Happy Lunar New Year, love sydney

You notice all the red about the city recently? No, it not in anticipation of some pagan sacrificial offering! Its the official start of the Lunar Calender, and being Asian myself isn’t the only reason I’m up for seconds in the New Years department- because who doesn’t like a good party. 

This year Sydney siders were indulged with a spectacular light display at Dawes Point, right under the Harbour Bridge. Sentient terracotta warriors stood to attention in their neon get-ups that ranged from hot pink to the most blinding yellow. The instalment attracted soo many people of a range of cultures and backgrounds last night, which gathered an aire of excitement and genuine joy that was intoxicating.
 

On to dessert though, we went to “Meet Fresh” which is a Taiwanese desserts place on the edge of the main strip of Chinatown. Its bustling employees and cozy-cramped interiors mirrors the food culture I associate with an Asian country which is handy in drowning out awkward silences. Nevertheless it’s a family favourite and last night it was a great way to ring in the “second new year.”
 

It's a markets-kind-of-weekend

Ideally, Michelle and I would spend every Saturday at the markets, satisfying our never-ending desire for clothing, shoes, knick-knacks, bargains, cakes, sweets and ... samosas (they have very good samosas at Glebe).
I really can't imagine my life without having discovered the Glebe and Rozelle Markets (Sunday Market) some years ago. Usually the "I need new clothes" meltdown at home mid week evolves subsequently into a "LET'S GO TO THE MARKETS!!!" weekend trip! Otherwise it's a spontaneous decision on any given Saturday.

Tip:
Speaking of attire, wear something comfy (preferably vintage to blend in with the locals)- especially shoes because you'll do a lot of walking.

A flowy Ladaka dress with Bonds Bralette and comfy vintage boots did the job last Sat- Michelle

Rule #1
See something you like? Grab and hold it straight away and then proceed thought process of whether to buy. Thus you can avoid wistfully watching someone else snag your bargain!

Over the years, you see and hear more tourists fitting these markets into their sight seeing agenda. My only problem is that there'll be more people to fight for clothing over :P

There's always live music to enjoy while you walk around, rummaging through clothing racks and while you lounge on the grass and eat your goodies from the food stalls. There are some great local acts and one damn amazing girl one time -  just as a reminder that many children are more talented than you...

There are plenty of cake, bread and sweet stalls where you can sample a little of what they offer. I always find myself looking at these Portuguese tarts every time I pass the junction of the stalls! My favourite is the Paleo food stall where they sell so many varieties of granola its like I died and went to heaven!

You'll encounter some eccentric characters along your trip like the resident gypsie and many special things that make you smile all dependent on the Saturday that you happen to rock up.

   

Nevertheless there is usually something like a artisan nitrogen ice-cream pop-up store.

Rule #2
Bring home the HAUL and lay them all out so you can admire from a 1m distance.

I cannot recommend a better way to pass the time this weekend! Summer is in full swing and it's always a scorcher so pack your sunnies and a trusty hat and be prepared to come home with lots and lots of bags!

You'll find it at Glebe Public School on Glebe Point Road, a short walk from Parramatta Road :)


MVPD

Captain Cook Cruise Brekkie

What a way to break the fast! Apart from the inexcusable wake up hour and typical Sydney traffic into the city the uber fancy cruise we embarked on was a sight for sore (more like sleep deprived) eyes.



I was treated by the family to a champagne breakfast from the iconic Darling Harbour to Circular Quay and all that calm, rock-you-to-sleep water in between.

   

Chillin' at Dock 1 at Darling Harbour was the majestic cruise boat a mist the sleepy air of the Party district (Respect to the straggling all-nighter folk that were spotted). The staff were very hospitable and their unflinching tolerance towards the tourist tradition of taking photos was truly inspiring.

    

The breakfast consisted of a continental breakfast with constantly filled coffee mugs and complimentary champagne with a dainty strawberry slice.  

 

MLVD

 

Yum Cha 101

Another stray away from the usual cafe lunch scene is a trip to Chinatown for some authentic yum cha with a group of friends.
Yum cha is just one of those things you just need to try (a food adventure and catch up all in one!) so hopefully I can tempt you to book a date soon!

I recently went to The Marigold in Haymarket Chinatown to rekindle my love for yum cha with some snaps to share of my fav dishes (and also the newbies I've discovered!).

