Eating Well When Away On A Locum

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Alternatives To Always Eating Out

When we’re away from home for a period of time for work or holiday; having every meal at a restaurant, nice as it can be, sometimes wears a bit thin. Especially when you want to eat well, stay healthy and still enjoy making a few things yourself, rather than eating out all the time. If there are limited kitchen facilities and equipment, this can be a little challenging.

Here are some ideas for easy meals to have whilst ‘on the road’. They’re aimed at keeping healthy; providing the opportunity to taste local produce and specialties; enjoy good meals outside or on the run – at work for example; and even entertain where there is the opportunity.

Culinary Tool Kit

Depending on where you are and what your accommodation and resources are like, a culinary ‘tool kit’ to travel with can be a lifesaver.

A few of these essentials – and any others that are to your own personal taste, can help you make the most of local food that you can make at your home away from home:

• Salt and pepper – there are some good quality disposable grinders full of the likes of Himalayan salt and organic black pepper available.

• A small bottle of extra virgin olive oil – perfect for dressing a salad or for dipping with local bakers’ bread.

• A small, sharp cutting knife and/or a small serrated knife

• Small wooden chopping board – can be used for presenting cheeses and other snacks you’ve bought too.

• A reasonable sized plastic container that can be used for mixing up a salad – and for transporting food you’ve made to work with you if you’re away from home, or for taking out for picnics if you’re on holiday.

Staying Local

A visit to a local farmers’ market is always the best place to experience the best of local produce and artisan foods and drinks. There are normally good websites to let you know times and days of the markets in every region. Of course if you like a glass of wine and you’re in an area with vineyards, a visit to the cellar door is always a good experience.

Even the most basic supermarkets offer choices of simple, whole foods – avoid heavily processed or high sugar items ideally - rather, go for any fresh produce available. Fresh, raw vegetables and avocado cut up with some good quality hummus, pesto or other dips from the refrigerated section make a pretty good snack.

View fullsize

Quick, Easy, Healthy and Delicious

For an impromptu meal – an option could be some freshly baked bread, good quality local cheese, olives, fresh tomatoes and salad greens and perhaps some fruit. With these humble ingredients, a very satisfying picnic or simple meal at your accommodation can be produced – no cooking required.

Here’s a simple board of a couple of cheeses, sliced pear and some good, local bread. Some olives or other simple antipasti items would be perfect to add to this. This could be a simple meal for one, or very acceptable offering to friends if they join you for a drink and catch up.

View fullsize

Do you have your own ideas to share?  Please leave a comment below.

Buon appetito!

Nicola

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About Nicola Speer

Nicola Speer is Prescript’s Senior Recruitment Partner for Radiology with a focus on locum and permanent positions across Australia, New Zealand and globally.

There are three ways to contact Nicola:

1. Call Nicola on +61 405 429 799 

2. Email nicola@prescript.com.au 

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript’ below

CONNECT WITH PRESCRIPT

Connect With Prescript

“I am delighted to work with Rebecca & James at Prescript to help deliver a whole new model of service for doctors and our clients. My own passion for healthcare, lifestyle and wellbeing means I can bring these elements into Prescript and offer wonderful experiences and solutions for the people we partner with.”

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“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript' to ask a question online (with option to upload your CV)

Connect With Prescript

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

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“We’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Adelaide - Location Report

QUINTESSENTIAL ADELAIDE

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Pike & Joyce Winery

The vastness of Australia offers a unique opportunity to become a tourist within the country when venturing to other states, cities and towns.  Incredible diversity of landscape, climate, culture and food can be found. Scale means we perhaps don’t know where to start when we’re looking at a few days somewhere and want to make the most of it.

Locals or those of you who have also explored Adelaide and South Australia, we would love to hear your recommendations. These can then be added in to help others next time they travel here.

BEST BREAKFASTS

We sampled a few – in the interests of sound research – and drew the conclusion that another few weekends at least, would be needed to thoroughly explore the wonderful, cafes, artisan coffee making, local food proponents and the general great vibe of the many places we whizzed by and added to the ‘next time’ list.

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Peel Street Kitchen

Seriously good coffee from a local roaster – Great start. Peel Street has a short, well-balanced breakfast menu written up on a small blackboard each day. Friendly, relaxed staff and a lovely, sunny situation with an industrial yet warm feel.

We sampled the ‘The Fry Up’ – which in fact, was delicately presented with the fried items – eggs, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes; expertly balanced by a generous salad of herbs and leaves in a zesty, preserved lemon dressing.

Of course, it’s always all about the ingredients and The Leg Ham Toastie was pretty perfect. The slabs of good sourdough, thickly sliced ham and quality mustard - then compressed and toasted to just the right crispness was savoury and satisfying.

