TOP 8 EATS WALSH BAY, SYDNEY

Here is my very simple and guaranteed to please Top 8 places to eat around Walsh Bay near the Rocks area of Sydney. I tried to find 10 but we have 8! 

Lotus Dumpling Bar

 1. Lotus 
Lotus is a quaint dumpling house which also serves traditional Chinese cuisine. The atmosphere is small, intimate and full of energy. The dumplings are freshly made on the spot, steamed to perfection. A favourite place of mine for a fast and delicious business lunch. 
http://www.lotusrestaurant.com.au/

2. Teras Bali 
I love Bali, I love the food, the people, the scenery. Teras Bali serves authentic Indonesian meals right on the water on the quite posh wharf side of Walsh Bay. Set amongst the million dollar apartments the view is beautiful and the food is equally impressive. 
http://www.terasbali.com.au/ 

3. Cafe Sopra / Fratelli Fresh 
An institution in Sydney, delicious fresh, super fast Italian meals. I'm guilty of running a Sydney Dance Company session then sneaking over to Cafe Sopra for my Italian fix. 
http://www.fratellifresh.com.au/about_us.asp 

4. Sydney Dance Company Lounge (Sydney Dance Lounge) 
http://sydneydancelounge.com.au/photo-gallery/ 

5. Walsh Bay Restaurant / Kitchen 
Possibly the best view in Sydney, I can't tell you how many weddings I've attended here and understandably so... the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge next to Opera Bar. 
https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/your-visit/walsh-bay-kitchen 

6. Simmer on the Bay
Now this isn't a food lovers paradise, however it needs a notable mention. This is one of the most versatile function rooms available in Sydney. The view is spectacular and it's position right on the water yet so privately tucked away makes it even more special 
http://www.simmeronthebay.com.au/ 

7. Sea Wall Restaurant
http://seawallrestaurant.com.au/

8. Sake 
Now this is a bit cheeky, this is slightly away from Walsh Bay more The Rocks of Sydney, however this is seriously one of my favourite places in Sydney to eat. Consistently great over the many years of Sake's lifespan - the Prawn Shumai's are unlike anything you will ever taste. 
http://www.sakerestaurant.com.au/  

Sake Restaurant

The view from Teras Bali

Walsh Bay Kitchen - the restaurant at Sydney Theatre Company

TOP 10 EATS - BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

On a recent work trip I had to decide where to take some important VIP clients.
I love my food, so nothing less than spectacular will do especially for the people around me, so I narrowed the options down to the below 'Top 10', hopefully you will agree: 

1. Gerard's Bistro
Possibly the best meal I have had in about two years. Service was friendly and amazing, presentation of the food was divine and the food itself mouth watering, unique and flavorsome. This has to be in my Top 10 in Australia. 
http://gerardsbistro.com.au/ 

2. Urbane
http://urbanerestaurant.com/ 

3. Esquire 
http://esquire.net.au/ 

4. Aria Brisbane
https://www.ariarestaurant.com/brisbane 

5. GOMA 
https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/ 

6. The Euro 
http://www.theeuro.com.au/ 

7. 1889 Enoteca
http://www.1889enoteca.com.au/

8. Bacchus
http://www.bacchussouthbank.com.au/ 

9. Mighty Mighty 
http://mightymighty.net.au/ 

10. Tartufo 
http://www.tartufo.com.au/ 

Gerard's Bistro

Aria Brisbane

Bacchus

GOMA

The Euro

Urbane

48HRS IN CANBERRA

Canberra has certainly come a long way, if you only have 2 days here is our top picks to make sure you enjoy your time with the family.

