Accidental Travel Writer

Australia: Jan Power's Famers Markets Arrive on the Gold Coast

What's On

Fresh food guru Jan Power has brought her farmers market concept to the Australian Gold Coast.

Held on the second Sunday of every month from 7 am to 1 pm at The Oracle on Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach, Queensland, Jan Power's Farmers Market showcases South East Queensland's finest fresh farm, organic, and gourmet producers.

Foodies can buy fresh produce direct from the suppliers. Artisan breads, gourmet meats, cheese, and olives are among the yummy but healthful offerings.

The Oracle has an impressive mix of retail outlets, with a focus on food, fashion, and the arts. It is one block south of the Broadbeach Mall in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Diamond Jubilee: the World Comes to Windsor Castle

Britain

The Diamond Jubilee Pageant will pay tribute to the 60 year reign of Queen Elizabeth II on 10, 11, and 13 May 2012 in the private grounds of Windsor Castle in a spectacular performance that will bring together more than 500 horses and 800 international performers from around the world.

There will be dance, music, military, and equestrian displays from various countries in the 90 minute extravaganza.

Visitors will be taken on a journey around the world, reflective of the Queen's State visits and Commonwealth visits during Her Royal Majesty's six decade long reign.

The show will begin in London and take visitors to the Americas, Australasia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and finally back to the United Kingdom in seven acts, creating a colourful show that pays tribute to the cultural diversity of the once proud British Empire.

World Comes to Windsor Palace

Click on the following link for more information: The World Comes to Windsor.

Pictured: St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Photo Credit: Steven Isaacson via Wikimedia Commons.

To Be Continued

This is the fourth in a series on the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The next post on the Diamond Jubilee will be published on 2 March 2012. It is entitled Beacons to Light UK Skies.

For More on the Diamond Jubilee

Diamond Jubilee: Queen Elizabeth II to Celebrate 60 Years of the Throne in 2012

The Official Website of The British Monarchy

EnjoyEngland

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Hong Kong: Japanese Eatery to Serve Kagoshima Pork Cutlets

Eating Out

Who doesn't like those yummy Japanese style pork cutlets that are served at Japanese restaurants all over Hong Kong?

Well, the chefs at Saboten Japanese Cutlet restaurant, which specializes in pork cutlets, is out to redefine the concept.

The stylish Japanese style eatery, which is located in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island, will serve a handmade Pork Mille-feuille exclusively from March to May 2012.

Grain Fed Kagoshima Pork

Made from grain fed Kagoshima Pork, these deep fried pork cutlets are made from well marbled pork that has been finely sliced and stacked in more than 20 layers. Then, it is coated with homemade breadcrumbs and deep-fried until it is crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.

At the table you can then dip them into a traditional citrus flavoured vinaigrette.

Sounds like pure culinary bliss!

Where: Saboten Japanese Cutlet, Lower Ground Floor, Henry House, 42 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Telephone: (852) 2895 4111.

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

New Zealand: Queenstown Featured in Aussie Comedy

Entertainment

Queenstown, New Zealand, plays a cameo role in film Any Questions for Ben?, a fast paced comedy from the creators of the Australian hit films The Castle and The Dish.

The movie opened in Australia on 9 February 2012.

Starring Australian actors Josh Lawson, Rachael Taylor, Daniel Henshall, Christian Clark, and Felicity Ward, follows Ben, played by Josh, is a 27-year-old with the world at his feet who is search for the true meaning of life. This leads him into a variety of entertaining situations, including a trip to Queenstown.

Pictured: Left to right, Ben (Josh Lawson) and Andy (Christian Clark) on location in Queenstown, New Zealand Photo Credit: Stefan Duscio.

Boost to Queenstown Tourism Industry

By showcasing Queenstown, the film is expected to raise the city's profile in Australia, which will result in an increase in inbound travel, local tourism authories hope.

“Visually superb scenery provided us with huge production values that money can’t buy,” says the film's Producer, Michael Hirsh. 

“Queenstown looks magnificent on the big screen.  It was a pleasure to film there.”

Queenstown Officials React

Destination Queenstown and Film Otago Southland assisted Working Dog Productions with logistics and locations in order to maximize Queenstown’s exposure. 

"What a great way to showcase Queenstown to Australians and inspire them to choose our resort as their next short haul holiday,” says Tony Everitt, Destination Queenstown CEO.

“The film gives audiences a real taste of our magnificent scenery, world-class visitor experiences and easy accessibility from Australia.”

Any Questions for Ben?

Click on the following link to view the movie trailer of the film: Any Questions for Ben?

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Singapore: Señor Taco Opens More Mexican Restaurants

Eating Out

 

Okay, I haven't eaten at Mexican restaurant Señor Taco in Singapore yet.

