- Spice up your Singapore sojourn with a cooking class – or two! -
While ‘foodie’ travel has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, the current success of cookery shows such as MasterChef and The Chopping Block is set to give epicurean tourism a phenomenal boost.
Singapore has long been a favourite destination for food lovers, since eating out in the Lion City is somewhat of a national obsession. And whether you’re an amateur wannabe or a touch more professional, Singapore has a cooking class – or entire course – to tempt every budding chef.
Below is a selection of Singapore’s favourite culinary academies, offering everything from simple one-off classes focusing on preparing a fabulous dinner party to more in-depth retreats covering everything from the weird and wonderful to funky fusion and haute cuisine.
Coriander Leaf Cooking Studio
Situated among the chic eateries of glittering Clarke Quay, Coriander Leaf’s culinary school focuses on home-style cooking – covering half-day courses highlighting the best in South Asian, South-East Asian, Middle Eastern and fusion cooking.
Ph: (65) 6732 3354 or visit www.corianderleaf.com
at-sunrice Global Chef Academy
One of Singapore’s renowned culinary centres, Fort Canning Park’s at-sunrice offers a range of hands-on food experiences from demonstration and tasting classes to practical workshops promoting rich pan-Asian cuisine. Participants enjoy a fun learning environment in a gorgeous historic setting.
Ph: (65) 6336 3307 or visit www.at-sunrice.com
Shermay’s Cooking School
Successful cookbook author and cooking personality Shermay Lee and her handpicked guest chefs teach classes for both novices and advanced chefs in her own fully equipped demonstration kitchen. Her grandmother’s traditional nonya cuisine is a specialty, but Shermay also offers classes in areas such as French cuisine, desserts and home-style Chinese cooking.
Ph: (65) 6479 8442 or visit www.shermay.com
Cookery Magic
For friendly cooking classes in the comfort of a local Singapore home, it’s hard to go past Cookery Magic, which offers classes in Malay, Indian and vegetarian cooking among other specialties.
Ph: (65) 6348 9667 or visit www.cookerymagic.com
Raffles Culinary Academy
Running almost daily recreational and introductory classes, the prestigious Raffles Culinary Academy stages classes in topics as varied as wine and etiquette, home dining and oyster and foie gras appreciation.
Ph: (65) 6412 1256/7 or visit www.raffleshotel.com/culinaryacademy.html
Palate Sensations
Unique historic classes incorporating more than just cuisine are the order of the day at the lush Wessex Estate’s Palate Sensations. Offering classes that are both educational and entertaining, options run the gamut from Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-Ageing Workshops (focusing on cooking with Chinese herbs), to Yoga Health Foods, Spa Cuisine, Indian Finger Foods and the Art of Chinese Tea Making.
Ph: (65) 6479 9025 or visit www.palatesensations.com
Violet Oon’s Kitchen
One of Singapore’s leading food gurus, Violet Oon, is a leading authority on Asian cuisine, specialising in Singapore’s unique nonya cuisine and offering plenty of practical tips, innovative ideas and memorable cooking experiences.
Ph: (65) 6255 1037 or visit www.violetoon.com
For further information about Singapore, log onto www.visitsingapore.com or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Release your inner MasterChef in Singapore
High voltage AC/DC tour kicks-off in Fremantle
ARGUABLY one of Australia’s best known rock bands is AC/DC, and this Thursday (July 9) one Fremantle tour operator will launch a Highway to Hell Tour to commemorate what would have been home-town hero Ronald “Bon” Scott’s 63rd birthday.
Jon Tomkins, of Fremantle Tram Tours, has extensively researched the Scottish-born lead singer’s somewhat wild teenage years spent in WA’s port city to develop an entertaining tour that takes in Scott’s childhood home, schools he attended, his brush with the law in Fremantle Prison, a commemorative statue and his grave at the Fremantle Cemetery.
Scott’s grave is reportedly the most visited in the country - the National Trust of Australia even lists it as a classified heritage site – and it regularly draws comparison to the homage shown at The Doors front man Jim Morrison’s plot at Paris’ Père-Lachaise cemetery.
One enduring Bon Scott fan is Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri who chose the hugely popular AC/DC rock anthem It’s a Long Way to the Top as his theme song in his successful 2001 campaign to become Fremantle Mayor. His office still features a Bon Scott poster.
The Mayor will launch the tour to media and the tourism industry at 11am on Thursday, July 9 at Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle.
Tour operator Jon Tomkins says the interactive Highway to Hell tour will enable people to select which particular AC/DC songs are played during the 90-minute tour that starts and ends and Fishing Boat Harbour three times each Sunday. Another mid-week day will be included as demand for the tour grows.
And as if perfectly staged, the accidental blowing-up of an amplifier on the tour vehicle during early testing suggests this will be an authentic rock ‘n ‘ roll experience. It will also explore some of the myths surrounding the charismatic performer’s life and death, such as how he got the nickname “Bon” and the mystery surrounding his death.
The tour is just one of many attractions which draw 3.5 millions tourists to WA, including the iconic port city of Fremantle each year. For more information on attractions: www.visitfremantle.com.au
For more information on the tour phone Jon Tomkins: 9433 6674 or 0408 998 188.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Climb the riggings, hit the decks. It's time for the annual Boat Show.
Sydneysiders will soon see boats pulling into the Harbour for the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show which starts this month, 30 July. Organised by the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales, the event will be packed with new vessels and products, historic boats and entertainment. The five day show is not just for experienced boaties, the events and guest speaker presentations cater to the whole family and will be valuable for those who are keen to learn more about boating.
Special event: Boat Building Competition
Ever wondered how to build a boat? For a quick and fun lesson, visit the boat building competition in Darling Harbour where the teams will battle it out to construct a boat. The teams will have two hours to create their boats which will be put to the test when they set sail around Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour. The competition draws many shipwrights and provides for an entertaining afternoon as the teams will discover if their vessels sink or make it back to dry land safely.
The Boat Building Competition is staged by the Shipwrights and Boatbuilders Association of NSW (SBA) and the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd (BIA), organisers of the Sydney International Boat Show. The lesson will start at 10am and the race will start at 2.30pm on Saturday, 1 August near the IMAX in Darling Harbour.
The 42nd Boatshow not only promises to have exciting and interesting events, the show will also display innovative products.
New product: Sealegs
A rigid, inflatable boat (RIB) with a unique feature is driving strongly into the Australian market. Sealegs is a range of 'amphibious' craft that has motorised wheels for on-land use; and makes for a powerful speed boat when in the water.
Driven by a 90-150 horsepower motor, Sealegs is an ideal ski boat or recreational craft capable of speeds up to 37 knots (60km/hour). The hull is constructed of a durable Hypalon material which is resistant to a range of extreme conditions. When the boat comes to shore, the three motorised 'legs' or wheels are lowered to drive over land and beaches, minimising the hassle of storing the boat from storage to water. With excellent terrestrial capabilities, the Sealegs craft can climb slopes to a 1:4 grade or negotiate 1:3 downhill descent travelling up to 10km/hour.
Check out the first Sealegs to arrive in Australia at Hall 5, Stand 105A.
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Date: Thursday 30 July – Monday 3 August
Venue: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Times: Open every day 10am-8pm (halls) and 10am-6pm (marina)
Cost: $18 (Adults), $42 (Family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17 years), $16 (Senior cardholders), $12 (Aged Pensioner cardholders) and $10 (Child aged 6-17 years). Children 5 years and younger are admitted free. Three-day VIP pass is $39 which allows entry to any three days of the show (one person per day).
Website: www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
About the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd
The Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) is a not-for-profit industry organisation, which represents more than 90 percent of the retail boating industry in New South Wales. Member companies include boat builders, retailers, engine distributors, yacht brokers, trailer manufacturers, ship chandleries, hire and charter boat operators, marinas, shipwrights, mechanical and electrical engineers as well as ancillary services. All BIA members adhere to a voluntary Code of Practice and Code of Ethics. In addition, the BIA is involved in responding to issues relating to the recreational use of NSW's waterways, including the environment, boating safety, access and public facilities. For more information, please visit www.bia.org.au.
The BIA publishes the annual NSW Marine Directory (www.marinedirectory.com.au) as part of its charter to assist the boating public with access to the marine industry.
Queensland Hot Deals
The Sunshine Coast's newest luxury retreat, Spicers Clovelly Estate is offering special mid-week (Sunday to Thursday) opening rates of $199 per night for two people including breakfast. The offer is valid to October 31, 2009 and a saving of $130. Spicers Clovelly Estate opens on July 25 and is set on nine hectares of country land within easy reach of the beaches of Noosa and Mooloolaba and only 90 minutes drive from Brisbane. It is the first property to open under the Spicers Retreats Hotels and Lodges portfolio created by Flight Centre Limited founder and managing director Graham Turner. Tel: 1300 717 027; www.spicersclovellyestate.com.au
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy these deals – purchase one adult day pass to Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond and receive another free. Richmond is located half way between Townsville and Mount Isa in the Queensland Outback and is part of Australia's Dinosaur Trail. Alternatively, explore further afield and gain entry to three attractions on the Dinosaur Trail for just $20 an adult or $50 per family - Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden, Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond and Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Winton. www.australiasdinosaurtrail.com
Pay $843 per person twin share for an adult ticket ($699 for an Australian Senior) for the Traveltrain Holidays' Longreach Lookabout holiday. Price includes a one-way first class sleeping berth travel onboard Spirit of the Outback between Brisbane and Longreach, four nights accommodation in Longreach, continental breakfast, sunset dinner cruise and entry to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. The offer is valid for travel until December 31, 2009. www.traveltrain.com.au
Peppers Coral Coast, Airlie Beach's first fully-serviced five-star apartment resort is offering an opening special of $179 per night for a one bedroom apartment. The luxurious resort offers a range of 102 apartments, panoramic views, a stunning wet-edge resort pool, fine-dining Tides Restaurant & Bar and an Endota Day Spa, all overlooking the new Port of Airlie and Whitsunday islands. This special is valid until November 30, 2009. www.peppers.com.au/Coral-Coast
Save $1020 and enjoy free return flights for two between Cairns and Bedarra (via Dunk) and Lizard Island just by booking accommodation for five nights or more on either island. Five night packages on both islands start from $7220 per room twin-share and include all meals, a selected range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and selected island activities including motorised dinghies, snorkelling, tennis, self-guided nature walks and gourmet picnic hampers. This deal is valid for travel between 1 September to 30 November, 2009. www.lizardisland.com.au/special, www.bedarraisland.com/special
Make the most of Festival Cairns 2009 with a special package at the Pullman Reef Hotel. Prices start from $380 per night (for two people twin share) and include accommodation in a Superior Room, a $150 dining credit for use in any of Pullman's restaurants, including the award-winning Tamarind restaurant, twilight cruise on Trinity Inlet with Habitat Cruises including welcome drink, two $10 casino chips for the Reef Casino and expert assistance from the Pullman concierge team to assist in finding out the best that Festival Cairns has to offer. Offer on sale until 6 September 2009 for stays during the Cairns Festival, August 21 to September 6. Tel: (07) 4030 8888. www.accorhotels.com.au
WHALE WATCHING SEASON HAS HIT WARRNAMBOOL!
The coastal capital of the Great Ocean Road - Warrnambool - has welcomed some Southern Right Whales, to its Logans Beach whale nursery – marking the beginning of the whale watching season for 2009!
The whales are traditionally in Warrnambool's waters until October each year – so while you have the chance - get to Warrnambool to watch these amazing mammals. The specially designed whale-viewing platform at Logans Beach allows visitors to experience the whales that venture within 100 metres of the shoreline.
"The winter months are a great time to be in Warrnambool– the town is a buzz with whale sightings, with everyone down at Logans Beach waiting for the whales to breach & blow," said Carole Reid, Chief Executive Officer – Shipwreck Coast Marketing.
The town of Warrnambool, Victoria goes into "whale mode" during the season and looks forward to their Antarctic visitors, who travel to the warmer waters off Warrnambool to have their calves.
Head down to Warrnambool and join in the excitement with a range of special whale watching experiences and accommodation packages on offer.
New for 2009 Whale Season:-
There is a range of new ways to experience Warrnambool Whales in 2009:-
- Train – VLINE from Melbourne and be collected from Warrnambool Station – Bookings required at www.visitwarrnambool.com.au
- Plane – Air Warrnambool operates flights over the Logans Beach area to get a birds eye view;
- Boat - Perfect opportunity to see the whales from the sea
Monday, July 13, 2009
Top travel achievers recognised
The 2009 National Travel Industry Awards gala dinner held in Sydney on Saturday night saw a number of travel businesses and professionals recognised for their excellence in the Australian travel industry.
The awards winners were:
* Travel Industry Special Recognition Award - Miles Clarke, Travel Writer
* Best Travel Consultant Retail - Debbi Ashes, Harvey World Travel - Lane Cove
* Best Travel Agency Retail Multi Location - Phil Hoffmann Travel
* Best Travel Agency Retail Single Store - Queanbeyan City Travel & Cruise
* Best Travel Consultant Corporate - Maryanne Osborne, The Travel Authority Crows Nest
* Best Travel Agency Corporate Multi Location - The Travel Authority
* Best Travel Agency Corporate Single Store - Travelforce - Sydney
* Best National Travel Management Company - Corporate Travel Management
* Best Innovation in Marketing - Retail Agency - Phil Hoffmann Travel
* Best Travel Writer - Stephen Scourfield, Travel Editor, The West Australian
* Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution - William Angliss Institute
* Best Hotel/Resort - Australian Property - Cable Beach Club Resort
* Best Hotel/Resort Group - Club Med
* Best Agency Support Service - Travcour/Toll
* Best Tourist Office National - Tourism Queensland
* Best Tourist Office International - Singapore Tourism
* Best Car/Campervan Rental Operator - Hertz Australia
* Best Car Rental Wholesaler - Driveaway Holidays
* Best Sales Executive Industry Supplier - Julie Abbott, Emirates
Special Award of Encouragement - Nathan Baber, Driveaway Holidays
* Best Tour Operator Domestic - AAT Kings
* Best Tour Operator International - Globus
* Best Wholesaler Australian Product - Sunlover Holidays
* Best Wholesaler International Product - Creative Holidays
* Best Cruise Operator Australian Based - Princess Cruises
* Best Cruise Operator International - Princess Cruises
* Best Airline Domestic - Virgin Blue
* Best Airline International Off Line - Lufthansa German Airlines
* Best Airline International On Line - Singapore Airlines
* Best Travel Agency Group (100 outlets or more) - Flight Centre
Hall of Fame Winners
* Best Tour Operator Domestic - AAT Kings
* Best Car/Campervan Rental Operator - Hertz Australia Pty Ltd
* Best Car Rental Wholesaler - Driveaway Holidays
* Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution - William Angliss Institute
“This year we had a record number of entries and this has brought about a great deal of competition. Be you a finalist or winner, you should be very proud of your achievement”, said AFTA chief executive, Jayson Westbury.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
AURORA EXPEDITIONS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The appointment follows the retirement of founder, Greg Mortimer, who sold the business at the end of last year.
Mortimer, the first Australian to climb Mount Everest and a veteran of more than 100 voyages to Antarctica, will continue to lead expeditions for the company.
“I look forward to continuing the legacy that Greg Mortimer created, pushing the boundaries of adventure and expeditionary travel and making it possible for travellers to experience the wildest and remotest corners of the planet,” said Bolton.
“It is a great privilege to follow in the footsteps of one of the pioneers of expedition travel, and I am pleased to be involved in the next development stage of one of Australia’s most successful adventure companies,” she said.
Bolton previously held roles with Carnival Australia (P&O Cruises) and Qantas Airways.
Aurora Expeditions is an Australian adventure company specialising in small group expedition-style travel to Polar Regions and other wild and remote places such as The Russian Far East, Papua New Guinea and The Kimberley Coast. A world leader in polar cruising, Aurora offers their travellers the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with their flexible, innovative itineraries. On some voyages, mountain climbing, sea kayaking, photography and scuba diving options are available and Aurora’s expert naturalists, historians, staff and crew help to unlock the wonders of these special places. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora's founders, Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner are veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, private Antarctic mountaineering expeditions and polar travel. For more information about Aurora visit http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/
Car Hire Australia
