DolceBunnie

CHECKING IN: Azjure Studio Retreat | Ballandean, AUSTRALIA

2020-09-01T13:21:00.004+10:00

We were supposed to be in Bali for the June school holidays, then Rona showed up and COVID-19 became a familiar term. The country went into lockdown and all of our flights were cancelled, so we decided to take the car for a drive in our “backyard”, around the Granite Belt & Scenic Rim. After all, Queensland is a bloody beautiful state. Much to my surprise, all of our usual accommodation options were already booked out. I started searching around and that’s when I stumbled upon Azjure Studio Retreat’s website. I dialed the telephone number on the website and a softly spoken lady answered. Cheryl was her name and within minutes, our accommodation was booked and confirmed.

The drive to Azjure Studio Retreat took around three hours with a stopover in Stanthorpe for lunch. Located in the quaint town of Ballandean in the Granite Belt Region of the Southern Downs, the turn off to the estate lead through a stretch of gravel road lined with meter high grass in the shade of Hawthorne yellow as if the colour had faded after years of weathering in the Queensland sun. Our spa studio, being one of three, was the first one on the left as we turned off the gravel road. The key to our studio was stored in a safety box located next to the front door. The security code was messaged to me by Cheryl a few days before our arrival, along with step by step instructions. As we opened the door, we were welcomed with aromatherapy burning oil and soft lounge music. I was relieved that the studio, clean and private, looked the same as it was presented in the photos on the website. The self-contained studio had a sizeable kitchen fully equipped with all the utensils including a proper coffee machine. One of the highlights of the studio was without a doubt the extravagantly spacious jet bathtub that offered a sweeping view of the country fields. On the dining table, we found a personalised note from the owners next to a bag of chocolate hearts. The living room opened onto a patio and then onto a vast stretch of land. The other travel bunnie and I sat down and watched as Minibun George ran around chasing birds and occasionally announcing that he had discovered yet another cool insect.

The temperature dropped quickly as darkness blanketed the sky. I made everyone a cup of hot chocolate (with plenty of marshmallows floating on top) and we cuddled up on the couch watching logs of wood burning away. It was so simple, yet so perfect. The next morning when I got up to make breakfast, I saw loads of kangaroos directly in front of our studio. I grabbed my camera and quickly ran outside. Those cute, furry creatures lifted up their heads, ears pricked up, studying me. They soon realised that I wasn't nearly as interesting as what they were doing before and kept their heads down to enjoy their breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, sitting in the fridge was a breakfast hamper prepared by Jamworks Gourmet Foods (a popular spot to visit in the area) that I had pre-ordered from Cheryl. At $60 each, the hamper included everything that I needed to make a hot, hearty big breakfast for the three of us. We sat outside on the patio to enjoy the breakfast, taking in the scenery before packing up to make a move for our next destination. The check-out process was perhaps one of the easiest we’ve ever had. We simply locked the door behind us and placed the key back into the safety box, and off we went. Later that day, I received a message from Cheryl thanking us for our stay. I felt her warm hospitality through those simple words and that personalised touch will linger in our memory for a long time.

Bunnies’ Travel Notes:

Room Number: 1

Room Category: Spa Studio

Bath Products: Kudos Spa

Tea Brand: Twining

Check In / Check Out: 2pm / 11am

Time of Stay: June 2020

Walter's Steakhouse | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2019-10-02T10:33:00.000+10:00

It was noon and I was en route to a date set at Walter’s Steakhouse, my favourite steak restaurant in Brisbane. Situated in the Old Mineral House on the corner of Edward and Alice Streets, Walter’s overlooks the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens and the moment you walk in, it’s as if you have been transported to New York.

My date was right on time and dressed sharp in a jet black suit. I caught a whiff of him as I leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. Aqua di Parma Colonia, nice choice I thought. I showed the maître d’ the booking conﬁrmation from the OpenTable app on my phone, she smiled and led us to our table, which coincidentally or not, was the same table that we had the last few times we dined at this gem. I booked the date within seconds on the OpenTable app which is seriously so convenient as the app provides restaurant recommendations tailored to you based on your past bookings, favourite restaurants and dining preferences. Once settled, our waiter quickly came over to introduce himself to us and without wasting any time, we ordered what we would always get at Walter’s; their house special - prime Australian grain-fed beef, dry-aged and cut in house ($59 pp), with a side of Walter’s chopped salad ($16) and potatoes Romanoff ($12).

Before the food arrived, we were given some freshly baked bread with cultured butter and Walter’s Steak Sauce. Yep, steak sauce to dip your bread in. Extremely decadent, I know. A short while later, we were presented with a plate of juicy looking meat that was perfectly charred and seductively placed in a puddle of bubbling golden liquid that consisted of fat, butter and steak juices. Our waiter picked up a piece of meat that was still pink in the middle, gently rubbed the fat on the plate before placing it in front of me. The meat sizzled against the hot plate, releasing a thin swirl of smoke. I started salivating and made my move on the meal as soon as the waiter left the table. It was perfection. I highly recommend the chopped salad - lettuce and radicchio topped with macadamia nuts, salami, provolone, pepperoncini, onion, tomato, ﬁnished with an oregano dressing, as it was a great way to balance the richness of the steak.

The other travel Bunnie asked if I wanted dessert, but I simply couldn’t eat anymore after a satisfying feed. Oh wait, didn’t I mention that my date was my hubby? I did mention that dates are hard to come by these days, didn’t I? After all, taking care of a pre-schooler takes a lot of time and effort, and with hubby often busy with work, we hardly ever get some time to ourselves. So sometime last week after I put Minibun George to bed, I grabbed my phone and booked a date on OpenTable within seconds.

You see, way before we started dating, the other travel Bunnie and I bonded over food. Let me tell you just how grateful I am to have found a man who loves food as much as I do. A partner who appreciates ﬁne dining but would also happily roll up his sleeves to devour a plate of fried chicken and wafﬂes dripping with sticky maple glaze, or stand by the side of a busy street somewhere in Asia eating skewers of BBQ meat.

So often I hear friends telling me that they get caught up by the nitty-gritty of daily life that they feel like there’s no more spark in their relationship, that life has become so mundane and routine. This is exactly why I think it’s so important to always stay connected with your significant other. It doesn’t take much, because like a third (32%) of Aussies, we agree that regular date nights are one of the most important things to do together in order to maintain a strong relationship. Unsurprisingly, Australian couples believe date nights are beneficial in bringing their relationships happiness and relaxation and helping more than half of us feel closer and more ‘in love’ with their partner (51%).

Searching for your next dining venue can be easily done via the OpenTable app which offers a personalised experience and provides users with a platform to discover new restaurants. Yes, the hard work is done for you as the app provides restaurant recommendations tailored to you based on your past bookings, favourite restaurants and dining preferences. In Australia alone, there are more than 1700 restaurants that use the OpenTable technology so the choices are aplenty, and since it launched in Australia in 2015, OpenTable has seated over 16.5 million diners.

As we don’t have date nights as often as we used to, it’s incredibly handy that the app provides reviews and ratings of the restaurants by diners so that we can avoid potential disappointment and have a great meal out together. As always, we found old fashioned service and impeccable food at Walter’s Steakhouse, and I already have our next date booked. To book your next date night, be sure to visit www.opentable.com.au.

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by OpenTable, please note that the views and opinions expressed in this post are as always, my own.

Les Jardins de L'Espadon at The Ritz Paris | Paris, FRANCE

2019-09-13T11:26:00.000+10:00

If you asked me to name three things that immediately come to mind when Paris is mentioned, my answer would be “the Eiffel Tower, Chanel and the Ritz”. I mean, clearly there’s a lot more to Paris than those three things, but a visit to the Rietz, in my opinion, is the quintessential très chic Parisian experience. Located at the iconic Place Vendôme, it has witnessed so much history and welcomed so many famous guests. People like Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald considered the Ritz a second home. When theRitz reopened to the public in 2016 after an extensive makeover that kept its doors closed for nearly four years, I drooled over the press photos for days. So it was inevitable that we visited the Ritz during our recent trip to Europe.

“Under the atrium and in the garden, the seasons blossom” is the hotel’s description for this one Michelin starred restaurant, indeed, light and airy, Les Jardins de L’Espadon seemed the perfect spot for lunch, especially during the heat of summer in Paris. Under the leadership of Chef Nicolas Sale, the menu was a much more casual than the three-starred L’Espadon, yet it did not lack sophistication. I had booked the table months in advance and it certainly paid off as we were lead to the centre table inside. The setting was utterly beautiful but in the most subtle way. A small bunch of fresh flowers adorned each table, which was dressed with crisp white linen table-cloths.

