We would like to invite you to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms and try our menu selection and service - and provide us with a more positive review.This is good. I like a pro-active hospitality owner/manager, so we will venture there again. Event will be up on FB by the end of today.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
FEEDback
I got an email from the new owners of the Hopetoun Tea Rooms ages ago, but forgot to tell anyone about it. The gist of it follows:
Monday, February 22, 2010
Best Risotto Base I've come across... it's original use is with Crispy Skin Barramundi, but it can be put with whatever really... The Lemon and Tarragon could be substituted with different flavours, but they would be great with say some Roasted Vegies, Lamb, Chicken or whatever you wanna put with it really...
LEMON RISOTTO
from Donna Hay magazine
Issue 40 Aug/Sept 2008
1 litre stock - can be vegetable, fish or chicken
20g butter
1 brown onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup (150g) arborio rice
1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon leaves
20g butter (extra)
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
Bring stock to a simmer over medium heat. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the rice and wine and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until the wine is absorbed. Gradually add the hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously for 20-25 minutes or until the stock is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Stir through the lemon rind, tarragon, extra butter and parmesan.
LEMON RISOTTO
from Donna Hay magazine
Issue 40 Aug/Sept 2008
1 litre stock - can be vegetable, fish or chicken
20g butter
1 brown onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup (150g) arborio rice
1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon leaves
20g butter (extra)
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
Bring stock to a simmer over medium heat. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the rice and wine and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until the wine is absorbed. Gradually add the hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously for 20-25 minutes or until the stock is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Stir through the lemon rind, tarragon, extra butter and parmesan.
I wrote this review about a year ago...
First impressions created an excited and interested twitter amongst the FBA members on arrival at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms at 10am Saturday morning. I'm saddened by the fact that the fantastic décor was not met with a fantastic experience. As far as I'm aware, all 10 of us were first time visitors and intrigued by the hype that surrounds the place. My anticipations of a traditional 19th century English tea ceremony teamed up with delicate sandwiches were disappointed by overpriced drab food and a standard tea list served the same way as any cafe today.
The Welsh Rarebit was almost enough to fill me. At $13.50, I at least expected a little more than one square slice of bread. The topping was quite tasty and true to tradition though. Looking around the table, I witnessed apathetic responses to filled croissants (around $12), rolled sandwiches, baked potatoes (19th century? Go figure) & cinnamon toast ($4.50). The scones got a good wrap, and when it came to sweet things the lemon tart was described as a scrumptious experience. Unfortunately the boasts of "the best vanilla slice in Melbourne" did not ring true to me with grainy custard and way too sweet icing.
I am trying to include some positive response to our morning, but sadly even the service was poor. Staff were friendly enough, but not present often, and when they were it was clear that there was a lack of training and confidence. I doubt any of the FBA members will return to Hopetoun Tea Rooms, it just wasn't the drawcard it's been made out to be. If anything, the whole experience has inspired some members to host a more true to form High Tea event of our own…
Kristen Retallick
The Welsh Rarebit was almost enough to fill me. At $13.50, I at least expected a little more than one square slice of bread. The topping was quite tasty and true to tradition though. Looking around the table, I witnessed apathetic responses to filled croissants (around $12), rolled sandwiches, baked potatoes (19th century? Go figure) & cinnamon toast ($4.50). The scones got a good wrap, and when it came to sweet things the lemon tart was described as a scrumptious experience. Unfortunately the boasts of "the best vanilla slice in Melbourne" did not ring true to me with grainy custard and way too sweet icing.
I am trying to include some positive response to our morning, but sadly even the service was poor. Staff were friendly enough, but not present often, and when they were it was clear that there was a lack of training and confidence. I doubt any of the FBA members will return to Hopetoun Tea Rooms, it just wasn't the drawcard it's been made out to be. If anything, the whole experience has inspired some members to host a more true to form High Tea event of our own…
Kristen Retallick
The history so far...
Below is the news feed from the Fat Bastards Association's Facebook page. I have decided to post it here if anyone happens to come across this blog and start following it. Join our group by searching for Fat Bastards Association if you want in on the events!
23/08/2009
Originally when I started this group, the plan was that everyone comes up with ideas and hosts their own events. It has become evident that I am the only one with enough enthusiasm to follow through on it (challenge me if you will). SO, instead I am going to plan events well in advance in hope that you guys might pick one to take over and mould into your own creation. Oh by the way, less than a week until "To Market", still no ideas for what we could make on the wall. I will post some more ideas today, feel free to add to them. See you there!
09/08/2009
Not long now till the next FBA event! Just thought I'd let y'all know that I have put two recipes up on the Recipe Swap - haven't had any other input yet… BORING. You can find it on the discussion board of the FBA page. Also, we need some ideas on what to cook for ‘To Market’. I have put one up, thoughts or other ideas are most welcome. I have another event idea in the making - it’s super nerdy (the best way). So keep an eye out, and all will soon be revealed. Hehehe… snort.. BYE!
