Melissa Leong | Writer
Melissa Leong
Reviews
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24.01.2022 What’s that? @jrmasterchefau has officially announced its launch date? And there’s a cockatoo on my head? Why yes! See you back on screen OCTOBER 11 @channel10au with a host of the most inspiring mini MasterChefs! I can’t wait for you to meet them. Magnificent millinery by @kerriestanley, sick threads by @fridalasvegas.
24.01.2022 This makes me so happy.
23.01.2022 How I currently like to afternoon tea: cure a couple of trout fillets in Sichuan pepper, fennel, chilli and lemon overnight, then knock up some blini and horseradish crème fraîche to go with. Serve with @yarvalleycaviar, chopped dill, lemon, cream cheese and fizzy wine. ... [image: sliced cured trout, a tin of salmon roe, blini and snack garnishes] See more
22.01.2022 @darrenpurchese sets a pressure test, and these fearless four throw themselves in, no fear. Inspiration to all of us.
21.01.2022 Other people’s family recipes are a privilege to experience, better yet, to learn. This is one of @joeyromeolane’s, stuffed squid in sugo. Check out the details, and why @mercato625 is a Mediterranean must if you’re visiting Adelaide and love food. In today’s @escape.com.au.
21.01.2022 Get into it, UK and AUS!!
21.01.2022 Cooking and characters to rival any season of regular @masterchefau? Yep, and plenty of cuteness and lols, to boot! It’s our very first @jrmasterchefau elimination night. Come for the exceptional cooking, stay to watch @andyallencooks chase @zonfrillo with jam hands!
19.01.2022 I’m a huge fan of Bed Threads, because it’s run by amazing women who celebrate other women, and their sheets and loungewear is LUXE AS. They’re having a birthday celebration, in case you want to check them out. Not a sponsored post, just sharing things I love.
18.01.2022 @emelia_jackson’s Paris Brest remains an exceptional food memory in a year I am so fortunate to have been gifted so many. A wonderful little reminder of that day, on my doorstep today. Thank you, dear and beautiful choux queen.
18.01.2022 @bake_for_beirut was born from love, and the desire to contribute to the incredible city of Beirut and it’s reconstruction following such tragedy. In it, you will find incredible recipes by cooks and chefs I admire like @buchnik @sharonsalloum and @jacqueline_challinor and @a.wolfers. There’s also @pohlingyeow’s beautiful artwork and @jadfunk @rose_adam_cooks’s tremendous energy and heartand a foreword by me. Please head to @bake_for_beirut to buy a copy, and support a very worth cause!
18.01.2022 Tonight, @zonfrillo eats his body weight in donuts...@andyallencooks and I give it a good crack too! 7.30pm @channel10au!
18.01.2022 Breakfast doesn’t get more tropical than sitting on the palm fringed beach in Palm (double ) Cove @nunurestaurant, and starting with one of these guys. After losing my luggage on a shoot and missing dinner the night before, @nickoholloway’s grace, hospitality and good humour was welcome, and he continues to be in my opinion, one of the most underrated and talented chefs in this country of ours. Read all about it in, and him today’s @escape.com.au @ Nu Nu Restaurant
17.01.2022 In celebration of Hetty McKinnon’s new book To Asia, With Love, the hilarious and scarily intelligent and charming Benjamin Law and I are having a chat with our girl Hetty, thanks to Kinokuniya Sydney. Please join us for this fabulous virtual event!
17.01.2022 Whether you celebrate Rosh Hashanah or not, this Russian honey cake is worth giving a go. The Monday Morning Cooking Club ladies are longtime dear friends and most importantly, they know a good recipe. From their new book.
