Melbourne's Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots

It would be an understatement to say that Australians love their coffee. With that in mind, dont expect to see Starbucks on every corner either. They take their coffee seriously, which has morphed into an obsession with quality coffee. It may come as no surprise to anyone had has read my rants about Starbucks and their none-paying tax butts, in addition to not paying taxes, I wouldn't put quality and coffee together when it comes to Starbucks, which also so they open 84 stores only to close 61 of them in the 8 years since opening. They could not rise to the challenge when compared to the cafes that pour out high-quality shots that Australians are accustomed to. The coffee culture in Australia is a lot more mature than I and a lot of people expect when visiting this far away land.

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Gelato Lab Co | A Slice of Italy In Cambodia

Cambodia is a country that calls souls to witness the awe-inspiring Angkor Temples. With flocks of tourist heading to Siem Reap to see the temple ruins, the city is lively and constantly abuzz. Food is not so far behind city explorations and in such a tropical destination you can beat the heat is not so far behind. When the heat calls so does the thirst for something cool. Gelato Lab and Co is a little gem that we discovered when wandering the alleyways of Siem Reap's Pub Street narrow and long alleys.

Gelato Lab Co offers authentic Italian gelato and sorbets all freshly made on site and with all natural ingredients too. Made the Italian way! Ice-creams are made with the finest Madagascan vanilla beans and made using the Cattabrigga Eff 6, said to introduce air to the gelato that distinguishes it from the standard ice-creams. The put in similar effect into their aromatic coffees. The ice-creams, sorbets and the coffee are all full of flavour and a testament to the pride and joy that goes into producing food in this cafe. Its a cool and laid back cafe with friendly staff.

Gelato Lab Co - Alley West | Between Sivatha Rd and Street 11, Siem Reap 855, Cambodia

Open - 9am -11.30pm

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Kuala Lumpur | A Culinary Tour Through Chinatown

Exploring a new city is not just about the tourist sites. Food is very much as the heart of cultural explorations. When it comes to Kuala Lumpur, its got it all! Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps and at the heart of it, you have the lively and bustling neighbourhoods of KLCC, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown. Having heard great things about China town it wasn't long before we were hunting down Petaling Street, where Chinatown is based. Day or night this part of town is bustling with food stalls, shops calling out customers for nail and massage services. We were too famished for grooming sessions, so we skipped the nail and hair salons and got right down to business; the food!

Famous for its street food and the beauty of it is that majority of it is cooked right in front of you. It's a paradise if you are a lover of seafood or exotic food in addition to the usual Chinese delicates that includes scorpions and other weird and wonderful creatures. As far as entertainment goes, there are folks that pass through and play music next to the dinners outside, there sellers walking around the tables selling selfie sticks, laser pens, and other nicknacks. It's well-known as a bargain hunter's paradise where you can find everything from souvenirs, clothes, electronics to imitation goods. Make sure you up your haggling game as you will find brands like Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Nike, the list goes on!

Even if you are short on time in the city be sure you make time for Chinatown. The best part is that whatever time or day you come it's always lively.

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Brunch With A View Atop The Best Kept Secret In Paris

Who would dare say no to a quick brunch with 360° of Paris? No one! On my last trip to Paris before heading out to Australia my boyfriend and I decided on a weekend visit to Paris before I disappeared off to Australia for two weeks. Having skipped breakfast in the morning it wasn't long before we needed a caffeine break from exploring Paris' beautiful streets. What was to be a quick stop at Printemps turned out to be a long brunch as the views on Printemps Rooftop Terrace are just breathtaking. Right in the heart of Paris you can get a bite to eat, drink and have the best view in town and all 360° of it. 

From Printemps'  Le Deli-Cieux Rooftop Terrace Cafe you can see Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Opera de Garnier. If you haven't been to Au Printemps then it's high time you added it to your list. It's pretty big, taking up about 5 buildings with an endless list of designer levels set on 6 storeys of the building. From Women's Fashion to Men's and everything you can possibly need for your house, cat and dog all housed in this beautiful spot in the city. With a rambling stomach and major pangs for coffee, shopping was far from my mind. 

