Cliff(y) Goes Dining

"A Taste of Aotearoa" above the clouds! After experiencing Australia for the first time, it was time for a trans-Tasman hop from Melbourne to Auckland, New Zealand . For Business Class passengers, Air New Zealand is proud to offer contemporary cuisine with the spirit of manaakitanga , the Maori tradition of hospitality, using indigenous ingredients where possible.

Grab some barista-made coffee before flying off! Given the number of posts I've shared over the past few weeks, you could probably tell that it was a short first trip ever to Melbourne, Australia. Before flying out, my travel buddy and I had a quick breakfast at Air New Zealand Lounge, a sanctuary tucked away downstairs after passing through the duty-free area.

Virgin experience with Australia's Blue Heaven milkshake! A trip to Victoria, Australia wouldn’t be complete without a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road , they say. After soaking in the coastal views, our group tour made a pit stop at Apollo Bay for lunch. While exploring the options around Apollo Bay Hotel, my travel buddy and I decided on George's Restaurant for a fried seafood meal.

"Riotous Southeast Asian dining sensation!" Describing itself as "the renegade of the Australian dining scene", Chin Chin has become one of the most talked-about dining spots with its bold, modern take on Asian cuisine with a focus on Southeast Asian flavours. Since its opening in 2011, the lively, high-energy restaurant has been drawing steady crowds. 

Eating ants... The same swarm that usually makes me cringe! Situated at Fed Square along the banks of Yarra River, Big Esso offers a dining experience that's both rooted in culture and refreshingly modern at the same time. Focusing on the use of native Australian ingredients, it's the kind of place where the menu sparks curiosity. With that in mind, let's dig into crocodile, emu and even ants.

Authentic Thai food in the heart of Melbourne Chinatown! My travel buddy and I checked out the rather compact Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia one afternoon. While wandering in search of something to eat, we came across a food court tucked within an old-school shopping centre called The Paramount. Among the various stalls, Me Dee caught my attention, offering honest, fuss-free Thai fare that focuses on flavour and value.