December 30, 2014

Need to Diet and Happy New Year!

Oh wow! How did you guys pull up for Christmas? I feel like I'm still rolling around from all the yummy food that I have consumed in 8 days. Yes! You heard correctly; I didn't stop eating for 8 whole full days. Best 8 days of my life.

Christmas dinner with my immediate family is always fun as I get to be a kid again and play games with my nieces. As they get older and find their own personalities and become more independent, I find myself still treating them like little toddlers. Soon we'll be clubbing together! LOL....NEVER! Not for me anyway.

Every year I spend Christmas day with my extended family and this year was the alternate year where many of my relatives spend Christmas with their partners and/or in-laws so it was a small crowd but was still consisting of 30+ people. You can only imagine how many people we have for Christmas when everyone is here in Sydney together. Christmas has always been big for me and it's not just family, we have many very close family friends who join us because they don't have family here in Sydney so it's a big celebration.

Even though it was a "smaller" crowd this year it meant that I really got a chance to spend some quality time with my aunties and uncles who love to tell stories of when we were younger and all the trouble we use to get up to - these are the moment I cherish and laugh at the most, especially when I find things out about my brothers!

Over the next few days I had friends over for dinner and catch-ups and in my proud cook-off moment I successfully made a triple chocolate mud cake with salted caramel chocolate pieces and topped with chocolate butter-cream and my ultimate "move over Kylie Kwong" moment was my PEKING ROAST DUCK! Totally made from scratch and all made by me. I'm still so proud of this that if heads really did grow in size then mine was massive!


Doesn't look sexy but it was amazing
The rich triple chocolate mud cake with salt caramel chocolate pieces and topped with chocolate butter-cream.
The amazing roast duck was accompanied with steam fish, asian greens and brown rice.
Dinner on another night serving slow roast lamb, mash potato, honey carrots & broccolini with butter & toasted hazelnuts.
My final (for now) indulgence day of eating, the 8th day, was dinner at Le Pelican in Surry Hills (Shop 2, 411 Bourke Street, Pelican Private Hotel). This was the first time I've been there and what a lovely cute little place it is. The restaurant has in-door seating and through the back has more seating in their lovely cute outdoor courtyard. It is French bistro combining fresh local seasonal produce to create classic and new favourites.

For entree I had a couple of fresh Wapengo lake organic oysters with lemon and shallot dressing and the pork and duck foie gras pâté with cornichon and onion jam served with a crusty warm baguette which is absolutely amazing. For main, I had the special, roasted pigeon; can't remember what it came with but it was tasty and tender. To finish it all off I squeezed in a couple of scoops of ice cream: chocolate and olive oil sorbet.

It was the first time I've tried  olive oil sorbet and it seriously did tasty of olive oil including the oily texture in  your mouth. You could only eat a couple of spoonfuls at a time and then it just gets too oily so I would recommend having it with something else as it needs to accompany another dessert. Being the lover of food and all things sweet, I then proceeded to try everyone elses dessert: Baked fruit soufflé with chocolate ice cream, strawberry and rhubard meringue with lemon gel and olive oil sorbet, chocolate fondant and thyme ice cream and the cheese plate that consisted of Ossau Iraty, Buche d’Affinois and Fourme d’Ambert.

Olive oil sorbet and chocolate ice cream.
So, that was my final day of indulgence eating. I have since gone back to eating healthy (as much as possible) and have started walking and swimming again to lose (what feels like) 100kgs I have gained in these 8 days! Meh, it's Christmas and I've enjoyed every moment of it; I love the fact that food brings people together.

As I draw towards the last couple of days of 2014 I wish you all a fabulous New Year and and awesome 2015 and beyond. I hope you all have a great time whatever it is you're doing and stay safe. I also look forward to sharing more of my journey and moments with you in the new year so do come back!

What are your plans for New Years? Will you be securing a spot for the fireworks in Sydney?

Love,
Jo xo

December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas ….. Keep Dreaming and Sparkling


Firstly, wishing all my family, friends and followers a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a wonderful time wherever you are and with those that are important to you.