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Do Not Leave Andalusia Without Dining At El Mirador

We spend a couple of days exploring Ardales, a beautiful little town in Andalusia. Typical in its style of Spanish villages which come with character-filled white-washed buildings. If you haven't been to this part of Spain I details 7 reasons why you need to visit this part of Andalusia in my post. A couple of days into our stay in Andalusia we also took on El Caminito del Rey in El Chorro but by the time we came back from the walk we were too tired to check out El Mirador and thought instead to come back the following day. The  setting for the El Mirador restaurant is what attracted  me that most before I had even looked at their menu.

Dining that comes with a spectacular view is always a plus in my view and adds to the memorable getaway. Imagine eating your paella with panoramic views of Ardales's Guadalhorce reservoir and the beautiful countryside. As its sits besides the lake you can also walk off you lunch in perfect surrounding. There are many viewing points from the restaurant itself, with steps that lead to the bottom as well as viewing points a few meters from the Restaurant and the Guadalhorce dam.

The food was great and they have a selection of salad, seafood and meet dishes and prices are reasonable. Getting via the same as the directions I provided for El Caminito del Rey in El Chorro.

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London's Best Roof Top Bars

"Lets face it, this is London. When the weather is this good its time to celebrate"

Summer in London is known for being sketchy so when the sun is out it's time to kick your shoes of, put on some sandals and head for London's best roof top bars. While my sisters were visiting from the USA I managed to take them to a few of them as we hadn't managed to explore them on there last visit. One of those was Vista Bar in Trafalgar Square. Sits on top of Trafalgar Hotel with views across Westminster, London's theatre district and of course watching the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square. Great cocktails with prices that won't make your eyes water are just what was ordered.

As we are right in the middle of summer(not judging by this week's weather), I thought I would show you some of the places locals hang out in, in the city. These places also offer some of the best views of the city without paying extra to get in. Others not listed at the Elizabeth Hall on Southbank, London's Sky Garden and the Shard as well as a for more slight further out of central London. You can check out my post on views from across St Paul's Cathedral with 5 top places to watch the sunset over London's skyline.

Vista Bar, The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS. (Pictures below)

Sushisamba -  London's highest roof terrace. Open all year round at Heron Tower in Liverpool Street. Very popular with professionals, so expect a waiting list or queues. The terrace’s point of focus is a tree sculpture with pretty orange leaves that sparkle when lit up after sunset. Cocktail prices are also not for the faint hearted but the amazing views more than make up for the prices. The lift ride up there is worth a go in itself any time of day, although I prefer it at night.

110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY

Aqua - Open all year round and offers the perfect spot for watching the sunset with a cool drink in hand and interesting conversations with friends.

5th Floor, 30 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7EB 

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Tasteful Experiences | Explore London By Boat

London Food Tour - SecretFoodTours | Walking Tour of London | Eating London Food Tours | London food tour of Brixton and Borough Market | Soho Food Tour | Foodies' Walking Tours - London Walks |london cruise with dinner | london cruise with lunch | london cruise with meal | london cruise with afternoon tea |  Premier Thames Dinner Cruises by Bateaux | Dinner Cruises on the River Thames - London

As Londoners there are many things we take for granted because they are always there, but I tell you there is always an element excitement when you see London from a different angle, say for a boat. When the folks at Tinggly invited my boyfriend and I for a cruise on the Thames we jumped at the chance to explore London by boat. A table by the window guaranteeing uninterrupted views of London's best London marks, gourmet food and wine glasses refilled without even noticing. How would say no to that?

The cruise starts off at Westminster pier and flows through Central London's 2,000 year old river, providing commentary of much of the London's weird and wonderful history from years past to present day. These tours would seem like something only tourists are up for but even a Londoner is bound to appreciate a romantic break on the waters, whether its a first date or anniversary that doesn't involve a plan ride, in addition to learning something new about the city. Taking to the waters is one of my favourite things to do in the city. You can check out my other post on London's Little Venice.

We whiled away the tour passing through, Waterloo Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge and its over-the-river platform, Millennium Bridge with views of St Paul's and Tate Modern and headed for the beautiful bridge with views of Castle of London, Shard and the many skyscrapers of the financial district before cruising to Greenwich. The weather on the day was not great but such is life in London, but fine dining, stunning backdrop to many of the city's tourist attractions and relaxed environment you immediately forget about London's lack of sunshine. The tours run a couple of times a drive with a variety of offerings. Tinggly find the most inspiring experiences around the world and let you share them as gifts for you and loved ones. Head to Tinggly for more details about the cruise as well as more experiences ranging from touring Russia Palaces, walking with Monks in Nepal to zip lining through rain forests, Safaris in African national parks and so much more.

