Sydney in winter

Time passes so quickly, i have been back from Sydney for one week already!
This trip has been wonderful, with lots of good food, good wine and most importantly, good company!

I arrived in Sydney on 13th June and the first two days were spent leisurely in Sydney city.
Dinner together with Ning Ning after her CA exam on the second night :)

The following day, with the arrival of James Tan the boyfriend, we made our way to hunter valley, a 2-hour drive away from the city, and spent 3 days 2 nights there.

First and foremost, i have to thank our driver, the joker, who drove throughout the trip. Without whom we would not have made it to hunter valley. And thank you for the entertainment throughout the trip! So here are a few pictures dedicated to you :D



I hope he doesn't kill me if ning shows him this...

Anyways, upon arrival in Hunter Valley. We checked into our rental holiday home, which has three lovely bedrooms and a cozy living room. (de'Vine - http://www.stayz.com.au/51927)
The couple's retreat

Water bed which i slept in!

Spare room.. if only Ying/Keng were here!

Cozy living room

The scenery at Hunter Valley was beautiful at many times, be it the plants, the wineries or the clear blue sky.

At the wineries




We visited many wineries and discover many fine wine! Here's a list of my recommendation:
1. Chardonnay from McGuigan
2. Noon harvest Merlot from McGuigan
3. Pinot Noir from Hungerford Hills
4. Moscato from Tempus Two
Though none of the sauvignon blanc really made an impression.

I would also like to give special mention to this top notch restaurant in Hunter Valley: Muse (http://www.musedining.com.au/).
Apart from the impeccable and warm service given and quality food, i was also impressed with the details they pay into the meal being served. In all, we received three complimentary dishes served throughout the meal, consisting of an appetizer (served after bread and before our starter), a lime sorbet (served after starter and before main course), and finally a dessert (after our own dessert).


Truly an unforgettable dining experience.

Apart from all the yummy food we had (as can be seen in my facebook album), we also whipped up delicious meals on our own!

Creamy scrambled eggs (ning: pass right?)

Rosti in the making

I also went for a professional barista course (http://www.coffeeschool.com.au/) and learned to make these!
Can you tell the difference between a cappuccino and latte?


Latte art:



Last but not least, I must mention these chocolate fondant cake (from Muse restaurant) and sesame ice cream (from Passion Flower) which i ate. The best i have ever had!!
Distinct crust which oozes out rich creamy fondant chocolate.

Sesame ice cream was so smooth and creamy~

The trip ended on a good note and I really had a great time. But at the same time it was a sad one because Ning will be back in Sg only in late September, after I have left for the States. This means I probably won't see her until another year or so. Ning you better visit! i bring u outlet shopping :D