WOW! Another 12 months have past and here I am writing a Christmas post. For me it's been a hectic, fun and an eventful year. I have personally experienced and learnt many new things. One of my biggest achievements of this year is moving into my place and decorating it in my style and personality (this never seems to stop) and I've been falling in love with what I've done each day. I'm proud that everything I own is mine and no-one can take it away from me. 

Another achievement that I'll point out and really never thought about ever doing is starting this blog and becoming an official blogger. It is been both inspiring and personal for me; a place where I can share and write about my thoughts, my experiences, my reviews around Sydney, my travels and my journey in life. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this without the help of my beautiful friend, Camielle, who has a blog of her own - Gen-Y Mum. If it wasn't for her guidance, advice and IT help, I wouldn't have got this off the ground. To Cam: Thank you!

The world has experienced many events in the last 12 months and in Australia, especially my own city, Sydney, we have recently been faced with not-so-nice events but events that I believe has brought us closer and made us stronger. Although these events have happened, I believe that there is always a positive to come from it. We may not see it straight away but in time we'll know. 

Reflecting on 2014…hmmm… like I've mentioned above, I've had a couple of achievements that I'm really proud of and many special moments with friends and family. However, I am ready to say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015. So with this in mind, I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family (and the extension of my family) tomorrow and eating myself silly (which pretty much began a couple of days ago). I'm also looking forward to spending the following days with friends celebrating the end of 2014 and brining in 2015.

Have a fabulous Christmas and thank you all for following on my journey this far…… 

Jo xo


December 20, 2014

Thank you InBloom Town Hall

I want to share a lovely gesture I experienced on Wednesday by InBloom Florist in Town Hall (train station), Sydney. They so kindly demonstrated the strength and compassion us Sydney-siders have. 

A few of us from work decided to walk down to Martin Place to place some flowers in memory of the Sydney siege and to pay our respect. After walking around to two nearly sold-out florist we finally came across InBloom in Town Hall. 

They themself didn't have much left either but they did have what we were looking for so we decided to grab what we needed - two bunches and three pink long stem roses. While standing in line to pay for the flowers I noticed a sign saying (something along the lines of) "If you're purchasing flowers to place at Martin Place, let us know as it will be 50% off".

WOW! Was my first thought. We got to the front of the line to purchase the flowers and I commented to the florist "what a lovely gesture that you're doing and I comend you for being so kind". She was so lovely and said "we're experiencing a valentines day peak of customers and we didn't feel that we should be profiting from this situation".

It's just a beautiful thought and support this small business was providing and something I really wanted to share with those who read my blog. It's these kindness that shouldn't go unnoticed and they deserve the spotlight. 

To InBloom florist - thank you for your kindness and support. You have provided from the bottom of your heart and your generosity will be returned. 

If you frequent or travel through town hall station you'll find InBloom florist through the tunnel, on the way out towards George Street. Be sure to stop by and get yourself some beautiful flowers. 

Jo xo

December 18, 2014

Christmas is Just Around the Corner

EEEEEEKKKKKKKKK......!

I would have to say that I'm a pretty good organiser and planner and most years I have been really good when it comes to Christmas present shopping. I have always been one to plan early and have everything purchased, wrapped and waiting nicely under the Christmas tree.

Photo Credit: DIY Network
This year.....well, this year has completely been thrown out of the window. I'm not sure why and I'm not really sure how, but I have left most of my Christmas shopping until the very last minute. I've been stressing about the types of presents to buy, where to buy it, who I'm buying for and if it will be well received! Not a cool position to be in.

However, on the plus side (and there always is a plus side to everything), once I had decided what I was getting everyone, all the items suddenly were on sale. BOOM! Not a bad outcome for leaving it till the last minute. Might have to leave all my Christmas shopping till the end.

Only 7 days until it's Christmas. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my immediate family as well as my extended family. I'm also very excited to be celebrating Christmas with friends just before and just after Christmas Day and this year I have many of them coming over to my place to celebrate the mini holiday. It will also get me back into the kitchen to cook up a feast which I haven't really done in a while.

