Nature & bubbles
travel – food – art – music
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Email
Menu
Skip to content
  • About
  • Blog
  • Home
  • Test Page
  • Things I love
  • Why Nature & Bubbles?

Author: Sam

The Cote D’azure Eating Frenzie & Monaco Glamour

14/05/201528/12/2015

Eating along the Cote D’Azure is as much about the views, the air and the magnificent charm and its one of those places where I pretend I am some one famous. Why Not?

monacoI am fortunate to have been to Monaco a few times and it is everything people rave about and more.

It’s grandeur, friendliness and sheer beauty is spectacular. I am a huge fan and adore going there!

My average day in Monaco is relaxed at the start and glitzy at the end.

Helicopter ride into Monaco
Helicopter ride into Monaco- the only way to travel from Nice to Monaco

Slow waking ups… a swim in the cote D’azure (Larvotto Beach)… a late breakfast and coffee then home to change. I seem find myself eating at La Rose des Vents sur la plage du Larvotto (beach) regularly.

Usually I don’t make too much of an effort back home but in Monaco I rise to the occasion. I really frock up and really enjoy it.

Nice clothes, make up, taking time to groom – it’s actually quite fun. (And essential in Monaco).

Lunches are always fun and there are many fantastic places to indulge. French food, Italian nibbles, all with a Monagese influence. Seriously I don’t think I have had one bad meal in Monaco- it’s always good!

monaco drawing 2
Painting over looking Bay de Monaco

Monaco is a independent principality and it’s history has always fascinated me.

Stories about Grace Kelly and princes and casinos and glamour have held my fairy-tale intrigue for years and I love the fact that now I am a “grown-up” I can go and play out my own little fantasies. Even if they are to simply dine along the Cote D’Azure pretending to be royalty or someone special!

Classic red car outside the casino
Classic red car outside the casino
heli pad on your boat?!
heli pad on your boat?!
Monaco Wolf
My fav

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For two years I have been in Monaco for the boat show painting. It is the best eye opener in the world, full of insightful interesting people… and big toys!

These are some of my drawings that I have done while being there.

painting in larvotto
Water colour Larvotto
monaco
Monaco Boat Show

 

Viva Monaco! Until we meet again

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Fishheads Byron Bay

06/05/201528/12/2015

Why Wategos, Byron and Fishheads are my happy place

A favourite of mine is Byron Bay, especially Wategos Beach around under the light house. It’s one of my “happy places” where time stands still, where dolphins break the water and the sun always beams (even on rainy days).

Tai Chi
Tai Chi Burleigh Heads

Today was a perfect start with a stretch (like a blue sea dragon searching for pearls) and a push towards the sky (like a crane stretching it’s neck) doing Tai Chi on Burleigh Hills.

It just is an incredible way to start the day and to feel like alive.  It’s so cool pretending to be a monkey or a crane… my imagination loves the play!

Tai Chi is better for me personally compared to yoga especially as it is outdoors.

My car seems to know it’s why to Byron which is handy and today I thought I would try Fishhead’s in town. I haven’t eaten there for ages but apparently everyone knows they don’t serve before noon because it goes from ghost town to busy town in minutes. At five minutes past noon the place is pumping.

I take my boyfriend’s mum there (she’s over from Wales) for the Seafood Platter.  No batter, no gluten ridden bread crumbs just pure unadulterated seafood – they way I like it and the way good seafood should be served – virgin.

Seafood platter at Byron Bay
Seafood platter

The oysters are meaty and salty. So fresh and yummy! But of course not everyone’s desire. The BBQ prawns even more flavour some and the calamari melts like butter. My sides were starting to bulge but I find some space for an alfogatto with Khaluha. Perfect meal.

Fish Heads byron
Alfagotto

The ONLY way to cap off a day like this is a swim or surf at Wategos. I love the views, the waves, the vibe – it is my happy place. So off we went to lie with the myriad of other nationalities bathing in the winter’s sun, staring out to sea, talking of wild adventures and dreaming of fantasies.

