EAT: The Ivy Bar, Sydney

“…When you tell a Brit there’s a rooftop pool with a cocktail bar attached to it…you can guarantee attendance …”

Locate me: The Ivy is tucked down the alley of 330 George Street, 
2 minutes from Martin Place Station.
Arrive before 10 and avoid the $20 charge

You can choose between two entrances. Which ever one you choose, you’re going to be blown away.

Stairway One…

Leads you to the Main Bar. The space is huge and caters to any manner of taste:

The big sofa’s to chill out on

The dance floor

The outside/inside courts

Eat some Thai or simply take a seat on one of the balconies

You can relax or move in a variety of comforts. Yah, it’s cool, but it’s also very corporate. If you go between 7 and 9  the atmosphere is buzzing. The suits are looking good and the evening has that happy Friday feeling. Past 10 it takes on a club vibe and a different style of dressed attitude to accompany the scene.

I prefer the early hours when the nights just kicking off, whatever your mood or taste – come and have a look. Dress a little nice, too, its that kind of place.

Stairway Two…

You’re now in the pool.

Need I say more?

More you say? There’s a regular happy hour kicking off at 5-7pm.

For further details please see: http://merivale.com.au/ivy
READ ON: Cocktail bar Sydney (australia123business.wordpress.com)

MASCOT: You do know there’s a bear in your bag?

A good friend of mine stopped, quiet concerned,  to ask:

“you do know there’s a bear in your bag?”

Oh the silly Germans.

Paddington Bear gave her a little fright. Why would a grown woman be carrying a bear to the beach and then take photo’s of him?

Erm…

This serious question only became more confusing when Germany saw other people at the beach, with their bears, taking photos. Somewhere in the UK someone decided it was hilarious, and acceptable, to do this. I’ve never  questioned having Paddy with me on the road. In fact I think he rather enjoys it.

Here he is at Cronulla about to pop in the sea!

Related Articles You Can Read On… 

Where Paddington came from (papaminx.wordpress.com)

Maybe he thought it was Paddington: Brown bear caught on camera as it tries to break into Russian railway station (thisismoney.co.uk)

Marmalade and Rain (vexulious.wordpress.com)

 

EAT: ONE DOLLAR FOOD SHOP IN SYDNEY

This has been a hot topic over the last few months, aside from everything else that’s expensive in Sydney, food shopping is an important one. Why? By the end of it all you have to eat and no amount of thrifty budgeting will excuse this fact.

You can be a little more smart about it though, as long as you know where to go. Here are a few areas I have sussed out to make my weekly shop for lunch, dinner and snacks a little more friendly to my dear old friend: bank account.

The weekly shop starts on Sunday in preparation for whats to come.

Ever Safe… Coles: Bulky Bits

For bulk items: jars, milk, bread, meat. Go to Coles, find one near you whether its on your lunch break or going home from work – pop in and grab the bits you need. Only use a basket – remember you have to carry this stuff home. Take a backpack, too. Heavy loading sucks. I’ve found the other stores are samey but more pricey. Frankton is near me and their range isn’t as good or as nicely priced!

Slightly in love with… Paddy’s Market: Fruit & Veg

Utterly in love with this place. The market is stuffed with colour and that super fresh feel. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bruised, yucky sections but the place is so massive just keep walking round until you find the quality you want. It won’t take long.

They tend to do deals of: 3 bags of veg for $5. You can grab courgettes, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, corn on the cob, green beans….This is better earlier in the day as its fresher.

At the end of the day stop in -  the market is flogging everything, screaming: “ONEEEEEEE DOLLLAARRRRRR!” the crowds are massive, the old women ram you with their buggies and the experience is hectic and I LOVED IT!

There’s also this incredible herb and spice section, I sigh every time I see it. There’s something you shouldn’t admit! Colour -  colour – colour. Its just authentic and a bit more exciting than buying a jar. More practical? Probably not.

Any other recommendations very welcome!

Also Read Up On…

What I do in Sydney? (meganchiew.wordpress.com)

Courgette, Sundried Tomato and Feta Cheese Muffins (storminakteacup.wordpress.com)

Recipe: Chorizo Cauliflower Rice (citytosticks.com)

EAT: Did you go to Doyle’s? The famous chippy on Watsons Bay!

It has come highly recommended and seems some how illegal to visit Watsons Bay without grabbing a box of fish and chips from Doyle’s restaurant. 

 

Sydneysiders rave about this eatery, but why?

Because, darling, its all about location. Situated on the edge of Watsons Bay, offering you something rather magical before you depart back to Sydney’s busy city. You see, when the sun sets in the distance – beyond the great ocean -  dipping behind the arching harbour bridge you can snuggle into some messy dinner and a beer with the sea salt still in your hair and a cosy cardigan wrapped around you. Choosing to sit in the restaurant or the beach beside the dock. 

It’s one of those things you do that makes the evening finish on a corny but very beautiful note, as you nuzzle down your fishy and chippy. It doesn’t come cheap, as nothing does in Watson Bay, setting you back $13. Do ask for salt and vinegar on your chips. Lemon and (oddly) a sachet of hot plum sauce is provided, otherwise this meal is rather bland and no view can make up for poopie food.