16/07/2009
This association needs an excitement injection…
In light of seeing the new Harry Potter movie last night, I remembered that we need another FBA event since having to cancel the Food of Harry Potter. I have realised that not everyone is as passionate about the wizarding world as I am, so this one's a little more broad in taste targets. Keep an eye on your event invites - should have it there by the end of today.
In other news, I have started a discussion on the page called Recipe Swap. Pretty self explanatory really. Hope you're all well and keeping warm and free of flu. See y'all at the next event!
02/05/2009
Time for a new FBA event! Once again it's been WAY too long. I promised a Harry Potter influenced event, and finally I am delivering. You should receive an invite shortly after reading this news update. Not much else to report, since last news update was after the last event. I hope everyone has been holding up the FBA flag, I have. Went last night to a reasonably new restaurant, and was not disappointed. See review below in the discussion area. Keep on eatin' and see y'all at the Harry Potter night!
03/03/2009
Wow... it's been five months since I last updated this! Too many FBA style activities over summer I think. I'm surprised I can even peel my cheeks off the barstool to get to my computer. Food Art was awesome, quite a while ago now, but the photos posted below have jogged my memory. There was some great use of lateral thinking and creativity on the night, as well as in the preparation. Saturday brought us to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms for High Tea, about which I have posted a review. It was great to see ten members committed to the early start. Even a brand new member Nikki – welcome aboard! Take note of Sarah’s post on the FBA Book Club Wing. Members of the literary mind might like to get in on this. I have, and I must say, am very excited. As mentioned in the Hopetoun Tea Rooms review, Clara and Julian have been inspired to create our own version of High Tea, so keep an eye out for that upcoming event. Also, along the same lines of geekdom as the Book Club Wing, I will be creating a Harry Potter influenced event in the next month or so. Happy eating, drinking and appreciating everyone, see ya soon.
01/10/2008
I did promise three exciting events and a review in the last news update, but did not deliver. Unfortunately my crazy lifestyle hasn't allowed for enough food festivities lately. We did, however manage to get one out, which came in the form of Avocado and Advocaat. The yellow stuff is still in our fridge, and we've moved house since, so that's been interesting. Not as interesting though, as my whole baked avocado on the night. Experimental it was, and all guests did a good job of allowing their taste buds to experiment. Other dishes were a little more conventional, but delicious. Problem was - Avocado in everything was just a bit much. I think if we do this style of event again, the ingredient choice will have to be a little more generic and much less creamy.
Food Art invitations are out - so get crackin on your creations, and see ya there!
02/07/2008
Well, the last FBA hosted event "Return of the Irish" went off without a jig.. It did however, involve a couple of unnamed officers dancing on bench-tops to the great pleasure of the other guests. Africa-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca was also another great success. Everyone loved it, and we had a pretty good turn out too. I've written a review and it will be posted on the blog if you didn't make it and wanna know more.
Other than these couple of events, FBA has been a little quiet lately, but it's time to change that! We have THREE exciting events coming up soon. Keep your eye to the page, and I hope to see you all there!
08/05/2008
OK.. updated news. There has been a severe breach of the unwritten FBA contract by all members who did not show up to Dumps. I do understand it was a bad day to have the event, given most of us were partying hard the night before, so I'll let this one slip. To those who did make it, you're all troopers.
On a more interesting note, the name now has a double meaning, Food-Beer-Art, so if anyone wants to create events on any one of those themes, I'm up for it. They are after all, three of my favourite things in the world. I hope everyone who has committed to the Twin Peaks night is watching up and excited. I know I will be as soon as I have the time. I am creating a couple of new events, so check your calendars. I am also planning on posting some reviews, once I work out the best way to go about it. So if you've missed out so far on visiting any of the fine eating establishments I've had the pleasure of skipping into and rolling out of, you can get a bit of an idea if it will be worth you taking part as well. That's all for now - if anyone has anything to add, please feel free!
14/04/2008
After a common theme of discussion at the Evening of Feeding (Saturday 12/04/2008) involving getting together and eating ourselves stupid - and loving it - I have decided to form a group of people who are not afraid of the Fat Bastard title, at least every fortnight anyway. We will organise a Fat Bastard-like activity round about every two weeks ranging from Dinner Parties, to meals in restaurants new and old and maybe even a good old fashioned Pie Eating Contest! Anyone can organise things, and use this to invite people along. I do believe, that every single person I have invited to join would enjoy these activities to a certain degree. Agreed? I thought so.
