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Table Talk
MORETON BAY BUGS
AUSTRALIA
LONDON
From historic castles and World Heritage sites to fancy
pubs and the wizard world of Harry Potter, London has a
lot more to offer than its unpredictable weather
Only caught and found in Australia, these
succulent crustaceans are beloved by
local and expat Antipodeans alike
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What?
Your last meal might be the
Moreton Bay bug, especially
if you are Australian, and it’s
not because you will have been
poisoned by the critter of sorts.
The bug is a type of flathead
lobster found in the waters of
northern Australia. With meat
sweeter than that of crabs and
prawns, the rich crustacean
delicacy ranked at number 11
in the BBC’s opinion poll of “50
Foods to Eat Before You Die”.
Its reputation as a world
renowned morsel was confirmed
in 2014, finding its way on to
the menu of the champion’s
dinner at the Australian Master’s
golf tournament, the choice of
then-defending champion, Adam
Scott. The exclusive dinner is a
tradition of the Masters where
the defending champion gets
to choose what to serve former
winners, and in Scott’s year, it
was a dish from his motherland.
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Photo: Walter Quirtmair
Just 20 minutes from Heathrow is Windsor Castle,
the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world.
Another historical attraction less than an hour
away from the airport is Kew Gardens, a UNESCO
World Heritage site and a major lure for flora fans.
If it’s raining — and it rains a lot — continue to
South Kensington instead to the Natural History
Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Just don’t try to cover them all in one visit!
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How?
While Scott served the bugs with
Wagyu steak, spinach, mashed
potatoes and a sherry thyme
reduction, the Moreton Bay Bug
also pairs impeccably with many
other ingredients.
For a gastronomic
introduction, make fresh bugs
part of a cold seafood platter. As
a starter try them deep-fried in a
light batter, and in warm salads
with citrus flavours, with a choice
of herbs such as basil, tarragon
and dill. To move it down the
menu as a main course, infuse
smokiness and the divine flavours
of melted butter, garlic and lime
zest into the tender flesh by
tossing the marinated bug tails
under the grill.
Taking the Heathrow Express to central London
is your best bet with such a short timeframe.
Once there, use the Tube to get around the city.
Start with London’s iconic timepiece, Big Ben
at the Houses of Parliament for iconic photo
opportunities, then walk along south bank to
Tower Bridge if you are up for a stroll along the
Thames. Foodies should make sure they grab a
bite at Borough Market right around the corner.
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Nearby..
Where?
Mosmans. Where better to
enjoy Moreton Bay Bugs than a
restaurant which consistenly wins
awards for excellence. Seafood
is a speciality of Mosmans,
perched in Mosman Park in
Perth, a restuarant that prides
itself on sourcing locally at every
opportunity. Available all year,
even a mild Australian winter
shouldn't deter you from sitting
outside to enjoy the country's
national dish — perhaps
accompanied by a chilled glass
of suavignon blanc. With its
picturesque setting there are few
nicer places in Perth to enjoy the
warmth of Australian hospitality
and the country's beautiful
scenery. 15 Johnson Parade,
Mosman Park, Perth, WA 6012
.
In the heart of Perth’s Business District,
Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth is
the perfect base from which to explore
the city. Book 30 days in advance all
year round and save up to 15% off*
Best Flexible Rates. Rates from A$187
per night. Visit www.citadines.com to
book. *Terms and conditions apply.
For your shopping fix, head to Dover Street Market, the brainchild of
Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons. But if retail therapy isn’t
quite hitting the mark, maybe some food therapy will. Rose Bakery at the
Dover Street Market has a cult following thanks to their amazing cakes,
brownies, and chocolates. Walk off the calories at Hyde Park and visit
the Serpentine Gallery, which showcases the works of contemporary
artists from across the world. For a quick drink before your flight, hop in
a London cab and head to Opium in Chinatown, a bar that serves spirits
mixed with homemade syrups and special Chinese ingredients.
With more wiggle room on the itinerary, start with
the Harry Potter Studio Tour, which will take you to a
famous film studio and through sets like the Great Hall,
Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic. But book your
tickets ahead of time. Afterwards, make your way back
to downtown London to catch a show in the West End.
If you want to get more
involved in the drama of
London, there are plenty of
theatrical opportunities. For
a fascinating insight, take
a peek behind the scenes
with the National Theatre
Backstage Tour if you can’t
quite make the matinee.
Later, if you like your dinner with a side
order of celebrity, head to J. Sheekey; its
clientele is said to include the likes of Bono
and Angelina Jolie. This fish restaurant
with leather banquettes and panelled
walls has an impressive art collection. If
you’re a cocktail lover head to the City of
London Distillery where you can learn
how to make your own gin. Cheers!
Staying
longer?
London's attractions are far too many to see in a short stopover. Make the most
of the UK's vibrant capital with a stay at Citadines Barbican London, from
£104* per night. Offer valid until 31 March 2016. Visit www.citadines.com to book.
*Rates are subject to VAT. Terms and conditions apply.
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