outing - mollymook 雪梨南海岸一日遊

As usual, we plan our trips on impulse.

This time, the word of "gourmet food" and "southern coast" popped into our heads, then in the next second we were heading on our way to Bannisters Restaurant in Mollymook.

www.bannisters.com.au/restaurant/

Bannisters is actually a boutique hotel located on a piece of quiet coastline, visitors will certainly appreciate the broad view of the coast. Despite the remote location the restaurant was popular and, as expected, no table was available for walk-in guests.

After enjoying the coastal view, we headed to the main beach of Mollymook - it's a beautiful sandy beach, the bright sunshine enchanced the colour of blue water and white sand. The cafe next to the beach was packed with people, we didn't fancy fish and chips either, therefore we gave it a miss.

According to Tripadvisor, a winery restaurant - Cupitt Winery in Ulladulla has good reviews so we decided to give it a try. There was no doubt that Cupitt's Winery was a nice choice, it is located on a hill offering a panoramic views of rolling hills and wineyards.

http://cupittwines.com.au/

The restaurant was fully booked but the tables in the courtyard and on the lawn were available so we ordered simple food and drinks from the bar and then enjoyed the picturesque view while soaking up  the golden sunshine.

The trip might have been rushed in the planning but the beautiful scenery along the road didn't fail us, no wonder the southern coast is such a popular tourist destination.


x               x             x


 一如往常, 我們的出遊都是靠一時激起的熱血促成的.

天外飛來一個 "美食", 搖頭晃腦晃出一位英國名廚 "Rick Stein", 加在一起變誕生了一個探訪以 Rick Stein 之名開業, 位於雪梨南海岸 Mollymook 小鎮的海鮮餐廳 - Bannisters的小旅行.

www.bannisters.com.au/restaurant/

Bannisters 實際上是一家時尚旅店, 隱身於 Mollymook一幽靜崖邊, 獨攬遼闊海景.
雖然餐廳位置偏僻, 但毫不影響饕客的腳步, 所以不可能有座位給一時興起的唐突訪客, 我們由雪梨開了三個多小時的車, 尋得餐廳位置, 只得了個 "客滿" 訊息, 我們一點也不意外. 在飯店附近繞了繞, 便轉往Mollymook鎮上找餐廳.

Mollymook 也有南海岸線有名的白沙灘 (離 Mollymook 不遠的 Jarvis Bay 有世上最白沙灘的稱號), 碧海白沙在豔陽下特別耀眼, 可惜我們隨身的是毛線衣, 並非泳衣, 未能應和海浪聲聲誘人的邀約. 長假其間, 遊客眾多, 鎮上只有兩家擠滿遊客的簡餐廳. 尋餐未得, 只能繼續前往下個鎮覓食.

搜尋 tripadvisor, 得知附近一家頗受好評酒莊餐廳 Cupitt Winery , 便從善如流的循線前往.

http://cupittwines.com.au/

也許是抵達時機恰巧, 下午的陽光給葡萄園灑上金光, 讓青草地顯得生氣蓬勃, 散坐綠地的訪客笑語聲碰撞出歡樂的因子, 讓我們甫下車, 雙腳便逕自被輕快的氣氛吸引進美麗酒莊.

隨機客當然還是與正式餐廳的佳餚無緣, 但酒莊中庭與草平不拒客, 我們從吧台點了簡餐, 飲料, 便安然地沉浸在夢幻金光裡.

匆促的一日遊, 雖然與美食無緣, 但一路輕鬆愜意, 還是為我們在澳洲的美好時光添一章節.

The grand view of the south coast near Bulli

前往目的地途中的海岸觀景台

We had tea break at Berry

又在 Berry 小鎮停下喝杯茶

The courtyard of Little Fork Cafe

咖啡廳中庭

Berry is a nice town with lots of things to offer,

it is worth to spend time to explore

Berry小鎮看似普通, 但信步閒逛, 會發現許多有趣商店, 頗有歷史的老房子

Berry High street / Berry 鎮街景

Berry High street / Berry 鎮街景

Mollymook beach / Mollymook 沙灘

Cuppit Winery Restaurant / Cuppit 酒莊餐廳

a vew of the countryside / 酒莊一景

vines bathing in the sun / 金光下的葡萄藤

winery bar / 酒莊一景

Pizza with rosemary, green olives and fresh ricotta

青橄欖, 鮮奶酪比薩

Ploughman's plate with Sauvignon

農夫餐配白酒

- the end -

2013 Christmas / 2013 的耶誕節

老何的耶誕節又到了, 今年老何很賣力, 親手做了低脂, 低糖什錦水果酥餅和Christmas pudding.
這是我們成家後的第三個耶誕節, 胸有成竹的我們, 在節日前兩週開始製作甜點, 佈置耶誕裝飾, 前一週擬好耶誕菜單, 前一天把所有未採買的食材購齊.

