Australian Wineries Worth a Glass

There are more than 60 different wine regions in Australia and each one has its own distinct flavours. The wines are as diverse and interesting as the scenery and cultures of each area. Taking a wine tour in Australia is a great way to explore the history and vintages of the country. This post by cheapflights.com.au looks at some of the most interesting wine making regions and wineries in Australia:

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Barossa Valley in South Australia is home to two different wine regions. The Eden Valley is best-known for its Riesling, while the core of Barossa Valley is home to an exceptional Shiraz. The nearby heritage towns of McLaren Vale and the Clare Valley also have strong wine heritages. Take some time to explore this area to get an idea of the diversity of Australian wine. The local wine festivals and celebrations provide visitors with an opportunity to taste locally produced wines.

Margaret Rivers, Perth

Margaret River is just a few hours drive from Perth and is a must-visit for any wine lover. There are more than 60 wineries in the area and there are some great fine dining opportunities too. If you want to sample local cuisine and good wine, then this is one of the best areas to visit.

YarraBalley, Melborne

Yarra Valley is located less than one hour away from Melbourne. The valley was the birthplace of Victoria's wine industry and there are still more than 50 wineries operating in the area. From large-scale operations to family-owned-and-run vineyards, Yarra Valley has it all. The cool-climate wines produced in the valley include a great Shiraz and a lovely Pinot Noir.

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has a gentle Mediterranean climate which differs dramatically from some of the neighbouring regions and gives the wines produced in the area a unique flavour. The grapes may be the same, but the way they are grown means that they have their own unique taste. Mornington Peninsula is home to some unique wines and the best way to enjoy them is to visit the region during one of the many food and wine festivals.

Australian Capital Territory

There are 33 wineries and 140 vineyards in the capital territory, ranging from family-run ventures to more industrial operations. Located just outside of Canberra, the region is a great place for anyone who enjoys local produce, fine wine and great Australian cuisine. Canberra wines are unique in their richness and diversity.

The range of wines available in the southern hemisphere is staggering. If you are interested in taking a wine tour, be sure to visit several different regions to get a full idea of how rich and interesting Australian wines can be. From microclimate wines in Canberra, to the cool-climate wines near Perth, there is something to suit all palates and all kinds of cuisine. Next time you pay a visit to this amazing country, be sure to explore what the vineyards to offer.

DH's Birthday Dinner at Flavours of China

Early morning yesterday, he’s gone on his bike.  He calls it birthday ride.  He was out the whole day to I don’t know where.   Antipolo maybe? ..or Montalban..  hmmp.. wherever!  It’s his day.  Let him spend it the way he wants it!   He was kinda thoughtful at least, coming home early for the family dinner out.  My Aussie MIL is in town for her annual Philippine holiday and I’m sure she was expecting this traditional birthday dinner celebration of his unico hijo.

So off to Trinoma we went!   I had a hunch we would be going to a Chinese Resto again.  So, as I was anticipating this occasion,  I used up the credits MetroDeal gave out for free and bought the promo deal offered by Flavours of China way ahead.   The promo cost Php399.00 for food worth Php500.   I bought 3 vouchers for Php1,197.00  the real value of which is Php1,500.00.  Great deal, indeed!

The food was really good.  You would say I’m biased because it’s Chinese cuisine, my kind of food.  But hey, Flavours of China’s food is really delish.  My only issue is the limited choices of food.  Not a lot of choices like other Chinese Restos we've been to. Nonetheless, food is worth the travel.  Competetively,  Flavours of China is equally satisfying.  Not to discount the place that is pleasant and cozy.   I love their Mixed seafood fried rice the most as it was loaded with lots of shrimps and scallops.  Undeniably  superb!

At any rate, the celebrator appeared pleased coz he only needed few more bucks to settle the bill.  Spell  practicality on celebrating birthday! 

Thanks to Flavours of China. We went home fully stuffed and satisfied!  Grateful to Metrodeal as well! You have thoroughly proven that this group buying site has truly made a big transformation!   No more glitches with voucher issuance.  Transaction is always a breeze.  Way to go, Metrodeal!


Note:  Photos to follow as soon as my camera's USB cable is found.

