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.

Osaka Bar, Potts Point

Japan
While Tokyo may be the most famous Japanese city among tourists, Osaka is just as popular when it comes to Japanese food. Named by some as the culinary capital of Japan - and perhaps even the world – it is home to unique, eye-catching, mouth-watering fare that arguably rivals that of any other Japanese city.

When in Rome

Europe

Europe may well be the most romanticised travel destination in the world. Earlier this year, we travelled there for the very first time, our journey spanning just under a month and taking us to the tourist hot-spots of Italy, France and the UK. We began in central Italy, starting in Rome, before working our way north to Paris. From there, it was an exciting train ride to London, finished off with a stopover in Singapore on the way home.


First stop: Roma. The old, cobblestone streets were every bit as rustic and beautiful as we’d imagined. Narrow alleyways are lined with Fiats parked next to each other like sardines, shadowed by cream facades decorated with shuttered screens and ageing balconies. 

Hotel Centennial, Woollahra

Modern Australian

I imagine that if the atmosphere of the Hamptons - that luxe US vacation destination - was to be channeled into a restaurant, then it would resemble Hotel Centennial. Now I could be wrong (I've never actually been to the Hamptons), but it exudes that same beach-side elegance that is so frequented in popular culture.

Sushi bonanza at Sushi Train, Cremorne

Cremorne
There's something just so theatrical about sitting at a sushi train and watching all those plates of delicate, artfully crafted sushi trundle past your wondrous eyes. The sushi trains I remember when I was younger were more about the experience rather than the ambience, but it looks like they've undergone a contemporary makeover of late.