我們這兩隻驕傲的兔子, 耶誕節當天, 睡得飽飽才起床, 吃了個長長的早餐, 好整以暇地拆禮物後, 才緩緩進入廚房準備耶誕餐, 如此拖拉的結果便是下午四點才有耶誕大餐可吃.
慶幸的是今年第一次嘗試的烤火雞十分成功, 皮脆肉嫩, 我想事先將火雞以鹵水浸泡是成功重點之一 (食譜請見此文最下方).

這隻近四公斤的火雞, 我們當天只吃了半邊雞胸的三分之二, 其他的部份如何處理呢?
Andy 在隔天再度發揮大英帝國子民與生俱來的烘焙技能, 做了 Boxing Day Pie , 把部份火雞肉, 跟剩餘的烤馬鈴薯, 烤橄欖菜芽, 都丟進派裡烤了. (食譜請見此文最下方)
再來又吃了火雞肉沙拉, 火雞肉三明治, 大部份的火雞便差不多解決了, 僅剩一小部份, 放進冷凍庫當備菜.
火雞架子熬了兩公升的高湯, 也進了冷凍庫備用 - 家規第一條: 不浪費食物!

經過這密集的火雞料理後, 何家廚房再有火雞出現的機會應該是一年後了...

After practice from the past 2 Christmases this big event is no longer a task to Family H.
We worked on Christmas decorations 2 weeks before the holiday, fixed the Christmas menu a week ahead, and finished off all the shopping by 24Dec.

However, on Christmas Day, we had probably taken it too easy before heading to the kitchen to prepare meal. We had a late breakfast, took quite some time to unwrap the presents, read the cards, and played around with our Christmas present - coffee bean grinder - we ended up having our Christmas lunch at 4pm..., fortunately it was A successful meal!

The Christmas menu of 2013 was:

Tiger Prawn with peach salsa and crushed macadamia nuts
Roasted turkey with brown and white sauce
Potato gratin
Roasted Brussels sprouts and apple with walnuts
Home made Christmas pudding
Cheese selection
* please see recipt source at the bottom of this post *

The prawns were very fresh and went well with fragrant peach salsa, the turkey was tender and juicy. Andy made some white sauce to go with the turkey, which was a thumbs up.

The healthy Christmas pudding was made with almond meal and dates, which was much lighter than the traditional pudding, the accidity of chunky appricot balanced the sweetness of the dates.

We ate 2/3 of half a turkey breast, what did we do with the rest of the turkey?
Andy used part of the meat, left-over of potato gratin and Brussels sprouts to make a Boxing Day Pie, following the recipie of celebrity baker, Paul Hollywood.
We finished most of the left over with turkey salad, turkey sandwich in the following days.
With the turkey bones we had made 2 litres of stock for future use. House rule no.1 - Don't waste food!

After the turkey feast, we shall not see a turkey menu for quite a long time.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014 to everyone!

 

送火雞進烤箱前必須好　善待牠.

Massaging the turkey before roasting

 

近 3 個小時的烘烤期間, 定時淋高湯保溼

Basting turkey every 30mins

 

 

兩人耶誕餐完成, 雖然已經很晚了...

Our 3rd Christmas meal was again successfully done, although it's late...

 

 

 

隔天很認真的做了火雞派

Making Boxing Day Pie

 

 

老何的第一個火雞派就這麼輕鬆地完成了...

Voila! there is the first Boxing Day Pie from pastry chef of Family H.

 

 

雖然都是剩菜, 但烤肉跟奶油馬鈴薯, 烤蔬菜一起在派皮裡悶烤,

又是一種不同的滋味.

The pie didn't last long as it was full of flavour with

a bit of left over from each dish.

Menu receipts:

Tiger Prawn with peach salsa and crushed macadamia nuts
(recipe: www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/christmas-feasts/macadamia-recipes-grilled-prawns-with-lime-and-queensland-cake-20131216-2zfs5.html)

Roasted turkey
(recipe: http://thebigoldsmoke.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/blog-post_26.html)

Potato gratin
(recipe: www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/recipe/gratin-dauphionois-20131223-2zu89.html)

Roasted Brussels sprouts and apple with walnuts
(recipe: http://ohmyveggies.com/recipe-roasted-brussels-sprouts-apples)

Home made Christmas pudding
(recipe: www.thehealthychef.com/2013/12/gluten-free-healthy-christmas-pudding)

Boxing Day Pie
(recipe: www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/hand-raised_boxing_day_84945)

- the end -

Outing - Canberra

9 月初雪梨舉行了第一屆國際花展, 在去與不去之間猶豫了兩天, 花展當然是毫不留情地謝幕了, 然而賞花的念頭並未隨之消退, 這念頭生了根, 發了芽, 成長速度可比傑克魔豆, 到了月底, 在報紙上瞄到一年一度的 Canberra Floriade 花展開幕的消息, 便和老何跳出沙發, 驅車如箭, 南下賞花去了.

9 月底雪梨已是初夏光景, Canberra 卻仍是初春景緻, 帶著涼意的春風, 還是逼人抖出些雞皮疙瘩, 還好臨出門抓了擋風外套與圍巾, 稍抵寒意, 然而這正是植物長出鮮艷嬌嫩花朵需要的溫度, 於是頂著紅鼻子賞花也怡然自得了!

Canberra Floriade 在 Commonwealth Park 舉辦, 規模不大, 但畢竟花展不收門票, 主辦單位每年在有限經費中, 依不同主題, 將整座公園佈置成花團錦簇的大花圃, 平日且派工作人員整理花圃, 服務人員提供咨詢, 週末還辦名人演講, 仍是一項挑戰性高的公共工程.

賞完花, 繞道去看看國會大樓, 原只預計在外頭照照相, 到此一遊, 到現場竟意外發現國會大樓當天沒開會, 開放大眾參觀, 且不需預約, 我們當然不假思索, 大搖大擺的逛進去了.

通過金屬探測門與X光隨身物件掃瞄後, 參觀者便得在國會大樓內隨意閒逛, 跟參觀美術館沒兩樣, 我們很幸運地跟上了免費的國會導覽, 在導遊精彩的介紹中, 對澳洲的歷史, 國會運作, 以及國會大樓設計有了基本瞭解.

導覽結束, 我們搭了電梯上頂樓, 仰望澳洲國旗高高豎立於鋼塔頂端 (這每天負責升降旗的工作人員得有顆強壯的心臟!), 遠眺將 Canberra 包圍的群山, 遠遠的戰爭紀念碑隔著湖, 與國會大樓遙遙相對, 但Anzac Parade 大道, 就像一隻畫筆, 將兩棟建築給連接起來了.

Canberra 國會區內有許多幾何設計的趣味, 國會大樓內簡潔但充分表現澳洲特色的設計, 與類似枯山水的庭院, 耐人尋味. 無心插柳柳成蔭, 參觀國會區竟成了當天最有意思的部份, 有機會到 Canberra 旅遊的朋友們, 值得花點時間參觀國會大樓與導覽.


I missed the chance to visit the First Australian Garden Show taking place in Sydney in early Sep, it is a rather short exhibition period I have to say...
Spring is in the air and the missing of the Sydney Garden Show didn't put me off.. As soon as I learnt the annual flower show, Floriade in Canberra, was on I grabbed the camera, pulled the driver out of the sofa and headed south straight away.

A few heat waves were pushing Sydney from Spring to an early summer temperature in late Sep, but Canberra was still in early Spring, the chilling winds encouraged me to zip up my coat further, nevertheless, it was the right temperature for flower blooming. It's very enjoyable to walk along Commonwealth Park and see layers of layers of colourful flowers  being displayed in the park.

After the flower show we drove to Parliament House thinking of viewing it from outside but luckily we found out that it was open to the public that day and no reservation was required. We therefore walked into the building, passed through the security check, and had a good look at the interior of Parliament. The interior has a modern, sleek design with many natural materials, such as wood and stone, used in the design.

The scheduled guiding was remarkable. Through the detailed, yet interesting introduction, we learned some general knowledge of the building's structure, design, and the Parliament's working procedure and functions - it was a very educational and relaxing tour.

After the tour we took the lift to the roof top to admire the tower where the Austrian flag flies, and had a good view of the War Memorial, Anzac Parade, old Parliament house. The Parliament's fundation rock lines up between the old Parliament House and the current Parliament.

The visit to the Australian Parliament was definitely a highlight of this Canberra outing.

 

經典花海

Layers of various types and colours of flower

 

三種顏色並存的高雅鬱金香

What a wonderful colour combination in this tulip!

 

花仙子現身

The flower fairy!

 

隱身花叢中的袋鼠

The Australian symbol blends into the flower bed.

 

萬紫千紅的罌粟花

Colourful puppy flowers

 

 

澳洲(新)國會大樓

Parliament House

 

 

從國會大樓正面遠眺, 國會基石, 舊國會大樓,

Anzac 大道, 與戰爭紀念碑筆直地排成一列

The view from the new Parliament House of the War Memorial,

Anzac Parade, old Parliament House and the Parliament foundation rock

all of which align in one straight line. 

 

眾議院以澳洲森林顏色 - 深淺不同的灰綠色設計

The House of Representitives is arranged in a Green colour scheme,

representing the different tones of green found in the Australian Bush. In Australia the further the trees get into the distanc the lghter the colour, this different from the Northern Hemisphere countries where the trees get darker.

