On Tuesday evening I was invited to participate in an Influencers Style Challenge, hosted by The Myer Centre Adelaide, Realm Adelaide, and Little Lion PR. So after work, I walked over to the very fancy Realm Adelaide display apartment which played as the beautiful backdrop for the style challenge. This was such a fun challenge, my outlook on the event was to go in open minded, try new things and to step out of my comfort zone…you’ll see the looks I put together below (also check out the video down below). From here I then rushed of to the second event for the night, which was the launch of The Style Establishment, the new stylish kid on O’Connel Street. I had a browse of the beautiful pieces on offer, took some snaps and finished of the night chatting with some other lovely bloggers.

Wednesday evening was not about fashion, rather it was about food…sushi to be exact! I’m so excited to share that Sushi Planet have opened their second restaurant in Modbury, for those of us North-Easters, it’s the perfect location for a good sushi fix. Looking at all the different sushi on offer, it made me think that sushi are like people, each different in their own way, but at the end of the day they’re all one of the same kind. Highly recommend checking out Sushi Planet, they’ve got booths that I think make the dining experience that little bit more comfortable.

Then came Thursday night, Thursday night brought a mix of events. The first was the launch of Ettie Ink Studio. Ettie Ink is the brain child of 2016 House Rules finalist; Michelle Fogden. Check it out if you’re in the market for some amazing paintings and prints. After checking out the studio, I then made my way to the next event, which was the opening of the Lucky Dumpling Market. Located on the Torrens Riverbank, it’s the place to be for a chilled night out and some delicious food…I personally recommend checking out the offerings at the Sookii La La stall.

So how did I survive this week, well my biggest tip would be to have a PLAN. In this plan include rough times of when you’re planning on arriving and leaving each place, this gives you an idea of how long you have at each place and you can make sure you make the most of your time while you’re there. Also in this plan, think about where you can park for each event, if you have an idea in your mind about where you will be parking, it takes out a lot of that unecessary stressing. And finally, think about what you will be wearing and like me if you’re going to the event straight from work, include make-up, shoes and a bag in your outfit plan….trust me, with a good plan in place your stress levels will be practically non-exsistent.

Here are some snaps from the week that was…..

 Joy of India

Carmine and Co.

I was recently invited to a media dinner to try their offerings, but not only were we treated to amazing Italian food, we were also spoiled with beautiful hospitality from the Carmine and Co. family including Nona, who actually plays a major role in the kitchen….you know it’s going to be good if Nona is in the kitchen!

So Carmine and Co. is located in Port Adelaide, on commercial rd, just before the light house. It is a beautiful space that has been designed to bring a little piece of old Italian heritage to Adelaide. The Carmine and Co. family have been in the business for over 30 years, so they definitely know what they are doing.

Carmine and Co. is the place to go if you’re just plain hungry! Go with a group and get some platters to share (as you’ll see below). There’s so much food and lots of tasty options. I loved everything I ate especially the eggplant parmigiana, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. All the savoury dishes were great, so my expectations were raised re. dessert. On the menu for us to try was the tiramisu and zeppole. Oh my I was not disappointed at all, I have to say the zeppole is the reason why I will be going back to Carmine and Co….the mix of the soft doughnut with the lemon butter sauce and homemade creamy vanilla ice cream…yum yum yum….you should have seen my face after eating this.

Enough out of me, the pictures speak for themselves…

 Carmine and Co.

The Tour Down Under 2016

The menu has an interesting range of dishes, from beetroot carpaccio to squid ink spaghetti, there’s something to suit all taste-buds. To my surprise is really enjoyed the beetroot carpaccio, it was like really thin pickled beetroot, it had a slight tang, but was also a little sweet and crunchy, its a great starter. Other dishes I enjoyed included the scallop and house bacon with sweet corn puree and dessert of course…Dark Chocolate Mi-Ciut….what is this you ask? It is the fancy name for flourless chocolate cake, which came with strawberry compote, vanilla bean ice-cream and hazelnut toffee….yum!

Here are some photos from the evening….If only you could taste it through the computer! The next best thing though, would be to go to Republic and try them for yourself! Enjoy

Republic

Asia Fest 2015 will spread over 10 days and promises to take guests on a journey to Asia, for those of you who have never been to Asia, you’re in for a treat and for those of you who have been but want  to go back, here’s your chance. From the 2nd to the 11th of October, Rymill Park will be transformed into 5 different countries; Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand.

Last week, Asia Fest organisers gave media a taste of whats to come, from the food, music and cultural performances, there will be something for everyone. Over the 10 days we will be able to experience Asia in Adelaide including back street markets, garden cinemas, floating markets, a karaoke container and much much more.

I can’t wait till October 2nd, and I’m sure you can’t wait either…to enter you must purchase your passport and you have a choice between going economy, business or first class…If I was you I would definitely go first class as it comes with perks!

 Asia Fest

Mai Kitchen and Lee from Adelaide Food Central invited a group of us bloggers to have a taste of their delicious offerings and delicious it was! We ordered a range of entrees, mains, desserts and drinks. I had Hanoi spring rolls, sizzling chilli chicken, fried rice, banana fritters and a refreshing coconut juice. I have to say I loved it all, everything just tasted so authentic and they weren’t stingy on the serving size either, in fact they were actually too big, which meant we got to take doggy bags home! Something that also needs to be mentioned is that they have a dedicated vegan menu, I love when menu’s are all-inclusive.

My favourite dish of the evening was the Hanoi spring rolls (see below). The different textures and flavours of this dish were just heaven…crunchy coat, mince filling, wrapped in crisp lettuce, and showered in the famous Vietnamese dressing…yum! I’ve been craving it ever since!

Not only was the food delicious but the service was great as well, everyone had a smile on their face which I really appreciated, and the owner mentioned to me that “the customer is his boss”…isn’t that just lovely!

Mai Kitchen

Located within the arcade is a little whole-in-the-wall bakery called; Nanna Hot Bake, this little shop has been a favourite of my families for years, and never fails to deliver the most soft, fresh, tastiest buns filled with various fillings from chilli anchovies to pork and even coconut. It’s a great place to visit for a snack before embarking on your market shopping.

PappaRich is fairly new to Adelaide, but for at least a month or two after opening their doors, there was always a line of hungry people waiting to get their hands on their delicious Malaysian offerings. I have to admit I was one of those hungry people waiting in line for at least 20 mintues, but it was definitely worth it. Fast and friendly service just adds to the experience, I can’t get enough of the place!

Chinatown Cafe is another major fave lunch spot for me and many others, just going from the busyness of their lunchtime service. You’re lucky to get a table or even find a place to stand inside. Their food is so yummy and the portions are not stingy at all, also the condiments, incuding garlic chilli, hot chilli, and soy sauce just finish of the meal perfectly…just thinking about it makes me salivate!

And to finish of we must have dessert! St Louis is my favourite dessert place around Chinatown and my favourite waffle place ever! Their selection is huge and each dessert is served so beautifully. It’s a cozy little place, great for dessert or after dinner tea/coffee with friends. My waffle consumption amount has grown hugely since I was introduced to the place, but I just can’t help myself!

Here are few photos to get you salivating also!