The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Why you must try this shimmering passionfruit dessert

Sofia Levin
Sofia Levin

'Passionfruit picked from the vine' dessert at Lotus, Sydney, is a must-have.
'Passionfruit picked from the vine' dessert at Lotus, Sydney, is a must-have.Alana Dimou

We're eating … DESSERT AT LOTUS

There's something awfully satisfying about the "passionfruit picked from the vine" dessert at Lotus on Wulugul Walk, Sydney's happening Barangaroo food precinct. Maybe it's because it cleanses the palate after digging into dumplings and Asian dishes with a native Australian touch. Perhaps it's the aesthetically pleasing, shimmering sphere that arrives at the table, or the joy that comes from smashing it open to reveal smooth passionfruit ice-cream and a slightly salted vanilla marshmallow. Whatever it is, we're sold.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.AP

We can't believe that … YOU CAN GET TRUMP COFFEE PODS

Advertisement

Just in case you'd run out of excuses to roast Donald Trump, you can now buy disposable Select by Trump coffee pods. They're available in five varieties on Amazon, each named after one of his real estate holdings (for example the Resort french vanilla, or perhaps the Skyscraper dark roast). The Amazon reviews alone are worth a read. selectbytrump.com

VDKA 6100 New Zealand whey vodka.
VDKA 6100 New Zealand whey vodka. Supplied

We're drinking … VDKA 6100

After spending the last couple of years on cocktail menus in New York (think Batard, Lafayette and even The Metropolitan Museum of Art), VDKA 6100 has landed in Oz. Vodka is usually made from fermented grains or grapes, but this triple-distilled newcomer is fermented in Reporoa, New Zealand, with fresh whey and hand-cultivated yeast. It's incredibly smooth – no trace of that mentholated burn – and lusciously coats the mouth in a similar way to milk. vdka6100.com

Evergreen with sorrel, lemon basil, mint, shiso and parsley served at LuMi Dining in Pyrmont, Sydney.
Evergreen with sorrel, lemon basil, mint, shiso and parsley served at LuMi Dining in Pyrmont, Sydney.Christopher Pearce
Advertisement

We're buying … SHISO LEAVES

Also known as perilla, these pretty leaves found in Asian cooking can pimp just about any plate. The flavour is more pungent than bitter; some say it tastes a little like mint, basil and anise combined. Either way, it's unique. Shred it on salads, serve it with sashimi or tartare, fold it into rice paper rolls and serve it to cut through fatty meats, like pork. Available in fresh bunches from Asian grocers and markets.

Sin-Ko-Nah tonic syrup.
Sin-Ko-Nah tonic syrup.Supplied

We're obsessed with … sin-ko-nah tonic syrup

Gin and tonic enthusiast? Stop buying sugary supermarket tonic and give sin-ko-nah tonic syrup in soda water a whirl. The recipe dates back to the 1820s and is infused with cinchona bark, a natural source of quinine (the stuff that gives tonic its particular, bitter flavour). Sin-ko-nah is also mixed with local citrus and juniper berries for extra zing. See sinkonah.com for Victorian stockists or buy online from tonicsyrup.com.

Fat Brad The Cookbook.
Fat Brad The Cookbook.Supplied

The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.

Sign up
Sofia LevinSofia Levin is a food writer and presenter.

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement