Detours. A French expat’s insider's guide to exclusive food, chocolate and travel experiences in Sydney, Australia.

For the diary: join our '13 Christmas desserts of Provence' lunch on Saturday, 11 Dec 2010

Woo hoo!! I've been working on this event for some time and now I can finally share all the details with you - it's going to be so much fun!!

Do you want to experience an authentic, French-style Christmas event without having to go to France? Are you looking for a fresh, exciting Christmas gift idea for the food lovers in your life? Are you interested in meeting with other Sydney-based francophiles with a taste for the good life? Look no further!

On Saturday 11 December 2010, Mytinerary will be celebrating the wonderful flavours of Provence and Mediterranean cooking with a special Christmas lunch. Think olives, lemon confit, fresh garden vegetables, slow-cooked meat with thyme, rosemary and other Provençal herbs.

The highlight of the lunch will be the famous, century-old Provence tradition of the "13 Desserts of Christmas": expect a dessert extravaganza with all sorts of tasty treats (each with a specific symbolic meaning in local tradition), from nougats and marzipan to nuts, citrus-based desserts and exclusive chocolates playing with Mediterranean flavours.

Some of the desserts you'll enjoy on the day will be handmade by some of my absolute favourite chocolate artisans in Sydney, such as Kakawa, Boon and Coco Chocolate. A great way for you to discover amazingly talented artisans in your backyard, and a great way for me to continue to support these great local businesses.

The lunch will be hosted by Mytinerary founder - and passionate French foodie Myriam Thibault - and will take place at Tastevin Bistro & Wine Bar in the heart of Sydney's vibrant Darlinghurst - a convenient and central location. Tastevin serves delicious traditional French cuisine with a modern Australian twist. Their wine list is really excellent, and we'll get some beautiful wines from the South of France for you to enjoy on the day.

Date: Saturday 11 December, 2010 - 12:30pm.

The price per person is $89 for a 3-course lunch and dessert degustation, including delicious matching wine from Provence and a gourmet goodie bag - which makes the whole experience really quite affordable.

To secure your booking, call us now on 1300 951 138 or contact us at [email protected]. You can also book online via our events page.

Gorgeous personalised gift vouchers are also available for the event, just ask us.

Mytinerary is also proud to support the Street Smart Australia 'Dine Out to Help Out' initiative by donating $2 per guest on our December 11 event.  

StreetSmart Australia and its restaurant partners are calling for Australians to 'Dine Out to Help Out' once again this Christmas. In its eighth year, the campaign's winning formula makes it easy for anyone to get involved and raise vital money for grassroots charities supporting homelessness. 

To be held from 8th November to 24 December 2010, 'Dine Out to help out" is run through restaurants by asking people to add a small donation to their bill. The money collected is then donated directly to support homeless refuges and charities selected based on their need and proximity to participating restaurants.

I can't wait to share with you the wonderful culinary traditions of Provence - don't miss out! And stay tuned for more delicious gourmet news and recipes inspired by Provence!!

Favourite picnic spots in Sydney - Part 1

[This post has been updated since its first publication. Click here for Part 2, with another round-up of locals' favourite picnic spots.]

One of the questions I get asked A LOT as a private tour guide is "What's your favourite spot in Sydney for a romantic picnic, or a picnic with friends?"

The thing is, it's like having to choose between one's children - there are so many fantastic picnic spots in Sydney, we're really spoiled for choice!

One of the places I often take clients to is Shark Island, in the middle of the Sydney Harbour. Gorgeous island with a beautiful rotunda, million-dollar views over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and shaded picnic spots with tables and benches. Just perfect. Besides, Shark Island is usually very quiet, because few people are aware of access rules and regulations, so it's almost like renting your own private island. Bring on the Moët and feel like a VIP for next to nothing! 

Gourmet picnic on Shark Island by Mytinerary. With some of Sydney's best artisan food, including fresh baguette from Brasserie Bread, dukkah, Bitton olive tapenade, charcuterie from Leichhardt, french Champagne, berries, cupcakes from Sparkle Cupcakery, fruit marshmallows from Sweetness the Patisserie and chocolate tarts from Bourke St Bakery in Surry Hills. 

Other spots I really like for secluded or romantic picnics include Bradley's Head amphitheatre, Collins Beach in Manly, McKell Park on Darling Point, the gorgeous Arthur McElhone Reserve in Elizabeth Bay, the Wendy Whiteley garden in Lavender Bay and the Manns Point Park in Greenwich.

What about you? What are some of your favourite picnic spots in Australia?

Bradley's Head amphitheatre

Mytinerary organises gourmet picnics for private clients and corporates, taking care of everything for you, from the location and picnic basket to a bottle of Champagne and private water taxi transfers. Email us at [email protected] for enquiries and quotes. 