As soon as I sat down, a stool was placed next to me. Took me a second to realise that it was for my handbag. Now that’s service, I thought to myself. Before we placed an order, the headwaiter came over and offered us lunch options for Minibun George, who was ecstatic when he heard that they had spaghetti bolognese on offer. George made light work of that entire plate of pasta, so my guess would be that the bolognese was thoroughly enjoyed. The dishes from the seasonal menu were delicious as they were beautiful. Each plate was like a piece of art created by a master painter. The steamed salmon, lettuce coulis and chanterelle mushrooms that I had was the perfect summer dish, light and wholesome. The other travel bunnie had the rack of milk-fed pork, garden peas, which was the heavier option. A golden crispy skin blanketed the meat which was tender and juicy, while the vibrant green of the peas added a pop to the palette. My favourite dish was the wild strawberries and sorbet, fennel mousse. I was initially hesitant about the fennel mousse, but the combination worked perfectly. If summer was a dish, that would be it.

The service that we received absolutely exceeded my expectations, it was impeccable and personal. At €95 for two courses, it’s definitely not the cheapest when it comes to lunch options, but nothing makes the case for old-world allure quite like the Ritz Paris and nothing says a quintessential summer’s day like a magnificent lunch at Les Jardins de L’Espadon.

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class | Brisbane to Abu Dhabi

2019-08-21T22:20:00.002+10:00

We decided to fly with Etihad Airways on our recent trip to Europe because it would give us the perfect opportunity to see Abu Dhabi which we otherwise wouldn’t have visited as a travel destination.

Our flight was scheduled for departure at 10:35 PM and we got to the airport two hours prior so that we wouldn’t have to rush through things. There were two dedicated business class check-in counters and we were the next in line when we got there, so the check-in process was a breeze.

If you’ve flown with Etihad in the past, you might have had the opportunity to spend some pre-flight time at the Air New Zealand lounge, but this has recently been changed and we were directed to Plaza Premium which is located directly across from the Air New Zealand lounge on the Brisbane Airport’s lounge level. As Plaza Premium welcomes walk-in passengers flying with any airlines in any class of service at a cost, on the night of our visit the lounge was extremely busy and we were lucky to score the last available table big enough for the three of us as well as our carry-on items. For lunch and dinner, Plaza Premium offers a hot buffet, as well as a number of a la carte items, alcohol including beer, wine and spirits, can also be served in the lounge but given we are not drinkers, I decided to check out their extensive hot beverage menu and ordered myself a nice cup of salted caramel latte which was made by a barista instead of a Nespresso machine. Plaza Premium offers a range of facilities including dedicated working pods and as well as spa and shower facilities, but it is important to note about the lounge doesn’t’ make boarding calls so you need to keep an eye on the flight information screens in the lounge so that you don’t miss the boarding time for your scheduled flight.

Etihad Airways offers non-stop services from Brisbane to Abu Dhabi daily on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. There are 28 Business Studios onboard the aircraft, each complete with a privacy shell, a full-flat bed and an 18.5-inch LCD screen. The studios include both forward and rear-facing seats, with each seat providing direct aisle access, but if you don’t enjoy flying backwards, be sure to secure a seat that faces the front early. Upon our arrival, I was offered a cold towel and a refreshing watermelon juice, while the cabin crew took my order for the dinner service. Soon after takeoff, I was presented with a Cipriani Bellini and some warmed nuts. Served on a crisp white linen tablecloth, dinner for me started with a salmon tartare wit thyme crisps, cucumber and chive yoghurt dressing, followed by pan-roasted barramundi with Thai curry sauce, jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables. I wasn’t expecting much but both dishes were actually quite yummy, especially the barramundi which had just the right amount of heat. As for dessert, I opted for the chocolate macadamia pudding served warm with vanilla sauce. It looked very plain and quite honestly, unappetising, but don’t let the look fool you, it was simply heaven. The chocolate was rich and creamy, and the crunchiness of the macadamia nuts mixed with the sweet vanilla sauce added a pleasant mouthfeel to each spoonful. I am not a very good flyer so when there is turbulence, I usually don’t eat anything onboard, which is why the dining service provided by Etihad Airways is really considerate as guests can also enjoy the airline’s Dine Anytime options and choose from their “all day” menu.

After dinner, I decided to head to the lavatory to brush my teeth and get ready for bed. I was quite excited when I saw my Aqua di Parma amenity kit, which included the brand’s signature fragrance, Colonia, together with hand cream in the same scent as well the basic comfort items you would expect including socks, eyeshade, toothbrush and toothpaste. The lavatory was also equipped with Aqua di Parma products. I don’t usually enjoy sleeping on planes, but I actually managed to get a few hours of decent sleep after watching a couple of movies and when I woke up, it was almost breakfast time. Breakfast began with a nice hot latte, followed by some passion fruit yoghurt with granola and a herb omelette with lamb sausages, potato rosti and grilled tomato.

The inflight entertainment available on board the plane was fantastic, there were plenty of movies and TV shows to choose from. If I had to nitpick, I would say that I found their signature Flying Nanny service to be slightly underwhelming. Minibun George received a bag packed with an activity book and some stickers at the beginning of the flight, but that was the only time we saw the flying nanny. Luckily for us, Minibun George behaved very well throughout the entire 14-hour flight (if I may say so myself). Other than that, the service throughout the flight was impeccable, and when paired with the food, inflight entertainment and the comfort of the Business Studio, it really made what I initially thought would be a dreadful long flight, very enjoyable.

Paper Daisy at Halcyon House | Cabarita Beach, AUSTRALIA

2019-04-19T00:20:00.000+10:00

I can still vividly remember my first dining experience at Paper Daisy some three years ago. We had checked into the then newly established Halcyon House that afternoon after a leisurely drive along the coastline, and I was so eager to try the dishes from Chef Ben Devlin, former head chef of the three-hatted Esquire (the root of many amazing food experiences of mine). It was a dining experience of which the memory still lingers in our minds. Since its opening, Halcyon House (now a Small Luxury Hotels property) has featured in countless magazines on account of its beautiful designer interior, with its iconic blue and white colour scheme fusing a mix of timber, brass and rattan to reflect blissful seaside life. The stunning interior carries through to the hotel’s restaurant, Paper Daisy, which has attracted an equal amount of attention as the hotel itself, and for a good reason too.

Last Saturday, we found ourselves at Halcyon House again, eager to try dishes from the award-winning restaurant’s newly appointed executive chef - Jason Barratt, whose CV includes one of Australia’s most renowned institutions, Attica. Anyone who comes to dine at Paper Daisy should first check out their extensive cocktail menu because it is only fitting to sip on pretty cocktails when you have a lust-worthy pool and the rolling sound of waves as your backdrop. I ordered a Tropicana ($23) made with Husk pure rum, spiced bam bam rum, Malibu, burnt orange, pineapple, mango and coconut. If you made a summer island escape into a drink, the Tropicana would be it. The other travel bunnie had an Ol’ Fashioned Fry Up ($25), a drink with a bit of theatre - presented on a wooden board, the drink was trapped under a heavy glass dome filled with silvery smoke, like the early morning mist covering the landscape, as the dome was gently lifted, the smoke danced and swirled, revealing the drink and a strip of maple syrup glazed bacon as a stirrer. The bacon, we were told, was sourced from Noosa based Voodoo Bacon, the brainchild of Mississippi-born chef George Francisco, which specialises in 100% nitrate and chemical additive free bacon.

The new menu focuses on refined Australian coastal cuisine and is heavily influenced by what is grown in the northern rivers region. Reflecting the chilled coastal vibes, the menu provides a slightly less formal fare with a seafood focus. At the restaurant’s recommendation, we started our two-course lunch with baby cucumber, stracciatella, pepita and basil ($18) and lightly cured fish, green apple, grapefruit ($23). To be honest, when they recommended the baby cucumber dish to us, I wasn’t taken by the sound of it, but the other travel bunnie found the idea to be intriguing and went ahead with it, and later proved that I was so naive in thinking that it would be a boring dish. It was the complete opposite of boring. There were so many layers of textures and flavours, the refreshing and crisp consistency of the sliced cucumber contrasted against the rich creaminess of the stracciatella and was the perfect marriage. If it wasn’t for the delicious cured fish that I was devouring, I would’ve been green with envy sitting across from the other travel bunnie. At that point, I just knew that all the dishes that followed would be just as wonderfully tasty. The main courses that followed were wagyu cooked in ash, mushrooms, sweet onion ($45) and grilled lettuce and charcoal chicken, tarragon, duck yolk ($39). The chicken was cooked for a day at 63 degrees and the word ‘tender’ doesn’t even begin to justify just how juicy and soft the meat was. As for the wagyu, it was every bit that which I had hoped for, perfectly melt-in-your-mouth, simply done to let the meat do all the talking, and it was a pure pleasure to eat. The mains were complemented by two sides of the day and we found the food to be plentiful.

