue. 

Solar panels & lime juice

Blue Cockatoo Flyer is celebrating Australia Day at Camp Cockatoo in the great Australian bush - 38.2˙. Sensational day with a breeze and plenty of king parrots and cockatoos to remind us of our location.

Frequent Flyer visitors will perhaps be a little sad to hear that the solar panels no long rest on those elegant garden chairs on the roof, but now have a superbly crafted stand, constructed by Mr Blue Cockatoo.

Thank goodness for Woolworth's Select lime cordial ( so limey!) with plenty of ice on a day like this.

Also celebrating a fabulous write-up by Not Quite Nigella about the Arun Thai Restaurant with mention of new book. Thank you NQN and love your lamingtons.
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2010/01/24/arun-thai-potts-point-

1000 Chilli Chicken

Just one of the delicious recipes featured in Kham's Sai Mae Nam cookery book  published by True Blue Cockatoo, RRP A$49.95 + $10.00 postage and packing from:
www.bluecockatoo.com.au

1000 Chilli Chicken is a chilli feast much loved by Southern Thais, this twice-marinated chicken is crispy and tasty on the outside and tender and moist inside.

Endorsed by Thai Select, Kham's Sai Mae Nam features recipes and inspirations from Thailand, following the great rivers such as the mighty Mekong and influences brought by ocean traders.

Featuring 248 pages of recipes by Kham Signavong of the Arun Thai Restaurants in Sydney and Hong Kong and stunning images by Ken Martin, this book is a working cook book as well as a beautiful collector's item for your cook book shelves.

For more information, current stockists and email order details, email us at info@bluecockatoo.com.au

Kham's Sai Mae Nam Cookbook

www.bluecockatoo.com.au

It's arrived! Our new cookbook is published and available. Check out the recipes, the section on wine and Thai food and the secrets of Thai cuisine which is actually a fusion of flavours from around the world, established as visitors brought precious gifts of spices and ingredients to Thailand. Chilli from South America, for example ....
Price: $49.95 + p&p

Available from:
Arun Thai Restaurant, Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney.

www.bluecockatoo.com.au - email:info@bluecockatoo.com.au
The Cookery Book, 44 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge, Sydney.

Swarovski, Vienna

At the opening of the new Swarovski store in Vienna - Arne Quinze & Barbara Becker, who were also staying at our hotel, The Ring.