All posts tagged: photography

Taste of Auckland 19

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HEADS UP FOODIES… TASTE OF AUCKLAND IS HERE!!! November is the most exciting month of the year, for three reasons: 1. It is my birthday month; 2. It is starting to feel like summer; and 3. Taste of Auckland has arrived – woohoo! On Thursday night, I attended my sixth Taste of Auckland, including the VIP Opening, where Taste presented the ‘Best in Taste Awards’, judged by MARCO PIERRE WHITE (and daughter), Tony Stewart (Clooney), Chand Sahrawat (Sid at The French Cafe/Cassia) and Amanda Linnell (VIVA). The winning dish was the Beetroot Taco Pao with Pulled Sticky Pork Belly, Pickled Carrot and Crispy Shallots by Nanam. Jessabel Granada / Executive Chef at Nanam Plus, a new award this year – ‘People’s Choice Award’ – judged by Nicole O’Brien, who won a VIVA competition to become the judge! Her top pick was the “Miann Hot Dog” with Chocolate Parfait, Eclair, Passionfruit and Raspberry by Miann. Read more below to see a picture! Held over four days (31 October – 3 November), Taste of Auckland is ideal for those who love food, cooking and everything in between. In other words, it is …

Bodrum Market – Newmarket

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Over the weekend, two friends and I were invited to dine at Bodrum Market in Westfield Newmarket’s new rooftop dining precinct. It was a fantastic lunch, thanks to the lovely food, cocktails, ambience and service. Bodrum Market is run by one of my favourite hospitality companies – Nazar Group. Founded by Alex Isik and Nigar Ivgen, they own restaurants all over Auckland, including Feriza’s, Miss Istanbul, Ottoman Mezze Lounge, NOA Chargrill + Burger, Devon on the Wharf, Mozaik Caffe, Deco Eatery, Casablanca and Bodrum Kitchen. All of their restaurants bring a slice of the Mediterranean to the table – featuring Turkish, Greek, Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes… so we were really excited to check it out! Walking in, we absolutely loved the interior of Bodrum Market, which is inspired by Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the streets of Bodrum City. While I have not yet been to Istanbul (it is on the list!), I immediately felt transported to an exotic city! We were seated in one of their booths, which overlooks the dining area and bar.  If you …

Taste of Auckland 18

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HEADS UP FOODIES… TASTE OF AUCKLAND IS HERE!!! November is the most exciting month of the year, for three reasons: 1. It is my birthday month; 2. It is starting to feel like summer; and 3. Taste of Auckland has arrived – woohoo! 2018 is a big year for Taste of Auckland presented by Electrolux as they are celebrating 10 years! This iconic food festival has helped launch brands, watch restaurants come and go, and of course, provide the public with an amazing event each year.  Taste is also being held in a brand new location – occupying the entire space of Queen’s Wharf on the waterfront! I am in love with the new seaside location, as it is more spacious, and easier to get to. You could drive, but why not walk down from work or take public transport if you can?!  On Thursday night, I attended my fifth Taste of Auckland, including the VIP Opening, where Taste presented the ‘Best in Taste Awards’, judged by Chand Sahrawat, Lachlan Colwill and Amanda Linnell. The winning dish was Xoong’s Ruakaka Kingfish Tartare. …

15 Best Things to Do in London

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London is… Big. Thrilling. Multi Cultured. Fascinating. Inspiring. Food Heaven. Check out my 15 Best Things to Do in London below: #1  London Eye I am terrified of heights. But, on my most recent trip to London, I faced my fear, and booked tickets to go on the London Eye. It is probably the most touristy thing to do, but it is one of the few attractions that offers amazing 360 degree views over London. Some of the attractions you will see from above include Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral…. and many more! The London Eye stands at 135 metres above ground and is essentially a giant ferris wheel. You (along with a few strangers) are put into a large pod – do not fear, there is room to stand up and also a few seats if being up high gets too much (i.e. me!). There are numerous opportunities to take photos of yourself/friends/family in front of London’s most famous buildings.   At night, the London Eye …

Taste of Auckland 17

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HEADS UP FOODIES… TASTE OF AUCKLAND IS HERE!!!

