Hunter Valley favourite to close its doors

Thirteen years is a lifetime in the restaurant business. Many eateries open and close within a couple of years.

Emerson Rodriguez, who has been at the helm of Emerson's Restaurant at Adina in the Hunter Valley for 13 1/2 years, announced this week that he was shutting up shop.

When I visited a few weeks ago he confided in me that the industry has never been tougher and that finding staff in country areas is hard.

"It's not an easy decision but after working for over 20 years in the Hunter Valley and 13 1/2 as chef/owner of Emerson's Restaurant, I believe it is the right time to close the doors," he said on social media.

"What an amazing rollercoaster ride it's been."

Emerson started in the Hunter at Peppers Guest House and is a hugely popular local figure.

"First and foremost, I would like to say a massive thank you to past and present staff," he said. "Without your amazing hard work and dedication my dream would not have been possible.

"I would also like to thank Peter O'Meara (previous owner of Adina Vineyard) who originally approached me about coming to Adina, while Jeff and Aileen (current owners), have been so supportive throughout the years and the best landlords anyone could ask for."

The final day of trading will be Sunday, January 14 for breakfast and lunch, so there is still time for one more meal.

Emerson's is at 492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale, NSW. (02) 4930 7029.
www.emersonsrestaurant.com.au

Geelong on the move with new eateries and pubs

 

There is a lot of excitement in Geelong, where the city has recently welcomed several new restaurants, pubs and hotels.

Already regarded as one of Victoria's top food and wine destinations, Geelong is very much on the move, the folk from Visit Geelong and Bellarine say.

Celebrity chefs Adrian Richardson and Michael Demagistris are among those to have started new ventures by Corio Bay.

Two Noble (above) is a new fine dining destination fusing south-east Asian and modern Australian flavours.

It is located on the top floor of a 173-year-old Geelong pub - the Sawyers Arms Tavern - recently purchased by publican Paul Upham, who previously incorporated Movida and Coda into The Lorne Hotel before selling in 2021. See twonoble.com.au

Outside of town, Tarra Restaurant has opened at Queensclliff inside the ferry terminal. Tarra is a contemporary coastal dining experience with bay views and acclaimed chef Michael Demagistris at the helm. See tarra.com.au

Maestro is operated by celebrity chef Adrian Richardson, host of Channel Ten series Good Chef Bad Chef. He also has La Luna Bistro and Bouvier Bar and Grill in his suite of restaurants. At Maestro he's working alongside executive chef Migo Razon. maestrogeelong.com.au

The Novotel has also opened a new restaurant at its Geelong waterfront location: Tempo Kitchen & Bar offers seafood and grill dishes with globally travelled chef Erwin Joven (ex the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide) in charge of the kitchen. tempogeelong.com.au

Barwon Edge Restaurant offers Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant on the edge of the Barwon River operated by the owners of Geelong dining institutions Alma and Felix. barwonedge.com.au

Eureka Hotel, meanwhile, is a classic pub that has bee refurbed and is one of Geelong's most popular venues for live music and big acts.

Honouring heritage is a bit of a trend with another pub in Geelong West having restored and returned to its original name: The Queen of the West.

Mt Pleasant Road Brewers, meanwhile, has a new taproom in Belmont with 10 taps pouring locally brewed beer.

Two new hotels have opened in the heart of Geelong within walking distance of main attractions such as the waterfront and the Little Malop Street cultural and dining precinct: Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong and Quest Central Geelong.

Meet the new bridge that is perfect for a marriage proposal

A new tourism attraction in Vietnam is set to entice two very different groups: lovers and fans of modern architecture. 

Kiss Bridge (above) opened just before Christmas in Phú Quốc Sunset Town quarter. 

The new structure is described as "a modern man-made wonder and iconic destination", Vietnam Plus reports.

The bridge was designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti and developed by Sun Group, overlooks the ocean.

Designed for pedestrians only, the bridge was inspired by Michelangelo’s fresco The Creation of Adam, and the Vietnamese folklore tale of Nguu Lang, about two young lovers who are kept apart by the Jade Emperor and only permitted to meet once a year on the O Thuoc Bridge.

Huynh Quang Hung, chairman of the People’s Committee of Phú Quốc, describes the Kiss Bridge as a “true masterpiece, blending unique artistry and exceptional construction”. 

He envisions the bridge putting Phú Quốc on the global map, attracting tourists from around the world.

The bridge spans 800 metres and features two arches that almost meet in the middle, ending just 30 centimetres apart. 

Visitors can stand at the opposite tips of the arches to embrace or share a kiss. 

