What Being Stranded Overseas During a Pandemic Has Taught Me
Originally published on AWOL/Junkee.
At the start of March, my partner and I flew to the Philippines via Kuala Lumpur. While already in transit, we read that Manila would go into lockdown in 48 hours. Continue reading “What Being Stranded Overseas During a Pandemic Has Taught Me”
The New-Look Ponyfish Island Is a Slice of Palm Springs Smack Bang in the Middle of the Yarra
Originally published on Broadsheet.
The redesign, by award-winning Adelaide firm Studio Gram, features dramatic curved archways, terrazzo-topped tables and soft green sunshades. Step aboard for Ponystar Martinis, rosé-sangria jugs and – soon – an Asian-focussed menu. Continue reading “The New-Look Ponyfish Island Is a Slice of Palm Springs Smack Bang in the Middle of the Yarra”
First Look: Piccolina’s Sleek New Richmond Store Looks More Like a Cocktail Bar Than a Gelateria
Originally published on Broadsheet.
The fourth outpost has an industrial-chic fit-out by Melbourne firm Hecker Guthrie – and greyscale never looked quite so good. Plus, get your favourite gelato crowned by a new whipped-cream machine, just like in Italy.
How to Respectfully Ask Someone to Get an STI Test
Written for WILD, by WellBeing.
Considering asking someone to get an STI test before being intimate? You should never compromise your health to avoid offending someone. Here’s how to ask without the awkwardness. Continue reading “How to Respectfully Ask Someone to Get an STI Test”
What I’ve Learned from Facing Redundancy Twice
Written for the ABC.
One Friday at 4:30pm, I joined a video call with my co-workers. From our small, designated rectangles, we shared hellos and awkward virtual small talk before we were told we no longer had jobs. Continue reading “What I’ve Learned from Facing Redundancy Twice”
Sample Nanjing’s Signature Dishes – They’re Some of Chinese Cuisine’s Best
Originally published on Lonely Planet.
The city of Nanjing – China’s old capital – is the home to Jinling cuisine. It’s not totally clear when the cuisine first appeared; some believe it may have been as early as 2400 years ago. The sub-cuisine has had plenty of time to evolve, and Nanjing’s regal history has made it a leading culinary city in China today.
Continue reading “Sample Nanjing’s Signature Dishes – They’re Some of Chinese Cuisine’s Best”
For the First Time Ever, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Releases a Cookbook
Originally published on Broadsheet.
Ever wonder what the world’s top chefs whip up when out of their whites? Well, Massimo Bottura makes a nut-free pesto pasta; Mauro Colagreco of the top restaurant in the world does a fish stew, and Clare Smyth – soon to open a diner in Sydney – makes a fiery chicken stir-fry.
Continue reading “For the First Time Ever, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Releases a Cookbook”
Where Melbourne’s Chefs Get Their Fish’n’Chips
Originally published on Broadsheet.
Embla’s Dave Verheul, Maha’s Shane Delia, ex-Marion head chef Natasha Burnett and more share their top fish and chipperies. (One spot even appears on this list twice, so you know it’s a sure bet.) Continue reading “Where Melbourne’s Chefs Get Their Fish’n’Chips”
Video | Italian Artisans is Pure Italian Perfection
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Raw Films.
Antipasto is rebellious at Italian Artisans. There are no round boards in sight, rather custom made, slim but lengthy planks of wood that host small goods. Continue reading “Video | Italian Artisans is Pure Italian Perfection”
What Now? Lockdown Advice for Melbourne Restaurants from Two Industry Heavyweights
Originally published on Zomato.
“$1,000 feels like $100,000 at the moment,” says owner of Maha Restaurants Shane Delia. It’s a feeling many cafes, restaurants and bars are experiencing – regardless of their size. Continue reading “What Now? Lockdown Advice for Melbourne Restaurants from Two Industry Heavyweights”
Mr Brownie is Four Storeys of 70s and 80s Tunes and British-Indian Fare in South Melbourne
Originally published on Broadsheet.
The latest from the owner of Horn Please and Daughter In Law has a bar on each eclectic level – including one on the roof with city views – with vindaloo pies, samosa burgers and curry chips on the menu.
Fit For a Post-Lockdown Tipple: Melbourne’s New, Luxe, 1930s-Inspired Champagne Bar
Originally published in Delicious.
The latest offering by The Speakeasy Group is straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel and you’re guaranteed to have a swell old time.
Eat Like an Italian: Try Cooking Three of Italy’s National Treasures
Originally published on SBS.
‘Italian food’ is really a massive umbrella shielding the country’s highly-localised cuisines. The real discovery comes from finding out which dishes hail from where, and what they were born out of – be it poverty or triumph.
Continue reading “Eat Like an Italian: Try Cooking Three of Italy’s National Treasures”
A Guide to Port Douglas, Queensland
Originally published on Luxury Escapes.
The laidback town of Port Douglas is your gateway to Tropical North Queensland, where the sounds of the rainforest meet the wonders of the reef. Continue reading “A Guide to Port Douglas, Queensland”
Video | Kekou is a Modern Asian Newcomer to be Reckoned With
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Andy Hardy Films.
It’s a big call, but we’re going to make it. Kekou is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking restaurants we have visited in the last year. It’s a simple concept, done exceptionally well – pairing Australian 18 rotating craft beers with progressive Asian-inspired dishes. Continue reading “Video | Kekou is a Modern Asian Newcomer to be Reckoned With”
How (and why) to Substitute Sugar with Honey in Your Cooking
Honey is one of those brilliant, multifaceted food products. Bonus: it has an eternal shelf life.
