Alpha Street Kitchen and Bar

20/07/201920/07/2019

Hading down to Rotorua can be a slightly long drive. The looping gentle knolls are truly stunning and there are a few river crossings and lovely sites but I would recommend a stopover in Cambridge.

A little town south of Hamilton with a BIG pride and the home of an absolute find of a restaurant, Alpha 1.

We swung into town not expecting much but eager to find a place for lunch.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a statute older style looking pub. Pub grub crossed my mind and certainly would have filled the bill.

We decided to venture into town a little more. A very clean and colourful town.

A vineyard nearby and of course Alpha 1.

Somehow the parking angels parked us directly infront of this gem.

Walking in we are greeted by the French Maitre D.

A warm fire size welcomes us and a very understated menu. Not overly inspired by the menu. The Maitre d’ fills us on in the oyster special. Well you could have blown us over with a feather.

The oyster dish was a signature dish to celebrate Mauri Week.

We asked him to run over some of the other dishes and by the end of two we are salivating.

We order the oysters, the pulled pork belly and fish and chips.

The parred wines are also winners – esp the Malabec.

The menu is here.

Fifteen Cornwall

26/09/201619/10/2016

When my sister sent me a text from the UK saying “Fifteen booked for Sunday” I assumed 15 people were coming for lunch. Little did I know that it was the name of a Jamie Oliver restaurant.

Based a little north of Newquay in a pretty cove called Watergate Bay is Fifteen.

The winds whirl along the Atlantic Sea and hit the coast of Cornwall making for some dramatic coastal beaches and even some surfing spots. Today is a mild but very unswimmable day. As stick figures clad in thick wetsuits drag their foamies out into the wild surf we settle into Fifteen. Nice and warm and with wonderful views of the Ocean.

James is to be our waiter and after the usual courtesies I really want to see what James has in him as a waiter.

A waiter is after all, an liaison for us, the dinner and the kitchen.

I believe their role is to help us decide.

In doing this a good dinner will pry gently into your day… is it going well, are you celebrating something, what sorts of appetite and digestion do you have. From there, like a tour guide showing off the secrets of an ancient relic, he/she can navigate you around the menu. Which after all is just a guide.

James gets the idea and throws himself into a full explanation of the menu. I am very grateful. Because after reading it twice it still had no meaning. It was just words. But after James had read and explained a few things, it became an adventure and an excitement. That or the wine had time to kick in.

The restaurant has been set up by the famous English chef Jamie Oliver. It is a charity where people with “rough starts” as he puts it, can acquire some training and a new skill in the food industry.

I had already met three of the apprentice chefs at the festival in the morning so I felt great joy at supporting the restaurant. Jamie Oliver has a gift of connecting people and rubbing out the lines between dreams and opportunities.

The food was excellent

I had two starters to begin with – the zucchini flower and liver and rosemary.

The liver was absolutely devine and was like self cured pate. I will dream about it for a long time. Lightly grilled after being marinated (I am assuming) the little livers melted in your mouth. The simple butter sauce complimented it perfectly and the livers were served speared on rosemary stalks which gave them enough flavour.

Main course was fantastic!

I had a big pork chop cooked to perfection. Pork can be over cooked and dried out but this was perfect to eat. The polenta and wilted spinach that accompanied it suited the dish perfectly.

All this washed down with a light Italian wine.

The food was of a high restaurant standard, but I found the atmosphere weird. It was a very large place, kept warm but lacking warmth if you know what I mean. I felt the music needed to be different to bring it all together. Maybe some Avenders playing. The decor was funky and fun yet the staff didn’t seem to be having as much fun as they could.

Maybe the music and a few more cheeky interactions would rate this restaurant higher in my opinion. All in all, great and I will definitely be returning one day.

You can also donate to help keep this grand project ticking over but probably the best thing to do, if you can, is to dine there.

Wine Tasting at Sea

18/09/2016

On board drinking experiences vary and being the seasoned wine taster that I am, it felt mandatory to try the wine tasting experience on the P & O Cruise as well as the Mix-It Cocktail Experience.

I take this part of my life very seriously (days at sea) and aside from writing travel blogs, dipping in and out of the spa, I will always sign up for a few drinking experiences.

The wine tasting one is fantastic.

So often in life I feel wine is drunk not enjoyed.

The wine tasting enables you to thoroughly enjoy the true experience of wine – the joie de vie, the elixir of the Gods. I love wine so slowing down to have some one walk me through each quality and aspect of the wine, the colour, the aroma, the palette and to tell me the story about the wine maker and his intent on creating the wine is like attending a liquid art gallery.

The ship often shares one or two high end bottles which are beautiful to enjoy. I highly rate the wine tasting, the random people you meet at your table and the funny staff.

A different liquid experience and equally as fun is the cocktail mixing hour. For a modest sum you can make 4 delicious cocktails , have some fun and consume them all!

I found it very enlightening and learned that you can infuse your own vodkas with anything from chillis, to fruit to chocolate eclairs! I also discovered that many cocktails made behind the bar include sugar syrup and explained many so called “hangovers” that hadn’t made sense in the past – now I know they were sugar crashes.

We made an expresso martini, a humming bird, a caprioska and a chocolate one….

A REAL must do if you are at sea for longer than half a day. Don’t second wonder, just do it.

Italy Retreat October 2016

18/09/201618/09/2016

Fancy SIX fantastic Nights in Italy Exploring Amazing Food, Culture and History?

Last minute I have decided to share my trip exploring Italy starting in 3 weeks.

DATES: starts Wednesday 6th October and finishes Monday 10th October

It includes 6 nights accommodation, 3 lunches, 3 meals and all tour costs.

NB: Alcohol, shopping, tips, flights, insurance and others (see under booking page) are at your expense.

Italy is a country full of passionate people. Being part Italian I resonate well with the culture and people and am very proud of the food, the arts and history and would love to share it with you.

It is the BEST place to fall in love with food, to create a positive relationship with life and happiness and learn why I DO NOT believe in dieting. I want to show you the real currency of food.

On this 6 night trip of a life time these are the highlights:

1. Visiting the The Vatican and seeing the famous Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling.

2. Touring the Colosseum and hearing about the gladiator fights of yesteryear.

3. Visiting the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain and Pantheon.

4. Night tour of Rome, sampling local delights and wines

5. Full day visit to Umbria, exploring the hill top village of , a cooking class and wine tour

6. Full day trip to Ponza Island with a day cruise, blue grottos and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea

7. Visit the ancient underground Catacombs

8. Discover Egypt in Rome in a 2000 year old pyramid that is only open twice a month

9. Walk on the old Appian Way.

10. Experience the Three Tenors, inside the walls of St Paul’s an opera experience you will never forget

We will experience Italy through half and full day tours with some time on your own to explore the many piazzas at your own pace, or to sit with a cappuccino and watch the incredible fashion walk past.

I love Italy and particularly Rome.

It is an ancient history and has so many wonders to explore as well as being one of the fashion capitols of the world.

This is the program so far (subject to change but will involve these elements).

Wednesday 5th October

We arrive and check into our comfortable hotel. This will be base which is central and close to all the sights.

We kick start the retreat at 4pm for a welcome drink, then head off for our light night tour through Rome.

Exploring side streets and piazzas we discover incredible restaurants, bars and sample local foods. The Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps are beautiful at night, as is the Pantheon all lit up. You will realise by bedtime that you are in one of the most amazing cities in the world.

Thursday 6th October

Today is a serious day of Rome immersion.

Every time I go, it spins me out how many landmarks and wold events took place in Rome. From the Colosseum and gladiator fights in Julius Caesar’s Rein, to the Roman Catholic Church influence and home base in The Vatican.

Rome will inspire you through history – it is simply overwhelming at times.

The art works in the Vatican make it one of the richest museums in the wold and the tour around the Colosseum take you back 2000 years to a land that really did exist. Being amongst the well preserved ruins you can nearly hear the cheer of the crowds.

In the afternoon there is a some time off to do a spot of shopping before we meet for our “Food Tour” of Rome.

We will be guided by a local to all the secret eating places, sample many local foods and wash them down with delicious wines.

Friday 7th October

We head off nice and early to visit the incredible country side region of Umbria.

We have a full day visiting a working farm which produces wines, olives and foods. We visit a few towns, including the sensational hill top village of San to Umbria and visiting. On this day we get too cook some of the produce we gather from the farm, sample local wines and see a more relaxed side of Italy.

Tonight is free for you to discover your own trattoria or revisit one from the night before.

Saturday 8th October

Twice a month, the 2000 year old pyramid (that not many people know about) is open to the public. This will be a first for me so I am extremely excited.

In fact today is all a little bit, “off the normal tourist” map with some activities that I hope you love.

After the pyramid, we will walk on the famous Appian Way. Built in 312 BC it was a strategic road for the Roman Army.

Time permitting we will visit the catacombs, which gives a stunning insight into ancient Roman life. The Romans were actually quite short and seeing these well preserved catacombs is fascinating. If you have ever read the Holy Grail by Dan Brown, or other books about Rome, the Catacombs are a must.

Tonight we are treated to a Opera inside the walls of St Peters.

Recapturing the magic of Pavarotti and the three tenors, tonights voices will be accompanied with a string quartet.

Sunday 8th October

Today we have a sleep in…. you can experience a mass first hand if you like as our morning starts a little later.

Today we explore the lesser known ruins of Ostia down near Lido Beach.

The well preserved town gives a true insight to the Roman Empire and is easier to access than Pompeii.

The afternoon will be relaxed back in Rome to visit museums, art galleries, or to simply sit in a piazza and watch life go by. Dinner is at your leisure.

Monday 9th October

Today is a full day starting with a short drive, then ferry to local island Ponza. Less busy than the other Amalfi islands but just as pretty (if not more) we have the whole day to explore the island, swim through grottos, cruise on a boat and drink wine and eat local pasta. This is what the mediterranean is all about and for a day we will lap it all up. Optional snorkeling on this day (which I will definitely be doing).

Our tour and retreat ends back in Rome tonight. We can head out for a final drink or you can relax after a wonderful day on the Med.

This trip is perfect for people who want to find passion again! You will get to hang out with me for six days and over that time we will break through any fears, issues that may be holding you back in life.

Come on a trip of a life time with me and yes, while last minute this promises to be an amazing trip.

I am only taking a handful of people so book your spot now.

The Yard Nobby’s Beach

09/05/2016

Watching this little alcove evolve over the years has been fascinating.

Only high quality, substance businesses seem to open in this venue.

The Yard Cafe is the same. Low key, high quality and a little bit different.

It has made it’s stamp mark on the cafe scene and soon, Friday TGIF drink will be on it’s list of successes.

I turn up looking for a filling breakfast that isn’t based on eggs and toast. Many places I have been eating at lately offer a breakfast menu 80% toast and eggs. This was much better.

A menu with multiple options to go non dairy or gluten free. Eggs on offer but not all they do.

Tuna nicoise at The Yard Nobby's — Tuna nicoise at The Yard Nobby’s

I chose the tuna nicoise and it was perfect. A perfect way to kick start the day.

The coffee is good, the staff super friendly and the atmosphere cool and laid back. You can were thongs and sarong or dress it up a little at night. I like this place!

Danny’s best priced buffet Coolangatta Tweed

25/04/2016

Not being a big fan of buffets, I went to Danny’s Family Buffet as surprise for the children and with no real expectation.

I was pleasantly surprised!

Tweek cooly golf course — Roses on the Golf Course at Tweed-Cooly

A family run business this restaurant is a land mark on the Cooly-Tweed boundary. Located inside the club house at Tweed Heads the open aired restaurant doesn’t try to be a five star buffet but definitely dominates the four star territory.

A great variety of foods are available and you can cook have your own fillet of fish cooked for you upon request. We had the choice between bass, flat head or calamari. Roasts, hot meats, chinese favourites, about fifteen different salads and more. The best for me was actually eating gluten and dairy, which I hadn’t done for a very long time.

Danny's Buffet — yummy chinese at Danny’s Buffet Restaurant

My favourite dish was actually the plump home made spring rolls. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside and loads of filling. They were the best spring rolls I have had in years.

All the other traditional Chinese favorites featured such as sesame prawn toast, dim sims and chicken and egg soup. All delicious.

The kids had a ball – I switched off my strict mummy hat and let them feast for the last time on their school holidays. Approximately seven plates along each – I was wondering how they physically don’t pop.

The prices are crazy cheap for what you get. Check the pricing out here.

P & O Cruising – do we mention the food?

12/01/201612/01/2016

Timidly I set off on my first P & O Cruise with my two youngest kids.

I had been on a cruise in the Mediterranean years ago but that was different. That was just me, heaps of new exciting places and no kids.

Catching rainbows in my cocktail Port Vila

P & O had not only my kids on board, but hundreds of other children (and their parents). I was worried.

The lining up like sardines and processing on mass wasn’t too bad. I am not good with being herded as my natural instinct is to do the opposite but I found things moved reasonably well and before I knew it we were being ushered past the first of our many “photo opportunities”.

The weather forecast was disgusting and when on board the captain very quickly brought everyone up to speed. “It was some of the roughest seas he had ever seen…” ” get sea sick tablets, go to bed early” and “hang on to the walls when you walk“. Fabulous. Nothing like a BIG fat storm to get everyone sea worthy.

I ushered the lambs to bed very early but stayed up myself to watch Steddy Eddy – a long standing comedian, who I had wanted to see for years. He was hysterical and helped sleep come so much easier.

But I did wake multiple times thinking the massive ocean liner was going to capsize. Whoosh this way, whoosh, creak that way. I have no idea how it didn’t roll over. Anyway it didn’t , the lambs slept, and fortunately day light came soon enough.

The kids were stocked. I was letting them eat all sorts of things we don’t eat on shore. Things like bread (we have a mostly gluten free house hold), cereal, ice cream, deserts, and on it went for the kids like some fantasy camp.

Massive fresh seafood platter in Vanuatu, Port Vila

I tried to enforce the 3 vegetable thing with every meal but decided as long as they ate with me at the a la carte restaurant once a day and not buffet central, they wouldn’t become too nutrient deprived over the week.

The Sunsets in New Calendonia are amazing P & O cruise — The sunsets in New Calendonia are amazing

I had mixed feelings about the cruise.

I was disappointed to see the way people panic around food. Panic and pant… that was the general line up at the buffet. The foodie in me cringed at the human behaviour. BUT the food was actually a really high standard and really varied. It was good.

The A La Carte restaurant was excellent. I ate there every breakfast and had my all time favourite, black pudding. I ate most of my dinners in a La Carte, chilled in the adult-only zone and saw shows, comedians and even art auctions!

Relaxing and drawing in Port Vila P & O Cruising

It’s hard to believe in hind sight that the cruise was only 7 nights. Really great holiday as far as low-maintenance parenting goes. High value for the kids, and heap of fun and relaxing activities for the grown-ups. We will be doing another cruise soon. Maybe another liner – like carnival?

Swings, paddocks and organic food – The Farm

28/11/201528/12/2015

My favourite sort of day.. blue skies, Hot House Flowers, adventures, kids and The Farm.

Having heard so much about The Farm at Byron Bay I was feeling remiss that I hadn’t been there. Today was the day.

It’s a Saturday, and most people are getting wrapped up in Christmas shopping and the like but I grab the kids and decide to head off to explore The Farm.

There is something very therapeutic about the drive to Byron, or even Brunswick Heads… I’m not sure exactly what it is or why it happens but the transformation takes place roughly on the bridge over the Tweed River

I am in a haze of calm.

As always Mr Warning gives me a wink.

I love the vibe immediately at the Farm. It reminds me of Daylesford in the Cottswalds and that’s a great thing!

The kids take off to the swings and I start to scuffle my shoes along the white dusted drive way lost in day dreams… I’m digging The Farm!

I feel like its a wanderlust trip back in time. Back to my childhood growing up in Tasmania where there were endless fences to follow, paddocks to play in and dodge bulls in and creeks to sit by.

The space at The Farm is relaxing and I am so happy they are sharing it with all.

Fence at the farm brings back wanderlust — Long white drive ways and fences

There is total calm at the farm (except maybe my city slicker kids who can’t get enough). A guy playing guitar, the beautiful back drop prattle of laughs and chit chat. Vineyard ambience, hipster dress code and I am really digging The Farm.

After a thirty minute wait, which should be mandatory, so you can check out the property and meander around, we are seated.

Yummy food, gluten free, dairy free, the menu is ticking a few of my boxes!

Organic, preservative free wines an even bigger tick!

I order fish of the day: Wahoo, with zucchini, almonds, quinoa, wild rice and macademia cream. Oh yes, quite delicious. Definitely worthy 9/10. Something different, healthy and stimulating! Well done guys.

The kids have a BBQ steak with roast veggies and a BBQ sausage on Sour Dough. YUM! Ticking more boxes.

Suck up the air, let go of the city bustle CHILL out.

The Farm has met my expectations and more. It is the space, the food, the friendliness of the staff and of course the swings.

Worth a day trip from any where just to find calm at the Farm. I love it.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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