What to Expect When Expecting (in Brazil!)

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 8 Comments

It has been far too long since I last posted something on The Travelling Chopsticks – and for this I apologise (bad blogger!). I could write a whole slew of reasons why I have not posted anything over the last few months – but that is not only boring for me to write, but more importantly, incredibly dull for you to read.

So instead – I am just going to jump head first into some exciting news that I wish to share with you all :)

C and I are expecting our first baby in April! Naturally we are both very excited about this development, but also – as I am sure every first time parents can relate to – we are slightly apprehensive as well (at least I am)!

FullSizeRender

Keep Reading

Hey Presto: Pesto!

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 6 Comments

Another quick recipe for you all today – and one that is so simple and so straightforward, I’m not sure why I don’t make it more often. Fresh basil pesto.

IMG_4861

Keep Reading

Zucchini Carbonara

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 5 Comments

So, I posted this picture a few days ago on my LCHF Club instagram account, and have got quite a few requests for the recipe:

10931426_698238566974599_42063550851895329_n

Carbonara with zucchini noodles – it is quick, easy and delicious. It doesn’t matter if you are watching your carb intake like I am or not, as it is a wonderful way of getting some extra veg in your diet and making a change to your usual routine.

Keep Reading

Food, Street Art and Horses – A Weekend Getaway in Sao Paulo!

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 3 Comments

There was a time when C and I were living in Mexico City that we felt the need to flee. Run away from the noise, hide from the crowds and shun the traffic – just for a few days, just to get our breath back.

Every couple of months, we would pack our bags, throw them into the boot of the car and head out of town for the weekend. We would explore quaint colonial towns such as Guanajato, San Miguell de Allende or Malinalco where we could walk undisturbed on the cobblestoned streets, and enjoy good tequila while watching the world go by. Or we would go riding for the weekend at a wonderful ranch we discovered outside of the city.. These little getaways were essential, and allowed us enough breathing room to really enjoy living in such a colossal city.

Keep Reading

C’s Stellar Roast Chicken

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 7 Comments

If there is one thing that everyone should have in their cooking repertoire is a good roast chicken!

11136745_683744288424027_2770254359429282826_n

Keep Reading

Cruising in the “Caribbean” of the Amazon

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 9 Comments

P1020024  A few weeks ago, my Peruvian and I along with another couple went on a fantastic trip to the Amazon. Well, to be more precise, a cruise on the Tapajos River up in the North of Brazil. And what an experience it was.

Keep Reading

Jamie Oliver: Fighting for Food Education for Every Child!

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 4 Comments

Those of you who are regular readers of The Travelling Chopsticks, know that Jamie Oliver is one of my favourite chefs. Not only do I really enjoy his cookbooks and recipes as they are consistently spot on, but I love and support what he stands for: Bringing back real food to our tables.

Jamie Oliver’s current campaign I feel is one of his most important to date – to put compulsory practical food education on the school curriculum. Today, with over 42 million children under the age of five overweight or obese in the world, it is time to act!

Keep Reading

Tzatziki Sauce

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 5 Comments

If anyone is planning on grilling this weekend and looking for a great condiment to go with your meat – give tzatziki a go!

IMG_4251

Keep Reading

Cochinita Pibil – Bringing a little bit of Mexico to Brazil

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ 5 Comments

Mexico City will always have a very special place in my heart. In fact a year and a half after leaving Mexico, both C and I still miss the country, the life we had, and our friends dearly. The older more travel weary Foreign Service Officers say that your first post is always your favourite, and I think there is an element of truth to that.

Our life in Mexico had so many firsts and life milestones. Not only was it the first time C and I lived in the same country, it was also the first time we lived together!  So many experiences go hand in hand with that such as discovering ourselves and each other, as well as discovering the country we were living in. It was also during this time, that we got engaged, adopted our beloved Mexican street cats and got married. Ultimately Mexico was where our family started.

35
C and I at our engagement party!

Keep Reading

Bar Do Mercado

~ The Travelling Chopsticks ~ Leave a comment

Brasilia is not known for being a ‘happening’ or ‘hip’ city, on the contrary, Brasilia is quite frankly known for being dull. This man-made city lacks the natural vibe and buzz that most other cities in Brazil, Latin America, the world have.

This is a sentiment that I won’t contradict, however every so often, you will come across a gem of a place that will make you forget that you are in fact in Brasilia.

One of these little gems is Bar Do Mercado!

Located on the rather rough and industrial looking W3 road in Asa Sul (the South of the city), Bar do Mercado with its beautiful arched entrance way and its warm glow, is a welcome sight.

IMG_4222

Keep Reading