Sydney Holiday in Pictures

During Easter this year, we (Hubby, myself and the 2 munchkins) spent a few days in Sydney. Hubby and I have driven to Sydney many times before but this was the first time we took the 9hour drive with two small children.

We left home Thursday evening and arrived in Sydney on Good Friday. The kids were very good during the road trip and slept most of the way there.

The trip was mostly about eating and children-related activities.

As soon as we checked into our motel, we unpacked the car and headed out again. We had lunch at the famous Bourke street Bakery in Surrey Hills.
We had: chorizo pizza (top left), roast beef, chilli and coriander jam sandwich (top right), pork and leek sausage roll (middle left) and a honey roasted ham, cheddar, onion pickle, parsley mayo and rocket sandwich (bottom).
We also had the chocolate tart. Soooo good!
Next, it was onto to Gelato Messina for dessert. The highlight was the mini me ice cream dessert (bottom right)
As if that wasn’t enough, we headed off to Chinatown for the Friday night market. I couldn’t really eat much as we were so full already.

Next day (Saturday) we headed to Westfield Sydney as I have heard yummy things about the food court there. However, we were there too early for any of the cafes or stores to be opened so we wondered downstairs and I found this delicious grilled beef salad. It was a great find.

We then went to the aquarium where the children enjoyed and learnt about the different fish and sea creatures.
Before heading back to the motel for a much needed rest, we drove up to Manly for the essential visit to Zumbos. I bought his macarons. One of each, of course. In Zumbos these are called Zumbarons! Also got one of the infamous V8 cake and the citrus cake.
For dinner that night, we went to Chef’s Gallery. I found out about this place through instagram where I saw many wonderful photos of their food.
We had: Top: shredded peking duck roti.
Bottom left to right: wok fried rice and shredded pork and lettuce. Mini pork fillet burger. Boneless pork ribs topped with pork floss, corn cereal and roasted garlic. Handmade noodles with BBQ pork and soy sauce.

This was the reason why we went to Chef’s Gallery. This dessert is so popular that you have to pre-order when you make your booking. It is their signature “piggy face” sesame bun with marshmallow bunnies set in an edible garden served with berry and mango ice creams. Not only delcious but also very cute.

Every Saturday night, darling harbour holds spectacular fireworks. Darling harbour looks so pretty at night.

Sunday was another busy day for the family. We spent most of the day at Taronga zoo where we arrived by ferry.

My favourite animal at the zoo.

Lunch was Pad Thai at The Rocks.

Deanna and I shared a corn on the cob at The Rocks weekend market.

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Sydney even though it was a short stay. Thank you Sydney for your hospitality. Hope to see you again very soon.

Bon Appetite,

Cherrie

 

Review of MSG and artificial colour free Coles Products PLUS giveaways

Coles has just announced that 100% of Coles brand food and drink products are now free from MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and artificial colours. Products include confectionery, bakery, dairy, savoury snacks, marinades as well as many other food groups.

Having a young family, I am careful with what my children and husband eat. Like most Australian families, I try to give my family food that is not only free of additives and MSG but food that is cheap and most importantly tasty. Having young children, colour additives is one I really look out for. There has been studies that there are links between children and artifical colours in drinks and food. Colour additives can lead to hyperactivity. Having a 2 and a 5 year old, I don’t need help in that respect.

I was given the chance to taste test a few of their MSG and artificial colour free products. I was given to try out the Coles brand Mexican range.

Chicken burrito with corn. I used the Burrito kit with this meal. The seasoning I used on the chicken was full of flavour and the tortilla was flaky.

Pork, mushroom and spinach quesadilla. I used a packet of the tortillas. I found the size of the tortillas a perfect size to make these quesadillas. I served this with Mexican Grilled Corn inpsired by @IronChefShellie

Fish tacos with mango salsa. I used the taco kit which came with tacos, seasoning and salsa sauce. I don’t usually have fish tacos but I wanted to try it with the seasoning. I was expecting the seasoning to be too strong for the delicate fish but I found that it was a right balance.

Nachos. I used the corn chips and the Mild Mexican sauce. Hubby cooked his famous ChilliCon Carne with the can of tomatoes and Coles Mexican beans. The corn chips were full of flavour and crunch. The Mexican sauce was tangy and freshened up the chilli con carne.

All up, the family enjoyed our Mexican week of dinners. I would definitely use the Coles brand Mexican range again. I won’t be reaching out for that “yellow box” again.

For more information, you can go to the Coles website

As a reader of Sweet Cherrie Pie, you are able to win 1 of 3 packages of the MSG and artificial colour free Coles brand Mexican range.

The package is worth $25 and includes:

Coles Beans Mexican chilli
Coles Burrito Dinner Kit
Coles Burrito Tortilla 10 pack
Coles Mexican sauce
Coles Mexcian seasoning
Coles Taco Dinner Kit
Coles Corn chips
Coles Salsa

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below and answer this simple question. What is your ultimate Mexican meal?
2. Either “like” this page or tweet this post.
3. Competition ends AEDT midnight Saturday 31st March.
I will pick the 3 winners and will be notified by email and the package will be sent out by post.

Unfortunately, only Australian readers can enter.

Good luck!

Coles MSG and artificial colour free Mexcian range packages courtesy of Coles and Thrive PR.

Bon Appetite,
Cherrie