It Just Isn't Done That Way - Sydney and the Blue Mountains - TR Complete #284.

[zanzibar138]

I don't know how long the jaffle irons have been in use for. I do remember that we had some when I was a child in SE-Asia; so that puts it in the Old Fogie category. I do have fond memories of having jaffles on a Sunday night stuffed with corned beef that had been fried up with onion, egg and chilli beforehand when I was growing up in Asia.
I think the jaffle irons might have been used in the UK. Perhaps Corinna or Paula might provide additional anecdotal conversation on whether they remember it or not.


Jaffles have definitely gone through a revival in the last 4 years or so. There are a few more cafe's adding them on their menu these days.

Oh, I remember having them as a little kid. I used to love spaghetti ones! I just never knew them as jaffles until a couple of years ago. I was devastated when cafes started using sandwich presses for their toasted sandwiches instead of the jaffle irons

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oh, I remember having them as a little kid. I used to love spaghetti ones! I just never knew them as jaffles until a couple of years ago. I was devastated when cafes started using sandwich presses for their toasted sandwiches instead of the jaffle irons

I was too....until I found this place.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1768...Caulfield/Tuck-Shop-Take-Away-Caulfield-North


The burgers are what they are known for....but their jaffles are fantastic as well. They use the electric press to make them. But you have to try them. To. Die. For.

 

[zanzibar138]

I was too....until I found this place.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1768...Caulfield/Tuck-Shop-Take-Away-Caulfield-North


The burgers are what they are known for....but their jaffles are fantastic as well. They use the electric press to make them. But you have to try them. To. Die. For.

Oooh I will definitely keep that in mind. TBH I don't even know where Caulfield is

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oooh I will definitely keep that in mind. TBH I don't even know where Caulfield is

I think you might be in the majority.

They were written up for the jaffles in The Age recently. I was in the area and thought it was good timing to go seek.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Oh yes we love our toasties here in the UK. No English kitchen is complete without one of those babies! We don't call them jaffles though we call them very creatively.. Drum roll please... Sandwich toasters.. Lol.. We also do handy toastie bags which you make a sandwich plus fillings and then you put that in a normal toaster. I use these a lot :- ) I love my toasties peanut butter and jelly is my goto toastie. Jo likes ham and cheese. A popular one is cheese and worchester sauce.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Welsh rarebit is a popular form of toastie here. Strange name I know but it's cheese on toast with worcester sauce. Very nice.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I had never heard the term Jaffle before, but we most certainly have a sandwich toaster. I think my favourite is tinned peach slices and white chocolate. I am quite keen on cheese and salami, too. I think I have to try the spaghetti one.

Corinna

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oh yes we love our toasties here in the UK. No English kitchen is complete without one of those babies! We don't call them jaffles though we call them very creatively.. Drum roll please... Sandwich toasters.. Lol.. We also do handy toastie bags which you make a sandwich plus fillings and then you put that in a normal toaster. I use these a lot :- ) I love my toasties peanut butter and jelly is my goto toastie. Jo likes ham and cheese. A popular one is cheese and worchester sauce.

Toastie bags?? Wow! I'll have to check these out.

Welsh rarebit is a popular form of toastie here. Strange name I know but it's cheese on toast with worcester sauce. Very nice.

I'm going to have to try the cheese with worcester sauce next time I make one.

I had never heard the term Jaffle before, but we most certainly have a sandwich toaster. I think my favourite is tinned peach slices and white chocolate. I am quite keen on cheese and salami, too. I think I have to try the spaghetti one.

Corinna

The local Italian place near me has a dessert pizza on the specials board. It's made with tinned peaches and white chocolate. Unbelievably good! I didn't think about trying it as a toastie. Thanks!

If you have any pasta sauce leftover, it also makes a great toastie! Add some cheese....and toast. Yum!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The Rocks Tourist Precinct




The Rocks is one of the tourist precincts in Sydney that comes with as much European settler history as Australia can boast. It was originally establish in 1788 and is considered to be the birthplace of modern Sydney.


I took some of these pictures whilst we were walking to the pylon and the others on the way back. I figured they were better in the one post rather than split in chronological order.


