Anji’s Picks: Best of The Best

**Best Food Find**

*Kazaguruma Cuba Street*

As an enormous fan of Japanese food I can’t believe that I didn’t find this restaurant earlier! Recommended by a friend, we braved a chilly Wednesday night and headed to upper Cuba Street where you could easily miss Kazaguruma as it sits quietly amongst its neighbours. This restaurant has limited capacity, so an intimate feeling is present immediately. We had an absolute feast which included (but was not limited to) sashimi, tempura prawns, tuna tataki and both of the seasonal truffle specials (the wagyu nigiri with truffle was so good we ordered a second serving!). Having been born in Japan, Japanese Cuisine has been the go to celebration food in my family for as long as I can remember. This meal at Kazaguruma was right up there with all of my highlight Japanese meals, and my only disappointment is that I didn’t find it earlier! Highly recommended!!

During our recent budget styling challenge I happened across the cutest vase at Vinnies in Newtown. My strategy had been to work with the palette of greens and reds which had been established by the coffee table books that I had found, so the tones of this vase immediately caught my eye. However, even if I hadn’t been focussed on those shades I would have gravitated to this lovely number, and for $10 that has to be my best buy this year, hands down!

**Best Watch**

*Limited Netflix Series ‘Eric’*

Winter is without a doubt the season for binge viewing. But despite all of the viewing offerings we can find it hard to settle on a series that strikes a cord for both of us. So when our daughter Bella recommended Eric we were happy to give it a go (she’s a pretty reliable programme reviewer). Starring the incredible Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent, the story certainly had its harrowing parts (to be expected when it starts with the disappearance of Vincent’s son), but it was an entirely binge worthy limited series and the writing, directing and acting were all a treat. Great winter viewing!

Most people around me know that I’m rather fond of a Negroni. I’m a dab hand at making my own and love trying other people’s Negronis to compare. A recent trip to Ombra introduced us to their rather delicious Negroni, so we had to ask their secret!

Gin – Bond Kawakawa Gin
Vermouth – Dolin
Campari

The Kawakawa Gin gave the Ombra Negoni such a lovely spiced flavour and was utterly delectable.

It might surprise many to hear that Apple Music tells me that I have listened almost exclusively to Fred Again over the past two years. And I still return to Fred Again Essentials when I’m stuck for what to listen to, however in an attempt to expand my listening horizons I have also been enjoying:

Frank Ocean
The XX
Solange
Flight Facilities
London Grammar

Best Food Find

Best Buy

Best Watch

Best Little Drop

Best Tunes