STAY 
QT Hotel www.qtcanberra.com.au
Hotel Hotel www.hotel-hotel.com.au

SOMETHING SPECIAL
Jamala Wildlife Lodge www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

EAT
Mocan & Green Grout www.mocanandgreengrout.com
Temporada www.temporada.com.au
Akiba www.akiba.com.au
The Old Bus Depot Fresh Food Markets www.obdm.com.au

PLAY 
Questacon www.questacon.edu.au
National Botanic Gardens www.anbg.gov.au/gardens
The Dinasour Museum www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au
Reptile Zoo www.thereptilezoo.com
Floriade www.floriadeaustralia.com
Canberra Aviary www.canberrawalkinaviary.com.au
The National Museum www.nma.gov.au
The National Libary 
The National Art Gallery

MELBOURNE THE NEW TOP 10

1. Becco 
Amazing Italian in a Melbourne laneway surrounded by street art and plenty of character 
11-25 Crossley Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
www.becco.com.au 

2. Attica 
Multi-award winning Attica has been Gourmet Traveller's restaurant of the year as well as many other key restaurant awards. Chef Ben Shewry creates beautifully balanced, modern cuisine in a relaxed dining environment.
74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185
www.attica.com.au 

3. Gazi 
We had an amazing time at Gazi. Run by celebrity chef and restauranteur George Calombaris from MasterChef, the restaurants is a fantastic relaxed fun vibe with the most delicious simple dining experience that is unmatched. 
2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
www.gazirestaurant.com.au

4. Tonka
Surrounded by the ever changing and uber cool street art of Melbourne laneways, Tonka is a hidden gem. The name Tonka pays homage to the building which was the former home of the iconic Melbourne nightclub, Honky Tonks.
20 Duckboard Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
www.tonkarestaurant.com.au

5. Gingerboy

A modern Australian adaptation of Asian hawker-style street market food. The restaurant is fast-paced, youthful and dynamic - the cocktails are to die for and the best coconut rice in town. 

27-29 Crossley Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

www.gingerboy.com.au

 

6. Huxtaburger 

Described as the best burger in town, Huxtaburger is now at four locations throughout Melbourne including the CBD and Collingwood. 

www.huxtaburger.com.au 

 

7. Cutler+Co 

This multi awaring-winning gorgeous dining room is located in an old metal works factory on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy within Melbourne's first suburb and industrial area.

55-57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

www.cutlerandco.com.au 

 

8. Siglo 

My favourite bar in Melbourne by far... the goal is to always finish the evening with a glass of champagne or red wine at the classy roof top bar. The view overlooking Parliament House is quite spectacular at night and the ever changing art and student crowd creates the most amazing atmosphere. 

Level 3, look for the door next to the European and go straight to the roof, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 

www.theeuropean.com.au 

 

9. HiHou

This is what Melbourne is all https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3802515005324041038#editor/target=post;postID=4084629345748538528about, hidden bars in dodgy laneways... you have to ring a doorbell on an unmarked door to get inside. Hihou translates to 'Secret Treasure' in Japanese and this certainly is just that. An extensive Sake list to classy cocktails, HiHou has it all. 

Level 1, 1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000

www.hihou.com.au 

 

10. Cumulus Inc.

This eating house and bar has received a Chef's Hat five years in a row from 2010 to 2014. The consistent approach to quality and customer service is outstanding and a reason why this establishment will continue to be a strong presence in the Melbourne food scene.

45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

www.cumulusinc.com.au

VIVID SYDNEY - TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE

There is 3 days to go until Vivid Sydney, a unique annual event of light, music and ideas. Winter used to be so bland in Sydney before Vivid and now this event lights up the city and bring it to life in what is usually the quietest period of the year. If you haven't planned your Vivid adventure here is our Top 10 to see and do:

Vivid Sydney
22 May - 8 June 2015 
www.vividsydney.com 

1.  Pyrmont & The Star
Location: Pyrmont and The Star Casino; Daily 6pm - Midnight 
This event is free and runs 22 May - 8 June. Pyrmonts harbourside precinct will be transformed into a multi-sensory, entertainment zone where the event producers hand over the control to us! Interactive games and activities on a scale never before seen. Installations and activations from Pyrmont Bridge to the Stars spectacular rooftop bar.

2. Transcendence 
Location: Martin Place CBD; Daily 6pm - Midnight 
Artist Joseph Crossley from the UK has designed a light installation using the latest in Intel technology. This event brings together new media art, projection mapping to computer mapping and more. Each night during Vivid, the light show will feature a hand-picked collection of artists to work alongside Joseph to create an ever-changing visual feast. 

