It's coming!

I can't wait for this fabulous little taste of Adelaide to hit Melbourne town in January.

The Royal Croquet Club was 'it and a bit' in Adelaide last year and I'm so proud the team is sharing the love beyond the city of churches.

I only saw it in its infancy during the cricket on the banks of the Torrens, but people tell me it was fab in Victoria Square during Mad March.

Melbourne folk, get excited! It'll be better than Night Noodle Markets, fo shiz. (I just hope it's not as hectic.)

Read more about it here.

Am I daft?

So I did it, and I'm so nervous!

I entered The Fat Duck ballot and am sick with fear that I'll be drawn as a lucky winner.

I'm also like a kid before Christmas - can you imagine if I get picked?! It will be the most exciting day of my life (so far, of course).

The $525 (without beverages) pricetag scares the life out of me, but as my friend Em pointed out, it's 12-15 courses which breaks it down to about $35 per dish. Okay, it's still expensive, but it's also a lot of food and 4.5 hours of pure entertainment.

This article from Good Food justified it for me - I know where my tax return will be going this year!

Has anyone actually dined at The Fat Duck before? I'd love to know if you think it's worth it!

Gulp. It's A LOT of money.

SA Grateful

I might have caved to social pressures and packed my bags for the big lights of Melbourne, but I will always be a fiercely proud South Aussie at heart.

So much makes this SA Great (oh how I wish they'd kept that brand instead of Advantage SA) and food and wine tops the list for me.

Menz is a firm favourite of mine and I especially love their commitment to the community and local charities. So I was especially chuffed to see them up in lights amongst some serious national heavy hitters today when I received my regular marketing industry newsletter this afternoon.

Menz has created what is believed to be Australia's largest mural made entirely of lollies.

Read about it here.

Doesn't it look great!? I'm yet to identify all the iconic SA landmarks hidden throughout the thousands of sweets but so far have spotted the Malls Balls . . . anyone have any other ideas?!

Then this morning, my parochial fires were burning for Kochie's South Australian food segment on Sunrise. Farmers Union Iced Coffee, Haighs, Maggie Beer, Penfolds wine . . . so so so good!

Check it out here . . .

Fit for a sailor

There's something romantic about a day on the water. I think it's the fresh air, or the wind in your hair, or the salt on your lips. Or the boys in boat shoes.

Well now, there's an even better way to enjoy a day on the high seas thanks to Two Spoons Catering on the Gold Coast.

Sally and her team have developed a gourmet range of boat hampers to suit every celebration - maybe he's popping the question, or you're ringing in the new year or you're spoiling a hen on her special day. 

Whatever the occasion - make your life easier and leave the hard work up to the professionals. You just worry about chilling the bubbles and choosing an outfit.

Find out more at twospoons.com.au and make sure you follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with their exciting developments.

Barossa. Be Consumed.

So, I'm sitting on the couch watching The Americans with my new housemate and we were rendered speechless when a new tv ad came on.

It was stunning. Beyond gorgeous. Great music, breathtaking scenery, and a little bit edgy. Reminds me of the True Blood opening credits (but way cooler). We were lost for words. I pitched in with a 'Daylesford, maybe?' But my Vic housemate surprised me with a 'definitely South Australian'

I thought he was taking the piss, knowing how fiercely parochial I am.

But no, apparently we're known for great ads. Remember the brilliant Kangaroo Island campaign?

Well, I got all warm and fuzzy when I saw the end frame. None other than the Barossa. Brilliant! 

Check it out ...

www.southaustralia.com

Good work SATC. Snaps to you.