Supermarkets and the Great Outdoors in Australia

Australia can be an expensive place to eat. But not to worry the quality of the produce is so high you don't need a fine dining establishment to prepare it for you. Grab yourself some fresh seafood from the local supermarket or fishery, a delicious bottle of sparkling from Dan Murphy's and take your pick of beautiful scenery to enjoy your meal - beach, river, park - any of them offer a by far more delightful setting than any restaurant guaranteed. 

Nonna's, Harbour Town, Gold Coast, Australia

Nonna's at Harbour Town (outlet mall) on the Gold Coast offers uncomplicated fare for refuelling for an industrious day of shopping. The indoor/ outdoor setting with large fans and potted plants is ideal for recharging and taking a break to plan your afternoon's acquisition strategy. This Italian, Steak and Seafood restaurant serves generous portions so do consider sharing. Meals are well cooked and hearty and there are enough options for everyone to be happy (actually it might take you a while to sort through the four! menus - one for Italian, one for steak, one for seafood and one for drinks and desserts). Service was fast and friendly on the day we dined and all six of us were satisfied with what we ordered - pastas, pizza, toasties and a salad.

Nonna's

Italian, Steakhouse, Seafood

Shops B10, 11, 12 Harbour Town

Gold Coast, Australia

+61 07 5529 2000

nonnarestaurants.com.au

Ludvigs in Sitka, Alaska

You might think that in the isolation of a small Alaskan island like Sitka, amidst the abundance of trees and wildlife, you would be hard-pressed to find culinary offerings other than what you can catch with your own two hands. An evening at the town's famous watering hole, The Pioneer Bar, might conjure up images of barbecue and cheese whiz. Imagine my delight when crossing the threshold of Ludvigs -- a small seasonal bistro run by chef Collette and her partner. Oh, what a little candle light and a good wine list can do after a day on a boat!

The heart of their menu, and their most successful dishes, feature Alaskan salmon, rock fish and King Crab. White Salmon (to some, albino) was particularly well appointed on brightly flavored risotto and sauced with a glorious tomato reduction. The Bistro Steak was unfussy and well-seasoned. Other dishes added a good portion of bacon, including the Tuscan scallops (a local favorite) and the day's fresh catch. While I'm no a stranger to a good porcine fix, bacon overpowered the delicately flavored fruit de mer. The Mediterranean dishes, like the Cioppino and Paella, were generous in seafood but fell a little flat on the palate. Our meal ended on a highest of notes -- desserts and cappuchinos-- with a lemony cheese cake and a perfectly crisp creme brulee.