Stepping into 1 Hotel Melbourne is an invitation to de-stress from the busy city surrounds. The beautiful space on the banks of the Yarra River, created with reclaimed timber, neutral colours and chic furnishings allows you to relax whilst taking in the luxury of this sustainable hotel. This is the newest hotel from SH Hotels... Continue Reading →
World Chaine Day 2025
The Victoria chapter (also known as Baillage) of La Chaine des Rotisseurs hosted a fabulous event this week at KOKO located in the folds of the Crown, Melbourne. All the courses were paired with the best of: from Sake to Hakutsuru "Puru Puru" Umeshu, a sparkling plum wine with jelly in it (tastes flavourful and... Continue Reading →
7 days in Koh Samui, Thailand
Island living in Koh Samui, Thailand. A superb opportunity to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Great for yoga lovers!
Dubai – a pit stop to Europe or a true destination?
Dubai, home to the affluent – BLING CITY! Having lived in Dubai previously I have the skinny on Dubai a little more than most. Yes, it is home to the rich and famous. A place for people at that top of their game to chillax eat caviar and drink champagne and have fun in the... Continue Reading →
Take me back to Sri Lanka
INDU Sri Lankan restaurant I was recently introduced to by the Management of Mejico (modern Mexican restaurant and one of my favourites in Melbourne). Indu is next door to Mejico and part of the Sam Prince Hospitality Group that create modern interpretations of styled themes. So far they haven't put a move wrong finding locations... Continue Reading →
Melbourne hot spot Reine & La Rue
This elegant rather large space is one that will take your breath away. From the vast atrium of this heritage listed Melbourne Bank building with its spectacular ceiling to the fabulous cornice work and stained-glass windows. You might think you are in an elegant cathedral. The interior designers have honoured the architecture and given a... Continue Reading →
3 days in Singapore
3 days in Singapore gives some hot tips on how to get the best out of your short stay in Singapore with where to go and what to do. Enjoy!
Champagne tasting at its finest!
Tyson Stelzer, the Don of all things Champagne, creates delicious events for trade/media and public. Tyson's events are eagerly anticipated by both industry insiders and discerning Champagne enthusiasts. Recently, I attended an annual gathering of trade and media at The Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. Here he created a platform for tasting quality champagnes from prestige household... Continue Reading →
2 days in Sydney – no problem!
Sydney is a familiar haunt of mine and if you want to keep close to the city with one excursion plus some fun walks this is what I recommend. There are many great hotels in Sydney with views but occasionally it is good to choose a city hotel in the hub of where the action... Continue Reading →
Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea this year at Yarra Point Business Center, 1 Point Park Crescent, Docklands, Victoria 3008 25.5.2023 @ 10:30am
Cancer Council Australia's Biggest Morning Tea this year at Yarra Point Business Center, 1 Point Park Crescent, Docklands, Victoria 3008 25.5.2023 @ 10:30am
Urban Wine Walk is a triumph!
Getting to know the cool bars in Richmond is made easy by the Urban Wine Walk.
Diversity is life
Check-out this recent VIP tour led by Bree McKilligan, Pride Giving Adviser She/Her of The Victorian Pride Centre, Melbourne and Cr Steve Stefanopoulos, Deputy Chair of the Pride Fund with Andrew Chamberlain and Steve Dimopoulos MP.
USA trip Part 3 – Marthas Vineyard & Cape Cod here we come!
People ask me is Marthas Vineyard the playground for the rich and famous? Is this their hideaway for their summer escapes? Is this a place where they can be themselves away from the watchful eye of the media? The answer is simple — this part of New England is a fabulous bolt hole for peace... Continue Reading →
Tiki bars, rum and fun!
USA Trip Part 2 – Boston, New England
Boston is a remarkable city, steeped in history, walking trails, monuments superb Cannoli's, pizza and not forgetting Harvard.
USA trip – Part 1 – Los Angeles – Hollywood baby!
This trip to LA, USA was taken pre Covid. Just wanted to create a little escapism for the many in lock-down around the world.
Duck delight with Philippe Mouchel
Philippe is a French gem owned and run by celebrity chef Philippe Mouchel. It was a no brainer for La Chaine des Rotisseurs, Victoria to choose this wonderful French restaurant to hold their AGM and dinner. Having trained with Paul Bocuse, Philippe worked for him in Japan and Melbourne running his operations. Then he set... Continue Reading →
Worlds longest lunch – Melbourne is back!
Set-in Treasury Gardens, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival finally returns — after a lengthy set-back due to pandemic restrictions it was wonderful to participate in this superb annual event. This year celebrity chefs Philippe Mouchel, Jacques Raymond and Stephanie Alexander took a course each and created something inspirational. Kicking off with Philippe Mouchel’s Beetroot-cured king... Continue Reading →
New Rhone Producers Dinner.
Fabulous dinner hosted by Darren Harris of Grand Millesime introducing 18 new Rhone producers wines.
Mexican heaven at Mamasita
One of my favourite cuisines is Mexican. For those that know me I am always on the search for the perfect Margarita and interesting Mexican delights.Having been spoiled by dear friends Barbara and Guy (Barbara being Mexican) not only the fun of eating Mexican but being introduced to beautiful hospitality by Mexicans and of course... Continue Reading →
Exploring the Coonawarra Wine Region in two days.
You might read the title of this article and think how is this possible with so much to see and do. This however is my selection of my hot list of where to go and what to do in a short period of time — without feeling too rushed but maximising on your time. For... Continue Reading →
Spotlight on Chef Daniel Hiltbrunner
A long-standing jury member of international culinary competitions, Swiss-born Daniel Hiltbrunner has had an extraordinary globe trotting career.
Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 2019
When this art exhibition publicises affordable they mean it. With a cap of AUD12,000 there is something for everyone's budget.
