Junk Lounge, The Rocks

Bar

Lounge. The very word conjures images of relaxation, bliss and comfort. A place where you can sit back, drink in hand, and let time pass by. Named after the Chinese sailing ships, called 'Junks', Junk Lounge is inspired by the concept of a voyage and draws upon influences from all over Asia.

Feasting on Bistecca alla Fiorentina | Trattoria Mario, Florence

featured

If there was one thing I was dying to do on our trip to Italy, it was to dine at a noisy, authentic, family-style Trattoria. There are a few different types of eateries in Italy: the trattoria, a casual, modest and often family-run eatery, the more formal risorante, and the rustic ostaria. Trattoria Mario is an iconic Florentine trattoria known for serving some of the best Bistecca in the city. 

Tea Time! | The Tea Room QVB

afternoon tea

Going to high tea always makes me feel somewhat glamorous. It's not every day you get to go to a hotel or decorated tea room to eat delicate cakes off tiered stands and sip tea from fine china. As a child I'd always marvel at the finesse of the beautiful petit fours and rejoice at the thought of eating sandwiches that were both and crustless and filled with something that wasn't vegemite or ham and cheese.

Getting our BBQ on at Rengaya, North Sydney

BBQ

Fire. It's perhaps the most primitive form of cooking there is. Watching flames dance around and cook your food - whether it be meat on the barbeque, dough in a woodfired pizza oven or a even simple toasted marshmallow - is always enticing and exciting.

Eating in colour at NOPI, London

Europe

Yottam Ottolenghi is famous for his wholesome, Mediterranean-style cooking and championing of the humble vegetable. Before our visit to London, which was one leg of our recent European family holiday, I'd never had a chance to cook or sample any of his recipes. Having heard of the buzz around his cookbooks and restaurants, I knew that a visit to one of his London outlets would be one to remember.

Learning the Art of Coffee at Haven, Surry Hills

Cafe

I have to admit, I was never really a coffee person. While some have a ritual cup to wake them up in the morning, and others crave it simply for the taste, I was indifferent - attracted to only the smell of coffee, as opposed to the drink itself. That all changed when I visited Haven.

Ramen Rules at Manpuku, Kingsford

Japanese

A good bowl of ramen is like a piece of art. Every element adds something unique to the finished piece - the noodles, broth, toppings - and all work together in harmony. Creating the perfect ramen is a laborious labour of love, and there is no shortage of contenders for the title of the best in Sydney.