Selectively Juggling

I’m going to answer this from a different angle. Yes, I’ve dined at 5-star restaurants and hotels from my city of Sydney to countries worldwide, including London, Paris and Tokyo. They were OK but over-priced and underwhelming at the end of the day. I’ve eaten in small non-descript cafes and restaurants, from the outback of Australia to the Swiss Alps. Those were amazing experiences because they were less about image and prestige and more about ambience, food, and culture.

Let me preface it by saying I’m a good cook. I enjoy cooking and have a whole repertoire of recipes and ideas. I have discerning taste buds and am critical about what I eat. If you’re going to pay to eat, then it should be decent food. I thought French food was overrated. I am spoiled here for choice, as I can access fresh and varied produce in Australia. Our cuisine is influenced by every corner of the globe. So, I like fresh, healthy and locally sourced food.
My two favourite restaurant food-based memories occurred in Iceland and Fiji. My favourite food memories relate to simple, inexpensive foods, not 5-star dining experiences. So, the cost of travelling from Sydney to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, was pretty high. If I add the plane and travel expenses to the costs incurred at the quaint vegan cafe, it’s up there as one of the most expensive meals I’ve ever eaten. I had spent the frigid windswept morning bathing in the hot waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. It was pure heaven, as my body, mind and spirit felt rejuvenated, loved and sated. After returning to Reykjavik, I stopped for some late lunch, where I discovered an Artsy but quaint cafe. I ordered spiced buckwheat (Gluten free) crepes with fresh berries and a golden Tumeric almond milk latte. The ambience was new-age, with hanging plants, delicious smells and fantastic soft lighting. The food was delicious, and the company was just as good. I got to talk with the owner about Iceland, Life and everything in between. It was a wonderful experience. The food was decently priced, but the experience was priceless.

My fantabulous second experience was on my honeymoon in Fiji. We were privileged enough to stay on a 5-star private island that was relatively small and intimate. One day my husband and I chose to spend a day on Nooki Nooki Island (it is entirely private, so just the two of us). We were given an incredible picnic basket filled with fresh delicacies, fruit and champagne. We spent the day swimming, lazing in the sun and water. We enjoyed sumptuous foods that were both sensual and delicious. It was beyond romantic. It was the type of scene and setting reserved only for romance novels. Yes, it was expensive; however, given that my husband had organised it, I am unsure of the costs. Was it worth it? Most definitely. Every time I use a coconut-based moisturiser or shampoo/conditioner, I am magically transported back to Vatulele, where I have incredible memories of being in an outdoor shower. More remarkably, I would be serenaded by staff as they sang in beautiful Fijian (Obviously, they were standing outside the shower and Bure). No joke, they would come to the Bure just before it was pre-dinner drinks & cocktail hour, and instead of telling us in words, they would gingerly stand outside for 10 minutes serenading us through music and song: magic, pure magic.

Before I end this, other remarkable food memories are The Franschhoek in South Africa, which was truly unique. We also enjoyed sunset picnics high above the plains, sipping champagne as we watched herds run together. Sublime. Magnifique. Samara Private Game Reserve was stunning, with large communal tables filled with people from all over the globe, joining in song, dinner and conversation. The outdoor setting resplended under the African nightscape and the twinkling trees adorned with fairy lights. The Big Karoo was spectacular. We fell in love with Africa. Another fantastic food experience was in Dubai. We went on a 4W4 desert experience, after which we got to sit and watch performers dance, spinning rhythmically as their skirts lit the night sky. We dined on sweet tea and local delicacies. My husband and kids gorged themselves on local meat (i don’t eat meat. I enjoyed eating other richly flavoured foods, including the lush dates). The atmosphere was magical. The experience was truly unique. I felt complete joy, not because we were eating expensive food (it wasn’t) but because we were off the beaten track, immersed in the energy of the Bedouin desert. It was a world away from suburban Sydney. Once again, it was priceless. My kids will always have memories of sharing this with mum and dad.