San Churro Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate

You’ve probably noticed that my recent posts have got nothing to do with what I have been cooking. Please forgive me. Uninspired is probably not the right term but it is something akin to it. But very soon, I promise, I’ll be back in the kitchen to try out some new recipes to add to my repertoire.

In the meantime, this post is to thank good friends of mine from the west coast for gifting me with hot chocolate mix from San Churro. Thank you Doms & Dei! Love it!

A recipe on how to make a classic Spanish hot chocolate is printed on the very stylish looking can it came in. Follow it to the dot and you get a thick and rich chocolate drink. The only thing missing???? The churros!

San Churro has got a branch in the Sunshine Coast (which is a couple of hours drive from where we live). I have a better chance of visiting it in NSW or WA in the near future. No plans to head up the coast any time soon.

Just in case you can’t read the recipe in the photo I’ve re-printed it below:

How to Make Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk

2 heaped scoops (approximately 40 grams) of Classic Spanish Chocolate powder

1. Heat up the milk in a saucepan.

2. When milk is warm add the chocolate powder and stir continuously over low heat until mixture thickens. DO NOT BOIL.

Qantas – Next Generation Check-In

Just when most people are getting used to the idea of online check-in Qantas have now introduced what they call “Next Generation Check-in system.” Gone are the days of “human intervention” replaced with computers, scanners and conveyor belts. What this basically means is that the passenger is now responsible for selecting his/her seat, printing his/her boarding pass, and if he or she has got a bag to check-in he/she is responsible for printing the bag tags, attaching the tags to the bags in a prescribed manner and sending off his/her own bags to the correct aircraft.

This new system has been fully implemented by Qantas at one of Australia’s busiest domestic airport, Perth. Noticeably absent are check-in counters manned by humans. In place are touch screens and bag drop scanners that will direct your baggage to its rightful destination. WARNING: You must remove all old tags and stickers so as not to confuse the new technology and send your bag/s where you do not want it to go.

Sydney, arguably the busiest down under, is the next in-line to launch the system. Frequent SYD travellers be warned.

The system is almost hassle free if you have nothing to check-in. Printing your boarding pass at home still works a treat. But if you’re on the other extreme with oversized (like prams, surfboards, etc.) and/or overweight pieces the new system can be a nightmare. You can say, it indirectly discourages the practice. But if you have no choice grab the first human staff you see before your fingers start fiddling with the very inviting touch screens.

Streamlining is the whole idea with the promise “to leave you more time to spend as you choose before your flight” (from Qantas – The Australian Way Magazine). We’ll see…

Greenhouse, Perth WA

I'm not in the position to give Greenhouse a proper critique. I've only dined there once. And it was only for breakfast. The restaurant's lunch and dinner menus look a lot more exciting. Unfortunately for me I got to sample neither.





I intended to go a few more times after my first visit but the opportunity just did not come up. My dinner plans were already set even before I boarded the plane for Perth. Lunch at the restaurant was virtually impossible as my office in WA is a few suburbs away from its location (unlike Dave, of Don't Do What Dave Does, who works in the same building. I greatly appreciate the recommendation though...).

Furniture designed by Joost Bakker using recycled wooden palettes

Back to the breakfast. I ordered scrambled eggs on toast with a side of bacon and a latte. It's pretty pedestrian I know. I'm kicking myself now for not choosing something more exciting. A brekkie pizza perhaps...anyway, I'm sure there'll be a next time. The eggs were excellent though. The bacon was a bit burnt on the edges (look at the photo) but was still tasty. And the coffee...it's something to rave about. It's one of the best I've had.

Greenhouse was constructed from nothing but recycled and other earth-friendly materials. This fact sets it apart from the other structures in the CBD. The restaurant is difficult not to notice with its exterior covered in terracotta pots planted with wild strawberries. The interior is equally impressive continuing the green theme.

these look a bit parched

I should also mention that I really like the fact that they serve water without me asking. Nice touch!

My next trip to the west is still a while away but I know where I'll be dining! Pig head and trotter terrine here I come!

The University of Western Australia - Perth Visit Part 2

Please indulge me a little bit. This post has nothing to do with food at all but everything to do with my being "The Beancounter."

On every trip to the west coast I never fail to drop by my old college, The University of Western Australia. For the nostalgia, of course, and also because it is a fascinating place to visit. The campus is surrounded by majestic sandstone and terracotta buildings nestled among heritage listed gardens.

Below is a collection of photos I took on this recent trip of what is considered one of the most picturesque campuses in the country. I hope I did it justice.

Winthrop Hall - its stained glass windows were badly damaged by the recent storm

My old home

"VERILY BY BEAUTY IT IS THAT WE COME AT WISDOM" - Robert Bridges

The Library

Perth Visit - Part 1

I've got a busy week ahead of me. In the meantime, please enjoy a collection of photos on my recent trip to Australia's west coast (or visit my archive).

the bag

the destination

the ride


departure from my usual toast

proper hot breakfast on this 5+ hour flight

the evening's entertainment

one of Perth's newest and innovative restaurants (watch out for a future post)

King's Park at night

King's Park during the day

King's Park at Night 2

King's Park during the day 2

Cafe by the office

flight home