FCBA x Kelby's Cafe, Marrickville, NSW

It's funny to think about how long we've been doing this food blogging business as a hobby. Contrary to how I initially thought it would play out, it's actually gone rather smoothly. Maybe it's a combination of our frequency, tenacity and the fact that my writing got better and more personal but I feel as though it's going a whole lot better than my previous attempts at maintaining this hobby. How "well" something is going (especially something like a hobby) is hardly quantifiable...that said, I'd make the argument that we're doing pretty well! We've been invited to events and we've met so many like minded people so if you want to say that we're successful as food bloggers? Yea, I think we're doing alright.

So, last weekend, we were invited to attended a small gathering as a part of Food Critics and Bloggers Association (FCBA) where we went to Kelby's Cafe for a delightful food sampling. We've been members of the FCBA since we were recommended to join by Drool Worthy World but we've never really attended any events partly because we haven't been entirely available but also because we didn't really know how to RSVP whilst securing out spots. Fortunately, we got on it right away as soon as we got the invite and before we knew it, we were sitting down at Kelby's cafe with Sophia @ FCBA, Wonggreg and Aroundtheclockfoodie.

The general feel of the cafe reminded us of a friendly, neighbourhood eatery where everyone knows each other. Comfortable, cosy and homey...initial impressions wise, it's not a place you would expect to see inventive and inspired dishes but we were pleasantly surprised! Looking past the standard menu, you will notice many specials plastered onto the blackboard covered walls. As explained by our lovely host, the dishes are inspired by his Lebanese upbringing and he wanted to bring a bit of exoticism into his dishes which is what differentiates Kelby's from the rest.

The five of us decided to start with a few drinks. The Mrs was the standout by ordering the chai tea which quickly caught momentum with our other dining guests. I stuck quietly with my usual coffee but I did note that the cups and saucers were very, very attractive. Each had a different and very detailed African animal patterned onto it. When it came time to order food, we unanimously decided to order five items from the specials menu to share.

All five items came at the same time so we'll go through each dish one-by -one. The first special, the chilli eggs consisted of chilli scrambled eggs, grilled haloumi, avocado and pita bread. In my opinion, this would be the dish that most people would be used to. Imagine a mixed breakfast with toast replaced with soft, toasted pita bread served with buttery, flavoursome scrambled eggs, avocado and a really refreshing, spicy sauce. In summary, a much better version of what you would normally be able to eat for breakfast...most definitely a favourite of mine.

The Kelby's Hash had to be one of my other favourites of the day. I reckon this was the most luxurious and decadent dish as it contained wilted spinach, sujuk, crispy roast potatoes, haloumi, caramelised leek all topped off with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. If you're a hungry, hungry man (like me) this will definitely be the dish to order as you will be so satisfied after! Such a substantial and delicious meal!

The crowd favourite had to be the Autumn Delight which were poached eggs over toast with avocado, tahini yoghurt dressing, a grilled tomato and balsamic glaze. With this dish, you get to enjoy a nicely toasted piece of sourdough bread that's slathered with a mix of fresh, buttery smashed avocado and dressed with this creamy, tart yet savoury yoghurt dressing. The tartness is balanced by the sweetness of the balsamic glaze and then you get the runny poached egg on top and the sweet grilled tomato as well. Simply sensational!

If you're looking at a less substantial light lunch, the next dish is the one for you! The Not Too Naughty omelette was the lightest of the five dishes we ordered. A fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside omelette containing diced potatoes, sage and feta cheese...the dish is perfect for someone who wants a richly flavoured dish that won't sit heavy on their stomach.

Finally, the Green Eggs would be the perfect pick for pescatarian friends. Pesto infused scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, asparagus and fried capers. This would probably be (in my opinion) the most savoury dish of the bunch since the briny and salty fried capers works really well in accentuating the flavours of the whole dish. The buttery eggs and smoked salmon slices meld really well together and the toast helps carry all of that into your mouth.

Overall, the Mrs and I had an absolutely lovely time at Kelby's cafe. Not only is their hospitality absolutely amazing, their passion for fine food really comes through in all the dishes they produce. Thank you Kelby's for treating us to such a lovely brunch session and thank you to FCBA for providing us the opportunity to dine with you. We hope to have the opportunity to attend the next event and the next event after that.

Reflective Piece - Does anyone remember Dixon Restaurant in Hurstville?

I've been feeling rather nostalgic and sentimental lately...memories of simpler times floating in and out of my daily thoughts. Each glimpse bringing back a sensation, a feeling, a flavour that takes me back to my childhood. We all have a restaurant like that right? One which means the absolute world to us because of all the happy memories you've built up there. Restaurants that have stood the test of time and have become the fabric of what you consider to be your home and local community. A place where the moment you walk in, the staff greet you like an old friend returning for maybe the second or third time that week. Where they instinctively know what you're going to order because you've been ordering the same thing all your life without ever getting sick of it.

For me, that happy place unfortunately shut down some 6 years ago. See, there used to be this restaurant in the middle of Hurstville called Dixon. I hadn't started blogging or taking photos back then so I don't have any photos to show you other than what I can find online (I do not own any of the photos) but I can remember the place like I'd just been there yesterday. Not the most glamourous of fittings but the place certainly had a very welcoming character to it. Old, weathered black seats surround multiple burgundy coloured tables with a bright neon sign out front and shutters permanently half drawn as to not let the sun distract or blind the diners. One small window allowing a glimpse of the kitchen and your food being prepared.

*Sourced from Google Search*

Though it's been some time already, everytime I bring it up with my younger sister, our eyes light up again and as if transcending space and time, we're both instantly brought back to our childhood where we regularly enjoyed a plethora of culinary delights they had to offer. My sister will happily claim that they made the best Vietnamese spring rolls ever and that they had amazing fried chicken wings that usually came as as side to a steaming bowl of hot soup noodles. What amazes me even further is the fact that, my work colleague, who used to live in the same area as a child but had moved to New Zealand for most of her teenaged life still remembers Dixon as well. On her very first day on the job, whilst getting to know each other better, we learnt that we had shared the same experiences at Dixon and that she still fondly remembers the Laksa she used to have with her parents when dining there. It's absolutely amazing how many lives that restaurant had touched.

*Sourced from Google Images*

Dixon was in operation for exactly 18 years....how do I know that for a fact? My mum loves telling the story of how my sister was born the year they had opened. And from when she was a baby until she had matured and reached adulthood, we ate there weekly and almost religiously. For me, the place means so much because it's where I learnt to appreciate food and the joy it brings to people. I am the glutton that I am today partly because of that wonderful restaurant. It's where I had my first bowl of Pho...where little by little (and then exponentially from there on) I learnt to appreciate the intense pain of spicy chilli. Thinking back, I know for a fact that their Pho probably wasn't even that good...but it held a special place in my heart and still does. I'm still honestly trying to find a bowl of Pho that'll make me as happy as the very last one I had all those years ago. The owners I believe have since retired but if anyone knows if they've re-opened elsewhere or have passed their recipe on...please let me know.

*Sourced from Google Images*

For me, this post isn't simply about telling people about this place, it's my attempt find kindred spirits who have also had the same experiences. It's also my way of immortalising an amazing part of Hurstville history as the suburb continues to change into something I barely recognise anymore. I'm sure we all have that place, that dish, that flavour that brings us back to our roots. I'm interested to know: has anyone else had a similar experience with Dixon? Does anyone else remember the restaurant I'm talking about? What about another place? What's the place that means the world to you? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.