I've always loved having people over my place and cooking up a feast of something yummy to enjoy as I love bringing people together over food and drinks. It's a great social catch up and it's always a fabulous laugh. Plus I just like to feed people!

What are your plans for Christmas? Have you finished your shopping or still going? Are you a last minute planner? If you're hosting Christmas, what will be your specialty on the day?

Jo xo

December 15, 2014

Sydney Siege….WHY?

Today is Monday 15th December 2014. It should just be a normal Monday where we all suffer the typical "mondayitis". However, this Monday of 2014, just 10 days away from Christmas, Sydney is faced with a siege. As Sydney-siders went about their day and made their way to work, me included, at 9.45am we were faced with the news that a gun man had taken staff and customer's hostage in the city's Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.

What has happened? Why is this happening in my city? 

I'm not someone who watches the news a lot, but today, I've been glued to the television and any updated reports via the internet to understand and see what is happening. My office was in semi-lock down and we were advised to stay in doors; work at this stage pretty much was non-existent as everyone was concerned with the event going on. 

My thoughts and my heart goes out to the hostages, I don't think I can even imagine what is going through their minds or even how they are feeling. I pray that you all get out of there safely and very soon.

As I am faced with today's news I am reminded that life is precious. It's too precious to be stressing about the minor things such as shopping for Christmas presents. It's 10 days away from Christmas, we should be thinking about what is important. I know for me, it's about spending time with my family and friends and being grateful for what I have. 

We still need to continue living life and we shouldn't given into fear. No-one knows what will happen, when or how but you have to keep living and stopping every so often to remember what is important. Remember to enjoy life and spend quality time with those who are important to you; work isn't everything in life.

Stay safe and strong Sydney. 

Jo xo

December 11, 2014

River Cafe....London Calling!

Just thinking about the topic to write this blog about The River Cafe, located in Hammersmith London UK, takes me to a happy place where I can smell the amazing food, remember the taste of the wines, recall the modern design of the restaurant and the impeccable friendly service. Why wouldn't anyone be happy knowing that this restaurant brings back such great memories. 
 
I've been lucky to visit London a few times and even had the privilege to live there in my early 20's to experience the backpackers lifestyle (a separate blog about that!). Each time I've visited London, I've been treated to lunch and/or dinner at The River Cafe, the exact restaurant where chef Jamie Oliver was originally founded (according to my sources). The River Cafe specialises in authentic Italian cuisine with many of the produces being flown in directly from Italy; you can't get anymore authentic than that!
 
The River Cafe was founded and owned by chefs Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray (until her death in 2010). Lady Ruth Rogers still owns and runs the restaurant with the amazing help of her staff and together they maintain the quality and sophistication that shines through the restaurant. 
 
Ever changing menu
So, like I said, when I think of The River Cafe and about the food, I seriously have fond memories and salivate at the thought of having the chance of eating there again. The food there is by far, the most amazing Italian feast I have ever had outside of Italy (although, I must disclaim that I haven't been to Italy, yet, so I would have to state "best I've had to date"). The pasta melts in your mouth and each time I've eaten there the consistency and the quality is at it's finest and not once had I had a bad meal. 

What I love so much about the restaurant is that many of the ingredients (such as the meats and seasonal vegetables) for the dishes are brought fresh daily and for example, if they can only get five quality fish then that is all they will have and once it's sold out then it's sold out! Due to this, it means that their menu changes daily and they keep within the seasons to ensure that you're eating in season fresh quality food. 
 
When entering the restaurant to be seated you walk pass clean lined white table clothed tables and throughout the restaurant there are splashes of bright colours and this flows through the shirts of the managers. This to me keeps the restaurant fresh, virbrant and modern and really appealing to the eyes; and you haven't even sat down to order yet! The main eye catching object is the huge wood-fire oven taking prime place in the open kitchen and a really massive (the only true big word I can use to describe this) projection clock on the back wall - impressive and stylish.
 
