QT, Sydney

August 2013

The QT Sydney only opened this year. Its right between the State Theater and the Top shop, opposite Myer and the QVB in Sydney, the perfect location.

They have done a great job with the restoration, and keeping a lot of the old details. But it is a little bit quirky...

We stayed in the Corner Suite, with the glowing Gowings signs on both sides of the windows. It was a stunning room, keeping with the overall heritage feel.

The biggest disappointment was that we didn't get to try out the bath...

While I loved the decor of the hotel, the location and the keeping with heritage of the building, there was a lack of detail in the service, no paper delivered to your room, no turn down service. maybe a bit old school, but when your paying $$$ for a room you expect more than a room.

Bledisloe Cup, Sydney, 2013

August 2013

A post from the first game, as we get ready to watch the kick-off of the second...

Its the classic rugby tournament, the Australian Wallabies vs. the New Zealand All Blacks.

It use to be we were an oddity, the opposing couple, but these days they are everywhere, including a new generation of supporters who wear both teams colours!

 We've been to Bledisloe Cup games in Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane. To be honest Brisbane has the best atmosphere, Auckland is very one sided, and Sydney just isn't what it use to be (low crowds compared to the sold out crowds of the past).

The result was disappointing, again (for me). But as much as I say we won't be back next year, we probably will be.....

Guest Post: Photograph Essay USA Desert National Parks

My parents had a trip in May 2013 to some of the spectacular National Parks in the US. Here are some of there photos to live vicariously through.....

Restaurant Botanica, Spicers, Hunter Valley

July 2013

Since we were arriving late we thought we'd try the onsite restaurant Botanica.

They have their own garden and I have to say the highlight of the meal was the fresh herbs and heirloom vegetables, as well as the freshly baked bread.

They have a two course for $63 or 3 course of $75 pp. We went for the two courses and everyone ordered something different.

SEARED SCALLOPS

Cauliflower velouté, crisp pancetta and shaved fennel 
Two of us ordered this one...

ROBARTA GRILLED CALAMARI

Filled with pork and caramelised ginger, with a tomato, kaffir lime and coriander sambal

BEEF FILLET

Horseradish butter, kipflers, celeriac cream

SLOW ROASTED LAMB

Blackened eschallots, heirloom carrots, chestnut cream

CARAMELISED PORK BELLY

Soy, ginger, shallot and Botanica's garden greens

Emersons at Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

July 2013

Emerson's was only down the road from our hotel, and since we'd spent most of the day eating all we had was mains! The food was delicious, but a little bit more fussy.

All mains were $39 and servings were generous.

The bread was warm and the butter delicious

They had a gin and elderflower cocktail that caught my eye so I ordered it minus the gin 

They provided a "sip" of pumpkin soup to start 

Roasted Black Angus Sirloin

Baked Ash Coated Pork Fillet & Slow Roasted Pork Belly 

Slow cooked lamb rump