Let's celebrate a wonderful year in style.....

By the beautiful waters of Rose Bay at Catalina's.

It has become a tradition in my house, that a birthday means you get to go out for a fancy meal at a special location. This year I finally experienced the magnificent, delicious, beautiful CATALINA'S.

My Birthday Feast included

Poached Marron Tail, Blood Orange, Aioli and vegetables.

Crispy skin Barramundi with Spanner Crab ravioli, Enoki mushroom, avruga, sage and eschalot cream.

Pavlova with lime curd, strawberries and strawberry sorbet.

All were AMAZING! Marron is one of those items I just can't go past on a menu, since going to a Marron Farm on Kangaroo Island. Delicious! Perfectly cooked. They were perfect portion sizes that you could eat all these courses and walk out comfortably.

*Special occasion

*Booking needed

Sashimi taco's are calling your name!

Sake in The Rocks 

Just the thought of these little tacos filled with diced salmon & tuna sashimi and of course the shot glass of sake to go with it, make me want to be at Sake right now. And then I remember the popcorn shrimp and all the other delicious meals on the 'signature dishes' menu and wish my bank account was more flush so I could go here more often. Every dish is just wonderful, light & makes you want more. 

I tried the Sake Colada for my cocktail. Still smiling!

Signature dishes menu
Edamame  
Kingfish jalapeño   
Coriander shumai prawn 
Spicy ponzu panko rice balls   
‘Glacier 51’ toothfish lettuce cups  
Popcorn shrimp 
Wagyu teriyaki grainfed  
Green salad & miso soup 
Vanilla pannacotta

I do recommend you splurge and order the sashimi tacos as well. 


Perfect for 
*Special occasions
*Modern Japanese Lovers
*Impress you fiance night
*OMG I want to try those tacos!

You do need to book!

Tapas in a dream world

I love being able to go out for dinner and feel like I'm escaping to a romantic holiday destination. Even if it's in your home city. I was taken to this beautiful hall with chandeliers and awesome Spanish tapas cuisine in Balmain. 

Alegrias

The delicious tapas we tried was the Patatas Bravas which is crispy potatoes, Gambas al Ajillo giant king prawns, Cazuela de Queso de Cabra baked goats cheese, Croquetas de Pollo y Serrano chicken & serrano ham croquettes & Pinchos Morunos grilled tender eye fillet skewers. For dessert I had Churros with melted chocolate. 
On my next visit to this beautiful hall I wish to try the paella.

Shop 9, 332 Darling Street Balmain, NSW 2041

*Romantic dinner

*Groups

3 must visit Inner West Micro Breweries

Beer beer beer, little paddles of ponies, afternoon escapes with jars full of micro beer. Need I say more! Usually in random sheds, rooms, buildings where brewers like to do their magic....

Rules to surviving at a brewery. 
1. Keep in mind the alcohol % from each beer.
2. A jar may appear small but they do add up quickly.
3. Take advantage of the food options. They are usually awesome & help you taste more types of beer.
4. Be a happy, cheerful, beer consumer! 

Batch

Only has 1 beer consistently on offer is the American Pale Ale. The others are all pot luck depending what the Brewers feel like making. My favourite so far has been the Big Kahuna. Which is a dark smooth coconut beer. Usually out the front is some type of food option.

Willie the Boatman
Named after a local who used to row the owner of Tempe House A.B Sparks, his visitors and supplies to Tempe House across the Cooks River. He was a loyal servant and a local character. This Brewery has an awesome community spirit and makes good beer. Try the Albo or get a tasting paddle. 

Young Henry's 
This is a larger brewery. I give them a high five to only supplying the "Newtowner" beer in a certain radius from the brewery. Keeping it local. On the weekends they have a rotating roster of food trucks arriving.

Bakery Excursions in Sydney full of pies, sausage rolls, tarts, sourdough and coffee.

Ok so I may love a good Aussie pie & a good soy latte.  (ps. can coffee serving places please start having A2 milk pretty please!) but in my defense bakeries seem to have up'ed their game. These are my favourites finds for pies & other bakery goodness. 

Portuguese Bakery

Amazingly delicious Portuguese Tarts & coffee location! Afternoon tea here I come. They also sell nice savory & sweet items. Oh and don't forget the sourdough bread. 

Found at 18 Gymea Bay Road GYMEA, SYDNEY.

http://portuguese-bakery-gymea.com/cake_%26_breads_gallery.html

Bourke Street Bakery

Here you will find an awesome Beef Briscut Pie & lamb fennel sausage roll. This is the only sausage roll I ever eat because it's just delicious 👍.  Soups for winter, salads in summer, sourdough bread, tarts & cakes for those naughty days.... and a latte.

