Set back towards the city end of King Street in Newtown is the funky and colourful Calle Rey. Touting itself as a plant based Mexican eatery with non vegetarian options, it is one of those places that manages to be both relaxed and exciting at the same time. We really enjoyed our meal here.
The star of the show for me? The jackfruit nachos. I will absolutely be back for those alone. Smoky, rich and deeply satisfying, they genuinely taste like pulled pork but without the heaviness that usually follows. You get all the flavour and comfort, minus the food coma. Pair that with their happy hour margaritas and you have a very good reason to settle in for a while.
Between us we tried a mix of tacos, including mushroom and chicken, and of course we could not leave without sampling dessert. This was gluten and dairy free! The kids couldn’t believe it.
The tacos are vibrant, generously filled and full of bold Mexican flavours, while still feeling fresh and light. It is the kind of food that makes you feel nourished rather than weighed down.
One of the big wins here is that most of the menu is gluten free and dairy free. For anyone who eats this way by choice or necessity, that is an absolute gift. You can relax, order freely and just enjoy the experience without overthinking every ingredient.
The décor is delightfully funky and instantly took me back to the 1990s when I used to visit vegetarian restaurants around Newtown during my own vego phase. Back when BYO was the norm, the chairs did not match and the focus was on flavour, community and good vibes. Calle Rey captures that old school charm beautifully, but with a modern polish. Quirky details, colour, warmth and a sense that everyone is welcome.
Add in excellent value for money and genuinely flavour packed food and you have a little Newtown gem.
A last minute lunch with friends saw us dining at Luna Lu, tucked into The Rocks on New Year’s Day. With much of Sydney surprisingly closed despite the crowds still lingering in town, this felt like a genuine discovery.
I hadn’t been there since the 1990s, when Luna Lu was already known for its Peking duck pancakes something I still remembered fondly. This visit did not disappoint. On a cool summer’s day, celebrating both New Year’s Day and my girlfriend’s birthday, we were treated to an exceptional lunch.
Around the table there were dim sum and ribs, all delivered with a distinctly Chinese flair. I ordered the sesame prawn on gluten free toast and it was an absolute treat. If you eat gluten free, you know how rare it is to enjoy those nostalgic, deep fried favourites. Luna Lu nailed it.
A crunchy slice of gluten free bread topped with generous prawn meat, sesame seeds and a delicate garnish, each bite substantial and beautifully balanced.
For mains, one friend chose the duck salad, light yet generous, filled with tender shredded duck. Another had the crispy barramundi, perfectly cooked. I went with the miso glazed toothfish from Heard Island in Western Australia and it was cooked to perfection. The flesh was soft and fluffy, delicate without being bland or watery, full of flavour without heaviness. The accompanying vegetables pak choy and a Chinese style salsa complemented the fish rather than overpowering it.
Add to that relaxed outdoor dining and iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, depending on where you’re seated, and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for laid back outdoor dining with excellent Asian inspired food, especially when many places are closed, Luna Lu is absolutely worth a visit and a previsit of the menu is a must.
Sydney does festivals, concerts and sporting events! When the city opens its heart to wine, it becomes an extraordinary experience ; a feast for the senses, where the Harbour sparkles, the Opera House glows, and some of the best of Australian vineyards pour their stories by the glass.
Welcome to the Sydney Cellar Door; a FUN & vibrant gathering along The Rocks, where heritage and innovation meet along side the water of Circular Quay.
Where Wine Meets the Water
There’s something intoxicating about sipping fine wine by the sea. At the Sydney Wineries Festival, the harbour breeze carries the perfume of summer, the clink of crystal (actually plastic) glasses blends with the rhythm of buskers in The Rocks, and the skyline creates a stage that even Bordeaux or Tuscany would envy.
The event sprawls infront of the Museum of Contemporary Art, transforming the foreshore into a sensory playground. Cellar doors pop up along the grass, each offering a taste of NSW wines: Orange, Mudgee, Port Macquarie, the Hunter and more. It is some of Australia’s BEST for sure!
This isn’t just a tasting. It’s a journey through the terroirs of NSW, without ever leaving the Quay.
A Showcase of Australia’s Finest
From the crisp mineral whites of De Beaurepaire to the refined méthode traditionnelle sparklings of Cassegrain, and the robust, soulful reds of Glandore, the festival highlights the incredible breadth of Australian winemaking.
You’ll find:
Cool-climate Chardonnay from Orange and Tumbarumba
Elegant Pinot Noir from De Beaurepaire
Earthy, complex Shiraz from the Hunter wineries
Vibrant Tempranillo, Fiano, and Nebbiolo from the new-wave innovators redefining Australian wine! Giddy UP
Each stall tells a story. One of the things I love most about a wine festival is getting to “know” the wine maker!
Each pour holds a philosophy about land, the patience and the passion. The conversations are as rich as the vintages.
The Rocks: Where Heritage Meets the Modern Palate
Wandering The Rocks during festival weekend feels like walking through a living gallery. The mix of old-world charm and new-world creativity mirrors the evolution of Australian wine itself.
This is wine culture at its most joyful, inclusive and alive.
The Art of the pour
What sets the Sydney Wineries Festival apart isn’t just the setting , it’s the curation. The festival celebrates wine as art ; every varietal, a palette; every vineyard, a brushstroke. Winemakers aren’t just pouring drinks; they’re sharing their craft, their failures, their triumphs. You leave not just with your palate expanded, but your heart warmed.
Some I have never heard of and kudos to Cassegrain for exploring (and nailing) incredible blends. Please explore their incredible blends as they are smooth and eclectic.
It’s also a moment to reflect on sustainability. the quiet revolution taking place in vineyards across Australia. Many of the participating winemakers practise low-intervention, organic, or regenerative viticulture, proof that excellence and ethics can coexist beautifully. Many of the vineyards commited to low intervention such as Tractorless Winery with Melania and partner with their winery in the Southern Highlands.
A Toast to the City that Never Stops Creating
Sydney’s energy is contagious. One moment, you’re sampling a sparkling Semillon under the sails of the Opera House; the next, you’re dancing barefoot on the grass at First Fleet Park, holding a glass of Hunter Shiraz as the ferries glide past.
The festival caters for collectors, casual sippers, or just someone who loves being outdoors with good company, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the moment.
Raise Your Glass
Sydney’s Wineries Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a celebration of everything Australia does best; creativity, craftsmanship and conversations! All poured into one unforgettable weekend.
So next time it rolls around, mark the date, gather your people, and make your way to the Rocks in Sydney. Sam xx
PS: please support the above mentioned wineries. They are all local wineries meeting face to face with their customers.
When I need a little time out in Sydney, a pause from the pace, a sip of something special, I head straight to my favourite local wine bar: Vini Divini.
Tucked away like a European secret, this intimate wine bar is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things; great conversation, thoughtful wines and an atmosphere that instantly soothes the soul.
Philippe, Your Wine Whisperer
What makes Vini Divini truly exceptional is the personal touch offered by owner and wine connoisseur, Philippe. Always welcoming, Philippe is more than happy to chat about your palate, preferences, or mood and will recommend something that feels like it was bottled just for you.
Whether you’re a lover of bold reds, fresh minerally whites, or curious about natural or biodynamic wines, he’ll handpick a pour that surprises and delights. Trust him, he has a gift for reading the room (and your taste buds) and that European hospitality attentativeness.
Tip: Don’t be shy. Tell Philippe what you like, and he’ll likely introduce you to something new and unforgettable.
Sip, Savour, Snack
While the star of the show is undoubtedly the wine, Vini Divini also offers a small, refined bar menu that perfectly complements your glass. Expect Mediterranean-inspired light bites such as olives, charcuterie, cheeses, which are all sourced with the same care and finesse as the wine list.
It’s the ideal spot for a solo escape, a spontaneous date night, or an intimate catch-up with friends. Every detail, from the glassware to the playlist, feels curated, yet entirely effortless.
Private Tastings & Events
Looking to host something special?
Vini Divini also curates private events and tastings, offering a boutique experience that’s perfect for birthdays, team gatherings, or elegant celebrations. I am looking forward to helping out over summer with a few events! What a joy it will be.
Philippe will tailor the wine list, the vibe, and the experience to match your group, whether you’re sipping casually or diving into a more structured tasting.
It’s an elegant, understated setting that speaks to true wine lovers and those who are just beginning their journey.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for somewhere warm, relaxed, and a little bit magic, Vini Divini is it.
Potager is a delightful surprise hidden beyond the country suburb of Bilambil south of the Gold Coast.
Established in 2006 by Pete and Gareth with a grand vision to grow and source local food – served with exuberant intent. They nailed it!
Fast track to now and the vision lives on and is evident in every dish made and served. It’s a special part of the dream and the intent is certainly evident in the attention to detail, amazing menu and a relaxing venue.
Unfortunately one of the partners passed away in 2019 but everyone is happy and committed in his spirit.
On our visit we are met by a beautiful rustic home set amongst an enlivened field with a seductive edible garden.
The staff are all very competent and eager to say hello. The ethos of the restaurant/community is to support local including the staff.
The views over the valley are delightful and the wine list substantial.
We are with a few friends and cocktails are ordered.
For entree we share the fair game, wild venison carpaccio, pickled plum, mushroom, tarragon pesto, lemon myrtle cracker.
Wild venison carpaccio with pickled plum
My main course didn’t sound that much on the menu but was delicious with lots of subtle and Peruvian sudado de pescado(fish stew). Whilst the menu changes depending on what is in season and available the stew is always available. I will be going back for the fish stew for sure. Warming, nourishing and flavours full of the depth of the sea.
The fish stew is to die for
It is one of the dishes designed and kept as a tribute. I really rate the fish stew but would go so far as to recommend everything on the menu. My friends have the duck which melts in your mouth whilst my partner has local caught fish which was so well cooked.
Succulent duck
What I love most about Potager is the local grown vegetables used with every dish. It is like a blessing from the planet to your plate.
Thank you so much guys, we will be back again soon,
The paddock to plate, garden to plate philosophy of Harvest, saw it booked out for Oprah and her entourage in 2010 when she visited.
Since then, this once bakery, cafe has become a destination.
Now days the main highway bypasses the town and it’s probably best to put the address into your maps and understand you’ll be weaving a little bit through the country side before arriving.
You won’t be disappointed.
The township of Nearby is quiticential of most Australian towns in the northern rivers of New South Wales; a pub, a garage and a milk bar. Harvest has certainly put the town on the map and now the town boasts an art and homeware collective, an antique shop and a few other places to drift in and out of.
We didn’t make a booking (I strongly recommend you do) so we sat on the balcony. It was a rainy cold winter’s day but fortunately the heater on the deck and the food distracted from the cool.
We weren’t necessarily after a big long lunch, so settled on the carrots (grown on site) roasted in the oven with …
Totally delicious.
For main, I chose a burger which was OK. The produce was locally sourced but not abundant. I get it, it’s a fine dining restaruant.
My partner had the eye fillet which was also wonderful but served as it. You really need to order sides.
I was a little bit disappointed with the menu on this day but apparently it changes regularly depending on the seasonal foods and produce available.
To be fair we didn’t have a booking, the place was pumping with people streaming in regularly and was clearly very popular.
The gardens are uplifting and worth strolling through, as much of the product served inside is from their own garden. A fully functioning bakery is out the back and you can see the guys in action as well as having their own bee hives.
The importance of bees and pollination of crops a very topical conversation piece in the Northern Rivers. On this ocassion food was 4/5, service 5/5. WE will be back to see if we can give them the 10/10.
It’s my “many-ieth” time to the Blues Festival experiencing the eclectic line up of blues and rhythm artists from around the world.
In the past I have seen James Brown, Elle King, The National and many amazing artists.
This year is also special but I have time on my hands and it is a whole different ball game.
With a 5 day pass and VIP pass you can really relax and not race from tent to tent trying to squeeze in as many artists as possible.
I’ve decided to camp – which is great. You meet fellow festival goers and can make new friendships quickly. The thing I really like about camping is the ability to bubble out from the festival madness and have reprieve.
The thing I don’t like about camping at the festival is that the days can start early if a baby is crying and the nights can go long if people decide to start a mini party. Both of which happened on the same night on my stay.
The toilet facilities are basic at Blues and it really makes you value the luxuries of a home shower.
The staff are really friendly at the festival although beaurocracy seems to have gone a bit mad with multiple people involved with the process to “manage” people to find a camp site. None of which is needed at other festivals.
Beer, wine and water ran out by early afternoon on Sunday which left a lot of people disgruntle this festival. I couldn’t understand why water had run out and how that could occur in 2018!
Skye Edwards fronting Morcheeba
Alas fortunately for Blues Fest this year, the artists got the festival over the line. Seal, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crowe, Rag Man, and Bones, Morcheeba, Prince’s back up band, John Butler Trio and more… made for another sensational year.
There are so many awesome food choices in Byron Bay, don’t settle for any old slops!
IF you can find the alley way behind the Byron Hotel you will find a mecca of quick eats… and many serving alcohol so you can sit longer and take your time.
Look for the restaurant along for the LOVE frame to find Asia Joes.
Bondi Beach is a total iconic Australian land mark.
Even today, a gloomy wet day, the beach is magnificent.
Bondi has a reputation world wide as being that “typical Aussie beach”and it is… although it has soared a bit in hipster and wealth notoriety!
I have been going to Bondi for years and today, just having a few hours in Sydney, decide to treat myself to Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.
The dining area is above the famous swimming pool beneath.. and scopes inspiring views over Bondi. Just enough to draw breathe, feel a part of the scene and receive amazing aerials views of the surfers below.
I am sitting on my own on this day… and the service is wonderful.
I don’t hold back on my selection! Mainly because I have just been interviewed on national TV and feel I deserve a treat. And secondly because I know this restaurant is world famous for it’s hand-selected Australian seafood.
I have the oysters for entree…
Cerviche for second entree….
Market fish is snapper and is delightful!
I can thoroughly recommend the menu, the staff, the views, the food and the restaurant! I will be back.
Today was a magic day shared with close friends in a very spiritual part of Australia, Mt Warning.
Mt Warning (Wollumbin) in NSW
Mt Warning, also known as Mt Wollumbin is a step craggy mountain (actually the remnants of a volcano) that makes for a big day time climb.
The 4.5 km, one way walk, (9km return trip) takes on average 5 hours, giving you a 20 minute break up the top. You can of course do it quicker or longer, depending on your fitness.
I would say this walk requires moderate fitness and I don’t think it is for the feint hearted. The steep incline meanders through some lovely bush tracks, with the Tweed Valley dropping away below.
The height of the mountain in a bit over 1100 meters, and the last little bit is practically a rock climb straight up. There are chains to hang onto but it is loads of fun pulling yourself up, especially if you legs have given way!
Views from Mt Warning
The views from the top are spectacular, spanning from the Gold Coast hinterland to Byron Bay and Nimbin.
There is something very bonding about sharing the view with other people who have just survived the rock climb as well. Many kick back in the sun and enjoy a feed before heading back down.
For some silly reason I took a bottle of wine to be drunk at the top but there was no way known I was going to drink wine, in case I fell off the mountain, so it was carried all the way down undrunk.
At the base of Mount Warning are two options for eating, my favourite being Mavis’ s Kitchen.
Beef Cheeks at Mavis’s Kitchen
It’s a well established restaurant with fantastic gardens and food. They grow a lot of their own produce in their beautiful garden. Today a couple catch a helicopter in, which adds to the surrealism and grandioseness of the place.
Mt Warning Walk
The sunlight in the area gives everything a luminescent glow, citrus greens and crisp blues. A perfect day with the perfect balance of options.
Oh for the record, I had the beef cheeks, on polenta and the Tyrell’s chardonnay. Devine!
Private Tastings & Events
