Foodiness

More than anything else, food seems to be on the minds of those at home. While I have not yet Mastered the Art of Australian Cooking, I can share a few of my initial observations.

Sticker Shock

Ooooh, yes. Food is more expensive here. By a lot. Double, in many cases. Our grocery bill is not insignificant. Dining out is also about double the price. In fact, it makes a lot of sense, given that Australia is an isolated island where most things must be imported from faraway lands. I read a blurb in the local paper that suggested that the only food that Sydney is fully self-sufficient in is mushrooms... champignons... not exactly as useful as being self-sufficient in milk or chicken or broccoli. Plus, there are 20 million people here, as opposed to ten times that in the U.S. Economies of scale do not apply.

On the Other Hand

The food is fresh and of the highest quality. Michael Pollan would stand in the center of an Australian grocery and just nod his head in approval. You won't find too much in the way of pre-packaged Hamburger Helper or Shells & Cheese. You will find fresh meats, veggies, and deluxe cheese.

The other saving grace is the BYO rules in most restaurants. Due to old liquor laws, there is a culture of bringing your own wine. So, while you're paying a fortune for the food at restaurants, the wine is a break.

On the Subject of Wine

My partner is the wine connoisseur, not moi. However, I can tell you that before I left the states, I developed a great affection for the Australian Yellowtail Reisling (as I mentioned, I am not a wine connoiseur), and also had fantasies of drinking wonderful, inexpensive Shiraz nightly. When in Paris, a bottle of beautiful Bordeaux was comparable to the bottom rack shelf grocery store U.S. price, so I assumed the same would apply for Australian wines. Au contraire! My Yellowtail candy wine costs more here than at le Publix at home. And the Shiraz - we've been buying an Argentinian brand because it is cheaper.

Grocery Stores

Yes, we have them! Yes, they look a lot like the groceries at home.

One thing that looks a little different is the meat section. You can buy boneless chicken breasts and hamburger patties, but more prominent are veal cutlets, lamb racks and, in Woolworths, there is even a small section of kangaroo.

Kangaroo, you say!?!

"Well, that is just shocking," you may or may not be thinking. In fact, our marsupial friends taste just like ... beef ... only a bit sweeter than steak. The consistency is similar. And, eating kangaroo is much better for the environment than eating beef.

Odds and Ends

Beware, my coffee drinking friends ... there is no such thing as Half and Half here. I'm experimenting with mixing cream and whole milk, but my coffee just is not the same. Sacrifices must be made.

Smooth, creamy peanut butter carries the label, American Style.

Raisins are called sultanas.

Breakfast is colloquially called brekky, which I have to say, is a little too adorable for me.

Vegemite packets are served at the restaurant with your toast - on the same plate as the butter packets and strawberry jam. It's a lot like aspic ... not that there's anything wrong with that.