16.01.2022 Ch cá lã vng, aka Hanoi grilled fish is a celebrated Vietnamese dish for a reason. Tender fish fillets, infused with aromats like earthy turmeric and shrimp paste, lifted with aromatic dill and served with rice vermicelli and zingy dressing, it’s a vibrant expression of what makes Viet food so delicious. This Friday night, @genghiskhanh is teaching you how to make it (cook along style) AND adding some mad pastry skills to boot, thanks to @providoor. ... Get dinner, a show and a cooking class, AND support a local Melbourne restaurant through this tough time. Head to @providoor to book. See more
16.01.2022 This dish will always octopi our thoughts Have a crack at Andy Allen's BBQ Octopus https://bit.ly/2XnTojo
16.01.2022 Thank you Fashion Journal for including me in this discussion on the bamboo ceiling.
16.01.2022 In the same week that the incredible @kamalaharris said of her rise to VP elect Every little girl that’s watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities, ...over here in this corner of the world, our very own little girl showed us all what’s possible. Georgia. At 11, you are already out-classing kids twice your age in wisdom, self possession and grace. I am in awe of everything you bring to the table, and I am just so goddamn hopeful with you as our future. Congratulations little one, you did it!
15.01.2022 I am thrilled to share the news that I’ve joined Lexus Australia family as an ambassador. I am excited to partner with an iconic brand that brings together a love of food, fashion, design and practical sustainable technology, and I look forward to sharing the ride with you! #SensesElectrified #ExperienceAmazing... : @tinasmigielski styling: @ayshabuffet wearing: @toni_maticevski @fordmillinery @jeanettemaree @lanawilkinson See more
15.01.2022 Darwin is one of my favourite places in Australia. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, it has some of the best produce in the country. On my first trip there, my friend and chef Jimmy Shu showed me around, and his restaurant @hanuman_darwin should be on any food loving traveller’s list when headed north. Check it out ink column in today’s @escape.com.au.... : @hanuman_darwin See more
15.01.2022 New Year’s Eve in Melbourne this year is going to be one for the ages. There is so much to celebrate as a city coming back to life, and @melbfoodandwine is proud to support 11 precincts and over 50 venues who are here to help you ring in 2021. Support our industry getting back on its feet, in style. Head to @melbfoodandwine or mfwf.com.au... tickets go on sale NOW!... Photo: @heraldsunphoto for @melbfoodandwine Styling: @ayshabuffet Wearing: @jasongrech Shaking: @patsullivan8277 Prosecco See more
15.01.2022 Coming soon! I can't wait for you to meet these extraordinary MasterChef Juniors!
14.01.2022 More than just the most crucial US Supreme Court justice of our time, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, aka. The Notorious RBG has inspired millions of women the world over to claim their power, advocate for positive change, and do it in a way that inspires others to follow. Thank you for your contribution to making the world a better place. Rest in power. #RBG
13.01.2022 The tiny town of Berry is one of my favourite in Australia. I used to live there on weekends a few years back, and it’s full of great people, and of course, great food. Feat @southonalbany, @queen.st.eatery @milkwoodberry and of course, @berrydonutvan. In today’s @escape.com.au.
13.01.2022 This is Jason and Meng Sun from @sunsfreshfarm. Their mum has been farming for 25 years and has clearly passed the green thumb onto the next generation! More than ever, being connected to where our food comes from and of course, the wonderful people who grow it, is crucial. I am so proud to come from Sydney, and while I can’t be there right now, I’ll be tuning into @WesternSydneyParklands Food Fest 2020 on Saturday 5 September, to see this event come to life online!... There are cooking classes featuring the one and only @chefmattmoran, using produce straight from the Parklands urban farms, so tune in for cooking tips and celebration of awesome produce. RSVP via Facebook Live, and keep supporting your growers, no matter where you live. #supportlocal #parklandsfoodfest #farmfresh #westernsydneyparklands Hit the link in my bio for more info and to RSVP! @ Western Sydney Parklands See more
13.01.2022 Super delicious banh flan, flowers and cute new merch to get @ayshabuffet closer to her affirmation surgeryI am so lucky to be your friend, mama. For those staying tuned, she has raised $20k so far by selling her Swarovski studded masks towards her surgery. There’s still a bit to go though, so I encourage you to support and follow her journey, because what she’s doing to bring trans conversations to the mainstream is not only inspiring, but essential. ... #translivesmatter See more
12.01.2022 RSVP here and tune in on September 5 for all the fun!
11.01.2022 Tune in tonight to see @andyallencooks play the most convincing weird uncle you never had. Also, @zonfrillo as a cantankerous old chap, and what I’ll look like when I’m 100. All the fun, cool kids and inspiring cooking, 7.30pm on @channel10au @jrmasterchefau @masterchefau!