View Favourite picnics spots in Sydney, Australia in a larger map

Chocolate MasterClass at Belle Fleur in Rozelle, Sydney (Sat 30 Oct)

Belle Fleur is one of my favourite chocolate artisans in Sydney. Chocolate maker and owner Jan ter Heerdt is a third generation chocolate maker from Belgium. He and his wife Lynne established Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates in 1984 in Rozelle (with a 2nd store now open in Petersham). 

Belle Fleur chocolate maker Jan ter Heerdt

You see, I used to work literally next door for 18 months. So several times a week, I would pop in to drool over their stunning window installations and buy a chocolate or two to go with my macchiato - which means I've probably tasted most of their flavours by now. The chocolates are made daily and there are more than 50 different chocolates on display in the shop at any one time.

Although I'm not a bit fan of all Belgian-style chocolates, some of my favourites at Belle Fleur include "Saffron" (white chocolate ganache infused with saffron threads), "Chilli" (dark chocolate ganache with a hint of fresh chilli) and "Lamington" (chocolate ganache with fresh coconut cream, sprinkled with coconut - triple yummy).

Wasabi ganache - a bit too experimental for me, but that's OK, I like trying new things. 

However, what I like best at Belle Fleur is their superb selection of single-origin chocolates, with high-quality chocolate bars from Costa Rica, Peru, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Uganda and the Dominican Republic.

As some of you might now by now, I'm really passionate about the world of single origin chocolates, so Belle Fleur's a real treat for me! Head chocolatier Jan ter Heerdt even makes single origin Peruvian and Venezuelan truffles (as seen on MasterChef Australia) - which is quite unique... 

Belle Fleur are hosting a series of half-day MasterClasses as part of the Sydney International Food Festival. The next class is on Saturday 30 Oct from 9am-12am. Jan will demonstrate a number of chocolate skills such as tempering, moulding, piping, dipping with plenty of hands-on experiences. These will include making truffles to take home ($200 per person, bookings and enquiries here).

Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates: 

658 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039, and 584 Parramatta Rd, Petersham NSW 2049.

www.bellefleur.com.au; store locations here.

My Top-10: why I love Manly, Australia

Wow, time really does fly... I've now been living in Australia for four years - and still very much in love with Sydney. It's funny because people ask me all the time 'Oh my God, how come you're living in Sydney when you could be living in Paris??!'

The thing is, Paris is amazing of course - and I'll always remain a Parisienne at heart - but believe me, there's quite a difference between visiting Paris when you're on holidays (completely carefree and with lots of time on your hands to walk around, go to markets, and enjoy everything the city has to offer), and working there full time in a crazy-hours industry such as PR or advertising.

Enjoy the view (talking about the sea, of course...)

This is why Jean and I decided to come over to Australia. I guess we needed a bit of a break from all that 'métro-boulot-dodo' frenzy, as we say in French (for 'train-work-sleep')...

And I have to say, so far it's been for the best. It's like, instead of being this all too familiar husband, Paris became this exciting French lover I come back to once a year or so, with only the fun bits to share and no time to get blasé.

And so without further ado, here's what I like most about my 'new husband' - aka Manly Beach in Sydney's Northern Beaches. We moved here after two years living in Elizabeth Bay (which we really enjoyed as well), but Manly is a very special place and every day I feel really blessed that we're living in this area. So if you're coming to Manly for a day - or just a couple of hours - here's my Top-10 list of what to do:

#1: Go for a walk - or a run - on the main beach.

Frolick in the waves. Enjoy the salty sea breeze. Check out the (hot) volley-ball players. Go for a swim - or a surf (I couldn't surf for the life of me, must suffer from some sort of childhood trauma in big waves). Make a sandcastle with your kids. Show off your new bikini. Take your iPod and go for an energising run, in true Rocky Balboa style.

Jean surfing - Manly Beach - Freshwater Beach

If you're up for a little exercise, you can walk all the way to Freshwater Beach next door (go left if you're facing the sea). Fab views and you can reward yourself with a delicious coffee and gourmet sandwich at Pilu's little kiosk, voted by food critic Terry Durack as one of the Top-50 experiences every Sydney food lover should try.

The world's best lemon chocolates by Kakawa, Sydney

I have to confess... In spite of a commitment to myself to stay away from sweets after a month in France dieting on baguette and cheese, I can't stay away from these lemon chocolates from Kakawa, one of my favourite chocolate artisans in Sydney. I'm totally smitten with them!

They're made with milk chocolate ganache and fresh lemons from the orchard of David's [the co-owner] parents, in the Hunter Valley. And believe me, they're one of the most divine things I got to eat in a long time! As they melt in your mouth, you just feel transported in a leafy garden somewhere in Tuscany, drinking fresh lemonade...

