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.
This understated restaurant, Alida, lies beside the waterfall at the Penny Royal, Launceston, Tasmania and has a lot to offer. It is casual but very close to fine dining in delivery. Apparently Josef Chromy, local wine maker, dedicated the restaurant to his wife, Alida.
Tasmanian scallops with pumpkin cream, sage & pickled shallot
A fan of seafood, especially Tassie seafood, I am always on the hunt for restaurants that truly honour the art of bringing seafood from ocean to plate and allowing the produce to speak for itself.
I have eaten here before and it was stellar. This time though, two dishes in, I am feeling a little underwhelmed. Not bad by any stretch, just not quite hitting the heights I know they are capable of but after chatting with the maitre D’ things accelerate to world class again.
The Tasmanian scallops in the half shell with pumpkin cream, sage and pickled shallot arrive looking absolutely beautiful. The colour contrast is stunning and the plating is elegant. But scallops are delicate little treasures and these were just a touch overcooked. Tasmanian scallops are, in my humble opinion, the best in the world. Sweet, subtle and silky when treated with care. Overcook them and they turn chewy, losing that ocean freshness that makes them so special.
For entrée I move to the Cape Grim beef tartare with gochujang, capers, chives and crisps. Yes, this one is gluten free. The tartare itself is beautifully cut and seasoned with confidence. The richness of the Cape Grim beef balances well with the punchy gochujang and the briny pop from the capers. It is bold, modern and very moreish. Perfect as a share plate.
For my main, it simply has to be seafood. The market fish of the day is Blue Eye Trevalla, which is my all time favourite fish. Found in Tasmanian waters, it has a firm, meaty texture with a clean, subtle flavour that I just adore. It is one of those fish that feels both luxurious and honest at the same time. Bitey yet delicate. To my palate, close to perfect when cooked well. This dish brings me back into happy territory and reminds me why I love Tassie seafood so much.
The wine list is simple, proudly Tasmanian and features some of my favourites. By the glass there is a Coal River Valley Riesling, a Hughes and Hughes Pinot Gris which I adore, slightly pink from a touch of skin contact, and a Granton Sauvignon Blanc from the Granton region. Granton is an up and coming wine region. Those of us who grew up in Tassie would never have guessed it would end up on the wine map, but here we are and the wines are genuinely world class.
For Chardonnay lovers, the Milton Reserve is an absolute standout. Textured, elegant and beautifully balanced, it is one of those Chardonnays that makes you slow down and really pay attention.
Of course, no trip to Tassie would be complete without sampling a few (or a dozen) of the world’s best Pinot Noirs. The Bremley is a standout. Simple but confident. The winemaker has really nailed what a great Pinot invites. Light, yes, but with depth, structure and a story behind every glass. It is a true crowd pleaser and I am so glad the wonderful maitre d suggested it.
I really feel this restaurant is an undiscovered gem in Launceston and would highly recommend a visit.
Today the wonderful staff sent me off with an alfogatto, just devine!
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.
Da Emilia alla Curtiglia found on the western side of Isle of Capri has some of the best food, drinks and sunsets on the island.
Run by classic Capri family from mum/dad, brothers, kids, cousins the place is warm and inviting. They were happy to pick me up from Villa San Michele and drop me back! I felt like royalty and was the service at the restaurant was similar.
Being gluten free can be hit and miss but their GF bruschetta was to die for!
Painting the sunset, drinking a delightful gin cocktail and eating the delicious olives and bruschetta will be some of my fondest memories of Isle of Capri this trip.
There is something wholesome and encompassing about eating fresh local produce that hasn’t been mass produced but lovingly grown by Nonno. Most of the smaller regions still (and staunchly) opt for traditional farming methods so the produce can be grown mostly pesticide and weedicide free. The depth of flavours embarrasses your average super market produce.
Equally the main dishes don’t disappoint. Lashes of local olive oil, fresh seafood and vibrant garnishes. If I didn’t have a trillion other reasons to go back to Capri, I would certainly go back for the Vognole from this restaurant and sunset. GF, delicious and home made with love.
Below one of the chefs and the very big kitchen able to cater for weddings, parties anything.
Click here to book. I would make this the destination and Isle of Capri the incidental.