Originally when I started this group, the plan was that everyone comes up with ideas and hosts their own events. It has become evident that I am the only one with enough enthusiasm to follow through on it (challenge me if you will). SO, instead I am going to plan events well in advance in hope that you guys might pick one to take over and mould into your own creation. Oh by the way, less than a week until "To Market", still no ideas for what we could make on the wall. I will post some more ideas today, feel free to add to them. See you there!
09/08/2009
Not long now till the next FBA event! Just thought I'd let y'all know that I have put two recipes up on the Recipe Swap - haven't had any other input yet… BORING. You can find it on the discussion board of the FBA page. Also, we need some ideas on what to cook for ‘To Market’. I have put one up, thoughts or other ideas are most welcome. I have another event idea in the making - it’s super nerdy (the best way). So keep an eye out, and all will soon be revealed. Hehehe… snort.. BYE!
16/07/2009
This association needs an excitement injection…
In light of seeing the new Harry Potter movie last night, I remembered that we need another FBA event since having to cancel the Food of Harry Potter. I have realised that not everyone is as passionate about the wizarding world as I am, so this one's a little more broad in taste targets. Keep an eye on your event invites - should have it there by the end of today.
In other news, I have started a discussion on the page called Recipe Swap. Pretty self explanatory really. Hope you're all well and keeping warm and free of flu. See y'all at the next event!
02/05/2009
Time for a new FBA event! Once again it's been WAY too long. I promised a Harry Potter influenced event, and finally I am delivering. You should receive an invite shortly after reading this news update. Not much else to report, since last news update was after the last event. I hope everyone has been holding up the FBA flag, I have. Went last night to a reasonably new restaurant, and was not disappointed. See review below in the discussion area. Keep on eatin' and see y'all at the Harry Potter night!
03/03/2009
Wow... it's been five months since I last updated this! Too many FBA style activities over summer I think. I'm surprised I can even peel my cheeks off the barstool to get to my computer. Food Art was awesome, quite a while ago now, but the photos posted below have jogged my memory. There was some great use of lateral thinking and creativity on the night, as well as in the preparation. Saturday brought us to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms for High Tea, about which I have posted a review. It was great to see ten members committed to the early start. Even a brand new member Nikki – welcome aboard! Take note of Sarah’s post on the FBA Book Club Wing. Members of the literary mind might like to get in on this. I have, and I must say, am very excited. As mentioned in the Hopetoun Tea Rooms review, Clara and Julian have been inspired to create our own version of High Tea, so keep an eye out for that upcoming event. Also, along the same lines of geekdom as the Book Club Wing, I will be creating a Harry Potter influenced event in the next month or so. Happy eating, drinking and appreciating everyone, see ya soon.
01/10/2008
I did promise three exciting events and a review in the last news update, but did not deliver. Unfortunately my crazy lifestyle hasn't allowed for enough food festivities lately. We did, however manage to get one out, which came in the form of Avocado and Advocaat. The yellow stuff is still in our fridge, and we've moved house since, so that's been interesting. Not as interesting though, as my whole baked avocado on the night. Experimental it was, and all guests did a good job of allowing their taste buds to experiment. Other dishes were a little more conventional, but delicious. Problem was - Avocado in everything was just a bit much. I think if we do this style of event again, the ingredient choice will have to be a little more generic and much less creamy.
Food Art invitations are out - so get crackin on your creations, and see ya there!
02/07/2008
Well, the last FBA hosted event "Return of the Irish" went off without a jig.. It did however, involve a couple of unnamed officers dancing on bench-tops to the great pleasure of the other guests. Africa-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca was also another great success. Everyone loved it, and we had a pretty good turn out too. I've written a review and it will be posted on the blog if you didn't make it and wanna know more.
Other than these couple of events, FBA has been a little quiet lately, but it's time to change that! We have THREE exciting events coming up soon. Keep your eye to the page, and I hope to see you all there!
08/05/2008
OK.. updated news. There has been a severe breach of the unwritten FBA contract by all members who did not show up to Dumps. I do understand it was a bad day to have the event, given most of us were partying hard the night before, so I'll let this one slip. To those who did make it, you're all troopers.
On a more interesting note, the name now has a double meaning, Food-Beer-Art, so if anyone wants to create events on any one of those themes, I'm up for it. They are after all, three of my favourite things in the world. I hope everyone who has committed to the Twin Peaks night is watching up and excited. I know I will be as soon as I have the time. I am creating a couple of new events, so check your calendars. I am also planning on posting some reviews, once I work out the best way to go about it. So if you've missed out so far on visiting any of the fine eating establishments I've had the pleasure of skipping into and rolling out of, you can get a bit of an idea if it will be worth you taking part as well. That's all for now - if anyone has anything to add, please feel free!
