The Year of Change: 2014

2014 has been a year of change and growing up (as cliche as that sounds).

New people came into my life while others filtered out.

My Mum and I spent a majority of the year in different countries.

I had an epiphany about my future and study plans.

I turned 21.

I completed my first undergraduate degree.

(Now what to do with a Bachelor of Medical Science?)

I relocated to Singapore for the year of 2015.

My Little Brother moved to Singapore for National Service. For the first time I had a glimpse into the life of an only child.  But really, he underwent and experienced the greatest change of all.  Change may in fact be too modest a description as he undoubtedly has transformed into a man.   Nevertheless, I still see my baby brother underneath the mature and learned exterior.

My goals and hopes for 2015:

Find a job, which will hopefully help me figure out my ‘where to next?’.

Have fun and enjoy being 21!

Spend more quality time with the family.

Cook and bake deliciousness.

Read more.

Write more.

Capture more photographs.

Eat well.

Sleep well.

Get fit (mmm…maybe)

Thank you to the Sydney Food Bloggers and any readers out there for your support and patience in 2014.  I hope that you all have a fantastic New Year celebration!

What are you all planning for 2015?!

Until next year!

Ming xx

Final Sydney Post of 2014: Rushcutters Restaurant and Market Place

A final post on Sydney brunch for 2014…

It took me a significant amount of persuasion in order to convince my Dad to leave his study for a final Sydney brunch together.  After my first dining experience at Rushcutters for a friend’s 21st, the birthday girl herself (Hey Pip!) had me determined to revisit the cafe/restaurant/market place for brunch.

I must admit that I am susceptible to the luring decor and ambience of any dining location.  The high warehouse like ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass panels created a spacious and almost al-fresco atmosphere.

A last minute discovery: Cook & Archies, Surry Hills

The best things always seem to be discovered at the end of a journey. As the saying goes; ‘save the best for last’ and Cook & Archies is certainly no exception to this.

During my last week in Sydney, I brought mother to this gem in Surry Hills on a break from packing for my adventure. Originally, I had a post-exam brunch date lined up at the venue but alas, a bout of food-poisoning had my dining partner out of action.

After a few disappointing coffees on returning to Sydney, mother loved her cup and I could not agree more. Their roast has definitely made it onto #mingsfavourites (:P)!

As per usual, mother and I avoided ‘meal-commitment’ and shared a mix of savoury and sweet dishes.

Paramount Coffee Project: Life happenings with a side of brunch

Hello desolate space…apologies for the prolonged hiatus. As per usual university ‘nerding’ was to blame. The final semester of degree was nothing short of exhausting and stressful but I can very happily say that those days are now behind me! Following my final set of exams I indulged in a glorious period of brunching with friends before the highly anticipated arrival of my mother who I have missed dearly.   A hectic week of packing ensued. ‘Why?’ You may ask.

After much thought and changes of heart I finally decided to take the leap of faith <insert that unforgettable scene in How I Met Your Mother where they leap onto the neighboring apartment roof top>

…and venture over to Singapore for one year of work.

Now that all crazy shenanigans have ended I can rekindle my love for this blog, which is in dire need of some TLC.  So hello again … but from Singapore!

Over the past year my foodie appetite was stunted due to much time devoted to study thus I was determined to tick off a number of places on my ‘wish-list’ yet to be tried. Let us start with my trip to the famously instagrammed Paramount Coffee Project in Surry Hills.

My dear friend Queen P was visiting from Thailand and for the first time in three years the stars finally aligned and we were able to embark on a chat-, food- and retail-filled day. Queen P is one of those friends that exudes a confidence and energy that is truly wonderful to be in the presence of, much like Queen B(eyonce) herself and a perfect fit for the vivacious environment of PCP. Located in the previous Paramount Film Offices in Surry Hills, the high ceilings and infiltrating sunshine generated a fantastic ambience.