Author Archives: andyq

Book Review: Elena Ferrante’s The Story of a New Name

Posted on 6 May 2018 by andyq

The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante My rating: 5 of 5 stars My Brilliant Friend was childhood and the end of childhood. The Story of a New Name takes us and our two heroines from this point … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Holy Duck! Chippendale

Posted on 5 May 2018 by andyq

Just over a year past my first visit, I brought my pal Tim to Holy Duck! It’s as good as it was, but nicely, much busier than it was before when it looked like it was finding its feet. These … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Susan Cain’s Quiet

Posted on 4 May 2018 by andyq

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain My rating: 3 of 5 stars I happened to win the book ‘Quiet’ as a Christmas party book giveaway; everyone got a book, though we … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: House Bar and Bistrot, Kings Cross

Posted on 4 May 2018 by andyq

Nestled behind Kings Cross at the end of Kellett Street is the House Bar and Bistrot. Chef Mauro Forgillo, who has worked at Fratelli Fresh, Rockpool and Merivale restaurants had the dream to open his own restaurant, and he’s achieved … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: The Nielsen, Vaucluse

Posted on 2 May 2018 by andyq

I really wasn’t expecting at a beach during school holidays to pop into a restaurant and for it to be so elegant. But it was. Fine dining in a lovely location and a very pretty old house at Nielsen Park. … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Cafe Salina, Bronte

Posted on 1 May 2018 by andyq

So, I took my dear friend Daniel on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and we, of course, needed sustenance en route, particularly after a swim at Bondi Icebergs. Cafe Salina has slightly higher ratings on Zomato than the other … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: No. 1 Bent Street by Mike

Posted on 29 April 2018 by andyq

So, let’s talk about Mike. I mean, Mike is a pretty common name, so I think it’s amazing that Mike McEnearney​ has cornered the market on putting his name on a restaurant and causing a buzz. He was at Rockpool, … Continue reading →

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Home cooking: I made my own mozzarella cheese!

Posted on 28 April 2018 by andyq

So, I am in disbelief that I made my own mozzarella cheese. That there above is not store-bought but was made with my own two hands. Ages ago, I stumbled across instructions on Kitchn from Emma Christensen, accompanied by a … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Chica Bonita, Manly

Posted on 27 April 2018 by andyq

So many restaurants to choose from! We came to Chica Bonita (“Pretty Girl”) because somehow they’ve managed to score a little higher than everywhere else on Zomato. So, why not? And I like Mexican food, the authentic kind and the … Continue reading →

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The Wonderful World of Water Kefir

Posted on 27 April 2018 by andyq

One my better half’s friends, Marian, introduced us to milk kefir, a few years ago, and then another friend gave us some water kefir grains to try. I love the idea of kefir, strange little granules that make a drink … Continue reading →

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