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    Olive Oil helps your brain grow

    Harry Andrews - Sunday, November 29, 2009
    Listening to Sydney's ABC 702 radio today a commentator was talking about recent research that demonstrated that certain parts of the human brain can grow - the olfactory and memory parts of the brain.

    From research carried out on mice, researchers have been able to further conclude that there are certain foods or diets that we can follow that will enhance "brain growth"!!! Amongst others, it was said that foods rich in polyphenols, like olive oil of course, are ideal!! They also mentioned wine. 

    Once again there seems to be research in support of the often reported line that Mediterranean cuisine is really good for your health.

    A quick search on Google will find many references to this sort of research if you're interested to learn more…
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    Glass, Sydney Hilton

    Harry Andrews - Saturday, November 07, 2009
    You may think that I spend my whole life in and out of restaurants! Well, my excuse this weekend is that it's been my wife's birthday and, between dinner with our immediate family, lunch together while shopping for her present, then lunch with friends and extended family… well I have spent most of this weekend in restaurants!

    Last night we were at Glass, Sydney Hilton (www.glassbrasserie.com.au). I hadn't been there for a year or so, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. A fantastic interior style and atmosphere coupled with a massive menu for choice. Everything that comes out is of exceptional quality. And chef Luke Mangan and his team are highly professional.

    Now what caught my eye moreso, however, was that olive oil features quite prominently in Glass. A bottle of Luke Mangan's self branded olive oil at or near each table; a plate with olive oil for dipping and a (constantly filled) basket of great bread.

    My wife will say, however, that the "glass desert plate to share" was more eye catching! It truly was. A massive plate with around ten or so individual deserts to share, each one a spectacular treat.
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    Pendolino Ristorante Sydney

    Harry Andrews - Wednesday, November 04, 2009
    I had an amazing lunch as Pendolino's restaurant in Sydney today and remembered again why I love this place so much. It was packed with business people; service was fast; waiters were professional, menu choice was great and the quality of my meal was exceptional.

    But what I find most intriguing about Pendolino's is that it has its own Olive Oil "library", called L'Olioteca (see www.pendolino.com.au/lolioteca.htm). In addition to the wonderful display of olive oils (that doubles as a private dining room, the theme and interest in olive oil extends into the dining area.

    At your table you're welcomed by a dish presenting three different olive oils for dipping - infused with orange, lemon and a nature olive fruity flavour. Throughout the menu there are annotations of the olive oil varieties and brands used in the various dishes. Have a look at the menu; www.pendolino.com.au/sampleTheMenu.htm

    I had the pleasure of meeting the proprietor of Pendolino and the L'Olioteca, Nino Zoccali, several months ago and it seems that what he doesn't know about olive oil isn't worth knowing. I've never met anybody as passionate as he is about olive oil, and in particular Australian olive oil. Nor someone as passionate as he is to learn, teach and promote olive oil. 

    Nino was very generous with me, sharing his time and knowledge of olive oil while sampling our Woodlands. 
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    Great salad dressing recipe

    Harry Andrews - Tuesday, November 03, 2009
    I recently asked my sister for a salad dressing recipe that is quick, simple and, most importantly, uses olive oil !! Here it is;

    150ml Olive Oil

    150ml Lemon Juice

    2 crushed garlic

    2 desert spoon sugar

    2 desert spoon whole grain mustard

    Salt, pepper

     

    Mix ingredients together in a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to pour over a lettuce and vegetable salad


    I've tried the recipe, (because I still harbour the notion from childhood that my sister would not know how to cook let alone devise a recipe!), and I can vouch for it. You can tweak the seasonings to taste.

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    Hunter Valley Uncorked

    Harry Andrews - Monday, November 02, 2009
    I guess the choice of Balmoral Beach (Mosman, NSW) by Hunter Valley Wines to hold Hunter Valley Uncorked is no surprise. There would be countless Mosman and Lower North Shore residents of Sydney that travel at weekends to the Hunter Valley to sample or buy the region's wines and produce. So I guess this might even be heartland for fans of the Hunter Valley.

    It's also probable that many residents of the Lower North Shore may have holiday homes or working properties in the Hunter Valley, given the number of dusty cars and four-wheel-drives you see on the streets after most weekends.

    Long weekends or even day trips in the Hunter Valley are rewarded with fine restaurants, open Cellar Doors, and farms presenting their produce. Although I live in Sydney and drive regularly to Woodlands in Broke, at around half way up the freeway I start unwinding as the buildings become fewer and the greenery broadens to the horizon.

    Yesterday, Sunday 1st November, saw thousands of people visit Balmoral Beach and the countless food and wine stands, and to soak up the view, ambience and beautiful spring weather. Have a look at http://uncorked.hvva.com.au/ for details, and maybe mark the same day in 2010 in your diary. 

    We'll be at Balmoral Beach in 2010 showing off our latest harvest and olive oil products!
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