2 hours ago
A dish should not only be pretty; it should also be easy to eat. I was a very sloppy eater at l'Espresso today. Sauce dribbled down my chin. It surely was not a pretty sight, but that watercress salad had too many stubborn stalks that were too hard to manipulate for my liking. Coffee and wine are bar service, as is the actual order. Is this normal in North America, even in such a seemingly high-mid dining restaurant?
Getting to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport is not at all the easiest. To get to my hostel it was relatively easy, but it still required two transfers. Thankfully my luggage wasn't enormous, but my sister definitely suffered from the bus-subway-streetcar combination. However, the best thing about getting to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport is that it is so cheap. So cheap. Only $3! Can you believe it?
Into the capital city for business for the day, I had a list in hand. A list of cafes. First up, Memphis Belle Coffee House. A block from Cuba Street, Memphis Belle is a cosy corner cafe inside,
with an array of tables and chairs inviting the Wellingtonians. Had a lovely flat white to welcome me back to the city after a too early flight in. And guess what? 2 for 1 Student day on Thursdays!
38 Dixon Street, Te Aro 6011
Wellington, NZ
This place is Must if you are ever in Vancouver. My sister raves about the Japanese hotdogs. They are taking over America city by city, too, it seems. You choose from a wide array of selections. Savoury japadogs, as well as sweet ones for dessert. Take the fries as well, with special seasoning shaken throughout. I had one to take away and had it at the airport while waiting for my plane. It had cooled down a bit by then, so maybe I shouldn't have waited so long. World famous in Vancouver since 2005, winner of 'Best of Vancouver' several years in running.
530 Robson St
Vancouver, BC V6B2B7
I was told Elysian serves one of the best coffees in Vancouver. As soon as I walked in and ordered my cuppa, the barista asked me, 'Are you from New Zealand?' Haha, I guess I still haven't lost my thick as Kiwi accent, even though some of my NZ friends laugh at my odd Aussie twangs sneaking through here and there. Turns out the barista himself is Kiwi, from my hometown, no less! We do get around, don't we?
The cafe has a cosy and serene interior with the wooden look. If only there was free wifi, it would have been perfect, but there really aren't enough seats to go around for people to stay for too long, either.
Worth a visit.
590 West Broadway Avenue,
Vancouver, BC V5Z1E9
Go Fish is kind of the reason why I like Vancouver so much.
Seafood! I was advised to try their Tuna burger, and it was wonderful. Wonderful! After days of eating mediocre food with my sister, I was in heaven, even without my sister.
You can tell this is a popular place because there's lots of people, and lots of tourists, too. I was satisfied with my tuna burger, but could definitely have gone back again and again just to try every single thing on the menu. Oyster burger, Fish and Chips, yes, please!
1505 W 1st Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J1E8
As soon as I landed into Vancouver, I knew I'd like this city. My certainty only grew as I got on the train into the city, that clean, easy to use transport.
Vancouver reminded me of Queenstown, a small touristy town in New Zealand. As with Queenstown, Vancouver has easy access to the mountains, only half an hour away to three ski fields, as well as the waters to paddle and swim in.
Vancouver is bigger than Queenstown, though, with many high rise buildings. Also more Americanised, of course.
I was glad I got to visit Vancouver after all. Nearing the end of my Canadian trip, the weather was warmer, thankfully.
Flowers! Sunshine! Could you believe it!
My stay was short but sweet, I told myself, as I sat under the warm sun enjoying a bowl of fruit salads as my last breakfast in Canada.
I have an announcement to make: Today is my last day in Melbourne. Whaaattt?
I haven't even been here a year, and I'm already moving out. I would have like to stay a bit longer - my original plan had been three years, after all - but a new opportunity is taking me elsewhere, it seems. It's been exactly ten months since I moved to Melbourne last year. Ten months is still quite a long time, for me especially, to be in one place. Here are my top five Melbourne moments:
I haven't even been here a year, and I'm already moving out. I would have like to stay a bit longer - my original plan had been three years, after all - but a new opportunity is taking me elsewhere, it seems. It's been exactly ten months since I moved to Melbourne last year. Ten months is still quite a long time, for me especially, to be in one place. Here are my top five Melbourne moments:
- Morning, Miss Marmalade
Morning coffees, weekend brunches, on the way to the city or to the infamous Sydney Road. It's in the middle of nowhere, but it's a definite local favourite, and a favourite of mine. I really fell in love with their passionfruit muffin. They should make it more often. I also love their green pea fritters.
- Italian dinners... and desserts
Cavallino's where we always sit in the same corner, greeted by the same waitress, eat the same creamy gnocchi pasta. Then obligatory stop at Brunetti, a.k.a. dessert heaven, for a box of delicate mini cakes and tarts. On cloud nine. Too full to move.