Bacolod Chicken - Matalino: Serves Almost Anything but Pork

Every time we come around the vicinity of City Hall and NKTI in Quezon City, we usually drop by in this  simple but comfy place in Matalino St. , the Bacolod Chicken.    Like the time when we frequent NKTI for DH’s check-ups, we had the moment to enjoy our favorite fare here, the Chicken Inasal.  There are many Chicken Inasals in town but  Bacolod Chicken Inasal  has a distinct taste.  Perhaps it’s the special kind of vinegar.  I don’t know.  I just like the taste more!  And the top reason why I love Bacolod Chicken is that they serve almost any kind of delicious Filipino food cooked from  all kinds of meats and veggies except… Pork!  Yes, that’s what I like in them. Their La Paz Bachoy is made from beef meat and broth unlike other Bachoys around which use pork ingredients.   Also they serve our fave sisig and they offer it in various kind. . bangus sisg,  chicken sisig,  beef sisig..   Well, I can say I like everything they offer in Bacolod Chicken.  From  Chicken Inasal to their tasty desserts like special Turon.

Have an enjoyable weekend everyone!

Maple Syrup Used For Different Types Of Cooking

A Guide To Buying

Maple pouring syrup is great with delicious freshly made pancakes, waffles and nearly everything. The sweet syrup can literally raise the quality and texture of any dish. Most chefs buy their products directly from manufacturers but the common man buys his Vermont maple syrup from a super market. But do you know the grade and quality of the syrup you are buying?

Purchasing maple pour syrup

It takes about 20 -- 30 gallons of maple sap to make the gallon of light amber colored syrup that is commercially available. However, this syrup is graded according to strict national and international regulations in to several different categories. Most people don't really care but if you like maple cooking syrup, it's a good idea to be informed about the syrup quality and cost.

1. Grade A -- This is considered the premier quality tree syrup to be used for eating. Grade A syrups are usually light and thin and have a delicate aroma and fragrance. This grade is further divided into three sub categories according to method of use and manufacture. These sub categories are classified as Light Amber, Medium Amber and Dark Amber.

2. Grade B -- This grade is commonly used for different types of cooking. This grade is darker than grade A and it has a deeper taste and texture for consumption.

These categories are commonly used in the US but Canada, which also produces several different types of maple sap, has a different grading system. It rates the syrups as

1. Canada #1, which includes a grade known as Extra Light and also known as AA,

2. Light (A), and

 3. Medium (B)

4. #2 Amber (C) and

5. #3 Dark (D) for baking and cooking

If you are using imported Canadian syrup, we recommend you check grading and quality before purchase. 

Buy maple syrup

The internet is the best place to find and buy unique syrup varieties. You can buy directly from international manufacturers who sell their products through large websites or from small manufacturers who produce just about ten to twenty bottles per year. Organic manufacturers also retail their products online and these products are considered to be completely chemical free. Do not buy 'organic' products unless they have the FDA seal on them assuring you of 90% chemical free products. The choice is yours.  However, the only way to be assured of the best pancake syrup is by buying your syrup from a professional licensed manufacturer. We recommend you get in touch with ColdHollow.com to find the best quality breakfast syrup at the most affordable rates. The state of Vermont produces most of the maple pancake syrup used in the US and newer regulations are now in place for better quality control. By late 2013, almost all maple snack syrup will be labeled as Grade A with four identifiers like Golden, Amber, Dark and Very Dark. When you buy from coldhollow.com you know you are getting the best. It's a simple as that.

 

About the author:
 Article written by Paul Freeman.

 

Accidental Dinner Date

The last time that I headed to Trinoma, I was all by myself coz I am more comfortable being alone picking and scrutinizing stuff that I plan to buy.  Thus, most of the day was spent rounding up shops, choosing  and fitting until I was drained and can no longer afford to queue for the public transport  (FX) ride going home.

I called up DH, to pick me up from where I was.   When he showed up, we were already both very hungry.  Thus, we decided to have dinner first before we merge with the heavy flow of traffic on the road.

He was very satisfied with his burger from ArmyNavy

just as I was very satisfied with my Porterhouse steak from Steak Sizzlers.

I wanted to regulate my meat intake but I can only do it at home.   When out of the house, I can’t turn my back on it, especially steak!  And it was one of those “today lang naman.. bukas hindi na” moments.  And  I indulged again! 

Smile, it brightens up the day!  Be well and stay happy!

Updating with Busy Friends in UP-Ayala Techno Hub

My friends and I used to frequently go out  or have simple get together in one’s house or the other.   But  those times seldom happen  now. Thus when we had the chance last night, we took advantage of the free time each one has and hung-out in Techno Hub for hours till early morning.  That was only after we visited another friend of ours who is confined in the hospital.    Having seen our sick friend looking better gave us the light feeling of relief.  She was into serious pain before, we were told.  We left the hospital at around 10pm and that was when decided to give in to Ely and her  hubby’s invitation for a pizza in one of the latest hang-out places near UP Diliman, the UP-Ayala Techno Hub.

The hub comprises of many Call Center companies and a huge space for restaurants and the likes.  There is a substantial open space with plants and trees as well, made more attractive with huge ball lamps that change colors every after few minutes.  It was my first time to visit the place.  We had passed-by at this said Hub perhaps a thousand times, (exagged?) but we never had the opportunity to drop by on one of the many eating joints housed in it.  The place is calm and serene despite the many yuppies around.  Well, probably because it was already a bit late at the time.  I can say it is such a pleasant and relatively peaceful spot to chill and relax after an exhausting day.   More so if you are with your very good friends whose company you missed for quite a long while!

Just a part of the Hub.

Susan

Ely

Another blurry shot.

Last piece of pizza on the pan. Forgot to take photo when still whole.:D

Thanks for your time.  Have a pleasant day everyone! 

Shakey’s Unexpectedly

 Pizza, chicken and  mojos were the last things in my mind when we headed to SM North last Saturday.   We were supposed to avail the a promo deal voucher I have with me since early January.  As courteously, we were  lead to a table for four and as we were seated, I handed to the waiter the voucher.  He accepted with a smile and submitted the same to the manager (I think!).   Knowing the promo dinner wouldn’t be enough for the four of us, DH and kiddos  ordered few more fares they saw in the menu.  Then  the free 1.5L bottle of Coke was served with matching ice in glasses. After long minutes of waiting for our food, the waiter came back apologetically returning the voucher I handed him.   Printed in it (in very fine letters) is the specification of the branch it is to be redeemed, certainly not the one we went to.  Oh no!  Good thing, we haven’t opened the bottle of Coke yet.   Upset maybe, DH decided to turn our back and transferred to the nearby Shakey’s . 

Moral of the story:  Review  voucher’s content and specifications before heading on to your destination.

Good day everyone!

A Delectable Gift from a Special Friend

The first quarter of the year is almost at its end and Valentines Day has long been over.  I have actually overlooked that Day of Hearts and I wasn't at all expecting any gift to come my way since I could feel it's no longer a priority for the DH here. :(   But a surprise came when a messenger handed me a bundle/8pcs of  Gift Certificates inside a secured envelop.  It was sent by a special blogger friend living on the other side of the earth. Gosh! I was speechless by her gesture.  Although it definitely warms my heart to be thought of on that occasion, I felt a little ashamed too for she should have not bothered sending me those "delicious gift".  It was meant to treat me and Tom to a sumptuous dinner in a fine restaurant named Italianni's on Valentine's Day.  However, that supposed Valentine dinner date didn't take place on the exact date of occasion due to an unavoidable circumstance.

One Saturday before DH got hospitalized, we used up the gift and was enjoyed not only by Tom and me but by the big kiddos as well.  It's been eons since we last visited Italianni's.  We missed their delectable italian cuisines, hence, every food ordered gave pleasure to our palates. 

Thank you * for the wonderful Valentines treat!  This  food tripping family was extremely satisfied by your thoughtfulness!   May your blessings never end!  xo!

Likewise, thanks to all who always find time to drop by and those who accidentally stumbled upon this blog. I hope you can come back and leave a line or two to let me know you were here.   God bless you all!

Family Birthday Dinner at Don Cuisine

Janina, our most beautiful daughter, (she’s one and only, that’s why. Lol! ) celebrated her birthday last Wednesday, Feb. 6.   It was just a simple family affair of dining out together.  We chose to try the newly opened fine looking restaurant near our place so we wouldn’t need to travel far from home.  I guess, we will never get tired of having Chinese cuisine over and over again!  Don Cuisine it is, this time around, a relatively newly opened (as earlier mentioned) Chinese Restaurant along the end stretch of Commonwealth Ave, in Fairview, Quezon City.

