As you know, I love photography and beautiful imagery, so it seemed about time I jumped on this bandwagon!
Paris <3 Floaty Eveningwear <3
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wordless Wednesdays: Paris Love
I'm being a sheep and copying a popular blog post - 'Wordless Wednesdays'. On random Wednesdays I'll share with you beautiful pics/photos I've fallen in love with.
As you know, I love photography and beautiful imagery, so it seemed about time I jumped on this bandwagon!
As you know, I love photography and beautiful imagery, so it seemed about time I jumped on this bandwagon!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
One for the kitchen goddesses...
I love the Fine Dining Lovers website and blog, especially when they post awesome and cute infographics. This one has been one of my recent favourites, alongside the 'choosing the right type of pasta' and 'alcohol comparisons' ones.
I totally need to get back to my Baking Adventures, don't I? Click on the image to make it bigger :)
I totally need to get back to my Baking Adventures, don't I? Click on the image to make it bigger :)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
LustList
I'm going to start a new, hopefully regular, post label called LustList for all the things I'm lusting over lately. I know I have Shoe Watch which I don't get to post about as much (is it weird that I haven't seen any shoes lately that take my fancy?) but this is for everything else!
Anyway, I saw this Saint Laurent mini chain Y-Ligne pochette which has their signature Y clasp and I loooove the look of how practical it is. To be honest in the past I haven't loved their signature Y bags (not a big fan of the chyc cabas for some reason) but this pochette is amazing and even better than the standard clutch.
It comes in three colours and I love them all - I would of course get it in black but the inside looks so practical, plus add to that the detachable chain. Love. Plus the pink is beatiful!
At A$1420 on Saks, the price is steep, though I know it is probably much cheaper in Euros.
Monday, April 8, 2013
China Doll
China Doll always gets good reviews and so it seemed high time that I visited for myself to work out if it lived up to the hype. One part of its appeal is obviously its beautiful location on the Woolloomooloo finger wharfs and the day we went was a quintessentially beautiful Sydney day, warm weather, sun all round and no rain or wind. Love <3
We ordered the duck pancakes which were good, but not amazing. I don't think anything beats peking duck pancakes for me (especially when done properly, which is actually quite hard to find).
This dish was actually really awesome - flavourful sashimi on a hot summers day is one of my favourites.
And the view from the pub across the road. After lunch we went across the road to lap up the gorgeous summer weather which was sure to only last a few more weeks - so this is the view of the finger wharf. The hummer in the pic just dropped off a large group of girls (who seemed to be on a hens night adventure) all beautifully dressed in black with red feather boas. They actually looked fabulously coordinated!
So my verdict? It was a great day out with the food being tasty, service being good and the atmosphere obviously topping that off. While not wanting to say its 'overpriced' because its not ridiculously priced, asian is always one of those cuisines where you can get such great quality food for reasonable prices. So I suppose my point is, China Doll is good but not the most amazing asian food around given the price. Definitely somewhere I would return for an occasion like girls long lunch or something similar!
P.S These photos were all taken on my NEX - the kit lens isn't great for macro food pics but I'm learning quickly some tricks around it ;) Still not good enough for my liking but I've got some new lenses on the way to maybe help rectify that...post to come soon!
These were the vegetarian dumplings - wrap them in the lettuce and dip! They were really fresh and fab actually. Anything with a good dipping sauce is a win in my books.
Drinks - always an important accompaniment to a meal! That's my passionfruit summer inspired mocktail which was delish - tasted like a frosty fruit actually. Yum yum!
So my verdict? It was a great day out with the food being tasty, service being good and the atmosphere obviously topping that off. While not wanting to say its 'overpriced' because its not ridiculously priced, asian is always one of those cuisines where you can get such great quality food for reasonable prices. So I suppose my point is, China Doll is good but not the most amazing asian food around given the price. Definitely somewhere I would return for an occasion like girls long lunch or something similar!
