We all know that getting out and communing with nature is good for both our body and our mental health, but where to start if you've never done any hiking but are keen to give it a go? Trekking, hiking, tramping, rambling or just plain walking - whatever you call if and whatever you aspire to, whether it's a kilometre on a flat countryside track to conquering rugged terrain over multiple days, or even taking it easy with a Great Walk of Australia, it's an activity that most of us can achieve.  If, like ExtraVirgin host, Natascha, however, you have lots of questions: (Am I too old? Am ..read more

In April 2022, chef Adam Wolfers was riding his bike when he was struck down by a stroke, at just 38.  He lost movement on one side of his body, his sense of taste and had to learn to do the everyday things he once took for granted all over again. In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food & Travel, Natascha Mirosch catches up with this talented chef, who's worked under Wylie Dufresne in New York, and at the 3 Michelin -starred Quique Dacosta in Spain, in addition to a raft of hatted restaurants in Australia. They discuss how he's doing, what such a life-changing event has taught him, mental ..read more

Our guest on this episode of ExtraVirgin Postcard lives an enviable life in La Paz on the Bay of California in Mexico. Travel writer Kristen Gill fell in love with the town on a work trip and made it her mission to move there. Now, as she tells us, she rides her bike along The Malecón, goes down to the seafront of a morning to watch the fishermen return with their catch, hikes in the desert and explores secluded islands with crystal clear water. All in a place where it only rains for 5 days of the year. And of course, there is the seafood - from fish tacos to local shellfish, marlin and t ..read more

Venice has been on the wishlist of  travellers for centuries, but in this postcard, we're taking a tour of a Venice way beyond St Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge or the Grand Canal. Artist and writer Allison Zurfluh lives on the island of Burano, in the northern section of the Venice lagoon.  Passionate about her adopted home, she tells us a little of the history of the lagoon's islands and shares some of her favourite things to see, do and taste - from taking an excursion on a traditional boat with a local fisherman to where to eat the best seafood, how to do a cicchetti crawl like ..read more

Thailand's capital, Bangkok is a large, sprawling city best known for its river, ornate temples and delicious street food. Our guest, Wisrute Buddhari has lived in Bangkok most of his life. Not only does he share the best time of the year to visit and what to see and do; from temple hopping to viewing the city from a boat on the Chao Praya river, as well as a secret beach only locals know about, but this keen foodie let's us in on some of his favourite places to eat and drink. Have a listen to discover:  Where to get the best roast goose in the city  Where to go for Thai beef noodle ..read more

Headed to California? Or just California dreaming? Los Angeles is far more than just Hollywood, as this "Postcard" episode guest, Wendy Lee explains. Wendy, who has a blog, Empty Nesters Hit the Road, shares with us some of her favourite things to see and do in Los Angeles - you might be surprised to find out what a rich multicultural and cultural city Los Angeles is. Wendy tells us about its theatres and galleries, its green spaces and mountain hikes, as well as its 76 miles of shoreline. She also shares secrets about LA’s ethnic neighbourhoods and street art, food markets, roof top bars and ..read more

This ExtraVirgin Food & Travel Postcard wings its way to us from one of the world's most multicultural cities, Toronto, Canada. Our guest is lifestyle journalist Maryam Saddiqi who shares everything she loves about her city; from its lively art scene, to heritage districts and green spaces, its residents’ love of sports, the live music scene, and of course, with the city about to get its own Michelin Guide, the fantastic food scene. Maryam recommends everything from a local wine you should try, to a farmers’ market to visit, tells us why you should jump on a ferry to explore Toronto’s isla ..read more

If you listened to episode 64 of ExtraVirgin Food & Travel Podcast, "Love in the Time of Covid," you'll be familiar with Monique Ceccato's story.  Not long after that episode went live, Monique and her love, Espen were parted again, separated by the Covid regulations of their respective countries. She, on a plane back to Australia, while he remained in Norway. In this episode we follow up with Monique to find out the fate of their long-distance relationship, in a time when you can no longer just jump on a plane.  ..read more

On this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, our postcard comes from sunny Brisbane. Australia's third largest city has been the home of freelance writer Jennifer Johnston for most of her life. Jen shares with us her favourite walks and cycling routes, its galleries, book stores, the best places to enjoy a cocktail or beer with city views and much more. So, whether you're planning a future trip, or just armchair travelling, let this postcard take you away.  ..read more

Have you every dreamed about owning a gorgeous country cottage, historic chateau or sophisticated city pad in France?  Suzanna Clarke, a New Zealander formerly based in Australia, has made her home in Fez in Morocco, splitting her time between there and France since 2007 when she bought her first apartment  in Bordeaux. Having just added to her property portfolio with a sprawling country property, she's intending to move there with her husband and children soon. In this episode of ExtraVirgin, Natascha Mirosch talks to Suzanna about the pleasures and pitfalls of property ownership in ..read more