The service that we received, which goes without saying, was top-notch. Our waitstaff, Hannah, was extremely informative and knowledgeable of the menu. Her eyes sparkled with passion every time she came over to our table for a chat about the food that we were devouring and the personable interaction that we had with her was truly the icing on the cake.

The new chapter of Paper Daisy reads like a delicious tale that I just simply can’t get enough of. If you are lusting after an escape from the city or if you simply want to have a good feed, a drive to Halcyon House might just be the answer.

Disclaimer: with thanks to the wonderful team at Halcyon House and Paper Daisy for welcoming DolceBunnie to the property as an invited guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

CHECKING IN: W Brisbane | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-11-22T10:43:00.000+10:00

When word broke that W was coming to town, I was working in the Santos Building at the time and I remember that every morning on my way to work, I would walk past the construction site picturing how amazing it would look. Let’s face it, Brisbane was in need of something like the W. Sure the addition of The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites (now an Ovolo property) a couple of years back was pretty awesome but we needed something on a grander scale, something fresh and playful on the luxury hotel scene.

So, naturally, a staycation was booked pretty much as soon as the hotel opened its door to the public. W Brisbane takes up a prime riverfront location with dual-entrance on both George Street and North Quay, which means that out of the 312 rooms, chances are you'll get a room with a pretty decent view. Our staycation was on the weekend of the Riverfire and given the high occupancy; our room wasn't quite ready when we arrived. We took the opportunity to take a stroll to nearby Queen St Mall, had lunch and shopped before checking into our room on level 28. Being a Cool Corner room, the view was pretty spectacular, and it would comfortably fit a family of three as we had initially planned to bring Minibun George along, but he spent a weekend with yiayia and papou instead. The "Queensland" vibe can be found throughout the room, from the outback-inspired bathtub, the swirling sand patterns in the carpet, to the giant pink pineapple at the minibar and silver Mr.Crocodile by the bed. The bed was exceptionally comfortable not to mention that waking up in the morning felt like the best thing in the world when you're looking across the shimmering river and Southbank. The minibar was well stocked and if you're feeling thirsty, how about a Qld Martini that serves eight? You'll find the cocktail kit by the minibar. Oh, and W being W, you'll find a few cheeky products that you can purchase too...

After settling in, we decided to check out the WET Deck which unfortunately was swamped by kids with giant blow-up water toys. Given that we were on a staycation sans Minibun George, we decided to head to the spa for some tranquillity. The AWAY Spa provides a variety of sublime treatment options, and we enjoyed a 60-minute detox massage in the couple's room. It was heavenly. Afterwards, we decided to relax and unwind in the vitality pool which is available to both spa and hotel guests. We went back to the WET Deck at a different time, and it was a whole different scene; just a few couples relaxing on the sun lounges by the pool. Sunscreen, apples, fluffy towels and water were provided for guests’ comfort.

The hotel's signature restaurant - Three Blue Ducks, is an institution in its own right. We've been long-time fans of The Farm at Byron Bay and would always eat at the Three Blue Ducks every time we visit, so the restaurant's presence at the hotel is much welcomed. We had both breakfast and dinner here and staying true to its paddock to plate philosophy, the dinner menu here is very unpretentious and no-fuss. We found ourselves drawn to the sound of the grass-fed T-bone with burnt onions, chimichurri & jus ($60) and shared the succulent meat with a few sides: heirloom tomato, stracciatella, pangrattato & basil oil ($23), corn & lime miso butter ($9), carrots, citrus butter, honeycomb & salted ricotta ($12) and chargrilled broccolini, snow peas, almond cream & pickled chilli ($11). I had previously heard mixed reviews about the place, but I couldn't fault the experience, as every single dish was deliciously done. We loved it so much that we have since returned to the restaurant to celebrate my MIL's birthday. There's a menu for little ducklings too, which is always a bonus for us. The restaurant offers both a la carte and buffet options for breakfast. We had the full buffet breakfast as it was included in our package. The selection was pretty good - you can find all the familiar breakfast items from pastries, cold cuts & cheeses, to made-to-order egg dishes, although, I thought that they would’ve done better with the fruit station. Having said that, if you fancy something different for breakfast, they also have miso-glazed eggplant and corn soup as well as blood sausages, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

In addition to the Three Blue Ducks, we also had a great afternoon tea experience at the hotel’s Living Room Bar with some bubbles. The service was extremely friendly and the morsels were tasty, possibly one of the best afternoon tea experiences I’ve had in Brisbane.

Valet parking costs $58 per night which is slightly on the expensive side, but overall, our staycation at W Brisbane was pretty perfect, especially given that the hotel only officially opened not long ago. Would I go back again? You bet!

Bunnies’ Travel Notes

Bunnies’ room number: 2810

Room category: Cool Corner Room

Bath products: Bliss

Check-in/check-out times: 3pm - 11am

Time of stay: September/October 2018

Proud Mary | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-11-20T22:03:00.000+10:00

Weekends in our household are all about spending quality time with one another, and good food is always, a quintessential element to a fantastic weekend. Since moving out of the city, I have fallen in love with our new suburb and its surrounding areas, and one, in particular, is New Farm. New Farm Park has been one of Minibun George’s favourite playgrounds for a long time, so after his most recent visit last weekend, we decided to check out the newly opened Proud Mary at Brisbane Powerhouse, which has replaced WATT Bar & Restaurant.

The thing that grabbed my attention straight away was the restaurant’s waterfront location and the stunning views that it offers. On the day of our visit, the weather was absolutely stunning. It had been raining for days beforehand and that happened to be the day that the weather broke; blue skies with fluffy white clouds, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the cool river breeze, it was the perfect setting. The menu here takes inspiration from America's south. Yes, soul food it's what's up around here. So obviously I couldn't say no to their buttermilk fried chicken served with toasted muffins, bbq sweet sauce, aioli, chilli caramel and slaw ($34), a dish that's designed to be shared, but I don't blame you if you want it all to yourself because it is finger-licking good. The chicken was crispy and tender, I drizzled mine with some bbq sweet sauce and wolfed down the whole thing in minutes, although, I did share with Minibun George. The other travel bunnie decided to have the French dip pork belly sandwich with soft onions, chips & gravy ($20), at the recommendation of our host. It was a great call; the bread was soft, the meat was melt-in-your-mouth and when you dip the sandwich into that tasty gravy, every bite was a pleasure.

Now one thing you should know is that Proud Mary hosts something called the Queen Mary Long Brunch on Saturdays from 10:30am, it’s a set menu that includes the option to add bottomless Bloody Marys or bubbles, whichever your heart desires. Get in early to secure your table because Proud Mary is fast becoming a popular hangout amongst the locals.

Disclaimer: with thanks to Proud Mary for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Paper Fish | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-11-15T15:00:00.000+10:00

I think I just found my favourite fish & chip joint. I mean, it’s not the stereotypical fish & chip joint with minimal design, fishy smell that lingers even after your visit and greasy chips with every order. This place is mmm… *insert emoji hand gesture showing the index finger and thumb touching to make an open circle*.

Paper Fish is on the top of my list right now. I love it. I love the location, the light and breezy fit-out, the simpleness of the menu and not to mention, their delicious granitas, especially on a hot day. Taking up a sizeable space on Little Stanley Street, Paper Fish offers both indoor and al fresco dining options. Find a table to sit at, place your order at the counter, et voila, dig in when the food arrives at your table. It’s that simple.

My favourite item on the menu at the moment is the Shipsterns ($19.50) which comes with a generous portion of grilled salmon, crinkle cut chips with Paper Fish’s secret seasoning, and a fresh, daily-made salad (Caesar, cucumber or Greek salad, take your pick!). If you’re in the mood for something light to snack on, then perhaps you would like to try some fish tacos filled with snap-fried spiced fish, fresh radish, coriander & lime salsa ($5.50) or calamari rings ($7.50).

