There is something quietly luxurious about arriving early enough to sit in an airport lounge and simply pause.
This morning, before my flight, I spent time in the Qantas Business Lounge in Sydney, with access included in my redeemed business class ticket. And I have to say, it set the tone for the day in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is what stands out first.
A low hum of conversation. People largely keeping to themselves. A few on phones, others reading or working. No chaos, no urgency. Just a sense of calm before movement. Bright and airy, it is a nice relaxed space.
Then there is the food.
A noticeable step up from what you would expect outside the lounge or even Qantas’s normal lounge. Fresh salads, scrambled eggs, gluten free sausages, baked beans, and a well stocked juicing station. Good coffee, hot drinks, and enough variety to feel like you have options without it being overwhelming.
It is not extravagant, but it is thoughtful.
One detail I always find slightly amusing is the absence of alcohol before midday. A consistent rule in Qantas lounges. And yet, when you consider how many travellers are crossing time zones, for some people it is midday. Or later.
Still, there is something refreshing about starting the day without it.
There are three showers for those in transit or wanting to refresh.
What the lounge really offers is space. Space to gather yourself, reset, and ease into the journey ahead. And in today’s world, that might be the most valuable luxury of all.
Iconic Bondi offers many dining options, but two stand firmly in family favourite territory for us; Icebergs Dining Room and Bar upstairs, and its more casual downstairs sibling, Icebergs Bistro. Both deliver excellent food and service, just with a different mood depending on what kind of day (or appetite) you have.
Today we settled into the Bistro and were looked after by Julio, an attentive maitre d who greeted us with, “If you need anything, just ask me.” True old school hospitality with genuine intent. The kind that makes you instantly relax because you know you are in good hands.
You can order via the QR code at the table or head up to the bar, which keeps things easy and flexible. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming and enough choice to feel exciting, not so much that you need a committee meeting to decide.
The special was octopus with a dairy free romanesco sauce. Of course that was my first pick. Tender, perfectly cooked and beautifully balanced with the nutty depth of the romanesco. Light, flavourful and just the right size to start.
I was there with my daughter and she chose the gluten free lamb ragout. Absolutely done to perfection. The pasta was beautifully cooked, the sauce rich and comforting, and — importantly — there was plenty of lamb. So many places skimp on the protein, but not here. This was generous, hearty and deeply satisfying.
For my main I went with the half chicken, and halfway through I realised I may have slightly over ordered… but no regrets. Juicy, well seasoned and cooked with that simple confidence that lets good ingredients shine.
We shared a side of baby cos lettuce with fennel, pear and parmesan, which was the perfect fresh counterbalance to the richer meat dishes. Crisp, slightly sweet and beautifully dressed.
Add in reasonably priced wines and an espresso martini for my daughter (which she declared “pretty good” high praise), and the whole experience just worked.
Great food. Excellent service. And then there is that view, the ocean breeze drifting through, and the unmistakable energy of Bondi. Some things you simply cannot put a price on.
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.
Foo Fighters. One of my favourite bands of all time. Right up there with Pearl Jam and INXS.
Their music has been woven through the fabric of my life in a way few bands ever are. Through raising three children as a single mum, their tracks were often the soundtrack to our weekends. The live album Skin and Bonesin particular was on constant rotation. It played while we splashed in the pool, bounced endlessly on the trampoline, cooked dinner together or eventually collapsed on the couch to watch animations like Madagascar or Hoodwinked.
So the Foos do not just have a physical presence in my life. They hold a place in my heart and soul.
The harmonies. The energy. And of course the iconic Dave Grohl “yearrrrrhhhhhhh” squeal, which I have proudly attempted to master over the years. If only to feel like I belonged to the legendary band’s spiritual circle for a moment.
Seeing them play in Launceston was pure gold.
UTAS is a very progressive university up there with Austin and Penn. Recent upgrades to all facilities have made this one of the best univesities I have ever visited and every building holds an inspired facade and unique energy. With that, the local oval (next door) is set to draw in more events and of course my ALF favsHawthorn, at least for the following year, until the local team gets up and running.
UTAS hosted the event, opening their facilities to the band and helping draw people to the northern end of Tasmania. It was a brilliant showcase of what a fantastic stadium and university Tassie has. You could feel the pride in the air.
Natalie, the deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS, was absolutely beaming. While events like this are exciting on the surface, what really struck me was the deeper commitment behind it all. The drive to improve people’s status quo through education, community involvement and opportunity. That is what truly creates these seemingly “random” moments that end up meaning so much.
And then there was a moment that truly anchored the night in Tassie history. Dave took time during the show to dedicate a song to Brent, one of the survivors of the Beaconsfield mining disaster. You could feel the entire crowd shift. It was not just a rock concert in that moment. It was remembrance, respect and connection. A global rock icon acknowledging a deeply local story of resilience and survival. That is the kind of thing that stays with you long after the lights go down.
I felt incredibly grateful to be there. And honestly, anyone who attended should have grabbed a t shirt. This will go down as one of those legendary gigs. The kind where you say years later, “Remember that time I went to Tassie to see the Foo Fighters?”
But there is another Foo Fighters moment in my life that still gives me goosebumps.
Back in 2018, just after the massive earthquakes that devastated Lombok, I somehow found myself flying over there to help. Do not ask me how it all unfolded. One minute I was watching the news, the next I was on the island in the middle of recovery efforts, doing whatever I could. Nursing babies. Rebuilding floors. Buying food. Being welcomed into a community that had lost so much.
I did not sleep properly for five days because the earth kept shaking. Constant aftershocks. Adrenaline. Emotion. Exhaustion.
Eventually I made my way back to Bali and ended up at Old Man’s, completely sleep deprived and in need of release. So I did what any overtired, emotional human might do. I danced. First to Ash Grunwald then to the DJ.
That night Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana came on and I danced like my life depended on it. Apparently, while we were on the dance floor, another earthquake hit Bali. Hotels were evacuated. People ran into the streets.
Me? Completely unaware. Still dancing.
The next day I was at a favourite café and everyone was talking about the earthquake the night before. I casually said, “I was dancing to Nirvana and if I died to Dave Grohl while dancing at Old Man’s, that would have been perfect.”
The guy I was chatting to looked at me and said, “You know I was the manager of Nirvana.”
And that, right there, is the magic that seems to follow the Foos.
Their music shows up in the biggest stadiums and no doubt will continue to fill stadiums and our hearts for generations to come. In Tassie under bright lights and in Bali on a shaky night when the earth would not stop moving. Great event Utas and Utasstadium and everyone in Launceston who stepped up as gracious hosts.
And here’s is to you, Taylor Hawkins. We miss you, brother. And here is to the Foos, forever part of the soundtrack of my life.
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.
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.
A beautiful hotel needs a few prerequisites: such as friendly welcoming staff, a great buffet breakfast, a pool to escape to and well serviced rooms.
Hotel San Michele has all this and an incredible view, which is worthy of staying for if the only reason.
The rooms are well kept and have a nostalgic charm. I had a very small, tiny room on the second floor with possibly the best views of the island. It was room 203 but it was a single bed and so tiny you could NOT swing a cat in there. I affectionately called it my Capri Grotto.
Given the time of year, it was very hot and the pool along side the hotel is free to use for guests, including a beach towel and sun chair. It can get busy so pick the times that you go.
The pool restaurant was definitely a stand out. With fresh fish, yummy salads, attentive staff, I only really discovered it on my last day and of course, the obligatory bellini ( a spritz type drink with prosecco and peach juice).
Not normally a fan of breakfasts nor buffet bars, it’s not something I factor in when considering a hotel. However, the buffet breakfast at Hotel San Michele was exceptional. Not on a Sheraton cook anything you want level, but on another level. Lots of cheese, cold meats and small selection of hot foods. The usual Americana junky breakfast foods. And lots of fruit and salad ingredients.
I don’t normally have breakfast but did enjoy my breakies at the hotel which are included in the price.
I will be going back to stay as the rooms, the views, the staff and pool/bar next door make this an easy place to stay.
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.
These super cute nooks or windows are cut into buildings in Florence. In the 16th century they were used for trade, and passing of goods when the plague sieged the city offering people inside the house protection.
Many were sealed over last century but a few are still used as small windows, for decoration or for serving wine.
There are 140 windows over Florence but only a few function as wine windows now days.
It is a pretty simple process. If the window is serving, there will be a dinger bell sitting in the window. Simply ding and a person will appear to take your order.
The offerings are usually Rose, Bianco (white), Rosso (red) or appertif.
They will then ding the bell again to serve your wine and you can pay then, or sometimes after upon returning the glass. You can drink the wine in the street and return the glass when you have finished.
