KevFabFood is excited to announce that I have been given an opportunity to review a product that has recently been launched into the South African market by a fab entrepreneurial couple...product has been received today and so over the next few days there will be a lot of tasting and testing in KevfabFood's kitchen- after which there will be a full review on the product...watch this space
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Growing up, #KevFabFood remembers watching my gran in the kitchen cooking and baking - I believe that this very special lady taught me the love of food and the love of eating with family and loved ones - Doreen Levy is the lady that introduced me to the top secret ingredient to good food...L.O.V.E!On this cold, Friday night - I made my love a special Winter Dinner of Baby Gem Squash, Lamb Chops and an ingredient that I have grown my skill in...passed down from my gran and years of experience - the perfect crispy, yet fluffy roast potato - I thought it was time for me to share my secret and method for you to try and master...Good food is not always fast food - time and patience is the key here...but the end result will be worth the wait - that is a #KevFabFood guarantee! |
** Ingredients ** | ** Method ** |
As always - Bon Appetite...Hope you try this and let me know how+ yours come out and how your loved ones fall in love with the humble potato all over again.
Happy Easter to all my KevFabFood fans - I hope you had a blessed and eggcellent and hoppy day!
Tonight, I was in my home kitchen and decided to experiment for a home-cooked meal...the end result was so delicious and yummy, that I thought it was worth a share and time for another KevFabFood recipe-share-blog...enjoy and happy cooking with L.O.V.E!
**INGREDIENTS **
1) Woolworths Beef Strips (stir fry cut)
2) Soya Sauce
3) Worcestershire Sauce
4) Woolworths Meat Spice
5) All Gold Tomato Sauce
6) Dried Mixed Herbs
7) Olive Oil
8) Packet of Baby Corn
9) Packet of Baby Asparagus
10) Basmati Rice
11) Celery Salt
** METHOD **
a) In a mixing bowl add your meat and add in about 2-3 teaspoons of Red Meat seasoning, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of soya sauce, 4-5 tablespoons of tomato sauce and 3-4 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce - mix the marinade into the meat well (there should be enough liquid so that all the meat is within the sauce) - cover the bowl with cling-film and rest in the fridge for at least an hour to marinade.
b) Once ready to cook - cut up your veg (baby corn and asparagus is what I used - but as always...make the dish your own and experiment with any fresh veg of your liking) - cut the veg into about 1cm pieces and keep to one side.
c) Start to cook your Basmati Rice...into the boiling water add 2-3 teaspoons of celery salt and cook as per the usual rice cooking method.
d) In a medium frying pan add some extra olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and add your meat and all the marinade - cook on medium-high heat, mixing occasionally to avoid any sticking and burning.
e) Whilst the meat is cooking add a generous (about 1 tablespoon) of mixed dry herbs into the meat and stir.
f) After about 10-15min of cooking, add your cut-up veg and let it steam and simmer on top of the meat and marinade...cook for a further 10-15 minutes.
g) Dish up and enjoy hot, healthy and satisfying dinner
Bon Appetite - Have Fun Cooking & Let Me Know How Your Dish Came Out
KevFabFood turned 37 yesterday, 4 March...my partner organised a surprise birthday lunch - never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be taken to one of the restaurants that was on my bucket list, and never thought I would have the opportunity and privilege to go to - but after the 45min drive from Johannesburg we arrived at my surprise location...
From the minute you arrive at the gates of the Orient Hotel you know you have arrived somewhere truly magical and special - the Mosaic Restaurant is one of those incredible places that no words can truly capture the beauty, magic and soulfulness of the destination!
We arrived a little early and enjoyed walking around the Orient / Mosaic gardens and truly took in the splendor and beauty of the destination - we then went into the most amazing room that transports you back to an era of luxury, style and magic...we enjoyed pre-drinks and canapes before heading into the restaurant - this was the start of the amazing experience...
Chef Chantel Dartnall, who is the owner and foodie magician, is the most special and down-to-earth woman you will ever have the privilege to meet! Her food is creative, visually a work of art and to the taste-buds...explosion of incredible flavours! She takes the time with each table to explain the various options (from a 5 to a 9 course meal) and also takes your main course option - she is never too busy for a smile and always willing to chat and have a photo or two with you - her calm, friendly nature makes it hard to believe that she trained in "Hells Kitchen" - no other than Gordon Ramsey!