Being only a stone-throw away from the Picnic Island Playground at South Bank Parklands, I can’t wait to bring Minibun George here for a feast, which I am sure he will love!

Disclaimer: with thanks to Paper Fish for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

The Florist Kitchen & Wine Bar | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-10-31T22:52:00.000+10:00

A while ago I met up with a few colleagues for lunch at The Florist Kitchen & Wine Bar, and I was surprised to see that our staple lunch option - Tank, had been replaced. Mind you, it had been a while since I’d been to that part of town. I was informed that The Florist is now a favourite spot for the guys at my old work. Last week, while Minibun George was at kindy, I decided to go there again with the other travel bunnie for a lunch date.

Taking up the entire corner of the ground floor of the Santos Building, The Florist Kitchen & Wine Bar is perhaps the perfect Insta-spot with its pretty pink feature wall adorned with old-school black & white photos. Given that it was an unseasonably hot day, we ordered some fresh juices to cool down. The lychee, apple & fresh strawberries ($6.90) is a delicious option if you are in the mood for something non-alcoholic. Lunch here can be a short or long affair depending on what you desire, as the ‘street food’ section of the menu offers dishes like fish tacos ($15) and an open steak sandwich with salad ($17) for an express lunch, or if you prefer something fancier, then you are spoilt with options like T-bone steak with béarnaise sauce, duck fat potatoes and seasonal vegetables ($65) (designed to be shared) and chicken & cream pumpkin fettuccini ($32).

I was in the mood for fish and opted for steamed market fish served with Asian greens, mushroom broth and noodles ($35). I don’t think I had ever tried a dish like that before. It was like a marriage of Western and Asian cooking; a generous piece of Bluefish nested on top of a mountain of noodles and veggies, all cradled by a dark, clear mushroom broth. It was really tasty. The other travel bunnie went for an eye fillet cooked medium rare, served with crispy polenta chips, mango salsa, corn purée & chimichurri ($39), which was without a doubt a solid option especially if you’re feeling particularly hungry. To finish the meal, we shared a coconut panna cotta topped with pineapple and chilli compote, biscuit crumbs and berries ($15). Lunch was a sweet escape, even if it was only for an hour or so.

The Florist Kitchen & Wine Bar gets extremely busy around lunchtime, so it’s best to reserve a table just in case. The restaurant also offers al fresco dining if you want to people-watch while enjoying your meal. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh flowers on your way out. You didn’t think that with a name like The Florist, the restaurant wouldn’t have any pretty flowers, right?

Disclaimer: with thanks to The Florist Kitchen & Wine Bar for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Barolos Ristorante Italiano | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-10-09T09:42:00.000+10:00

Barolo in Italy might be famous for its many vineyards and even greater varieties of red wine, but at Barolos in Toowong, you can get more than just good wine, because the food here is simply amazing.

It had been drizzling all day and the wet weather definitely called for a hearty meal. We headed to Toowong and found ourselves a nice table at Barolos Ristorante Italiano. Operated by Carrie and Giustino, it wasn’t hard to see their passion for this business coming through in every way. Being at the restaurant was like eating at your friend’s nonna’s house, the hospitality was warm, the food just kept coming and everything tasted so damn good. Dinner started with an off-the-menu secret platter that the restaurant would usually only put together upon request, and it put a smile on my face as soon as I laid my eyes on it. Presented on the platter was melt-in-your-mouth house speciality pork belly, grilled prawns, plump scallops, Atlantic squid dusted in lime and pink peppercorn, cold cuts, oh and let’s not forget those crispy on the outside, gooey in the centre arancini balls served with chilli jam and lemon myrtle aioli. When our waiter came over to clear the empty platter, he asked what our favourite item was, and we honestly couldn’t come up with just one single item.

Neither of us could go past their pasta for the main course. I was drawn to the sound of one of the chef’s special for the night - spaghetti all’Aragosta, a pasta dish made with Brazilian rock lobster, cooked in olive oil, chilli, garlic, white wine and fresh herbs. As for the other travel bunnie, he went for the rigatoni con pollo - free-range chicken tenderloins tossed with garlic, semi-dried tomatoes and fresh herb in a creamy tomato sauce, finished with Grana Padano cheese that was shaved like ribbons. The portions were so generous and we were so pleased with the dishes, that we hardly spoke a word to each other whilst devouring the pasta. The restaurant takes good care of the bambini too. With children’s favourite options such as bolognese, fish and chips, chicken and veggies on offer, your little one will not complain.

When it came to the time for desserts, I definitely struggled a bit. My heart didn’t want to miss out but my stomach was protesting a little bit. The dessert menu isn’t big, but you’ll definitely find all the classics. We decided to share the trio of mousse - white chocolate, honeycomb, smoked mascarpone mousse, lavender marshmallow, orange coulis. It was light and sweet, with the crunchiness of the honeycomb included for some added texture, and it was the perfect way to finish the meal. Next time though, I would love to try their tiramisu which also sounded delicious.

Our experience at Barolos couldn’t have been any better. The service was professional yet warm, the staff seemed to know a lot of the customers by their first names, so no doubt the locals love what they can order from here. Barolos also has a beautifully decorated private room at the back of the restaurant that’s perfect for a special occasion.

So next time if you’re in the mood for some Italian cuisine, give Barolos a try.

Mangiamo!

Disclaimer: with thanks to Barolos Ristorante Italiano for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Jamie's Italian | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-10-03T11:48:00.002+10:00

When the Ultimate Plank arrived at our table, I knew that we were in for a treat. We were at Jamie’s Italian for dinner, a two-storey restaurant bearing the name of celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver. The Edward Street venue is located in the heritage-listed Rowes Arcade and has been a favourite of locals since it opened its doors in 2014. Balanced on two rustic looking tins of tomatoes, the Ultimate Plank ($39) was piled full of flavour and delicious morsels. I’m talking about a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, finocchiona and schiacciata piccante, as well as seasonal marinated vegetables, boccocini, olives… the list goes on!

We were seated on the upper level of the restaurant and had a perfect view of the restaurant’s antipasto bar, decorated with hanging strings of garlic, dried herbs and cured meat, where chefs sliced and prepared our Ultimate Plank. Above us, a massive custom-made chandelier sparkled away.

Taking inspiration from the “Italian table” - where people relax, share and enjoy each other’s company, the menu offers a great range of food options from quick nibbles to fresh salads, pasta and even slow-roasted porchetta. For mains, we just couldn’t resist going for pasta. I ordered the fresh blue swimmer crab spaghetti with chilli, fennel, capers, white wine & garlic ($29) while the other travel bunnie decided to get the porcini mushroom gnocchi with rich porcini mushroom sauce, smoked mozzarella & lemony gremolata ($28). Both pasta dishes were as you’d expect, perfectly cooked and utterly delicious. Surprisingly both packed quite a punch with the addition of fresh chillies tossed through. If you have a bambino dining with you, you’d be happy to know that at Jamie’s Italian, they have curated a kids menu that offers two size options and all dishes come with a fresh shake-me salad (very cute!) and a choice of fruity water or juice. The best of all? They sneak in extra veggies in ways that you wouldn’t imagine (e.g. the seven-veg sauce and five-a-day picnic box).

Of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without dessert and man, oh man, we were spoilt rotten by the team at Jamie’s. Instead of giving us the two desserts that we ordered, they presented us with a wooden plank topped with ALL the items on their dessert menu. I was beyond satisfied, and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the epic brownie, which was covered with thick, creamy chocolate sauce then topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramelised amaretti popcorn. What a decadent way to finish your dinner!

Service was spot on, and the staff were so friendly, especially to Minibun George, throughout the entire night, it was so warm to see as a parent. You really can’t go wrong with this place.

Oh, and did you know that they offer a Super Lunch menu? $25 for two-courses! Jamie’s, I’ll be seeing you very soon again!

Disclaimer: with thanks to Jamie’s Italian for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Patina at Customs House | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-09-20T09:57:00.000+10:00

I took a sip of a mocktail that the waitress just brought over - a Strawberry Mule made with fresh strawberries, lime, mint, hibiscus syrup, ginger ale and lemonade and it was incredibly refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness. I was in awe of the view in front of me - an iconic bridge all lit-up in shades of purple and its reflection twinkled in the river. Behind me stood a heritage-listed building with its grand colonnades and portico. As the river breeze gently brushed against my face, I thought to myself how lucky I was to be living in this city, to be able to enjoy a dining experience with such stunning surroundings. Where was I? Patina at Customs House - the newest addition to Brisbane’s riverfront dining scene.