I am always incredibly excited when November rolls around, for three reasons:

1. It is my birthday month;
2. It is starting to feel like summer; and
3. Taste of Auckland has arrived – an event I look forward to every year!

Gold Coast Eats

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If you are looking for a short, relaxing break, then I highly recommend the Gold Coast. There are beautiful beaches, shopping, and of course, many places to eat and drink. The last time I visited the Gold Coast was 6 years ago, before my obsession with food started, before I even had Instagram or my blog. On that trip, we enjoyed going to the theme parks and beaches. Fast forward to this year, I have made a few trips to the Gold Coast – mainly to relax, try out the food scene and for the first time, visit Byron Bay and the surrounds. Below, I list my favourite eats in the Gold Coast and beyond. I have listed them by area, so it makes it easier for you when you visit the Gold Coast! Enjoy! Main Beach Local & Co First things first, BEST Nutella Thickshakes EVER!!! Secondly, after reading great reviews on TripAdvisor and the fact that Local & Co was just round the corner from where we were staying in the Gold Coast, …

Gerome, Parnell

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Gerome is the latest newcomer to Parnell’s dining scene, occupying the space where the famous Iguacu used to be. This new restaurant is serving up beautiful modern Greek food, matched with an elegant dining experience and friendly and attentive service. Three of us dined here last week for a special birthday, and we were very impressed.

Harraways Spiced Unbaked Oats and Seed Slice + WIN

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Harraways are celebrating their 150th birthday! The iconic New Zealand brand has been providing us with delicious oats since 1867, with the company still operating from its original site in Green Island, near Dunedin – WOW! As part of their milestone birthday, Harraways have released two Celebration packs: Chia, Coconut & Cranberry Celebration, and Birthday Berry Bonanza. These celebration packs come with free collectables – ‘Harry’ Scottish Terrier magnets and colour changing spoons. I love Harraways oats because they are so versatile and can be used in many ways. I have porridge for breakfast, which is simple, yet filling, I use their oats in smoothies, in desserts (I love making feijoa crumble at this time of year) and my favourite, in baking. While I usually use oats for making Anzac biscuits, cookies or pancakes, I was intrigued to try making a slice this time round! Check out the recipe for Harraways Spiced Unbaked Oats and Seed Slice below: Spiced Unbaked Oats & Seeds Slice Makes 20 bars INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup Coconut Oil 1/4 cup Liquid Honey 1/3 teaspoon Idodised Salt 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon …

Major Sprout

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If you are looking for the perfect inner city breakfast spot, then Major Sprout may just be the best choice. It ticks all the boxes – delicious food, great coffee and efficient service. Major Sprout is owned by David Lee, who also runs the popular eateries Dear Jervois in Herne Bay and Little King in Milford. I admit, Major Sprout opened in November 2015… so I am a bit late to the party. But it was definitely worth the wait, especially for their famous and Insta-worthy buttermilk pancakes. We visited Major Sprout last weekend for breakfast. The cafe is tucked down Graham Street, just up the road from Victoria Park. Inside, the fit out is modern, light and airy, with greenery in every corner and plenty of seating options. We arrived quite early (8.30am) so there was no need to make a reservation, but any later, I would definitely recommend booking a table. To start, I enjoyed a Mocha (using Flight Coffee), which was the perfect temperature, creamy and gone in a flash. My sister also loved their Turmeric Latte. If …

Go Green Expo + Better Food Fair

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Today I attended the Go Green Expo, which is New Zealand’s largest sustainable lifestyle show, held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. The show covers everything related to organics, eco home and living, beauty, health and wellness, and of course, your chance to try delicious healthy food and beverage products. I have been going for the last few years and it is always a fun day out! This year also saw the new addition of the Better Food Fair with stalls selling street food and drinks from organic, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and raw vendors. I tried dishes from Judge Bao, House of Dumplings, Soul Boul and Nitro Cow. Along with sampling food related products and trying yummy dishes, the Go Green Expo and Better Food Fair are also holding seminars and workshops. Workshops and seminars that sound interesting on Sunday are the Plant-Based Everyday Workshop with Buffy Ellen of Be Good Organics (tickets here, includes a 90 minute workshop, goodie bags and three recipe demonstrations), La Boca Loca – ‘Making free tortillas at home’ seminar (included in your ticket) …