USA HINTS & TIPS!

The fabulous Miss Emily at my work is about to embark on a US adventure and I promised her I would share our experience of our trip in 2008 travelling on the California State Route 1 from LA to San Francisco. It's a really super easy drive and I have to say we saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the world along this drive.

It depends how far south you want to start. We started as far as Newport Beach (where I surfed in freezing waters) and took our time driving up north staying over night only at Carmel. If I did it again I would stop and spend a lot more time along the way to enjoy it all. One stop is a must for all beach lovers - Malibu Beach has been part of so many movies and songs for the last 50 years. Even if you stop get your feet wet then continue the drive it's completely worth it...

Working in publishing I think the Hearst Castle is a must see on the adventure list. It was designed by architect Julia Morgan between 1919 and 1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who died in 1951. In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the property to the state of California. Since that time it has been maintained as a state historic park where the estate, and its considerable collection of art and antiques, is open for public tours. Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts about one million visitors per year.

There are many tour options, for more information visit http://www.hearstcastle.org/

Ragged Point was one of the highlights of our trip, we knew nothing about it. We were hungry and in desperate need of a pit-stop and came across I think one of the prettiest ocean views I've ever seen.

Ragged Point Inn is a great place to stay overnight if you are visiting the Hearst Castle. The current chapter of Ragged Point history begins in the late 1950s. Wiley and Mildred Ramey, who were visiting the Central Coast from their home in California's San Joaquin Valley, meandered up a lonely Highway 1 from nearby Cambria. Everyone who knew the Rameys knew how they loved to take long drives, enjoying America's beautiful, isolated, and pastoral country roads. They also knew how Wiley Ramey, in particular, loved to invest in little pieces of land when they found places they loved--providing he could get a bargain. That special day, the Rameys spotted a small, curious outpost on the ocean side of Highway 1, north of San Simeon. Little did they know how this rustic outpost, once part of the huge Hearst Ranch, was to change their lives--and the lives of their children--forever.The settlement itself was nothing special: a snack shack sporting a neon "EAT" sign, a couple of rusted gas pumps, and a travel trailer or two. However, the Rameys were totally entranced by the natural beauty. Because of this enchantment, they spent most of the next two years persuading the landowner, carnival man, Monte Young, to part with the property. When they finally did, they disposed of the "EAT" sign and started building a two-room motel on this lonely stretch of highway. This was the birth of the Ragged Point Inn you see today. Wiley and Mildred Ramey had a vision. The small family shaped their little motel, gas station, and snack bar, often working it alone and skipping from business to business when their few customers would arrive. They welcomed each guest like they were family, even sharing their Thanksgiving turkey when visitors arrived hungry and the snack bar was closed for the holiday.As the years passed, first Wiley and Mildred, then Mildred and her children, slowly built the business, never forgetting the hospitality and reverence for the land that brought them there.Today, Highway 1 isn't nearly so lonely. The hotel has 39 rooms. The snack bar has been relocated and enlarged. And a gourmet restaurant, gift shop, artisan jewelry shop, coffee bar, and mini-market share the property. But the Rameys, now Wiley and Mildred's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, work together to share their hospitality and complete the vision. For rates and information visit http://www.raggedpointinn.com/

The gorgeous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur (above) takes your breath away as you drive across it, wondering how on earth they built this. The trick is trying to find somewhere to stop and take a picture which is super challenging but if you are up for it - find a spot because this is a postcard moment. It was constructed in 1932 to connect Big Sur to the rest of California... and that it did. Take a moment to digest the picture above and pictures below.... you'll now see what I mean about the beautiful scenery of California.

The California Sea Otter Wildlife Refuge is another 'dont miss' opportunity. It's part of the Monterey Bay Marina Sanctuary along with Sea Lions and Fur Seals. This refuge extends in the north from the Carmel River to the Santa Rosa Creek in San Luis Obispo County in the south. The Sea Otter Education Center, located just east of Carmel, is a good stopping place for information on both sea otters and the refuge itself.

Visit http://montereybay.noaa.gov/visitor/access/otterRes.html for more information on visiting times and the marine sanctuary rules and regulations.

OK now we come to one of my favourite places in the whole world - Carmel by the sea. Any town where Clint Eastwood was the Mayor has to be pretty special right? This is the most quaint, gorgeous sea village I've ever seen. It has a real European old world charm about it mixed with the vibrancy of the US lifestyle.

You can wander around the streets for hours. The food is spectacular and people are so lovely and friendly.

The picture above is pretty standard image you get as you walk through the streets. Definately stay here at least 2 days. Visit http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/ to plan your trip / stay.

As you drive out of Carmel, there is a famous drive called 17 Mile Drive. This wraps around the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. The houses here are incredible with average price tag of $20m.

