Melbourne Food and Wine Festival MasterClass

Melbourne Food and Wine festival started on 1993 with only just a simple program and eventually, it grows annually. The festival attracts those experts in food and wine across the world, including restaurants owner, chefs, and winemaker to promote Melbourne food and wine culture. Also, to recognise Melbourne as the capital of food and wine in Australia; Even it only started with small programs, it was still recognised by the Langham Melbourne MasterClass, World’s Longest Lunch and Cellar Door at Southgate. The festival is handled by the board of management and financed by a small team who are also responsible for coordinating the events with the Melbourne’s food and wine industry.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival MasterClass is the largest celebration in the world of culinary which will start on April 1, 2017 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square. It is their 25th celebration this year and The Bank of Melbourne has invited 8 chefs to host the signature MasterClass series, whose restaurants had been featured on The World’s 50 best restaurants.

The chefs that will be hosting the event are the following:

•    Carlo Cracco

•    David Thompson

•    Wylie Dufresne

•    Zaiyu Hasegawa

           •    Jorge Vallejo

           •    Ashley Palmer-Watts

           •    Gastón Acurio

           •    Grant bAchatz

The Masterclass is an opportunity that is often be experienced by someone in the food industry. In this event, you’ll be able to learn from some of the most professional chefs in the world on what technique of cooking will be the best fit for a certain kind of dish and this a rare celebration that you will get a chance to taste food from the world’s top restaurant without leaving Australia. Usually, the festival is celebrated during March but it was moved to April to coincide with the celebration of declaration and institute of global culinary.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival lasts for 17 days; it caters 250,000 visitors every year. Food at all ages will be offered in the festival, there will be a Little Foodies Corner that teaches sushi and pizza making for those people that want to learn. Every year it has a new creative design that portrays as a playground for food and wine, which will occupy by the “World’s Longest Lunch” event. It will be a 600-meter-long table that can be seated by 1,600 guests. Festival’s venues where most of the restaurant will be participating are located in central Melbourne, it is accessible by the City Circle Tram and it has a free tourist ride.

References

http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/restaurants/restaurant-news-features/2016/11/melbourne-food-and-wine-festival-reveals-its-masterclass-line-up-for-2017/

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/melbourne-food-wine-festival-top-picks

Health and Medical in Australia

Healthcare in Australia is well supported by both private and public institutions; it started on February 1, 1984. Australia has a health care system, they called it “Medicare” managed by the federal government and it is funded through income tax of the residence in Australia. It is beneficial for the low-income earners because they are less in the percentage of tax collected by the government compare to the high-income earner. The Department of Health is responsible for establishing Medicare policy

If you have this kind of health care you can avail extent of medical services, free care from the public hospital in Australia and discount on prescription or even free.  All residence of Australia is eligible to these kinds of benefits and some types of visitor in this country can also apply or avail these kinds of services. 

Some of the Australia’s visitor has only limited access to Medicare for medical treatment because their country that they belonged to has usually a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia. A health care service in Australia is not inexpensive, during your stay in Australia you will need to see a specialist to check you because you feel sick then expect that you will end-up with high medical expenses. That’s why when you are planning to visit Australia you need to consider private health insurance in case of any accident that will occur during your travel.

Medicare owner inclusion:

•    Consultation fee perform by a doctor

•    Eye test operated by an optometrist

•    Examination to treat illness, for example, the x-rays and pathology

•  Some surgical operation by an approved dentists and most of the surgical operation perform by doctors

•  Stated item for related health services that is part of Chronic Disease Management Plan.

Medicare owner exclusion:

o   Private patient in private hospital costs on theatre fees and accommodation fee

o   Hospital cost and medical offshore shore

o   Hospital cost and medical that is not necessary or for cosmetic surgery reason

o   Ambulance service fee and home nursing

o   Glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aid

o   Most of the dental treatment

Application for Medicare:

    There are 3 ways to apply for this card:

•    Online Application through their Social Security website

•    Visiting their local Social Security office

·    Calling Social Security toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.

Qualification for Medicare:

•    An Australian citizen that lives in Australia

•    New Zealand citizen chooses to live in Australia

•    A person that holds Resident Return visa that lives in Australia

•    Resident of Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) that is visiting Australia

•    A candidate for permanent residency in Australia that has the authorization to work or can verify that he/she has a relationship with an Australian citizen.