3. The Dresses
Location: Kendall Lane, The Rocks CBD; Daily 6pm - Midnight 
Artist Tae Gon Kim originates from France. Tae's ethereal work The Dresses shapes hundreds of fibre-optic strands into the form of three beautiful dresses which appear to float in mid-air as if the area is haunted by three beautiful ghosts.

4. Life Story
Location: Argyle St The Rocks; Daily 7pm - Midnight
BBC Earth's Life Story installation featured the flowing natural imagery of bird, marine and animal life. Originally filmed by the BBC Natural History Unit for it's epic television series, the installation transforms the vaulted roof of the Argyle Cut with projected 'fractals' which create vase, never-ending patterns of texture, colours and shapes. 

5. Beat
Location: Hickson Rd Reserve; Daily 6pm - Midnight
Beat is the most amazing series of large translucent shapes that emit an intense pulsating light display when touched and timed to the rhythm of the human heart. the objects increase the intensity of their pulse to keep pace with the individual's own cardiac rhythm.

6. Dolly 
Location: Campbells Cove, Sydney CBD; Daily 6pm - Midnight
Tina Fox has created a intense 3m tall light up doll made entirely from crochet. The doll's extra long arms and huggable body begs to be embraced by both children and adults. Come hug Dolly ;)

7. The Music 

Vivid is just as much about the music as it is about the amazing light installations. There are so many events it's impossible to list them all here so if you're into your music then visit http://www.vividsydney.com/search/events/type/music for tickets and more information

8. Vivid App
Downloand today and stay in touch! 
With the new Vivid Sydney app you can browse and discover what's on near you, personalise photos with words and light filters, save your favourite items and much more.

9.  Vivid Trails
http://www.vividsydney.com/trails
Looking for a walking map or a list of destinations so you can walk and view, then visit the Trails maps provided in detail for the discerning adventure seeker. 

SEMARA ULUWATU BALI

I know this might be controversial but we can't forget the majestic beauty of Bali. 

The Semara Luxury Villa Resort Uluwatu is located approximately 15 km south of Ngurah Rai International Airport in an area commonly referred to as 'The Bukit'. The resort is located on the southern most tip of the island of Bali perched high above the Indian Ocean on the white limestone cliffs of Uluwatu. 

Take note of the surf below and the immaculate details of the resort. 

Bali is still beautiful, the people are beautiful.... this place is beautiful. 

For more information visit www.semarauluwatu.com 

DATE NIGHT IN SYDNEY

So you've finally secured a baby sitter and it's time to spend some quality time with your partner but you're stumped for where to go. You really want to stay north of the Harbour Bridge so you're close to home but somewhere romantic and special where you normally wouldn't even dream of taking the kids... so try one of these amazing places. 

1. Sails http://www.sailslavenderbay.com/ - located near Kirribilli most likely as close to the bridge as you want to get. 

2. Ripples www.rippleschowderbay.com - Chowder Bay is so pretty and so quiet, this restaurant has one of the best views in Sydney and as close to the harbour as you can possibly get. 

3. Ormeggio www.ormeggio.com.au - located at the Spit in Mosman, another spectacular water dining option which has won numerous awards and if I'm not mistaking a chef's hat. 

4. Pilu www.piluatfreshwater.com.au - located right on Freshwater Beach in an old historic beach cottage. Serving traditional sardinian cuisine and offering one of the best locations for functions and events. 

5. Hugo's www.hugos.com.au - there are several locations for Hugo's but the best one for me is located right on Manly Wharf, open air dining restaurant with a lounge-like feel, this is where most people in Manly spend their special nights. The food is divine especially the seafood and the cocktail to match are equally pleasing. 

6. JellyFish - this is a locals secret. JellyFish moved into Manly or should I say North Steyne to be exact some time ago and has been a local favourite since. My favourite dish is the saffron seafood risotto which melts in your mouth. 