For more information visit http://www.pebblebeach.com/

Last minute decision, we decided to stay overnight in Napa Valley on our way to San Francisco. This was a real treat. We stayed at this gorgeous old Victorian mansion and spent the day going to the various wineries. I was really impressed by the amount of organic wineries with sustainable guidelines. Plan your trip at http://napavalley.com/

If you venture into Napa, you need to stop at Taylor's diner. The burgers here are sensational and you can't go past the garlic cheesey fries..... one last heart attack before you end your trip.

Good luck on your adventure Em ;)

MARCH INTO MERIVALE @ THE IVY

OH MY GOD it's back! I'll admit I was a skeptic last year, but was proven wrong, wrong, wrong! I've just purchased a bunch of tickets and convinced as many people as possible to head to the launch party of "March into Merivale". Next Thursday 16 Feb 2012, the Ivy complex on George Street will be turned into a foodies paradise with every restaurant under the Merivale umbrella located for one night only at Ivy in a market style extravaganza. For $20 you receive 8 vouchers which can be used on either food or drink (with option to purchase more vouchers on the night)


After the amazing launch party, it's a whole month of feasting. There are some really great events this year including the A Team event above.


And also there are a few really great sponsored events from Lifestyle FOOD channel including the Colonial Gastronomy Dinner (above) and Lifestyle Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Lunch YUM YUM YUM!!!! For more information on the launch and other events visit: http://merivale.com.au/whats-on/event/march-into-merivale-launch-event/

Jamie Oliver's Italian in Sydney

It's official - my favourite celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver is coming to town! After much anticipation, he has confirmed an Australian tour the first week in March 2012 for a variety of events and launches over three states.

From the press release it looks like he will be present at his new Italian restaurant in Pitt St in Sydney's CBD as well as a general tour around Australia. Jamie’s time in Queensland will include visiting his first Australian Ministry of Food centres including the inaugural site in Ipswich and his first Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, designed as a purpose built kitchen classroom. While in town, Jamie will also take the opportunity to thank The Good Guys, relevant government officials, staff, volunteers and all who have thus far supported the Ministry of Food cause. The tour will take place across five days commencing 3rd March in Brisbane before he heads to Sydney on March 4-5 and Melbourne on March 6-7, 2012.

Not sure if you have seen the lines outside his restaurant, it is amazing. If you are not there early you can expect a wait of around 1hr - 1.5hrs. We were lucky, we had a table of 6 and we were able to book. We had a magical experience, the food was sensational - but a tip - talk to the waiters and ask for the signature dishes this will make a huge difference in your gastronomic experience there. We all shared various plates - for entree we had the stuffed chilli peppers, calamari and requested entree size of the mushroom panzerotti and the special risotto of the day "roasted garlic with almonds and mascapone cream" - it was sensational

For mains we all went past the pasta ;) as we tried the best during entree and headed for the main section. I have to say the Ligurian Fish Stew and the Fish Baked in a Bag were the highlights - everyone had incredible food envy.

We were told some of the tomato based pasta were a little bland and boring but that's to be expected - stick to the waiters recommendation and you can't go wrong.

Jamie's Italian located at 107 Pitt Street Sydney CBD http://www.jamieoliver.com/au/italian/

The Lowercase

How cute are these CLOUD pillows below by The Lowercase, $68 each and very unique visit www.thelowercase.com.au for more information ;) and room ideas.

SYDNEY SMALL BAR CRAWL

Hubby and I went on a date and decided to test out the small bars that have taken over Sydney in the last year. For our international readers, Sydney has always been known for big grand bars, the bigger the better was the idea in the past. But now (thank god) we have embraced the small bar revolution thanks to our very proactive Lord Mayor Clover Moore who relaxed the licensing laws allowing really anyone to open a small bar. It has really brought out the creative side of most owners and we have some superb bars that compete with Melbourne (dare I say it)


The Baxter Inn was a real surprise. Same boys own Shady Pines and Tio's (read below) have created another very unique small bar that transports you back to Southern America. This has to be the best bar in Sydney right now especially if you are a scotch/whiskey drinker. The menu behind the bar staff which appeared to be the largest wine list we have ever seen, turns out to be the largest range of Scotch and Whiskey in Sydney - over 400 varieties.


For those cocktail lovers (me) don't be sad, it's not all scotch and whiskey, they do some great classics as well as wine and beer. It's hard to find, down an alley way around the corner, down some winding stairs to a big door that opens up to the most pumping energetic bar in Sydney. It's technically located at 154 Clarence Street visit them TODAY


Somethings going on in Clarence Street... first Baxter Inn above and then Grandma's Bar - both sensational fun bars. Grandmas is located at the Basement of the Fender Shop at 275 Clarence Street. It's a really great place that only fits about 50 ppl so get there earlish


Jaffles and cocktails - what more could you want after work ;) and I have to say, their customer service is outstanding, consider them for your next party - they were extremely accommodating with my requests and even offered to provide entire bar on a Sunday based on min 30 ppl. For more information visit www.grandmas.com.au


Now we haven't actually been to Since I Left You - I've been dying to try this since last year, but somehow never get to it but it's on the list - if you get to it let me know what it's like http://www.sinceileftyou.com.au/


Tio's was a real surprise. Same peeps as Shady Pines and Baxter. It's located on Foster Street in Surry Hills next door to Spence & Lyda. It's VERY new, opened Dec 2011. It totally feels like you've stepped off a Mexican beach to the local bar for the night... it's the local that everyone needs. The Cocktails were the best of the night - all tequila infused (heaven for me) but the variations were really impressive. Everyone was served free chipotle infused popcorn which went down a treat - this is on the highly recommended list....

