Eat Like Ushi

I used to think designer chocolatiers were simply overpriced snooty versions of supermarket block chocolate. This opinion changed over the years after a few good experiences in Belgium and Spain. Now I can officially admit I can't resist walking into a chocolatier and smelling the goodness in the air and seeing the great creations.

Similarly in Leura I couldn't help but wander into Josophan's. I immediately looked around for dark chocolate (the only chocolate) and found some nice blocks with nuts, one with turkish delight, some finger squares (including an award winning lime and basil) and a revelation that attracted me the most.

Dark chocolate rocky road filled a few baskets. The winterfruit version interested me for the ingredients - date, apricot, coconut, marshmallow and mixed nuts. However after discussion with the host, I ended up with the orange version - with dark and orange chocolate, coconut, marshmallows, macadamia and hazelnuts from Orange. The host said the orange version was her favourite and the orange pieces and peel added an extra texture and moisture.

It's sitting on my bench at home. I look forward to it.

After checking out from Season of Mists in Blackheath, I was looking for a breakfast to energise for the horrendous rain, fog and truck weather conditions that would greet me on the drive back to Canberra. I actually wanted to try Anonymous cafe in Blackheath but it was unfortunately closed on Tuesdays for some reason. Hence the drive to Leura where I had noticed a couple of cafes the afternoon before.

They actually served a very good chai tea (which was served with milk) with strong hints of ginger and spices. I was surprised and how nice it was.

- Grilled Haloumi Salad (with green beans, avocado, braised chickpeas, rocket, fried egg) $18 - quite simply one of the best salads I've had. The grilled salty squeaky cheese, mild crunchy beans, more crunchy chickpeas, soft avocado, bitter rocket and cherry tomatoes and a paprika fried egg (which probably didn't add much but was good on it's own) on top;
- Salt Cod & Potato Fritters (with poached egg, hazelnuts, iceburg lettuce, aioili) $18 - mainly potato with occasional chunks of cod topped with a nice salad and texture of nuts.

Next time I'm at the Blue Mountains, The Red Door will certainly be on my list for breakfast. The house-cured ocean trout or duck maryland also sound like great options.