Musings

42 BELOW COCKTAIL WORLD CUP

42 BELOW COCKTAIL WORLD CUP DAY ONE – Monday September 3rd, 2012 ‘Fergburger saved my life!’ That statement probably is a bumper sticker here in Queenstown. Or perhaps a fridge magnet. Or just a part of everyday vernacular. I also More

The French Laundry

Many of the world’s great restaurants are a place of pilgrimage, a Mecca to the food obsessed, a box ticked, a dream hopefully fulfilled. A cathartic experience perhaps. For some, a second thought doesn’t even pass for the kind of cash it takes to dine at many of them. For others, a year’s savings might culminate in a once in a lifetime experience that by God, better not disappoint. Read More

THE HARBOUR CITY

A Sydney Homecoming

Home sweet home. Wherever in the world you are from, I’m sure most of you feel a certain exhilaration and excitement when you come home. For me, that place is Sydney and New York City is a helluva long way from there. And so, there are few better feelings in the world for me than when I gaze out the airplane window and appreciate glorious Sydney below as we approach. Seeing its iconic bridge and the harbour beyond from this aerial view is something else. Call me biased, but I have yet to visit a more beautiful city in the world. Read More

Chicago

June, 2011

Straight off the plane, I’m ravenous. It’s hard not to be in this food crazed town. I love Chicago for many reasons but I sure do love me some good eatin’ whenever I’m here. It’s late spring (my first time visiting in this season) and the city has a completely different vibe, almost unrecognizable compared to previous visits, when winter is in full effect, plane delays and all. But now the sidewalks are rife with diners, many are biking down to the lake and the bounty of fresh produce is exciting me to no end as I undo a couple of buttons on the belt and strap myself in for the culinary adventure I’m about to undertake. Read More

Tennessee

March, 2011

One night in Nashville. It just doesn’t seem right, especially given its global reputation as a party town built on a foundation of live music and good times. We dive straight in. It’s early afternoon and we haven’t a clue where to go at this time of day. We’re on Broadway, which unless you’re a college posse, an ambitious busker, homeless or perhaps just want to hang out in a country and western version of bad Las Vegas, you might want to steer clear of. Well not totally. We find ourselves, serendipitously, at Merchant’s Restaurants, a wonderful room that has probably seen a few face lifts since it was established in 1892. Read More

Under the Oaxacan Sun

October/November 2010

For many years, Oaxaca had been calling my name. I was anxious and impatient to get there. I like to think of myself as a passionate and curious student of ALL spirits. However, it is agave spirits that I have a true affinity and affection for. I’ve been on several trips to Jalisco to research the intricate magic that goes into making tequila so special. But now it was time to start scratching the surface of mezcal under the brutal Oaxacan sun. The trip co-incided perfectly with the Dia de los Muertos celebrations. I was the guest of the wonderfully kind soul that is John Rexer, the founder and main partner in Ilegal Mezcal, an amazing product which is slowly trickling into various markets in the US and hopefully soon, beyond. Here is my diary . . . . Read More

The Big Easy

July, 2010

“Oh, that place is so touristy”, says my stubborn tour guide, showing his obvious annoyance and frustration that I have recommended somewhere in his home town – New Orleans – that someone like me, a young upstart from Australia, shouldn’t, couldn’t, possibly know. He agrees, very reluctantly, to take me to Port of Call (838 Esplanade Ave. Ph: 504 523 0120. www.portofcallnola.com), a proud inductee of the Hamburger Hall of Fame (should one exist). It’s definitely not on the Big Easy visitor’s radar, no matter how enamoured you are by this city’s legendary roster of culinary choices. It is most definitely not a tourist hangout (for the record), as most hidden secrets would like to remain, no matter the city. Read More

Philadelphia

June, 2010

I generally always follow up on a recommendation from a bar regular. It helps to bind that old bartender/customer trust thing that our bar stalwarts appreciate. One blisteringly cold night in January, James (said regular at Locanda Verde and who is from Philly) told me my first stop should be Rouge, a local institution on the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square with a killer burger. Those last two words always perk my interest, no matter the city and I’m definitely fussy when it comes to a well constructed burger. Read More