7. Barbuto www.barbutorestaurant.com.au - moved across the road from South Narrabeen beach about 4 years ago and since then with the shortage of fine dining options on the Northern Beaches has booked out most weekends. Peter Gilmore of the famous Quay restaurant was once quoted as saying Barbuto serves one of the best steaks he has ever eaten. 

8. Bather Pavillion in Balmoral is a long time favourite of the Mosmanites... 

9. Public Dining - a new comer in Balmoral taking over the old Watermark location with it's Nordic interior design situated right on Balmoral Beach has also become a favourite for the local Balmorians ;) 

10. Papi Chulo www.merival.com.au/papichulo took over the old Manly Phoenix restaurant location situated right on Manly Wharf and has given Hugo's a run for their money. This is one of my favourite restaurants on the Northern Beaches - a little bit of San Fran right in Manly. 

11. Lastly... if you want somewhere fun try SoCal in Neutral Bay - for me a lover of all things Tequila this is my ideal location!!!! Possible not the most romantic of places but damn you will have some fun here ;) www.socalsydney.com.au 

Garfish Manly Beach

Ormeggio The Spit Mosman

Papi Chulo Manly Wharf

Pilu Freshwater Beach

Ripples at Chowder Bay

SoCal Neutral Bay

HILL STREET SURRY HILLS SYDNEY

 
We discovered the coolest little hub just off the back of Bourke Street in Surry Hills. 

When you enter Hill Street it just looks like another dingy lane in Surry Hills until you hit, I guess you could call a little business hub, containing the amazing Arthur G furniture, the enchanting lights by Euroluce and a very cool little shop called Workshopped. 

Right smack bang in the middle of these shops is a cafe called The Foundry which prides itself on wholesome seasonal meals. A choice of 4 salads and a green juice plus apparently the best coffee from around that block! There was a super relaxed vibe about the place without even realising the hustle of Bourke Street was less than 50m away. 

Next time you are wandering down Bourke Street, try to sneak down the lane and check out Hill Street. 

For more information visit: 
http://www.arthurg.com.au/ 
http://www.workshopped.com.au/
http://whatthefoundry.com/ 
http://euroluce.com.au/  

ST. GEORGE OPEN AIR CINEMA 2015

The Open Air Cinema is back, first session began yesterday showing the Australian premiere of "The Theory of Everything'. 

This year the line-up is amazing with films such as Birdman, Unbroken, Gone Girl, Interstellar, Taken 3 and St. Vincent. Tickets are $35 + booking fee, and remember this is not your average night out at the movies, it's worth every penny. 

For more information visit: http://www.stgeorgeopenair.com.au/ticket-information/   

SUPPORT NAKED WINES

Did you know that 77% of the retail wine market in Australia is owned by Woolworths and Coles. 

Now whilst we are not looking at putting these companies down as they do create thousands of jobs for the communities we are concerned about the power over certain industries like the wine market. 

Naked Wines is a fantastic company that essentially brings the winemakers to your door. I purchased my first Naked Wine case with a new member discount. I receive 15 bottles of gorgeous wine from all around Australia, from wine makers I had never heard of for $35 with free delivery to my door. 

In addition to their great service, they allow you to review each wine online so others can support. They also have an amazing initiative supporting the wine industry called Naked Angels. 

If you are a wine connoisseur, please visit https://www.nakedwines.com.au/ and give them a go. You will be incredibly surprised and I almost guarantee you will never purchase wine again from anywhere else. 

ORPHEUS ISLAND QUEENSLAND

There are so many amazing parts of Australia that we only dream to visit. 

Orpheus Island is one of those dream locations, it lies off the north Queensland coast about 110km north of Townsville. Access is by charter or private boat and there are no roads of formal walking tracks on the Island. 

The island is part of the Palm group of Islands and within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. 

There are only two (2) forms of accommodation available on the island. 
1) Camping (good luck) and 2) at the luxurious Orpheus Island Resort. 

It is one of the few islands in Australia that is available for exclusive hire, price on application of course. 

The resort is secluded and only accommodates a maximum of 28 guests at any one time. It's just another magical part of Australia to visit. For more information visit: http://www.orpheus.com.au/