CYCLE THROUGH PROVENCE

April 30, 2014

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For those who love French food and wine, the outdoors and a touch of exercise, Tour De Vines new tours to Provence should appeal. Catering for those who aren’t hard core cyclists, but love the social aspect of being outdoors, as well as those who enjoy their cycling, they have tours to suit every level of cyclist.

An Australian wine cycle tourism specialist, Tour de Vines will set you along the lavender scented paths of Provence, one of France’s most idyllic country villages. Travel through picture perfect rolling hills, dotted with vineyards as you experience the charm of the area. They have created three new cycling itineraries in Van Gogh’s romantic home, where you can visit medieval castles, dine in incredible restaurants and sample the famed Chateauneuf du Pape wines.

Bikes 001-1The Provence tours adhere to the idea of discovering new routes and offering something a little different. Tour de Vines want to offer their guests a more authentic experience, and their three new Provence tours visit a number of the classic destinations such as St Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence, but the itinerary incorporates so much more of the areas that they feel give a better overall feel of this most enchanting of regions.

Sample the local food starting with a sweet Cavaillon melon or one of the classified goats’ cheeses accompanied with fresh figs, or order a selection of tapenades in this Spanish influenced district. There are truffles, bouillabaisse and the local daube (beef casserole) finished off with ambrosia of the gods made by Chocolatier Joel Durand in St Remy or the master Nougatier Boyer of Sault might provide a lighter option.

When exploring Provence, accommodation is in independent, privately run hotels that embody the charm and character of the region. All hotels are fully equipped with modern facilities and where possible, with swimming pools, as there is nothing quite like a dip after a day in the saddle. One of the benefits of keeping the group size small is that it enables you to stay in the smaller, family run establishments that add to the authenticity of the travel experience. Chain hotels are not included in the tour.

Tour de Vines’ three new programs, Provence Roman, Provence Luberon and Tour de Provence complement their popular Tour de Bordeaux and Tour de Loire Valley programs.

Every level of cyclist fitness, from easy to moderate and experienced, is catered for. There will be a tour to match your needs amongst the range of departures during May to October.

The Tour de Provence itineraries include all accommodation, bike hire and helmet, full breakfasts each day and gourmet dinners each night, fine wine and soft drink, two bilingual guides, entry fees to attractions and historical sites.

Sandra Tiltman


BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE’S NEW WORK

April 28, 2014

Bangarra, Patyegarang, Jasmin Sheppard and Thomas Greenfield, photo by Greg Barret 2MBAustralia’s multi award winning dance theatre company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, will present the world premiere national tour of Patyegarang at the Sydney Opera House from June 13 to July 5.

Patyegarang marks the first time that Bangarra has told a specific Sydney story, based on historical events and documents.

This powerful and historically important new work acquaints us with Patyegarang, a young Aboriginal woman of intense and enduring courage, and an inspiration today for the respect of Aboriginal knowledge and language. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegarang befriended Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an extraordinary display of trust and friendship, which now inspires our imaginations about ‘first contact’.

This deeply moving production is told through the acclaimed creativity of Stephen Page’s choreography and David Page’s soundscape, in a powerful and meaningful dance theatre experience.

The role of Patyegarang will be played by Bangarra dancer Jasmin Sheppard, who joined the company in 2007 and has performed in eleven productions, both internationally and nationally.

South Australian born physical performer Thomas Greenfield will join Bangarra as a guest artist, performing the role of Lieutenant William Dawes. Greenfield’s performance with the company marks the fourth time in Bangarra’s history that a non-Indigenous dancer has performed with the company.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, Bangarra Dance Theatre is Australia’s premier national Indigenous performing arts company. Under the brilliant and inspirational artistic direction of Stephen Page, Bangarra has strived to maintain the cultural integrity and spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tradition, combining it with contemporary expressions of stories, dance and music. Bangarra creates dynamic, moving theatrical experiences and delivers these experiences to audiences across Australia and around the world.

Sandra Tiltman


MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA – NSW FINALS

April 27, 2014
Question & Answer Time

Question & Answer Time

The official Miss Universe Australia New South Wales State Final was recently held in Sydney at Doltone House Hyde Park, a venue befitting the glamour of the event.

