Watergum Grove (where Michelle grew up)
'Cold' portion of Christmas dinner
Australian 'bug'
Carol a.k.a Ms. Van der Water cooking up the Chili bites.
Chili Bites
Koeksisters!
After traveling around aimlessly for a few weeks, I was happy to arrive in Sydney to meet and be with friends. Michelle grew up in Australia and moved to LA to pursue her dreams of being an actress. She was home for the holidays and was gracious enough to invite me to visit on the last leg of my trip. She’s very sucessful and you can view her stuff here. I was greeted at the airport by Michelle, her sister, Tanya, and brother in law Caesar, and was incredibly thankful not be bombarded by Vietnamese taxi drivers nor looking for signs that I had my name on it, but just friendly familiar faces.
Over the next few days, I’d lived like a Queen, drinking, eating, touring, relaxing, not having to worry about fending for myself or where I’d have to go next. We’d visit the gorgeous beaches around Sydney, played with Kangeroos, ate Kangeroo :), admire the Opera House, boat around the Sydney Harbor, buy fresh seafood at the Fish Market on Christmas day, and celebrated Boxing day watching cricket and Van der Water family videos.
My favorite day of the week was Christmas with Michelle’s family. Michelle grew up on the outskirts of Sydney in Stanwell Park, along the coast. She comments on how secluded it is but I beg to differ because their home is beautiful; amongst nature, exotic birds, trees, and the beach less than a mile from their doorstop. Carol (Ms.Van der Water) rents out the upstairs half of the home and I must say it felt like I was at a B&B during my stay there. Here is the link.
On Christmas day, Carol and Tanya put together an awesome spread of food that lasted the entire day. We started off eating at noon with appetizers of charcuterie, cheeses, nuts, chips, and crackers. Next was the ‘cold’ courses of the day, Shrimp, Oysters, Potato Salad, Greens, and the Aussie ‘Bug’ just for me. An hour later, we dove into the ‘hot’ courses of Lamb Curry, Roasted Chicken, and Fritatta. I have never been so stuffed before in my life! We digested by taking a walk on the nearby beach where the weather was 90 degrees and people were swimming and picniking. After, the last round of desserts; cheesecake, fresh fruit, and cupcakes, ugh, I needed a nap. But nope, we headed to the beach with wine where Michelle gave me a tour of her old 'hood.
It was a great week and there was lots of good, cultural, creative food. Sydney reminds me of a cross between New York and SF accept they have accents and are much laid back. There seemed to a be a slight influence of the British with their love tea, tea in the morning, tea in the afternoon, tea at night, also let’s not forget about the Fish n’ Chips sprinkled with ‘Chicken Flavor’. One of their specialty eats are ‘pies’ which New Zealanders picked up on.... filled with beef garnished with Ketchup. Sausage bake in puff pastry, another goodie.
There are tons of cultural eats, I hear they have the best Sushi in Sydney but we opted for Thai, African Barbecue, and even roasted duck in Chinatown. Since the Van der Waters are part South African, I got a glimpse of their food with home made Koeksisters and Chili bites. Then there is home cooking Aussie fare, Russel (Michelle’s brother) cooked Rissoles (beef patties) and vegetables with a Parmesan Cheese Bechamel and Michelle’s Dad with Grilled Oysters with Bacon.
Much thanks to the Van der Water and Michelle's friends for making the holidays not so lonely. After 5 weeks of traveling, Sydney was a nice ending but I was ready to get back home. 15 hours later, I was back in LA in Malibu watching the sunset. I do live the good life!!!
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