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City of Canals | Where To Brunch In Amsterdam

Strolling around the city of canals, its so easy to forget the history of this beautiful city.  Amsterdam started off as small settlements along the rivers and soon after built dam across river Ij and Amstel. Today this is the centre of the city. While exploring the city one must for not only tourist but locals too, is chillaxing in the many cafes strewn across the capital. What better way to spend the day than meetups over coffee while people watching? Below are a few of my top spots for brunching in Amsterdam.

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Pennethornes At Somerset House

Pennethornes cafe bar, if you are not in the know is a trendy hang out for youthful urbanites in the heart of the Westend's Somerset House. Somerset is well known for hosting the London Fashion Weeks, but its also a culture center for art exhibitions and events for the creatives. In the winter months it hosts the festive ice skating and in the summer months you can also see movies screened outdoors that are projected on the walls of the building all the while you chill with friends in picnic style on the grounds. So the new addition to Somerset House by way of Pennethorne's cafe is just befitting of this super cool venue just at the top of the Strand. 

The cafe is located in New Wing of Somerset House. A sleek cafe-bar setting serving up breakfast and dinner treats, together with everything in between. Their menu is said to bring flavours from the Grand Tour travels of France and Italy by Sir James Pennethorne, a 19th Century archecture, whose travels served as an inspired for the menu. Lunch dishes ranges from small platters to roast dishes with breakfast taking on a sweeter note of pastries as well as smoked salmon bagels that as washed down by flavourful coffees and selection of teas. While I was there, we sampled a few of the items on the menu and I have to say I am in Love with  the freshly baked breads(baked on site) with a side of the goat cheese. Just delicious!  With a wine collection to challenge even those that fancy themselves as wine buffs and cocktails that are infused with coffee liquor and martinis inspired by Italy's alchol-infused corretto it really is the new place to hang out on the River Thames. The surroundings are not bad on the eyes either.

I have already been a few times and its fast becoming my little hang out after my walks on the Southbank riverside. Below are some of my shots from my visits. Bare in mind that most of the time I have visited I have only had my phone to hand, so the pictures probably don't do enough justice to just how cute this place is.

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Brunching in Vondelpark

I don't know what it is about Amsterdam, but people seem more laid back, at ease and just so damn happy - in a rather understated way. I guess it must be a lifestyle. This may have been just me but it also seem very family oriented in all that they do. From seeing little family units biking around the city for leisure or on their way to work or school drop to family walks,  family gatherings in cafes and for the sake of enjoying each others company. As  vital as visiting the canals or the many museums in the city, a stop to Vondel Park is another must. We couldn't help but stroll through Vondel Park. 

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How to Eat Your Way Through Amsterdam

My dreams of travel extend far into many corners of this big 'ol world. There is one particular place I have been dreaming about for the last two years. Suriname, a country that lies in the northern-eastern of the Atlantic coast of South America. My daydreams are filled with pictures of pristine sandy beaches, coconut drinks, drank straight from the coconut itself and food full of exotic flavours that send me into unbounded spiral of wanderlust. To my surprise I had no idea the trip to Amsterdam a few weeks ago to celebrate 2 years together with a cuddly ginger would have me sampling authentic Surinamese food in the heart of Amsterdam. Not so far out of the ordinary as the Dutch colonised Suriname and with many places they travelled they returned with food rich in flavour that even today will leave dinners speechless as they quietly devour each intoxicately good bite.

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Travel & Fitness | Clever Ways To Stay Healthy On The Road

Perhaps the folks at Currys spotted some of my home-made fruit juice concoctions on my Instagram because I was invited to a nutritional event a few weeks back.  As much as I love exploring I also love the joy that comes with tasting new food in the places that I explore. Like that gorgeous Scottish Lamb Wellington at the Secret Garden with full-on dangerously delicious dessert or that tour that had me eating my way through London and left the hips in fear of what sort work out would be in order to work it off. Also throw in how my friend and I demolished a cheese cake platter in Berlin's Barcomi. I have tried to make myself believe that calories consumed whilst on holiday or weekend getaways don't actually stick but I tell you, the hips don't lie!

