My personal experience staying for two nights at the McLaren Vale Studio Apartments was a great introduction to the unique and exceptional offerings of the McLaren Vale wine and dine region. Truth be told, it felt like I was holidaying somewhere far that I almost forgot that I was staycationing just 30 minutes away from my own house.
With the pandemic forcing and encouraging us to somehow stay within our own localities, I almost lost the drive and inspiration to travel elsewhere. Although I still enter a state of wanderlust from time to time, exploring my own backyard and doing domestic travel will do for now. After all, you will never run out of good holiday options here in South Australia.
Last summer, I was invited by the very gracious hosts, Carmel and Paul, to stay in one of their villas, the Wirra Wirra, at the McLaren Vale Studio Apartments. With six beautiful themed villas located within their property, the Studio Apartments offers a combination of not just accommodations, but a complete McLaren Vale experience altogether.
Carmel and Paul, owners of the Wirra Wirra Villa, McLaren Vale Studio Apartments
With two bedrooms, a lounge area, a kitchen, a dining, and a deck, the Wirra Wirra Villa I stayed at was both comfortable and spacious. As an ode to one of the most exceptional wineries in McLaren, our villa was named after one of the oldest and most premium wine maker in South Australia, Wirra Wirra. And as a welcome gift, the Studio Apartments also provided us a bottle of the Wirra Wirra Church Block, a bold fusion of Cabarnet, Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot wine.
As part of the Studio Apartments experience, they also helped arrange an exclusive premium wine tour and personal luxury chauffeur services with the affable Greg of Wine Diva Tours. Aboard his Mercedes van, Greg spent the whole day narrating and presenting to us a brief history of the McLaren Vale region.
By the end of the tour, I was happy-drunk. Migrating and living in South Australia widened my knowledge about the art of drinking high quality wines. I never knew there were so many more variations and fusions you can do with each grape type. Never knew too that the type of soil will affect the quality of the fermented grapes as much as the area’s climate. Living so close to the wine regions is indeed a blessing.
P.S. More videos about this trip will be uploaded soon!
It was one sunny Summer afternoon when the Gelista team came knocking on my front door carrying a box of ice creams which they happily handed out for me to try.
The timing was perfect as I was craving for something sweet and cold that day. They say it’s always best not to expect so we don’t get disappointed, and so I had little expectations about the ice creams I’m receiving from them.
Although I must also admit, I’ve always glanced at Gelista whenever I pass by the ice cream section of any grocery stores. They look really gorgeous, and I always have eyes on anything premium-looking *wink, wink*. Never had the chance to buy one though, so this was a fulfillment of my dreams.
I opened the box they’ve passed to me with gusto and discovered 17 unique gelati flavours inside:
Ricotta, Fig & Honey, Strawberries & Cream, Mint & Dark Chocolate, Lemon Myrtle & Macadamia with Toasted Coconut, Lightly Salted Caramel Macadamia, Salted Caramel with Crunchy Toffee Pieces, Apple & Guava with Salted White Chocolate, Dairy Free Vanilla Bean, Peanut Butter with Chocolate & Caramel Swirl, Blood Orange & Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Coffee & Cardamom with Mocha Swirl, Coconut with Raspberry Swirl, Peppermint Double Choc, Classic Chocolate, Chocolate Almond Fudge, and their newest flavour… Durian.
I was beyond delighted as their ice creams look so interesting to taste.
I immediately opened the Durian flavour (aside from the fact that I also miss eating the actual fruit back in Asia) and was pleasantly surprised that it was really smooth and easy to eat. For those who haven’t tried any form of durians yet and are automatically turned off by its potent smell, I’m betting my life that this will be manageable to try. I actually loved it.
As I’m also trying to watch my weight these days, I quickly scanned their product bar code for my macro tracking. It was only 25g of carb, 2g of fat, and 1g of protein per serving. Not bad! Also, I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t too heavy, not too creamy, and not overly sweet. Just about right.