Mt Warning
Mt Warning from Wategos

Signature

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Good Ole Fashion English Food and Road Side Blackberries

06/05/201528/12/2015

Well I can’t say I have ever rated the Brits as foodies. In fact I had resigned them to “amateur cooks” in my head until I ventured to the Cotswolds.  Wow what an eating experience.

My friends push bikes
My friends push bikes

The Cotswolds approximately 90 minutes west of London on the train is  step back in time where old fashion values and food still exist. In fact they exist with such pride and gusto that it is inspirational. I was blown away with my time there.

The farmers have a caveat on take away franchises such as MacDonalds as they refuse to permit their global infiltration due to littering from the packaging.

IMG_0160The other things I loved about the Cotswolds was the “organic approach” , the honour the land approach and the “trust thy neighbour approach” with most places not locking their homes at night.

It was a step back in time to ole fashioned values done with taste and preserved with honour.

I loved early morning walks where you still see your breathe on the air, picking fresh berries by the side of the road and seeing little spiders in their dewey spider webs. It was so picturesque!

IMG_0140

Some of my highlights were oggling all the farming produce at Daylesford (a MUST if you go). Stuffed pheasants, hand reared and culled piglets, birds of all varieties and delicious organic vegetables. I loved the colour, the vibe and the poise of Daylseford and can’t wait to return for one of their cooking week-ends (all themed too).

Organic Farm Produce Cotswolds

Daylesford

Painting and drinking cider in the English Sun

IMG_0170

Signature

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Germany in the Gold Coast Hinterland

04/05/201525/12/2015

Some people find it strange that nestled in the Hinterlands behind the sub-tropical town of the Gold Coast is a little bit of Europe.

Bavarian style, come Swiss influence, the popular tourist town of Mt Tamborine offers a lot for the whole family.

Last Saturday we set off with the kids to have a family outing. A bit of outdoor emersion first along the Tamborine Skywalk, and then the glow worm caves. Unfortunately the sky walk had suffered damage in the storms and was shut half way but still spectacular looking down into the rainforest basin. The worm caves were also closed due to the storms.

Over the last 10 years, wineries have sprouted up – some with their own range on the mountain, many bringing the wines in from their farms in the granite belt region a few hours away (Stanthorpe) and some distilling fortified wines.

We pop into Mount Tambourine Winery for some yummy tastings and capping off (and departing) with a yummy chocolate port. The kids got their own way in the end and were lucky enough to sample the delicious but very sweet fudges at Granny Macs.  With over 80 fudge varieties and 40 on display you can sample away until you find your poison.

IMG_1588

For lunch we pull into the Bavarian Grill House on the Main Western Road. It is also opposite the best lookout on the mountain. The views sweep over the valley below all the way to the Cougal Mountain ranges, O’Reileys and Beaudesert.

While the meals at the Bavarian Grill Haus were generous, they must have been laced in MSG because we sunk into a coma a few hours later. (I call this the gluten coma – which occurs with too much MSG as well).

The service was average and the cellar door was closed so we couldn’t try any wines which is part reason why we headed to Tamborine in the first place.

The kids had a ball, we had a feast and overall not a bad day out but I wouldn’t rave about it, nor recommend the Grill Haus.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Point Danger Cafe D’Bar

04/05/201529/06/2017

One of my favourite local day-get-aways is a visit to Point Danger and Coolangatta south of the Gold Coast.

IMG_1628

I always feel on holiday when I am in the neighbourhood and worries from home seem distant.

IMG_1631

A popular cafe and casual dining spot is Cafe D-bar.

IMG_1630
cafe dbar

The views are spectacular and sitting up stairs makes you feel on top of the world. Open air, gentle breeze and usually yummy food.

I often order the coffee martini and today tried the Gravelox salmon. Maybe I don’t know my graveloxes but it wasn’t as good as the salmon I have sampled in Monaco and the south of France but fortunately the view makes up for the food today.