You see, that's one of the reasons why I love what I'm doing so much... I feel so lucky. Every time I take clients on a new chocolate tour with Mytinerary (and the Sydney International Food Festival has been keeping me busy this month), I get to taste something new, discover new flavours, new single origin chocolate bars, new chocolate bonbons. I get to travel with my tastebuds and I'm loving it!

To visit Kakawa and stock up on these little lemon babies:

147 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (near corner Bourke St). 

www.kakawachocolates.com.au.

My brioche workout and a behind-the-scenes visit to Brasserie Bread

Forget about zumba, forget about bikram yoga. If you're after a serious workout, go for a brioche baking class instead. I was recently invited to attend one of the "Baking with Brioche" workshops at Brasserie Bread, and my love handles biceps are still thanking me for it. You'll see why in a minute.

Brasserie Bread, as many Sydney-siders would already know, is the pioneer of artisan baking in Australia - and one of my absolute favourite bakers in Sydney. Coming from a French girl raised on bread and butter, this is no small compliment!

Since 2000, Brasserie Bread has been producing an award-winning range of artisan breads and pastries, working with some of Sydney's top restaurants, hotels and cafés. Located in Banksmeadow near Botany, their premises house a retail shop and a hugely popular café, which serves some of the BEST breakfasts ever. They also offers a range of fantastic baking classes for kids and adults, including the newly launched "Baking with Brioche" one.

At the beginning of the 3-hour class, each participant gets an apron and rolling pin. Don, our baking instructor for the night, then proceeds to telling us a bit more about artisan baking and what makes a good sourdough. Most importantly, we get to taste some fantastic brioche fresh out of the oven.

And Oh-my-God. This brioche is just divine! Light, warm, fluffy, with a nice crust. Feels like I've gone back to childhood heaven and back again (in France, kids traditionally have an afternoon snack or "goûter", as we say in French, and a slice of brioche with butter and a chocolate bar is a local favourite).

So what exactly is "brioche"? It's the French word for non-laminated sweet yeasted dough, often labelled as the great middle-ground between pastry and bread. Brioche is a versatile dough - perfect to use in “comfort food” recipes (both sweet and savoury) at home, or as the star of a unique dinner party dish for entertaining.

Around the World with Chocolate, special SIFF event

Could you live in a world without chocolate? Did you grow up daydreaming about winning the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket and tasting the finest truffles and pralines? Are you looking for a very special gift idea for the chocoholics in your life?

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! To celebrate the world-class talent of Sydney’s finest chocolate artisans, Mytinerary is inviting you to a special “round-the-world” chocolate tour as part of the Sydney International Food Festival.

Take your tastebuds on a gourmet journey like no other and join us on a fabulous exploration of “Planet Cacao” as we focus on a different continent every Saturday in October:

Saturday 9 October: Americas (10am-4pm)

Saturday 16 October: Europe (10am-4pm)

Saturday 23 October: Africa (10am-4pm)

Saturday 30 October: Australasia (10am-4pm)

Not available on these dates? Visit our regular "Ultimate Artisan Chocolate Tour" page for additional dates this summer.

 

This one-day deluxe tour will take you from the lowlands of Mexico and Central America to the lush plantations of Madagascar, by way of Marie-Antoinette’s boudoir in Versailles and Johannes Van Houten’s factory in Amsterdam.

Discover the rich history of cacao discovery and cacao trade. Hear about the religious and ritual significance of chocolate for the early Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Learn about the different steps of the chocolate-making process, from “bean to bar”. Find out how chocolate conquered Europe in the Renaissance and became the “drink of kings, and king of drinks”.

Mingle with like-minded foodies and interact with some of Sydney’s most talented chocolate artisans, who will share with you their passion for chocolate and tell you about their personal approach to chocolate making.

Most importantly, get ready for a chocolate tasting extravaganza! In addition to your morning coffee and chocolate macarons, you’ll taste different sorts of hot chocolates from each continent, some inspired by antique Aztec recipes, others featuring pure “single origin” cacao beans from the best plantations in the world. 

You’ll also taste some of the finest chocolate bonbons and truffles in your life, with several pieces for you to try at each of our chocolate stops. Think dark chocolate ganache with Thai basil, truffles with French Champagne and milk chocolate with Mexican chilli. Last but not least, you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting plate featuring among other delicacies a handmade chocolate mousse. 

And for a welcome savoury break, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous lunch at a Sydney favourite. Each Saturday, the restaurant will be different, in line with the continental “theme du jour”. Icing on the cake, matching wines from each continent will also be served (eg wines from Argentina or Chile on the “American” day, wines from South Africa on the “African” day, etc).

Click here to make a booking.

Price: $249 per person, all inclusive (morning coffee and macarons, extensive chocolate tastings in up to 4 different locations, 2 different sorts of hot chocolate, chocolate tasting plate, lunch with matching wine, transportation, private guide and gourmet goodie bag).

