Category Archives: Restaurant

Alida by Josef Chromy

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!

Thank you team and see you again soon, Sam

Kharma Uluwatu – di Mare

If you want to feel & dine like a prince or princes, this is your place.

Set up high on the cliff tops overlooking the Indian Ocean is one of the prestigious Kharma Group properties, known as Kharma Kandara.

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

I have a detox retreat in February 15-22nd 2024

And my signature Nourish Your Soul Retreat here. 

Be Wooed by San Sebastian

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.

  1. 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 as Castillo 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.

La Vieja Bodega, La Rioja Spain

Simply one of the greatest treats to the La Rioja region in the north of Spain is not just the wine but the food.

We are in for an amazing treat at La Vieja Bodega just outside of Haro.

A vineyard and fine dining all in one.

If you go with a large group you can have a wine tasting in their cellar which has the musty smells of yesterday and wines.

Angel, who owns the restaurant with his wife Marion have a fancy selection of some 400 ones at the front of their restaurant.

The menu for the restaurant is stunning as is the food.

You can’t really go wrong and today I order the ratatouille with cod fish and the shoulder of lamb for main course.

It is all delicious, flavoursome and gluten free!

The shoulder of lamb is one of the most tender sweetest well cooked cuts I have ever had.

Desert is a gin and tonic sorbet – it is enough to wake you up yet lure you towards a siesta.

I would love to bring a group of people through the Basque region showing you these amazing gems. The food and the people are warm, hospitable and excellent at their wines and food.

You will need to book in advance here and if you are lucky enough you will get to meet the wonderful duet Angel and Marion. Thank you, we will be back again for sure. x

Potager, Carool NSW

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,

xx

Watergate, Port Douglas

Situated right in town but feeling like an oasis set under the rainforest canopy is Watergate.

My friend had recommended it as one of her favourite restaurants in Port Douglas and it didn’t disappoint. The staff are awesome – David met us and was very amiable and informative then handed over to Jill.

The Watergate menu is great – not too much but enough to have a wide selection without boggling you down and making you go around in circles.

Offering an interesting selection of Australian fare with Asian influences we settle on the Crocodile Karaage, Lamb Ribs in Korean sauce, Tuna Tataki and Watergate salad.

We paired ours with a Tasmanian Freycinet Chardonnay. It is perfect for the climate and perfect with the food.

Crocodile Karaage

It was very quiet today and we were spoilt by the staff but try to book ahead for lunch or dinner.

I am sure you will be happy with the food and the bill at the end as it is not over the top expensive. Rating 4.2/5

Hartvest Newrybar, NSW

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.

Bookings a must. 

Balboa Italian, Palm Beach

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.

Bookings are a must. 

O’Sushi Coolangatta

Synonomous with healthy eating, beach side dining and long standing awards and reputation is Coolangatta’s Japanese favourite, OSushi.

Whilst this restaurant has a sushi train it is far from just a sushi joint. The place has an extensive hot menu too offering many styles of Japanese dining, including the popular poke bowls, udon noodle bowls, sashimi and other styles.

The layout is simple and welcoming. The happy bustling staff make your experience memorable as well as high quality food. 

Position opposite the main beach at Coolangatta beside the Cooly pub it draws a diverse crowd. Lunch time vacay goers can stagger off the beach, and score a great snack. Night time diners can have a myriad of choice. Either dining at the sushi train or sitting outside with the sea breeze gently cooling the evening. 

On this night we have kingfish cerviche. The fish is fresh and the tastes infuse well on my palette.

For mains we share a sashimi platter with comes with seaweed salad. I look sashimi and the salmon is buttery and fresh. 

The best thing about this restaurant aside from the great food, friendly staff and ideal location, is that is serves a variety of alcoholic beverages at reasonable prices.

Definitely add this to your go-to when in Cooly. 

Bread and Butter, Milford NZ

Bread and Butter Milford is a great little breaky place.

Downtown Takapuna isn’t worth raving about but step back a few beachs/bends and blocks and find Bread n Butter. In a strip more called Milford, you will find a bevy of Brunch options! 

We are here on a Sunday and have no where to be, or no where to go to. Which is very opportunistic as finding a park take a few minutes (or hours) and then deciding on your “place” takes a bit more. 

We settle on Bread n Butter. A funky, nouveau place serving gluten free, dairy free and wine for breakfast. Giddy up! My sort of breakfast lounge! 

The menu does fit most tastes and needs but isn’t over whelming. In fact I applaud the menu. It is truly hard to be “trendy” and “dietary needs aware” and not be over the top. 

Bread n Butter seem to have it nailed!

If you are not GF, DF or vegan, fill your boots, they really do have some heart stopping food. Alas I am DF and GF and settle on the Avocado Rocket Salad. 

If you ask me… a perfect start for a Sunday