We had the 9 course feast and each course was just incredible - the set menus are changed by the change of season and we had the Summer-themed menu which was beyond incredible...pictures paint a thousand words - so instead of explaining each course - below are pictures of the menu and the dishes...
This is by far the most special, unique and incredible restaurant KevFabFood has been to - Chef truly embodies the ultimate foodie dream of creative, delicious food for all the senses...best of all she knows the best ingredient - L.O.V.E! This restaurant lived up to my extreme expectations - in fact it went over and beyond my wildest dreams...this is truly a "try before you die" experience - Mosaic celebrate their 11th year in 2017 and may they only go from Strength to Strength!
For bookings or for more information about this magical, foodie heaven - please have a look at their web-site https://www.restaurantmosaic.com
I am sure that most of you know, or at least have heard of Jamie Oliver - the inspirational and funky "naked chef" from the UK...I am also sure that being a foodie lover, you have heard the rumours that he is opening a restaurant in sunny South Africa - well the rumours are in fact true and the wait is finally over - Jamie Oliver's Italian is now open in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg!
KevFabFood was fortunate and blessed enough to have received an invite to go to their soft launch of the restaurant this week and I went on Monday evening, 12 December 2016 - formal bookings are open online, with the first day of trade being Monday, 19 December 2016 and I am sure after reading my blog and seeing all the amazing photos you will want to book today - this is one exciting foodie event that both amazed, delighted and lived up to all expectations...I hope my blog does this amazing new restaurant justice!
Located in the heart of Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, South Africa - Jamie's Italian is a family orientated restaurant that has the food and amazement of top fine dining restaurants...but with a relaxed, pretentious-free environment. The restaurant is very stylish with masses of space that avoids any issues of feeling too close to other patrons - the kitchen, at the back, which overlooks the restaurant and makes for exciting added entertainment as you watch the talented chefs hard at work - the restaurant is both modern, stylish and the minute you walk in, you are transported and could be anywhere in the world!
The menu is funky and creative - the food...sublime, fresh and delicious! Passion runs throughout this restaurant - from the chefs, management, waiters and runners!
Each dish is plated to perfection and each dish is a mouth-watering delight...Jamie's passion for fresh, sustainable products can be both tasted and seen - as a customer you are told stories about where your food comes from.
A highlight for KevFabFood was hearing that my prawns in my uber-delicious Prawn Linguini pasta was flown in from Australia...Jamie, in all his restaurants worldwide will only use prawns from this one supplier as he knows for sure that the product is sustainable and ethically caught...the meal spoke for itself - incredible!
The name "Jamie Oliver" as a brand is associated with words such as premium, luxury and world-class...although this is all very true - the Jamie Oliver Italian restaurants are wanting to be known as family, easy dining destination - as such the restaurant is only taking bookings for a certain percentage of the restaurant, allowing for casual patrons to come in from shopping and having a bite to eat - please note that KevFabFood would highly recommend booking a table to avoid any dissapointments - especially for larger tables and during the first few months of the restaurant opening.
So, in short - for the most phenomenal food, fantastic customer service and a truly fab experience try this Italian gem today!
https://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/south-africa/restaurants/melrose-arch/
My dad told me and the family growing up that "it is never too cold for ice-cream, nor too hot for soup" - so, this blog is looking at fun and unique ways to bring traditional Winter food into our new season...KevFabFood introduces - Spring Food!
My first Spring inspired foodie must try for 2016 is the much anticipated Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte - this is usually a hot, sweet, creamy cup of yummy happiness...the coffee company have been clever and realised that for those in the Southern Hemisphere, it is Spring and Summer and not Autumn/Fall and Winter as in the North...so they have brought out the same taste, but in an iced style to give you the same taste sensation in an icy, cool and fresh option for those long Summer days! |
So...now you have your drink - its time to start with the main course - pasta is always an easy, quick and versatile dish to make and although it is associated as comfort food with my top favorites being a warm, bubbling and toasty Lasagna straight from the pizza oven, this Italian staple is perfect to make delicious, fresh and cool salads - perfect for a hot Spring evening and a must on any picnic...my favourite is cooked pasta, left to cool with a tangy mayonnaise filled with fresh dill and mixed together with finely diced red & green peppers, Rosa tomatoes, cucumber and some celery - mixed with shredded cold chicken breast - delicious and so fresh and yummy...best of all you can add whatever you want and change the dressing - have fun and always add that top secret KevFabFood ingredient- L.O.V.E!
