Spicers Guest House, Hunter Valley NSW

It feels like a long time with the pandemic but I recently spent a night at the Spicers Guest House in the Hunter Valley. I had mixed feelings about being out and about during a pandemic but it was good to enjoy the beautiful scenic grounds at Spicers Guest House.

Visit the South Coast! Part 6 Shoalhaven: Pelican Rocks Cafe and Mountain Ridge Wines

Stunning views from Moutain Ridge Estate

The Shoalhaven region is absolutely beautiful. This is part 6 of my South Coast series. Read all about my travel adventures and enriching food with Part 1-5. You will have to consider stopping by on your way to the South Coast Food and Wine Festival on 14-15 September 2019. I was introduced to some of the most gorgeous venues in Shoalhaven by Destination NSW.

Visit the South Coast! Part 4 - The Treat Factory and Dairy Bar, Berry

I head to the Dairy Bar and the Treat factory in Berry. This is a cute little spot that not too far from the Berry grounds where the South Coast Food and Wine Festival will be held 14-15 September 2019.

I've been to the Dairy Bar and Treat Factory before but revisit again with some friends from Destination NSW and some fellow foodies I know. The Dairy Bar is described as "an udderly delicious" milk bar cafe. I couldn't help but chuckle when I read that on their website.

Visit the South Coast Part 3: Coolangatta Estate and Monster Truck Big Foot Adventures

Coolangatta Estate is a charming winery on the South Coast of the Shoalhaven region. I had the pleasure of experiencing a wine tasting as well as a Big Foot Monster Truck driving experience up the Mountain Peak. I found this place, thanks to Destination NSW. You may want to consider checking it out on your way to the South Coast Food and Wine Festival on 14-15 2019.

Visit the South Coast: Shoalhaven - Part 2 - Bangalay Villas and Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads

Bangalay Villas - The living room and dining table

As Matt and I can't resist a bit of luxury, we can't help but feel relaxed at Bangalay Luxury Villas. Destination NSW introduced us to these beautiful self contained villas located in Shoalhaven Heads (In the South Coast of NSW). The Bangalay Luxury Villas are also right next to a beach - the Shoalhaven Heads. You can genuinely experience the coastal lifestyle. You may want to consider staying here for the South Coast Food and Wine festival on 14-15 September 2019.

Hotel Review: Room Mate Bruno, Rotterdam

I had the pleasure of attending a work conference in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The accommodation and conference was held at the Room Bruno Mate Hotel.

Business class, Emirates Refreshed Boeing 777

I recently had the pleasure of flying business emirates on a work trip. The trip starts with a complimentary chauffeur pick up from my home to the airport. Then I make my way through the airport straight into the Sydney International Emirates business lounge.

Sea Days at Royal Carribean Cruise South Pacific Part 2

Here's a very delayed blog post. So I went on a Royal Carribean Cruise on the Explorer of the Seas. As I went just after xmas, there were lots of xmas decorations and xmas themed towels on the cruise. I really enjoyed this little towel family. Make sure you also check out Part 1 and this post for food focused blogs.

Chef's Table, Royal Carribean

This is a very delayed post but somewhat recently I went on a Royal Carribean Cruise to the South Pacific and Matt and I decided to purchase the option of attending the chef's table. How did it compare to Sydney's high standard of fine dining?

Tasmania - Part 2 - Cradle Mountain

On my second day in Tassie, MW plans a big day out to world heritage listed - Cradle Mountain. We buy some snacks and sandwiches for the big hike and start the 2 hour drive from Launceston. I must confess, I was barely awake as we drive up there. I'm also not sure of my fitness level in conquering this beast of nature. We ultimately end up hiking for over NINE hours.

Tasmania - Part 1

Part 1 - My Tasmanian Adventure

I have lived in Sydney, Australia for several decades and I have always wanted discover Tasmania so I finally planned a trip, bought my plane tickets and rented a car and discovered what Tasmania has to offer. 

Interstate Travels: The River Cafe, Beauty Point in Tasmania

My first meal in Tasmania was at the River Cafe. It's set against such a beautiful backdrop and I arrive just for an early lunch in this little cafe located in Beauty Point.

China part 3, Shanghai and Yellow Mountain

This is my third blog post on my amazing China trip. The next leg comprises of adventures in Shanghai and Yellow Mountain. After breath-taking fun on the Great Wall of China and checking out the historical town of Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors; little did I know what I was in for!

China part 2, Xi'an and Terracotta Warriors

After my huge high from climbing the Great Wall in Beijing, it's time to get head to Xi'an to check out this city and also see the Terracotta Warriors

China Travels - Part 1 Beijing and The Great Wall

Going to China has always been on my bucket list and in particular climbing the Great Wall.

South Coast Adventures : Kiama

I recently spent a few days in Kiama and loved exploring this little town.  I went for a bit of a walk and absolutely enjoyed the views. Wowzer, look at that water and sky. As I walked along the water towards towards the main blow hole, the sun was coming out.

Sea Breeze, Kiama

For a delicious two course meal for $38, I came by Sea Breeze at Kiama.  The Sea Breeze restaurant is positioned nearby some waterviews (not quite of the Kiama Blow hole but it was not far).

I would describe the restaurant as somewhere between a bit posh but still down to earth. Overall a very high value experience with simple but tasty food, water views and a white table cloth experience. Book for a nice waterview by the window.

