A Scrumptious Easter ‘Bunny’ Lunch
Ahh… internet, I almost forgot what it feels like being wired to the internet 24/7 back in Sydney. I am sure you’d have noticed that I’ve been missing in action for last few days and the blog is also desperately in need for some updates. Unless you are following my twitter, then you probably wouldn’t know that I am actually currently food-touring in Malaysia and then Phuket together with food bloggers Helen, Minh and Simon.
There are simply way too much food and too little time to keep us busy – locking myself in the hotel room blogging away is the least thing I want to do. Rest assured the regular posting will resume and back to normal once I get back to Sydney end of the month. So for now, I thought I will catch up on the Easter lunch I’ve had, or should I call it – an Easter ‘Bunny’ Lunch?
I don’t usually celebrate Easter, except a few chocolate Easter eggs here and there. But this year I was invited by my friends Monkeyboy and Ms Vegetarian for lunch at their apartment. Since The Pom and I got no plan on the long weekend and perfect excuse for us to join them and a few friends for a scrumptious lunch, especially when Monkeyboy told us that ‘rabbit’ is on the menu. And yes, we are eating those cute white fluffy animal on Easter. Sacrilege to some, but in contrast we are actually quite excited about it.
I’ve assigned myself to bring desserts, while others making pre-lunch snacks and salad to share. Monkeyboy’s reinvented capsicum stuffed with ricotta by using charred red chillies which pack quite a punch. The halved red chillies are stuffed with ricotta, mixed with a healthy dose of lime juice for that extra tang. AussieAna’s Russian salad is jam packed with cubes of ham, peas, carrots and potato in creamy mayonnaise, a tasty salad that is not so waist-watching friendly. The barkers brought along their signature 8-texture salsa dip, a luxurious dip that is made of kidney bean paste, olives, cheese, tomato, sweet corn kernels, guacamole, parsley and corn chips.
The much anticipated lunch is finally ready to be served. Monkeyboy told us that their cat Biro went berserk the previous night as the cat can sniff out the game smell of fresh rabbit while they were preparing the dish. But once cooked, I actually couldn’t detect any game smell lingers in the kitchen, it actually smells like a wonderful hearty stew. Monkeyboy only used one two whole rabbit and chopped into pieces for the stew which is enough to feed eight of us with plenty leftovers. He also quickly sauteed some chopped fennel, perfect vegetable dish with subtle aniseed flavour that pairs well with the rabbit.
I’ve had some rabbit rillettes before but this is the first time to taste some fresh rabbit meat. It is also first time for AussieAna and The Pom. Most of us thought the white meat rabbit tasted just like chicken, but a stronger texture like pork. I also get to try one of the legs and it definitely has a stronger gamey flavour than other parts on the rabbit. Monkeyboy has stewed the rabbit for over 2 hours in a rich broth of red wine, tomatoes, carrot and celery which I happily soaking up the sweet broth with bread rolls.
For dessert, I have gone a little overboard and brought along my Simnel Cake, and also the Momofuku Milk Bar’s Crack Pie. If there’s not enough already, then why not have one more?
Monkeyboy is also notorious with whatever desserts he makes. This time him and Ms Vegetarian teamed up and baked a mean triple chocolate cheesecake which is absolutely not for the faint hearted. The cheesecake consists of three layers of dark, milk and white chocolate then finished off with more chocolate sauce over the top and decorated with orange segments as final touch. I seriously do not want to think what it will do to my waistline on every mouthful but it’s so worth it to pay the price.
This year’s Easter proven to be a delicious one, I am looking forward to next year already.
A Table For Two (ATFT) is Billy Law's food blog that features best eats in Sydney and around the world with drool-worthy food photography to salivate your appetite. I also throw in a smidgen of my food and travel photography for good measure. Billy Law also happened to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2011. 
Can’t wait to read all about this food-touring trip! Have a good one!
It was two rabbits actually!
I’m so jealous you guys are in Malaysia, it sounds like an absolute food heaven! Love the dessert photos on this post by the way!
How funny that the cat goes crazy over rabbit! Rabbit for easter, why not? The macaron decorations on the cake and little baby chicklings are so cute!
mmm, rabbit stew, there should be more of it!
Aww not the rabbit! =(
Haha yeah… that’s what I saw about lamb and lamb is so yum. Am yet to try fresh rabbit but really don’t know if I can bare the thought.
happy belated Easter! for a minute there i thought that second photo was king crab legs but i think on closer inspection it looks like chilli with tzatziki?
Ooo. This brings back some good memories. Indeed, I think I need to pop out for a chocolate fix
We recently made rabbit stew too and we couldn’t help singing “kill the wabbit” whilst we cooked. Wrong but yummy.