The catalyst of exploration: NZ

I wanted to document my New Zealand trip, but I should've known that mobile data and wifi would be an issue. I think I knew.. I think we all know.. But we refuse to believe such a technologically backward world. I mean I can't believe were going through moments of having to wait for an smooth internet connection so that the Facebook page would load. What a world! #firstworldproblems. 

So I shall recount my story through chronologically sorted titles. Titles representing places of exploration. First up, Christchurch. 

A Love Hate Thing

Lobo Plantation.

A little underground Cuban oasis. Dressed as elaborately as the time and setting, this joint is almost like a beautiful badass mirage. Tucked right in the heart of the CBD (and in such close proximity to its neighbouring cousins, Baxter Inn, Grandmas...), this young Havana escape is added into the mix. Just when I thought Clarence street couldn't get any better. 

Love. Cocktails. On Point. Some of my favourites are the Nuclear Daiquiri and Jamaican Julep. This is also the joint where I've had the best Mojito. Although overall, the food isn't impressive enough to hold you breath for, a special shout out is warranted for the three dishes that is just outstanding-- Baked Cheese balls, Tamales and the amazing Black Bean Stew (YES. CHICKEN.) Oh and the Banana Chips (Gadaaymm)! And as we like it, all wrapped up in tropical button up shirts with bow ties and floral ties as finishing touches, the some of the friendliest and finest mixologists are definitely amazing at what they do. 

Here's my cocktails list I'd like to share with y'all : Jamaican Julep, Pre Elixir, Millionaire, Mojito, Meassage In A Bottle, South East Side and my (not on the menu) personally recommended love, The Nuclear Daiquiri. 

However, this place could really amp it up by delivering ace customer service-- specifically to the ones on the floor. I mean, when I ask for 'your recommendation' I'm after a personal answer not a recitation of the menu. This is where we develop a relationship. Don't waste the opportunity. Also, YES, congratulations on the five stars on Timeout Sydney! But a bunch of star rating shouldn't trigger any sort of cockiness so much as to start telling your customers (who most likely spend a couple of hundreds of dollars) to 'get the fuck out' when it's passed the licensed time. I'm pretty sure a simple 'Hey guys, the bars closed. Sorry to see you go but we've passed the licensed time! Hope you all had a great night! Until next time.' To the (not so) gentleman who told everyon to fuck off on Saturday night, you need to educate yourself, take either a Hospitality or People Skills Course or something. Better yet, take some pointers from the bar staff. Prior to this encounter, I've held a little love for Lobo and it has been quite a high personal recommendation of mine to my friends and those who have sought for my advice. Today, I sit here wondering and second guessing myself-- a place I don't like being in. 

Though, besides that little hump, I do love this place. That sexy bathroom, a bar filled with experienced and lovely bar tenders that will create a drink to blow your mind is what makes this world go round. I mean, despite the slightly mismatched choice of music, I come back again and again and again wanting more of those beautiful poison mixes. This is a Cuban rum bar joint. Let it be heard! Change your music (if you need suggestions, hit me up, I've got the perfect playlist), bring Havana to Sydney and get your groove on. This place has so much potential and a little tweak here and there wouldn't hurt.

Oh how I love you and I love you and I hate you and I love you.

Of course, you must check this Carribean pocket out for yourself. (Serious Voice) Thinking of a Friday gig? Unless you love the breath of fresh air and the cry of the city's sirens, get in there early. 5pm early. Let me know what you think!

Last Saturday With Mr Jones

Excelsior Jones, Canterbury

What a nice way to spend a raining Saturday. 

This little abyss is smack bang on the corner of one of the craziest roundabout/intersection in the quiet streets of Ashbury. Greeted by an awesome waitress with a sick Basquiat hair, she also took our order the way no other have done before- she sat next to us. Made us feel so at home. As she congratulated us with our food for three for two, our coffee and chai came short after :) Great coffee and if you normally like your chai with a little bit of honey, their brew is already on the sweet side. Although I found it rather unnatural to not add honey, it tasted amazingly without it! We missed out on the breakfast menu, so didn't try the granola, but the highly recommended mushroom on toast was on site, with cheeseburger and  Pork hash we were ready to own this joint. The Cheeseburger had sweet potato on the side which was awesome! The Pork Hash was so nice and the Mushroom on toast was definitely the best I've ever had. Besides the fact that I wish the music was a little bit louder, this joint had a chilled vibe with a relaxed non-pretentious Ashfield-Canterbury people (just hungry people) 

One thing Id like to point out was that I wish the music was a little bit louder :) 

Here's a picture, a keep sake. See you there !! x 

Frankie's Pizza, Sydney

Rock and roll, and pizza!

I love going to joints right on the CBD. It gives the corporate city of Sydney more of a character. And this one is not an exception. It's pretty cool. I like the fact that it's got a restaurant vibe as you walk in and behind the second set of swing doors, is almost like a rock and roll arcade. Good vibes and good tunes. Though it can get pretty packed even during the 'quiet' days of the week. And who ever is controlling the sound system, please settle on a volume to run throughout the night. There is no need to blast it - people end up shouting on top of each other and the whole room eventually becomes this massive sound mess like its trivia or bingo night or something. Apart from that, pizzas are good. Drinks on tap are different which is always a plus- one does not always wish to be having the same yeasty beverage.

3.5/5

Good stuff. See y'all there!

TAMARAMA

BEAUTIFUL

Can't wait to ride on this. #LoveMyCity #Sydney #Newtown

NOT LONG NOW

gonna be ridin down this with my pushie soon

AVOCA

MISS POPPIES TO THE RESCUE

Croydon, NSW.
Amazing flowers and great coffee. What more is there?

SULTANS TABLE GOT IT

VENN CAFE-BAR-GALLERY, PERTH

Sick cafe we found walking around the streets of Perth city. A little like how we found La Cholita.
Just as the name states, this place is a gallery, industrial design store, cafe by day and bar at night...

Awesome.

Hands down favourite ;-)

TACOS TEQUILA JOINT

La Cholita, Northbridge WA

It caught me at Tacos and then at Tequila. We just had to try it out. And the verdict? Definitely one of Perth's gems. Great atmosphere, good music, ammmmazing food and a wall full of none other than my main man, Tequila (from all over the world) - FKYES. Friendly bartenders and waiters. It does get very busy and waiting time do exist considering that the place don't do bookings, which is both good and bad. Definitely a must see and experience joint. Were from Sydney, we love this place. Going back for more, baby.

Here are some snapshots, but it can really only give you so much. Go for yourself gangsters.

Professionails Salon, Cottesloe WA

pedicure for the first time.

GREAT MOSCOW SHOW, PERTH WA

my first circus.

Cottesloe Beach, WA

JUS BURGERS, NORTHBRIDGE WA

FORGIVE ME IM A RIDER

BEAUTIFUL

BOURKESTBAKERY

MOJO BAR