Time to Take a Break

This post has been lingering at my fingertips for a long time – Its time for me to admit it that I need a break. I have been writing the Winecurious for more than three years (maybe four) and there is a lot of love in these pages and it pains me to stop trying. However, time is something that is precious, and I have come to the conclusion that I need to dedicate it to other things. Mostly my family and Tripsteri.

Two Restaurants and a Cafe – Stockholm

Its been a while since we have been out and about in Stockholm (few weeks back at GruGrus does not count). Travel is great, but being home is the best, and I was delighted to try a few new places. I am also glad to say these were all good, so they will become a permanent part of our travel guide Tripsteri App. Week ago Friday night we went out to eat some Korean food at Madam Stockholm. Saturday we had brunch at Cafe Gast and dinner at Restaurant Voisine. 

Cava and Calcots – a Celebration of Onions

The first time I had Calcots was in March 2012 on a vineyard in Spain. The fresh, green colored onions were grilled on open fire, along juicy pieces of lamb and other vegetables. I had a glass of Cava in my hand – life was perfect in that moment. I carry this memory with me like a token. Its one of those happy moment where life could not have been more perfect. Day after was not that pleasant: too much cava and smelling like a campfire due to hanging around the barbecue too much. But I dont hang on to that part. My memory is all about dangling the calcot above my mouth, trying to take a bite without making a mess. I totally made a mess, but it did not matter. A few weeks ago, M noticed that a local wine bar in Stockholm advertised Calçotada, which is a special event to celebrate the harvest of the onions, so off course we had to go and see what it was all about. 

A weekend in Lidingö

Its mid-February, but it feels like end of March. This is every Finns dream, that spring would start a few months earlier. Where it not for climate change, I would probably be extatic. I spent this weekend in Lidingö, which is one of the islands in the Stockholm county. Its generally known for its large villas and beautiful views to the Stockholm archipelago – a dream to live in provided you have a car and don’t mind spending a few hours a day in traffic. I spent the weekend on the island visiting a friend, enjoying culture and food. Here are the best parts.

A day in McLaren Vale

It feels long since we were in Australia – a whole three weeks have passed since we landed in Stockholm, and judging by the weather, I think I need anoter vacation soon. Snow is falling so fast that even the Swedes and Finns cant handle it. I am sitting at the airport, waiting for a flight that may never take off. You would think here in the Nordics we would be better prepared, but apparrently not. But turning my gaze back to our trip to Australia, there are a few more topics I would like to cover in the coming weeks, one of them is off course about our day in the wine country. McLaren Vale is about an hours drive from Adelaide.

Made in Adelaide Hills

I have been sitting on this post for three weeks now. I just haven’t gotten it out. Two reasons: number one is time, and number two is perfectionism. I wanted it to be good, because Adelaide Hills was soooo good. It deserved a good post. Yes, time was my worst enemy, and I think perfection can wait until next time. Good enough is what rules today. Adelaide Hills is a cute area next to Adelaide city with vineyards, little towns and a wildlife reserve.

Deep in the Daintree – What to do in Cairns vol.2

I know it’s been a while since I have posted on wine, but no worries, after this trip to the Daintree we will move on to Adelaide and the surrounding wine regions. Exciting! I just thought it was worth posting these nice pictures from the rainforest. In addition, there are some foody delights from the jungle that deserve a mention. How does lunch in the middle of the jungle sound? Or rainforest ice cream? For entering the Daintree, we used a small tour company called Discovery Tours Australia. We left from Cairns in the morning, and returned the same evening.

Things to do in Cairns vol 1.

You might have noticed my posting schedule has been a bit distracted. One word – holiday! I don’t even know what day of the week it is and that’s great. For the past week, we have been in Adelaide, in South Australia. However, before that, we spent a week up north in Cairns, the tropical part of Australia: Great Barrier Reef, rain forest, beaches, the works. What they don’t have up there is good food and wine. It just amazes me. Queensland has a lot of great produce and farming, however somehow, the tourist towns don’t seem to get their share of it. We survived a week with take out and half-decent Japanese food, but my God we are glad to be in a proper city again. However, it was still great to be up in Cairns and we did some very awesome outdoorsy stuff. And here is a post on one great day: a sailing trip to Green Island. 

Photography Walk in Sydney

I guess I should call this a good holiday, since I have not touched my computer in over a week. We have been spending Christmas week on the beach in Cairn, and done some nice day trips which I will write about later on. However, I feel it was time to post some pictures from Sydney. I actually found the city quite intriguing – much similarity to London and the UK (not a surprise), but also New York, or East Coast US at least and Singapore. Such an unusual mix, but so obvious. I did a photography walk one morning, starting at 6 and ending around 9 am. I am actually quite pleased with the route and what I got out of it, so I thought it would be nice to share it with you.

Tasting Australian Natural Wines is Sydney

I am so jetlagged. It’s been three days here in Sydney, half way through our stay in the biggest city of Australia, and I am having issues sleeping when I am supposed to be sleeping. But I guess it’s true what they say that it takes about a week to really get used to the time difference. The positive thing is that I have been awake in the evenings, so we have had the chance to enjoy the city’s wine bars. As usual, we come well prepared due to the extensive research conducted (solely) by M, and we have found awesome places. So as I am waiting for my brain to adjust, I will share with you some recommendations. I have focused mostly on Australian natural wines.