Beyond Academia — Gloria Chen

Food Enthusiast

Eating Around Melbourne

Always chasing the next great table.

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Melbourne Favourites

Where I send everyone

Bistro — Circl Wine House
French — Reine & La Rue
Chinese — Hualu 花炉
Steak — Steer Dining Room
Japanese — Minamishima
Australian — Ten Minutes by Tractor

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Piloting

Up in the Air

A trial flight, just for the thrill of it.

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Where I Flew

Just for fun

I took a trial flight with Learn to Fly — not for a licence, just for the joy of taking the controls and seeing the world from up there for an afternoon.

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12-Year Retired Barista

Serious About Coffee

Twelve years behind the machine.

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Coffee Recommendations

Hard-earned opinions

Code Black
ONA
Four Kilo Fish — if you're after Yunnan coffee

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Runner

On the Run

Current PB: 5:17/km · half marathon.

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Best Melbourne Tracks

21 km with a return trip — or less

The Tan
Port Melbourne Coastal Lane

Both let you make a full half marathon out and back — but they're just as good for a shorter loop.

-- All the background photos are shot on the track!

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Bartender

The Perfect Negroni

Equal parts, no compromises.

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My Negroni Recipe

Stir, don't shake

30 ml Gin — secret: house gin from Berlin Bar, Chinatown
30 ml Campari
30 ml Sweet Vermouth

Over a big block of ice, orange twist.

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Baker

From the Oven

Butter, flour, and a lot of patience.

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Baking Tips

What I've learned the hard way

Butter cake is far easier than chiffon.
Macarons are brutal for beginners — be patient.
Fresh yeast gives you so much better bread.

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