Built in 1816, Cadmans Cottage is one of only a handful of Sydney buildings that remain from the first 30 years of the colony. It's the 3rd oldest building remaining from the original colonial settlement at Sydney Cove.






Cadmans Cottage was built as part of the Government Dockyard, and was designed to accommodate the Government Coxswain - the officer responsible for government boats, their operations and crew. I guess you could say that this area has always been a transport hub in Sydney.

It wasn't opened when we walked past but I believe it's been restored to a historic museum these days.



Just imagine. 200 years ago, this place was filled with cutthroats, soldiers, sailors and street gangs. Hmm......has anything changed? LOL.







There are a number of laneways and alleys to the Rocks. I'd recommend that you get out and explore this area rather than spending your time in the plethora of restaurants and bars here.







We went up the stairs and hit the northern end of George Street. We had started out further down the CBD on George Street earlier in the day.







Another set of local heritage buildings, Sergeant Majors Row, can be found here.






Terraced housing was introduced to Australia from the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century. Large numbers of terraced houses were built in the inner suburbs of large Australian cities, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, mainly between the 1850s and the 1890s. The beginning of this period coincided with a population boom caused by the Victorian and New South Wales Gold Rushes of the 1850s and finished with an economic depression in the early 1890s. There are a number of suburbs in Melbourne that are filled with terraced houses like this - single level and double story.



We took a different alleyway (Gloucester Walk) back from the pylon bridge. The views from the Bunker Hill area were stunning. Bunker Hill was named after Eber Bunker, who was a whaler that resided near here. Interestingly, Eber Bunker was a Puritan from Massachusetts who made his fortune in Australia. I gather there used to be 'rocks' strewn all over Bunker Hill. It's all long since gone into building the houses around here.







We loved the narrow walkways and even stumbled across a walking tour. Neither my cousin nor I had done enough research to know that this tour exists!







We figured it would have been cool to go on this tour to find out more about the area. We did have a brief discussion with the tour leader. The tour sets out from the Clocktower Square in the Rocks twice daily and takes 90 minutes to complete. Next time.
This area of the Rocks where we are would have housed some of the original families that resided here. A lot of this area was pulled down after the Plague in the 1900's.






We headed to Dawes Point Tarra Park during the day as well. Its the park that is right at the end of the Rocks area. You're right on the water's edge here.






Dawes Point was the site of Australia's first fortified position, constructed in 1788 to protect the cove from foreign invaders. Five cannons are all that remain from the former Dawes Point Battery which was manned until 1916. The fort was removed during construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge which now passes above the park. I'm not sure if the cannons were ever fired.






The teens had a great time running around here. The adults admired the views instead.







Aside from the smattering of history, there is no denying that the Rocks area is filled with pubs and restaurants. That waterfront area around Campbell's Cove is just packed with it. I did check out the menu prices. Not too bad for Australian standards. But as we didn't eat here, I have no idea about the standard of food.








We did stop off in here to refuel ourselves before the evening activities. We stuck with coffees and hot chocolates and muffins. The teens dived into the muffins as soon as they arrived; so I missed out on both counts (picture and tasting).









(Continued in Next Post) 

 

[PrincessInOz]

All I Ask is a Tall Ship and a Star to Steer Her By





We were joined for this evening's activities by one of DS' school mates. He and his family were also holidaying in Sydney and when we realised the overlap, it seemed like a great opportunity to catch up with them.


One of the things that I wanted to experience on this holiday was a cruise on the Harbour. But I wanted a different sort of experience to the standard cruise ships on Sydney Harbour. All I Asked was a Tall Ship and a Star to Steer Her By.






My cousin also had the same must-do on her list. She was delighted to find out about the Tall Ship experience and it ended up being something that we locked at the same time we booked air fares. When we mentioned it to the school family, it turned out that they were keen on the experience as well.






Even better was the fact that if we booked on a weekday, we got 20% discount for the time of day we were after. So, we booked in for the Twilight Dinner cruise. Normally $99 per adult, we ended up being charged $79 per adult. In case anyone is interested and for completeness sake. The discount was structured in a way that if you bought a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 kids and compared it against buying individual tickets with the discount rate, there was about $2 in it.






