It’s finally here – the final month of the year. December. It’s expensive, it’s busy, it’s totally nuts. As the year winds up, we’re all running around trying to organise a million different things: presents, parties, annual leave, kids’ holidays, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve… and you’re supposed to carry on with all the other day-to-day things at the same time.
Impossible.
It’s all worth it though… or it usually is. Christmas is always a fun time of year. And even if I mean that ironically, it’s still oddly true.
Anyway, just to illustrate my point, this week we explore burger joints, Mrs Romance heads to Adelaide on a whirlwind visit, there’s a gallery exhibition and I finish the week off with a bit of a treat… but I won’t spoil it too much for you.
Enjoy our latest edition of our Instagram Diary!
First things first, we take up the offer of the $10 burger special at the East Village Hotel in Balmain. Every Tuesday they have a different experimental burger on offer with the usuals on the menu.
This week’s a porky plate of pleasure called the Cubano. Not much like any food we found when we were in Cuba but excellent all the same: smoked ham hock, pork belly, slaw, cheese and a burger patty – and the extra fries in the bun too of course!
Early this morning, Mrs Romance darted off to the airport for a flyby overnight visit to South Australia. While I’m stuck in the office, she’s decided to publish this photo of her chilling out in the Virgin Business Lounge. Looks like they’ll let about anyone in these days! 😉
To add insult to injury, Mrs Romance is now showing off where she’s staying in Adelaide. The beautiful Mount Lofty House in Adelaide Hills looks even more tempting to me at the moment; Sydney’s turned a bit chilly today.
She’s in town to work with the talented folk at Candid Jewellery. These guys make beautiful pieces with the really unique concept of being able to put your own handwriting on the jewellery. They’ve worked with our friend Emma Kate from Emma Kate Co. Looking forward to seeing what Mrs Romance will do with them too.
While Mrs Romance is out and about in Adelaide, she’s made sure to find time to smell the flowers. She’s found these beauties at the East End markets.
Mrs Romance is just illustrating her favourite point that ‘a girl’s gotta eat’! This chicken burger at The Stirling Hotel looks amazing, and from what other people have said, it’s the best thing on their menu!
Well, that was quick – Mrs Romance is now back in Sydney, but she’s not staying still. She’s now at a gallery exhibition. Matthew Kentmann, who’s the incredibly talented husband of our friend Potty Mouth Mama, is an Archibald ’15 finalist and has an amazing range of paintings like this one. Beautiful, aren’t they?
It’s a fine morning out on Sydney Harbour today. And about time too! Looking forward to a perfect day hanging out with friends this weekend.
This – for me – is about as good as it gets. A spectacular vintage cigar Mrs Romance bought for me for Christmas quite a few years ago, a bottle of Bloodwood Cabernet Franc/Malbec 2012 and a catch-up with a mate I haven’t seen in ages.
The cigar by the way is a Partagas Serie E No. 2. It’s a big cigar but medium-bodied and so smooth it’s a good option for someone starting out enjoying cigars. Very pleased with this one!
Isn’t this the best inspiration for Sunday brunch? Mrs Romance is still showing off about her time in Adelaide. Mount Lofty House really does an amazing spread. Quite jealous as I chew through my slice of toast. I’m just glad she’s made it back. Must’ve been hard to leave!
How was your week? Any top burgers or brunches had? How’s your planning for ‘Craze-mas’ going? Tell us in the comments!
Sonia from Sonia Styling
It was so nice to spend a little bit of time with your Mrs! Our weekend was great – even though it was a scorcher. We had a fabulous birthday lunch for a friend at the new Magill Estate Kitchen (plus a tasting at their amazing cellar door) on Saturday and much time was spent in the pool. x
Mr Romance
Sounds perfect, Sonia. Yes, she mentioned once or twice (in other words wouldn’t stop talking about) how much she enjoyed catching up with you. I hear you guys are set for another blistering weekend too, aren’t you?
Jxx