Miss Universe Australia is a national beauty pageant that selects the representative who will go on to represent our country at the international Miss Universe pageant. The DSC_4743current Miss Universe Australia titleholder is Olivia Wells and the pageant provides a platform for Australia’s most beautiful, talented, educated and confident young women to compete for the Miss Universe Australia crown
Thirty NSW State finalists paraded in three sections, Swimwear, Eveningwear and the personality question & answer section, for their chance to be selected by the panel of judges.

The seven finalists representing New South Wales will go through to the national final, where they will compete for the Miss Universe Australia crown, to be held on 6 June 2014, at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. One of the seven from New South Wales could possibly be selected to represent Australia at Donald Trump’s international Miss Universe Pageant to be held later this year.

It’s been ten years since Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins was crowned, maybe 2014 will be Australia’s year to take the honour again.

Miss Universe is owned by Donald Trump and NBC and is the second most watched event in the world with over one billion viewers, following the World Cup.

Sandra Tiltman Photos: John Pond  

Judging Panel

Judging Panel

  

 


RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS DEPARTURE SIGNALS END OF CRUISE SEASON

April 26, 2014
Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas

The Australian summer cruise season officially ended on 18 April with Royal Caribbean Line’s Rhapsody of the Seas sailing from Sydney.

Proving that cruising is still one of the most popular holiday choices with Australians, RCL Cruises Ltd’s two brands, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, hosted a record 190,000 guests, 12% up on last cruise season.

RCI's Adam Armstrong congratulates "WOW'' winner

RCI’s Adam Armstrong congratulates “WOW” winner

During the season, Royal Caribbean held the world’s first Instagram Film Festival which culminated in a grand finale event on board Voyager of the Seas. The creator of the winning “wow” moment won a cruise on the brand new Quantum of the Seas.

Some of the other milestones celebrated included Celebrity Solstice’s fifth birthday plus her maiden calls to Napier in New Zealand and Newcastle, where she was welcomed with an official gun salute at Fort Scratchley.

Another exciting event in New Zealand was Voyager of the Seas meeting up with Celebrity Solstice in Wellington and Tauranga, temporarily increasing local populations by over 8,000 people.

Voyager of the Seas also made her maiden calls in Brisbane and Darwin.

The upcoming 2014/15 summer cruise season looks set to be even bigger. Highlights will be Celebrity Century arriving in October 2014 for her three month season which will feature 11 sailings, before she leaves the Celebrity Cruises fleet in April 2015. Celebrity Solstice will depart Honolulu on 5 October 2014 for a 17 night cruise to Sydney via French Polynesia and Voyager of the Seas will arrive in Sydney on 8 December 2014, fresh from a $75 million refurbishment.

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond

Lawn Club on Celebrity Solstice

Lawn Club on Celebrity Solstice

 


NEW BAR FOR KINGS CROSS

April 26, 2014

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Bayswater Road, Kings Cross is now home to New Hampton, a sophisticated new bar located on the ground floor of the building that once housed the famous Hampton Court Hotel, one of Sydney’s grand hotels of yesteryear.

New Hampton, with its rustic appearance and air of sophistication, opened its doors in March, bringing a new vibe to the area, which continues to transform. Having two separate bar areas, a nightclub, pokies room plus separate smoking area, there’s plenty of space to move around. Solid timber bars, exposed wooden beams and handcrafted tiles set into the concrete flooring all create an intimate and warm atmosphere.

IMG_5293The fine dining restaurant, HARVEST @ New Hampton, has a range of modern Australian dishes with a twist of French flair. The menu includes a Chargrilled Beef Sirloin and Fillet on the bone, a dish unique to the venue. For those wanting a taste of everything Harvest has to offer, there is also a degustation menu that combines all of the chef’s signature dishes.

Head Chef, Ben Palmer, has designed the menu around familiar themes and plenty of flavour. Ben said “I’ve created a menu for a relaxed dining experience. It is well refined and not overly complex and uses only the freshest seasonal Australia produce on offer”.

New Hampton serves over twenty wines by the glass, featuring wines from Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand and the United States. The cocktail menu is a mixture of classic cocktails and some new creations, including the Hampton Ice Tea, Chocolate Sazerac and Belvedere Caramel Martini.

“A combination of high energy with our signature relaxed vibe is what makes us truly unique,” said New Hampton owner, Kieran Coleman.=

Sandra Tiltman


SLIDE CABARET FESTIVAL

April 25, 2014

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Darlinghurst’s intimate cabaret venue, Slide, located near Hyde Park in Oxford Street, recently unveiled the programme for their Third Annual Slide Cabaret Festival, running from 19-30 May 2014.