Eat in or takeaway it's all good. This one is usually a quick stop which makes it so convenient. 

BSB can be found at many locations
Marrickville, Surry Hills, Alexandria, Potts Point & Neutral Bay. 

http://bourkestreetbakery.com.au/

Black Star Pastry

The best pies in Sydney. Go for the lamb pie. Or if that's sold out the beef is still good. There is often a slow moving line but it is worth it. Try not to go about lunch time if you're not patient. Or after lunch because all pies are sold out. Last time I went too late, I wanted 2 pies but there was only 1 left so we had to half the pie & half a toasted mushroom, pesto sandwich. Don't be late foodies! 

Found in Newtown & Rosebery.

http://blackstarpastry.com.au/

Roar & Snore at Taronga Zoo

I have been hinting at wanting to go to the Roar and Snore for 4 years! And it was everything I ever dreamed of. You arrive at the zoo to walk your way through the zoo to your tent . If you're lucky you get one with an awesome view of the city and Harbour. They even have electric blankets and power points to charge your phone. I guess you could call it 'glamping' (glamorous camping).

You meet in the communal tent for an introduction with cheese and platters and a glass of sparkling or a Peroni (or two or three). Next you get to meet a tortoise, python, stick insect and a water dragon. 

Next you walk to dinner at the restaurant which is a buffet of tasty food. I was impressed! Having no idea what they would serve us I didn't know what to expect. They had for example roast chicken, roasted lamb, vegetables and a vegetable lasagna. Oh and another glass of bubbles. 

After dinner you are taken on a night tour of the zoo. The guides have red light torches to show you the animals. First we were taken to the salt water crocodile who swam from the other end up to the glass who sat waiting for someone to get close enough to snatch. Scary stuff! Then we saw a red pander, sun bear named Mary who came out when the treat tin was rattled and a female calls out 'Mary', lions and the Sumatran Tigers. Then it's back to the tent for ice-cream and bed. 

Ok now the tents are nice but remember it is a tent but if you don't like hard pillows bring your own. There is toilets and showers in another block. 

Be ready for a bright and early breakfast. Then a few behind the scenes tours. You feed the giraffes lettuce, meet a possum, bat, echidna and some monkeys. Then you are off to meet a seal to get up close and personal. 

This is where the Roar n Snore ends. You are welcome to explore the zoo for the rest of the day. Although I was exhausted by this stage. 

* Once in a life time experience 

* Expensive but worth it

* Special occasion

* Take your own pillow. 

Tripping your way through Melbourne in 6 experiences.

Weekends in Melbourne are the perfect escape from Sydney... There is nothing like escaping to somewhere different to explore. Lane ways, football games, 5 star hotels, delicious food, breweries, wine bars and shopping. How could you go wrong! 

If you are feeling lucky book a Mystery Wotif Hotel Deal. We were pretty lucky and stayed at the Grand Hyatt on the 21st floor which had beautiful views over the city. 

1. Little Creatures Brewery

This place does awesome food & beer. Pizza (made onsite), sliders, beetroot salad and humus dip just to name a few. Service is pretty good. If your not a Little Creature expert try the 4 tasting ponies for $14. If you are already a fan go for the pint. 

Shopping is found along Brunswick St. We usually walk there from the hotel,  shop a little then go for lunch. 

https://littlecreatures.com.au/venues/2-melbourne-dining-hall 

2. Go to an AFL game

The fans are amazing down here. Everyone in their supporters gear ready to celebrate. Family friendly and all out for a good time. It's a little different to Sydney as the food queues are longer then the drinks. That would never happen in Sydney! Make sure you stay for the song of the winning team. And maybe down a pie & chips.

"Cheer Cheer the red and the white!" I might be a swans fan.

3. Visit Chloe at The Young & Jackson

An Australian Icon which is a nude portrait of Chloe. Been in the pub since 1909. Found on level 2. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one. Head up to the roof top to visit the cider bar after giving Chloe a visit.

http://www.youngandjacksons.com.au/home

4. Movida

If you like to share your meals then this Spanish Tapas is the best! We went to Movida Aqui but they have similar menus. I love to try a little of everything. The highlights were TARTAR- Raw Wallaby, Cracked Wheat and Tuna Alioli on a Sesame Cracker, BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES - Calamari sandwich with Basque guindilla & mayonnaise, MONTE Y MAR-  Calamari Stuffed with Pork, Spinach, Currants and Sunflower Seeds.  I also had a salmon on pancake dish that was nice but not sure what it was called. Next time I wish to get the selection of cured meats, the beef cheek & Churros. Definitely on my list to go back too. 

http://movida.com.au/movida-aqui/movida-aqui-menu/

5. Hardware Lane

Awesome lane full of restaurants which serve Italian, steak, seafood, platters and all sort of yummy things. You're doing well if you get a free round of drinks before you enter the restaurant. We went to Grill Steak Seafood. We had the surf n turf platter for 2 which was full of King prawns, Barramundi, calamari, porterhouse steak, lamb cutlets, marinated chicken , Sicilian style mussels and steak fries. Lots of delicious food to prepare you for the wine bars you will visit after dinner. 