 

參議院則是以澳洲紅土, 岩石為主色

The House of Senate consisits of red colours,

representing the colour of Australia's earth and rocks

- the end -

North Sydney / Aqua Restaurant

www.aquadining.com.au

Aqua Restaurant is not a big restaurant, but the space between tables are comfortable. With the astonishing view of the Harbour Bridge right next to it, I think that's the reason why the restaurant keeps the interior simple.

The cuisine is a big thumbs up, with the ingredients fresh, flavours matching, and the courses nicely presented. Diners are served with well trained staff. All of this makes it an enjoyable dining experience.

 

Grilled King Prawn - mouthful of freshness and sweetness

 

 

Char-grilled octopus

 

 

Chickpea crepe with creamy, cheesy filling

 

 

Moreton Bay bugs spaghetti

 

 

Beef steak with potato and fennel puree

(I tasted a chocolate flavour from the potatoes, it all going well with the steak)

 

 

Slow cooked beef cheek with creamy celeriac puree

 

 

Tiramisu

 

 

Quince Tart

- the end -

Balmoral / Frenchy's Cafe

This is a 3A cafe to me with good coffee, good food and good view.

We come to Frenchy's Cafe for breakfast after a workout in Balmoral Beach sometimes. The cafe can be quite busy but not noisy, there are many seating places and open spaces for children to run around.

 

The entrance to Frenchy's Cafe

 

 

The outside of the Cafe leading to a grand view of the harbour

 

 

The theatre of nature

- the end -

Anniversary

沒想到一年就這麼過了, 我這個不知跑步為何物的都市弱雞, 竟然就這麼一步一腳印地持續每週末的跑步, 跑滿一週年了! 回想一開始跑半圈球場就喘到快休克, 到現在30多度陡坡也勇往直前 (雖然跑得如一台老爺蒸氣火車...), 不理會肺部壓縮機壓不出足夠氧氣, 無視雙腳威脅要出走, 持續地增加到現在近7公里的路跑.

 

Pilates 教練提到她初來雪梨居住時, 看見市區裡高高低低的坡道, 還搖頭說自己不可能在這個地無三里平的城市跑步的, 言猶在耳的她已經在雪梨參加過數次不同長度的馬拉松了.
每個都市都有自己的一套方法來馴服格格不入的新市民. 遙想當年自己還是雪梨的訪客時期, 看見穿著輕薄短小跑步裝的跑者, 揮汗從身邊一陣風地擦過, 心想我絕不可能穿得這麼輕便, 在外頭拋頭露面, 還面紅耳赤, 滿身大汗, 如今, 路跑完一身汗溼, 馬尾垂塌, 照樣臉不紅, 氣不喘地走進熱鬧的咖啡廳吃早餐, 喝咖啡. 身體精實了, 臉皮也厚了, 一舉兩得!
 

 

一開始連走路都會喘的好漢坡

 

 

跑上好漢坡不遠即可眺望雪梨港入口南, 北端

 

 

某日抬頭看見勵志標語!

(真正拼的字是GONSKI - 澳洲教育白皮書)

 

 

每週末都會碰到的笑翠鳥, well, 事實上是我們一直跑到他的家前停車.

 

 

春天到, 單身漢交了個女朋友了.

- the end -

元旦快樂! Happy New Year!

  2013年第一天, 豔陽高照, 陣陣微風撩撥人心, 發懶待在家中就太不解風情了, 於是乎, 一鼓作氣, 上網搜尋元旦仍營業餐廳,  選定目標, 跳進車中, 火速前往雪梨北邊 Wales Beach 的 Jonahs Restaurant  www.jonahs.com.au/terrace/ 前進.

車子一路北上, 延途經過數個沙灘, 各個都如市集般熱鬧, 玩水, 打球的歡樂喧鬧聲, 與烤肉架傳來的燒烤香氣, 交織出元旦長假的歡樂氣氛. 我們將熱鬧人群拋在腦後, 延著海岸線, 彎延上山尋找 Jonahs Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, 她位於靜謐山坡上, 隱藏在由加利樹林中, 十分神秘.
待在樹蔭下停好車, 走進看似普通的飯店大門, 一片耀眼的光映入眼廉, 清脆的銀製餐具敲擊聲此起彼落, 餐廳傍著海岸, 食客悠閒地享用美食, 飽覽碧海藍天.

貪圖海岸美景的我們, 選擇坐露台, 餐廳還貼心地提供防曬乳. 露台雖有其他遊客, 但不喧嚷, 居高鄰下全覽 Whale Beach 海岸線, 陽光與白雲時而交錯, 海景隨著陽光照射明暗而變化多端, 十分精彩. 海風吹彿的露台啜飲清涼果汁, 竟有置身東南亞的錯覺.

臨時起義的元旦兜風小旅遊還挺舒心的!

- the end -