#navbar-iframe { display: none; }

« Home | Tetsuya's, Sydney » | Pyrmont Growers Market » | Comment corner » | Zest tell me the truth! » | EoMEoTE #5: Eggymite--Scrambled eggs with Vegemite » | Una's on Broadway, Ultimo (CLOSED) » | La Peniche, Stanmore » | Out of Africa, Manly » | Bairro Portugues - Petersham Food and Wine Fair » | Berry bombs »

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Seaside snacks, Terrigal

There must be some kind of psychosomatic link between feeling the refreshing tingle of salt spray on the skin, and an irrepressible urge to get salt under the skin. Fish and chips aside (and yes, even those artery-clogging deep-fried Mars bars), nothing screams Aussie seaside satiation like the beloved potato scallop and the pineapple fritter.


The potato scallop is but the transportable clutchable heartwarming carbohydrate. Take a 5mm disc of potato, dust gracefully with flour, coat with a light batter and deep fry until golden. Sprinkle generously with salt and then crunch your way through its crisp overcoat to reveal its soft but firm starchy interior.

You'd be needing something sweet after that mate, to give your stomach a bit of closure, you know. How's about a pineapple fritter. Tinned pineapple ring deep-fried in breadcrumbs, icing sugar optional. Sweet.



I couldn't resist either of these sudden cravings on a recent weekender to Terrigal, a popular beachside town about 90km north of Sydney. From a city increasingly plagued by bland and predictable franchises, it felt horrifically refreshing to see traditional fish-and-chip shops and local takeaways in Terrigal. Even here though, a number of franchises are already rearing their ugly heads.

The scallop and fritter both brought back reminiscent flashbacks of childhood; when scallops only cost 15 cents, and you'd wolf them down in-between frenetic bouts of Double Dragon and Wonder Boy.

These days though, they're best consumed sitting on soft sand, salt spray prickling your skin, wind whipping your hair and the screech of seagulls and crashing waves filling your ears.


Terrigal Beach (click on pics to enlarge)


8 comments - Add some comment love

posted by Helen (AugustusGloop) on 4/09/2005 11:59:00 pm


8 Comments:

  • At 4/10/2005 9:24 pm, Blogger Ben said…

    As if you'd waste your time on Wonder Boy if Double Dragon was on offer :)

     
  • At 4/10/2005 11:36 pm, Blogger Reid said…

    Hi AG,

    Those look interesting. I'm not really a scallop fan, but I think I'd eat the pineapple one! Maybe I should try something like this at home....

     
  • At 4/11/2005 12:23 am, Blogger Ms One Boobie said…

    Yum.. Yum..AG,
    I had almost forgotten about the scallop and pineapple fritter.. ;) i really love those.. ;)

     
  • At 4/11/2005 2:30 pm, Blogger pinkcocoa said…

    wow. nice beach!
    Never had scallop potato or pineapple fritters before. I am a big fan of the greasy fries - the thicker the better! :p And oh dear, you sure brought back memories about Double Dragon. I have long forgotten their existence. I was once caught by my discipline master about the Double Dragon tape I brought to school. *shame*

     
  • At 4/13/2005 12:07 am, Blogger Helen (AugustusGloop) said…

    Hi Ben - I know, I know, I don't normally go for blondes. But once you mastered the "elbow" on DD, it became easy-peasy.

    Hi Reid - I've never tried making these at home. These were great -- fresh crisp light batter and relatively non-greasy. Let me know how they turn out if you do venture some.

    Hi MrsT - Don't ever forget about the beloved pineapple! When I was in the UK I really used to crave pineapple donuts from home. The ones brushed with pineapple syrup *drool*

    Hi pinkcocoa - The beach was great. And non-crowded too.

    You must rectify this gastronomic void immediately! Get thee to a local takeaway or seafood shop immediately!

    Ahh yes Double Dragon. Those were the days. Not like that new-fangled Street Fighter business =P

     
  • At 4/13/2005 2:35 pm, Blogger Chick Pea said…

    !!! Potato scallops!! I haven't had those in years, and yes a good sprinkling of salt does the trick. Mmm...wouldn't mind one (or four) right now...

    Great site, love your pics. Can't wait to come back to sample some of your recommendations.

     
  • At 4/13/2005 2:37 pm, Blogger Chick Pea said…

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

     
  • At 4/14/2005 12:26 pm, Blogger Helen (AugustusGloop) said…

    Hi Chick Pea - I definitely get cravings for salty fried foods near the beach.

    Glad you are enjoying the blog. Hope it doesn't make you too homesick =) But I'd love to eat my way thru Nu Yok properly... bagels, salt beef, pastrami on rye, giant pretzels... *sigh*

    Hope you see back here soon! I always empathise with hungry Aussie ex-pats!

     

Post a Comment

<< Home


      << Read Older Posts       |       >> Read Newer Posts