11.01.2022 It’s the simplest of dishes, but if you grew up in a Chinese family, this plate of food , or fan qie chao dan, holds a place of deep regard and heartfelt meaning. Those with roots elsewhere in the world will no doubt have a version of a dish not dissimilar. @emikodavies recently wrote lovingly of it in the Immigrant issue of @peddlerjournal, and it reminded me how the most humble of ingredients can contain such power, in the right configuration. How I make min...e: Into a gentle pan, add one finely diced garlic clove, a thumb sized piece of ginger (halved and bruised), and a few batons of the white part of two to three green onions (scallion) to a good slug of vegetable oil. Move the contents around the pan to infuse the oil with flavour for 2-3 minutes, then add about a cup of tomatoes that have been peeled, blanched and chopped into bite sized pieces (I used a punnet of small Romas, halved - use whatever, so long as it has flavour). Turn up the heat slightly, and simmer the tomatoes until they start to (but don’t completely) collapse, seasoning with salt, white pepper, sesame oil and a splash of soy. In a bowl, vigorously whisk 3-4 eggs in a bowl. Push the tomato mess to one side of the pan, removing the ginger knobs. Pour in the egg mixture and gently push the mixture around to form large curds, then begin to fold the tomato mixture through. Remove from heat, season to taste, and (always) serve with steamed Jasmine rice. See more
11.01.2022 Today marks 3 years since our nation voted YES to marriage equality. There is still a long way to go, so in whatever capacity I can, I stand up and for equal rights. Everyone deserves the dignity of being met, accepted and celebrated for who they are. ... : @lukejohnmatthewarnold See more
10.01.2022 A 100% edible mystery box?! GIVE ME THE CAKE!!!!!! So thrilled to not only have @emelia_jackson back in the @jrmasterchefau kitchen, but to see Dev, Laura, Ben, Georgia and Vienna smash it. Every time these kids cook, their courage and enthusiasm just blows me away. #jrmasterchefau #masterchefau
10.01.2022 Tonight. No elastic-waisted trousers, fluffy slippers or leopard print bathrobes for us (you do you though!)... we are getting FANCY FOR GRAND FINALE!! Join @andyallencooks @zonfrillo and me at 7.30pm AEST to witness three of my favourite humans of 2020 produce dishes that are noting short of magical. Who will be crowned Junior MasterChef 2020? Tune in to find out! ... @jrmasterchefau @masterchefau @channel10au @endemolshineau See more
10.01.2022 2020 will always be the year my life changed irrevocably. It’s never all good, or all bad, and what prevails is the work we put into ourselves and the people we love. Thank you so very much to everyone to gave me the dignity of truly hearing and seeing me, for witnessing me take a leap of faith with kindness, support and patience. It may be expected to reflect at this time of the year, but I don’t see how that’s a bad thing if it’s an opportunity to set intention for a better, brighter year ahead. I wish that for you, whoever you are and wherever you may be in your own story.
