Stanwell Tops, NSW - Icarus Flies

No melting wax was involved here, but I am reminded of the Greek legend of Icarus, when I see the bird people off the cliff slopes of Bald Hill at Stanwell Tops, just sited on the south side of Sydney's Royal National Park. On this occasion, the art of flight has been achieved, whether one heads into the direction of the rising sun, or more precisely towards the hillsides of the northern villages leading into the city and harbour of Wollongong. The combination of supporting wind, effective design and human spirit has provided a most spectacular show and capability.

The Sababa in Newtown, Sydney

Becasse Creative

An aromatic and eye catching fruit loaf (above), lemon cheesecake presented like an artist's paint palate and a friand topped by pistachios and more (below). Welcome to the world of the Becasse.

A twist of a theme, or a well planned act of fusion? Below, the creation that looks like either threads per Uncle Moay, or like southern Chinese egg noodles per my perspective, had elegance and texture on the mouth.

Becasse is a French delight from Justin and Georgia North- their bakery I visited is located on level 5, Westfield Sydney Pitt Street Mall. The Becasse offers more than cakes and pastries - it has degustation courses for both vegetarians and meat lovers. The range includes hapuka, mushroom royale, aubergines, wagyu and partridge. Dining is closed on Sundays.

Autumn in Nan Tien

It was Wesak Day - the festival commemorating the birth,enlightenment and death of the Buddha more than two thousand years ago - when these images were taken. Above image, a recreation of the birth of the Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. Below image, steps leading to a pagoda tower on the extensive landscaped grounds of the complex.

The Nan Tien Temple complex is sited in Berkeley, a short drive south of Wollongong CBD if one uses the freeway south. It is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and is part of a world wide chain of religious halls belonging to the FoKuang Shan group which originated from Taiwan.

Return to Guan an Bau Troung, Canley Heights, Sydney

The Bau Troung Restaurant is located somewhere in the middle of the main strip of the Canley Heights area in south-western Sydney, NSW. On this visit, mates and I had wok energetic stir-fried vermicelli; pho noodle soup; oysters on the shell bathed in a ginger and soy sauce garnishing (final image on this post) ; rather niche soups that utilised the flavours of salted fish, pork and prawn slices to offer a rich stock (below); and more. I was impressed with their version of side serve salads (above) and also secretly eyed the steamed duck in plum sauce which was being savoured by a diner at the next table.