A “Pist” in Auckland

Though not all the new buildings are strictly functional, the redevelopment of nine blocks of the downtown Britomart precinct is astonishing….Britomart has become a hub of cool restaurants, shops, and public art.

Australian Sake Festival

The Australian Sake Festival is now in its third year. For the last 2 years, in Melbourne it’s been held in winter at Victoria Markets and in Sydney it’s been held around World Sake Day – 1st October – at the Carraigeworks.

Sipping Along Smith Street, Melbourne

I’m not sure if it was because it was a quiet afternoon, or it’s general practice, though every place we visited on Smith St allowed me a little taster from the taps before I committed. Excellent for me as I am very fussy about beer and very ignorant about wine.

The Best of Burnie, Tasmania

I expected my trip to Burnie, Tasmania, to be a bleak reliving of childhood, but instead turned out to be comfortable and enjoyable thanks to the addition of the Ikon Hotel and some other treasures I found while staying there.

A Tento in Surry Hills, Sydney

We both had the Yakibuta Tantan Udon and ‘Magaki’ Pacific Oysters. The Udon’s tonkotsu (pork) stock was rich and delicious and the pork slices were thick, soft and slightly seared.

An Izakaya In Darlinghurst: Nomidokoro Indigo

The popular Darlinghurst restaurant, Nomidokoro Indigo name translates to “indigo drinking place”. Here friendly staff serve traditional Japanese izakaya (bar) food, sake and a favourite, Orion The Dark Okinawan beer on tap.