09.01.2022 This plate of food is powerful. Delicious, yes. But perhaps more crucially, it is an incredible example of how our indigenous history and people can be honoured with meaning, and joy. Ben chose to meet the challenge brief of What’s your dream, by telling us about a Dreamtime dot painting of the sun he learned about in school. Each dot came together to show considered balance in the flavours and textures of the indigenous Australian ingredients featured, but also an... unburdened pride for the story and the people whose ancient land we are so fortunate to stand. I’ve been talking about this dish in interviews without revealing its maker for months, and now I’m so proud to share this moment with you. #masterchefau This is why shows like @jrmasterchefau deserve our attention, and why we should never underestimate what we can learn from our littlest humans. See more
09.01.2022 When leftovers become heroes. I turned roast chicken and veg leftovers, plus a fridge dive, into this creamy chicken, mushroom, leek and cheddar pie. The filling is wrapped in a simple olive oil pastry and lifted with tarragon, thyme and sage from the garden. Such a satisfying way to reduce edible waste. ... #towardszerowaste See more
08.01.2022 My friend @nazeemhussain is very funny. And he says I’m funny! Well, on this particular episode of his podcast Survivor’s Guide, at least. He’s so funny in fact, that I forgot we were recording, so apologies for my general lack of polish. It turns out iso me is just real like that. ... https://podcasts.apple.com///survivors-guide/id1503118119
07.01.2022 This week in @escape.com.au, we head to Port Douglas to go mudcrabbing in @spencer_patrick of @harrisonspd’s backyard. Yep, there are definite up sides to living in Far North Queensland! @ Harrisons Restaurant Port Douglas
05.01.2022 This time last year, almost to the day, I was sailing down the Mekong River in Vietnam on assignment for delicious. magazine, when I got the call from MasterChef Australia about whether I’d come on board. A year later, the world has changed and so has my life. I am so very grateful for the amazing people I’ve spent time with and experiences I’ve had since then.
05.01.2022 Anything can happen in the @jrmasterchefau kitchen... including a magical snow storm! Our incredible juniors not only get to take the ultimate ice cream taste test, but what they do with @darrenpurchese’s pressure test will most likely blow your socks off. Tonight, from 7.30pm on @channel10au!
04.01.2022 Just a snapshot of the pure and honest genius created by the crew at @sokyosyd. Arigato @chasekojima @alex.yu84 @sano3sushi, you are just the absolute best, and I’ve missed Sydney so much because of places and people like you. @ Sokyo at The Star
04.01.2022 Winner winner, crispy Chinese chicken dinner...so they say. This bird was spatchcocked and left to dry out in the fridge on a rack for a few days, before being sat in a marinade of kombu, dashi, mirin, white soy and garlic (skin exposed). Roast it raised above the marinade, basting it regularly in a caramel glaze made from Chinese red vinegar and maple syrup. Reduce the marinade and chicken juices to a thick jus, serve with wilted greens, wait for resounding applause. Juicy + crispy times.
03.01.2022 I’m a huge fan of great form meeting function, so I’m proud to be wearing my new Baume et Mercier Classima Swiss-made timepiece. Thank you @baumeetmercier! #gift #baumeetmercier #swissmade A special update for Facebook readers. Sponsored posts, gifts and ads are always disclosed clearly. ... Commercial alignments and brand partnerships are a part of the nature of television, always has. As always, when you see something you don't like, just keep scrolling. It's easy!
03.01.2022 In today’s Escape, you’ll find my ode to small town Aussie Chinese restaurants and all the classics they purvey. From honey king prawns to Mongolian lamb, let’s be frank, it’s food we all love to eat.
03.01.2022 It’s #NATIONALDUMPLINGDAY! This time last year, I was judging a competition to beat the current Guinness world record for eating dumplings (30 in 2 minutes...we got to 27!), but this year, smashing dumplings at home will have to suffice. Make some (there’s a recipe on my site), or buy some and support a local business. Either way... get some dumplings in your face today!
02.01.2022 About last night: the brief was 90’s Versace vibes. The team was fire. Case closed. Styling: @ayshabuffet Dress: @jasongrech Vintage @chanelofficial bracelet and earrings, @dior cocktail ring by @madamvirtue ... Shoes: @louboutinworld Leg: @goodtimespilates, channeling Angelina MUA: @imageguru_stylist Hair: @byliztieu @ The Star Sydney See more
01.01.2022 This is awesome! Thank you for joining the launch and cooking these delicious, serpentine bites!