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Champagne and Scones - Afternoon Tea At Milestone

Source

I am one of those people who take their tea drinking very seriously. With a cupboard few of teas from around the world, so when there was mention of meet up with a brew thrown in I was not going to let the occasion pass.  I couldn't say no when Selena, a Texan living in London and one of the bloggers I met when I was in Newcastle at the beginning of the year was organising an afternoon tea for London bloggers at the Milestone Hotel in Kensington. The hotel sits across from Kensington Palace where the very ritual of afternoon teas was born, so there was no better place to engage in conversations of the blogosphere with some 20+ other ladies than over a tea party across from where Her Majesty's tea receptions took place. 

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Spitbank Fort | Secrets of The Solent

The shores of Southsea on Portsea Island can be somewhat chemeleonic. Being part of the UK it does not escape from the ever changing weather, its the transporting views on a beautiful coastline that stretches of for miles that I immediately fell in love with back in 2003. I guess you can say it was love at first sight. The following year I moved to Portsmouth on Portsea Island, Southern coast of England. On long summer days I could easily spend the day out on the seafront watching sailboats play catch with the wind, ferries transporting islanders to Calais in France or watch cruise liners pass through with passengers hoping for a short break from cabin fever. The beauty that comes with living so close to the sea side and a break from the concrete jungle of London life is what inspired the move to Portsmouth.

My visit back to Portsmouth this time was for a Sunday lunch date on the Spitbank Fort. Not many people know about this place. On the coastline of Portsea Island lies the secrets of The Solent. I got to spend the day exploring one of the secrets. Spitbank Fort is one of four forts that was originally constructed to defend the British from Napoleon's army in the 18th century. Days of fighting have long gone and these abandoned forts have now been renovated, with one turned into a museum, one is solely owned, with the other two turned into luxury hotels. One of which is the Spitbank Fort and the other twice as big, opening its doors this Autumn.

One can only get to the forts by boat, so transportation was from the Royal Clarence Marina on Gosport. Floating passed the beautiful Spinnaker tower and sailors no doubt testing out their boats in readiness for Cowes week this coming summer. With a tricky entry onto the fort due to rough seas, on arrival we were met with glasses of wine and canapes. Then a tour of the fort with a little historical detail of the living conditions of the soldiers that guarded the seas from within the fort. You cannot help but admire the old generation for building such a fantastic structure in the sea, with the little the technology they had compared to what we can achieve today, and it still stands today. There is so much history within the walls. Touring the fort and watching ferries and speed boats sail passed we had worked up an appetite, so it was time to retreat to the dining room for lunch served with a side of Spit water! An interesting name for sure, but I assure you its not literal. There is a spring running 401 feet beneath the fort so you can quench your thirst with Spitbank(shortened to Spit) water, freshly bottled on site too. With conversations effortlessly flowing with other guests at the table and dessert beautifully caressing each and every taste bud you could be forgiven for your mind drifting off into a dreamy state filled with all things sweet and nice.

The fort was beautifully transformed from a neglected sea fort, to one that has a luxurious coziness to it with a mix of a nautical theme and some original furniture items for its hay day. A relaxing lounge, recreation room, outdoor heated pool with stunning sea views, a fire pit to cozy up to and a bar to toast the night away you would wish never to leave the fort. After much needed Sunday rest and relaxation on the fort it was time to head home and leave the overnight guest to enjoy enjoy their humble aboard.

The secret is now out of the bag. If you have not head of the forts on The Solent then you need get your fingers busy on Google so you can get you and your special someone over to Spitbank Fort stat! You will thank me for it. In the meantime some pictures from my exploration of the fort...

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Spring Living | Picnic in the Queen's Park

In light of the much welcomed 4-day weekend during the Easter holidays, my sisters suggested we go for a picnic. This was always going to be tricky to plan considering how unpredictable the weather is in London. Banking on the Sun for Good Friday, we decided to give Spring living a chance and head out to St James's Park. One of London's oldest of the eight Royal Parks and includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.

