When I reflect on the year that has been, I realise that I had a LOT of really great food overseas. That also means it’s been a big year of travel, making full use of the school holidays I’m lucky to get working at a school. I’m very thankful I’m able to do this!
So, in no particular order, here’s my FAV FIVE for 2018!
1. Ms G’s – Potts Point, Sydney
Tom yum fried rice, snow crab, kaffir lime, crispy wonton skin ($29) 
Burrata, ‘strange flavour style’ sesame sauce, chilli oil, spinach and peanuts ($22) 
Cheeseburger spring roll ($6 each)
So it wasn’t so much this particular meal at MS G’s as opposed to every experience I’ve ever had a MS G’s. Serious hats off to Dan Hong who always keeps the menu fresh and exciting. I love trying new things every time I go and I’m constantly surprised at what this guy can do. Of course, a highlight is the Cheeseburger spring roll, which just blows my mind. The food is great for sharing, the staff are amazing, the portions are good! What’s there to complain about? I’m excited to head back in 2019 to see what new things they’ve come up with.
Check out my post on MS G’S here.
2. Gaku Robata Grill – Darlinghurst, Sydney
Kurumi-ae – choi sum, walnut, tofu cream ($9) 
Nigiri Sushi – Kama Toro from wild blue fin tuna from Ulladulla, NSW ($10) 
Wagyu Aburi Sushi – seared wagyu beef, grated daikon radish, ponzu ($6 per piece)
It is always a joy to find a great neighbourhood restaurant, which you can hit up early and then still get home at a reasonable hour (or is that just me?). We absolutely love having GAKU ROBATA GRILL up the road. DS keeps telling everyone it is his favourite restaurant, or at least favourite Japanese restaurant! The produce is always fresh and interesting, not like other Japanese restaurants I’ve seen. They also do ramen for lunch which is a bonus. Can you tell we are regulars here?
Check out my post on GAKU ROBATA GRILL here.
3. Brunch at Sansibar – Rantum, Sylt, Germany
If you know me, you’ll know I like my breakfasts long and slow. If I had my ideal breakfast at home, for example, I would have multiple courses including fruit, oats or muesli, bread with many different toppings… Can you imagine how happy I felt when we hit up SANSIBAR in Sylt, Germany, for brunch and they brought out all of these things without us even asking?! This isn’t just good German breakfast, it’s breakfast (or brunch) at its finest.
Check out my post on Brunch @ Sansibar here.
De Plantage – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Our dinner at DE PLANTAGE in Amsterdam was one of those unexpected gems. It had been recommended to us by several people but we didn’t really think it would be one of our favourite meals on that trip! We couldn’t really fault anything, from the food, to the beautiful outdoor summer setting in the Artis Zoo.
Check out my post on De Plantage here.
5. Dead Ringer – Surry Hills, Sydney
Bonito Tataki, cucumber, karkalla, black sesame ($18) 
Stretched curds, olive marmalade, heirloom tomatoes ($19)
We do really like our neighbourhood restaurants (walking distance from home is best!) and DEAD RINGER is another one of those. One of my favourite things is that the menu changes all the time, so you never have to eat the same thing twice! The focus is also on seasonal produce and occasionally flavours of other cuisines creep in too.
Check out my post on Dead Ringer here.