So, when evenings don't go quite as well as expected... once again, I planned on a glorious evening of food and good company, and lucky for me, the good company was still available however, the fabulous dinner plans I had were squashed due to the painful economy and the inability of restaurants to keep a stable business and keep there glorious food and door open for my to enjoyment. Lucky for me, someone was shining down on my evening because I stubbled upon a glorious little Italian restaurant which I had yet to hear about or stumble upon in my absense.
I can't deny my apprehension when trying a new and fairly young restaurant; when I spend a nice heap of money on an outing I have pretty high expectations; to my surprise, Bella Gioia delivered. Despite prices that are a bit beyond my current financial stance, the food and service came through with immediate precision.
The menu's are less then impressive in appearance. Frankly they are printed on simple marbled paper cut out with pinking sheers, however, the real treat was what the range and delicious offerings available. A great sample of antipasto and quite extensive wine list, I chose a nice Wild Boar in Ragu with Pappardelle noodles; something I have enjoyed before... my companion chose the classic Marguerite pizza... and the wine recommendation from the staff was informed and spot on. Both dishes were outstanding, the noodles were cooked to perfection and the wild boar had a wonderful flavor. Simply outstanding however was the pizza. Perfect size and wood fired to perfection which made me wish I had the money and the calories to order a pizza to go. Praise to my discipline, I was lucky to get out of there with leftovers from my own meal. If it hasn't been clear, I would recomment this location to anyone looking for a casual and sweet outing without spending too ridiculous a price. My companion and I got out of there unter $50 with dinner and wine to boot. So, I look forward to my next evening at this lovely restaurant.
Krista
Bondi Beach Photos
Below is a quick taste of the beautiful beaches here... for further viewing, please go to http://www.krista-marie.com/Kristas_BLOG/My_Albums/My_Albums.html 
Blue Mountains Majesty
Welcome to my visual tour of the Blue Mountains north of Sydney. To begin, trains leave the city center every half hour or so to the Blue Mountains with the typical length of transit being about 2 hours. The train was quite jolly and overall a wonderful way to get from point A to B; while only costing around $50 return (On-Off bus fare included). You arrive in Katoomba, where you exchange your voucher for a bus ticket, and begin your journey. We decided on the walking tour and cliff views... which was a little misleading as the trail was poorly marked and not well kept. So, we descended and climbed for hours looking at the beautiful scenery and amazing waterfalls; listening to the noises of hundreds of tropical birds and rushing water. It was a magical day.... we followed up at this little pizza place in Katoomba called PapaDinos. It was fantastic. The ambience was spectacular and the food was quick and flavorful, we ordered a medium pizza with tomato, cheese, romano, garlic, and mushroom... it was sensational. Also, the first place I ever had SOLO... yum!!! Well, another wonderful day!!! Talk soon, please enjoy the attached photos!
New Favorite Things
I thought it was time to pass along some of my new favorites. These pretty much span a variety of genres, but overall are related to food. These are not in order of importance; SOLO -- refreshing soda like beverage. A lovely mix between lemonade, lemon lime soda, and limoncello. Spectacular flavor and not that unhealthy as Aussie's have a much higher standard regarding what is legally allowed in the food that they eat. Moving right along and in the same drinkable vein, I would like to mention the sheer brilliance of the Australia hot chocolate. It is magical. I firmly believe that all coffee house treats are as delectable with the main thrill being in the steaming of the milk (in my case soy). Here, this is essential to a well made espresso or latte as well as a wonderful cup of hot chocolate, it is a beautiful artform. Ok, well it was all in the beverage, food category, but uploading the images takes so long. I am going to figure out a better way, promise more to come.
House Mates
I am so glad I had the opportunity to live here. On the second evening I really felt connected to the people in the house, we talked for like 2 hours about our lives and our favorite places in Australia; this house is a good fit. I feel like this is going to work out well, looking forward to getting to know these people even better and making a comfortable living here. I am off to sleep now. I wish I was more eloquent about the happy times over the last few hours, but sorry I am tired and have had a bit of wine. I am really enjoying my time here. Now, as long as I can find work I will be ok. Love ya all!!!!
New Post!!!
