Taste: New Restaurants in Sydney

Taste: I have just arrived on my month anniversary in Sydney. I have done so much in the past month. One thing, I have been so eager to write about has been the culinary experience. Since being here, I have lost weight- due to the natural ingredients in the food. Additionally, I find the food to be less processed and just in general, better for you. My best friend Sara, who also has a food blog: (themcgrathskitchen.blogspot.com) has been cooking the most divine meals. She is of Sicilian background, so imagine the flavor which is often found in all her dishes. Anyhow, as of late I have been able to visit several new noteworthy restaurants: www.paperplanesbondi.com, which is located in Bondi. The food at Paper Planes is an amazing fusion of Japanese and Australian food - tiny bites and a super hip scene. I find equal good food+friends, recipe for a fun night on the town with your friends. Another mention, I must offer is for the newly opened: 4Fourteen, which is newly opened in Surry Hills. If you are looking for a full gastro experience, you must try this restaurant. The restaurant is known for its family style - of sharing plates. As a result, we pretty much sampled everything. From the chicken wing for one appetizer, to the pigs tail and irish breakfast to start. Followed by delightful meats, fish and other amazing delightful bites. The portions are a perfect size and the service a ten! Their website is: http://www.4fourteen.com.au/. Finally, my last interesting food experience was an outing to Nield Ave. in  Rushcutters Bay. Although, I only tried a few bites here, I find the atmosphere to be tres chic. The restaurant is grand in scale with a trendy vibe. I would recommend this restaurant for a large group dinner, because of the size and scale of this restaurant. http://www.idrb.com/. Enjoy...x

Try: coffee & honey mask/ row machines

Part of my new years resolution is taking care of myself..too often, I am more concerned about getting to the next place vs. sitting, relaxing and taking care of myself. this evening, I was excited to go to the gym..I am on a kick to drop off the weight, which carried over from 2011. As a result, I have opted torso what I consider a quick fix- a 3 mile run. An ex-trainer of mine, Ryan approached me while I was on the treadmill and began to offer some free advice. He mentioned that to mix things up, I should try the row machine...so after huffing and puffing, i approached the row machine for a total body workout..please note, most machines/equipment in the gym make me nervous - because i don't want to look like the fool on it..ha..anyhow, with that being said- he walked me through the proper motions and I worked really hard and now feel some of the effects..I am pumped to try my run/row combo on a weekly basis..Finally, I decided to meet a dear friend of mine- Stephanie for dinner at her apt. She cooked broccoli, flounder and linguini (which was super light and tasty)..then to entertain ourselves, we decided to try a new "homemade mask". A friend of ours had suggested: taking the coffee grind and mixing with honey to relieve puffiness and provide moisture..that it did. I truly recommend this concoction...my face is super soft with a nice glow..love cheap fixes!!

I've finally packed my bags, left NYC (after 10yrs) and have moved to Sydney, Australia. It's been a whirlwind since I have arrived. I came to Sydney for new beginnings, but that also included helping my two best friends with their new baby- a contemporary art gallery: MCLEMOI gallery in Chippendale. It has been quite the labor of love, but a true joy to be a part of. Since I am new to the city, I plan to write and post as much about the food, the nightlife and everyday experiences. Please stay tuned..x

Taste: Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria

My 30th birthday was such a grand birthday...It was my golden birthday, in which I am hoping it will be my golden year. I turned 30 on 12/30/11. This year- I celebrated for days and received such charming gifts from friends- beautiful gold alexis bitter earrings, hermes perfume, a bouquet of white peonies, champagne, caviar, a beautiful striped blue and white scarf, books and more...tonight a dear friend of mine, Carolina decided to take me for a birthday dinner in the east village..we decided to try a consistently good joint: Bianca, but was unable to get seating because A) it is the New Year and a happening Thursday night and B) this restaurant is always packed- the food is consistently good (and did I mention reasonably priced). We tried bumbling into a few new places, i.e.: Wren- but again were unfortunate to find seating. Until we luckily stumbled upon Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, the sister restaurant to the famous "Il Buco". We got a bar table for 2 quickly and was immediately greeted by an extremely friendly staff. For appetizers we enjoyed: crispy artichokes, sardines and bruschetta. For entree we split an amazing papardelle with chunks of veal.. We concluded with a tasting of gelato e sorbets..divine..we each had one cocktail - me a dry and tasty red and she a light beer. The food was yummy, not overly pretentious and good. I definitely recommend this venue and will return to try their market foods- paninis' cheese and meats to go..

http://www.ilbuco.com/

Happy New Year

After taking many months off from blogging. I have decided to resume under a new alias, and share all the great things I have seen and done...2011 was a blast, with travels to Whistler (Canada), Rome, Sicily, Florence, Camps Bay - South Africa and concluding in Jamaica..I continue to explore the many corners of the earth with one little bite at a time..I am excited for all the adventures which awaits us in 2012!!