Champagne the good and the excellent!
Black Events coordinated a superb Champagne experience in Melbourne as part of the Australian roadshow for Tyson Stelzer. So how much Champagne can you drink?
Dumpling lovers read on for what’s hot in Melbourne.
Australia's food capital Melbourne offers up exciting dumplings that are certainly NOT what one would expect. Previously you could only search for dumplings in Chinatown, but this is not the case now. There are so many creative Asian restaurants here that it is difficult to choose what to select, so on this occasion I have... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Bastille Day 2019
The Victorian Bailliage of La Chaine des Rotisseurs held a beautiful Bastille Day dinner for members in the Mission to Seafarers iconic heritage building. The menu was full of French favourites accompanied by delicious wines.
The Power of Social Media
HOW TO HARNESS SOCIAL MEDIA? Enticing others to ‘join’ the conversation.’ Vlogging is one easy way to start with a short one minute video, posted daily on Instagram, soon you will build followers. If you should go down this route – remember the camera can be your friend or your enemy – keep it short,... Continue Reading →
Hidden Bars in Melbourne
Through car parks, up stairs and down lanes. Melbourne CBD has so much to offer.
Summer 2019 is Hot Hot Hot!
Things to do in Melbourne, Adelaide and Tasmania over the HOT summer.
Following The Snow!
If you love skiing as I take a look into my best resorts for skiing this year. Looking forward to hearing where you like to ski.
Fun Festivals, Music & More in Melbourne 2018 – 1st Qtr
What's fun to do in Melbourne in 2018. My picks in Feb through to May.
Popping the cork with winemakers in the King Valley.
La Dolce Vita Prosecco Festival is a must in the King Valley. Enjoy popping a few corks and visiting lots of wineries. Talks, sampling and more...
Riding easy on a Harley Trike around Sydney
On a recent jaunt to Sydney having revisited some of our favourite haunts around Circular Quay and the Rocks, we decided not to be phased by the rain and enjoy more of Sydneys landscape, so we decided to bite the bullet and go for a trip on a Harley Davidson and what a great decision... Continue Reading →
Breathtaking Philip Island, Victoria
Just two hours out of Melbourne you can get back to nature and pack in a lot in a long weekend. Some of the things you can do are visit the Penguin Parades, Philip Island Koala Conservation Centre do Cliff Walks, Boat trips see the Seals, Highland Cattle, Wallabies, or sample some yummy wine in the Wineries.
Give in to your cravings
Dieting shouldn’t be endurance or survival of the fittest. We all lose weight at our own speed, however when we are inspired we can all do so much more. Inspiration is a wonderful thing to move forward with our lives. It will be interesting to hear from my virtual friends to learn how your diets... Continue Reading →
Feeling slimmer already! Here’s how
Ok here we are on my day 3 and your day 1. I have already lost over 1 kilo (3 ½ ibs) and I feel inspired and trust I can inspire you. With a little tenacity we can all enjoy being our ‘better’ self. My tummy is already looking less domed and I am feeling... Continue Reading →
Out & About in the City –Don Pasquale Opera
This opera was stupendous, funny and very entertaining, and the actors who played the leads were superb. In particular the four key characters that held my attention with their superb acting and voices were: Don Pasquale played by Conal Coad, Norina played by Rachelle Durkin and the clever Dr Malatesta played by Samuel Dundas and... Continue Reading →
Problems with your Apple Products?
Book an appointment online for any of your apple products. They have something called Open Training and you can spend an hour. Available for One to One members only but you do get excellent attention and assistance with whatever project you are working on.
Things to do in Melbourne in July
My best picks Paint the town Red: More than 45 iconic heritage buildings in Melbourne CBD will be lit up in shades of red. From the 18-25 July. From 6pm onwards – the fireworks on the 18th will be taking part. Superb Docklands Fireworks every Friday from 7pm for 10mins of superb fun at the... Continue Reading →
Something to smile about??? Oh yes we can!
We all need a break on dentistry living in Australia it can be very expensive...so thanks to 'smile' we now can 🙂 For my blog users if you use the following promo code: MR9026678 it will give you 60% off your second year when you become a member. Some good samaritans at smile.com.au is Australia's first... Continue Reading →
The Ride to Conquer Cancer & The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers
As some of my friends and family have cancer this is something that I hold dear. This October The Ride to Conquer Cancer & The Weekend to End Women's Cancer occurs. Do check out their website: www.conquercancer.org.au | www.endcancer.org.au The proceeds will Benefit Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre If you would like to be involved then do call: 1300... Continue Reading →
Winter Night Market (Luna1878)
I've just heard that MasterChef filmed an episode recently at the Queen Victoria Night Market. This is normally held every Wednesday evening during summer. It will however resume on July 9 - August 27 for a chilly winter market, do check out: http://www.qvm.com.au It is called the Luna1878 due to 1878 being the year that... Continue Reading →
Autumn Top Tips
Eat produce in season. Currently the root vegetables such as artichokes, carrots, parsnips and fennel are in season. There are still a few pine mushrooms to be had and mandarins, melons, apples and lots of nuts are still in abundance. There are many produce markets but I love shopping at the Victoria and South... Continue Reading →
Update June 2012 – From Sydney
Hi all, Well another month has gone by and we are still living in ‘The Rocks’, Sydney – not too shabby an address so we are enjoying it -(even though it’s temporary). We love it here watching the boats cruise by - our highlight is when the P&O ferry ties up below us, it is... Continue Reading →
Jazz at Birds Basement with James Morrison Sextet
What a night! We were not only fortunate to get a 'birds eye' view of James playing his various brass instruments from trumpet to flugel horn, we also saw him playing the keys. He can play more instruments but from the initial two sets we were treated to these. We started the night at The... Continue Reading →
