For the sixth year running, my mum aka The Social Butterfly, has hosted the annual Neighborhood Christmas Party. It’s such a great event where all the neighbours get a chance to get together for a feast. Always smiling and hardly ever frowning- my mum has been described by friends of mine as pure sunshine. When she isn’t cooking up her amazing kitchen creations for us kids, friends, colleagues and the neighbours she would be in her second home- her garden.
We often joke about the number of times my brother and I have had to practically drag my mum away from her garden late at night. Step away from the roses!
Now, it wouldn’t be a neighbourhood party without a raffle and to ensure the love is spread as much as possible, there are ten hampers up for grabs just for the grown ups and the kids get to battle out for some awesome prizes by playing a game of musical chairs. The 1st prize is as big as a laundry basket – filled with wine, chocolates, shortbread, jams and other delights. All goodies are donated by each household and a few of Santa’s happy helpers get together and prepare each hamper and to wrap up the pressies.
It is tradition that a 30KG spit roast pig full of crack..ling goodness is devoured. For my friends and I, this is the star attraction! For you Filipino readers, I plan on making some Paksiw na Lechon with the leftovers. Yaah babay!
What I love about my mum’s street, is that there is truly, a strong sense of community. Everyone looks out for each other and best of all – every week when I pop over for dinner, there are always a few neighbours dropping off delicious morsels from melt in the mouth Greek almond shortbreads, freshly steamed dumplings to egg tarts, curries and lasagna.
Here comes more food….
Christmas with The Butter Queen (Sarah) and Sandra
Whilst this post was half baked/written, I had just attended a splendid Christmas Party hosted by the awesome duo Sarah and Sandra and thought it was fitting that I pay tribute to their efforts. Although, I don’t know how I found the strength to write this post after so much food!
Sarah made a mean Pork Belly who even gave me the honor of deciding whether it was ready. Staring at the juices flowing and crispy skin screaming out “eat me,” I happily decided that it was time to eat this piggy.
Other items that had us flocking to the tables was the Spinach and Fetta Pie, the incredible cured salmon, Vanillakipferl, tangy avocado dip, cute little cakelets that disappeared right off the coffee table, addictive Homemade Marshmallows by the Syrup and Tang Crew (nice to meet you guys! p.s. no more toasting of the marshmallows) and of course Sandra’s Lychee Cocktail that sent me tipsy due to an empty stomach. Actually, who am I kidding, I’m a cheap drunk really….
Let the food porn begin!
Wishing you all a chocolate filled Christmas!
To get into the festive mood, I’d recommend hitting up The Boulevard to see the Christmas light filled streets. Otherwise, check out this handy site I recently stumbled across which lists all the houses across Melbourne to visit: http://www.christmaslightsmelbourne.com.au/
Keep eating!
Adrian
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Oh my, so much fooooood! And it’s not even Christmas yet, gahhh. Have a great one, Adrian =)
.-= mademoiselle délicieuse´s last blog ..Playing tourist in your own city & Bakers Delight winners =-.
What a delightful neighbourhood (and your mum is lovely, too!). You’re lucky to be a part of it. PS: And omg, the pork belly from your Christmas party looks amazing.
.-= OohLookBel´s last blog ..Like an Italian- gnudi con pancetta e fave =-.
Hey Bel- It was an awesome turnout this year. Looking forward to the next one already…still feelin festive!
what a lovely festive post – community is what it’s all about – have a very happy Christmas @frombecca
.-= Rebecca @InsideCuisine.com´s last blog ..Craig Mcindoe cooks at MuMu Grill =-.
hey Rebecca- I love the sense of community and it helps that everyone there is also into food 🙂
The pork looks sinfully delicious! T_T
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Review- Chilli Pan Mee @ Restoran Kin Kin- Kuala Lumpur =-.
OMG! So amazing. Your mum sounds so gorgeous. Nothing beats community, it is so wonderful to have neighbours looking out for you. Are those dumplings Filipino?
As for the rest of the food, WOW. The salmon, the marshmallows! I am so jealous!
Merry Christmas and hope to see you around Melbourne soon.
Lauren x
.-= Lauren aka Ms Baklover´s last blog ..Nicks Grill =-.
hey Lauren- the neighbours are the kindest bunch- always giving me food when I’m around! Belated Merry Xmas- see you soon!
Omg! I can’t believe you posted this up before I’d even downloaded the pics from my camera! Was so lovely to see you yesterday, and thank-you for the delicious coconut macaroons. 🙂
I think you got better photos of my Xmas party than I did. :S Lol.
xox Sarah
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Nigella Lawsons Classic Christmas Cake =-.
Hey butter queen- twas good seeing you as well- thank you again for the lovley meal! Glad you liked them. To next year!
Congras on all that eating! 30kg of roast pig on a spit? Lucky you!
.-= penny aka jeroxie´s last blog ..International Incident Colour Party – Cherries and blueberries compote with marzipan and cinnamon chocolate muffins =-.
30kg of pig! Wow! Must say, though, I’m more tempted by the cured salmon and marshmallows 🙂
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Peanut Butter Banana Granola That You Probably Don’t Need To Make =-.
Yay! I have just found your blog – so excited for a Pinoy food blog in Melbourne! The street party sounds awesome; I seriously need to find a way for our little family to move into the street 😉 looking forward to reading more. Merry Christmas!
Hey Melissa- hehe, thanks! 2011 is the year I make more pinoy cuisine on my blog. The street party was so much fun, but I’m still suffering some indigestion…. Thanks for visiting!
Hello!
I’ve just come across your blog. Great stuff. Looking forward to reading more from a fellow Melburnian foodie in 2011 🙂
Cheers,
Linda
hey mademoiselle délicieuse- I have gained 5KG’s! Help!
hey penny- hehe, thanks
hey hannah- all the foos was awesome, I couldn’t pick just one LOL
Hey Linda – thanks for visting 🙂
What a superb party………….thank God for butterflies, social and all the others. I love the look of the marshmallows and what great community spirit. Have a blessed 2011. Take care
hey Kitchen Butterfly- marshmallows were superb- Happy New Year to you also!
there is nothing that didn’t look yum!… drooool
Such a cool community Christmas party and so much food – you guys are lucky to have such a great relationship with your neighbours! I can’t say I’d happily sup with the neighbours I grew up with or our current ones.
.-= Forager @ The Gourmet Forager´s last blog ..Kingsleys Steak and Crabhouse- Woolloomooloo =-.