The restaurant, which provides both alfresco and indoor dining options, is beautifully decorated with a modern touch to create a contrast against its heritage-listed location. I was spoilt for choice as the dinner menu, which focuses on the paddock to plate philosophy, offers a great selection of dishes including everything from freshly shucked oysters to 1KG Darling Downs OP rib with chimichurri. When I saw chargrilled octopus, smoked tomato, olive, basil and mozzarella ($25) on the menu, the other travel bunnie and I both decided that it would be the perfect way to start our dinner. Memories of our trip to Greece flooded back as I took my first bite of the octopus. It was meaty and tender with a slight smokey aroma, so similar to the octopus that we had by the water at Dimitris in Santorini, but far more sophisticated. The main meals didn’t disappoint either as I thoroughly enjoyed my medium rare eye fillet ($45) served with smoked potato, celery, truffle, confit & fried leek with jus while the other travel bunnie devoured a crispy-skinned barramundi with gem lettuce, peas, broad beans, sunflower seeds and preserved lemon ($43).

If you have a sweet tooth then you’ll need to save some room for dessert as Patina offers five solid dessert options. I struggled to make a choice between the strawberry tart with verbena, candied lemon, strawberry buttermilk ($17) and the peanut butter parfait, chocolate, brûléed banana and candied peanuts ($17). So what did we do? We got them both, obviously. The end result? Three happy diners.

Kudos to the team at Customs House for creating such an excellent venue which provides a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy. Brisbane, you are gorgeous.

Disclaimer: with thanks to Patina at Customs House for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-09-17T15:05:00.001+10:00

Saturday night - the rain had stopped, and the bar at One Fifty Ascot was packed with well-dressed punters ready to celebrate the night away. Once housing for a Brisbane culinary institution, this former Baguette location has been injected with new energy, and the space feels open and stylish but with a relaxed vibe.

We were seated at the back of the restaurant which provided an excellent vantage point for people watching and drooling over plates of food being carried around by smartly dressed waitstaff. I started the night with The Last Bison ($18), made with Zubrowka vodka, peach schnapps, passionfruit, lemon & cloudy apple juice. It tasted as delicious as it sounds. The other travel bunnie and I shared some scallops ($22) for an entree. Served with carrot ginger puree, shadows of blue ravioli, caramelised leeks, those delicate scallops were sweet and plump. Being a major scallop lover, I was in heaven and savoured every bite.

As for the mains, the other travel bunnie decided to go for the filet mignon ($38), cooked medium rare and served with straw potato cake, tarragon butter and red wine jus. It was a solid option. I opted for the market fish ($37), being Coral Coast barramundi on the night. Served with ratatouille, fried potato dumpling and herb salsa, the fish was crispy-skinned and incredibly tender. The restaurant provides for the little munchers too with a dedicated kids menu that offers a nice selection of dishes. Minibun George thoroughly enjoyed a plate of wonderfully cooked fish and chips.

Dinner wouldn't be complete without dessert and One Fifty Ascot has a delightful selection of desserts, ranging from creme Catalanand cheesecake, to affogato. Given that the serving portions of our mains were generous, we decided to share a chocolate brownie ($15), which was rich and satisfying.

One Fifty Ascot is without a doubt an excellent addition to Racecourse Road's dining precinct, and with the introduction of their Lunch Club, I will definitely be a regular.

Disclaimer: with thanks to One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Vapiano Garden City | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-07-27T00:21:00.000+10:00

When I was working in the city, Vapiano was one of the hot spots frequented by my colleagues and I. What's not to love about this place? It's the perfect spot for a group gathering, it's spacious, it offers an interactive dining experience, you never have to feel awkward about the bill situation, and best of all, the food is on point.

I was recently invited to check out the new winter menu at Vapiano, Westfield Garden City and there was no way that I was going to say no. Located at the Town Square Dining Precinct of the shopping centre, Vapiano takes up quite a large space. The decor is welcoming and minimalistic; I love the olive trees and the fact that every table has a live potted herb. The ground floor is where all the action happens. You'll find the pasta manifattura at the rear of the restaurant where fresh pasta is made daily along with an interactive kitchen where you can watch salads being tossed, pizzas being cooking in the oven and cheese being grated onto made-to-order pasta. We were greeted by a cheerful waitstaff as soon as we stepped in the door, who handed us a menu and advised us that our table was ready upstairs.

The food options include all the classics that you would want; everything from antipasti, to pizzas and pasta, to gourmet salads and desserts together with new winter warmers like pumpkin soup and Nutella fondue. Topped with crispy croutons and shaved parmesan cheese, the pumpkin soup was incredibly creamy and flavoursome. We started with some refreshing mocktails (strawberry & ginger was my favourite) while waiting for the mains to arrive, which didn't take long at all despite the busy crowd at the restaurant. The other travel bunnie oped for his usual - pasta all'arrabbiata with added salami, a delicious option made with simple ingredients including onions, garlic and Vapiano's spicy homemade tomato sauce. I decided to go with the risotto funghi - creamy risotto, mushrooms, onions, garnished with nutmeg and parsley topped with parmesan, and it was the exact comfort food that I was after. Vapiano also offers a range of food options catering for little ones which I think is brilliant.

I found the portions to be incredibly generous which makes it excellent value for money. We finished the meal with the current winter special - Nutella fondue. Served with fresh strawberries, marshmallows and bite-sized chocolate brownies, it felt like such a decadent indulgence dipping each item into the warm chocolate Nutella sauce.

The only downside to our lunch? I wanted to curl up and have a kitten nap after all the food! It was a delicioso experience!

Disclaimer: with thanks to Vapiano Garden City for welcoming me to the property as a guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

The Sebel Margate Beach | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-07-23T08:57:00.000+10:00

I love a good getaway; doesn’t matter if it’s far away at the other end of the world, or somewhere close to home. To me, there’s something about it that’s both exhilarating and relaxing all at once. Exhilarating because of the unknown, the unfamiliar environment, the change of scene, the adventure that awaits; relaxing because you can leave all that stress behind, let your hair down and say goodbye to your daily hustle. I love taking a drive out to Redcliffe. For somewhere that’s only less than an hour drive away from Brisbane CBD, Redcliffe feels like a different place altogether. Every time when the car gets onto the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, my body instantly relaxes. On a sunny day, the blue water glistens as the car moves along on the road and the outline of the area can be seen in the distance like a mirage.

It’s no wonder that The Sebel has decided to open its doors in the beautiful place that is Margate Beach. Located on 1 McCulloch Avenue, the beachfront hotel overlooks Moreton Bay and is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The rooftop is one of the brilliant highlights of the property. In addition to a spacious seating area which provides a panoramic view of the ocean, there’s also a swimming pool and bar where you can swim, relax and sun-bake. The hotel features 58 elegantly designed and decorated rooms, with many offering oceanfront views and spacious balconies. Each room also features a different black and white print that pays ode to the local’s way of life back in the days, which I think is a wonderful touch. Downstairs on the ground level, you find also find the Margate Beach House, which provides guests with a modern Australian culinary experience with a local touch, I’m talking about fresh locally sourced seafood cooked in ways that would capture your stomach and heart.

I absolutely cannot wait for the summer to arrive so I can take the family there for a relaxing weekend getaway. The Sebel Margate Beach, see you soon!

Disclaimer: with thanks to The Sebel Margate Beach for welcoming me to the property as an invited guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Brisbane to Taipei Premium Laurel Class with EVA Air

2018-07-04T10:12:00.004+10:00

I’m not a great flyer at the best of times. We booked our flight to Taipei with EVA Air, and being my first flight with the airline the pre-flight anxiety kicked in weeks before our scheduled departure. The flight was supposed to leave on a Friday night, then the airline decided to cancel that flight and moved us to a Thursday departure. No biggie. Then it happened again. We were told that they didn’t have enough passengers for that flight, and we were assigned to a Wednesday night flight. By that stage, we had already made arrangements and booked our hotels. I was not happy. Numerous phone calls later, they decided to give us a $200USD EVA Air voucher for the inconvenience caused. So it wasn’t a great start but I didn’t want to let it ruin my first experience with the Taiwanese airline.

We arrived at the airport roughly two hours ahead of the departure time. The check-in process was swift and we soon headed to the Premium Plaza Lounge located close to Gate 81, to which business class passengers flying with EVA Air can enjoy complimentary access.