As I had tons of Gelista ice creams to try, I invited my friends to come over the following weekend to share the fun.
My personal favourite by a mile is the Salted Caramel with Crunchy Toffee Pieces, but hey, they do have tons of flavours to choose from. Whether you want something fruity or chocolatey, you’ll definitely find something that’ll suit your taste buds.
Young South Australian content creators, Linda Huynh and AlexHuynh, found their own niche on Tiktok while entertaining over two hundred thousand of their followers from all corners of the world.
Hey Paolo: What inspired you to start producing creative content on Tiktok?
Linda: We discovered Tiktok two years ago. I first uploaded a Tiktok video secretly and I didn’t tell Alex about it because he might think I was lame. I started getting likes and followers. Later on, he joined me and we started creating more proper and serious content.
Alex: I decided to jump on Tiktok because I thought there’s potential for growth. I thought it was really fascinating and fun. It’s like Youtube but in a shorter format.
Hey Paolo: What are your most popular videos?
Linda: I did a dance video where I accidentally stepped on my dog. It might have hit around two million views already at the moment. My dogs have become really famous on Tiktok. They’re Dino and Sora and the hashtag #DinoSora has over four million views. We do weekly vlogs about our dogs because everyone wants to know about them.
Hey Paolo: What are the types of content that you produce?
Linda: We call ourselves lifestyle content creators and we produce a variety: from fashion, vlogs, challenges to dance videos.
Alex: You can follow the journey of our relationship too and seeing things that we enjoy.
Hey Paolo: What is the importance of social media in today’s world?
Linda: I love and hate social media at the same time. I think it’s a very important aspect in everyone’s life especially the younger generation. It’s important that social media can inspire and educate people. We just have to be careful of what we put out and consume.
Alex: It has a big influence on people especially since Tiktok has a younger audience. People can learn more things now compared to what we could have learned when we were younger.
Hey Paolo: What keeps you motivated?
Linda: I’m very lucky to be managed by Born Bred Talent in Sydney which helps me find jobs and campaigns for Tiktok. Other than that, I get motivated by the encouragement from our followers, whether they give comments or likes.
Alex: What motivates me the most is seeing other people’s success while doing what they love.
Hey Paolo: How do you explain Tiktok to a nonuser?
Linda: It’s a 15-second to 30-second video platform showcasing dances, fashion content, or even cooking videos with the sole purpose of entertainment and education.
FOLLOW THIS COUPLE: TIKTOK: @lindarhuynh. INSTAGRAM: @lindarhuynh and @alexander.huynh.
Spent an artsy Sunday afternoon at Vintage Van Gogh (1/71 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034) with friends and thoroughly enjoyed exploring our creative sides.I chatted with Vintage Van Gogh’s co-owner, Adam Rankin, to learn more about his flourishing business.
Hey Paolo: What inspired you to start Vintage Van Gogh?
After seeing a friend open a similar business in New South Wales, where “paint & sip” as a concept is already massive, we thought we can bring the idea here in South Australia. Joe Royle and I are huge fans of all kinds of art, from live music to visual art. But getting started with something like acrylic on canvas can be intimidating and we wanted to change that. Opening the studio for BYOs (bring your own food and alcohol), keeping class sizes small, and ensuring that our lessons are easy to follow for beginners are all conscious decisions to make that barrier for entry as low as possible.
Hey Paolo: What are the typical classes/workshops that you offer?
We have a growing list of famous and original artworks that are taught in each class. We run a few public sessions per week which you can join alone, with a partner, or with a small group of friends, as well as private events for larger groups.
Hey Paolo: How do you help local artists through your business?
Although our focus is more on making art accessible to the general public, we’re always open to collaborations with artists and we also participate in the Goody SALA festival every year. Fingers-crossed, Fringe Festival will be going ahead next year too because we would love to host a few events in the festival gardens.
Hey Paolo: Can you customise the workshops? What are the most special/unique classes and events you’ve held so far?