Just like on Lygon St in Carlton but closer to the CBD (not that Carlton is far), you have to work the spruikers out front. Make them work and walk the strip back and forth and let them know what offers they have to beat for your patronage.

http://www.grillsteakseafood.com.au/

6. Chin Chin

Serves South East Asian food. This is a very busy restaurant and you can't book so I recommend you turn up at odd times unless you are patient. It is designed to be like the hawker halls in Asia. Good food for sharing. We turned up at 11.30 and had no trouble getting a table. All delicious food. If your really hungry say "Feed me" and you will get Chin Chins favourites for $69pp. One day I'd love to do this. 

• Walk in restaurant.
• The bigger the group the better so you can try more dishes.

http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/

A Trip to Paris via Crows Nest

Bonjour!

After coming back from France last year the thing I missed most of all were the local French cuisines. Most of all was buying a 3 euro wheel of Brie the size of my face and going out for a delicious piece of duck. Oh and don't get me started on the awesome Champagne and red wine that you can buy at a reasonable price. Why oh why do we pay the Australia Tax.

My eyes wagged to this new little gem...

Le Bouchon

When you enter this restaurant you feel like you are in France. The waiters even have French accents due to them being actually French. We always choose a French wine. Remember you are in France! The Sparkling from the Loire Valley is just devine. An amose bouch to start with was a Gespacho on the house, we have been treated previously with escargot. Always an awesome start when you get something for free. Hehe. For entree I was adventurous and had the steak tartare. For main I couldn't go past the confit duck leg. Ile Flottante for my sweet ending which is a light Meringue with Creme Anglaise and sweet sticky caramel. 

If you can fit in a baguette do order it because it is just like it is in France, rich crusty outside and soft inside. Wish I could buy this for lunch everyday. 

Bon Appetit 

• Romantic night out
• Classy friends catch up
• I'm pretending I am on holidays dinners
• Deal- You can get 3 courses for $60
• Open for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.

http://www.lebouchon.net.au

Breakfast in Singapore

Breakfast in Singapore

Toast Box

Peanut butter on thick cut toast with extremely runny eggs mixed with a little soy sauce for dipping. This may sound odd but it is delicious! Or if you are adventurous and like sweet things go for the Traditional Kaya spread instead. 

Now as a tourist you will get confused looks when you order this as they don't expect you to know about this awesome breakfast option. It can be a little confusing. Get a set that comes with Kopi (coffee), 2 eggs which you crack into a little dish and add a little soy sauce and of course your toast with choice of topping. Use the toothpicks to dip the toast into the egg. 

Great alternative to a hotel buffet! And you will still be hungry at lunch to try other local delicacies. 

Found all over singapore in shopping centers. Can be bought at other places but my opinion is Toast Box is the BeesKnees!  

Picture is of Kaya toast.

*Cheap and cheerful option

Website

http://www.toastbox.com.sg/

The Orangutan Breakfast at Singapore Zoo

This is one of those 'Once in a life time experiences'. You arrive to see the orangutans up close and personal while munching on a buffet breakfast. Make sure to get a seat close to the trees so you get an awesome view for the arrival of the orangutans.

You get to meet the whole family. What's also awesome is the photo opportunities where they will take a shot on your camera! 

The buffet is ok but remember this is about the experience. How often do you get to have breakfast with such cuties! 

When the breakfast is over head straight across the road to the polar bear which if times haven't changed is the feeding time. The polar bear is amazing to see at this time swimming around to get the fish. I could have sat all day watching this adorable polar bear.



*Once in a life time experience
*Book ahead

Website
http://www.zoo.com.sg/special-experiences/dining-with-animals.html

I scream for Ice-cream without the queue

I love ice-cream, although not enough to queue up for it. N2, Cow & Moon and Messina are delicious but only queue free at odd ice-cream eating times. Here is a new place I found to satisfy my gelato desire.

Pagoto Gelato & Waffle House

I stumbled across this new Gelato shop after dinner a few days ago. They have gone ALL out in the decorations with these awesome displays. I tried the Red Velvet & White Chocolate and it was awesome. I actually can't go past Red Velvet anything. Check out the flavours available below.

Located at 301 Victoria Rd Marrickville.

If you wish to make a night of it, dinner options across the road.
 I recommend Thai Paragon or Bay Tinh
 (Vietnamese).