Lightly fried steamed rice rolls with satay sauce
This was new to me, not my cup of tea as much as I tried.

Siew Mai (p. seeeew my)
The pork mince is stuffed in wonton sheet is my #2

When we could, yum cha was our every-now-and-then Sunday brunch treat (we began on the baby high chair) to wind down with the family, sipping on our bubble milk teas that we bought on the same street! But with a group of friends you feel more adventurous and dare to try more strange dishes.

Seafood Spring rolls
They come with any filling, you just have to
inquire.
Not my go-to dish since mum makes
 the best ones at home :)

Banh Cuon (viet title)
We always request these steamed rice  rolls/cake
with prawn. These can also come with
BBQ pork :O Served with Vietnamese
fish sauce is delish!

I always appreciate a friend who knows how to order their yum cha! It's been great for broadening my yum cha experience!

Your classic steamed pork bun - enough said

These egg tarts are always too much on the eggy side
for my liking but they're so popular

Some other dishes that went too fast I couldn't take a picture of were the Prawn Dumpling and Deep Fried Taro Puffs!

Deep fried taro puffs with duck filling
A bit strange when you bite and see purple (taro)
but nice anyways!

Ha Cao (prawn dumplings)
My #1 go-to yum cha dish

Equally as important as the dishes are the condiment sauces! Its best to eat with the sauce served specially with the dish but don't be afraid to add a little dollop of chilli sauce to be really authentic!

Mango pancakes are the best way to finish yum cha!
The pancake is filled with light Creme and chopped mango!
The mangoes are always the just right - sweet, never sour like the supermarkets!

I definitely left the restaurant in a good mood!
If you're feeling a little empty right now, chances are you're missing a little yum cha in your life!

MVPD xx

Love me some Japanese まっぺん

Now this is a little side step from the regular cafe brunch sort of food but I could not wait any longer to share this place. I’ve been coming to this little ‘joint’ as you may call it with my friends since high school. My good Irish (yes Irish) friend introduced me to little Menya Mappen hiding behind sliding doors right on George Street so chances are you’ve past it on your way to the heart of Sydney!

We used to go as a little exclusive trio (just us) and they creatively called it the Three M’s for “Menya, Matcha and Mimi” because we would go for Matcha Green tea ice cream for dessert and of course Mimi was me! Now they are both abroad enjoying cold weather in Europe and now I rarely go but... you can only last so long without your hit of Japanese noodle.

Menu comes with spot on pictures to make
life easier!

I always try to order something a little different to the last so this time I opted for a soupy Tonkotsu with Soba noodle (you can choose between Udon and Soba). The extras I usually get is the tempura sweet potato, chicken or prawns but this time I felt like keeping it simple. I also didn’t get the Ontama (half boiled egg) which is always delish since I’m not a hard-boiled-egg-kinda-girl anyways!

Some days call for Soba, others for Udon

If you haven’t guessed already, yes it is a Japanese fast food restaurant but there’s no sushi in sight! Its ‘fast’ as in you slide a tray down the self-service counter and end at the register with your drink, noodles or rice, tempura and extras like kimchi! Too Easy! The noodles are all freshly cooked before your eyes and the tempura is there for you to pick with the tongs! It’s definitely more wholesome and less processed than your American fast food chain options! If you feel a little lost (and don’t want to look like a menya virgin) its best to go with the flow and you’ll be pro in no time!

Octopus Balls - one of the many extras 

Tonkotsu is my personal fav despite
 the cloudy broth!!

It’s not expensive at all but that doesn’t mean a compromise in quality! The serving sizes are just what you need (no more, no less) and the flavours hit the spot. The menu may be a tad overwhelming at first but don’t bother trying to pronounce the names like me (unless you want the chef to cheerily recorrect you so you can hear how far off the pronunciation you were) because pointing to the menu does wonders!

This is one of the places I’ll be going over and over again not just for old time’s sake when my friends return but I’ll never enjoy Japanese noodle anywhere else than surrounded by the Japanese Theatre posters with the bustling city a few metres away and the QVB and Westfield shopping so close by!

You’ll find it at: Shop 11, 537-551 George Street, Sydney, Australia  

So here's to exposing new cultural food experiences!
Pop in for your energy hit before you (like me) proceed to conquer Topshop, Myer and the QVB!

MVPD xx