14/04/2008
After a common theme of discussion at the Evening of Feeding (Saturday 12/04/2008) involving getting together and eating ourselves stupid - and loving it - I have decided to form a group of people who are not afraid of the Fat Bastard title, at least every fortnight anyway. We will organise a Fat Bastard-like activity round about every two weeks ranging from Dinner Parties, to meals in restaurants new and old and maybe even a good old fashioned Pie Eating Contest! Anyone can organise things, and use this to invite people along. I do believe, that every single person I have invited to join would enjoy these activities to a certain degree. Agreed? I thought so.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Best Things About Being A Fat Bastard
The Decemberists sing "Where to begin - I tasted summer on your peppery skin." Lyrical, metaphorical but also startling appropriate when taken literally, as I'm hoping this group shall.
Having not been an official "Fat Bastard" for long I can only pontificate about my somewhat limited experiences thus far. Is it the comradary, the facebook group, the kinship? I don't know. But all I can say is that life prior to being a fat bastard, weepingly referred to as the 'Before I'd Ever Been to Me EraTM' , was empty and incomplete. Before you start crying "Cult" and labelling the originater of the group a "crazy over-zealous booze-hag bent on world domination" take a moment to ponder some of the benefits that this group is bringing to our lives (which I shall bring to you in list form) -
Having not been an official "Fat Bastard" for long I can only pontificate about my somewhat limited experiences thus far. Is it the comradary, the facebook group, the kinship? I don't know. But all I can say is that life prior to being a fat bastard, weepingly referred to as the 'Before I'd Ever Been to Me EraTM' , was empty and incomplete. Before you start crying "Cult" and labelling the originater of the group a "crazy over-zealous booze-hag bent on world domination" take a moment to ponder some of the benefits that this group is bringing to our lives (which I shall bring to you in list form) -
- We are now able to be collectively fat and will no longer be singled out in society.
- Won't have to worry about feeling rude for taking the last bit of cake, as there will never be a last bit of cake.
- No longer will we be judged by the size of our plates, but on the context of our character.
So let us stand in solidarity! I believe I may have run out of quotes and cliches, but yes, this should be fun.
Review Number 1
SHANGHAI DUMPLING HOUSE
Tattersals Lane, Melbourne (Chinatown)
What was meant to be the first meeting for FBA and voting on officer positions, spread liberally all over the table becoming a feasting session to be reckoned with - and reckon we will!!
If you wish to reckon, come to this:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15978111495&ref=mf
The dumpling house is what it is. A chaotic affair during every opening hour, pushing and weaving together to become a gastronomic amalgamation of great vegetarian and meat dumplings, as well as green veg (chinese broccoli or bock choy) with oyster sauce (you can ask for no sauce if you are vegetarian). This is what we always seem to order on visiting the dumpling house, but there are a number of other great things on the menu. The spring rolls are vegetarian and flavourful, the chive pancake is also great, if not a little greasy. Stay the hell away from the vegetarian duck, unless you like your bean curd bland and cold. The buns are good, but I believe in the theory that: you go, you eat dumps, then you leave.. I don't think we need to complicate things here, as the place can be a little stressful if you're not embracing the authentic methodical madness.
OH!! almost forgot, it's BYO (corkage applies), but there are beers and non-alcoholic drinks available also.
Tattersals Lane, Melbourne (Chinatown)
What was meant to be the first meeting for FBA and voting on officer positions, spread liberally all over the table becoming a feasting session to be reckoned with - and reckon we will!!
If you wish to reckon, come to this:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15978111495&ref=mf
The dumpling house is what it is. A chaotic affair during every opening hour, pushing and weaving together to become a gastronomic amalgamation of great vegetarian and meat dumplings, as well as green veg (chinese broccoli or bock choy) with oyster sauce (you can ask for no sauce if you are vegetarian). This is what we always seem to order on visiting the dumpling house, but there are a number of other great things on the menu. The spring rolls are vegetarian and flavourful, the chive pancake is also great, if not a little greasy. Stay the hell away from the vegetarian duck, unless you like your bean curd bland and cold. The buns are good, but I believe in the theory that: you go, you eat dumps, then you leave.. I don't think we need to complicate things here, as the place can be a little stressful if you're not embracing the authentic methodical madness.
OH!! almost forgot, it's BYO (corkage applies), but there are beers and non-alcoholic drinks available also.
The First Post
Welcome to the first Fat Bastards Association blog entry. These are your hosts, Ange and Kristen who will no doubt kill me for using my somewhat rudimentary photoshop skills on their normally svelte and gorgeous bodies. They will also be upset for me misrepresenting their thoughts in the form of speech bubbles.
We will hopefully be updating this blog with things like recipes, event details, restaurant reviews and all things interesting to those of us who like to indulge in all things slippery, wet and warm (ie, lard, butter, oil).
So - that's it for me now as not only am I fat but I'm committing the social suicide of being at Uni past 8pm at night and using the time to update my blog. Go me. Wonder why I don't have a boyfriend.
Anyway, feel free to leave your comments below and we'll speak to you all soon!
Sarah
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