Monday, June 6, 2011

(definitely)Crispy (sorta)Mexican roast pork tortillas



My current food fad is a new found fascination for Mexican cuisine - no... not Tex Mex "Gag-a-mole" microwaved cheese-caked nachos... I'm talking about the zingy, spicy, fresh and complex flavours of Mexico.

I guess my feelings towards the things I used to hate about what I thought was a representation of Mexican food (think dodgy kebabs dressed as burritos, the aforementioned nacho disasters, etc) are exactly the same emotions towards the misrepresentations of Chinese food that make me cringe (I don't want to come across as a food snob but special fried rice and combination chow mein aren't exactly special or a sought after combo in China).

And so - in my journey towards discovering the flavours of ol' Mexicana, I whipped up my interpretation of that cuisine over the weekend in the form of a super crispy roast pork belly marinated in fire roasted green chilli, fresh coriander, lime juice/zest, garlic and olive oil.

In keeping with theme, I decided to serve this in a tortilla (store bought - I am only an el novice!) topped with home made guacamole (pimped up with fresh lime, coriander and chopped tomato) and a fire roasted red capsicum salsa. The flavours worked incredibly well together - the kick from the heat of the chillis and the tang of the limes balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the capsicums. And of course - the super crispy crackling on the pork belly added an addictive textural element to creaminess of the avocado in this comforting dish.

As far as food fads go - this one is definitely here to stay - just as I know that there is hope beyond the thick battered sweet and sour pork atrocities that are so prevalent in Chinese restaurants all over the world - my dream is that I will find myself in the streets of Mexico one day laughing with a few amigos at those nasty nachos. Viva la Mexico!

And they're back again (Free double passes giveaway!)



It seems like almost a year ago... ok - it has almost exactly been a year ago when I waxed lyrical about the exciting prospect of the Good Food & Wine Show arriving into the sleepy city of Perth. And with that news came the reminder of my love hate relationship with this city that has so much offer but is just so stuck in its old ways... and don't get me started on all things unrelated to the food scene because that could be the start of a whole new other blog.

Nevertheless, it's events like the GF&WS that remind the hopefuls in this city of ours that there is more to Perth than overpriced, lacklustre plates... that there are purveyors and restaurateurs out there that are proud to be West Australian but aren't ashamed to admit we need change. And I'm so excited to say that as quick as the past year seems to have flown by, Perth HAS experienced change. I only have to look to my neighbourhood to see the opening of two highly successful Melbournesque cafes,the pending arrival of a gourmet deli and very soon, two exciting new small bars.

And so, with the marking of the second post to encourage readers to attend this year's GF&WS from 15-17 July 2011 at the Perth Conventre and Exhibition Centre, I am proud as punch to offer one lucky reader two free tickets to this worthwhile event (reality TV celebrity chefs included). All you have to do is leave a commment against this entry on what is the one change (be it restaurant, cafe, new ingredient to the markets, etc) you have experienced in the Perth food scene over the past year that has given you the most joy and hope for our city. The winner will be announced on this blog on the 20th June (Monday) so check back in to claim your prize!

Good luck!

www.goodfoodshow.com.au

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