Sydney

You would be doing yourself a gross injustice if you overlook the numerous unassuming neighbourhood Japanese izakayas/small restaurants when in Sydney. Super fresh seafood at reasonable prices is the order of the day here - AUD $16 for a considerable amount of sashimi. Particularly loved the gorgeous sweet, plump scallops topped with delicate fish roe.

Everything seems to come in supersized portions in Australia, even Japanese food. AUD $10 for enough awesome fried chicken to feed 3 pax.

AUD $5 gets you ginormous chunks of pork crackling for you to get your grease on

A great, nay, EPIC sandwich! I liken this to an unholy union between banh mi and crispy pork belly. Crusty baguette is the vessel for generous hunks of tender pork flesh sitting atop a refreshing pickled slaw that helps cut through the grease. And the crowning glory above all else? The crispy skin. Oh sweet, delicious crisp crackling, how you call to me.

The celebrity chef most feared on Masterchef Australia, Adriano Zumbo's outlet at The Star Casino is a celebration of the whimsical. Be dazzled by bright lights and equally brightly colored pastries. Watch the bakers in the open kitchen as they transform raw ingredients into delicate works of confectionery art.

Apparently the best Gelato in Sydney, and I have to say, it's pretty good. We had the Pandan & Coconut and Bounty flavors. Both were smooth and creamy in texture but with the lightness associated with gelato and not as sweet as most ice creams.

A popular Hungarian sweet yeast pastry made by spinning a strip of the dough and then wrapping it round a cone shaped spit. Sugar on its surface caramelizes to form a crispy golden crust and additional toppings such as nuts and cinnamon can be added.

If you ever happen to be at Tempus Two winery in the Hunter Valley, swing by Tuk Tuk Burgers in the same compound for their thick, juicy and succulent beef burgers.

Poached eggs, spicy smashed beans and avocado on toast

Chilli fried egg, crispy bacon, pickled slaw on a toasted pillowy soft brioche bun

Wonderful parting gifts - postcard, printed menu of the day, and the best thing, a packet of house-made kimchi!