Photo Credit: Fluid Network UK
The customer service is impeccable with all staff knowing exactly what their role is and which tables they are responsible for. The best part about the service is that if you ask any questions about the menu to the staff (regardless of position, i.e. waiters, receptionist or drink staff) they are able to explain the ins and outs of the menu in detail from what the dish is, what ingredients have been used and how it taste. Amazed by their knowledge of the menu, considering that it changes daily, I was inquisitive to understand how they knew so much in such a short amount of time and it blew my mind to find out. 
 
Ruth Rogers and (the late) Rose Gray ensured that all their staff, not just the chefs and kitchen staff, are able to know and taste all the food that would be available on their menu by involving everyone with the preparation of the food. On one of my visits I was honoured to have witness the time between lunch and dinner where I saw first hand all staff coming together to prepare the food, from chopping vegetables, peeling vegetables to tasting the dishes and sitting with the head chefs to discuss the menu and all the ingredients that go into making the final dish. I've not known many restaurants to do that with their staff and I felt that this really involved everyone and provided all the staff with an ownership and an empowerment to do their jobs really well as they are able to attend to a customer straight away without having to go to the kitchen to ask questions.
 
Reading a few reviews through the internet via sites such as TripAdvisor, many customers rate the food high but state that it is a little pricey. To a degree I would have to agree when you initially scan the menu, however, knowing that they will only provide the  freshest ingredients and the service provided, the price is well worth the experience there. The food is out of this world, cooked perfectly and presented tastefully; it sure keeps bringing me back here and the first place I'd recommend to anyone going to London. 
 


 
If you have been to The River Cafe, please let me know what your thoughts and experience was and did you love it as much as me? If you haven't been, I encourage and highly recommend that you go and experience a mouth-watering meal. Anyone who wants to take me there again, I totally allow you to fly me to London anytime!

Jo xo

December 03, 2014

Grateful

What a week it has been and it's only Wednesday hump day! Today the nation (and the world) said their farewells, goodbyes and celebrated the life of a young cricket star, Phillip Hughes, who left way too young and too soon. I'm not a cricket fanatic but a life lost is still a life lost and I've come to notice that it's harder for people to accept when the life is young and strong. He truly died doing what he loved, playing cricket.

His story and the events have been all over the media and countless tributes are seen on my Facebook and Instagram. One special mention goes out to a beautiful friend of mine who personally knew Phillip Hughes and my heart goes out to her at this time and today. In the last two years she has lost two ex-loves to the other side and to see her (through Facebook) go through it again, is heartbreaking; however, her strength and positiveness is admirable.  

This week is my first week back to work from my break in Fiji and well it's clear that even a week or so away, nothing really changes (work wise). However, it was great to have some time away from the hectic routine to recharge. Although, there has been many changes at work and I feel that more changes are to come. As much as change is positive, change can be hard to accept straight away especially when there isn't clarity for the future (at this stage).

Today, more change occurred, which is what we have been experiencing since we had a new CEO start. Change is a given when a new leader is appointed and personally I believed we needed change or at least a shake up to the business. However, I must admit, today's change hit home to me a little more; today we were advised that another senior leader has decided to pursue their career direction outside of our company and a particular department of our company is downsizing, which means a few people will no longer have jobs.

Christmas is just around the corner and with these recent events, it has got me thinking about "being grateful". I understand that changes have to happen in a business and I understand that restructures occur but what I don't and I don't think I'll ever really understand is that you're dealing with people's livelihood and their future. What hits home for me with people loosing their jobs is that Christmas is only three weeks away, some have moved their lives (and family) to Sydney, some are the main breadwinners for their family and some will find it difficult to find work around this time of the year. 

These recent events have reminded me of how grateful I am. I'm alive to see another day and I have a job to go to tomorrow and a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in tonight. Every morning I walk to work and I walk pass many homeless people, and as we get closer to Christmas, I think about how lucky I am and what more I can do to help others.

As many people are frantically shopping for Christmas presents and awaiting the launch of new stores to open, I request that you take a moment out of your lives to just be grateful for what you already have in your life and give a moment to those that don't.

Jo xo