After the success of last year’s programme, the team at Slide have put together an even more diverse offering of acts featuring cabaret stars from around the globe, including party goddess Uta Uber Kool Ja who will present her show in a hotel suite at the Pullman Hotel, just around the corner from the art deco Slide Lounge.

Avigail Herman

Avigail Herman

Avigail Herman takes to the stage on 21 May and on 24 May there’s El’Circo, a blend of Parisian cabaret, vaudeville and circus performances as you enjoy a nine course degustation dinner. I’m looking forward to seeing Debora Krizak, supported by Melody Beck, perform in cABBAret on 28 May. These are just some of the acts making up this year’s programme.

The Festival begins on 19 May with a music trivia fundraiser in aid of Australian Children’s Music Foundation. There will be special guest performances and celebrity performances throughout the evening.

During the Festival, Slide are introducing their all new Late Night Piano Bar, which will be open from 10 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, hosted by Darren Mapes. http://www.slide.com.au

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond

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BONDI HARDWARE BIRTHDAY

April 25, 2014

IMG_5166Hawaiian shirts, colourful leis and an enthusiast crowd, helped local restaurant and bar, Bondi Hardware, celebrate their second birthday at an end of summer party.

DJ’s spun summer beats as guests decided which of the evening’s two cocktails they would sample. Having a choice of Hardware Hoola made with Ketel One Vodka, lime, coconut syrup, raspberry puree & cream, or the special Tiki bar ‘Blue Steel’ which was mixed up to order, consisting of Pampero Especial Rum, Blue Curacao, lime, pineapple, orange and orgeat syrup, it was a very hard decision, so I thought the best thing to do was have one of each. For those non-cocktail drinkers, Vale Ale, Vale Lager and Batlow Premium Cider were also served along with Forrest Pinot Gris and Villa Sandi Prosecco.

Popular Photo Booth

Popular Photo Booth

Delicious items from their new autumn menu were served, including the popular classic beef sliders, buttermilk fried chicken drumette’s with smoked honey mustard dressing, pork & fennel sausage rolls and Harissa lamb skewers.

The photo booth was a popular attraction, with many of the guests deciding to play dress up, using props such as coconut bras, grass skirts and Tiki masks, providing some hilarious mementos of the evening.

Named after its original occupant of thirty years, a cluttered hardware store, Bondi Hardware pays homage to its heritage with the interior transformed, utilising exposed brickwork, beams, high gabled ceilings and recycled timber.

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond

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BONDI38 – NEW SERVICED APARTMENTS

April 22, 2014

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Bondi Beach is not only one of Australia’s most famous beaches, but it’s up there amongst the world’s best. A trip to Bondi is usually top of the list of “must see” sights for visitors to Sydney and it’s often the first experience visitors have of our beach culture.

DSC_4453Bondi’s fame has led to a surge in visitor numbers wanting to spend not just a day surfing at the beach, but staying overnight, a week or even longer while they enjoy all that Bondi has to offer.

To cater for the demand in high quality accommodation, Bondi38 serviced apartments have recently opened their doors, directly opposite the famous beach. Bondi38 offers a combination of one and two bedroom apartments which provide for the ultimate stay at the iconic Bondi Beach. Their stylish design is sure to impress those who look for a touch of glamour.

Set within the 1930’s Classical Revival Style Building ‘Cairo Mansion’ at 38 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, the apartments’ luxurious contemporary interiors reflect the relaxed beach lifestyle that has made Bondi world famous. Located within the trendy Bondi Beach precinct and only metres from the beach, the building incorporates well-known shops and eateries including Bikini Island, Bondi Social and Soy Café as well as being surrounded by many restaurants offering every type of cuisine. Added to the mix are numerous coffee shops and trendy bars. The famous Bondi Icebergs pool, club and restaurant are only minutes away.

DSC_4505All two bedroom apartments have views of Bondi Beach and can comfortably accommodate up to six people and as an extra bonus, the two penthouse units also have balconies. With a combination of queen and king beds and an additional sofa bed, these apartments are perfect for couples or families.

The one bedroom apartments are each furnished with queen beds and sofa lounges that comfortably accommodate up to four people.

