Lavender Bay Dinner Party: Visa Grant Celebrations!
Finally… my second year visa here in Oz has been granted following almost two months waiting for it all to go through. I’ve been in a bit of a limbo until now with the prospect of it possibly not getting accepted. So this was a fitting cause for celebration and occasion to invite my family over for a dinner party in my new home of Lavender Bay.
It may have been a Tuesday evening, but with my sister in town and my visa confirmation, it was more than necessary to pop the bubbly!
My fabulous chef land lady who is a family friend put the evening together and did a marvellous job of prepping and serving a delicious dinner. It was a treat to have the dining table laid as I often sit out on the balcony with my dinner.
We were treated to a one dish delight of chicken thighs, sweet potato, beetroot and spinach drizzled with lemon mint jus and sprinkled with hazelnuts.
What a way to officially welcome in my second year in Sydney by hosting my family to a dinner party in this gorgeous home of Lavender Bay.
Hitting the beach at midday, it was buzzing and the bars were already pumping their tunes setting that feel-good Bondi weekend atmosphere. We found a spot on the beach and enjoyed a couple hours sunbathing whilst having some quality sister girl talk time.
With Bloody Mary’s on our minds following my Uncle’s suggestion for fixing our sore heads, we hit Bucketlist for arvo drinks. This spot right in the centre of Bondi beach is the perfect place for people watching that infamous strip along the front.
After a stroll around the boutique shops and vintage stores we visited Bondi Hardware, a hidden gem in the neighbourhood of Bondi serving top cocktails and delicious tapas, including a scrumptious chipotle manchego charred corn dish.
I opted for an iced coffee given my delicate head and my sister enjoyed a glass of Rose. Live acoustic music set the tone for an easygoing evening as we sat on the benches outside at golden hour surrounded by the hum of Bondi Sundaze.
First up on our vineyard tour we went to Mount Ashby Estate to soak up the authentic French terrace setting and catch up with the lovely owners who I used to work for. After tasting the beautiful wines, we purchased 2 bottles of their deliciously refreshing Rose as gifts.
Next we stopped by Bendooley Estate where the cellar door showcases a stunning feature fireplace on a cog system overlooking the picturesque fields of grapes. After an insightful discussion of the wines as we tasted the wide range on offer, we got a bottle of Reisling and Sauvignon Blanc as more gifts – I promise! 😉
Popping via Coles on our way home, we grabbed food for the BBQ and got back to get prepping. I made a trio of salads including Greek feta, sweet chilli carrot zucchini noodles and a simple green leaf avo salad to accompany burgers, sausages & charred corn.
Everyone enjoyed the evening sun as we chatted by the pool and got the feast prepped. It was the perfect end to an idyllic day in the scenic Southern Highlands showing my sister the area I called home for five months, and still continue to escape to when I need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Heading down to The Rocks, we passed via the Luna Markets where the back streets were decorated with hundreds of beautiful Chinese lanterns.
As the sun was setting and a picturesque pink hue was settling over the harbour, we stopped by The Glenmore rooftop. I couldn’t think of a more fitting spot to enjoy a glass of rose with an out of towner than overlooking the harbour bridge and opera house set against the stunning Sydney skyline.
A few cocktails and vinos down and we were ready for some dinner! After showing my sister my new pad in Lavender Bay, we popped around the corner to a fantastic Spanish tapas bar called Delicado Foods. With wine served in suitably large glasses and an extensive menu of authentic tapas, this local favourite on a modest corner of Blues Point Road felt like we were in the middle of Europe.
We ordered a spread of potatas braves, halloumi mushrooms, spicy chorizo and salad before treating ourselves to desert of churros and Affogato Amaretto (naughty but necessary). A truly memorable evening spent with my sis showing her the sweet Sydney life as we soaked up those twilight tingles sipping our rose.
After sun baking for a couple of hours, I couldn’t think of anything more suitable to cool me down than a hearty bowl of acai. As primarily a fresh grocer store, Fruitologist also has a smoothie bar open all day churning out mouth-watering delights. So finally leaving the beach at 4pm, I headed straight there and ordered the classic acai topped with granola, strawberries, watermelon and added extra pb.