The bridge’s Vietnamese name, Cau Hon, translates to “proposing marriage”, which locals say makes it an ideal spot for romantic proposals. 

Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand that is already a popular tourist destination.

It is known for white-sand beaches and its many resorts. Phu Quoc has at least 10 daily flights direct from Ho Chi Minh City and the capital city of Hanoi. There are also flights to and from Bangkok.

Dandenongs signing boosts hotel portfolio

The fast-growing Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund. has added the Panorama Retreat & Resort in Victoria to its portfolio.

Panorama Retreat & Resort (previously known as CountryPlace) is a residential conference, function and accommodation venue located in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne.

The property has operated for 25 years and sits on high-ground overlooking the Silvan Dam and down to the vineyards of the Yarra Valley.

On a good day, the venue is just 40 minutes from the CBD and it is set on five hectares of gardens with native trees.

The resort has 62 guest rooms, conference and events spaces, indoor and outdoor dining options and recreational facilities.

The Panorama joins an Elanor portfolio that includes the Mayfair Hotel and the Adabco Boutique Hotel in Adelaide; Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley; Estate Tuscany in the Hunter Valley and Leura Gardens Resort in the NSW Blue Mountains among others

Mozambique has designs on reviving mass tourism

Once upon a time - a lifetime ago - Lourenco Marques was one of the hottest tourism destinations in Africa.

South Africans, particularly, flooded to the capital of Mozambique for sun, surf and piri piri prawns.

LM, as it was universally known, is now Maputo (above). 

And moves are underway to bring mass tourism back to the African nation, some 30 years after the former Portuguese colony was ripped apart by a bloody civil war.

LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique), the flag carrier of Mozambique, recently launched flights between Maputo and Cape Town, which the airline says is part of its strategy to be a “strong competitor in the region”.

LAM has undergone a recent restructuring process and is currently expanding its routes and connections. Also recently launched was a Maputo-Lisbon flight, which will help bring European tourists to Maputo, South African website Tourism Update reported.

LAM commercial director Firmino Naftal says the three times weekly Maputo to Cape Town flight targets both the leisure and the business segments.

Cristovao Gemo, Consul General of Mozambique in Cape Town, said the launch of the route was more than just a convenient mode of transport, but was a bridge between the two nations, fostering greater cultural exchange, trade and tourism.

“Cape Town, known for its breath-taking landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality, has long been a sought-after destination for travellers from all corners of the globe," he said. 

"On the other hand, Maputo with its pristine beaches, vibrant markets and rich culinary diversity offers an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.” 

In its bid to grow its regional presence, LAM has established flights between Johannesburg and holiday destinations Inhambane, Vilankulo and Beira, with plans to launch a flight between Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport and Mozambique’s Xai Xai.

It has also recently launched flights to Lusaka in Zambia with a stop-over in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Naftal also said work was underway to introduce flights to Nairobi, Kenya, and Lilongwe in Malawi.

A new 20,000 sqm cultural centre, built by Chinese contractors, was inaugurated in Maputo late last year.

The Mozambique Ministry of Culture and Tourism has called the Mozambique China Cultural Centre in the grounds of the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, a “key project that will greatly contribute to the development of cultural exhibition and dissemination, as well as to the promotion of cultural creative industries from all over the country and the world”.

The centre boasts a variety of rooms for theatre productions, musical shows and corporate events, including a 1,500-seat auditorium.

Anantara, and Beyond and Radisson Blu are among the high-end international hotel brands operating in Mozambique, along with South Africa's Southern Sun.    

Scammers never sleep. The latest ruse to separate you from your money

Throughout 2023 anyone signing on to Facebook was offered the chance to win a free campervan that some kind company was giving away because it had "a few dents".

All they needed was a few of your details.

There was a similar offer to enter a competition to win an eco-friendly tiny home - just a few details needed.

And as we enter 2024 there is a new variation. And, yes, of course it is a scam.

This time Sydney Airport is advising that as it has no storage space for lost luggage it is selling consignment suitcases containing various items and electronics for just $3.

And a whole lot of people have been delighted with the surprise suitcase they have purchased.

Yet another scheme to part fools from their details - and their money.

To order, all you have to is click on the button in the advert and go to the website.

Despite Facebook having been advised about the scam, the fake post and link to the fake website were still there 24 hours ago.

And Sydney Airport was not happy.

“We would urge everyone to stay vigilant to social media scams and only trust information from Sydney Airport’s official verified accounts,” a Sydney Airport spokesman said. 

Oh, and the Korean National Oil Company is sending out emails offering a great financial deal. just for you. 

One rule to remember people. If an offer sounds to good to be true then it probably is. Make being sceptical a new year resolution.