Top Aussie Travel Wish List

Melbourne

This lively city is known for its street art, overload cultural ancestry and trendy bars. Melbourne isn’t for you if cant’s stand hipsters because there are many there. There are different types of museum here:

•    Banking museum

•    Police museum

•    Film museum

•    Railway museum

•    Sport museum

•    Racing museum

•    Melbourne museum

•    Science museum

The city of Melbourne city hosted the “Australian open tennis tournament” and “Melbourne Cup horse race” which catches the attention of the society. Melbourne shows Australia’s metropolitan city life at its finest. From landscaped gardens and grand colonial construction to filthy bars and graffiti-strewn lanes. The city has something to every type of explorer will visit the city.

Sydney

The bright clean city on the sparkling blue water of Sydney Harbor, surrounded by the towering bridge and opera house, because of this, it is one of the amazing cities in all over the world

“Bondi” its main coastal beach, is a standout among the world.  Underground culture, understudy culture, and coffee culture have been civilized in Newtown and Glebe, two neighborhoods in Sydney. Rural areas like Surrey Hill, Rose Bay, and Paddington are filled with wealth and complexity, it only takes 15minustes drive, to surf the beaches like Bondi or Manley

Expansion and Asian immigrants give the city a unique feeling and the residents are influenced by the wide range and quality of international cuisine. Uneven cliffs, beach coves and in addition it is just one hour west of the city are the steep rocks and massive bushes of the Blue Mountains

Cairns

If what you have imagined Australia likes the movie of “Finding Nemo” then Cairns city is the city for you. The Great Barrier Reef of the east and Daintree rainforest of the north, Cairn is perfect for scuba diving and hiking. There is an island resort where you can stay and snorkel with the clownfish through the corals or spotting whales during the tours. While cruising the colorful reefs of Australia you will see the seals, dolphin and turtles will swim with you.

In the middle of a larger city of Brisbane and Cairns, there is the Whitsunday Island if you are looking for an expensive type of resort. The Qualia resort in the Whitsunday renders the most private and expensive hotel experiences in Australia.  

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is located in the center of Australia, hundreds of miles away from bars and wildlife capital, its genuine wilderness of Australia. 200 miles southwest of Alice Spring is the Uluru, where the largest rock on the planet can be found. Sandstone Behemoth is a 600 million years old, the old-fashioned landscape that surrounds it is the most genuine wilderness experience in the Australia, this is the main reason why people goes here.

Australians loves to explore the city of Alice Spring using their four-wheeled cars and camper vans but comfortable hotels also existed there. Plenty of astonishing tours with the local ancient places, even though it is the most aged city, people continuous to live there peacefully.

Darwin

Compared to Alice spring, the view surrounding Darwin is amazingly delightful, specifically in the wet season. The tropical north side of Australia, you can discover the 20 feet tall ant hills, and 15 feet long crocodiles. Escaping the heat of the sun by diving into the waterholes throughout the forest but remember always look for a signpost that it is a crocodile-free-zone.

The Darwin city has great choices of seafood dishes and fresh tropical fruits. Darwin city has Crocodile Farm near the rural called “Humpty Doo”. The Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National parks offer bushes and waterholes too, and it is just a couple of hours drive away from the city.

Renting a four-wheeled car can be great help on exploring the entire city, there are BBQ’s grill, showers, and toilets that are distributed around the area, and there is always a camping ground not so far from the parks.

Choose wisely

From sandy deserts to tropical beaches, from droning sound of the cities to wildlife forest, Australia is the place for a person that wants adventure; it is almost just big as the United States. Australian enjoys also a modern culture nevertheless some of them are a bit influence by the Asian, European and American, so above is describe where is the city that can meet your satisfaction.

Japanese Community in Australia

 Education Community

Most of the Japanese people choose Australia as one of their choices to live, but the Japanese are not considering their self as a major tribe in Australia not like the Italians for example. Many of the middle-class of Japanese lives in Melbourne, while in Toorak has the most population of single Japanese that is employed in a corporate company. There also Japanese school that has been established in Japan these are the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCIM), Japanese Society of Melbourne (JSM) and this institution has the largest Japanese community in Australia. One of the representatives of Japan asked permission to build these intuitions when the Premier of Victoria tries to reach Japan for further investment in Australia, Premier of Victoria is a government leader in the Legislative Assembly in Australia. Japanese people are usually known as an absorber in an on-going class, than a type of students that form a question or opinions in order to create different ideas.

Food Community

Food is the main source of energy of every creature that lives in this world, but different cultural means different styles of food presentation that has been influenced by the history of the country and its climate, below are the different are two countries that have different food style, so let start Aussie vs. Japan food:

AUSTRALIA – is a large country that has a huge desert and its history is the best they are one of the first that’s settled a region so they are also the most developed country. There major food is from the sheep and cattle, and the known way recipes from these sources are roast beef, but there are only have been influenced by England, it is best with potato and a little vegetable as their side dish. Life is unfair, even though with their bad eating habits because they eat fewer on vegetable and more in meat, but Australian people are not having a serious problem with their and health and usually lives a long life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistic, Australia is only third place across the world that usually reaches at 80+ years old, while Japan first on their list, the statistic only shows that there is not a big gap between the two countries that has different food style, so let’s continue and try to understand if the result that they have conducted is reasonable.

JAPAN – is using the food style which they called is “three dishes and one soup” and of course each of the three dishes has different from one another and served only in small portions to fit into a single plate. Japan is surrounded by the ocean that’s the reason why their main source of food is from the ocean and crop, classical and geographically. Their seasoning, “Dashi” is famous in their country, it is made from the broth of a dry fish or seaweed, Dashi for them is taste enhancer, therefore it can be used to reduce fat/oil in cooking. Compare to other countries Japanese food thought-out as healthy and popular these days.

International students In Australia (Overcoming the Cultural Barrier)

International students in Australia have many exciting opportunities but in line with it are the struggles you will need to be prepared of. Learning on how to overcome those struggles may also help you overcome the cultural barriers.

Adjusting in Australia

After few months of departure preparation, you will only feel the difference once your excitement in studying abroad has worn off. However, don’t stress yourself due to these things. It is well understood that there’s a period time for adjustment. Nevertheless, always maintain a good perspective towards your journey in Australia and make the most of your time during your stay.

Overcome the Adjustment Period

There are times you may seem to wonder and feel senseless but don’t let it ruin your study journey in Australia. Just keep it in mind that it is your dream you are fulfilling. It is reasonable that you will miss on what you have left back home or be intimidated by the language barrier and overthink on what may happen in such a different place.

Things to ponder

While enrolled in an institution in Australia, write down your personal and career goals, for it may help you boost your courage while studying abroad.

Likewise, you will surely achieve your goals too eventually but it will take time and you must exert a lot of effort in order to achieve it, there will be a time you will feel depressed and frustrated but remind yourself that the goals cannot be attained in one try. Just like your first attempt on lacing your shoes when you are a child, it wasn’t perfect on your first try but you are slowly getting it as time goes by.

Keep in touch and Draw In

In order to adjust quickly in Australia, you must open yourself to the social community, groups and participate in different curricular activities. Also, give time to update your family. Join in any form of school related organization or get a part time job to money to fill-up days that you are not in school to lessen the chances of feeling homesick. Moreover, interact with your fellow international students as well. Keep in mind that it might take time before you can feel the total greatness of Australia but making new companions and engaging into social activities will help massively.

MYKI, Victoria’s Secret

Myki is required for all people who want to visit Australia and it is well recognized when you are in Australia for example, in buses, trains and trams, it is almost the most expensive card that a person will have. Myki can be purchase through online or by phone (1800 800 007) or you can get it from any Myki vending machine located in near railway outlet. Instead of tickets they used Myki card in Australia, it is not usual for another country and yes, it is reloadable depending on how much you will use and there is a vending machine in some street that reads your Myki card that allows you to check the remaining balance of your card, so you are always to date.

There is a certain area in Australia specifically in Melbourne city that all transportation you make is free and won't charge a single dime on your Myki card remaining load. Every time you make a transaction with your Myki card you will make sure that you will touch-in your Myki card for the station to assure you that your ticket is valid for transportation. Of course every time you touch-in at a certain station you must touch-out before going out or else they will not let you out and you may be charged for a fare that you didn’t use because they may assume that you took a two-zone trip and sure will charge you for that for your irresponsibility.