The breakies are generally good. But they can get overwhelmed and quite busy and today my meal and drink came in dribs and drabs.

Overall it is generally a safe bet, good location and a good spot to take visiting guests.

Today:

Food 2/5

Ambiance 5/5

Service 2/5

Overall 3.5/5

 

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Kingscliffe, Mexicans and French winnings

04/05/201528/12/2015

Our Sunday finds us pottering along the Northern Rivers seaside towns of Fingal and Kingscliffe where we stumble across Baja, celebrating the famous Mexican day Cinco De Maya. The day when the Mexicans beat the French.

Fingal
Giant Staircase at Fingal

The Giant Causeway at Fingal, named after the famous Irish Giants Causeway. Absolutely magic.

Before finding our lunch destination we swing into the quiet town of Fingal. Fingal Heads was discovered by Captain James Cook way back in 1770. But it wasn’t until 1872 when a light house was erected to veer ships away from it’s treacherous cliff rocks that Fingal was put on the map.

IMG_1622

The causeway and light house make a delightful short walk and then you can meander to Kingscliffe, just as we did.

Baja lured us in with it’s vibrant colours, chilled atmosphere and the celebrator air. Today they were celebrating Cinco De Mayo. The day (really 5th May) when Mexico beat the French in the battle of Puebla. Complimentary tequila, $5 fish bowl sized cocktails, I instantly liked the Mexican remembrance day! A long way from Mexico, Kingcliffe Baja does OK.

IMG_1624

The food was fine – not five star dining but ok. Crispy calamari, buffalo wings and a beer washed down nicely a sorjourn to another country.

Signature

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

My interview by World Chef Samantha Gowing

04/05/201524/12/2015

Samantha is a Byron Bay Foodie and chef and today she is interviewing me.

We connected a few years back at lifestyle and health resort Gwinganna where we both have worked.

Her philosophies on food are similar to mine – Food is the currency of love and made with intent and creative flare can do more than just warm your tummy.

This is an interview Sam did on me and my philosophies on food.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Tassie Bush, Old Mates and Fresh Air at Coopers Hill

04/05/201528/12/2015

For a few years now, my dear friends Rachel and Pete have been creating a living art space in the Tassie wilderness (secret address) which they have affectionately called Coopers Hill.

Coopers Hill
Sculpture Coopers

The adventure  begins as one passes through the gates which is like entering an enlarged outdoor art amphitheatre.

Visiting the land is an opportunity to discover and uncover all sorts of things – Pete’s art, Rachel’s natural ability to create welcoming and zone out spaces and eat some amazing Tassie Tucker! I love it.

scuba diver
Scuba diver sculpture

This short trip didn’t disappoint in re-charging my “buzzy city battery”.

Fresh air, heavy drops of rain, animal noises and nature immersion 101!

The Tasmania Bush is something else. So much wild life, so many noises and so wholesome.

Pot belly bush fire
Bush fire

Rach and Pete have a vision to bring the land to it’s climactic best. Where the land is thriving and tip top condition.

This is in keeping with nature’s rules – such as when a fire goes through, which is a natural 20 year phenomena – they are simply supporting the natural process of the land and helping it thrive – shifting wood piles, so birds can come and peck, bringing in the grubs, sapplings can grow and new life can begins.

I had a ride on their ride on escavator and found my altered bushman ego LOVED it. Moving dead logs, chomping up clumps of bramble seemed very empowering from my drivers seat.

What I love most about Cooper’s are Pete’s sculptures. Sprinkled throughout the land are art pieces, little sculptures and characters.

Coopers Hill
Coopie

Coopsy is a fictious character that pops up here and there. He governs and protects that land and occasionally you can see his handy work, maybe some chopped wood, maybe a new path and if you are lucky enough, you might get to have a beer with him!

I must mention the loo.

The dunny
Coopers innovation

Ingenious in it’s design, and fully functional the toilet is eco friendly. Pete and Rachel have given the dunny lots of thought.