Regardless of the time you have in Monaco, every minute is gold (or diamonds)!
Monaco is a small sovereign country. It has its own monarchy and is encapsulated by France on either side. French is the native language but English is spoken in everywhere.
The strip itself is only a couple of kilometres long and approx 1km wide from the ocean up to the hill. Or Le Rocher as it is known to locals.
I joke with my friends that you have to be a mountain goat as there are many stairs and maps are deceiving. You need sensible shoes, most locals wear flats, and some stamina. Fortunately there are many escalators and lifts. I try to take advantage of these short cuts and even if you take them, you will still walk up a lot…
After many trips here my breath is still stolen wandering the streets around the Casino and by the marina, marvelling at the beauty that money really can buy.
Considered the rich man’s play ground there certainly is a lot on offer if you have a fat cheque book. Alas, most of my favourite activities don’t require millions to participate but certainly leave you feeling richer and wealthier for the experience.
These are my favourite things and no doubt there are many more.
Larvotto Beach
A drink on the balcony of the Fairmont Monte Carlo
Sitting at Cafe Paris watching cars arrive in front of the casino
Boat watching
Musee de Oceanographics de Monaco
Walking around the palace area
La Marche Monaco
Metropole Shopping Centre
Beach clubs
Night Clubs
1. Larvotto Beach
This is one of my favourite beaches in the world. For a variety of reasons. It is not a sandy beach more a small pebble/shell beach. This means you don’t carry around pesty sand all day if you want a swim then wish to dine out afterwards.
The beach is enclosed so if you are worried about the bigger fish you are OK. There are no predatory sharks however in the South of France. You will see big fish off this beach and it is great to go snorkelling if you have younger children.
The beach is patrolled – which some people like. For me, being ablle to swim 300meters in one direction on a flat ocean is superb and much better than swimming in a chlorinated swim pool. This to me is its real draw card.
You can swim to two pontoons not far from the beach and bath or simply enjoy the escapement of units behind you.
There are a variety of shops and restaurants along the foreshore. Some expensive, ,others more reasonable. Back towards the casino is the Jardin Japanoise – a nice little garden that you can sit in and relax.
2. A Drink at the Fairmont
Monaco is infamous for it’s casino and attached to is a hotel called the Fairmont. There are many options inside the Fairmont to have a drink, including a roof top pool and dining area called Niki Beach. On this trip I chose to have a French Chenin Blanc watching the moon rise for the balcony. It is a great place to regroup and acknowledge the efforts it took you to get here.
The wines are not cheap however you are also served some nibbles, usually olives, lava beans and nuts.
3. Cafe De Paris and car watching
For many this is their bucket list. Sitting at the famous cafe beside the casino watching the spectacular cars come and go. You don’t have to line up for a seat and can just drift around Infront of the casino which many people do. Don’t feel ashamed to take photos of the car – everyone is doing it.
4. Boat watching
Whether you like boats or not, the super yachts are a much adored outing for myself and many others. You can get up close and personal to these boats.
In the past, I have attended three Monaco Yacht Shows which is held the last weekend in September. It is certainly an eye opener and after being fortunate to have partied on some of these boats, I can assure you they are every much as luxe as they look on the outside to the inside. In fact, I liken many of them to floating art galleries, housing incredible sculptures, art works and textiles and finishings. If you have the opportunity to get on one of these boats, scoop it up.
There is a little ferry that does port crossings and also a fun activity giving you the perspective of being on the water.
5. Le Musee de Oceanographique de Monaco
On the hill near the palace is an aquarium that is world class. The building itself is fantastic with a former prince highly engaged in marine biology and preserving the seas. On the top floor is an interactive 3D display which I thought was very cool. In the past they have had aquariums where you can touch and handle marine life. Open hours are here.
This time I arrived late and thought they may give me a discount, which they didn’t. It was a bit disappointing as I only have 30 minute before they shooed me out. Alas, a good experience anyway.
6. Walking around the palace & port
Wandering around the port area is very pleasant with lots to see and do.
If you wander (more to the nice side) you can ascend to the top of the hill above Port Hercules where the Monachy reside. The guards can be seen doing a change of guard and are a spectacle in themselves. Cannon balls and guns can be seen along the old wall as can many sculptures and tributes to Princess Grace Kelly.
7. La Marche Monaco
This happy little market has food, clothes, flowers and trinkets. Found near the Santa Maria cathedral it operates on 5 days of the week.. Inside the Marche are a couple of seafood places, hot roast meals and two bars. You will also find a large health food shop inside. It is cheaper to eat at the markets like this, rather than only eating at restaurants which can be pricy in Monaco so if you are on a budget make your way here.
8. Metropole Shopping Centre
I really like this shopping centre. It has designer clothes, swim wear, a range of other services (beauty etc) and a food court down stairs. This is where the Monageuse shop and it does feel great – looking at clothes and other items. If it is hot outside it offers a welcome haven from the dry heat. Even if you don’t like shopping this centre is worth a drift by.
9. Beach clubs
There are many beach clubs in Monaco and attached to some hotels. It is customary to pay for a beach chair at clubs, but most of the ones at Monaco are free to use but they expect you to dine/purchase drinks there. The image here is from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Niki Beach Club onto of the Fairmont is reasonable and has great views on Monaco.
10. Night Clubs
Being seen is a big thing in Monaco. I personally do not go there for that, but many do.
The clubs vary from a pub/sit down style at Monaco Brassier to Rascasse, Jimmys or Buddy Bar. This trip I went to Amazonica which is upstairs from Cafe De Paris and has a fun fit out. It is expensive though with a cocktail being 25-30 Euros. But definitely wonderful service and a bit of a splurge!
Leave comments on your favourite experience in Monaco.
I can see what people have this on their bucket lists.
Helicopters flying through, azure waters overlooking the reef, a gentle sea breeze and nothing to do but relax!
Everything is stunning. The big details are stunning and what you expect (and do find) on instagram accounts of the rich n famous.
The small details have been carefully considered down to the tiny little flower and crudos.
For entree I start with the local caught Octopus served with caramelised cauliflower, pakis, green apple, coriander and black ink cracker. It melts in your mouth as you simultaneously struggle to take in the views.
The menu is generous with variety and all nationalities and preferences are catered for.
There is a very extensive vegetarian menu, one of the highlights of staying in such an opulent establishment.
The service is second to none and all the staff go out of their way to treat you to the experience of a lifetime.
Whether you stay on sight or visit for the day, this is a must if only for the views and experience.
If you would like to add this into a Bali getaway and join me on a retreat
San Sebastian in the Basque Region of Spain is a safe, beautiful part of the world. Renown for its gastronomic experiences, scalloped around a beautiful bay, there is something to find all year round.
Playa de La Concha
Whilst there are many options travellers often become overwhelmed and may miss the beauty and random joyful moments substituting it for stress.
This guide is to remove that stress so you can focus on the day and making this day, this destination on of the best in your lifetime.
This is a suggestion and any order can apply but understand, exercise is often better in the morning (then it is done). Food and wine feels less like a guilty pleasure when exercise has been done.
It is fun to wander around with no commitments and explore.
This is not to steal the serendipitous moments but to give you a fall back plan and one that will make you look in control not lost.
Walk to the Castle
You can see the castle here on top of the hill.
On the hill behind the old town is the Castle. Also known asCastillo of La Mota.
It is on top of the hill surrounded by a big park (Parque de Urgull).
The walk up can be dramatic and step (there are stairs leaving from behind the old town near the boat harbour, or gradual if you follow the boat harbour round past the aquarium and head up.
Just follow your nose – heading up is the main goal and you will find many little tracks.
There is a secret bar that is open in Summer.
Once up the top you will have amazing views of San Sebastian and the surrounding hills.
The view from the top
Alternative options to climbing the hill
These are some other walking options that are more flat terrain for those with injuries or unable to climb a hill.
If climbing is too tricky there are many walks around San Sebastian.
You can head to the left of the bay towards the south and find the amazing art sculptures of Spanish Artist Eduardo Chillida called Peine del Viento. Also a romantic beautiful spot.
Or you can walk around the Parque to Urgull and head over to Zurriola beach and head back along the river with the trees and shade.
2. Pinxos in the Old Part of Town
This gastronomic delight should be on every foodies global tour.
pinxos
Apparently San Sebastian has more michelin awarded restaurants than anywhere else in the world – but I think their pinxos are the stand out.
There are two famous cheese cake shops here.
Saint Telmos is my favourite has the best foie gras, blood pudding and iberian pork cheeks and grilled octapus.
Grilled octapus
Tintos (red wines) are awesome everywhere.
3. La Perla
This day spa (thermalogica) water treatment retreat is fantastic.
Right on the beach at Playa De La Concha, this magnificent building has great views from the far infared chairs. If you go between 130 – 4pm you can get a reduced rate for the two hours.
You can hire a towel and everyone has to wear the sexy blue cap.
La Perla
Hot steam room, hot sauna, multiple spa pools, relaxation zones and a cold plunge pool. Definitely worth it if you like water and day spas. No need for bookings unless during busy season. Click here for more information.
4. Santa Maria Cathedral
Have a pinxos in front of the cathedral
This iconic landmark is found in the old city.
It is 3 euros to pass through but worth it if this is the only church you are going to. There is another up near Saint Telmo which is equally breathtaking and of a different era.
5. Ferry trip
For a small fee (7 euros when we went) you can jump on the ferry and go to La Concha. Here you can disembark for exploring, or in summer swimming and a drink at the bar.
Otherwise you can stay on the ferry and do the round trip.
It’s a great way to get a different aspect from the water.
Other activities
There are so many sporting activities to do. Stand Up Paddling, swimming, sailing, bush walking, bike riding and more.
Simply walking along the promenade later in the day is wonderful as buskers line the wide pavement entertaining children and tourists. Grab an icecream and slowly meander long.
There is an art gallery, library with an exhibition hall beneath it, museum, aquarium and more.
It is the perfect place for a weekend or a week. Relax, drift and enjoy.
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.
You know when you hear mixed revues about a restaurant, rather than inspire it tends to make you pause to race there? This was my response to Balboa. A silly trap that I have fallen into before which only has lead to denial of a wonderful Italian restaurant boasting very good food.
The purpose built Balboa Italian situated on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach opened only a few years ago.
Sporting a healthy clientele and return customers because of their pizzas, (they look amazing), the pasta (apparently the gnocchi is to die for) and the al la carte.
I was super impressed by the table service which in a country like Australia is often lacking.
We order an Italian chardonnay – I’m not sure that is was a true chardonnay but a delicate light white, more like a chablis from France. Perfect for our meal.
Scallops for entree which were delicious, light and tasty.
The calamari salad also delicious and could be a meal in its own right. Light, tasty healthy.
For mains we share the lamb shoulder which is delicately served on a bed of puree, beans and tomatoes.
We accompany this with the house made potato chips and aolii and broccolini.
The cocktails are wonderful and my partner orders an old fashion which is served with the smoke trapped inside the glass.
I can highly recommend it. Service 5/5, food 5/5 overall 10/10.
When you receive an invite to have dinner at a pub in the middle of nowhere (well for city folks), you have to say yes, but later go “why?”
It’s a long drive, someone has to drive, what is the food going to be like etc etc.
Let me reassure you that Rudd’s Pub is iconic and very much worth the effort from where ever you are coming from.
It has a typical Aussie bar at the front and the staff are awesome as well as swift. People say g’day and want to meet you, which isn’t always the case in cities.
The pub has massive history and was originally built in 1893.
Its big claim to fame was the writing of many of the series of the radio series called Dad & Dave which was broadcast on Australian radio from 1937 – 1953. You can read a little more about the series here.
The food is great and what Aussies would call good “pub grub.” The meals are cooked out the back by the owners so whilst yummy may take a while if you have a large group. I suggest putting your food order in early if you are hungry and having a couple of “bevvies” with the locals while it is cooked up.
Aussie Pub grub from Rudd’s pub
The menu is quite extensive and includes gluten free options and all the great pub favourites of steaks, chicken parmies and bangers + mash. I am told the rissoles are great as they are home made and home made Aussie rissoles are awesome.
There is accommodation out the back so you can stay on your travels through, a nice venue room for parties and events and lots of memorabilia on the walls to check out.