Each unit incorporates artwork by award-winning artist and past Sculpture-by-the-Sea winner, Ian Swift, who was commissioned to create relief style paintings depicting the Bondi Beach lifestyle.

Complete with key-less entry, free WiFi and Foxtel, all apartments are equipped with the modern conveniences necessary for a comfortable nights stay, having a lounge and dining room, kitchen with quality appliances, bathroom and personal laundry facilities.

The area is well-serviced by taxis and public transport, with a bus stop at the door. Buses from Bondi Beach link with the Sydney train network at near-by Bondi Junction. Offsite parking is currently available on surrounding streets and in Bondi Pavilion.

Bondi38 apartments are a home away from home, perfect for a romantic getaway, holiday or business trip.

Sandra Tiltman     Photos: John Pond


WHERE THE BREAD IS ALWAYS FRESH

April 22, 2014

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The Dough Collective, a new bakery and coffee shop, selling handcrafted breads that are baked on the premises throughout the day, has recently opened at 614 George Street, Sydney. The modern distinctive décor featuring rolling pins is sure to attract attention, along with the glass display cabinets full of tempting treats.

IMG_5019Chefs bake the bread to a timetable, with new bread varieties baked every hour. This means fresh bread is available immediately for sale. Check the timetable to see when your favourite bread is due to come out of the oven. Customers serve themselves, placing their selections on a tray, which they take to the cashier for payment.

They have perfected a unique yeasting process which allows the sweetness of the bread to occur naturally, so that the sugar content is low. Ingredients are sourced from all over the world and are used to create unique flavour combinations.

IMG_5023When I visited The Dough Collective I tried their delicious cheese and shallot scones along with a coffee. I was tempted by the Belgium chocolate and red wine toast but decided on the pumpkin and cream cheese bread to take home.

Charley Zhao, Managing Director of The Dough Collective, commented “We are delighted to be launching an innovative and ‘new wave’ bakery experience to Sydney and can’t wait to showcase our unique breads to every bread lover in the City.”

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond

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“STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL” – SYDNEY BENEFITS

April 18, 2014

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Sydney will be the big winner, following the Global Premiere at the Lyric Theatre of Baz Luhrmann’s “Strictly Ballroom The Musical” on Saturday 12 April. Billed as “The Story That Inspired The World To Dance”, this very Australian musical tells the story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart.

DSC_4545 (1)Tourism numbers are set to swell with visitors coming to Sydney purely to attend a performance of this exciting show. Hotels and airlines will no doubt be offering special packages to entice country, inter-state and international visitors to spend additional days in Sydney to coincide with the theatre visit. Restaurants in the centre of Sydney, especially those close to the Lyric Theatre, are bound to notice an increase in their diner numbers, plus taxis and hire cars will be sure to see increased patronage. The economic benefits to Sydney from “Strictly Ballroom The Musical” will be enormous.

Brought to the stage by the original creative team behind the classic 1992 film, including director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John “Cha Cha” O’Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce, this production is sure to delight even those who can’t tell a waltz from a rhumba.

DSC_4653Produced in Australia by Global Creatures and Bazmark, this uplifting and courageous tale originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of students at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 1984.

The excitement and glamour begins on entering the theatre where the lamé covered seats sparkle and a giant mirror ball hovers over the audience. Colourful posters adorn the theatre’s walls and on stage the MC is welcoming everyone to the evening’s ballroom championships.

Once the curtain opens and the band strikes up, a glittering night of ballroom begins. Catherine Martin’s sequinned costumes are stunning, worth going to the show just to see them, along with the incredible wigs. Tina Sparkle’s pineapple costume has to be the “star” of the night

Chosen from an audition process that lasted eight months and involved close to 600 auditionees, newcomers Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos are exceptional in their respective roles of Scott Hastings and Fran.

Thomas and Phoebe are joined by principal performers Heather Mitchell, Drew Forsythe, Mark Owen-Taylor, Robert Grubb, Bob Baines, Fernando Mira and Natalie Gamsu plus a multi-talented cast that will leave you breathless with their dancing.

Young and old alike will enjoy this colourful spectacle, which is essentially a love story and will be sure to put a smile on your face.

As members of the audience were leaving the theatre, many were whistling and singing along to “Love Is In The Air”, the tune that will forever be associated with this very Australian musical.

“Strictly Ballroom The Musical” is a show for the whole family to enjoy. Tuesday to Sunday with matinees Saturday and Wednesday at the Lyric Theatre.