El Loco has some mixed reviews but I personally love it here. The food is cheap fast and very tasty although not very authentic but really fab either way. Apparently same boys as Ms Gs at head of menu selection. It's a super fun but can get very hectic - it's another addition to the Merivale stable and my favourite one.

The tacos are the best as well as the tortilla salad, the burgers and hot dogs not very Mexican but I hear tasty - but stick to the tacos. The Coriander and Lemongrass Margaritas are so refreshing.

For more info visit them at http://www.elloco.com.au/ fun place ;)

Our last stop for the night and a late dinner was at Barrio Chino, I'm not big on their cocktails here but the food is absolutely sensational. The tacos, the salads - everything is really authentic and super tasty. To add to the great food the ambiance is really fun, crowd is relaxed and the tequila list excellent.... ;)

For more information visit http://barriochino.com.au/

THE FOXTROT CROWS NEST

Brought to you by the same boys in charge of The Pony Room in Manly, The Foxtrot is located at 28 Falcon Street Crows Nest and has the same excellent formula as Manly.

The pizzas are sensational and the bar staff certainly know how to make a tasty cocktail. It's a little hard to find and they like to keep a low profile, a tiny white sign is all that you will see, but once inside they have decked it out beautifully with the same cosy vibe as their sister bar in Manly.

The best part which Manly does not have is the open air terrace upstairs. Huge fan of anything these guys do.... keep up the great work!

SMALL BAR CRAWL - MANLY

We hope you had an amazing holiday break. Hubby and I decided to check out our local hood as we often venture out in the city but rarely experience our own Northern Beaches. We discovered that the small bar revolution has also hit Manly and it's sensational. Our number 1 pick would be The Pony Room located at 26-28 Pittwater Rd, Manly. The service is outstanding and the Pizza's - amazing. We love the cocktails in a jar and prices are reasonable and I personally love they have Agavero (a hard to find tequila liqueur)


We didn't get to Jah Bar but hear it's got a great live music vibe and tasty tapas... visit them at 9-15 Central Ave Manly


A long time favourite Insitu is not just a bar, the food is served all day but the place comes to life at night. Great tunes, fun cocktails great service also located in Central Ave


I guess you can't look past Hugo's but the secret here is the lounge area over looking the water. This relaxing spot on a Sunday is just perfect, the cocktail list is amazing whilst the Pizza's are pricey they are SO tasty and pair well with a mojito or two (Located on Manly Wharf)


Manly Pavillion has recently changed its head chef. I attended a lunch last year and the food was superb, this is the most expensive option out of the top 10 but well worth a special visit as this would be the best location in Manly for a drink and some bar food. It's located opposite Manly Wharf above the Manly Aquarium.


Miss Marley's is for my fellow tequila lovers. The tequila list is very impressive, we are not too fond of the ambiance or the attitude but if you love your tequila this is the place to be.


Manly Wine is part of the every expanding Winery group. They have 3 other locations in Sydney and each one as unique as the next. The best part of this venue is the relaxed beach vibe, you certainly wouldn't see patrons in their Surry Hills venue wearing board shorts and thongs and rocking a great tan straight off the beach ;) We love this place and the food is fantastic. Look out for their Girls picnic on a Sunday option - totally fun!


Manly Wharf Hotel is an institution for all Manly lovers. The location is the draw card, perched right on the water on Manly Wharf. There are many rooms to get the right ambiance you need to enjoy your time. Our favourite spot is either outside on the main deck or the lounge areas facing the water. The pizza's here compete with Hugo's, they are just as good and the selection of bar food is fantastic. One of our favourite spots in Manly. Maybe try to avoid on a Saturday night, very hectic but a lazy Sunday by the water is the way to go ;)


We then discovered a newbie called Harlem on Central. We are told the same company owns Sugar Lounge and Miss Marley's so it is part of a chain but you certainly don't get the chain vibe. It's old school charm with first class service - one of the best Amaretto Sours I've ever had (sis take note) Food is American/Creole looks tasty yet to try, recommended it's located on Central Ave next door to Insitu - look carefully because you could miss it.

And lastly, another newbie on the black - Hemingway's, located on Manly Beach it's the location of the old Barking Frog Venue. Great atmosphere, excellent cocktails, food was tasty if not a little heavy but it's a lovely concept for Manly

Enjoy!