Time for the last course - dessert...Spring & Summer is the perfect seasons for fresh, juicy and vibrant fruits...and so there can be but only one that I can recommend...egg whites are such a versatile ingredient - they can be used in Winter desserts, such as hot, steamy and heavenly souffles - however they can also be used simply to make one big meringue - filled with decedent whipped sweetened cream and a touch of vanilla, topped with your favourite, yummy fresh fruit - you have a simple and delicious old, but goodie classic...the pavlova
Happy Belated Spring / Early Summer to all you foodie fans - may you be inspired to bring your Winter favourites into the new season - Bon Appetite!
There is exciting news in the "fast food" realm coming to sunny South Africa - for the lovers of convenience, but for those also looking for a healthier and more special option - there is a new foodie app for you to try and enjoy.
The people that brought us a new and convenient way to travel within our country - UBER, have now brought out their stand-alone app that offers 30minute delivery from time of ordering to time of delivery (as claimed by the company) KevFabFood is excited to introduce to you...
UBER EATS - this was launched in South Africa today and the stand-alone app is available for download onto your mobile device today...although, not all areas are covered yet - I am sad to say that KevFabFood's area is not yet covered so no L.O.V.E! test quite yet for me...however they are due to roll out areas soon and the app has a feature to notify you when your area becomes available!
So - watch this space...KevFabFood will be testing the service in the near future and a follow up review will be sure to be blogged about as soon as possible!
If your area is already live and ready for action - use the following code* for R100 off your first order...courtesy of UBER EATS and KevFabFood
(code : eats-xpi68)
KevFabFood believes in food filled with L.O.V.E! and no matter what the season, a long cooked meal gives you lots of time to add plenty of this secret yet highly addictive ingredient - tonight I share with you a new KevFabFood dish for you to try in your own kitchen and for your loved ones...
This Spring-Time dish is perfect for the whole family and for any time of the year - best of all, it will fit into any one's busy schedule - with a delicious meal made in 40min - the below will feed a family of 4 easily...or as in my case dinner and left overs for work lunch!
INGREDIENTS : | KevFabFood's METHOD : |
Please note that L.O.V.E! comes from every stir and with every ingredient you add - cook with passion and joy and the most important ingredient will magically be added to every dish you make!
** Key for abbreviations used **
tsp : Teaspoon tbsp : Tablespoon
I am sure, as a KevFabFood fan you have been wondering where I have been for the last year since my last blog post in April 2015...Well - I am sure (and hope) you have seen me busy on social media with all my reviews and foodie opinions on Zomato & Facebook & Instagram.
I am excited to announce that after my absence from the foodie blogging scene - I am soon to be back and more Fab than ever with a soon to launch website - make sure to watch www.kevfabfood.co.za for further developments!
In the meantime enjoy and look around my new look and feel Weebly blog and look back at some of my old, but goodie foodie blog posts...see you soon with more foodie adventures - filled with L.O.V.E!
There comes a special moment when you walk into a cafe / bistro and get transported to the high streets of Europe...lots of cook's delights and inspiration galore! Melissa's is just that place...it is an awesome little gem in Parkhurst, Johannesburg! (there are also outlets in the Western Cape)
We went for afternoon tea and had the most delicious cakes. The unusual, but very tasty praline baked cheesecake was amazing and so was the carrot cake, with its cream-cheese frosting...
The Cafe also has a selection of ready made rusks, biscuits, dried fruit and nuts - they also have loads of inspiration for cooks - I was blown away by their poultry, meat and fish spice rubs, variety of jams, sauces, oils and cured meats - made KevFabFood daydream of various dishes to make at home and ended up buying some yummy and unique treats to cook with...with no doubt the recipes and inspiration will be on its way once KevFabFood has tried and tested the goodies!
So next time you want to be transported to your memories of that European foodie holiday, look no further than one very special place...Melissa's - their contact and details are as follows :
Web Address : www.melissas.co.za
Head Office : +27 21 888 2999
Email : [email protected]
Good News - they also deliver gift hampers to your door...so make sure you stay tuned for some Melissa's inspiration coming your way soon on KevFabFood!
Author
Kevin is a married man, living in sunny South Africa who loves to cook and eat with loved ones - here he shares his inspirations and cooking adventures with you.
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