Tonight was the night. They joined up with us at this pub and we spent a bit of time catching up on each other's news. At the appropriate time, we made our way down to Campbell’s Cove to wait.

Sunset looked magnificent.







I ended up with a few pictures of this iconic building at this time.











The Tall Ship operator asks that you show up 15 minutes before so that they can hand out boarding passes.







They will also provide you with a safety instructional talk. Sadly, I didn't hear a single word! It wasn't from lack of trying. I was one of the last ones to board the ship and as there wasn't a PA system in operation, I just didn't hear anything at all from where I was standing.






It had nothing to do with the view behind me....






.....or to the right of me.






It didn't take long for us to depart.







We had been lucky tonight. There were only about 30 of us on board and there was lots of room to spread out. And in case anyone is wondering. I did pop a Dramamine tablet so that I could be Drama-free on this trip.

In hindsight, I probably didn't need it. We were blessed with calm seas for this night.






We headed under the bridge first.







The views of Sydney CBD cruising from the Harbour were fantastic from here!






That's the North Sydney side. The overexposed brightly lit section on that side is Luna Park. We have a Luna Park in Melbourne so it wasn't on our list to go visit. Luna Park is the old-fashioned amusement parks with the wooden rollercoasters, rides akin to Goofy’s Sky School or Primeval Whirl and of the dodgem car, ferris wheel variety. It really can be a trip down memory lane if you remember those kind of fairground attractions.







After the ship turned around, we headed into the Harbour proper.
























By this stage, we were travelling under wind power albeit with only one top sail unfurled.....







....and the jib.






Still, it was an exhilarating feeling to be on a Tall Ship with the stars above us.






There was one other experience to be bought on this cruise. DH and my cousin's 11 yo daughter indulged in it.






If you are interested to do the Mast Climb, I recommend you book beforehand. It is $25 per person if you prepay. You could choose to pay on-board for the experience. It will set you back $50 if you do it at the last minute.







As only 2 other people had decided to spend the money, they were allowed to spend as much time as they wanted up in the Crow's Nest.









(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Dinner on the Soren Larsen




Dinner came out about 45 minutes into the cruise.

There is a kitchen down in the hull and the chef had been busy cooking the meat skewers.






We also got a choice of two salads.











Bread rolls.






I missed taking a picture of the vegetable skewers. But you can see it on my plate.






There is a bar on-board and you can either choose to pay as you drink or pay for the open bar for the night. None of us are big drinkers so the pay as you drink option was the way to go for us.






My vote would be to not imbibe on board and grab a drink after.







Be aware that there is no cancellation policy because of bad weather. The cruise runs in all-weather and I guess the guests would be spending their time in here. There was enough seats down here for about 15 people and there were basic cabins for anyone who was interested in an overnight or longer experience on the Tall Ship.







We knew we were heading back to shore when the engines started up. Wind power on the way out, motorised power for the way back.






I hold the opinion that Sydney is best viewed from the Harbour. Tonight's experience and pictures only supported that view.







And this Melbournian is happy to admit that Sydney is stunning from this vista.







I did manage to get a better shot of Luna Park on the way back in.








And the Opera House was resplendent in the night light.







We berthed back where we started out.







Our Sydney friends didn't join us on the cruise but volunteered to pick us up afterwards. It meant that we had some time to walk the Rocks at night.













Remember how I said my vote was to imbibe after the cruise? There are lots of bars and pubs in the Rocks.














And no end of encouragement!







The historic sandstone buildings were definitely prettier at night.














It had been a great cruise. And we spent the rest of the night back at our Sydney friend's place just enjoying each other’s company.
They dropped us back to our respective hotels close on 11 pm and I know my family pretty much crashed into bed.
It had been a great day!

 

[franandaj]

I believe in some places they are called 'jaffles'. Not sure if that's in the US or not, but if you do a google image search for jaffles or jaffle iron, you'll see what we mean by toasties

OK, I did google it and it seems that what you call a jaffle maker is pretty much what we call a sandwich press.

