Going gaga for Yaiya

This has to be one of my most favourite places in Thailand! Yaiya Resort in Hua Hin. My friend, Kath and I, booked a one bedroom private villa, twin share.

AMAZING!

We had a beautiful roof top plunge pool and pavilion with day bed, bar, sun bed. A massive marble bath and walk in robe... It was incredible. The beds were comfy and had private netting (although it wasn't needed, ore for show) and the daily room service was spot on!

The owner of the hotel, personally greeted us, I even did some yoga classes with her. All the staff were amazing and friendly. They went out of their way to make sure our stay was amazing... I really mean that too. We may have had a small episode of too much sun ( OK we got fried when we went out on a day trip to an island...) the staff went out of their way to get us painkillers and after sun lotion as well as giving us a special aftersun day spa treatment. I couldn't fault the service - which is why Im heading back there next year with the rest of my family.

Hua Hin is a beautiful part of Thailand. Its not over populated with travellers and it has a really laid back vibe to it. I have been told it is where the Thai royals go to holiday - so there are a few upmarket hotels, just outside of town, but there are also cheaper options in town.

There is always a night market on with massive a mounts of food and trinkets to collect. The town is great to explore, I felt very safe and I found it very easy to get around!

Can't wait to go back next year!

 

Cooking up a vegetarian storm with May Kaidee

Cooking up a vegetarian storm with May Kaidee

I've always wanted to do a cooking class. I mean, I consider myself an OK cook, in that... I'll give something a go... Sometimes it works, most times it doesn't. I have h
Kind of been a vegetarian for most of my life, opting out of the meat free diet, before i even knew what the word diet meant, or even how to say meat.  So, Being the only vegetarian in my family, there wasn't too many 'hand-me-down' family recipes to inspire me to learn to cook or know what taste was. Put it this way, my mother is French, and they pretty much eat anything. And my dad is Aussie with English parents and they live of the old 'meat, mash and veg covered in gravy'.

I walked past May Kaidee's resturant/cooking school in Bangkok. I was so excited to see 'vegetarian' that at first I didn't notice that it was also a school...somehow I went from going to have dinner there to having a private 11course cooking class.

Out the back of the restaurant is a 'classroom'. I waited about 5min and the sou chef had cut and prepared all the ingredients I would need.

I couldnt beleive how fast it was to cook EVERYTHING - and I say everything becasue within a matter of moments I had cook myself 4 dishes... that I now had to eat.

CRAP - how do I fit all of this food into my tummy - and there was still another 4 dishes to go 9some of the 'dishes were sauces, so that was a relief!). I was encouraged to sit down, take my time and slowly eat.

IT WAS AMAZING - and, I'm not just say this because I cooked it. The taste, the balance - they know what they are doing!

What an amazing experience. I really do recommend everyone try this - it set me back about 1000baht (about $30AUD) not bad for a full evening of learning, entertainment and food!

nom nom nom...

www.maykaidee.com

The Victoria Room

Mix high tea with the British Raj era, add a dash of opulence and a touch of class and you will find yourself at the Victoria Rooms in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Take yourself back in time and allow yourself to be waited on in style as you dine on mini morsels of cake goodness, tea that takes you to a place of yester-year.

Their high tea is served from 12-5 and there are three different levels.

Classic - $45 per head
Emerald - $55 per head
Sapphire - $60 per head
Diamond  - $65 per head

Each different High tea has a different alcohol served with it, pick which one you fancy!

All the waiters/ress' are very professional, attentive and dressed to impress.

Its such a lovely atmosphere, you will never want to leave!

Love Miss Tilly Devine

Amongst the back back alleys and sides streets of Eastern Sydney awaits a wino's dream bar. Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city life is Love Tilly Devine. Bringing a bit of Melbourne to Sydney (in my opinion) and gracing our lips with some of the most decadent wines, Love TIlly Devine is a hot spot for a night out in Sydney.

The wine selection will blow your mind. Boasting an impressive selection from all around the globe, there will be a wine to match you!

Not a wine fan or don't know a lot about wine? Never fear - the hosts and hostess' will listen to what you may or may not like in a wine and perfectly match one for you. I mean it! They will. Each time I have been they have hit the nail on the head.

They have a small bar menu, but it is of the highest quality, just enough to line your tummy and accompany the wine list.

It is not cheap, but I mean come on - your paying for good good good wine here. Make it a cheaper night though by going with a group of friends and opting for a bottle rather than per  glass.

www.lovetillydevine.com

Vegan baked goods

Nom nom nom... a tummy grumble and a quick dash to the Townsville Vegans stall at The Willows market and the empty tummy grumble is satisfied.

To Join in on the World Wide Vegan Bake Sale, Townsville Vegans hosted a stall at The Willows Market on the 11th May.

Their goal was to raise money for Farm Animal Rescue Australia and spread the word about compassionate life styles.

I was lucky enough to be able to assist as a volunteer on the day and took some happy snaps!

Vegan and non-vegan alike enjoyed devouring yummy baked goods - $307 was raised on the day! well done guys!

These markets are not just for us veggie-heads though, there are plenty of stalls selling everything under the rainbow!

The markets happen every Sunday in The Willows Shopping Centre car park. They are free to wander through!

A chilli night in Sydney

I'm the first to admit, I find Melbourne to be better in the food stakes than Sydney. But, if you're after a good night out, great mexican food and maybe a jug or two of sangria.. lock up your rucksacks, put on your walking shoes and head over to Cafe Pacifico!