We had ignored and passed by this resto many times before. Little did we know that it is also as excellent as the other fine Chinese Restaurants we’ve been to.  I sincerely love everything they have in their menu (except pork).  I thought nothing can compare to Peking Garden Restaurant, but here it is, Don Cuisine boasting  their Peking Duck that is truly perfect!  With just the first bite, I can’t stop uttering words of approval and awe!  And mind you, it’s not only me who loves it here.  This family of insatiable eaters couldn’t say more.  The food and the place is simply great, to say the least!  Though their price isn’t far from those first rate restaurants, it is competitive enough.  Or could it be that their slightly lower prices is only to attract new customers?  I hope not!  One thing is sure though.  We found the better place that’s so near to us. 

Btw, let it be known this is not a paid review.  Nevertheless, I’m calling the attention of the people of Don Cuisine. How about giving us discount next time we visit huh?! Lol!

With the family and the good food, simple as it maybe, another birthday was celebrated our old traditional way!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, our Bunso!!! 

Thank you for taking time to read this post.  May your day be as bright and gay!  Hope to see you here again!

Dunsulan Falls, Clark and Subic in a Day – Part 2

In continuation of the Part-1 post with same title, Clark was next in our itinerary. Sis is a passionate   driver, hence, we reached Clark, Pampanga almost in a wink of an eye.  Lol!  We were in Parkson Duty Free Shop way before lunchtime.   Shopping for sporty shirts, little knick knacks and what-have-yous!   Then moved to another duty free shop named Oriental.  I remember having visited this shop more than a decade back.  It was truly unbelievably cheap stuff they had back then unlike today.  Yet, we didn’t leave without a loot even if it’s just a pack of chips and chocolates.  Just to say we bought something eh. We finished rounding the shops at around 2pm.  We wouldn’t have noticed the time if not for our growling tummies.  

Went to lunch in one ordinary looking eating place. Likewise, cuisine is ordinary, but tasty and delish!  Not surprising why I spotted a good number of beautiful uniformed flight attendants lunching in one long table. I learned it is the favorite eating place of airline employees in the vicinity.  

Next, we passed by the SM Clark.  My ‘tourist guide’ sis, brought me there when I mentioned I haven’t been to that specific SM branch yet just to satisfy my curiosity.  Thereafter, we headed to Subic in less than an hour via SCTex.  When in Subic, it’s hard not to be enticed and be lured to big discount sales.  OC  struck again when I saw my favourite Fitflops on sale together with other popular named footwear.  Hmmn.. partly blaming big sis on that. Haha.. but no regrets. I love my loot!

SM Clark

As we rounded up our day in Subic, sis bought a mouth watering Beef Bake Roll from “S n R”!  The serving was tremendously huge that i was full till the following morning. 

You think I was drained and exhausted?  Nah.. not me!  We were up before sunrise the next morning to catch the breathtaking seascape in the nearby fishing village and picnic park.  I really love seeing bodies of water and sis knows that.  She may not know it, but I appreciate all the efforts she throws on me every time! For these and everything else, including the sumptuous food she always prepares for me,  I wanna say "Thank You, Ate!"

Family Dinner at King Bee Commonwealth

It’s been a while since our family went on an out of town road trip. I wanted to go to Subic again with them so I kept nudging DH to take a break from his hobby so we could go to Subic.  But seems like there’s no way to break him away from his insurmountable crazy passion,  ... his mountain biking.  Clearly, we are left with no choice but to settle for a family dinner out instead.

So we dined out last Saturday.  The kiddos chose King Bee.  The last time we went there was on son’s birthday last September but I realized I had not blogged about the event or the food we had.  (I remember I wasn't feeling well for a long time around that time). Obviously, these people loved all the birthday food son had or they won’t come back.  King Bee is a relatively new elegant restaurant located in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City which specializes in considerably authentic Chinese cuisine. It serves real good Chinese dishes and their Peking duck is great (but I love Peking Garden’s more). It was included in the birthday food and daughter wanted it again but I discouraged her because of its steep price.  Anyway, they also have a roast duck which I learnt was the same as their Peking duck yet cheaper. The difference lies only on the way it is served.  Thus we just ordered the cheaper one.  Their dimsums are all scrumptious as with all the other food we ordered.. Needless to say, we love almost everything we saw in the menu. If only it's not as pricey, we would be visitng the place more often.  

Those food, no matter how delicious, could not compensate for the ignored out of  town trip. . Still on stand-by mode for the right time to snatch DH from his love affair with his bike.  With all my positive thoughts, that would be anytime soon!

Thanks again for dropping by! God bless everyone!