Christmas In July Celebration

This may sound corny or ridiculous to some but since Winter falls from June to August in the southern hemisphere, there is such a thing called "Christmas in July. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, some people get together for a "Christmas in July" celebration to have that Christmas feel during winter. 

I learned about "Christmas in July" when I moved in Sydney . The concept was introduced to me by girlfriends who thought that we should come together for a Christmas-inspired meal. No giving of gifts, no fancy trimmings, just pure love for food and togetherness. We have made it a tradition and look forward to it every Winter. While my friends and I always catch up often during lunch/dinner/coffee/parties/special occasions, our Christmas in July celebrations are a bit special because we make sure there's Baked Ham on the table.

The truth was we almost skipped our "Christmas in July" celebration this year. I was semi-hibernating and busy at work. Our weekends are compromised as the Husband and I are working on web design projects. Our other friends also had things going for them. The only solution was to take a day-off during the week and fortunately, a few of us were able to get a day-off on a Thursday.

We were blessed with lovely sunny weather and a table laden with delicious food. We had Baked Ham, Beef Bulgogi, Fried Chicken and Salads. Dessert was this beautiful Mocha Roll (that tasted exactly like Goldilocks) created by our friend and ice cream on chocolate cups. 

Instead of dinner, we opted to get together for lunch so we can spend the day out in sun and play with the kids. 

I love that there is such as thing as "Christmas in July" and I'm glad that it's a valid occasion here in Australia. It's the kind of Christmas that I like where all you have to do is share a plate of food and just be there for the people you love. It's also a wonderful excuse to get together in the middle of Winter and feel the warmth that genuine friendship brings. 

Related Posts:

Christmas in July!

The Wonderful Things That Make Up A Weekend

Our Happy Christmas in July

Food Find: House of Polvoron (HOP)

We saw a stall of House of Polvoron (HOP) in Megamall (Manila, April 2013) but didn't get the chance to try it while we were there. Thankfully, I found four flavours of HOP at G&L Supermarket and Tong Li Supermarket two weeks ago. 

Polvoron is type of shortbread made of flour, sugar and milk. It's one of the most popular candies in the Philippines. It sometimes come in different flavours like ube and pinipig; and sometimes added with nuts.

Our favourite Polvoron is the one made by Goldilocks. I remember as a child, my Mom would always bring a bag of Goldilocks Polvoron and I'd giggle with happiness. Lucky that Goldilocks Polvoron are available at Asian supermarkets here so we never really miss them. Last year, we discovered chocolate-coated Chocovron. While I found it okay, the Husband didn't like it so I never bought them again. 

Having HOP here in Sydney is a good sign. It kind of changes the Polvoron scene in a great way. More brands, more choices. While I love Goldilocks Polvoron, I don't mind supporting other Filipino brands as long as they taste great.

HOP takes pride in their special polvoron because they are made of natural ingredients quality, does not contain artificial flavours and colours. Their polvoron has a delicate sweetness and crunchy texture. We've tried four flavours: Classic, Cashew, Pili and Cookies and Cream.

My favourite from all four is the Cookies and Cream flavour. It was sweeter than the other flavours but it's the kind of sweetness I can't get enough of. Its taste reminds me the Cookies and Cream cake I love from Michel's.

I found HOP at G&L Supermarket and Tong Li Supermarket. Try them if you chance upon them. 

Oliver Brown Cafe, Now Open in Blacktown

One of the chocolate cafes I like has opened a branch in our suburb.

Whenever I'm in Chatswood, I sometimes visit the Oliver Brown Cafe for coffee and chocolate. I'm glad I don't have to go too far for their sweets. They now have a branch on the 3rd level of Westpoint Blacktown. 

Oliver Brown is a Belgian chocolate cafe. They offer cakes, pastries, chocolate truffles, macarons, fondues, waffles, churros and drinks.  

Yesterday, we bought two slices of cakes and had them for dessert after dinner.

Chocolate Mud Cake satisfied the Husband's chocolate craving. It was rich and not too sweet. 

On the other hand, I chose the Swiss Roll and enjoyed the chocolate chiffon and mocha-flavoured filling.

Visit the Oliver Brown and have a try at their sweet offerings. 

Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe

Level 3, Westpoint Blacktown

17 Patrick Street, Blacktown

Ph: 02 8678 0628

More Food Discoveries at Senario Cafe

Whenever we're at Westpoint Blacktown, we find ourselves having meals at Senario Cafe. It opened early this year and we've been discovering more of their delicious offerings as time goes by. We usually stop by for brunch and coffee. 

Fluffy Pancakes with Bacon and Eggs. A sweet marriage of sweet and salty. 

Eggs Benedict with ham placed on top of a panini. They make the perfect poached eggs and the panini is a good change from the usual muffin. 

Burger Breakkie with Chips. Sausage patty in between a hash brown and egg. 

Big Breakfast. A meal good enough to share which consists of two toasts, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, eggs and hash brown. The Husband and I split this meal between us and left us filled and satisfied.

On Thursday nights, they close the same time as the end of late night shopping (9pm) and one time that I met up with a friend, we had dinner and coffee. My friend shared her Club Sandwich with me and I loved it. I enjoyed the sandwich because of the tasty chicken and added avocado. The wedges that came with it had a tasty coating which gave it a good crunch upon biting.  

My first try at their dessert was the Apple and Blueberry Pie. It came with vanilla ice cream and lots of whipped cream. It was such a beautiful dessert with lots of sweet apples inside the pie. 

The Husband and I are so glad to have a cafe near our place where we can have good-tasting meals and coffee. We're looking forward to trying out their other food offerings.

Senario
Level 3, Westpoint Shopping Centre 
17 Patrick Street, Blacktown NSW
Phone: 02 9676 7737