Author Archives: andyq

A minor operation

Posted on 7 December 2013 by andyq

A recount of last week’s operation and encounter with the Australian healthcare system. Warning: Whinging. Graphic. Oversharing. Have you got someone to take you home? Before the operation, upon arrival and after you wake up, they ask, sometimes repeatedly: ‘Do … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Non-Fiction | 5 Comments

My New Keepcup: The Reuse Revolution (again)

Posted on 3 December 2013 by andyq

I ordered my new keepcup online and it arrived last week. I had one already, but have decided lately I really want a LARGE coffee and so needed a proper large cup to match. I’m completely amused by Keepcup’s website … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer, Food n' Grog, Stuff, Sydney | Leave a comment

Shows I’ve Seen – 2012 and before

Posted on 1 December 2013 by andyq

Mainly as a record for myself, I keep a list of shows I’ve seen – musical theatre, cabaret, dance and plays – big shows and little shows, but memorable for some reason or other. Here’s my archive from 2012 and … Continue reading →

Posted in Theatre/Concert Review | Leave a comment

Restaurant Review: Cafe Nice, Sydney

Posted on 24 November 2013 by andyq

It’s hard to imagine the team from Fratelli Fresh doing wrong. They sell beautiful high-quality Italian produce at their stores, and their restaurants ride the wave of Sydney’s embrace of bistro-style cuisine, a step down from formal fine dining but … Continue reading →

Posted in Food n' Grog, Review, Sydney | Leave a comment

Restaurant Review: Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki

Posted on 24 November 2013 by andyq

To start with, they’ve got a great logo, the ‘C’ and ‘S’ and ampersand all combining into an organic plant-like shape, appropriate for an organic restaurant specialising on organic ingredients. Our visit to Chef & Sommelier, a charming, tiny and … Continue reading →

Posted in Food n' Grog, Travel | 1 Comment

Book Review: Berndt Sellheim’s Beyond the Frame’s Edge

Posted on 23 November 2013 by andyq

Beyond the Frame’s Edge by Berndt Sellheim My rating: 4 of 5 stars I think what’s interesting about a first novel is how you are introduced to a clear set of the author’s concerns. It is perhaps the book they … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Books, Sydney | Leave a comment

Restaurant Review: Volt, Stockholm

Posted on 20 November 2013 by andyq

Restaurang Volt, in Stockholm’s Ostermälm neighbourhood, is clear about its intentions. Its website shows a black and white photo of the four members of its team, three chefs and a manager, ranging from 30 to 32 years old, with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Food n' Grog, Review, Travel | 1 Comment

Book Review: Tabish Khair’s The Thing About Thugs

Posted on 10 November 2013 by andyq

The Thing about Thugs by Tabish Khair My rating: 5 of 5 stars First and foremost, Tabish Khair’s novel, The Thing About Thugs, is a great read. Both literary and accessible with beautiful writing and colourful characters, it’s well worth … Continue reading →

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Restaurant Review: Garagistes – Hobart, Tasmania

Posted on 4 November 2013 by andyq

We last visited Garagistes in Hobart for a special New Year’s Eve meal as 2011 was turning to 2012. It was a pleasure to return, reminding us of the wonderful meal we had there, and to see that the restaurant … Continue reading →

Posted in Food n' Grog, Review, Travel | Leave a comment

Travel notes: Helsinki

Posted on 22 October 2013 by andyq

Neither of us had any particular expectations for Helsinki, which is perhaps why it ended up charming us so much (that, and the spectacular weather). My previous experience, a conference from after Christmas and into the New Year, many years … Continue reading →

Posted in Food n' Grog, Travel | Leave a comment