Sandra Tiltman Photos: John Pond


THE GIGLI CONCERT

April 12, 2014

Gigli Concert_dress rehearsal_Eternity Theatre

Considered to be one of the great Irish plays of the last century, “The Gigli Concert” by Tom Murphy is Darlinghurst Theatre Company and O’Punksky’s Theatre’s current production at the Eternity Playhouse.

The story takes place in the grungy flat that’s both home and consulting rooms for the main character, JPW King. Played by Patrick Dickson, JPW King is a quack psychiatrist with an insatiable taste for vodka, always asking himself how he is going to get through each day. When a mysterious Irishman, played by Maeliosa Stafford, walks into his office wanting to sing like the great Italian tenor Beniamino Gigli, things finally start to look up for JPW King. In between the Irishman’s visits, King’s lady friend, Mona, who is played by Kim Lewis, pops in to liven up the boredom of his existence.

Patrick Dickson, Maeliosa Stafford (c) Frank FarrugiaDirector John O’Hare is thrilled to be working with a true ensemble of great actors and commented “For me The Gigli Concert is a reflection of all that I am and potentially could be. This is a comedy with a Faustian pact at its heart. It is a wicked celebration of despair, which at the same time reminds me of the power of friendship to heal the deepest wounds”.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company Director Glenn Terry is very proud to be working with O’Punksky’s again. “John O’Hare, Patrick Dickson and Maeliosa Stafford are outstanding artists in their own right. Each has a professional theatre career and they come together as O’Punksky’s to create theatre that they feel deeply connected to and passionate about and they deliver standout productions of Irish drama.”

O’Punksky’s Theatre is a company rich in creativity, resilience and resourcefulness. The directors are all founding members who act, direct, design, write and have been producing plays since 1990.

The Gigli Concert is currently playing at Eternity Playhouse, Burton Street, Darlinghurst until 4 May 2014.

Sandra Tiltman      


FIJI’S SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI

April 12, 2014

Sigatoka River Safari_Captain Jack at the Rockface

Fiji is a popular destination for Australians, especially during school holiday times. Only a three hour flight from Sydney to Nandi, where the international airport is located, it’s not long before visitors get into holiday mode, especially after receiving the traditional “Bula” welcome. Fiji offers a large range of accommodation, available in all price categories, from luxury private islands to resort hotels and serviced apartments.

Families flock to Fiji, as the variety of activities available appeal to all age groups, from lagoon cruises, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, sightseeing to a game of golf.

Waving goodbye to village friends SRSOne fun activity that should not be missed is the award winning Sigatoka River Safari. Celebrating its 8th birthday in April, the tour has truly lived up to its tag line ‘Simply Unforgettable’. As the first jet-boat safari tour of its kind in Fiji, it has become one of the country’s most popular tours, winning the 2008 Best Fiji Experience and 2007 Best Adventure Tour at the annual Excellence in Tourism Awards. The half-day adventure into the heart and soul of Fiji, aboard custom-built safari jet boats, travels along the Sigatoka River, visiting authentic Fijian villages, allowing passengers to experience a day in the life of the real ‘kaiviti’ (Fijian).

Founded by Australian Jay Whyte, who fell in love with Fiji when he was a child, “I visited Fiji for the first time in 1991 and met Fijian, Pita Matasau. Pita took myself and my family high into the Fijian interior to his village of Draiba.  It was from this experience that I decided other people should see that area of Fiji. The next year I visited New Zealand and that’s when I thought of combining a jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River with a visit to a real Fijian village, just like I had experienced.It didn’t happen overnight, in fact it wasn’t until ten years later that I decided to put my plan into action”said Jay.

Beginning fromasmall home office and a staff of four, Sigatoka River Safari now has a staff of 40 and two retail shops in Sigatoka Town. Their one boat has expanded to four.

One of the company’s most exciting developments was starting the new Off Road Caves Safari tour in 2012. Mr Whyte said “Off Road Caves Safari is Fiji’s only off road safari and takes passengers to the Naihehe Cave, Fiji’s largest Cave system. I’m extremely proud of what I have achieved and when passengers return from the Sigatoka River Safari and tell me how much it has really touched them, then I know I’m achieving what I set out to do. I love living in Fiji, working with my incredible team and helping the villages we work with”.

The Sigatoka River Safari is one tour that should not be missed when visiting Fiji.