Big night last night. Felt pretty sad about being in a new and far from comfortable place. I am looking forward to having guilt free time to explore the neighborhood... once I get a job, then it will be guilt free. The emotions I am going through span anyones emotional spectrum. I miss the comfort of home and friends, but at the same time, I don’t really miss much else besides the people; I thought I would miss the food and the surroundings, but not really. This just doesn’t feel like home yet, that is all, I need to remind myself it is only the fifth day.
So last night, Megan and I decided to get dinner out. We arrived at Thai to Remember, a quaint little Thai place in Ultimo, here is my review:
THAI TO REMEMBER:
The sensational outside courtyard draws you to this adorable little family owned restaurant. Once inside, the decor is cute with mini fish tanks and adorable little tables, all topped off by the lime green wall colour. Once inside, they are playing Enrique Englesia (or insert favorite American tune here), and you are instantly greeted by a warm smile.
Once seated with the menu, I recognized the prices to be pretty reasonable and the selection to be impressive. I settled on the Cashew Chicken with side of rice and was NOT disappointed. The flavor was intense and mild without being too salty. One bite of a cashew sent me into pure bliss. I will return to this place almost weekly as the atmosphere and staff are very pleasant and welcoming. Once you couple that with fantastic food, you can’t lose.
So, I am currently sitting in North Sydney awaiting my job interview. They have this culinary phenomenon of inner city food courts. They are everywhere and all the business folks go there for lunch. It is really quite different than home. The food is pretty good and quite a variety of flavors. I could get used to this. After spending some time here in the CBD, I have found the people and fashion are very much the same as at home. Leggings are quite a popular form of dress and the average individual is far less modest (I know, most people don’t think America is modest). There are alot of women wearing tights and a mini skirt regardless of size and shape... and boobs seem to be everywhere, it is almost liberating. Australia is much more accepting or less judgemental, not sure which one.
Here is a thought I need to share... Australia is cold. Do not be fooled by the beautiful beaches and amazingly tan bodies. This country is freezing in winter. It would not be so bad if this country adopted central heating, but due to the other seasons of the year being so ridiculously warm, nobody has heating here so the houses/ apts are frigid. The best purchase I made for Australia before I left was the $39.99 sleeping bag I brought with me which is amazing and my favorite item currently as both homes I have inhabited were/are extremely cold. So, remember that when you make your way to visit me:)
So last night, Megan and I decided to get dinner out. We arrived at Thai to Remember, a quaint little Thai place in Ultimo, here is my review:
THAI TO REMEMBER:
The sensational outside courtyard draws you to this adorable little family owned restaurant. Once inside, the decor is cute with mini fish tanks and adorable little tables, all topped off by the lime green wall colour. Once inside, they are playing Enrique Englesia (or insert favorite American tune here), and you are instantly greeted by a warm smile.
Once seated with the menu, I recognized the prices to be pretty reasonable and the selection to be impressive. I settled on the Cashew Chicken with side of rice and was NOT disappointed. The flavor was intense and mild without being too salty. One bite of a cashew sent me into pure bliss. I will return to this place almost weekly as the atmosphere and staff are very pleasant and welcoming. Once you couple that with fantastic food, you can’t lose.
So, I am currently sitting in North Sydney awaiting my job interview. They have this culinary phenomenon of inner city food courts. They are everywhere and all the business folks go there for lunch. It is really quite different than home. The food is pretty good and quite a variety of flavors. I could get used to this. After spending some time here in the CBD, I have found the people and fashion are very much the same as at home. Leggings are quite a popular form of dress and the average individual is far less modest (I know, most people don’t think America is modest). There are alot of women wearing tights and a mini skirt regardless of size and shape... and boobs seem to be everywhere, it is almost liberating. Australia is much more accepting or less judgemental, not sure which one.
Here is a thought I need to share... Australia is cold. Do not be fooled by the beautiful beaches and amazingly tan bodies. This country is freezing in winter. It would not be so bad if this country adopted central heating, but due to the other seasons of the year being so ridiculously warm, nobody has heating here so the houses/ apts are frigid. The best purchase I made for Australia before I left was the $39.99 sleeping bag I brought with me which is amazing and my favorite item currently as both homes I have inhabited were/are extremely cold. So, remember that when you make your way to visit me:)
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