Not wanting unwanted aromas to filter back to the camp site, the loo faces the northern sun.

It is ventilated well, operates perfectly, with 2 cups of charcoal (from the fire) and 2 cups of sawdust (from the wood cuttings) then Kobota excavator buries the excrement. The way loos should be – open aired, relaxing with the “business” going back to the soil.

The big fires of Christmas 2013 decimating the Peninsula also ripped through Coopers (burning 90% of it).  But from old life, new life begins and in the morning the drops of dew on the leaves danced like disco balls around the property. The bush seems to cover in the scars of the bush fires only a few years back!

Coopers Hill
morning sun

The morning autumn sun seems to have a different light frequency.

Last night I stayed in the guest’s suite, AKA the Place du Cafe, falling asleep in the bush, waking to birds and gentle sunlight seeping through the fly screens.

Coopers Hill guest room
The guests room

Waking with nature, feeling chilled out, Rach is making a gluten free (hearty) breakfast. Fresh brewed fair trade coffee brewed on the fire and a dash of last nights Tassie liquor port start my Sunday off just nicely.

Thanks guys, I love catching up with both of you and as you say ” its the impression that is left that matters most”.

breakfast Cooper style
buckwheat and banana
1 Comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Heston who? Frogmore Creek surpasses all!

02/05/201528/12/2015

The Tassie black pepper is still exploding on my tongue as I pass through the “hugs now” security check at the Hobart Airport. But nothing, can compare with the magic afternoon of pure taste delight I have been privvie to at Frogmore’s Creek.

vineyards
The vines at Frogmores Tasmania

What an experience – what a delight – what a treat.

Ruben Kopens the head chef is a rival for World Famous chef Heston Blumenthal made famous by his TV shows and eclectic food creations.

Ruben, friends with infamous Heston, will exceed your expectations. That self limiting belief line where one’s internal chatter says “I am not worthy of such grand fan fare”, well sit down sista, you are!

Born in Holland he understands the EXPRESSION of food as an experience, a place in time … a memory.

If you have ever fantasized about how YOU can become a Heston excipient, then look no further, come to Frogmore and be treated to a world class dining experience.

Frogmore Creek Wines and it’s restaurant are located outside of Hobart between the towns of Cambridge and Richmond. The winery offers a few labels,  many with awards. Personally I have always loved their Meadowbank Mardi , and their 2007 Frogmore Creek Evermore  Pinot Noir is a must for any cellar.

Today, however, I am here for the degustation experience by Ruben and his staff. It is to be a special Sunday afternoon.

Between each course, one is tantilised with palate cleansers, taste experiences and art pieces.

Today’s fare was as follows:

Frogmore's Creek Tasmania
Delicious pre-dinner apertif

Prawn crackers with miso sprinkles and wasabi mayo

Then a morsel of panna cotta cauliflower jus and noodle, and olive tapenade just because.

frogmore 3
Entree – an art piece

To be served the best venison, followed by Whisky froth and desert.

Frogmore's Creek
Whisky infused meat. YUM

Desert what can I say… an experience, an adventure, a food orgasm.

Frogmore's desserts
Unbelievably decadent
Frogmore's desserts
Fruit lego sagos

What can I say. It is by far the BEST eclectic meal I have part taken in.

Frogmore menu      frogmore menu 1

The wines : Frogmore Creek pinot noir, then reisling and I would highly recommend the desert.

I look forward to visiting this enclave of elegance and fine dining not surpassed anywhere else in this grand land again.

Accolades Ruben and team (noteably Tristan and Meredith) – fine star dining at its TRUE best. Merci

1 Comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Posts navigation

Previous Page 1 2 … 14 15 16

Follow Me!

Join me for my Bali Retreat 22nd July 2019

Spiritually Enlightening

Stay connected with my worldly travels

Copyright 2022 natureandbubbles.com | All Rights Reserved
Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes