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