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Perfect spot for a morning coffee meeting - Peel Street Kitchen

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Breakfast at Peel Street - Industrial feel with some Middle Eastern touches

Art Gallery Food + Wine

A very civilised place to go for breakfast, or lunch for that matter, is Art Gallery Food + Wine. Sitting in the lovely Adelaide University campus, as well as attached to the Art Gallery, it offers a tranquil place to sit and dine. Popular dishes for breakfast include the Persian Style Eggs and their list of "Morning Bevvies" are ideal when you need a good quality Bloody Mary with local Kangaroo Island vodka; or a Marmalade Martini which showcases locally made Settlers Gin from McLaren Vale in South Australia.

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BEST LUNCHES

Peel St Kitchen

Back to Peel Street we go – This place really is sensational. Consistent quality, generous, tasty, clean flavours and perfect service – relaxed yet efficient.

The menu is chalked up on the blackboard. The wine selection is carefully thought out and compliments the food. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Peel Street itself is a laneway that shares its namesake restaurant with a number of small bars, cafes and restaurants.

The flavours at the lovely Peel Street kitchen lean towards Asian and Middle Eastern and are perfectly balanced and put together with an artistic eye and a keen palate.

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Browsing the menu at Peel Street Kitchen

Good vibe at Peel St.

Fresh flavours and local wine at Peel Street Kitchen

Pike & Joyce Winery

In under an hour from the CBD, after a really scenic drive that winds up into the Adelaide Hills, we arrived at Pike & Joyce, one of the well established and beautifully situated wineries in the region.

The vista, out over the vines and the beautifully set tables set us up for what was certainly a wonderful lunch, accompanied of course with Pike & Joyce wine that we first selected in a tasting that is hosted within the restaurant by the friendly staff.  The emphasis is on good quality, local, seasonal produce, simply prepared and beautifully presented.

Scallops from Pike & Joyce - Perfect winery lunch

BEST SUNSET DRINK

Float up in the lift and emerge onto the rooftop of 2KW for an incredible view out over Adelaide and surrounds and a sunset drink and snack.

BEST DINNERS

Gin Long Canteen

Fun vibe, great Asian food delivered with flair by the efficient, friendly staff. Gin Long Canteen is packed but seems to just keep on delivering at high speed and top quality. We chose a selection of small and large plates to share and they were all delicious, generous and well presented.

Cocktails with a very fresh Asian twist; well-planned wine list, many of which are local.

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Gin Long Canteen

Sean’s Kitchen

Sean O’Connell has opened a restaurant/gourmet bistro, Sean's Kitchen, linked to the casino and right by the Conference Centre, river, CBD. The style is cool, stylish, yet casual enough to feel comfortable and relaxed. Something from the freshly shucked oyster bar is a great way to start an evening- paired with a fresh local white wine perhaps?

Sitting under the beautiful vaulted ceiling and taking in the general style is worth a visit in itself.

BEST LOCAL FOOD SHOPPING

Central Market

Bustling, full of produce and local products, this market is a must-visit during an Adelaide trip. It’s a practical, functional market that is large, utilized by locals for their daily shopping and very popular with tourists who can get a great taste and look at a whole lot of local food in one, under-cover venue.

The Market Shed on Holland Street

Sunday morning?  The Market Shed on Holland Street is the place to go if you like local food and produce. Small scale producers, artisan products; food to eat there and supplies to gather up and take home. Bliss for a food lover. Most of the food is organic and there are lots of healthy options as well as a few indulgences.

We tried a breakfast pizza, made fresh in the wood fired pizza oven. The coffee was great and a green juice seemed fitting to balance it all out.

Market Shed on Holland Street - Sunday morning essential visit

Breakfast Pizza at Market Shed on Holland Street

BEST PLACE TO STAY

We loved staying at The Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide’s newest 5 star, boutique hotel, perfectly situated in the CDB and appointed beautifully.  We felt very well looked after by the friendly, genuine staff.

We'd love to hear from you with any locations on your 'wishlist' for either working in as a locum or moving there permanently; or for a location guide that we can send out to give you a good feel for the local experiences on offer.

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If you are a doctor and would like to know more about living and and working in Adelaide then Prescript would be very happy to help.  Call 1300 755 498 or click the button below.

Sunshine Soup - A Hearty Bowl of Goodness

When winter settles in, we're naturally drawn to foods that are warming, nourishing and bring a cosy feel to our meals - Comfort food. Soup offers infinite possibilities - from the most rustic and hearty, to the ultimate in refined sophistication. They all have their place.

