Category Archives: Australia

FermentAsian: the latest trend in Tanunda

FermentAsian has rapidly become the hot spot to dine in the Barossa Valley for Modern Southeast Asian Cuisine. Open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday and for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday, this unique dining destination is set back from the … Continue reading

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Mooching with Mum in the Barossa Valley

Despite my family’s tendency to avoid centre stage and keep every celebration low-key, my mother’s seventieth birthday earlier this year seems to have been  worthy of an unusual degree of fanfare. As I was up in Manila and missed the … Continue reading

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Afternoon Tea on the Quay

Anyone for scones? Yes, I do realize it is starting to look as my life is nothing but clotted cream and champagne, but there you are, that’s just the way it goes… for some! This tea was for a very … Continue reading

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“The Grounds” in Rural Alexandria

I hit ‘The Grounds’ running, straight off the plane from Manila, and was astounded, in my jet-lagged stupour, to discover this rustic café located in semi-industrial Alexandria, only minutes from the airport, the site startlingly at odds with its surroundings. … Continue reading

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Of Fireworks and Aussie Icons…

Sydney Harbour is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Australian writer, Ruth Park, called it ‘beautiful as a dream, laid upon the map like a branch of blue coral.’ Taking full advantage of this enviable … Continue reading

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Kingsbrook Wines and Moroccan Lamb

It was an intensely hot day in December complete with north wind. My sister-in-law had sweetly suggested taking us out to her favourite restaurant at Currency Creek, on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It was a Christmas treat, so I insisted on … Continue reading

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Of Birds and Beasts and Beaches

My first morning back in Australia I woke up to the feel of a warm breeze on my skin, the sound of magpies warbling, the scent of eucalyptus on the air and the sight of the hazy purple of jacaranda … Continue reading

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Sunday Markets: a new religion

Weekend markets have long been popular sources of quality produce and family entertainment. In South Australia, the Sunday Farmer’s Market has become an almost religious experience, as pilgrims flock to meet the farmers, orchardists, fishermen, cheese-makers, bakers, and cooks who … Continue reading

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The Burnt Offering

“The smell of gas was there, and of burning chops when he opened the door. He said, “I’ve got some chops going.” ~ Patrick White, The Eye of the Storm. What do I miss most in Manila? From our 32 … Continue reading

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Jacaranda

My husband has been in Australia this week, visiting family. Daily texts and emails about walks in the parklands and along the beach were making me nostalgic and ever so slightly homesick. So when I had to do a writing … Continue reading

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