Queen of Rice Paper Rolls

Hi there strangers! So firstly, please excuse my absence, uni exams took over my life in a big way. Fortunately these are my last exams for a very long time (although I hesitate to say ever).

Anyway on to more important things, like the self-professed Queen of Rice Paper Rolls, Misschu! Actually Nga Chu, the creator of the Misschu tuckshop experience. I visited the Bondi restaurant because on a summery night it doesn't get any better.

Tuck in to steamed dumplings, vermicelli spring roll salads and Wagyu beef pho, but leave room for the rice paper rolls, because they are the best, really. Try tiger prawn and green mango, or satay chicken and coconut young.

The most amazing thing was how reasonable the prices are (the servings of rice paper rolls range from $7.50-$10), and the nature of the food means this place is perfect for vegans and vegetarians. If I am being honest though (which I am), dessert was a little disappointing and I would stick to the savouries.

All in all I will definitely be seeking out more misschu, and so should you!

Where: 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi 2026
When: 7 days, 9am till late
Contact: (02) 9365 7762 (bookings for groups of 6 or more only) 
More Info: www.misschu.com.au

Love for the Bald Man

A few weeks ago I mentioned how awesome it is to catch the ferry over to Manly, but what, you ask, do I do once I get there? There is the obvious choice, go to the beach, but let's face it, if the water is 5 degrees the beach isn't the most enticing option.

There is Hemmingway's (more on that later), or China Beach, sister restaurant to China Doll, but when the weather is a bit chilly you simply can't beat hot chocolate, and Max Brenner on the wharf never fails in the chocolate department. I love the bald man.

Thick dark hot chocolate, chocolate pizza, fondue or a classic waffle.

If you're feeling a bit heavy afterwards, take a walk over to Fairy Bower, nestled between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. With a name like that, you know it's going to be special!

Where: Shop 11, East Esplanade Manly Wharf, Manly 2095
When: Mon-Thurs 6:45am-10:00pm, Fri 6:45am-10:30pm, Sat & Sun 8:30am-late
Contact: (02) 9977 4931
More Info: www.maxbrenner.com.au

Art Adventures

I do love visiting art galleries, but I also have a very short attention span, so if collections are all too 'samey', I find it pretty hard to get excited about them. Often the incredible buildings that house galleries attract more of my attention.

Luckily the Art Gallery of NSW always has something exciting (the building is stunning too) and so I find myself visiting regularly. There's the Archibald Prize every year, as well as Art Express, an exhibition of the top Year 12 student artworks, which starts again in February and never fails to disappoint.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to attend the incredible Picasso exhibition, featuring sculptures, drawings and paintings from right throughout his career. I always get nervous taking photos in the gallery, I don't want to be that person who breaks the rule, but I love buying the book and taking a little piece of magic home.

Another recent favourite was a beautiful exhibition of Eugène Atget photographs, documenting Paris in the late 19th and early 20th century (as a wannabe Frenchie I can't get enough of his photos). Coming up from November 17 there is an exciting collection from Francis Bacon.

The other awesome thing is that just down the road you will find the Royal Botanic Gardens, the best place for some after-art snacking!

Where: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney 2000
When: Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Contact: (02) 9225 1744
More Info: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

cafe DOV

There are certain things that make a cafe worth visiting; namely good food, good coffee, good service and good vibes. Cafe DOV is a perfect example of all of the above, and is just the right place for a breakfast meeting, lunchtime catchup or casual dinner.

I have been here a number of times, most recently for brekkie before work, and as always the meal was simple, fresh and fabulous. For dinner choose from tasty share plates including mussels and steak salad.

It's only a short stroll from Kings Cross train station, so next time you have a little Monday morning blues, a pre-work pit stop at cafe DOV is my recommended cure!

Where: 130 Victoria Street, Potts Point 2011
When: Mon 7am-3pm, Tue-Sat 7am-11pm & Sun 8am-3pm
Contact: (02) 9368 0600
More Info: www.cafedov.com.au

Picnic Perfection: Akuna Bay

As I mentioned in an earlier post, there really is no limit to the number of amazing picnic spots in Sydney. Akuna Bay may be one of the slightly more inaccessible ones, but it's also one of the most peaceful.