P.S These photos were all taken on my NEX - the kit lens isn't great for macro food pics but I'm learning quickly some tricks around it ;) Still not good enough for my liking but I've got some new lenses on the way to maybe help rectify that...post to come soon!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Strawberrynet purchases
A few weeks back I was feeling naughty and just wanted to buy some new make up (despite never needing anything new!). So I bought two items I had contemplated purchasing before...plus my sister had some good 'bonus' discount codes so it felt like a sign saying 'buy me buy me!'
Anyway the first is a Dior Lip Glow. I posted about a similar product a while back that looked awesome and I'd never bothered trying. Well this beauty seemed worth the buy if only for the cute packaging, and on Strawberry net it was at least $15 cheaper than in stores.
Its feels quite hydrating and almost has a bit of a 'zingy' feeling on your lips when you first put it on. I can imagine this will be good for the cooler months ahead. I am a faithful Kiehls #1 Lip Balm user, but this will be a nice non potted option.
The second item was a Chanel rouge allure lip glass in emoi which is a really pigmented pinky red colour. Its not quite a dark red, but it can be built up to that level if desired. I was lazy so didn't take any other pics, but this packaging must be the international/old packaging because when you buy it in Sydney stores its clear. I much prefer the elegant black barrel :)
Now I've decided my next make up purchase cannot be until the second half of the year because I have a holiday to save for! I can buy skincare, but no make up as I have tonnes of it already that I don't even use.
Anyway the first is a Dior Lip Glow. I posted about a similar product a while back that looked awesome and I'd never bothered trying. Well this beauty seemed worth the buy if only for the cute packaging, and on Strawberry net it was at least $15 cheaper than in stores.
Its feels quite hydrating and almost has a bit of a 'zingy' feeling on your lips when you first put it on. I can imagine this will be good for the cooler months ahead. I am a faithful Kiehls #1 Lip Balm user, but this will be a nice non potted option.
The second item was a Chanel rouge allure lip glass in emoi which is a really pigmented pinky red colour. Its not quite a dark red, but it can be built up to that level if desired. I was lazy so didn't take any other pics, but this packaging must be the international/old packaging because when you buy it in Sydney stores its clear. I much prefer the elegant black barrel :)
Now I've decided my next make up purchase cannot be until the second half of the year because I have a holiday to save for! I can buy skincare, but no make up as I have tonnes of it already that I don't even use.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Life in Photos: March 2013
Oh my its already April and I never even got round to doing a Life in Photos March post! In fact I probably didn't even do a Feb one. Anyway, its already one month into Autumn, the weather is cooling down and I'm already depressed at the thought. But I have friends who are really good at trying to get out and about to do things so here are some pics of those things...
I went to Bitton Gourmet which is a really cute cafe that I quite like because its easy to get a table, service is great, every single item on the menu sounds amazing and the prices are decent. Not to mention it feels like you could sit there forever and they wouldn't hassle you out!
Here's the club sandwich I had, and then they were so lovely they were giving everyone mini creme brulees as we all finished our meals <3. Such a nice gesture and I love a good creme brulee so thumbs up from me!
Then I went to Soda Factory the other day which is one of the 'new' cool places around Sydney. Its quite popular for their $1 hot dogs on tightass tuesdays but I didn't go that day. Anyway I like the decor, the laidback feeling and the ability to just rock up have a meal/drink with a friend and chat the night away.
That's the $5 shake and $5 royale burger. Pretty delish and you can't go wrong with an easy $5 specials menu on Wednesdays.
Meanwhile, March also saw me eat at a few awesome fine dining locations so stay tuned for my posts about my visits to Quay, Movida, Universal and China Doll (I know right, thats a lot in one month!). Actually I lie, my trip to Universal was in late February, I just never got round to posting about it! Where is this year going?
I went to Bitton Gourmet which is a really cute cafe that I quite like because its easy to get a table, service is great, every single item on the menu sounds amazing and the prices are decent. Not to mention it feels like you could sit there forever and they wouldn't hassle you out!
