Top Venues for 2019

Hello 2019! What a delicious year it has been as I reflect on all my food experiences this year. Here are some of the venues that have evoked the most food feelings from myself and where time permits - I will have to revisit. I recommend all venues on my list below.

8. Casual Eats 
One of the biggest surprises was this vegetarian burger from Niko's Kitchen in Dulwich Hill where they also have delicious gyros, halloumi fries and burgers. I also really enjoyed the crispy chicken from VN City in Strathfield that also has delicious pho. Also, local gem in Ultimo, Local Mbassy delivered a brunch that is unforgettable. 

Niko's Kitchen

7. Indian Eats
My mouth waters when I think about the delicious fine dining at Urban Tadka which is located in Terrey Hills. I also really loved the food at Manjit's at the Wharf at King St Wharf which never disappoints.

Urban Tadka

6. Italian Eats
I also had the pleasure of eating some really delicious, hearty Italian meals in 2019. It was the gnocchi and dessert at Granata's in Pemulwuy that won my heart over. The modern Italian innovations at Cucina Espresso in Concord were absolute perfection. I also really enjoyed the upmarket Modern Italian in Roseville at Mangiasti? and the wood fired pizzas at Wood and Smoke in Darlinghurst along with their delicious cocktails were hard to resist.

Cucina Espresso

5. Regional Highlights - South Coast
I also had the pleasure of dining at some of the best venues in NSW down the South Coast in the Shoalhaven region. Jim Wild's oysters was the venue that converted me to be a oyster fan in Greenwell Point. Pelican Rocks Cafe, also in Greenwell Point has won best fish and chips in Australia and I really enjoyed their down to earth food and then there was Silo's Estate which has amazing wine and food. All of this was while I was checking out the South Coast Food and Wines festival.

View at Jim Wilds' Oysters

4. Modern Fusions
I also really enjoyed the upmarket Japanese Eatery Toshiya in Cremorne with their delicious Japanese modern fusion dishes mixed in with traditional Japanese flavours.  I also thoroughly enjoyed Soi 25 in Darlinghurst which serves up delicious Khao Soi and Modern Thai. I also enjoyed the intimate setting at 1892 Espresso and Wine Bar  and European food in Rozelle.

Toshiya Restaurant

Soi 25

3. Macleay St Bistro
Now you will recognise Macleay st bistro in Potts Point which has previously made my top venues before but it's hard to resist those rich french flavours and I always fall in love with their onion souffle. 

2. Plage Restaurant
There's also Plage Restaurant which is one of my all time favourite restaurants - so much that I held a private function with 30 of my closest friends there who agreed - it was AMAZING Modern French-Japanese food. Plage Restaurant is located in Cremorne. Plage Restaurant has consistently been in my top venues.

Plage Restaurant

1. Top Gong - Restaurant No.5
The venue that I kept on thinking about this year was Restaurant No.5 located in Alexandria. It was the very thought-out Asian Fusion Flavours with Modern Australian twists that sparked so much joy with my food feelings. This takes my top gong for 2019 - a delicious year.

Restaurant No.5

South Coast Food and Wine Festival, Berry

The inaugural South Coast Food and Wine Festival was held at the Berry showgrounds on 15-17 September including a trade day and two days for the general public to enjoy.

Visit the South Coast : Part 9: Shoalhaven - Flavours of Shoalhaven and Queen St Eatery

I've had such a blast checking out the Shoalhaven area with my foodie friends and friends from Destination NSW. Have you checked out Part 1-8? It's a great area to have a road trip. There's also the South Coast Food and Wine Festival coming up at Berry Showgrounds from 14-15 Sept 2019.

Visit the South Coast! Part 8 - Berry Produce Markets and Berry Sourdough Bakery and Cafe

So if you time your visit to Berry - You can also check out the Berry Produce Markets that are on twice a month. There's already a lot to check in the charming Shoalhaven region. Have you seen my other adventures ? Check out Part 1-7 Here. Thanks to Destination NSW for introducing me to all these amazing places.

Visit the South Coast: Part 7 Shoalhaven Silo's restaurant

Hello and cheers from Silo's Restaurant in Berry. It's such a romantic restaurant and I've fallen in love with their food. Thanks to Destination NSW, I have had the pleasure of enjoying the best of Berry and also the Shoalhaven region. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by the South Coast Food and Wine Festival on 14-15 September 2019.

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! Shoalhaven Part 5 - Jim Wild's Oysters, Shoalhaven

One of the nicest discoveries of the Shoalhaven South Coast region are the delicious oysters and friendly locals. You may want to consider visiting Jim's Wild Oysters (call beforehand to make sure of opening hours) on your way to the South Coast Food and Wine Festival 14-15 September 2019. Jim's Wild Oysters is actually an exclusive farm that sells oysters only through their own shop and through to local restaurants. I am introduced to Jim's Wild Oysters thanks to Destination NSW.

South Coast Food and Wine Festival, Shoalhaven

Have you ever visited the Shoal haven region? It's a little region of the most delicious and fresh produce. For the first time, they are hosting the South Coast Food and Wine Festival on 14-15th September. All 60 stands will be from regional producers. This ensures the authenticity and character of the Shoalhaven region.

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.

Visit the South Coast! Berry - Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Shoalhaven region on the South Coast of NSW. It's been a few years since I've been to Berry but I am eager to revisit as I have fond memories. It's also great timing as the South Coast Food  and Wine Festival is on September 14-15th 2019 and this trip gave me a sample of what great regional food and wine exists in Shoalhaven.

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