To get there you have to take around a 45-minute drive from the city centre, but it's well worth the day trip. Situated in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, you'll get to wind your way through the bush before popping out onto the water near a marina. After paying a minimal entrance fee, pull over at the first grassy bay and get ready for some zen time.

If fishing is your thing, then this is definitely your place! I think it would be fun to take a hand reel next time, although who knows what I'd do if I actually caught anything (I mean who really wants to touch a live fish).

Picnic tip: don't forget to take lots of water, it can get pretty hot and you aren't going to be that close to a corner store! A good old cooler pack is a great investment.

Where: Liberator General San Martin Drive, Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, 2084 
More Info: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkPicnics

Spaghetti Bolognese

Sorry I have been completely slack in blogging over the past two weeks, I am going to make up for it this week!

I come from a big family, and when it's my turn to cook dinner I often find it difficult to find something that's easy to make in large quantities, but that still satisfies everyone's taste-buds. And I have to say that, while I hate the nickname 'spag bol', it certainly meets both those requirements.

I used the Donna Hay recipe here, with a few slight adjustments.

I didn't happen to have a bay leaf, so that was omitted, as was parsley given that it's not a personal favourite. I did add a lot of pepper and not so much salt. It's pretty simple to fry up the onions and garlic, add the rest of the ingredients and stir.

Don't freak out about adding all the liquid, it will reduce. The bolognese will need to simmer for an hour, giving plenty of time to make a salad or a sneaky chocolate slice for dessert!

Don't forget to serve with a bowl of grated parmesan for sprinkling on top.

I used 1.5 times the quantities in the recipe and comfortably fed 8.

Buon appetito!

Jamie's Italian

Jamie’s Italian is pretty great, but despite what the website says it is not so easy to just ‘come along' whenever you feel like it. Having been open for nearly a year already, the average one-hour queue can act as a pretty strong deterrent for this fashionable food fiesta, but on the other hand the queue must say something!

It's best if you go super early and grab a drink at the bar whilst waiting for the charming English waitstaff to take you to a highly coveted table. Alternatively bookings can be made for parties of 6 or more.

The restaurant offers exactly what it promises, fresh, hearty and reasonably priced Italian goodness. The entrée platters are a winner, especially the vegetarian option at $10 a head. The autumn bruschetta of pumpkin and beetroot was another favourite.

For secondi try some fabulous fresh pasta or a huge veal saltimbocca with cherry tomatoes and capsicum. The ‘posh chips’ with truffle oil are also a winner.

I was too full for dessert, but the panna cotta looked incredible, as did the tiramisu.

The other excellent thing about this restaurant is the open kitchen, which allows a glimpse at just what it takes to serve up oh so many delicious meals.

Whilst I wouldn’t wait in the queue again, I will be rallying a group and re-visiting sooner rather than later!

Where: 107 Pitt St, Sydney 2000

When: Mon-Sat 11:30am-late

Contact: (02) 8240 9000

More Info: www.jamieoliver.com/au

Ovo

The circus seems to be taking over my life right now, and I'm certainly not complaining! Firstly I went to the movies to see Madagascar 3 (highly recommended, I didn't stop laughing from start to finish, and oh those sneaky penguins...)

However on a slightly more sophisticated note I also had the pleasure of seeing Cirque du Soleil's latest masterpiece, Ovo, in the big top at Fox Studios.

Out-of-this world, insect-inspired costumes combined with funky tunes add to the mind-blowing acts. Think crazy contortions, terrifying trapeze and riding a unicycle upside down on a curved tightrope.

Photography during the show is forbidden for the performers' safety, but I wish I could have snapped the gorgeous 'ladybird', who enticed a 'fly' with her sexy curves.

Tickets are still available and the show runs in Sydney until November 25, so get in quick for three hours of magic.