Schnitzel Sydney Town

Schnitzel Sydney Town

Schnitzel is a dish found on a lot of menus. Where have you found your best schnitzel? Mine was on a roll from a van at Oktoberfest in Munich. Well I may have had just a few drinks but damn it was amazing. Food is only as good as the memory it leaves behind. Unfortunately I can't replicate this experience too many times but here are my favs in Sydney Town. 

Concordia Club Tempe

I may be a little biased because this is my local. The staff are amazing, it's the only place I walk up to the bar and they know my drink of choice. Although I can't keep anything a secret here as the bar staff know me too well. BUT the Pork Jager schnitzel with the mushroom gravy is just amazing. Served with red cabbage and spaetzel. I have one of these at least once a month. 

This is an old school german club, expect it to be like in Germany. Bench style tables and lacy curtains. 

For those special occasions such as Oktoberfest (yes they do Oktoberfest) or your just feeling super German, you should try the SCHWEINEHAXE (PORK KNUCKLE) Served with Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage or Sauerkraut and Gravy. Crackling is devine!

Enjoy with Spaten or a Picollo. If you caught the train back it up with a schnapse

*Open Friday to Sunday

* Kid friendly

* Cheap n cheerful

* Located next to Tempe Station or parking available

Website

http://www.concordiaclub.org.au/restaurant.html

Bavarian Bier Cafe

These are all over Sydney. You might have been here, walked past a million times but do you know about the Schnitzel Challenge Tuesdays! The challenge is to finish one of the famous $22 Pork Löwenschnitzels and then they give you a free Schnapps! The best part of this is I believe they save all the massive schnitzels for this Tuesday challenge! If you REALLY like your schnitzel then this is the the challenge for you! But do spend the money on your choice of sauce. Because what is a schnitzel without the sauce! 

* Perfect for spontaneous moments
* They do serve awesome beer & wine
* Footy season pregame meal

Website

http://www.bavarianbiercafe.com/home/

The Schnitzel Kitchen

Is a nice quick lunch spot and I mean FAST. They have a lunch deal of $10 for a chicken or veal schnitzel with choice of sauce and salad or chips. Not a lot has been done in the change of this restaurant from Moo Burgers but hey how can you challenge a good fast schnitzel with an awesome jager sauce. 

Found in Crows Nest. No webpage yet.

*Lunch spot

*Quick

Where have you experienced your  best schnitzel moment?

4 Seminyak Delights

Seminyak in Bali was full of delightful dining options. Here is the 4 essentials for your holiday list!

1. KU DE TA           

9/10 
Get here early for a drink before dinner at the bar. It overlooks the beach & if you time it right you get an amazing sunset. 

The Go to Dish

Lamb for 2- with smoked eggplant, cucumber yogurt, fattoush salad & flat bread. 

This dish was fantastic. If there is 3 of you could share it if you desire entrees & dessert. You will still be extremely full when leaving. 

Dessert

I had the praline macadamia sponge, honey mousse, chocolate gelato. Which was delicious! But my dining partner is still raving 3 weeks later about the Kudeta's eaton mess. She says it was the BEST DESSERT she has ever had.  

*Book the restaurant online. 

*Dress up this is a fancy restaurant.

*Have a light lunch.

Website
http://www.kudeta.net/ 

2. Sardines

8/10 

Has the most beautiful view over looking some rice paddies. Book for just before sunset so you can see the lighting change. The menu changes daily and concentrates mainly on seafood. Oysters for entree & scallops with ravioli for main which were devine. Service is fantastic. It was a lovely touch for them to move us for dessert to the bar area which has the best view of the rice paddies. We were too full for a full dessert so we just had a scoop of sorbet. Lovely way to end the night. 

* Date night location
* Book ahead
*Dress up

Website

http://sardinebali.com/

3. Ginger Moon

Come & share delicious nibbles for lunch or dinner. Do not miss the corn fritters. That is an order! They were so good we had to get another double serving. Steamed buns were definitely a hit. Wait for the bill at your table. It's worth the cute surprise.

This restaurant is located around some good shopping. Plan to come early so you can have a sneaky shop before lunch or dinner. 

*Average pricing

Website
http://gingermoonbali.com/menu.html

4. Safari Chic- Restaurant & Sky Lounge

Best Beef Burger. Be prepared to have your napkin ready this beauty is a drip feast. Well worth it though because the flavours are just devine. Come for lunch.

This is a new restaurant & is all themed in African Safari. They have taken every detail into account. 

*Cheap but very cheerful
*Perfect lunch spot

Website
http://www.safarichicbali.com/

Tip
Make sure you get to know what a real bluebird taxi looks like to get back to the hotel or villa. There are numerous fake ones that only offer inflated rates usually lump sum, you want one with a running meter as it will always end up cheaper.