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Feasting Through East London

Considering that a good 60 percent of my readers are from the USA and around the world so I am always glad to share more about London's hidden gems. Also for those from the UK visiting London. When I travel, as much as I want to see all the popular tourist places, I want to see where the locals hang out, where they eat and where they just chill out. So for this post forget about the London Eye, forget the Shard, Tower Bridge or St Pauls. I am taking you on a tour of East London. Some time I go I shared with you a post about East London's Street Art Tour(here). East London boasts the largest number of artists and art organisation living and working in any capital city in the world. So we are checking out where all the cool kids hang out. Did I also mention there is going to be food?

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Look Mum No Hands!

I recently wrote about my hunt for a new ride. In my hunt I have taken the search back to my roots. When I say "roots" I use that lightly in that I went to college in Clerkenwell Road which is a just around the corner from the bike hunting ground. I heard about a bike shop that does beautiful bespoke bikes, imported from none other than where the dutchies come from. I have put my name down for a red 3-5 speed bike. Another plus side to this place, The Bicycle Man to be exact, is that it does the Cycle to Work Scheme. So providing the bike comes under £1000 total including accessories then its all mine! My search of course was sweetened by one of my favourite cafes. Look Mum No Hands sits in the heart of Clerkenwell area in one of London's fashionable postcodes.  I could hang out here for hours. I normally bring my laptop with me and either catch up on some work, blog or just enjoy the relaxed and hip atmosphere with one of their cappuccinos. 

Credit: RichMitch

Look Mum No Hands is not just any cafe, it has a bicycle repair shop attached to it. You can tell where the name comes from by just looking at the theme of the decor. Which is perfectly fitting with my search for a new bike. This places just goes to prove at how explosively creative our coffee culture has become in London. We are slowly moving away from the usual popular cafes chains and rekindling our love for more independent with an authentic feel. It doesn't come any better than Look Mum No Hands cafe. The cafe is a popular hangout spot for "two-wheels-good folk". They have an outdoor courtyard which is beautiful on sunny days.

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Afternoon Tea On The Six

If you have not been to Newcastle then you have no idea what you are missing out on. It seems like its own little country as listening to the Geordie accent totally transports you. Well this past weekend I was literally transported from London to Newcastle. After mingling with travel bloggers and comparing notes over the weekend, Sunday was reserved for a much more relaxed affair. It couldn't have come any better than an invitation to the Six Restaurant on the river banks of the Tyne. Perched up  high on the sixth floor of the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art. Think Tate Modern in London but this time with less of the sky scrapers to distract you from the endless river views. Mr Awesome and I had the best seats in town with views of the Millennium Bridge, Sage and the beautiful Tyne Bridge. If you read through my travel posts you will know how I go on about architecture so sipping English Breakfast and munching on delicious delights from the magicians in the Six's kitchen, whilst marveling over magnificent engineering outside is heaven on both the lips and the eyes. Jazz music played softly in the background while sipping away, by far the best way to ease into the week. Not to mention being made to feel like royalty as they are so attentive when it comes  to service, my idea of Sunday well spent.

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Breakfast at Borough Market

Its not every weekend that I would wake up with the sole intention of leaving the flat just to eat breakfast outside. This weekend I had the pleasure of hosting my niece. In an attempt to put a little effort into breakfast in the morning I convinced Mr Awesome and my teen niece to get out early and head to Borough Market for Breakfast. It wasn't even 11am and the place was already busy with shoppers and sellers. Considering its only around the corner from me, its a shame I don't go to the market that often.

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Kleicha: A Gift From Iraq

Its always nice to receive gifts, especially when feeling little under the weather...

One of my friends has just come back for a visit to the UK, all the way from Iraq. With her, a tasty parcel of the sweet stuff. I have a box with Iraq's Kleicha; mini pastries with date filling on the inside. I remember my friend making Iraqi pastries when we were at university in Portsmouth. She used to make a lot of these as well as what I call Arabic mini pizzas - these are an Arabic version. She would pack these up for us so we didn't have to cook during exam session. A life saver when doing all-nighters in the library. I am not sure what they are called in Iraq but the Lebanese version is called Lahm Bl Ajeen. Shown here by Heart n Soul catering.

My Kleicha was freshly baked by my friend's mum and flew all the way from Baghdad to London! My boyfriend has scoffed down a lot of them(Ok! So I helped too:) They are delicious! Below are some pictures of whats left...

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