More Info: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo 

Set Sail

Ok so this post isn't exactly about sailing. Whilst yachting on Sydney Harbour is quite the experience, getting access to someone with a spare sailboat isn't exactly easy. However, there is another perfectly good way to get out on the water without dropping a fair few thousand dollars...take the ferry!

There is nothing better than watching the water sparkling like a million diamonds (sounds lame, but it's true). A trip from Circular Quay to Manly takes 30 minutes. Alternatively a trip from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay for fish and chips takes a mere 17 minutes!

I have to say though, catching the 12 minute ferry from Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay is quite something. Powering past Kirribilli House and our iconic landmarks makes me realise just how special Sydney really is. Plus you can always then pop over to Baroque for a macaron...

More Info: www.131500.com.au

Real Pho at Golden Bo

If you've never had pho before, I suggest you go out and try some right now. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup, typically served with beef or chicken, and makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner (yes, I have been known to have it for breakfast).

Whilst there are many places that serve this dish, if you're looking for the real deal I suggest you try Golden Bo, a Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant bang in the centre of Chatswood.

Not only do they offer complimentary tea, you get to add your own flavours to taste, including lemon, cilantro, bean sprouts and chilli sauce.

Surprisingly filling, this also makes for a cheap meal out (we're talking under $15). However I wouldn't recommend going here on a first date, nobody I know can eat these slippery noodles in an elegant fashion, seriously. 

Where: 3a/72-76 Archer Street, Chatswood 2067
When: Lunch & Dinner Every Day
Contact: (02) 9884 9688

China Doll

The Woolloomooloo finger wharf has had a long and fascinating history since its completion in 1915, from being a hub of the wool export industry to seeing troops off to both World Wars. Today however the wharf is home to a number of exclusive apartments, an elegant hotel and numerous upscale restaurants.

China Doll is the much-loved modern Asian-fusion star, and makes the perfect place for celebration, whether it be a birthday, anniversary or just a catch-up with good friends.

Start with one of their famous cocktails (the Lick'n'Lychee is a personal favourite), then savour the intense flavours of chilli caramel pork belly, fried tofu and five spice salt or penang curry of slow braised wagyu beef shin.

The plates are made for sharing, so the more the merrier as you will get to try more dishes. As a word of warning the portions are very generous, between three we shared two starters and two mains, but probably could have skipped one of the starters.

Finally for dessert try the sago with coconut cream and passionfruit, thoroughly delicious and a nice light ending to the meal (I would go back for this dish alone)!

Please note bookings are essential!

Where: Shop 4, 6 Cowper Road Wharf, Woolloomooloo 2011

When: Mon-Sat 12-3pm, 6-11pm & Sun 12-3pm, 6-9pm

Contact: (02) 9380 6744

More Info: www.chinadoll.com.au

An afternoon pick-me-up

Having had rather a lot of work the past few weeks, I find myself getting particularly drowsy around 3:30pm. However, with the sun finally starting to shine, it's getting too warm to go for an afternoon latte. Luckily this iced version is super-quick and tasty, and keeps me going until bed-time!

Ingredients:
1 Glass Ice Cubes
1.5 Teaspoons Instant Coffee
30mL Boiling Water
100mL Milk
1.5 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

Method:
1. In a mug mix the instant coffee and boiling water, stir until granules have melted.
2. Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz for 1 minute.

Serves one.

Hints: If you have time, and a proper coffee machine, you can substitute the instant coffee for fresh espresso. A low-fat version with skim milk and low-fat ice cream tastes (nearly) as good!

Princess Coco

This evening I had the pleasure of being taken out for a belated birthday dinner, and whilst the plan was to go on to disco bowling our attention was diverted when we happened to walk past Princess Coco Chocolaterie. Needless to say, we never made it to bowling.

The rich dark hot chocolate made the perfect dessert on a rainy night, complemented by all kinds of truffles, cakes and even some interesting macarons. Sink into the luscious purple lounges and watch the crazy chocolate fountain, constructed of various swinging spouts, transporting the sweet nectar up and down the window. Heaven.

Where: 158-166 Day Street, Sydney 2000
Contact: (02) 9269 0881
More Info: www.princesscoco.com.au