- Hot stuffy summer
- Backyard
- Hipster coffee snobs
Last but not least, the hipster culture, the cafe culture, the very things I came over to Melbourne seeking. I got what I'd asked for. Hipsters are the norm in Melbourne. Every guy, it seems, has thick frames and beards, turned up jeans with funky socks showing. Tattoos are in, as are piercings. Plus lots of graffiti. There are great cafes and restaurants around, Melbournites are very spoilt for choices. Lucky you.
I've been living a very lucky life here in Melbourne. Lovely city, even lovelier house with fantastic housemates. I'm going to miss them and my life here, but it's time to return across the ditch to good 'ole New Zealand. For the time being, anyhow. I have big plans for the rest of this year. Until it comes to be realised, I am crossing my fingers. Hard. Will let you know, very soon!
I've been living a very lucky life here in Melbourne. Lovely city, even lovelier house with fantastic housemates. I'm going to miss them and my life here, but it's time to return across the ditch to good 'ole New Zealand. For the time being, anyhow. I have big plans for the rest of this year. Until it comes to be realised, I am crossing my fingers. Hard. Will let you know, very soon!
Going through some photos stored in my cellphone. I do eat out quite a bit, but that doesn't mean I don't eat at home! Berries yoghurt muesli... Love all three in any combination.
I cook pasta regularly. Whenever I'm on the phone with mum and she asks, 'What did you have for lunch/dinner?' I would answer, 'pasta,' more often that not. 'Again?' would be her response. But I like pasta. Spaghetti, tortellini, risoni... So many types and so versatile. Easy to cook and quick to prepare.
Shakshouka is a Middle Eastern/North African cuisine, believed to be Tunisian in origin. It has poached eggs in tomato sauce with spices. Have never tried the original, but my version tasted pretty good.
This month I tried to eat a lot more meat, because I feared another iron deficiency coming on. I love salads. Here is one I made, with bacon and sausages, cabbage leaves, walnut pieces.
Delicious.
Chicken with beans and a bit of soy sauce.
Tart time! Tomatoes, mustard, goat cheese, olive oil, herbs on top. Simple goodness.
This last one is not cooked or baked by me. Just a simple but a little special breakfast one June morning. Tomorrow is my last day in Melbourne! Eek! I'm going to miss my room, my housemates, m
Toronto's Design Exchange is a design museum with new exhibitions every three months. Right now there is an exhibition that's just started on Tapas: Spanish Design for Food, which looks so interesting. I would love to go, if I could!
When I was in Toronto recently, the exhibition on show was called, This is Not a Toy.
Guest curated by Pharrell Williams,
Another favourite in Toronto, in the Distillery District.
Recommended by a Toronto native, Balzac's is a cosy place to hide away from the cold wind blowing outside.
I fell in love with its rustic warm interior as soon as I set foot here.
Thought I'd try something new and got a Maple Latte. In a bowl. Was way too sweet, not realising I could have asked for half sweetness. Unfortunately I couldn't finish it.
There are so many coffee blends I wanted to try, but when I saw the tea list on my second visit, and saw Mariage Freres, and then Marco Polo, I knew I had no other choice. Mariage Freres' Marco Polo is my favourite tea, ever. I haven't had it since I was in Paris years ago, so I just had to go for it. Still love it. Sooo nice...
Balzac's is also an art gallery, in its upstairs section. It must change all the time because all the artworks had been taken down on our second visit. These works are also for sale. Perhaps someone had bought them all, then?
The view from the upper level. Love.
55 Mill St
Toronto, ON M5A3C4
National Geographic mentioned St Lawrence Market as one of the top ten food markets in the world.
My sister certainly thought so. She fell in love with all the baked goodies, couldn't get past them. Wanted to try everything!
St Lawrence Market is a covered food market with cheese and deli, bakeries, souvenirs,
cakes, ...
There is one particularly popular seafood burger place near the back doors. A long, long queue forms here during lunchtimes, so you won't miss it. The prices seemed quite pricey, but it must be fantastic.
We tried to come back on a Monday, but sadly the market was closed. Check before you make your way over.
To get from town A to town B in Canada, you have three options:
- Plane
- Train
- Bus
Megabus is a little pricier than Greyhound, but they also do flash sales. $1 rides! Have to be quick, though, and as with any travel agencies, in general, the earlier you book the better the deal. Double deckers, with power points by your seat to charge your phone, and even free wifi.
Make sure you bring snacks on board, just in case you get a bit hungry. It's a long ride.
A quick tour around Montreal in three days:
- Day one: Old Montreal
Old Montreal is also where you will find Olive et Gourmando, the perfect brunch place.
A quiet, unfrequented toilet stop? Try the town hall!
- Day two: Shopping
Hungry? Try the famous smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz's. You'll soon be re-energized for another round of money spending! (Sigh, why is money so easy to spend yet so much harder to earn?)
- Day three: Mont Royal
The McGill University, Golden Square Mile, and Mont Royal park. Lots of walking today - but then all my travels involve lots of walking.
When your legs get too tired and your tummy grumbles, just head to La Banquise for a filling authentic poutine. You can't leave Montreal without having tried it!