This is a healthy, hearty and nourishing soup that uses orange vegetables for a dose of sunshine coloured goodness. It's delicious, simple to make, easy to reheat, can be frozen and reheated (valuable for an easy meal when time is short).

The proportions can be adjusted to suit - Both for quantity, and for the mix of vegetables selected.

Shades of orange - Simple, healthy ingredients

INGREDIENTS

1 leek

3 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon of ras al hanout (Moroccan spice mix)

50 grams of butter

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

500 grams of pumpkin, peeled and diced

500 grams of orange sweet potato, peeled and diced

250 grams of carrots, roughly chopped

1 bay leaf

1/2 an orange

1 1/2 - 2 litres of water, chicken, meat or vegetable stock

ACCOMPANIMENTS

4 tablespoons of caramelised onion

Coriander leaves to sprinkle

Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Wash the leek thoroughly and slice finely. Peel and chop the garlic. Melt the butter gently in a large, heavy pan, add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. Put the leeks and garlic into the pan, cook until soft but not browned. Add the ras al-hanout and stir through. Add the vegetables and bay leaf, stir. Pour over the stock or water, squeeze in the juice of the orange.

Simmer until the vegetables have cooked down to a nice, soft consistency. Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly, remove bay leaf before blending to a velvet-smooth puree - Season to taste. Bring back up to heat before serving.

TO SERVE

Ladle hot soup into warmed bowls. Spoon over some warm, caramelised onion, scatter some fresh coriander leaves, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.

This is just one serving suggestion - the options are endless. You could try:

- Crumbled blue cheese and fresh thyme

- Toasted nuts and seeds, scattered with some chopped parsley

- Crisp fried bacon and sage leaves

- Spoonful of yoghurt and sprinkle of dukkah

It's a good time of year to enjoy a bit of hibernation and some soul food - And to get out and embrace the chilly weather, knowing you have a warm soup to come home to - or to enjoy at work for an easy, healthy lunch.

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Nicola is passionate about good, clean cooking and sharing great food ideas for doctors. Click below to read more from Nicola's series of seasonal food articles:

Eating Well When Away From Home

Alternatives To Always Eating Out

When we’re away from home for a period of time for work or holiday; having every meal at a restaurant, nice as it can be, sometimes wears a bit thin. Especially when you want to eat well, stay healthy and still enjoy making a few things yourself, rather than eating out all the time. If there are limited kitchen facilities and equipment, this can be a little challenging.

Here are some ideas for easy meals to have whilst ‘on the road’. They’re aimed at keeping healthy; providing the opportunity to taste local produce and specialties; enjoy good meals outside or on the run – at work for example; and even entertain where there is the opportunity.

Culinary Tool Kit

Depending on where you are and what your accommodation and resources are like, a culinary ‘tool kit’ to travel with can be a lifesaver.

A few of these essentials – and any others that are to your own personal taste, can help you make the most of local food that you can make at your home away from home:

• Salt and pepper – there are some good quality disposable grinders full of the likes of Himalayan salt and organic black pepper available.

• A small bottle of extra virgin olive oil – perfect for dressing a salad or for dipping with local bakers’ bread.

• A small, sharp cutting knife and/or a small serrated knife

• Small wooden chopping board – can be used for presenting cheeses and other snacks you’ve bought too.

• A reasonable sized plastic container that can be used for mixing up a salad – and for transporting food you’ve made to work with you if you’re away from home, or for taking out for picnics if you’re on holiday.

Staying Local

A visit to a local farmers’ market is always the best place to experience the best of local produce and artisan foods and drinks. There are normally good websites to let you know times and days of the markets in every region. Of course if you like a glass of wine and you’re in an area with vineyards, a visit to the cellar door is always a good experience.

Even the most basic supermarkets offer choices of simple, whole foods – avoid heavily processed or high sugar items ideally - rather, go for any fresh produce available. Fresh, raw vegetables and avocado cut up with some good quality hummus, pesto or other dips from the refrigerated section make a pretty good snack.

Quick, Easy, Healthy and Delicious

For an impromptu meal – an option could be some freshly baked bread, good quality local cheese, olives, fresh tomatoes and salad greens and perhaps some fruit. With these humble ingredients, a very satisfying picnic or simple meal at your accommodation can be produced – no cooking required.

Here’s a simple board of a couple of cheeses, sliced pear and some good, local bread. Some olives or other simple antipasti items would be perfect to add to this. This could be a simple meal for one, or very acceptable offering to friends if they join you for a drink and catch up.

Do you have your own ideas to share?  Please leave a comment below or click on the button to request a call.

Buon appetito!

Nicola