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!

Life Organic - Food heaven on earth!

Before arriving in Hong Kong I did a small amount of research - searching for Vegan cafes and restaurants. I was told that Hong Kong has some of the best food in the world, so I didn't want to pass up on any opportunity.

As it turns out, I became so incredibly addicted to this one cafe that I didn't have much time to try much else.

So I have dedicated an entire post just to this cafe. I had two breakfasts here, one lunch and two dinners.

Life Organic Cafe

They are Vegetarian and organic but cater for Vegan, Raw and Gluten Free diets.

The food is AMAZING! I was like a little kid in a candy shop - My eyes constantly darting between the other customers dishes as they came out - I wanted to try it all.

Looking over the menu - I was excited to see so many 'V's' next to the food. So many Vegan options. Its refreshing to know that in this menu I can pick from anything and it is Vegetarian, but to know that I have more than 3 Vegan options - blew my mind!

Breakfast - go the Organic Quinoa porridge (Rayns had this and loved it). I'm pretty sure Jarreth had the Croque Madame (just because it had a french name) and devoured it! I went with the Vegan version of the Life Breakfast with Scrambled Tofu! YUM. Cost? $240HKD (which is about $30 AUD for the three of us).

Lunch - I went back by myself and indulged in the Raw Power Zucchini grated carrot, organic pumpkin seed pesto, chinese chives, sun dried & fresh tomato, almond cheese and garlic oil (All ingredients in this dish are raw). Then I followed it up with a sugar free, vegan and gluten free Organic Chocolate Tofu Mousse Cake... I know what you're thinking - What is left to put in it if all the sugar and dairy is taken out... IT IS AMAZING! I would go back to Hong Kong just for this dessert! OH And the steamed lavender soy milk! YUM! (Lunch was about $235HKD - $28AUD)

Dinner - Try the Tea Smoked Eggplant Dip, Sweet Potato Fries with chili & herb salt and roasted garlic tofunaise dip and the Organic Hummus Dip for starters. Then move into a delicious temptation of choices... The vegan Life Organic Burger, salads and stir-fries will all satisfy any rumbling tummies!

Life Organic is located in Soho (I love this part of Hong Kong) but if has recently moved to 50 C Johnston Road Wanchai.

It also has a small 'Deli' take-away section, so - you can eat good food while on the run too!

Roaming around town

One of my favorite days spent in Hong Kong was with a new travel friend. We ran into Charlotte in Xi'an and visited the Terracotta Warriors with her. It was a brilliant surprise when one night she rocked up to our hostel in Hong Kong.

Charlotte and I spent the next day exploring the city. We started with a ferry ride through the Harbour. It was a nice trip. We went on the Star Ferry - which is somewhat infamous in this part of the world. A round trip ferry ride set us back about $80HKD each (about $10AUD). you can find details for the ferry ride here.

We then ventured out to Stanly - a side-side town just east of Repulse Bay. If you are into shopping there are some terrific markets here, just be sure to barter and look around! there are many shops that sell the same items at very different prices. To get to Stanley we caught a cab - it was around 100HKD (about $12AUD) which is a little pricey - but when split between two people it makes for a great half day adventure!

Hong Kong

I didn't quiet know what to expect when I landed in Hong Kong. I had heard people talk about it, always amazing things, so I was excited to experience this city. To add to the excitement, our little travel group was reconnected again, so the last few days of our travels were going to be fun.

We arrived in the early evening - somewhat exhausted after a day of transit, waiting, flying and more waiting. Lucky we had clear instructions to our hostel... Well they read clearly - but the were not clear at all.

We stayed at the Comfort Hostel - Causeway Bay HK. Firstly I just want to say, the manager/owner was very very friendly and went out of his way to make our stay better. But the hostel is not the best that we had stayed in.

It had no evidence of bed bugs - this was the only plus. The rooms were dirty and covered in dust. There were roaches - and lots of them - under the bed, in the bed...

We requested a room change - late at night and the manager was very very nice about it. The first room he showed us... seemed promising, as he turned the key in the door... lights came on and BAM! roaches ran to hide from the lights. We all decided that we would shell out some cash and go stay in a hotel. The manger then said he had one more option...

At 2am, we hauled our luggage across the road to another apartment. It was just that, an apartment. Clean, crisp, no roaches, no dust... OH and this is the room that featured in the photographs online! Awesome! We stayed.

Prior to this, we did go out for dinner and a wonder through the city. It is so bright - even at night. It really is a pretty city, I knew I was going to love my time here.

I'll probably say this a few times, most people say 3 days is enough in Hong Kong. I disagree. I could easily spend a good 2 weeks here and still probably want more time.

Around Beijing

Every traveler from time to time craves a bit of the familiar. Whether it bed food, sweet treats, people or music, there is always something that is nice to re-visit. If you start feeling this way in Beijing (which is hard because there is so much to take in), then head towards to Lotus Lane.

The best way for me to describe what Lotus lane is like, is similar to Darling Harbour in Sydney. It is an ‘area’ more than a lane that sits around Qianhai Lake. 

At night it is buzzing, an electric light show of lasers and nightclub strobes – street food and countless restaurants, during the day it is the complete opposite, and it made me question if I was in the same place when I saw it in daylight. 

We had some cocktails the night before – they were OK – potent. One cocktail was like drinking two, alcohol wise. We didn’t eat here as there are many more interesting and cheaper places to eat in Beijing. But the buzz of the atmosphere and people watching is a great way to start a night.

It is OVER PRICED. We stopped at a tea house during the day for some green tea – 500RMB for a pot! (about $78AUD) ARE YOU SERIOUS?

 

A picture is worth a thousand words - 798 Art District

Hands down, the 798 Art district on the outskirts of Beijing's ring roads, has to be my second (only to the Great Wall) favorite place I visited. EVERYWHERE you look there is something happening. From graffiti to posters, sculptures to architectural buildings. the 798 district has it all... And I mean all. Cafes, wine bars, boutique clothing stores, real coffee (it is one comfort from home I cannot live too long without) bric-a-brac items and retro music - it can all be found here.

Putting it bluntly - I could live in this place!

The streets are a maze of sensory pleasures, constantly stimulating you as you move through the space.

Lonely Planet have a great little write up on this place with directions and comments from other travelers.

How do you get here - get a cab! its so cheap and it saves you a lot of hassel - Its about a 20min ride out of the heart of the city and will cost you about 70RMB (around $10AUD). Well worth a visit and save a whole day for it! It normal opens around 10am and its completely free to get in. There are some exhibitions though, inside the complex, that charge a very small fee of between 6-12RMB (about $1-$2AUD).

If there is one thing you must not miss in Beijing... the 798 Art District is it!