 

In fact, I haven't even to been to Singapore yet, so I really can't say if this small but growing chain of taquerias and cantinas, which has opened a new outlet at Chijmes, is all that it's cracked up to be, but I sure would like to find out!

 

You see, Mexican food is my absolute favourite cooking style. I had it just last night, and I'm happy to report that you now can get good Mexican food in Hong Kong.

 

At least I think i't's good . . .

 

You can read my review of Tequila Jack's at the following link: Restaurant Review Tequila Jack's in Hong Kong.

 

But digress . . .

 

Mexican Taquerias and Cantinas

 

The menu at Señor Taco Chlijmes is said to resemble “that of the traditional Mexican taqueria, together with classic antojitos found in Mexico’s famous cantinas”, the press release says.

 

“I’m not a big fan of the kind of heavy, expensive dishes that I see being served at other places,” says Alejandro Blanco, founder of Señor Taco.

 

“I like food that is fun to eat and delicious – like carnitas, ceviche, and enchiladas. It all invokes the Mexican party spirit, which Singaporeans may not be so closely acquainted with yet.”

 

Sure sounds good to me!

 

Haute Cuisine?

 

A few years back, I interviewed the owner of a newly opened Mexican restaurant in Hong Kong. He lambasted the Mexican food “popularized by Americans around the world” that was anything but authentic – you know, things like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, nachos – all those disgusting things that have found so much favour throughout the world (and which I, personally, LOVE).

 

My interviewee wanted to showcase what he considered the Mexican equivalent of “haute cuisine”.

 

“Mexican cuisine is every bit as sophisticated as French cuisine,” he told me with extreme pomposity.

 

I didn't bother pointing out to him that with the exception of a few food snobs, Mexican food was surely more popular than French food.

 

Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You

 

Actually, I found this interviewee's comments a bit insulting.

 

As an American, I LOVE all that stuff - you know, tacos, enchiladas, burrtios, fajitas - I even like tomales, which have NOT found favour around the world (because most restaurants just can't get them right).

 

And I know that I'm not alone. My Chinese and my Japanese friends love Mexican food, too, when I help them negotiate the menu (if they're not already familiar with Mexican food).

 

What's more, I don't really care that much if food is “authentic”. My main concern is HOW IT TASTES (and looks and smells and things like the texture).

 

I attended a function that was catered by this gentleman's restaurant, and, quite frankly, I thought that the food SUCKED!!! (Give me a taco or a burrito any day.)

 

Believe me, I wasn't surprised that his restaurant flopped.

 

Fun and Delicious

 

I'm with Alejandro.

 

I like food that is “fun to eat and delicious”. I like food that you eat with your hands. I like food that is a bit messy, food that dribbles down your arms, food that requires lots of napkins!

 

I especially like food that you wash down with tequila!!!

 

So I'm hoping that somebody in Singapore will read this and check this place out and let me know if it would be worth a trip to the Lion City for some comida muy deliciosa!

 

I haven't made any plans for my annual winter escape from Hong Kong yet. Would this be a good excuse to check Singapore out?

 

Copyright: Michael Taylor.

 

New Zealand: Christchurch One Year After the Earthquake

Travel Destination

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on 22 February 2011, killing 185 people and badly damaging the city's downtown business district.

The city's tourism industry was badly hit, but one year on, things appear to be decidedly on the mend, with strong growth in inbound arrivals - especially from key travel markets in Asia.

"It's been a difficult journey and the challenges aren't over yet, but the creation of new bars, restaurants, and entertaining spaces is giving the city a very strong recovery feel," says Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

"Our resilience was acknowledged in January when Lonely Planet said Christchurch is re-emerging as one of New Zealand's most exciting cities. And an influential global magazine, Foreign Policy, has listed Christchurch in the top 10 of global cities that will shape the next century."

Bob Parker, the Mayor of Christchurch, says innovative projects such as the temporary shipping container shopping mall (pictured above) that was set up in the centre of the city reflect Christchurch's determination to get back on its feet and to move on.

"There is a sense of hope and optimism that Christchurch will emerge from this difficult period in its history as one of the most exciting cities in the world - a place where the environment is respected and modern technology embraced,” Bob says.

“We want Christchurch to be a leading city of the 21st century. It is going to take time, money and hard work for us to turn our vision into Christchurch into a reality, but we are taking steps forward all the time.''

9% Drop in Overnight Visitors

In the year that ended in September 2011, fully 47% of all visitors to New Zealand spent at least one night in Canterbury as part of their New Zealand stay. This represents a 9% drop compared with the previous year.

That's the bad news. The good news is that both Christchurch and the whole of the South Island are benefiting from an increase in the number of visitors from Singapore, Malaysia, India, and China.

"We are seeing a marked increase in independent travelers from China and the Malaysian market is continuing to produce an abundance of self-drive travelers on long itineraries,” Bob says.

