love a mini-break

I have just returned from a fantastic mini-break in Canberra. Yes, you read that right - Canberra. Most people would ask why Canberra? 

Well, let me tell you what I discovered... 

East Hotel 

Canberra's newest 4.5 star hotel, located in between Kingston and Manuka which is a hot spot for anyone that likes (needs) good food, very good coffee and great service. East Hotel can provide all of this on site at their restaurant OX Eatery and Incredible Bar - so you need not leave the hotel... 

Husbo had booked somewhere for a dinner date (more on that later), so we started the evening with a drink downstairs at Incredible Bar. With a name like that, we were expecting something special! They stock a huge range of spirits that decorate the amber-lit bar area, specialising in Gin and Scotch Whisky/Whiskey but there are plenty of wines by the glass, traditional cocktails and local/imported beers. 

With one G&T under our belt and some warm olives to stave off hunger pains, we threw on our winter coats and walked in complete darkness through the neighbourhood streets to Canberra's Best Restaurant for 2012 Aubergine. With the best seats in the house we kicked off proceedings with a beer for him and a bubbles for me, a lovely sparkling Rose by Lerida Estate. 

We enjoyed 3 beautiful courses of perfectly balanced, creative food that was matched with wines recommended by charismatic sommelier, Josh. We both agreed that Aubergine is well deserving of their two Hat status. Definitely one to put on the list. 

A foggy Canberra morning got us up and out of bed to take a couple of snaps en-route for a coffee stop on Lonsdale St, Braddon. The line up at Lonsdale Street Roasters was a good indication that we had come to the right place for our early morning caffeine hit. 

We drove back towards the hotel, stopping at Me & Mrs Jones for breakfast. Quick service, friendly staff and perfectly poached eggs - another winner. After a quick browse through the shops along Franklin St, Manuka we met the in-laws and hit the road towards our Mother's Day lunch destination.

Grazing at Gundaroo was well worth the 25 minute drive out of Canberra. The restaurant dining rooms are part of the original 1860's building at The Royal Hotel. Grazing was nothing short of spectacular - check out the menu here. The restaurant is flanked by a chef's garden, resident chooks and a cellar door for Capital Wines including a shop selling local treats, oils and jams.

It was time to bid farewell to our nation's capital and we hit the road back to Sydney. I have to say, we both left thinking how delightfully relaxing and laid back our weekend was. There's no place like home but Canberra, you really turned it on for us. Happy Centenary, I think you're getting better with age! 


Other places for your hit list: 

National Museum of Australia - we didn't have time to peruse the exhibitions, but they have a lovely cafe for lunch, drinks, coffee and a superb gift shop! 

Australian War Memorial - the in-laws loved it here and said they could have easily spent an entire day looking at everything. Having visited once before, I opted for a afternoon nap! 

National Arboretum - we drove past this beauty but didn't have time to stop. The green-thumb in me was desperate for a look but I'll keep it on the hit list for next time. 

Canberra really is a mecca for art galleries and museums - for more click here 

And if all that just makes you hungry/thirsty: 

Public Bar in Manuka 

Urban Pantry

Old Bus Depot food markets

All this and more info is available at the Visit Canberra website

love coffee

Flat White @ Flat White

I've always been a "one a day" coffee drinker. Flat White. Soy. The stronger the better. 
But I went off coffee for about 2 years. Major withdrawals - yes, followed by a long and pleasant love affair with tea (and tea cups). 

Like every addict, I eventually got back on it. In London of all places. Not exactly the coffee capital of the world. But I was lucky, as I knew where to get my hit as soon as the cravings hit. Soho. 

Many years ago, I visited this coffee shop called Flat White. 
Best. Coffee. In. London.
One cup and I was hooked. Again. 

I tried to fight it, but I could't resist. I Googled "best coffee in London". Found some other options closer to home. My daily grind was from Coffee Plant - always cranking dance music despite the time of day. Excellent coffee. Always a few crazy characters in there that probably haven't been home yet. 

Another great spot was Kensington Square Kitchen. I had great coffee and a brilliant hangover cure breakfast there too.

Now I'm back home in Sydney, I had the opportunity to acquaint myself with a few new cafes that popped up while I was away. I mentioned some of my favourites here, but there is an ever-growing number of new cafes that open in Bondi. It's my mission to try them all, one weekend at a time.

But from Monday to Friday my need for a caffeine hit actually gets me out of bed and off to work! Our office was given a Nespresso machine at Christmas and although I was reluctant to get on board at first, I've actually jumped ship. After trial and error, I've finally found my match in those little pods of goodness. While I know the coffee purists wouldn't approve, I'm going with it - mostly because I resent paying anything over $3.50 for a coffee (don't penalise me because I can't drink normal milk and have to opt for soy). 


~ love London
best coffee in London via Time Out

~ new coffee love
Double Roasters, Marrickville 
Bondi Picnic, Bondi 

love breakfast

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"

It is also my favourite meal of the day! Love breakfast. There is something truly exciting about waking up to break-the-fast! For me it is also a necessity, as I really cannot function without food in my tummy. Especially in the morning.

Most mornings I have cereal, some kind of homemade combo of puffed rice, millett, corn flakes, shredded coconut, LSA, chia seeds with rice milk and some blueberries on top. But I've been switching things up a bit lately.

The 'cold morning' foods have hit the supermarket - two of which I love - crumpets and porridge. I've been trying out Quinoa flakes and making myself porridge. It's the perfect comfort food - warming, milky and sweet (with stevia or honey added).

It's hard to beat a hot crunchy crumpet topped with honey or vegemite - (or maybe one of each!) I really want to try and make my own one day. I have this Bill Granger book and having been meaning to make this recipe for crumpets and blackberry butter, it looks delicious.

I've also been loving toast with almond spread, I'm currently coveting this almond and chia spread. I sprinkle the top with a bit of cinnamon and it's delish!

Weekends are all about going out for breakfast, the cafes around my 'hood are spilling over with people tucking into eggs & bacon and getting their morning caffine hit. Some of my local favourites include Luigi's and Harry's - both offer delicious breakfast options and excellent coffee.

~ love to try (these are on my To Do list)
Cafe Zohara
The Favourite Child

~ love coffee (probably worth it's own post)
HTB prefers Harry's or Organic Republic
I also like Gusto, Earth Food Store and new discovery Bru Coffee 

~ love something sweet
Roy's do the most amazing mixed berry muffins, the texture is dense but moist and the top is crunchy! Sooooo good.
HTB loves the Pain au chocolat from Organic Republic