As a Kiwi I grew up eating venison, small medallions cooked on the sizzling hotplate, rich and lean. Although it’s one of the healthiest red meats, I’ve never really seen it on menus here in Australia. After ‘meating’ fellow Kiwi Jonas Widjaja, venison is on my radar again. In fact I’ll be getting my hands on some at my local organic farmers market tomorrow. Can’t wait to taste it again, after all these years. I first met Jonas at a foodie event. He was showcasing his venison and offered … [Read more...]
The Patron Saint of Gin
A few years ago my friend Belinda travelled solo across Australia in her V8 Holden Commodore, with a mission of visiting as many craft gin distilleries as possible (a girl after my own heart). Travelling more than 12000km (including the Nullarbor) she introduced herself to dozens of regional craft gin-makers, from Applewood Distillery in the Adelaide Hills to as far afield as Busselton. She spent her days talking gin and learning about the industry. Her gin adventure turned out to be life … [Read more...]
The best way to eat oysters
Having spent a morning with Oyster Farm Tours Coffin Bay I have to say it's one of my all-time favourite foodie experiences. The oysters grown in Coffin Bay are highly sought after, both here and overseas. And now I know why, they are the freshest most flavoursome I’ve ever eaten, and even if you’re not partial to these delicate, salty creatures, you must, I repeat must, try one! Our tour starts at Oyster HQ, where we gather on the deck to look out over the oyster farm. Waterproof wadders … [Read more...]
The story of the bunya
Since travelling to the Bunya Mountains last year I’ve become smitten with the bunya tree and its giant dinosaur pine cones. These noble and ancient trees have a fascinating story which I feel compelled to share… Like nowhere else on earth The Bunya Mountains are home to the largest remaining stand of bunya pines in the world. Once upon a time, this Queensland native was widespread, but now there are just a few pockets left. They say bunya pines can live for around 600 years. Growing up … [Read more...]
Scenic Rim road trip
My photographer buddy @imagjen_ and I went exploring the Scenic Rim recently, two gals who love taking pics and eating good food – road trip woohoo!! It was such an incredible weekend that Madeline was inspired to dedicate a whole photo series to the Scenic Rim… and I launched a new Instagram account to showcase all the amazing foodie experiences out there (follow along at @tastescenicrim). I’m going to share my itinerary so you can plan your own weekend escape (OK, technically it’s a … [Read more...]
5 reasons to visit QT Gold Coast
The team at QT Gold Coast have served me some fabulous foodie experiences during the last year that are simply too good not to share… so here are my top 5 reasons to visit QT now: Cocktails at Stingray Bar A funky retro vibe welcomes you at Stingray Bar. Not too big, not too small, this groovy bar is cosy and spacious all at the same time. Originally a California-style tequila bar it’s now morphing into a high-end cocktail bar. Tequila still reigns supreme with an impressive selection of … [Read more...]
10 things you should know about Dîner en blanc
So, you’ve got a ticket to the exclusive Dîner en Blanc woohoo! Like me, you’re probably blissfully unaware of what you’ve just committed too… Never fear, I’ve written this post just for you, to help get your head around the myriad of rules and logistical genius you’ll need to take a seat at the big white table… read on my friend (you might want to take notes, kidding… not really). What is Dîner en Blanc? The story goes that ‘dinner in white’ started as a gourmet meal between a group of … [Read more...]
5 reasons you’ll love the Paleo Camping Retreat
It’s not often you get to sit around a campfire talking about the benefits of bone broth, but that’s exactly what we did at the Paleo Camping Retreat last year. This awesome Paleo Camping weekend is run by Aimee and Clint from Primal Influence, and Dan the Aussie Paleo Chef. Different to your usual yoga-girls-with-green-smoothies retreat… it includes Paleo cooking demonstrations, slack lining and natural play, a bush tucker walk, star gazing, swimming in the creek, and the best soul-warming … [Read more...]
The secret Gold Coast pop-up ‘restaurant’ you must try
A secret pop-up dining experience, just turn up and eat! I discover one of the best kept foodie secrets on the Gold Coast and chat to Bree Denman – the culinary creative behind the Goldtoast Supper Club... Every month members of the Goldtoast Supper Club are invited to a one-of-a-kind dining experience at a secret location. Like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gona get… could be an extravagant 8 course dinner at someone’s house, or a picnic amongst the pine … [Read more...]
Brisbane French Festival
'Le Festival' is the annual celebration of all things French in Brisbane and is hosted at South Bank around Bastille Day. I decided to get into the spirit for the Brisbane French Festival, donning stripes, red scarf and beret. Apparently I was the only one with the time or inclination to do this. I lamented to one nodding stall holder that it was a shame more people didn’t get the memo…said conversation then progressed to discussion that perhaps French people didn’t appreciate the clichéd … [Read more...]
