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

Speakeasy

I am a massive breakfast fan, in fact I think it's probably my favourite meal of the day, and there was certainly no shortage of amazing places to try in Melbourne. St Ali was incredible and so too was the fresh food at Prahran Market, however stumbling across Speakeasy Kitchen Bar on Chapel Street was one of the best brekkie decisions we made all weekend.

The make-your-own options were great (I went for poached eggs on sourdough with avo and bacon), and the coffee was up to true Melbourne standard.

The other great thing was that the Chapel Street location meant we were perfectly positioned to start shopping...and that was a dangerous adventure indeed.

Where: 359 Chapel Street, South Yarra 3141

When: Mon-Sun Brekkie-Lunch (also open for dinner Wed-Sat)

Contact: (03) 9824 0770 

More Info: www.speakeasybar.com.au

Brendan Dewar B-Mac

Whilst I have more of Melbourne to share, I'm going to take a quick break to show off Brendan Dewar, because I am so in love with what I just ate! Located in the shopping centre in St Ives, this may not be the typical place to come searching for exotic patisserie goods, but it's worth the trek.

Think palmiers, baguettes, quiches, tiramisu, profiteroles and lemon meringue pie.

The most exciting thing however, was the B-Mac, and no I am not referring to McDonald's. I am talking about a chocolate macaron filled with ganache, strawberries, apple and various other delicious inputs, that combine to produce the most amazing burger-that-is-not-a-burger ever.

Go on, you know you want to!

Where: Shop 119, 166 Mona Vale Road, St Ives 2075 

When: 7 days

Contact: (02) 9144 5768

More Info: www.brendandewarpatisserie.com.au

Movida Aqui

So here is the first of my Melbourne adventures, and I think it's quite fitting that this restaurant's name translates from Spanish as "moved here", given that it will indeed be opening in Sydney very soon (and boy am I happy about that!!).

The meal at Movida Aqui, a Spanish restaurant from chef Frank Camorra, exceeded all expectations, it really was that good. Seated at the bar, we were able to look onto the preparation of tapas-style share plates and phenomenal cocktails. The sangria was also incredible.

I actually had the good fortune of attending a masterclass with Frank in Sydney a few weeks ago, where he showed us how to make morcilla, 'blood sausage', so I was prepared for some unusual flavours. The entrée didn't disappoint, anchovy and tomato sorbet on a wafer topped with capers. The mains were equally delicious, beef cheeks on cauliflower purée and churrasco with mild chillies and salsa verde... take me back now!

And then for the pièce de la résistance, dessert...chocolate ganache pudding with crème fraîche ice-cream and nougat.

If you're going to Melbourne, Movida Aqui (or any three of the Movida restaurants), is without a doubt a not-to-be-missed experience, and for us Sydneysiders we only have a short while to wait, I'm dreaming about it already.

Where: Level 1, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne

When: Mon-Fri 12pm-late & Sat 6pm-late

Contact: (03) 9663 3038

More Info: www.movida.com.au

Grandma went to market

Sorry for the short absence, I have been visiting another excellent city (the one and only Melbourne)! I have a few exciting things to share from the trip, but that will have to wait for another time. In the meantime here is the first of my market musings...

The Glebe markets, in Sydney's inner city, never fail to disappoint. Located in the playground of the local primary school on Glebe Point Road, I can never leave without buying something.

There's food, fashion, vintage, jewellery and some fantastic candles (I do love a new scent, or five). Also keep an eye out for local brands such as Wish and Stellino, who occasionally hold stores to sell off excess stock.

Personal wins include $10 moleskin journals (unused) and some funky necklaces.

The best part is that they're on every Saturday, so there's no missing out!

When: Every Saturday 10am - 4pm

Where: The corner of Derby Place and Glebe Point Road

More Info: www.glebemarkets.com.au

The Wedge

Glebe is a melting pot of cafés, restaurants, shops and more. Whilst you certainly won't struggle to find a place to eat, I find myself returning to certain favourites where I know the coffee is always 5-star. The Wedge, a truly wedge-shaped hotspot tucked away from the main strip, is one of those favourites.

The coffee is excellent, but you can also choose from a selection of herbal teas and delicious lunchtime snacks, including gourmet bruschetta and a scrumptious chicken and tarragon sandwich.

Guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face!

Where: 55-53 Glebe Point Road (basically the corner of Cowper Street!)

When: Mon-Sat 8am-4pm

Correria Agwa

So Spring has well and truly arrived, and despite the frostiest September day in 17 years, the sun is definitely shining! To celebrate the Sydney Opera House launched the annual Spring Dance Festival.

Curated by Rafael Bonachela, the collection showed off local and international talent over two weeks; with dance acts, masterclasses, film and some interesting mixed-media.

I had the pleasure of seeing Correria Agwa, a hip hop collective from Brazil that was out of this world! Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious and made for a memorable Saturday night outing.

Whilst unfortunately the dance festival is nearly over, I recommend checking out other events at the Opera House, including the Festival of Dangerous Ideas which starts on September 28 and has very reasonably priced tickets. A stroll along Circular Quay, a drink at the outdoor Studio Cafe, I sure do love Spring weather!