Your card and also your load on your Myki card won’t expire even if you will not use it for 3 months; the only thing will happen is that they will update you through online or through your phone. Myki card expiration has duration of 4 years, after your 1st load using money, but when it expires or when it is near to its duration there is a staffed metropolitan at a train station where you can replace it for free and any balance within it can be transferred in your new card. You can refund for a slightly used Myki card or even an unused Myki card through online or completing the Myki refund and reimbursement form. This is only possible if your card is not yet expired; you must also return the card after filling-up the form. The refunded load can only send to through check with only the maximum amount on 250$ and 21 processing days for the check to be released so be wise on loading your Myki card especially when you are only for a short term trip.

So, if you are planning to travel, work or study in Australia, never forget to apply for this card because for surely you will benefit from it.

Extraordinary Dining Experience in Australia

Australia is a massive land populated by different races, cultures and ideas. I believe some people have brought their cultures in Australia from their home country and applied new ideas on it like a Mexican theme restaurant but with a twist! If you’re an adventurous type of person who wants to experience new things, then you might want to read this blog. In this topic I have rounded up some of the unusual dining restaurants in Australia that will make you curious.

1st on our list is Astro Pete’s café given by its name; the restaurant’s theme is all about Astronomy. Every weekend the restaurant will let you have a chance to use their telescope to gaze up the stars while enjoying a nice meal. If you’re lucky enough, you might stumble with an unknown comet and have a chance to name it. I find it cool actually. If you’re an avid fan of the solar system, then you might want to visit this restaurant and have a chance to meet people with the same interest.

2^nd is GPO Cheese and Wine Room this restaurant is like heaven for mice as they serve over 100 seasonal cheeses and 250 international and local wines. Every season their menu changes in order for you to experience a wide range of delicacies and they also offer large meals fit for your family and friends.

3rd is Attica, it will let you experience eating at a camping site, surrounded by trees and plants. You will feel the cool breeze of fresh air coming from the trees. That’s what Attica wants you to feel. Attica was built to have a deep connection with the nature. They serve Australian delicacies with earthy flavors and foraged ingredients.

          4th is Sounds of Silence , this restaurant is located in a resort near Ayers Rock in Yulara, it will give you an evening dining under a sparkling outback southern sky that is the best pattern with wine. This restaurant is different because when the sunset hits down, a buffet will be set up with their main dish for instance kangaroo, quandong, crocodile and barramundi that is enjoyed with an overlooking view of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.       

5th is Horse Drawn Restaurant this foundation in Hawkesbury offers a one of a kind eating knowledge on an 1890s stallion carriage as you go through a historic town of Windsor. This eatery is good for any event, you can even rent the whole carriage restaurant to experience with your family or friends; all meals are given by local award winning restaurant and are served specifically onto the carriage.

6th is Annalakshmi this is also a vegan restaurant that has a branch in four nations (Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and India). They usually participate on local charities to support the Temple of Fine Arts and they also continue the activities of TFA. They treat their Guest as Gods, that’s why they are successful.

7th is Toastface Grillah was named after Wu-Tang Tribe member Ghostface Killah, it even promoted unexpectedly live via musical appearance by Ghostface himself a year ago, as a fan of Wu-Tang who will experience a surprise like that will never be forgotten and until now he still gives a surprise musical number. This interesting restaurant in Perth has their own expertise in eight unique sorts of flame broiled cheddar sandwiches and also espresso.

8th is The Croft Institute is best for a big night out after a long day with your work, it is located in the Chinatown section of Melbourne. The ground floor is designed like an old science laboratory that has an enormous collection of glassware. While the 2nd floor is a gymnasium that is complete with turf bars. Every weekend is the most joyful day to visit this play because it has DJ’s and a dance floor for you to groove on.

9^th is The Lentil as Anything is a vegan restaurant and it usually serve their meal in a buffet for their customers to pick what they want to eat. This restaurant has its motto “Pay what you can”, depending on how your experience of the place, food and beverage. This kind of restaurant only relies on their supplier, individuals who support for a cause, and volunteers.

10th is Mundo Latin Grill and Tapas Bar a restaurant in a hotel and it is specialized with Spanish dishes, this restaurant gives customers an iPad during their dining to describe each in the menu on what they want to order, this makes them unique from the competitors. It gives the advantage for the customer to think of visiting their establishment. It has a branch in both Sydney and Kingsway.

When you visit Australia make sure you check this place and have an extraordinary dining experience with these unique restaurants.