Monthly Archives: March 2012

Love at First Bite

[As published in ANZA News this month] A cliché is defined as a hackneyed, trite or commonplace phrase.  As in: New York New York, so nice they named it twice I HEART NY The Big Apple Love at First Sight … Continue reading

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A Japanese Tea Ceremony

This week I witnessed a Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by the Urasenke Manila Association at the Filipino Heritage Library. It was a fascinating, absorbing occasion, and one I felt honoured to attend. Tea first arrived in Japan from China in … Continue reading

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Imelda: Rumour Has It…

Much enamoured of Carlos Celdran’s Intramuros tour last year, I finally got my act together and booked a place on his long-running tour of the Cultural Centre of the Philippine complex: ‘Livin’ La Vida Imelda’. Unfortunately it turned out to … Continue reading

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5 Things I Love about the Philippines

A moment of reflection on a quiet Sunday afternoon led to five things I love about the Philippines… 1. Security In the malls, hotels, schools and apartment buildings of Manila, I love being met by security guards who scan under … Continue reading

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Simply Gnocchi

Grappa’s in Greenbelt 3 is my favourite Italian restaurant in Metro Manila. Grappa’s originated in Hong Kong, and now has a very attractive second home in Makati. It is spacious without that canteen quality, and the service is excellent: we … Continue reading

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The Lane Vineyard: an afternoon to savour

High above Adelaide, in the once dry yellow paddocks behind Hahndorf, The Lane Vineyard Restaurant perches like an eyrie above rolling hills now blanketed in lush velvety green vines. A huge panoramic view lies before us as we stand on … Continue reading

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L’Affinage: the Latest Fashion in Cheesemaking

By pure coincidence I was quizzing the staff at ‘Smelly Cheese’ in the Adelaide Central Market when the invitation arrived. Did I fancy going to a wine and cheese event, sponsored by Smelly Cheese? Did I? Of course! By 6.30pm … Continue reading

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The Rising Sun Inn

Tucked beneath a canopy of leafy green trees, the Rising Sun Inn has nestled into this suburban Kensington side-street for almost 170 years, and this small bluestone cottage with lead glass windows, open fireplaces, a small, intimate bar and a … Continue reading

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