Meanwhile, March also saw me eat at a few awesome fine dining locations so stay tuned for my posts about my visits to Quay, Movida, Universal and China Doll (I know right, thats a lot in one month!). Actually I lie, my trip to Universal was in late February, I just never got round to posting about it! Where is this year going?
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Momofuku Seiobo, Sydney
A few months back I went to Momofuku Seiobo for a weekend lunch, as they have a pretty well priced lunch tasting menu which has a few less courses than their more popular full dinner tasting menu.
I've been to several of the Momofuku originals in NYC, however never had a huge desire to make an effort to go in Sydney. With 3 hats however, it did seem like something worth trying at least once and I am glad I did at least see for myself whether it was worth the hype. A tonne of photos ahead of all our courses!
Our drinks menu on our uber shiny table in the mood lit restaurant decor.
Smoked Eel + Apple - the smoked eel infused flavour inside the 'cannoli' type crisp cigar was strong but matched well with the apple gelee. Good balance, and a little different.
Steamed bun + pork belly - this has to be one of their signature dishes and well known around the world. The bun was amazingly soft and delectable, and it was cute because this was served with a mini sriracha bottle. Was it the most amazing pork bun? I can't say so, but definitely tasty.
Striped trumpeter + celery + mustard - to be honest I don't remember much about this dish except that I loved it because it was fresh and zesty. I love a good sashimi dish and this delivered.
Potato + avruga + chicken tail - this dish was fairly heavy and a weird follow up to the very light dish before. The chicken tail was crisp, flavoursome and went well with the sauciness of this dish.
We chose to have juice pairings - from memory a total of 5 juices. Each of them were a little unusual, and we loved guessing what it was at first sight before being told later what we were drinking. I'm not a big fan of crazy juices though, so some weren't to my liking but definitely good value and perfect for the heat of our dining day. I just liked this eerie looking photo
Watermelon + radish + black bean - this was a salad like dish with a very strong black bean flavour. It was absolutely beautiful to look at, however probably not to my liking as much as other dishes. I got about halfway and was done with it though the watermelon and black bean was a very clever combination.
Zucchini + onion mustard + yolk - this dish had all the 'typical' elements but was lovely. Crunch, flavour, smooth puree and a feast for the eyes.
Hapuka + cucumber + black garlic - in my fine dining experience of late I've noticed that black garlic is becoming uber popular not only for its flavour but for its punch of charcoal black colour. All elements of this dish were perfectly cooked and I hate that I can't remember what it was but that circular film was amazing! So perfectly executed.
Shortrib + eggplant + kombu - apologies for the terrible photo of this. By the time we got to this course I was sick of taking photos and engrossed in the conversation I was having with my dining companions. The shortrib was well seasoned, but actually not the best shortrib I've ever had. I think I was reaching the point of being really full by this stage so perhaps this dish was a bit wasted on me, but all I rememer thinking was, this dish is huge!
Curd + black currant + mint - this pre dessert palate cleanser was really very cool. The pigmentation of the black currant and mint were spectacular to look at and punchy in flavour, nestled around the curd well in the middle. Perhaps a little heavy again, as by this stage I was so full, but definitely worth having.
Pear + honey cream + muntries - for anyone who has been to Eleven Madison in NYC, don't you think this plating and dish in general is very reminiscent of Eleven? Anyway we were hoping for a light fruity dessert and this delivered in all aspects. A great ending to the meal for sure, and it was good to see something other than chocolate dessert as we were so full.
And to finish it off, a 'petit four' in the form of a 'jam donut with a twist'.
Our take home menus and they gave us little kim chi take home bags (oops forgot to take a photo)!
So my overall thoughts? It was definitely worth trying, however I'm not sure if I could really see the 3 hat level dining that I was expecting. Service was good, but not amazing, though the casual feel of the restaurant makes it very accessible for everyday dining. Food was good quality, for sure, but was it mind blowingly creative and unique? No. And some dishes seemed to lack a little refinement. David Chang is a genius, there's no doubting that, but when I go to the US I love to eat his simple westernised asian dishes at places like Ma Peche which was fabulously tasty and great value. So I think perhaps thats what I think he should stick to.