We can and we often do. Favourites so far have been paintings of wedding bouquets for hens nights, surprise portraits of the birthday boy or girl, and of course, life (nude) drawings which are always a blast. I think my personal favourite so far is the “faceless portrait” style painting that we’ve done for a hens.
Hey Paolo: What should you bring to a class?
Just your preferred brand of liquid inspiration and any nibbles you want to bring along for the session. The only thing you need to prepare for is three hours of good music, painting, and fun with a bunch of likeminded people. Don’t stress if you’ve never painted before. The usual level of experience is year 8 art class.
Hey Paolo: How has the arts scene evolved in Adelaide these past few years?
Adelaide has obviously always been an incredible nexus for the arts with the Fringe and surrounding festivals throughout Summer. We’ve only been around for a year and a good chunk of that has been taken up by COVID, but it’s been super exciting to see the increase in enthusiasm for visual art and we’re hoping that in 2021 we can participate in that community in a bigger way.
PHOTOS FROM OUR PAINTING CLASS AT VINTAGE VAN GOGH:
After his successful culinary stints around the world, while opening establishments in various countries and even working for a Michelin-star restaurant, South Australian Billy Petropoulus finally returns home to offer his amazing cuisines inspired by his global travels.
Hey Paolo: What inspired you to start your food businesses?
I have always aspired to own a restaurant. I have planned it for years. I knew that one day, I would open a restaurant called Billy’s Table and that I would offer a global menu inspired by my travels from around the world. I just didn’t know when the time is right. I have travelled for many years; I have tried to learn everything I possibly could so that one day, everything will fall into place. Living abroad gave me many inspirations and ideas that I would hold onto and these eventually were incorporated into my dishes.
Hey Paolo: How did you learn how to cook?
Sometimes you learn things without realising it. Mine came from my parents. Back then, they often asked me to peel potatoes, trim beans, and preserve olives. I had no idea I was learning great values in cooking at such a young age. I would often go with my father picking grapes to make wine, collecting honey from the bees, or baking with mum in the kitchen. I have always helped my father in the garden while picking seasonal fruits and vegetables. In my spare time, I would watch cooking shows for hours. Not to mention, my mum always had her cookbooks laying around the house. So you could say, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Hey Paolo: How colourful is your culinary journey?
I have been cooking for about 20 years now and I have helped open over 60 restaurants and cafes everywhere. I have travelled around the world and have cooked in more than nine countries such as China, USA, and UK. I have cooked for singers, athletes, actors and even royalty. I have also worked in cafes, restaurants, pubs, and even a Michelin restaurant. Fortunately, I currently own 10 cafes and restaurants.
Hey Paolo: Among all the things you’ve done so far, what are you most proud of?
Living in London, I became Bill Granger’s executive chef. Bill is a celebrity chef mostly known for Bills (Sydney), but it has grown to 15 restaurants around the world. That’s where and when I’ve learned who I really was. I was tested in every way possible: emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It was difficult, but all of those experiences made me the person that I am today. I have travelled with Granger to Japan, Korea, Hawaii, and Sydney. It was during that time where I have experienced first-hand the way of life I have wanted for myself.
Hey Paolo: Why return to Adelaide?
I initially returned to start my own business. When you’ve done so much work and traveling abroad, you then realise what you have “in your own backyard.” I was searching for the best produce I could work with in South Australia and we’re very lucky with what we have here. We’re blessed with great seafood, nearby wineries, and an abundant livestock. My own personal favourite is heading to the Adelaide Central Market to search for good supplies/produce.
Hey Paolo: How has South Australia shaped you?
I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on the best produce here in South Australia. It is easy to create what you want in the kitchen when you have access to great produce and meat. I often travel to the regions to get inspired. This helps me to be creative.
Hey Paolo: What is Billy’s Table?
About 10 years ago, I was working next door (Queen Street Cafe) and I was supposed to take over that restaurant after being there for about two and a half years. And things just moved differently and I moved overseas.
