It’s Foodie Files time again & this month I’m super excited to be chatting to Mr & Mrs Romance – aka Jim & Christina. Their blog is full of amazing food, travel, lifestyle and of course, romance, and if you’re not already following them I highly recommend you get started!
I had been following them online for a while (Chrissie is also the brains behind Hair Romance) but first met her at a Little Blog Big workshop and then hung out with them both while on a trip to Sydney. They’re both super lovely people so I can’t wait for you all to get to know them better!
Do you have a philosophy towards food?
For us, food plays an enormous part of how we travel and how we create memories together. Of course, we love fine dining and the elegance of a beautiful meal somewhere glamorous, but that’s not what we look for when we think of truly memorable meals. If the food’s made with love, you can taste it and that’s what matters. We always try to eat with a mindfulness of the work and passion that’s gone into every mouthful.
What’s your favourite food memory?
Such a tough question – we have so many great food memories. And what makes a food memory is about the moment as much as the food itself. For me it was probably the time we were driving along the Spanish south coast and we found a little beach shack built right on the sand. The floorboards were so rickety you had to be careful not to fall through them, but the paella we had there, which took about 45 minutes to get to us, was incredible.
For Mrs Romance, it was probably a bowl of late-night noodles we had from a cart next to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. We sat down at the little plastic table by the side of the busy road to eat. The locals all thought it was hilarious – ‘gaijin’ just don’t do that.
Do you have a go-to food of choice?
We both love Japanese food. There’s just so much variety – you can get everything from schnitzel-style katsu and curry to amazing soups and noodles. And there’s always sushi of course. The only thing missing is a bit of heat, so I also head straight for an Indian curry whenever I can – especially if I’m back in the UK.
What’s your favourite meal of the day?
I’m going to cheat and say ‘snacks’! Though there’s something about a long, late lunch somewhere beautiful with a couple of glasses of wine or a cold beer.
What’s the strangest food you’re ever eaten (and would you eat it again?!)
The strangest thing we’ve eaten recently has to be ‘ambuyat’. It’s a delicacy in Malaysian Borneo made from sago starch and looks very suspicious. It looks like a cross between snot and thick wallpaper paste and tastes of nothing. You wind it up around special bamboo chopsticks and dip it in different sauces. You can’t chew it though – you just swallow it. I think its true appeal was lost on us – I guess it’s an acquired taste. The locals go mad for it! Learn about the causes of tooth decay and make sure your rinse your mouth cavity even after your favourite meals.
If you were showing a visitor around town for a weekend where would be your must-eat destinations?
Tricky question. Sydney’s got some beautiful eating spots.
Breakfast: Any of these harbourside cafes right on the water
Lunch: Sydney Fishmarkets, yum cha, Icebergs at Bondi Beach
Dinner: The Royal Albert pub for the best Aussie craft beer and chilli burgers around, Mr Wong’s in the city, but it can be hard to get a table. They don’t take reservations (unless you’re staying at the connected hotel) but it’s worth the wait.
After dinner: Surry Hills for cool bars and late-night venues – maybe Mr Crackles if you’re still hungry. Best crispy pork belly rolls on earth!
Where can people follow your food (and other!) adventures?
IG: @mrandmrsromance
Facebook: @mrandmrsromance
Twitter: @mrandmrsromance
Pinterest: @mrandmrsromance
I hope you enjoyed this Foodie Files chat with Mr & Mrs Romance!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life
April 1, 2017 at 10:47 am (8 years ago)The look of ambuyat does not appeal to me at all! I think I’ll pass on that delicacy.
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life recently posted…7 Benefits of Microdermabrasion + HoMedics Radiance Microdermabrasion Review
Vanessa
April 2, 2017 at 11:25 am (8 years ago)Damn, I want crispy pork belly now!!
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids
April 2, 2017 at 7:50 pm (8 years ago)Noting the Royal Albert pub. A craft beer and chilli burger sounds delish!
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids recently posted…Diary of a Wombat review | Jackie French’s beloved book is brought to the stage