Served heaped over the top of the pot with a generous helping of granola and lashings of pb, my cravings for a refreshing bowl of sweetness were well satisfied. At only $12 per bowl and open until 7pm on weekdays, I know exactly where to visit when I need a quick bowl for the road or to grab and enjoy down the beach.
So when it comes to the weekend, sometimes there’s nothing better than taking time out to enjoy simple pleasures. I never have chance to make my favourite bowl of oats during the work week, so for Saturday brunch I indulge in a beautiful bowlful packed with plenty of fruit, cinnamon & nut butter. My current preferred choice is Almond Pistachio Butter by the 99th Monkey, a Melbourne brand which uses only natural products to create a range of yummy spread combos.
Getting in my loungewear and in direct line of the air-con (it’s over 30 degrees here in Oz at the moment!), I settle in for the night in front of Graham Norton with a glass of vino. How lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful home too amongst the art and eclectic interiors. Cheers to the weekend wind-down from Lavender Bay ❤
Arriving at midday on Australia Day, the cafe was bustling and there was a little wait for a table. Finally we bagged our spot on a bench right by the window with prime view of the harbour and clear blue water splashing on the rocks right by our feet.
I ordered my classic long black with a dash of hot milk and for brekky I chose the granola bowl served with soy soaked chia, mango, berries and edible flowers. Exquisite presentation and delicious flavour combos matched with top coffee, I left well fed and ready for my birthday celebrations!
I would be keen to return to try another one of their tempting all day breakfast combos which initially drew me in on their popular Instagram feed. Celsius certainly serves up all the goods with a varied food menu for all tastes and perfect coffee to match the dreamy location.
Meeting my friend after work, we browsed the beautiful exhibition before stopping off for a glass (or two) of wine. I was in awe of the use of space as the beautiful art on display was such a contrast juxtapose to the raw, cumbersome interiors of this ancient building.
The Crystal Cloudscape built from thousands of sparkling chandeliers was exquisite and the eye-catching hanging metallic mobiles twinkled majestically against the exposed brickwork. However these hold a deeper meaning as on closer inspection they contain shapes of a teardrop, bullet or gun to symbolise the polarising gun occupancy prevalent in American culture today.
We then spent the evening winding down over some delicious Spanish tapas and a few glasses of Pinot Gris. We were treated to a pear parmesan rocket salad and polenta chips courtesy of my lovely landlady who is the head chef at Cosecha and finished the night with a little cheese board.
As an arts and culture hub, this space at Carriageworks attracts a variety of eclectic people to create a buzzing, friendly atmosphere welcome to anyone and everyone. I certainly can’t think of a better way to spend my hump day evening!
New Years day and our delicate heads were fixed with a dip in the lagoon and morning of mooching the boutique shops of Byron. Before leaving, we also visited The Farm with its popular cafe and restaurant on site run by the founders of hatted restaurant Three Blue Ducks in Sydney. Here we enjoyed a much needed coffee and spot of brunch overlooking the sunflower fields before another long leg on the road. It was a busy time of year with the holidays in full swing, so I would be keen to visit another time to experience the true free-spirited local vibes of hippie Byron Bay.
Ending up back in Sawtell where we had initially scoped out a good spot to camp by the river, we launched the boat late afternoon and got fishing as the sun went down at golden hour. With a quiet river to ourselves, tunes playing in the background and a glass of vino in hand, it was the most blissful way to welcome in the first day of 2019. Our setup for the night was just perfect too, with a makeshift kitchen laid out on the grass and boat back on dry land set up with the bed ready to fall into after dinner. I made the most of what we had as shops had closed early on the bank holiday, even having to use tin foil for makeshift plates! I put together some bruschetta with cucumber, tomato and lemon for starters before steaming some broccoli and corn to accompany our little white fish from the days catch – modest yet so tasty.
Dani Aneka 