I have always fallen in love with the street, Queen Street. But what I like most about this place is the community and the locals — they really make the street so unique. That’s when Billy’s Table came in. I was just waiting for the right time and this place popped up.
Billy’s Table is a woodfire restaurant. Everything is cooked based on my travel experiences over the years and it has a global menu.
Billy’s Lane is a new multi food outlet at Myer Centre Adelaide offering four different cuisines while showcasing inspirations from some of my travels around the world:
Gelina Milk Bar is a cereal-themed pastry shop offering daily baked American pies, in-house baked sweets, crazy flavours, and combinations mixed in ice creams.
Little Pot is from the traditional Chinese food scene culture: you pick your items, weigh, and pay.
Boneshaker is from the same premium burger joint I have established since 2017 and has already spanned over eight sites (three of them are in China). It now offers a wider range of items such as hotdogs, chicken, sides, even vegetarian/vegan burgers.
Bao is inspired by my stay in in Asia. We have put together a white fluffy pillow of steamed buns with your choice of fillings. Made in-house, Bao also offers fresh dumplings and homemade organic teas.
Hey Paolo: Where do you see South Australia’s culinary scene heading towards in the near future?
The food scene has changed because of COVID-19; it has disrupted the way we do things now. Our business models need to adapt and change. Our way of service needs to be more creative. We need to start thinking outside the box. Restaurants that never focused on takeaways in the past must now adapt to online orders. We are all in this together and the hospitality industry as a whole needs to help each other out.
South Australia has been very lucky and our food scene is still growing, but online presence is now something I see coming into play.
Hey Paolo: Who is Billy when he’s not managing his restaurants?
I’m a father before I’m a chef. When I have free time, I love teaching my four-year-old about the values of cooking. Every Tuesday, we hit the Central Market and I enjoy teaching her how to pick ingredients like how my parents taught me. Every morning we make superfood smoothies, and a few times a week, we enjoy playing retro video games.
I have a passion for motorbikes and I love taking long rides to wind down, as well as finding some form of exercise to keep my body in shape.
I have also spent a lot of my time this year writing and developing a cookbook. It’s something I’ve been working on for years now, but this year in particular, you could say I’ve had more time on my hands. I aim to have it published by 2021.
Learn how to cook this all-time favourite Southeast Asian dish (which is almost similar to your typical chicken bbq), but of course with a special Asian twist.
What made this even more special is the addition of the delicious WARONG PEANUT SAUCE.
Yes, that’s right. Foodee Grocer now has a special collaboration with Warong (which currently has branches at Rundle Place, Westfield Marion, and Findon).
**Enjoy a 15% DISCOUNT when you order. Use HEYPAOLO15 code upon checkout.**
Foodee Grocer is Adelaide’s first online Asian grocery delivery service packed with the easiest and yummiest recipes.
ALSO, if you’re a brand and you wish to collaborate with Ethan and Margaux too, make sure you contact us so I can link you to their parents. (Again, aren’t they the cutest?) Hahaha!
Chatted with Firestarter Beverages Marketing Director Vlad Sopotsko to learn more about their products and the challenges of introducing a new brand to Adelaide, South Australia. “If you can make it in Adelaide, you can make anywhere in Australia,” he quips.
Hey Paolo:What is Firestarter Beverages?
Firestarter Beverages is a premium brand of spirits. At the moment, we have gin, vodka, and a range of sparkling wines with a colourful twist. Soon we’ll be adding tequila and rum to our range.
Hey Paolo: Who do you think will enjoy Firestarter Beverages?
Our primary target audience are the young adults who basically want to have a good time. We attract people who want to go outside the box. At the moment, our main campaign is: “premium has a new look.”
Hey Paolo: How different are your vodkas and gins?
Our vodkas can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The production of our gins and vodkas are currently in Moldova where our master distillers have been perfecting the recipe for many years. Our gin is the traditional London Dry Gin without the over-infusion of botanicals and other flavours. It’s a very nice Juniper-scented gin with the traditional aftertaste of a proper London Dry Gin.