Serviced by an A330-200, the flight to Taipei took just under 9 hours. There was no left turn for ‘Premium Laurel’ business class passengers, instead, the class occupied the first four rows of seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. Without sounding snobby, it wasn’t the prettiest business class I’ve seen. Even our cabin crew admitted to us later on that it looked dated and they were promised a new plane but it never transpired. The thing that bothered me the most though was that there was no storage space around the seat what so ever. Being a nervous flyer, I love having items like books, Kindle, phone and camera handy for my distraction and I don’t really enjoy getting up mid-flight to take items out of my bag from the overhead compartment. That aside, I didn’t have anything else to complain about.

The service throughout the flight had a systematic politeness, rather than a warm personable demeanour. Minibun George was disappointed that he didn’t get any toys from the cabin crew, as opposed to his previous flight with Emirates where he had received a bundle of presents. But that problem was quickly solved with a piece of Godiva chocolate. As soon as we settled down, hot towels and beverages were offered. After takeoff, Minibun George asked if he could have the chocolate that was placed on his seat. ‘Only if you be a good boy and have a nice sleep’, I told him, and being the little unicorn baby that he is, he cuddled up to his bunny and fell asleep straight away. As the dinner service started, I opted for a glass of Verve with their prelude to dinner - prawn cocktail tart with chive, eggs, mimosa and camembert cheese with dark rye bread. Both were very pleasant. In fact, the camembert was so yummy, I could have eaten it all night. Lobster medallions with asparagus and mango salsa soon followed and it was thoroughly enjoyed. As for the main course, I could choose between the boiled beef fillet cooked in spicy fragrant sauce served with mixed vegetables and steamed rice, or herb crusted lamb cutlets with red currant glaze served with mixed veggies and chat potatoes. I had to go for the lamb, which tasted better than it looked. I was glad that dessert wasn’t too rich; fresh fruit with some Serendipity ice cream which was the perfect ending to dinner.

Now, let’s talk about the amenities. EVA Air has the warmest, thickest, comfiest duvet I’ve ever seen on a plane, and even though the seat could only turn into an angle-flat bed, it was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. I was given a set of cotton PJ’s by Apujan as well as a sleek toiletry bag by Georg Jensen which contained a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, a hairbrush, a pair of long socks, and skincare by 3Lab. Yep, the same brand whose lip balms retail for $62 on Net-a-Porter. Not bad, not bad at all.

I managed to get one hour sleep during the flight. Besides nervously watching the live flight map whenever we hit turbulence, I kept myself entertained by watching a brilliant Chinese movie, concentrating on my Sudoku book and flipping through the in-flight duty-free shopping magazine. That’s the other thing, the shopping onboard EVA Air was pretty sweet, especially if you’re into beauty products.

Our flight was ahead of schedule and breakfast was served at around 3:30AM Taipei time. I had a warm croissant and latte to start, followed by a Western-style breakfast comprised of fresh fruits with yoghurt and a cheese omelette with Hollandaise sauce, served with pork chipolata and potatoes. I was going to order the Chinese style breakfast for Minibun George, which included congee and Chinese sausage omelette, but he didn’t get up until ten minutes before the plane was ready to land. From what the other travel bunnie told me it tasted fantastic!

When the plane arrived at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, the sky was still dark but I could no longer contain my excitement to explore this unfamiliar destination. Stay tuned to follow our journey through Taiwan!

Todd & Pup | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-06-06T11:28:00.003+10:00

Todd & Pup was our first dining outing since we got back from our trip to China a week ago. The China trip was great, we did a lot and ate a lot, but by the end of the trip, I was craving for tastes that I had grown to be familiar with, simple things like scrambled eggs, avo on toast, and a nice pour made with frothy, creamy milk. Fresh milk, and not the UHT kind.

Todd & Pup was the right fix that my body needed to cure that craving. Located on a fairly quiet suburban street in Moorooka, Todd & Pup seemed cosy and inviting with delicious smells of freshly baked pastries and ground coffee filling the air. We found a wooden bench at the back and straight away started studying the menu. We were told that it was the first day of their winter menu release, how lucky! Sipping on a cup of skilfully poured latte, my tummy wanted me to order everything as the menu simply sounded too good, but the rational side of me decided to go with avo toast ($19) - something I craved while travelling overseas. What arrived on my plate? Perfectly sliced avocado carefully placed on sourdough with crunchy almond pieces sprinkled on top, accompanied by crumbed fried brie that was warm and gooey inside, cranberry sauce and a soft-centred poached egg. You bet it tasted good.

The other travel bunnie went with fried chicken Benedict - buttermilk & chilli fried chicken, smoked bacon, poached eggs, collard greens, sriracha hollandaise on brioche ($18). It was such an irresistibly looking dish, and honestly, fried chicken for breakfast, I say why not?! As for Minibun George, he was immersed in his own little world with a strawberry babyccino and a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs with crispy bacon ($10).

Todd & Pup is one of those places that you can’t help but like - the friendly and chilled service, the deliciously menu, the relaxed atmosphere, and not to mention satisfyingly tasty food. They’ve done everything right. Before I finished my meal, I was already deciding on what to order on my next visit, the sticky date waffles served with butterscotch, roasted pears, walnut and vanilla bean creme fraiche for sure. Yep, that dish had my name written all over it.

Disclaimer: with thanks to Todd & Pup for welcoming us to the property as invited guests, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Check out the video ↓

The Vineyard | McLaren Vale, AUSTRALIA

2018-04-23T15:13:00.000+10:00

Arriving at The Vineyard was one of those surreal moments. As our car drove past the vast green rolling vines that stretched out as far as the eye could see we slowly pulled up next to our cottage located inside The Vineyard Retreat set on a small working vineyard. I was simply in awe of the peacefulness of this beautiful place.

There was no waiting in line at the reception for check-in, instead, we were given a passcode to our cottage prior to our arrival along with useful information about the property and its surroundings. A thoughtful process in my opinion as it felt like I was visiting my holiday home rather than arriving as a paying guest. Our cottage, named The Ardmore, is one of the four cottages located on the property.

On the dining table, a bowl filled with munchies as well as a bottle of wine from the region welcomed us. The space had a French provincial feel. The bedroom was spacious and simple, decorated with a neutral colour palette. Fluffy white Laura Ashley towels neatly placed in the bathroom which had a double entrance from both the bedroom as well as the living room. The giant spa tub was definitely a nice touch to the space, needless to say, Minibun George loved his bubble bath time during our stay.

In the morning, the three of us would cuddle in bed for a little bit then head to the kitchen for some breakfast. The owners had stocked up our kitchen with breakfast essentials including local free range eggs and smoked bacon from Red Gum, fresh bread and milk. So while I whisk up some scrambled eggs, the other travel bunnie would pour a glass of breakfast juice for George and made some coffee for us using the cottage’s espresso machine. It was a beautiful way to welcome each day.

The double French doors from both the living room and the bedroom lead to a private deck that offered sweeping views of the vineyard. The sun didn’t go down until after 8 pm and we would all sit on the deck and be mesmerised by the soft hues of pink and blue, watching the cotton-candy clouds get brushed by the colours of the sunset before a dark, star-speckled sky took over. You know what else was exciting about the place? I saw bunnies! They were so cute and fluffy I wanted to smuggle one home. So it was also part of my morning ritual to head out for a walk and take photos of the bunny family.

We visited McLaren Vale during a time when the lush green vines were decorated with clusters of deep purple grapes and it was an absolutely stunning time to be there. The Vineyard also an outdoor jacuzzi set upon the highest point of the property which captures views of the wine region and the ocean beyond. It was simply the perfect wine country escape.

Bunnies’ Travel Notes

Bunnies’ Room Number: The Ardmore

Bath products: Basic Earth

Perks that we loved: Local produce provided and the priceless views

Check-in/check-out times: 3pm - 10:30am

Time of stay: February 2018

What we paid: $860AUD for two nights

A visit to d’Arenberg | McLaren Vale, AUSTRALIA

2018-03-15T11:11:00.000+10:00

With breathtaking views of the lush green rolling hills of McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg is without a doubt one of the most prominent wineries around the area, and the new addition of the multimillion-dollar building - d’Arenberg Cube only fuelled my desire to see this place even more, so we made sure that this was our first stop during our recent visit to McLaren Vale.

At noon, we arrived at d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, which is housed in a restored 19th-century homestead. Being the first table to arrive, we were seated by the window which offered a sweeping view of nothing but green vine-leaves and blue sky. The menu offered both a la carte and degustation options, showcasing seasonal and local ingredients.

