Category Archives: cooking

‘What’s in a name?’

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Topher

Where did your name come from? My first name is Christopher. My parents picked it since we have a short surname. They thought that Christopher would complement Ong, my surname. After all, a full name like my school friend’s, ‘Don … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, cooking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Topher’s Drinks, Inc.

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Topher

What is your favorite drink? We are told to drink eight glasses of water each day. Supposedly, a larger intake keeps the doctor away. Water is a safe choice. It’s not as filling as juice and is the best for … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The (Dual) Patriot

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Topher

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you? Am I patriotic? Somewhat, I might say. I am a dual national: Filipino-Aussie. Being nationalistic doesn’t mean gobbling only kangaroo meat or knowing the Panatang Makabayan (Patriotic Oath) by heart. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, cooking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Starting Five

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Topher

List your top 5 grocery store items. These days, a trip to the grocery is a short one. Whereas we did our weekly shop at Woolies before, nowadays, we do it online. We have since become Coles Plus members. For … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, COVID-19 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Spring Verses

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Topher

What is your favorite season of year? Why? Australia and New Zealand have four seasons. Indonesia may only be a few hours away, but that distance makes all the difference. Further north, the state of Queensland enjoys a much hotter … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, Literary, Travel | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The ‘Zinger Man’

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Topher

Tis week’s title references two things. Firstly, it alludes to KFC’s zinger burger and my love of medium hot foods. Secondly, it was the nickname given by some commentators to NBA player Krystaps Porzingis. The latter did not like the … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Topher

Note: This is a fictionalised account. Names, places, and events have been manipulated to suit the author’s wild imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living, dead, or undead, are (probably) coincidental. *** When I was a boy, we had this gardener. … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

Some Winter Meal Ideas

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Topher

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to eat soup only when you’re feeling under the weather. When preparing meals, knowing the time of year and the day’s conditions are of consequence. This month, July, is traditionally the year’s coldest … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, Travel | Leave a comment

Topher’s Faves

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Topher

List your top 5 favorite fruits. Eating fruit is vital to having a balanced diet. The benefits of meat like protein and iron are well-documented. However, science has shown us that meeting your adequate fruit intake is necessary in staying … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

‘Paklang-er’ aka Stalk Lady

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Topher

Many moons ago, I mentioned how I hung out at Hunter Connection in Wynyard. (See also: my Hunter post from 2021). They have a nice selection of cuisines and are strategically located next to my chiropractor. However, sometimes, we get … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment