Ebb and Flow Darwin

Shop 1/52 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 0820

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Ebb and Flow is situated along Marina Boulevard, a gorgeous location! I pre-booked via calling them directly or you can send them a text message. The restaurant’s interior was bohemian-styled, with white chairs, a lounge area on the side reminiscent of Bali and if you choose to sit outside like I did, your view is of the beautiful Cullen Bay marina.

What is special about this restaurant is the fact that their menu boasts of plant-based dishes. I did a little research beforehand and I could see a stream of positive comments of Ebb and Flow. Price point is mid-range, casual setting and is open everyday of the week, with specific trading hours. I visited during a weekend and I think they have live music playing during weekdays. Their menu has both small and large plates, that also caters to no to low gluten diners.

I’m a fan of sweet curries, so I chose their chickpea mango curry which was delicious! The mango tasted fresh and was complimented with capsicums, chickpea, spinach, brown rice, cucumber yoghurt, papadum and yellow curry sauce. I forgot what white wine I had chosen, but it was a sauvignon blanc. I also ordered an ice-cream dessert which was topped with caramel and a biscoff biscuit.

The ambient at night was lovely and since I was dining alone it was the perfect location. Not too packed, dishes were timely delivered and waitstaff did not hover. Ebb and Flow is a great restaurant for any occasion and if you’re hesitant about vegetarian dishes, this restaurant dispels any negative assumptions.

Folk Byron Bay

1/399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481

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WEBSITE


You’ll mistaken this charming cafe as somebody’s home, with a cool blue roof, white wooden panels surrounded by some leafy greens. Folk is a well-known, frequently Instagrammed cafe in Byron Bay, just a few minutes away from Belongil Beach. There is not much information on Folk through their website, however their value and commitment is to serve local and ethically made vegetarian meals, whilst also being environmentally conscious.

Visited Folk for brunch, on an empty stomach and coffee-free, to ensure I get to taste what they have to offer. I came across Folk through searching online and Instagram, cafes most people had visited. Folk was no exception to an ‘Instagrammable’ cafe, from their colourful, healthy-look bowls and bohemian-styled seating areas. Plus, I heard their coffees were pretty decent. Parked on the side of the road, walked in with no reservation and sat down at an empty table out on the veranda. The inside was gorgeous, splashed with wood, patterned rugs, hanging plants and white paint, it made Folk a truly relaxing place to start the day. There is plenty of space inside, limited and a bit narrow on the veranda. There’s a little picnic spot in the front, that’s filled with pattered pillows, a floor table which I’m sure so many people have taken pictures for their social media.

Service was friendly and not surprisingly laid-back, with our coffee coming out first and our food following shortly after. The ambience as you can already guess was calm, filled with friends and couples who dressed typically of people who visited Byron Bay. You’ll see what I mean, just do a quick online search! I love the timber bench tops and stools against the white finishes, it really fits the feel of the place. Oh did I forget to mention its next to a holiday park? I’d imagine it would get busy during the holidays or when there’s a festival. The menu is mainly filled with vegetarian bowls, with cheese and eggs making a side feature. Aside from locally-produced bowls, there are dishes that can be eaten at anytime of the day and are quite filling. Although, I did find my dish lacking in flavour. You won’t be disappointed with the coffee milk options here, from full cream, almond, almond, cashew and more! The cool thing is that you don’t have to pay extra for the milk type too. Priced on the mid-range, which is not surprising if they’re using organic and local produce and ingredients.

Folk is a charming, sun-filled cafe that is contemporary and with the times of catering nutritious, wholesome and locally produced vegetarian meals. With plenty of outdoor and indoor space to offer, away from a busy road but not too far away from points of interest, Folk is a beaut of a place to dine, chat and relax. Nothing beats a cafe that ticks all the right laid-back boxes.

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Multiseed Cracker

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I discovered a tonne of delicious goodness, at the Sydney Vegan Festival this year. An Australian owned business  Raw Vibes is one of them.

There are a few selected stores where they have Raw Vibes stocked, you can also find them in various markets and they also do deliveries. You can tick almost every healthy term you can think of organic, vegan-friendly, all natural. Whilst at the same time maintaining the richness and flavoursome taste in each one. I purchased the Multiseed Cracker and it was just oozing with flavour. The other thing I love about it, is that in some products the sugar-level can be down to 0.4g or non at all!

The other wonderful thing is that they cater to most common allergens, such as those who require gluten-free, dairy-free and wheat-free food.

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Gigi Pizzeria

379 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

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You want a taste of an authentic-made, Italian… pizza? In the heart of Newtown’s ‘Eat Street’, you will find nestled on the side a gorgeous restaurant that has been the talk of the town.

Inside you will be guided by Gigi Pizzeria‘s enthusiastic staffs and make sure to ask what they recommend. Before I dive into what they offer, let me give you the highlights onto why this place is just incredible. Their pizzas are traditionally made, not only are they freshly made but it is reminiscent of ‘Neapolitan woodfire’ pizzas. Not only did Gigi Pizzeria turned 360 on its menu, with their focus on vegan-friendly ingredients, they still withheld their customer numbers… even gained new followers! Prices range from $15 – $25.

I am telling you, even if you are not vegan or you are some other form of vegetarian, you will absolutely not regret visiting and dining here. The relaxed, open-kitchen, welcoming atmosphere is a beauty.


WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM


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The Chocolate Yogi

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WEBSITE | FACEBOOK


I had initially been introduced to this wonderful treat back at the Sydney Vegan Festival. After a little taste of the dark chocolate, I had proceeded in tasting the others and walked out with 3 types! Dreamy Chai, Deep Dark and lucky last Creamy Mylk.

Australian-made, it is not only organic but is vegan-friendly created straight from ‘bean to bar’ (click here for ingredients). If you are a bit hesitant with how it tastes, I am telling you that it tastes just as good but with that added rawness. Less creamy in my opinion, but the sweetness is on point!

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Sydney Vegan Festival 2016

DATES: 13 MARCH 2016

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Ever since turning pescetarian, I have been on a look-out on places and events that caters to this life-style of mine. Be it a variant of vegetarianism or vegan, I am open and excited for these opportunities. That is why I did not want to miss out on this year’s Sydney Vegan Festival.

The whole day consisted of talks from inspirational individuals/businesses who had turned 360 to veganism (e.g. Gigi Pizzeria), where you can pop in and out of the two rooms. In other talks, there was activities, cook shows and motivational talks from those who have devoted their whole life from meat. It was truly insightful and I advocate those, who are open-minded to seek another way of eating and living.


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Absolute Organic

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My current obsession right now! I found this health shop back West, which supplied this good stuff! I think the store is called Healthy Life store? This was about $4, but the one in Blacktown only supplied this little bags where as the store in World Square had the larger bags which I think costs close to $9.

The 70% is perfect for me, because it is not too sweet or bitter. The chocolate coating is vegan-free and is quite thick around the almond. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

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