While we waited for our mains to arrive, Minibun George received his pasta. He was happy and content. At the waiter’s suggestion, we enjoyed our meal with two glasses of d’Arenberg wine. Both main dishes were presented beautifully. I loved the baked barramundi fillet ($38) that I ordered, served on a bed of squid ink risotto surrounded by a creamy aromatic sambal and coconut broth, topped with garlic Asian greens, the fish was a 10/10 and I wiped the plate clean in no time. The other travel bunnie opted for the aromatic pork fillet with black bean smash, corn, avocado, green apple, crackling salad and jalapeno verde ($38), which was on a heavier side, but equally as tasty. In the middle of the table, we shared a side of fried smashed potatoes with lemon and smoked garlic butter ($9) and they were smashing! Already feeling pretty stuffed at this stage, we decided to share the restaurant’s signature dessert - a soft-centred chocolate pudding with chocolate ice cream, d’Arry’s aero and cocoa nibs ($19). It was definitely a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Other than the fact that the kid’s meal (pasta and a glass of apple juice) had a hefty price tag of $45 (which was pricier than the most expensive main dish on the menu), I thought our lunch was really pleasant and marked a great start to our trip.

After lunch, we walked over to THE CUBE - the building looked like un-solved Rubik’s Cube that dazzled in the middle of the vineyard as the sun hit the building’s glassed exterior, reflecting the vast green space. Entry to the building cost $10 and included wine tasting, but as we dined at the restaurant, the entry fee was waived. On the ground floor, we found the Alternate Reality museum. As we entered the first room which was covered in flowers on one side and fruit on the other, all of my senses became overwhelmed. On the walls were little glass jars and each contained an object representing aromas and notes that can be found in wine, and with a squeeze of the bicycle horn attached on the jar, you can get a whiff of the object inside. Without giving out too much information, I think the museum is a must if you go to McLaren Vale, it’s just so random and bizarre, but you won’t want the experience to end. I know this might sound weird, but make sure that you also check out the bathrooms (yep) before you head to the top level for some wine tasting.

Get your camera ready for d’Arenberg, you might need an extra battery too.

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $147

La Lune Wine Co. | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-03-11T22:27:00.000+10:00

Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars… Frank Sinatra’s tunes came to mind as I walked down Fish Lane where La Lune Wine Co. is located. Understated sophistication with a hint of mystery - I had only seen the place for seconds and I was already intrigued. It’s an intimate space complete with dark wood, shiny white wall tiles, sheer curtains, and let’s not forget, bottles of wines.

I was there to enjoy a 5-course tasting menu offered here on Sundays. Available to the whole table only at $50 per person (and for an additional $40 if you want a wine pairing), I was slightly surprised at the friendly price point. Because you see, although it might be a wine bar, food is by no means something that gets neglected here. If anything, the food here might be some of the best you’ve tasted in a while.

Lunch started with wagyu carpaccio, tamarind & kaffir lime, tapioca puff - the delicateness of the finely sliced beef contrasted well against the crispiness of the puff, and with a kick from the chilli, my mouth watered. I was ready for more. After devouring a beautifully presented crudo of bonito, witlof, soy, grape and chilli followed, I was presented with a vegetarian dish - zucchini, chickpea, green raisins, miso caramel. When I go out for food, I wouldn’t usually order a vegetarian dish because of my immense love of meat, so I wasn’t sure about it when the chef came out to explain the dish, but the taste of it took me by surprise and I loved every mouthful of the dish. I WANTED the recipe. Wagyu teres, kipfler, cabbage, chive labne came next. Teres, aka petite tender, is cut from the shoulder and is one of the most tender muscles in cow’s body, the chef went on explaining to us. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into the meat, which was indeed incredibly soft with a robust flavour. Just as I thought that lunch couldn’t get any better, out came the dessert - Szechuan apple, coconut chantilly, miso honeycomb, passionfruit. I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking the same thing, Szechuan apple? Don’t knock it until you try it. Unlike the more traditional poached apple where you get a huge hit of cinnamon, these apple pieces were sweet with just enough Szechuan peppercorn infused to make your tongue tingle. My foodie companion and I couldn’t stop talking about the dish. It was that good!

You know that’s the thing about the menu at La Lune, you read it and you might crinkle your nose thinking, what an odd combo? But they all work, and they work damn well. This tasting menu was thoroughly enjoyed, all whilst watching the chefs showcasing their skills in the open kitchen.

La Lune, I love you to the moon and back.

Disclaimer: with thanks to La Lune Wine Co. for welcoming DolceBunnie to the property as an invited guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Salt Meats Cheese | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-03-05T13:27:00.002+10:00

You know there are simple moments in life that can just bring immense happiness. I experienced one of those moments last week over dinner one night and I just had to share.

It was mid-week which usually doesn’t warrant too much excitement. We had a dinner reservation at Salt Meats Cheese, an Italian restaurant that opened in the booming suburb of Newstead not long ago, and given that we live not far away from the area, any new restaurant that does good food is indeed very welcomed.

Once seated, we were presented with the menu - a laminated A4 piece of paper with food options on one side, and drinks on the other; simple, easy to read, fuss-free. But we were there for one thing and one thing only - their Wednesday night special. Drumroll please… between now and the end of THIS month, Salt Meats Cheese does flaming cheese wheel pasta every Wednesday night. Yep - trust what your eyes just saw. First things first, our host recommended two cocktails - Aperol Spritz and Bellini Diferente, classic Italian and absolutely delicious.

While the other travel bunnie and I waited for our pasta to arrive, Minibun George received his Bolognese from the kid's menu, which he wasted no time in devouring. Okay now comes the climax of the whole dining experience - as I watched our host pushing a trolley over in what played out like a slow-motion scene in a movie where boy meets girl for the first time, my heart started pounding, my mouth automatically opened and I began drooling… I’m talking about a MASSIVE wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano being heated up with a blow torch right in front of our eyes, the cheese slowly melting, sending out an intoxicating smell that suspended in the air. I watched the pasta being tossed and turned in that melted wheel of deliciousness, and as if that wasn’t enough, our host then drizzled a rich and creamy truffle sauce all over the pasta. It was so simple, with so few ingredients yet the dish tasted absolutely divine. There’s really no other way to put it.

I’m really hoping that they put the cheese wheel pasta permanently on the menu because something as amazing as that deserves to be enjoyed frequently…

Disclaimer: with thanks to Salt Meats Cheese for welcoming DolceBunnie & family to the property as invited guests, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

January: What's New?

2018-02-06T13:57:00.003+10:00

Dior Addict Lip Glow (001) - for Christmas last year, the other travel bunnie gave me an advent calendar filled with twenty-five products handpicked by him (with a help of a few hints from me). One of the products was the Dior Addict Lip Glow in the colour 001. I have been so obsessed with it for the whole month of January. It reacts to the unique chemistry of each individual’s lips and gives the most natural pink colour. Perfect for a no-makeup makeup look.

Dior Five Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette (Attract) - do you ever feel like you just need one more eye palette in your make up draw? I seem to have that problem every now and then. While browsing the internet the other day, I came across this beautiful palette by Dior. It’s from the Summer 2017 limited edition Dare & Care makeup collection and I absolutely love the warm golden bronze paired with the soft pink hues. I think the colour combo works extremely well as an everyday look and can also be dramatised from a day to night look without any fuss.

Diptyque Limited Edition Rose Delight Candle - Diptyque has released their limited edition rose collection for Valentine’s Day and the collection is soooooooo beautiful. This year, it’s the Rose Delight and I got my hands on it as soon as Mecca made the drop. Inspired by Turkish delight, the Rose Delight candle is crafted like the finest confection, with rose petals, a dash of honey, and a sliver of lemon zest. I am so fond of the pretty pastel pink design. If you’re a fan of Diptyque, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Kindle Paperwhite High-Resolution Wi-Fi eReader - I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to jump on the Kindle bandwagon. For a long time, I’ve been so against the idea of an e-reader. I love the texture of books, the sound they make when a page is being turned, even the smell of books is simply intoxicating… At the start of the year, I made it my goal to read twenty-five books this year, which isn’t particularly a lot but still quite substantial compared to the number of books I read last year. To assist me in completing my goal, the other travel bunnie came home with a Kindle one day after work. It’s probably something that he regrets now because I’ve been pretty much glued to this superlight device. It’s so easy to browse and buy books. I’m also subscribed to Kindle Unlimited which allows me to borrow books from their extensive library. I’ll no doubt be packing it with me on my upcoming trips!