I know she didn't know what a jaffle was either. When I was young, we had jaffles for dinner at least once a month. They were made with a round press like this.

Now this one looks more primitive, ours are the electric variety.

My jaffle machine or sandwich toaster looks like this.

That's more like it. Can you guess what mine prints on the sandwich. I think we have Mickey, Pooh and Tiggr. I know we have at least two of these and three waffle makers.

You'll end up with jaffles that look like this.

{/QUOTE]

Yes, that's what they make.

We also have sandwich presses that look like this.

The difference is that a sandwich toaster gives you sandwiches where the ends are all crimped together.....jaffles.

The sandwich press will give you a toasted sandwich.


Hope this clears it up.

We generally call these Panini Presses. From my mind, a toasted sandwich is still made with a skillet or a griddle.

See the thing is that this "Toastie" looks nothing like the stuff we have been talking about, it's open on the top. It looks lovely and I'm not sure we have anything similar, except we would call it a flatbread.

DS had a toastie with cheese, tomato, feta and basil.

OK enough laboring of the whole sandwich point. I really like the look of the cruise. I'm going to add that to our list. I think you're right about the best views of the Sydney skyline. Fran loves Tall Ships and would love to ride on one of these.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends. that sounds like a very nice night.

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a lovely way to tour the harbor!

 

[zanzibar138]

Does anyone else find it amusing that the two most discussed topics on PIO's TR have been toasted sandwiches and crossing state borders with fruit?

The tall ship cruise looks great, but I'll admit I'd probably save that one for summer time!

 

[PrincessInOz]

OK, I did google it and it seems that what you call a jaffle maker is pretty much what we call a sandwich press.

That's more like it. Can you guess what mine prints on the sandwich. I think we have Mickey, Pooh and Tiggr. I know we have at least two of these and three waffle makers.

I want to see them when I visit! In fact, let's plan a lunch around them.

OK enough laboring of the whole sandwich point. I really like the look of the cruise. I'm going to add that to our list. I think you're right about the best views of the Sydney skyline. Fran loves Tall Ships and would love to ride on one of these.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends. that sounds like a very nice night.

Good. They do cruises during the day so if the dinner time doesn't suit, there is lunch as well.

What a lovely way to tour the harbor!

It was. Sydney really does look pretty from the harbour.

Does anyone else find it amusing that the two most discussed topics on PIO's TR have been toasted sandwiches and crossing state borders with fruit?

I wonder if its because the sights of Sydney are not talk-worthy or my TR isn't that interesting. Personally, I'm going with the former...... ......as there is no way my TR is the latter.

The tall ship cruise looks great, but I'll admit I'd probably save that one for summer time!

Just remember that Sydney is a couple of degrees warmer than Melbourne. It was a lovely day in Sydney (even if the Sydneysiders all complained about how cold it was! )

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

The toastie bag! Very easy to use, doesn't seal your toasie but quick and easy and bag can be put in dishwasher

 

[PrincessInOz]

The toastie bag! Very easy to use, doesn't seal your toasie but quick and easy and bag can be put in dishwasher

Oooh! Paula! That's genius!

If there is a Earl of Sandwich, then there must be a Lord of Toastie Bag.

 

[franandaj]

Does anyone else find it amusing that the two most discussed topics on PIO's TR have been toasted sandwiches and crossing state borders with fruit?

And we can't forget Maxine!

I want to see them when I visit! In fact, let's plan a lunch around them.

Good. They do cruises during the day so if the dinner time doesn't suit, there is lunch as well.

OK! The reason we have several is so that when we are serving guests, folks don't have to wait as long. That will be fun to get them out and use them!

I think a daytime cruise might work better for us, but who knows. I'm just going to put it on the list and go from there.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

And we can't forget Maxine! OK! The reason we have several is so that when we are serving guests, folks don't have to wait as long. That will be fun to get them out and use them! I think a daytime cruise might work better for us, but who knows. I'm just going to put it on the list and go from there.

In the UK they have one's that make more than one for exactly that reason! Otherwise like Alison says one person is sat there with theirs and the next person waits!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I was fascinated by the history. The tall ship cruise sounded like a lot of fun and the views are stunning.

Corinna