this week we’re out as well as about in the north as well as east of Sydney, as well as I’m taking over from Jim to tell you what’s been happening. We’re likewise swapping functions at house too, with me stepping into the kitchen area to try a new recipe that I believe you’ll like too.

I dislike karaoke.

I don’t delight in singing. I can’t bring a tune as well as don’t even sing in the shower or car. In institution choir, I would mime. I’m excellent at lip-synching, however you can’t drag me to karaoke.

That’s why on this day, it was true proof of friendship that I willingly went to karaoke (at 5pm – totally sober!) to celebrate my good friend Sharon’s birthday. She’s a true Japanophile as well as we flipped the typical purchase to do karaoke early as well as then delight in a banquet at Toko restaurant in Surry Hills.

The few times she has dragged me to a karaoke bar, I sense approaching doom. Not only from the singing, however the spaces feel like death traps. commonly underground, karaoke bars are a warren of little spaces full of dodge electrical devices as well as flickering lights.

I’m persuaded that we’re one stimulate away from dying of smoke inhalation while we try as well as discover the exit. A bit morbid, maybe, however just one more reason not to do karaoke.

But then we went to Goros.

Goros is a little bar in Surry Hills that isn’t that small. Karaoke spaces are totally free to book, as well as there’s a mix of areas to drink as well as dine too.

And I never believed I would state this, however karaoke was fun!

The personnel had to find in twice to remind us our session was over – of program it would be when we were all singing the flavor Girls. who understood I might have a great time in a karaoke bar?! thanks Goros, for altering my mind.

For the genuine celebrations, we made our method as much as Toko restaurant on Crown Street, as well as settled in for a banquet.

Dining with a big group can be a nightmare. who chooses what to order? The awkwardness over who pays what at the end! It can be as well much.

The banquet menus at Toko are outstanding as well as even though we sat down starving, we couldn’t surface it all. It’s a great concept not to rush this meal as you’ll be exhausted after so numerous courses.

We were stuffed… as well as then desserts arrived.

Of program we had to try them all – the fondant as well as the crumble were my faves. My pictures do no justice to the food, however the illumination is just best for date nights as well as lovely selfies.

After a excellent night out with Sharon as well as co in our old neighbourhood (Jim as well as I resided in Surry Hills for over 10 years!), it was time for a ladies’ lunch with one more beautiful good friend across the bridge.

If I hadn’t just hopped off the circular Quay ferry, I might have believed I was in Paris at Bistro Mosman. This French bistro is tucked behind the The Buena pub in Mosman as well as is ideal for a date or a long lunch.

Raising a glass to toast our good friend Steph as well as I’m reminded exactly how fantastic it is to take time out with your friends. If you haven’t done it lately, it’s time to book a table as well as make it happen.

Thanks to Madeline as well as Cherie for putting today together. I still requirement to discover out the name of the florist who produced these spectacular arrangements. They’re just beautiful.

I purchased the very best steak frites with cafe de Paris butter, however I still had food envy as I looked down this table.

When you come here, keep space for desserts here. This fondant is EPIC. The meringue balls are Instagram heaven as well as taste as great as they look too.

Thanks for bringing us all together, Steph! What a beautiful lunch as well as can’t wait to do everything once again soon.

There’s a unusual sight out our window tonight: Sydney has disappeared! An eerie fog is crawling over the city as well as a unusual glow has replaced the city lights.

Compare it to the fireworks we saw from our window the night before…

I assumption it’s a indication that summertime is practically over right here in Sydney. perhaps it’s time for us to head to the northern hemisphere to chase the summer?

Maybe influenced by the chillier weather, I’ve chose to discover exactly how to bake.

I saw a recipe for condensed milk cookies on Facebook as well as I thought, “I can do that!” as well as before I understood it, I was cooking.

Normally it’s Jim that’s much more innovative in the kitchen, so I amazed us both with these peanut choc-chip cookies. Mind you, these aren’t totally outside my realm of baking. one of my other preferred recipes is this for 5-ingredient gluten-free peanut butter choc chip cookies. They’re insanely good.

One thing I ought to have inspected is the quantity of cookies as this recipe makes around 80! I sent a cookie jar full to a special client as well as shared them with our beautiful neighbours too.

I’m eating one as I compose this now too!

And besides that cooking, dinner seems like as well much work, so I go back to a typical fave: grazing platters as well as cheese!

We like a platter as well as have suggestions on exactly how to develop the ideal platter here.

On this board, the stilton is a standout as well as I chosen up a new cheese to try at Woolies – Truckle Bros Dutch cheeses from the UK. They’re not kidding about this chilli version. It’s truly hot. It goes excellent with the fresh bread Jim made today too.

And to see us out, we opened up The tip Chardonnay that we purchased at Cupitt’s Winery while we on the South Coast. This is not only a fantastic winery, however likewise does amazing beer and, at the danger of sounding like I have a dairy addiction, the very best cheese we’ve tasted in ages. We talk a bit much more about Cupitt’s here.

We hope you have a tasty week ahead, as well as keep in mind that if you don’t feel like cooking, cheese as well as red wine can be dinner.

Love – Christina & Jim xx