Zambrero Campaign - at the beginning of the year, I teamed up with Zambrero on a campaign that raises the awareness of their Plate 4 Plate initiative. For every burrito or bowl purchased from Zambrero, a meal is donated to someone in need. They have partnered up with Foodbank to fight hunger in Australia, as well as Rise against Hunger - an international hunger relief agency providing millions of nutritious meals to disadvantaged communities across Australia, Africa, Asia and the Americas. So join the movement and take the feel-good food to the next level!

2018 Australian Grand Dairy Awards

2018-02-06T13:54:00.000+10:00

I don’t know about you but we consume a lot of dairy products in our household. From that very moment when we hop out of the bed, you’ll find me pouring milk into a milk frother to make my first cup of coffee. The other travel bunnie will take out a tub of Greek yoghurt and some granola (at the moment we are loving maple and pecan oat clusters), while I butter some toast, and somewhere in the background, Minibun George would be asking for his Milo milk. In the afternoon, George would head to the kitchen as soon as he gets up from his nap demanding some yoghurt and fruit, and I often find myself cutting up some cheese to satisfy that afternoon craving.

My point is, we love dairy in our family and dairy obviously plays an important role in our daily diets. So, I’m so excited to be sharing with you this year’s Australian Grand Dairy Awards (AGDA) winners. The AGDA recognise and reward excellence and quality in Australian dairy produce, paying tribute to the achievements of the highly-skilled specialists who develop and make quality products. The awards are Australia’s most prestigious national dairy awards and the highest accolade for Australian dairy producers. The rigorous judging process ran over the course of two days and saw all 500 dairy products tried, tested and approved by a panel of 24 technical experts, chefs, retailers and flavour specialists. So here are the award winners:

Category	Champion Product	Producer
Fresh Unripened Cheese	Montefiore Ovoline	Montefiore Cheese
White Mould Cheese	King Island Dairy Discovery Ash Brie 175g	Lion Dairy & Drinks-King Island
Semi Hard/Eye Cheese	Section28 Monforte	Section28 Artisan Cheeses
Cheddar Cheese	Bega Heritage Reserve Vintage Cheddar	Bega Cheese
Hard Cheese	Mil Lel Superior Parmesan	Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory
Blue Cheese	Berrys Creek Tarwin Blue	Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese
Washed Rind/Mixed Rind Cheese	Woombye Blackall Gold Washed Rind	Woombye Cheese Company
Flavoured Cheese	Section 28 Monte Diavolo	Section 28 Artisan Cheeses
Goat’s/Sheep’s/Buffalo Milk Cheese	Berrys Creek Riverine Blue	Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese
Natural Yoghurt	Jalna Greek Natural Yoghurt	Jalna Dairy Foods
Flavoured Yoghurt	Mundella Greek Honey Yoghurt	Mundella Foods
Ice Cream	Gundowring Licorice Ice Cream	Gundowring Fine Foods
Dairy Gelato	Pure Gelato Salted Pistachio	Pure Gelato
Milk	Maleny Dairies Farmers Choice Guernsey Non-Homogenised Full Cream Milk	Maleny Dairies
Specialty White Dairy Drink	Masters HiLo	Lion Dairy & Drinks-Bentley
Flavoured Dairy Drink	Dare Iced Coffee Double Espresso	Lion Dairy & Drinks-Malanda
Cream	The Little Big Dairy Co Pure Double Cream	The Little Big Dairy Company
Butter, Flavoured Butter or Butter Blend	Western Star Chef’s Choice Unsalted Cultured Butter	Fonterra Brands (Aust)-Cobden

So next time when you head to your local supermarket, look out for the blue and gold medal on packs to know you are buying the best of the best products Australia has to offer and not only that, but you are supporting Australian dairy producers who are passionate about their work and the dairy industry. These are the people who work hard to create the best possible products, ensuring that their cows are happy and cared for and that their farm is sustainable.

Disclaimer: with thanks to Diary Australia for sending through the Champion hamper. Please note that this is not a sponsored post, and the views and opinions expressed in this post are as always, my own.

Covent Garden West End | Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

2018-01-25T09:56:00.000+10:00

I was sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by lush greenery, a gentle breeze swept my hair to one side, the afternoon sun shone on my face; it was such a blissful moment. For a second there, I thought that I was somewhere else altogether.

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and what better way to spend it than having a leisurely G + High Tea? You see, the G stands for gin, which Covent Garden is known for, after all, it houses over 100 different types of gins. Nestled on the bustling Boundary Street in West End, Covent Garden offers a high tea experience that’s rather different to what the Brisbane food scene has seen.

The high tea experience started with two beautiful sets of porcelain cups & saucers as well as a watering can being brought to the table which was filled with the establishment’s signature cocktail - G & Tea, made with Tanqueray gin, crème de mure, citrus, cranberry, grapefruit, strawberry & cream tea soda. Decorated with a few slices of strawberries floating on top, the transparent red liquid almost glistened in the cup, and it tasted super refreshing. Shortly after a three-tier stand filled with savoury and sweet treats arrived and I was excited to try everything. There was not a scone in sight, but I did mention that it was a different sort of high tea and everything was thoroughly enjoyed.

On the way out, I stopped and admired the domed stain-glass ceiling that added an enchanting touch to the place, as if the lush green sanctuary wasn’t enough. Convent Garden, you make my palate gin-gle.

Disclaimer: with thanks to Covent Garden West End for welcoming DolceBunnie to the property as an invited guest, please note that my opinion is as always, my own.

Where is your next travel destination?

2018-01-23T07:25:00.000+10:00

Oh hello, 2018!

It’s not a secret that the other travel bunnie and I are extremely passionate about travelling the world. When Minibun George was born, we got his first passport at just three months old. He took his first international flight when he was eleven months old. By the age of three, he had swum in the Maldivian ocean, soared above coral reefs on seaplanes, enjoyed a first class flight onboard an Emirates A380, cruised the Australian waters, ran around with a herd of fluffy sheep in New Zealand… the list goes on. The other travel bunnie and I joke about the fact that he’s already travelled more than we had when we were 18.

We often get questioned if it’s worth it, taking a toddler to all those places when he most likely won’t even remember half of the places that he’s visited. To us, the answer is yes. There are so many precious moments when travelling together as a family that I can’t even put into words, the curiosity that makes George’s eyes sparkle, the excitement on his face when he sees something new and exciting, the countless cuddles that we share at night in the hotels, the happiness that he is able to discover from even the simplest things is infectious and therapeutic. Not to mention all those cute (and sometimes goofy) family photos that we take together while discovering unfamiliar places.

I often think to myself how lucky I am to have found a husband who is just as passionate about life and travelling as I am. Not only that, he’s willing to do his very best so that our child can experience and see the world from different angles, grow up happy and be grateful at just how amazing the world is.

This year, we celebrated the new year with a crazy weekend on the Gold Coast where we conquered three theme parks in 24 hours! In February as a celebration of our 5th wedding anniversary, we are taking a trip to Adelaide, before boarding The Ghan to travel to Alice Springs, then on to Uluru to see the incredible Field of Light. After we’ll head to Sydney for some good food. For my birthday month in May, we will be heading over to Taiwan for a few nights, including some R&R at a beautiful boutique resort on the Sun Moon Lake. Afterwards, we’ll fly over to Shanghai to visit my grandparents, then conquer (hopefully) the famous Mt. Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains where my parents enjoyed their honeymoon thirty years ago. Next on the list will be Chengdu for some giant panda lovin’, then back to my hometown in Qingdao to visit the extended relatives. Oh, of course, let’s not forget Hong Kong which will be the last leg of our trip in May. When the weather gets cold in August, we’ll take a short flight to Queenstown for a ski trip which I’m extremely excited about. Last year, we had our first ever ski trip as a family to Falls Creek and absolutely loved it! So this year, the other travel bunnie insisted that we do it again and who am I to say no! Wink*

If you know me, you know that I’m slightly OTT when it comes to travel planning and for as long as I have travelled as an adult, I’ve always been an avid user of Lonely Planet guides. This year’s travel planning was no different. The recently published Culture Trails covers ideas and itineraries for 52 weekends of culture heaven, packed with expert recommendations, maps and useful tips and believe it or not, our 2018 travel destinations have been covered in the book! I spent an entire weekend devouring a few Lonely Planet books, reading them cover to cover to get travel inspiration… It’s an obsession that I’m not willing to ever let go.

Disclaimer: thank you so much Lonely Planet for providing me with these amazing travel books and feeding my travel addiction…