To ensure an intimate, truly interactive gourmet experience, our tours are limited to 8 guests per day so make sure to book early! To make your booking online, click here. 

You can contact us on 1300 951 138 or [email protected] for more information.

We look forward to having you on the tour!!

 

Zeta Bar keeps Sydney warm this winter

If there's one thing I miss about winter in Paris, it's not the freezing cold but the delicious, smoky taste of roasted chestnuts you can buy off street vendors, served to you in cute newspaper cones. Brings back fond childhood memories...

So of course, when Zeta Bar told me about their exciting Winter Concept with delicious mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, toasted marshmallows and the whole shebang, this was an opportunity I couldn't resist.

Earlier this year I really enjoyed their "cryogenic ice-cream parlour" Summer Concept, so I knew I could trust mixologist extraordinaire Grant Collins to come up with fabulous ideas to keep the winter chills away in true Zeta style.

Every Friday night this winter, Zeta brings to life the Old World charm of Covent Garden in London and invites you to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this iconic market on their rooftop terrace.

The mulled wine with cinnamon, ginger and orange ($8) was a definite highlight was for me that night - so tasty and served super hot, the way I like it. This, and the way Bar Manager Brett Clarke and the whole bar crew were dressed. They sure looked swell in their vintage tweet jackets and caps!!

Newly hatched chocolate eggs by Coco Chocolate, Sydney

Seriously, how gorgeous are these chocolate eggs from Coco Chocolate, one of Sydney's finest chocolate artisans, in the heart of Kirribilli?!

Handmade from delicious organic chocolate by chocolatier extraordinaire Rebecca K and her team, these beautiful babies are the perfect gifts for newborns and happy parents. 

I know that when it's my turn to have babies, I want one of these instead of bland hospital food, thank you very much.

Icing on the cake, the "Newly Hatched Chocolate Eggs" come in two different colours, pink for baby girls and blue for baby boys. 

Now if you've made it all the way to Kirribilli to buy one of these yummy egg boxes, you might as well treat yourself to a little something while you're there. My recommendation? Go for Rebecca's amazing hot chocolates. They come in a dozen different flavours, my favourites being the Aztec blend (with chili, cinnamon and orchid vanilla) and the Rose & Black Pepper.

Now because Rebecca K is a smart lady (and knows all too well that not everyone has a newborn in their immediate circle they can use as an excuse to visit the store and buy a box of her delicious Newly Hatched Chocolate Eggs), she's also come up with a grown-up version of the egg box, with a selection of white, milk and dark chocolate eggs. How cool...

And if you want more chocolate goodness in your life, why not join one of our indulgent Deluxe Artisan Chocolate tours? We're also part of the Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF) in October, with a series of really exciting 'round-the-world' chocolate tours on Oct 9, 16, 23 and 30.

So tell me, where else in Sydney or online to you go shopping for really cute gifts for babies and new parents?

Coco Chocolate: in Blight Street, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 - www.cocochocolate.com.au

PS: stay tuned, Rebecca is about to open her 2nd Australian store in Mosman in September, and word is the store will be fabulous!!

Make them Green with Envy!

Hi peeps! As you know, Mytinerary is a proud partner of Sydney Design 2010. Two weeks jam-packed with fabulous design events, exhibitions, crafts markets, talks and tours: we're super excited!

I Ran the Wrong Way, in Surry Hills (images Alina Gozin'a)

So if you're looking for something fun and inspiring, join one of our signature 'Green with Envy' walking tours in Sydney’s most vibrant design precincts; and get inspired by innovative designers and store owners who follow sustainable principles. 

Discover irresistible homeware, ceramics, stationery, textiles, accessories and jewellery from Australia and overseas, all produced with impeccable green credentials.

Bird Textiles Emporium, Surry Hills (images Paul H. Kelly and Fran Flynn)

Retailers and artists responsible for this green wave of gorgeous design will discuss their passion for quality items and sustainable design, as well as giving you tips on green living. It’s much easier than you think! Appreciate the best items on offer – they’re exclusive, exquisite and eco-friendly.

The three-hour walking tour is limited to 10 per group, and bookings are essential.

Shelf / Life, Surry Hills

When: 10am-1pm, Tuesday to Saturday, from 31 July to 14 August 2010.

Where: Mostly around Surry Hills and Paddington (itineraries may vary from day to day; where required, transport will be provided at no extra cost)

How much: $119 per person (includes tour, morning coffee, gorgeous gift bag, map and a mini ‘Green with Envy’ Sydney guide)

To make a booking, visit our events page (or copy http://greenwithenvy-sydneydesign.eventbrite.com/ in your browser). You can also make a booking by phone (1300 951 138) or email ([email protected]). Our online payment options include include MasterCard, Visa and PayPal. Alternatively, we can also email you our bank details if you prefer to make an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). That's easy, just contact us at [email protected].