Hey Paolo: What’s unique about your wines?
At the moment, we only have one line of wines called “Wine of Fire.” It’s a light, sparkling, fruity wine made from Spanish Airen grapes. In order to create the amazing pearlescent effect, you have to shake the bottle and serve it cold. Very soon, we’ll be looking at adding a selection of Australian-made wines.
Hey Paolo: What are the challenges introducing your new brand to Adelaide?
Our main expansion process started in 2020 which wasn’t the best time to start a new brand. We had a few challenges with COVID restrictions such as not being able to host tastings, parties, and be able to go out there to promote the product. But despite that, we managed to overcome those difficulties and we are growing rapidly. We are doing very well.
Hey Paolo: How receptive is Adelaide to new brands?
Adelaide is a very interesting market. But it’s just something we have to approach in a slightly different manner compared to other states which are probably just a bit larger and are more used to seeing new things come into their lives.
Gorgeous Helen will be joining The General Wine Bar & Kitchen team offering regular kitchen collaborations, cooking demonstrations, and exciting workshops for kids. Follow @thegreekvegetarian for regular updates on Helen’s latest projects.
Helen (The Greek Vegetarian) with me
Owned by Brad Rey and Anna Fisher, The General was established in 2016 and is currently the home of the authentic and locally sourced Zonte’s Footstepwines. Aside from Helen, The General also features another amazing chef, Gabriel’s Kitchen, with his special menu every third Friday of the month for a “Friday Wine Down.”
Wine maker Brad ReyAna Fisher (left)
Spoilt that day sipping beautiful wines and indulging on a culinary feast (three course meal), we also had the privilege of experiencing their “Dine Around The World” offering, a unique program where The General whips a special menu inspired by cuisines from around the world.
That day, we were “transported” to Morocco. Kudos to the team for a well prepared program, complete with cabin crew, in-flight entertainment, and a stylishly decorated Moroccan-inspired venue. I was personally impressed.
The “Dine Around The World” program is an innovative initiative to recreate the experience of traveling to a destination especially during this time when we’re stuck in our little South Australian bubbles. Designed for a group of eight to 20 people, the menus are normally offered AU$99 per pax (Premium Economy: three course meal + four glasses of Zonte’s Footstep wines), AU$110 per pax (Business Class: three course meal + four glasses of Limited Release Zonte’s Footstep wines), and AU$125 per pax (First Class: three course meal + four glasses of Limited Release Zonte’s Footstep wines + Anna Fisher or Brad Rey providing your in-flight entertainment).
Our chef for the day, Gabriel’s KitchenRoasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Dates + Zonte’s Footstep 2019 Shades of Gris Pinot GrigioChicken Kefta with Chermoula, Green Olives and Basmati Rice + Zonte’s Footstep 2018 Love Symbol Grenache
The team also launched an interactive and educational game perfect for parties called “Taste The Regions.” This blindfold wine challenge features bottles sourced from Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and the Barossa.
Special mention to The General’s passionate owners, Brad and Ana — they were fun and extremely generous. Loved both of their vibes! Loved this place! I wish them continuous success with all these initiatives.
The General Wine Bar & Kitchen. 55a Main Rd, McLaren Flat SA 5171.
For Adelaide-based joinery/kitchen/interior designer Stefan Vignogna, clean lines, texture in materials, and functionality are the most essential elements in his designs.
Hey Paolo: What inspired you to become a joinery designer?
As a kid, I was always a creative child. Growing up, I never really had a specific career that I wanted, but I always knew it’ll be something in the creative field.
Hey Paolo: What’s your design style like?
In my designs, I tend to use a limited range of colours and materials like black, white, or even warm colours. I use simpler colours and more organic textures. I also tend to stick to a monochromatic palette.
Hey Paolo: What’s one project you’re most proud of?
I’ve done restaurant interiors, kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, etc., but it’s hard to say which one is greater compared to the other. As long as they end up as a good functional space for the client, then they’re all pretty good for me.