Sandra Tiltman


NEWCASTLE, A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT

April 3, 2014

NewCastleBeautiful Beaches

Easy accessibility would have to be one of the main reasons why Sydneysiders love visiting Newcastle. Approximately a three hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is located just off the M1 Pacific Motorway. Whether it’s a day trip or a more leisurely stay, if you have the time, take the coastal Pacific Highway as a pleasant alternative.

If you don’t want to drive, coach companies also provide regular connections. Newcastle is also part of the New South Wales City Rail network. Frequent daily return services operate from Sydney with CountryLink trains and their coach network connecting Newcastle via Broadmeadow station.

Flying is another option for those in a rush, with direct flights available from Sydney. Newcastle Airport is the fastest growing regional airport in Australia and is only 30 minutes from the city centre. Getting around the city is not a problem as NewcastleTaxis provide a 24 hour, seven day service, including the airport.

Night Markets

Night Markets

Newcastle’s excellent food and dining scene which offers fine restaurants, waterfront dining, chic cafes, cellar doors and boutique breweries has resulted in the city becoming one of Australia’s regional foodie destinations. Why not plan to visit the three day Food & Wine Expo at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, held during the last week of August.

Fresh local produce, organic foods, handcrafted clothing, artisan accessories plus local arts and crafts are all available at the city’s many markets. The Hunter Street Mall has night markets on the second and fourth Friday of each month. For chic boutique shopping, the unique East End is the place to go.

As Australia’s second oldest city, Newcastle has many historic hot spots. Visit Fort Scratchley, built in 1882 to defend the city from the threat of a Russian invasion; with its labyrinth of tunnels, experience how the installation helped defend Australia during World War Two. Alternatively, go on an East End Dark History Ghost Walk. Historic Watt Street comes to life each evening through an electric, interactive multimedia light display set to transport visitors through time. See heritage listed buildings, historic townhouses and Victorian terraces along Newcastle’s oldest street brought to life through colourful cinematography, lavish light ups and interactive installations.

The Newcastle Civic Theatre, complete with 1920’s décor, provides the theatre lover with a large selection of plays from comedy to drama, year round. There is also a large live music scene from the intimate ambience of Lizottes theatrical restaurant to the sounds of hip hop, orchestral and jazz. Pair fantastic food, quality wine and craft beer with bands at some of the many pubs around the city.

If you love the outdoors, try the coastal walk past three pristine beaches that are interlinked by Bathers Way, from Nobbys in the north to Merewether in the south. Total walking time at a medium pace is approximately three hours, ideal for a long walk on a temperate summer evening or a romantic stroll after dinner.

Whether it’s just a day trip, a getaway for a weekend or perhaps longer, the State’s second largest city has so much to offer.

Sandra Tiltman

Visit our social photo site: www.sydneysocialdiary.com


NEW WINTER CHOCOLATE MENU

April 3, 2014

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Chocaholics all over Sydney will be converging on Darling Harbour’s San Churro Harbourside to try their new chocolate themed winter menu. Full of items that are perfect for sharing and guaranteed to satisfy winter chocolate cravings, this new menu even offers a Cinnamon Breakfast Churro, in answer to the Spanish tradition of eating churros for breakfast.

IMG_4958 Nothing beats wrapping cold hands around a mug of steaming hot chocolate. San Churro’s new range of El Grande Spanish Hot Chocolates are made to a traditional Spanish recipe and are the ultimate indulgence. The 17 different hot chocolates are rich, thick and served with a choice of toppings. I tried the crushed malt balls, but the chocolate biscuit crumble and the marshmallows looked very tempting.

Winter is the time for comfort foods and the Chocolate Volcano is worth making the trip just to try one. This fabulous rich chocolate fondant pudding comes complete with a gooey chocolate lava centre and to tempt you even further, it’s served warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Even in winter, you can still enjoy an ice cream sundae. Their Cookies and Cream Sundae with white chocolate ice cream, hot chocolate fudge, milk chocolate, crushed chocolate biscuits and chewy pieces of macaron meringue is one that will put temptation in front of you.

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There’s a large selection of boxed chocolates and cakes on display to take home for later, plus a range of mugs. San Churro also has their own Hot Chocolate Mix, complete with instructions printed on the back, so you can make a perfect drink at home.

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond  

Visit our social photo site:   http://www.sydneysocialdiary.com