If there isn’t enough reason to visit this stunning coastal gem, its Doyle’s. A restaurant that has been open since 1885… when Australia itself just opened for business!

For More Info. See: http://www.doyles.com.au/ 

*All images are from Google. I forgot to snap this one!

EAT: Dunbar House – Pomp and Circumstance. Its very British.

As you may have read from the recent review, “Take me there: Watsons Bay” , there’s a cluster of over -priced eateries in this beautiful bay just 20 minutes from Sydney’s city.

One of these delightful jaunts is called:  “The Dunbar House.” 

Think wicker chairs, freshly mopped chequered flooring, pillars upon entry and classic old china tea pots. It screams British pomp and circumstance but its Australian and the view to boot is a far cry from England.

Personally I would get the ferry over from Circular Quay and brunch here. Make a reservation though, it gets pretty jam packed.

For more information please see:

http://www.dunbarhouse.com.au/#home
Brunch = $10 – $20 Lunch = $20- $30

It reeks of grandeur and if you like that ‘lardy dar’ feel (as we all do on occasion!) then this is the place to go. You won’t be disappointed with the vibe or the service.  Alternatively if you’d like the same grub and a matching view at a more low key establishment, try The Tea Gardens Cafe.

Also Read On…

• Watson’s Bay Wedding at Dunbar House from Rosalie Sweeney Photography (stylemepretty.com)
• Take Me There: Watsons Bay, Sydney (nataliereviews.wordpress.com)
• Graduation Gift Ideas: Let the Pomp & Circumstance Begin! (jewelrygalblog.com)

EAT: Flying Fajita Sistas, Sydney

Situated in Sydney’s bohemian suburb, Glebe, this hot Mexican joint came recommended:

Flying Fajita Sistas.

Grubs up!

The food was scrumptious.

 If you do visit may I recommend ordering the Chingachunga (spelling?) or fajitas. The fajitas though aren’t big man size portions, so all those with BIG appetites be warned. 

Prices are around $22 – $30

BYO or have a jug of Sangria for $15+ (they make white wine Sangria as well!)

Service? 

The staff were attentive, polite, excellent. The girls were also wearing these frumpy dresses…  is this because its hot in there? Who knows why all their female staff should wear these hideous uniforms, but that’s irrelevant. I suppose. Majorly disappointing note – the food took an hour to arrive after ordering.

Lets talk about decor, ambiance…

Basic and comfortable – there were crosses hanging at every available space, but then again Mexico is a religious country so that kind of makes sense and kind-of creeped me out. There’s a bookcase of spicy sauces, better known as the Wall of Pain that you must try at your peril, I suppose its one way to shake up an evening. If you care to accept the challenge.

Full Rating?

5 / 10

Its a little expensive for the portion sizes and the food took a decade to arrive. The place was full, so they must be doing something right. Also note: you can’t split the bill, so make sure someone can pay the full blow and pay them back.

Also read on…

• The History of the Mouth-Watering Fajita (hotpechugas.wordpress.com)
• Low Cost Dinner Ideas (everydayfamily.com)
• Mexico Lindo-translation – Pretty Mexico, Beautiful Mexico, the choice is yours. (smallchickbigdeals.com)

Take Me There: Watsons Bay, Sydney

This place is a little slice of heaven. It’s exactly why I came over here  – a little note to remind me: Watsons Bay.

It is said that great experiences are made by those around you-  but they’re also made up of the 27 degree heat, pure blue skies and the view that relaxes your shoulders.

We started off with brunch at the Tea Garden Café. Everything on this side of town is expensive, but delicious. I had Eggs Benedict for $15; it’ll keep you full for a good 5 hours. At this café you’ll have the view of a far away Sydney, the bridge arching in the background and yachts bobbing around the harbour. You could also come here for mid-day Devonshire scones and tea for $7. Lovely.

Camp Cove

There are two coves,  both quiet small so be prepared for miniature beach side action. The first is Camp Cove where the sea is still – no surfing here guys -   you can  enjoy lulling in the water leisurely or do a few laps up and down the sea-bed. Possibly one of the most beautiful escapes I’ve been to and it has a feeling of luxury, just minutes from Sydney’s city.

Lady Beach (NUDE DUDES!)

The second is where the elder generation flaunt their stuff at Lady Beach. Oddly, more men bathe at Lady Beach and its the women rolled out on Camp Cove. Maybe they have more…balls? Chortle chortle. On this calm beach for those seeking a full tan or a sense of adventure try this cove. I might dare myself to do this one day: alone and very very early in the morning!

Lighthouse Walk

You can walk to the lighthouse, this round trip only takes about 15 minutes. I wouldn’t say it’s  the best walk ever but the the rugged, coastal path is always enjoyable.

Getting There & Back

Enjoy a ferry ride from Circular Quay’s 4^th terminal, setting you back just $11 (return ticket). Along this 20 minute ride you’ll see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Opera House at different angles. On route the ferry also stops at Garden Island, Rose Bay, Double Bay and finally, the beautiful Watsons Bay. The journey home is a fraction of the time going  directly back to CQ.