Hey Paolo: What’s your dream project?
I would love to do the interiors of a hotel because of their volume of rooms and spaces. It will be really nice to have more people experience what I try to convey in my designs.
Hey Paolo: What are the main challenges in your line of work?
Budget is a very common thing in every project, whether it’s getting the client to commit to a steep budget or for me to stick to a budget that’s affordable for them.
Hey Paolo: What was it like designing your own house?
I started building my house a few years ago. It was a lengthy process, but I had a good team around me. My architect gave me a fantastic floor plan to work with. But what I did was to put my own natural spin from the inside. A lot of what you see inside is my own style. It’s really important that it reflects my own personality.
Hey Paolo: What are the key elements that you like adding in your designs?
Lines, texture in materials, and functionality.
Hey Paolo: Who is Stefan when he’s not working?
Funny enough, I’m pretty much the same whether it’s at work or at home. Being a freelancer blurs the lines between personal and work life.
Hey Paolo: Recommendations where to purchase furniture/supplies?
Hey Paolo: What’s the future of joinery design in Adelaide?
Adelaide has talented designers. There’s a lot of people nowadays trying to push the envelope a bit more. With a lot of businesses moving to online, it opens up the Adelaide designers to interstate enquiries and projects. It’s really exciting to see the future of Adelaide design.
Hey Paolo: What is “home” for you?
It’s more of a feeling that I have as opposed to a general practical space. I try to find home wherever I am.
Hey Paolo: Why is there a need to create beautiful kitchens?
A kitchen is a unique space for many. It’s not just a space where you can cook; it’s also a place where work and where you gather people around. It really gives me pride to help people create a really good space to facilitate growing relationships with their family and friends.
For cafe owner and head chef Silas Ulbrich of The Pantry On Egmont, kindness and giving back to the community are as equally important as great food and excellent service.
HeyPaolo: What is the The Pantry on Egmont?
We are a small suburban brunch cafe in Adelaide. We have a strong focus on giving back to the community and serving quality food & drinks.
Hey Paolo: What’s on your menu?
Our menu is eclectic. We have the classic brunch staples like eggs, burgers, and our house specialty (gnocchi). Most of our specials draw influence from the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Hey Paolo: What are the key changes in your cafe over the years?
Our dinner events have grown significantly. Our dinner events give an opportunity for me to also plan different interesting menus compared to our standard brunch food. Adelaide brunch market has definitely grown significantly in the last 10 years too.
Hey Paolo: Why do you call yourselves a “Good Karma Cafe”?
I try to operate this establishment by the Golden Rule: “treat others the way you want to be treated.” For me, I like engaging with all our guests and we treat them with kindness.
Hey Paolo: How do you support local artists?
We rotate them every six weeks by showcasing their work (paintings, prints, sketches, etc.) in our cafe.
Hey Paolo: How do you give back to the community?
We try to give back as much as we possibly can. We also have our “Pay It Forward Coffee Campaign” and people can have coffee on me.
Hey Paolo: What is your “War Against Waste” campaign?
We try to be environmentally responsible. Very little gets wasted here and food scraps go to the compost. All our takeaway packagings are compostable and anything that can be recycled gets recycled.
Hey Paolo: How important is a vegan menu?
I think it is important, but for me, what’s more important is how we can be inclusive of everyone. In our cafe, we do have a significant number of vegan options. We try to cater to all dietary requirements too as best as we can.
Hey Paolo: How important is it to be a pet-friendly cafe?
A lot of our guests bring their pets with them. We don’t allow the pets inside the cafe, but we have the outside sitting where pets are more than welcome.
Hey Paolo: What are your best sellers?
Probably our housemade gnocchi which has been on the menu for several years now.
Hey Paolo: Your personal favourites?
I really think we do a good burger here and our smashed pumpkin is also one of my favourites.
Hey Paolo: How does Silas relax when he’s not at the cafe?
It can be hard to relax when you’re a small business owner. I just like spending time with my wife and kids.
