Australia Food and Drink
Sydney, Hot Dates in October
Every October Sydney comes alive with festivals. The below are some of the loved up major annual events. The dates listed here are for 2007, however, these weekends generally remain constant each year.
Darling Harbour Fiesta
Sept28-October 1st
Mariachis, capoeiristas and flamenco… Darling Harbour is going light up and dance to the Latin beat. Featuring over 70 performances, the Harbour will be swaying rythmically for the entire weekend. Come tap your toes or learn how to salsa, tango or samba in the Palm Grove during the day and try out your swanky new moves each night at …
Date: September 27th, 2007 |
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The Rocks, Satisfy your Java Craving: July 22nd, 2007
The Rocks Precinct is one of the coolest areas in Sydney. Frequented by tourists as well as locals, it is the home to pubs, entertainment venues, historic sights, markets, and one amazing pancake house. This weekend it plays host to the much anticipated Aroma Festival. Coffee, Chocolate, and Spices. Yum! If you are visiting Sydney this weekend, or you live here- come on down to The Rocks Sunday, July 22.
My commentary after attending the event: It was so much more than I had imagined! Mark …
Date: July 18th, 2007 |
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Hunter Valley Tours, a few options
Hello all of you out there in TV land! Only about 2 hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of the most publicized wine regions in Australia. As far as wine goes, the Hunter generally produces quite enjoyable and popular varieties. Wine aside, most importantly to many people, it provides a great romantic get away. I know loads of people with bourgeoning relationships that have had their first weekend away there. Nothing like a few hills and some vino to create a little romance…
Not just for love birds, many tourists who are visiting Sydney often go tour the Hunter as well. Perfect for those who only have a few days such as business travellers, it provides a chance to see a bit of the country, try some of the famous Aussie wines, and then land safely back in your Sydney hotel rooms that evening just in time to try one of the fabulous restaurants. Long day- but hey you can sleep on the plane tomorrow!
For any of the wine regions in Australia, I HIGHLY recommend going with a tour group of some sort. The drink driving laws in Australia are extremely strict and there are random breath test (RBT) stops all over the place- especially around the wine regions. Besides, then you can sit back, let someone else do the driving and enjoy your newly purchased plonk (Aussie slang for wine or spirits)!
I’ve come across a few tours on offer. I have not personally tried them, but they at least give you an idea of what’s out there.
Date: June 26th, 2007 |
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Aussie Wine Review, De Bortoli Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Gulf Station
I’ve recently had the pleasure of trying a really fantastic, moderately priced ($17-19) Australian Pinot Noir out of the Yarra Valley. I’m not always the biggest fan of Pinot due to a few unfortunate glasses I’ve tried, but this one shocked me the other direction. It was absolutely delicious. You would do yourself a good deed by trying the De Bertoli Pinot Noir Yarra Vally Gulf Station.
Funny enough, I had made a note to myself to pick up a bottle or two for the house when a friend of …
Date: June 20th, 2007 |
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Aussie Exports to Look For, Wine in a Can
Finally ! Thank goodness! I was in a crisis until I saw this latest clever Aussie invention! How on earth are you supposed to get pissed at the beach or on a boat without… are you ready for it?….. Wine in a CAN!!!!!
Yes that’s right- first we had wine in a box, then the screw cap to make the wine purists gasp (which are handy), now…it is wine in a can- with bubbles and without! Secondary School girls everywhere are cheering!
The flavors tend to be on the lighter side …
Date: May 21st, 2007 |
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How to Select and Prepare Australian Seafood. Know what you are ordering with help from the Sydney Seafood School
Do you know what a Balmain Bug is? Chances are you’ve read about it in your guide book on the plane ride over. No trip to Sydney is complete without trying some of the fantastic seafood on offer. If you are like me- I am completely overwhelmed when it comes to ordering seafood, knowing if it is prepared properly, and not to mention- knowing how to prepare it is a complete mystery to me. So while visiting Down Under, why not learn a new skill! If …
Date: August 1st, 2007 |
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Australia in the News- Booze is Good for You
Ah, the Aussies! Some very good research dollars have been spent by some of the World’s Top Neurosurgeons and the findings presented at a conference in Carins.
Most of us believe that a big night drinking means a few less brain cells in the morning, but new research suggests this isn’t true. A conference of some of the world’s top neuroscientists in Cairns has heard that there is no evidence drinking alcohol leads directly to the death of brain cells.
In fact, research by Queensland Brain Institute director Professor Perry Bartlett …
Date: July 17th, 2007 |
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Oz Survival Guide to Food- Fresh Juice Shops
Oh the Aussies really nailed it with this one! One of my favorite ways to start a day is with a freshly squeezed juice. The best part about it- you get to pick the fruit/veggies/flavors you want in it. MMMM! Watermelon, Apple, Orange, Pineapple, Mint, Ginger, Carrot, Celery, Pear…you name it!
Granted at the moment it is winter and the fruit isn’t the best but it is still miles better than anything you can get in the states outside of California and Florida. Years ago I was given a …
Date: June 20th, 2007 |
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Sydney with Kids
Are you traveling with kids? A valuable learning experience for the whole family, it sometimes comes with its own special difficultires. One such difficulty is finding kid friendly venues for a feed. Sydney is a city of fabulous places to eat, and there is no reason not to experience them just because you are a party of 2.5 instead of 2.
Nearly 1400 general public diners who have visited a number of restaurants with their kids have made their voices heard and have created a list of the top 20 …
Date: May 27th, 2007 |
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The Kimberley, Cool things to see: The Hoochery
He He He. Get thee to The Hoochery I tell you! An absolute delight! The family owned distillery and is the oldest legal Still in WA. 15k north of Kununurra on a farming property, they distill 100 bottles of spirit per week. Tours and tastings available. The tasting room is a really warm and welcoming antique space with tasting bar, gift shop and café style nibbles to get you through the extensive tasting list. Watch out!
A few of the fine liquors on offer: Cane Royal Liquor, …
Date: May 20th, 2007 |
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