For the main (above) I had the fish, chips with salad.  Everything was just prepared perfectly.  This is a very simple dish but can often go wrong - I was just pleasantly pleased. The fish was crumbed, crunchy on the outside, soft and flakey in the middle. Chips were crunchy and had a nice sprinkle of salt.

The main of the night was definitely the pork belly though (below) which sat on a bed of potato, mash, gravy and greens.  It was very much melt in your mouth pork belly which was so very tasty. Everything just fit in well together.

For two courses, instead of entree I choose dessert for the second course. The creme brulee again a traditional and simple dish but was perfectly executed. I love the crispy sugary crunch at the top with the soft curd like core underneath.  I was getting very full though.

The cookie and cream cheesecake was very rich but I deliciously devoured most of this with variety of textures.  This was a very heavy dessert! I would love to come back to enjoy the other dishes.

Prices: $38 for two courses

Location: 31 Shoalhaven st, Kiama

The Pavilion, Berry

The Pavilion is in the main strip of Berry and is part of the Berry Village Boutique Motel. The Pavilion is a little restaurant with big hearty meals, it resembles the atmosphere and quality of a clean, down to earth pub.

Pictured above is the Black Angus eye fillet mignon 300gr- wrapped in smoky bacon & cooked the way you like, topped with Creamy Mushroom sauce.  This will set you back $35.  The meat was quite thick so it wasn't evenly cooked. Lucky for me, I don't mind medium rare or medium so I still enjoyed this meal. The sides were consistent.

The picture below is the Blackened chicken breast- pan fried chicken roulade with smoked salami, mini cornichons, coated in Cajun herbs and spices & a side dapper of smoked paprika aioli dipping sauce at $28. All the sides seem to overwhelm the plate and the main of chicken but it was still a solid, hearty meal.

Come by if you're looking for a casual meal. The prices are probably a little steep but there's not much competition around so supply v.s demand! Berry is in hot demand so you should book ahead of any restaurants. There are some quite highly rated ones.

Prices: About $30 per main

Location: 72 Queen St, Berry, NSW

Broke Fordwich Region, Hunter Valley Region Adventures part 3

My third part of the Broke Fordwich Region will take you to a few more fantastic vineyards where you can taste award winning wine. These areas are equally beautiful as the places to date but you must be prepared to leave some room in your boot for these rare treats.

Broke Fordwich is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a Hunter get away with the premium experience. Be prepared for exclusive wine and for those who are very conscious of what  you put into your body - you must check out the organic wines.

Whispering Brook Vineyard

Whispering Brook Vineyard is a highly exclusive vineyard, cellar door and accommodation estate. Yes, it's a bit posh. With a focus on high quality wine and olives/olive products; they only have a limited release of their products. The photo (below) shows olive trees in the background of the vineyard - look at that beautiful sky!

Broke Fordwich Region, Hunter Valley Part 2

Broke Fordwich is a beautiful region of the Hunter Valley.  It's not congested and the people are lovely. The scenery was so beautiful.  Seeing the vineyards with the mountain ranges in the background was amazing! Yellow rock is the big rock that makes that picture perfect. For more areas to explore in the Broke Fordwich Region, check out these wineries.  I will also post some more in part 3.. watch this space.

Check out Part 1 of my Broke adventure here

Stomp! Wines

The owners at Stomp! Wines were so friendly and had a beautiful family.  Being a former Sydney Sider family, they have transformed their lives to now living on such a beautiful winery!  There is also accommodation here if you are looking for a place to stay.

At Stomp! Wines for $6, I tried a trio of wine which complimented with Hunter Valley chocolates. The highlight for me was the sparkling Verdelho. It was a pleasant rare taste of the sparkling Verdelho; I've never seen this before so it was refreshing to see some innovation and a great tasting Verdelho it was. Ask if you can try their port as well. I bought a bottle of both!  Their version of port was very smokey and full of depth.

It's great to see that they are supporting the local chocolate makers too!  There was an orange white chocolate, a white pistachio chocolate and a chili dark chocolate! Indulgence!

Nightingale Wines

What a beautiful day! Look at that sky!  I had the pleasure of staying at Nightingales, eating at Nightingales and also drinking at Nightingales. Wowzer!  Don was looking after us and was lovely.

That's yellow rock in the background there. Beautiful! The photo below is the view from Nightingales.

Location: 1239 Milbrodale Rd, Broke, NSW, 2330

My accommodation was at Nightingale wines which I thought was a very central and great location. It was not far from Margan's, Stomp! Wines and the Starline Alpaca farm. The accommodation was lovely with a spa in the little villa, foxtel on the tv and kitchen facilities.

The lunch I had was very homely and filling!  It's a large meal.  It's not quite as posh as Margan's but you might be looking for a big meal to soak up all that wine you've consumed.

I was eyeing off the lemon and mandarin fish fillet. It was a very generous portion of fish.  The fish was perfectly cooked. There were a few sneaky wedges in there as well.

There were a few other dishes that I was eyeing off nearby.  A quiche looking pie with a beetroot and goat's cheese salad looked particularly delicious.

I had the chicken with vegetables which was very filling. This came in handy after several tastings of Nightingale's wine. This has a very vast range of wines to taste.  Make sure you try a few of them :)

Prices: Mains are all $36, there are lighter meals too that are $17 to $22

You should taste their wines! They have a lot of varieties to try too.

I suggest you grab a table outside if weather permits where the view is amazing and looks out to the vineyard and yellow rock.

Note: I was a guest of the Nightingales and Broke Fordwich Region Tourism Association. My opinions, however are my own!  All the photos are my own!