Food and luxury travel - Malaysia and the world
Words: Jane Speechley Photos: Monica Tindall Sometimes, it seems as though it might be impossible for a restaurant or café to achieve the big three: great location, great food and drinks, and great service. Usually, one or the other is lacking. However, Loca…
Words: Jane Speechley Photos: Monica Tindall While many of us have enjoyed the intoxicating aroma and earthy taste of black truffles, it was a rare treat to be able to visit the source and join in a truffle hunt at Blue Frog Truffles in Canberra, Australia. The Canb…
Words: Jane Speechley Photos: Monica Tindall Set amongst the incredible architecture of Hotel Hotel, it would be easy for Monster Kitchen and Bar to be overwhelmed by its surroundings. Instead, the venue is carving out a solid reputation for hearty and soph…
Words: Jane Speechley Photos: Monica Tindall Restaurant eightysix burst onto the Canberra dining scene in early 2013 and quickly earned a reputation for its unorthodox style: the relaxed manner of the staff, the steering toward share plates, and the bustling o…
Truffle brie, truffle honey, truffle popcorn and even truffle ice cream – it’s truffle season in Canberra and we’re getting the full benefits of its bounty at Lerida Estate. Overlooking Lake George, the estate claims breathtaking views and a prime positi…
Recently back from wine school in France I’m excited to get back into the scene in Australia to see how my new knowledge adds to my Aussie experience. And, we (dad’s my travel companion on this trip) are in very good hands, those of Australian Wine Maker of the Year […]
Fine chocolate is worth crossing the border for, and to learn a little more about the intricacies of this popular treat we cross the state line from our ACT base and enter NSW for a chocolate making and tasting session at Robyn Rowe Chocolates. These handcrafted cre…
At the main entrance of the National Gallery of Australia stands an installation piece that often leaves foreign dignitaries gasping, Australians standing proud, and everyone else in thoughtful reflection. Two hundred hollow log coffins make up The Aborigin…
Whoever said Canberra was boring was wrong! Gone is the image of dull politicians and not much to do. It’s quickly being replaced with a happening gourmet scene, the arts, and an explosion of fun activities in the great outdoors. Entrepreneurs seem to be flourishi…
Monica Tindall Celebrating one year of opening, Joe’s Bar at East Hotel Canberra has been bustling from the beginning, and the buzz surrounding the good food and friendly chic atmosphere does not seem to be easing. It’s here where dad and I are fortunate to enjoy a …
So you know those ridiculously insane shakes that have been posted all over social media? The ones that make your hips grow and mouth drool just with the images? The glass jars that are filled so high that a cascade of saliva inducing ingredients spill over the top, d…
“A perfect day starts with the perfect coffee and delicious food.” Although this is my first visit to Canberra in over 30 years, and my current base is a good day’s worth of flying away, the reputation of The Cupping Room has already been on my radar. I’m a self-confes…