I've been to several of the Momofuku originals in NYC, however never had a huge desire to make an effort to go in Sydney. With 3 hats however, it did seem like something worth trying at least once and I am glad I did at least see for myself whether it was worth the hype. A tonne of photos ahead of all our courses!
Our drinks menu on our uber shiny table in the mood lit restaurant decor.
Smoked Eel + Apple - the smoked eel infused flavour inside the 'cannoli' type crisp cigar was strong but matched well with the apple gelee. Good balance, and a little different.
Steamed bun + pork belly - this has to be one of their signature dishes and well known around the world. The bun was amazingly soft and delectable, and it was cute because this was served with a mini sriracha bottle. Was it the most amazing pork bun? I can't say so, but definitely tasty.
Striped trumpeter + celery + mustard - to be honest I don't remember much about this dish except that I loved it because it was fresh and zesty. I love a good sashimi dish and this delivered.
Potato + avruga + chicken tail - this dish was fairly heavy and a weird follow up to the very light dish before. The chicken tail was crisp, flavoursome and went well with the sauciness of this dish.
We chose to have juice pairings - from memory a total of 5 juices. Each of them were a little unusual, and we loved guessing what it was at first sight before being told later what we were drinking. I'm not a big fan of crazy juices though, so some weren't to my liking but definitely good value and perfect for the heat of our dining day. I just liked this eerie looking photo
Watermelon + radish + black bean - this was a salad like dish with a very strong black bean flavour. It was absolutely beautiful to look at, however probably not to my liking as much as other dishes. I got about halfway and was done with it though the watermelon and black bean was a very clever combination.
Zucchini + onion mustard + yolk - this dish had all the 'typical' elements but was lovely. Crunch, flavour, smooth puree and a feast for the eyes.
Hapuka + cucumber + black garlic - in my fine dining experience of late I've noticed that black garlic is becoming uber popular not only for its flavour but for its punch of charcoal black colour. All elements of this dish were perfectly cooked and I hate that I can't remember what it was but that circular film was amazing! So perfectly executed.
Shortrib + eggplant + kombu - apologies for the terrible photo of this. By the time we got to this course I was sick of taking photos and engrossed in the conversation I was having with my dining companions. The shortrib was well seasoned, but actually not the best shortrib I've ever had. I think I was reaching the point of being really full by this stage so perhaps this dish was a bit wasted on me, but all I rememer thinking was, this dish is huge!
Curd + black currant + mint - this pre dessert palate cleanser was really very cool. The pigmentation of the black currant and mint were spectacular to look at and punchy in flavour, nestled around the curd well in the middle. Perhaps a little heavy again, as by this stage I was so full, but definitely worth having.
Pear + honey cream + muntries - for anyone who has been to Eleven Madison in NYC, don't you think this plating and dish in general is very reminiscent of Eleven? Anyway we were hoping for a light fruity dessert and this delivered in all aspects. A great ending to the meal for sure, and it was good to see something other than chocolate dessert as we were so full.
And to finish it off, a 'petit four' in the form of a 'jam donut with a twist'.
Our take home menus and they gave us little kim chi take home bags (oops forgot to take a photo)!
So my overall thoughts? It was definitely worth trying, however I'm not sure if I could really see the 3 hat level dining that I was expecting. Service was good, but not amazing, though the casual feel of the restaurant makes it very accessible for everyday dining. Food was good quality, for sure, but was it mind blowingly creative and unique? No. And some dishes seemed to lack a little refinement. David Chang is a genius, there's no doubting that, but when I go to the US I love to eat his simple westernised asian dishes at places like Ma Peche which was fabulously tasty and great value. So I think perhaps thats what I think he should stick to.
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