Trust me - it will be a night out! Walk your way down the side streets of Darlinghurst and fins your way to a mexican service station. Up the flight of stairs await a tantalising feast for your eyes, ears and taste buds.

Boast a huge selection of tequila - you may want to elect to not be the designated driver for tonight - 1 Tequila, 2 Tequila... I dont normally remember much after the second shot.

The food is yummy - I haven't been to Mexico or South America, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food... but it is spicy (if thats how you like it) and full of flavour.

Are you a Veggie head and GF person, like me? Never fear - They can cater for us foodies too!

Grab a bunch of friends, take an empty belly and enjoy a night of food, drinks and laughter!

www.cafepacifico-laperla.com

Kirribilli markets

Markets are always fun. They are jammed packed with many different characters, colours, tastes sights and smells. They really do stimulate all of your senses. and best of all, if you're on a tight budget and backpacking - they are free!

One of the best markets to visit when in Sydney has to be the Kirribilli markets. Set at the northern end of one of the most icons landmarks in the world - the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Kirribilli markets makes for a great days of sightseeing.

I would recommend starting the day by strolling over the Harbour Bridge, that is of course if you are staying in the city.

Save breakfast for when you get to the markets - There are so many food stalls with a wide range of food on offer. Aromatic coffee fills the air and gets your taste buds salivating. Save some room though if you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of cupcake and macaroon stalls to feed your sugar kick!

There are there different market themes.

General markets
Art and design markets
Fashion markets

These run on different days of the month, alternating between the three. For market dates and theme click here.

If you're a local and feel you have a excess of clothing or shoes building up, why not hire a stall. My friend Kim did just that and was able to sell her once loved goods to someone else who will love them! What a great way to make some extra pocket money and spend the day!

www.kirribillimarkets.com

The Hardware Societe

I love Melbourne, I don't know how to explain the love I feel for a city - but it's there...and its real. I feel so at home when I am here (which it should, as it is where I am from, originally).

Melbourne is full of arty eclectic boutique shops, bars and cafes. No space is wasted. Down alley ways and side streets are some of the best hidden delights that you will ever find.

During a recent short trip to Melbourne, a few friends and I went into one of these side streets to the famous 'The Hardware Societe'.

Its a mix of modern country French dining for breakfast or brunch. The best thing is - They do Gluten free and vegan options! Yep! One of the image below is a vegan rice pudding with coconut cream and sour cherry.... YUM!

This place gets packed fast - If you love breakfast (its my favourite meal of the day) and you're an early bird - get you bottom down here early! If you're not an early bird - set your alarm!

You can find this tasty gem on Hardware Street. Look here on - Google maps

Hot Bodhi

Combine to awesome things...

1. Yum Cha
2. Vegan food

...and you get Bodhi.  Tucked away in a pocket in front of St Mary's Cathedral and the aquatic Centre in Sydney is a charming a delicious venue that you may miss, if someone didn't tell you it existed. the indoor-outdoor restaurant is always a buzz as people sit and enjoy the small parcels of tastey food that grace by them on mini carts.

For those who are not familiar with Yum Cha, it is (and dont quote me 100%) a Cantonese traditional meal/serving. Coming from the southern end of China and Hong Kong (if my memormy serves me to be correct), trays of steamed Dim Sums and mini buns and dumplings are on offer. you just pick what you feel like eating and enjoy.

The joy of Yum Cha is that it is a social event, similar to Spanish Tapas, it is a meal best shared. The only down side it that most Yum Cha is full of meat and animal by-products. So this is why Bodhi is such a 'win' for me! Its 100%Vegetarian with a massive amount of vegan options.

As Yum Cha is traditionally servered during the day (think of it as a Chinese high tea) the restruant changes the menu at night still 100% veggie/vegan.

OH - did I mentioned how good the cocktails are too? Amazing!

This place is awesome in the late afternoon and summer nights, put it into your calendar!

For more information look at their website here -  www.bodhi.id.au

A culinary excursion

Never judge a book by its cover... That's what my Mom always told me, similarly never judge a restaurant by its surrounds/location. It you did this, then you would miss probably one of the most amazing dinning experiences of you'll ever have (well - That's my thoughts, anyway.)

My beautiful friend, Michelle. Had booked a special surprise for me for my 30th Birthday celebration. For months and months we had been talking about a kooky little restaurant we had both be dying to try. I was elated when she told me we were going.

In the car we hoped and drove up to Nelson Bay.

Nelson Bay is a good 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney, If your looking for a great weekend road trip - I suggest you leave on a Friday and stop off along the way at Avoca (Central Coast) then Newcastle, or just head straight up north and enjoy the magnificent surrounds of Port Stephens.

Ritual is a concept restaurant that mixes technology, culinary art, science and passion into a find dining, intimate experience like no other.

When I say intimate, I mean it - only 10 guests dine per night. This enhances the experience, the socialising and the atmosphere.

First thing first, you MUST book in advance - this is not a restaurant where you can just show up and get a table. You can sign up via the website - www.ritualcuisine.com.au There is a questionnaire form to fill out the allows the Chef to gain insight into your taste preference.

When you get there, don't expect a waterfront OTT venue. it is modest and cosy and exceptionally perfect for the concept.

I'm not going to give too much away - but pre-pair to have everything you thought about food, turned on its side. Things are not quite as they seem! And it will be one of the most tasty experience you will ever have! You will water liquid transform into solid in front of your eyes, you will spray heavenly scented mist that tastes like strawberry, you will confuse your brain with fairy-floss that tastes of rosemary and garlic!

Thank you Michelle for this amazing experience!