Continue reading “How (and why) to Substitute Sugar with Honey in Your Cooking”
How to Cook Perfect Pasta for a Dinner Party
Originally published on SBS.
Dinner parties – you either thrive on them or you don’t. Regardless of your status as a seasoned host or first-timer, pasta is an efficient way of catering to a large group of people and pleasing them all equally. After all, who doesn’t love pasta? Continue reading “How to Cook Perfect Pasta for a Dinner Party”
Video | The Trick to Quick? Pick-a-Stick
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Raw Films.
There’s something truly human, almost caveman-like, about eating food off a stick. Well, Pick-a-Stick certainly caters to that, bringing shāo kǎo – the Chinese way of eating skewered food – to the CBD. It’s not a genre of Chinese food that has totally taken off in Melbourne yet, but we believe it will. Your choice of ingredients, either fried or cooked over coals. What’s not to like? Continue reading “Video | The Trick to Quick? Pick-a-Stick”
Video | When is There Not a Dinnertime Line at Hakata Gensuke?
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Raw Films.
As soon as you step both feet through the door at Hakata Gensuke, “irasshaimase!” (welcome in Japanese) will boomerang back at you. Like a comforting bowl of ramen, the service often is, too. Continue reading “Video | When is There Not a Dinnertime Line at Hakata Gensuke?”
Begging For Help: Care Assistant’s Letter Reveals the Realities of a Nursing Home Battling Covid
Originally published on HelloCare.
HelloCare has attained a de-identified letter from an aged care worker sent to Leading Age Services Australia desperately asking for more registered nurses (RNs) and personal care assistants (PCAs) on board. The home they work at was down to only one PCA at one point.
Coasting on the North Island: Exploring the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Originally published on Lonely Planet.
Scenic, versatile and beautifully understated – if New Zealand is on your travel radar, consider putting the Bay of Plenty on your wish list. It was named by James Cook when he anchored in the country in 1769, and it’s a name that still rings true today. Continue reading “Coasting on the North Island: Exploring the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand”
First Look: A CBD Cake Shop-Slash-Cafe From Insta-Famous Baker Raymond Tan
Originally published on Broadsheet.
Step inside for Malaysian chicken-curry pies; egg-and-Spam brioche rolls; jazzed-up fortune cookies; and the signature kuih (petite, glutinous desserts flavoured with mung bean paste, coconut and more).
Continue reading “First Look: A CBD Cake Shop-Slash-Cafe From Insta-Famous Baker Raymond Tan”
Why This is the Year to Plan the Perfect Camping Vacation
Originally published on Lonely Planet.
Few activities can make you slow down and recharge quite like camping. In the age of coronavirus, these sort of trips satisfy our desire for adventure. You can stay local, you have more control over your destination, and it’s affordable.
Continue reading “Why This is the Year to Plan the Perfect Camping Vacation”
Revealed: Winners of Australia’s 2020 Houses Awards
Originally published on Broadsheet.
Modest and sustainable designs reigned supreme at this year’s celebration of Australia’s best residential architecture. And, as budgets shrink and the line between home and work blurs, the winners think the pandemic could change the face of home design.
Continue reading “Revealed: Winners of Australia’s 2020 Houses Awards”
Ponyfish Island – Melbourne’s Bar in the Middle of the Yarra – is Getting a Dramatic Makeover
Originally published on Broadsheet.
Expect a seafood-focussed menu and cocktails that “kick like a mule”. A drive-through just for boats is also on the cards.
Video | Taiwan’s Cult Boba Brand Xing Fu Tang Lands in Melbourne
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Raw Films.
Xing Fu Tang is the first boba store we’ve visited in Melbourne that makes its tapioca pearls from absolute scratch – dough and all, made every morning. As such, the boba is comparatively softer and easier to digest.
Continue reading “Video | Taiwan’s Cult Boba Brand Xing Fu Tang Lands in Melbourne”
Top Pitstops Along the Great Ocean Road
Originally published in Trivago Magazine.
The Great Ocean Road was a true labour of love, totally unforgiving on about 3000 men that dedicated themselves to building it with picks and shovels. It’s now to be enjoyed for all its givings – its landscapes, wildlife and culinary wonders. Continue reading “Top Pitstops Along the Great Ocean Road”
Five to Try in Korea: From Trusty Bibimbap to Icy Bingsu
Originally published on SBS.
Explore the dynamic range of Korean cuisine, from bulgogi ssam and cheesy chicken to icy bingsu topped with sweet beans, all washed down with a shot of soju.
Continue reading “Five to Try in Korea: From Trusty Bibimbap to Icy Bingsu”
Video | Jinda Thai is an Abbotsford Favourite, Where a Family Bond Shapes the Menu
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Andy Hardy Films.
“You gonna get your own dish? Don’t,” says co-owner of Jinda Thai, Park Tanpapat. “You’ve got to share it up,” he explains. “You gotta get a bit of everything, that’s how it should be.” That’s the way his family shared dishes; recipes gifted by his grandparents.
Video | Oriental Spoon Offers a Great Introduction to Korean Cuisine
Originally published on Zomato, produced in collaboration with Raw Films.
Korean is one of the most searched cuisines on Zomato Melbourne. If you’re yet to acquaint yourself with it, Oriental Spoon is a wise place to start. Work your way through seafood hot pots, Korean fried chicken and the must-have experience that is Korean barbecue. Continue reading “Video | Oriental Spoon Offers a Great Introduction to Korean Cuisine”
caterina hrysomallis 