“Malaysian arrivals into Christchurch have exceeded 18,500 in the year ending December, up 430% on last year. Direct Air Asia X services to Christchurch since April 2011 have been a fantastic boost for tourism in the South Island.”

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

China: Kashgar in Xinjiang Launches Bid to Boost Inbound Tourism

Daily Feature

Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the Western most city in the People's Republic of China.

Highly cosmopolitan with the influence of many different cultures and civilizations, Kashgar was a key outpost on the legendary Silk Road.

Officials from the city of Kashgar made an 11 day road trip earlier this month to Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong in a bid to raise the historic city's profile as a tourist destination for travelers from Central and Southeast Asia as well as throughout the world and also to attract investment and to promote trade.

Kashgar is the only city in China with fully preserved traditional towns and districts. Double digit tourism growth is expected over the next five years

Pictured above: the Apakh Hoja Tomb. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Location, Location, Location

With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, Kashgar effectively connects China with eight neighbouring countries by way of five international ports with a combined potential market of 130 million people. Kashgar was designated in 2010 as a Special Economic Development Zone such as Shenzhen, which is located just north of Hong Kong, and Zhuhai, which is situated just north of Macau.

Kashgar has an international airport, which officials hope to develop into a key hub for Central Asia. Direct charter flights between Hong Kong and Kashgar are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012.

“Hong Kong has a wealth of experience in developing international trade and building a cosmopolitan city, which we have much to learn from,” says Chen Xuguang, Kashgar Party Secretary.

“We are also heartened by the warm reception during our time in Hong Kong. There have been some very positive responses to our messages and there is much follow-up work to put through the pipeline.”

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Australia: Starwood Hotels to Rebrand Blue Mountains Properties

Hospitality

An agreement has been reached between Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Lilianfels Hotel Blue Mountains, and Echoes Hotel Blue Mountains to rebrand Lilianfels and Echoes resorts in Blue Mountains, Australia.

Under The Luxury Collection brand, the Lilianfels Hotel Blue Mountains will become Lilianfels, A Luxury Collection Resort, Blue Mountains, Australia, and Echoes Hotel Blue Mountains will become Echoes, A Luxury Collection Resort, Blue Mountains, Australia. The changes took effect on 13 February 2012.  

"We are thrilled to introduce The Luxury Collection brand to Australia with the signings of two renowned resorts," says Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President, Starwood Pacific Hotels & Resorts.

"As we welcome Lilianfels and Echoes to The Luxury Collection's esteemed portfolio, we celebrate their distinctive character, indigenous charm and unparalleled service that allow guests to experience the scenic Blue Mountains in a unique way."

"The Luxury Collection is experiencing a great wave of global growth this year in the Asia Pacific," continued Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. "This is a significant milestone for the brand and continues Starwood's expansion in Australia and the Pacific region where we currently operate 13 hotels."   

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Academy Awards: What to Do in Hollywood in the Run Up to Oscar Sunday

Travel Destination

All eyes will be focused on Hollywood, California, on the night of Sunday 26 February 2012 as The 84th Academy Awards goes lives before a worldwide television audience of thousands of millions of movie fans.

The Artist, The Decendants, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, War Horse – which film will walk away with an Oscar?

Demian Bichir, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt – who will be named best Actor in a Leading Role? Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams – who will be named Best Actress in a Leading Role?

If you are caught up in the excitement surrounding this coming Sunday's Academy Awards, check out Hollywood City PASS for some ideas on how you can pass the time while you await the big night.

Save 46% on Admission!

You can save 46% off the combined admission to some of Hollywood's most important tourist attractions: Starline Movie Stars' Homes Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Red Line Tours' Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes, and a choice between a guided tour of the Kodak Theatre, home of the Oscars, or The Hollywood Museum (pictured above).

Other Options

You could go also jogging in MacArthur Park, gorge yourself on some of that yummy Mexican food that Southern California is famous for, soak up some rays at Malibu, or shop till you drop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

 

Cruise: 18 Day Voyage from Australia to Hawaii Sets Sail in April

Special Package

The newly renovated luxury ocean liner Radiance of the Seas (pictured left) will depart from Sydney, Australia, for Honolulu, Hawaii, on 5 April 2012.  

Ports of calls will include Auckland, New Zealand, Papeete, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Hilo on the Big Island in Hawaii.  

The ship has floor to ceiling picture windows enclosing a central atrium that is fully nine storeys tall.

There are restaurants including an all new Brazilian steakhouse,  an indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator, a rock climbing wall, basketball and volleyball courts, a poolside cinema, and many other facilities.

A special package offered by ecruising.com includes 17 nights on board the ship with full board, one night's accommodation at the Hilton Waikiki in Honolulu, transfers, a flight from Honolulu back to Sydney, and port charges and government taxes.

For complete information of all of the world's top cruise lines, please click on the following link: Online Exclusives - Find the Perfect Cruise

Sign up for our Email Newsletter