Drift back to the city as the sun-sets behind the bridge and your eyes feel heavy with sleep.

Also read on…

• The Best of Sydney on a Budget! (myclub.worldmarksp.com)
• East Coast Australia – Oz Experience (sarahardmantravels.com)
• Sydney, Gateway to Australia (elliotlaw.wordpress.com)
• Sydney Harbour: Not Just for Photographs (uber.com)

LIVE: “When are you going to settle down?” said the mighty smiter

Don’t worry Queeny, I’ll be back. One day.

After returning from travelling back in early January 2012 it became evident that I still had no idea where I wanted to stop in the UK and my increasingly restless pace led to a rather swift (and slightly impulsive) purchase of the Australian Working Holiday Visa. Within 24 hours I was in possession of a 12 month pass to enter a country I’d never set foot in and to further attempt my search of a more vibrant lifestyle with some direction towards a career path.

 

“Nat, we’re becoming those people who go off and have stories to tell!”

This mindset is 100% to blame on my brother, call him a nugget of inspiration or a cruel entity aiming to drain my bank account (and common sense), but his experience last year has only confirmed by agitated belief that I’m not quiet ready to give in to homeland (the UK) just yet.

Convince me it’s true!

About a year ago my brother took a leap into New Zealand with the Working Holiday Visa and has since found a new girl, a new job and a new –relaxed – attitude. I mean, since when did the Talbutt’s jump out of a plane and hurl off bungee bridges? Somewhat unheard of until 2012! He’s acquired a log book of experiences and stories to tell. In fact this is one of the main reasons he left, I remember him saying: “Nat, we’re becoming those people who go off and have stories to tell!”

He’s demonstrated that it’s perfectly possible to take yourself out of your comfort zone, with a bit of money in your pocket; you can become acquainted with another lifestyle, people and culture. It’s all accessible, as well as nerve wracking.  

“You know, one day you’re going to run out of money”

As my big bro. edge’s ever closer to the capped age of 30, which means he won’t be able to apply for another WHV, I’m here with no ties, a last token of money and a taster for exploring the new. I also have 6 more years until I reach this capped age and it seems almost silly not to take the opportunity to have one final adventure before my bank balance says NO! One of my favourite remarks from a nervous (idiot) friend was: “you know, one day you’re going to run out of money” So, apparently moving to another country costs money, who knew?

I’m a planner, you see, caused by having parents that take no less than 6 months to make any single decision, be it a new roll of wallpaper or a quick bite for lunch. This isn’t a bad quality to have, running head first into a decision is a sure disaster, you need background, time, imagination – but at the same time you don’t need to take a decade to figure it out. This hasty visa purchase was a sure sign that I wanted something else, even though my head didn’t really know the logistics of it at the time.

Let’s try not get to get too panicked about the big plan and enjoy the ride to follow –   she says with tense restless shoulders.

GAME: For all those Europeans – Prepare yourself for some utterly stupid Aussie lingo

OK so I’ve just moved to this BEAUTIFUL suburb called Summer Hill and in this little pocket of Sydney you can expect to count just one pub. This pub is called The Summer Hill Hotel.

I got rather giddy the evening I signed up to take a home in this lovely place and decided to explore every potential aspect of my new space and so I stumbled into the Hotel in full celebratory mode to down a glass of wine and say “yeah, well done Natty!” Naturally one of the first questions I asked the hotel was whether they had a swimming pool in the facilities.

 

DO NOT ASK THIS QUESTION!

 

But Why?

Let it be known to all Europeans that beckon upon Sydney with suitcase in tow that when Australia says something is a Hotel, its not, it’s a “hotel”.  Sorry, lets put it in plain English: It’s a pub.

Why they insist on titling almost every other pub in the city a hotel is beyond me and frankly way too confusing for the idle wanderer.

It turns out I was the TENTH person from Europe THAT WEEK to ask them whether they were actually a hotel – a question that would never have crossed my mind if a dear friend hadn’t bluntly pointed out “erm…you do know this isn’t actually a hotel. You know, like, you find an ‘Inn’ in the UK”

Also…hello? If something was called an “Inn” I would also anticipate the building to accommodate those sleepy travellers. Those poor Europeans running around Sydney, knocking on every Hotel door only to discover it’s a total lie.

Now all I can see are pubs, sorry, ‘hotels’. They are literally everywhere in the city.

Don’t be a knob – be prepared for this (stupid) Australian quirk and save yourself the journey of disappointment when there is no swimming pool in the pub.

Related articles

• Infinity swimming pool of the week is at the Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa resort in Mauritius (poolconsultants.info)
• Swanky Radisson Blu Hotel Opens At MOA (minnesota.cbslocal.com)
• A Guide to Luxury Hotels in Sydney (hotelssaustralia.wordpress.com)

 

EAT: This Week We’re Talking About…Thai-Riffic, Newtown Australia

If you’ve decided to venture out into Newtown for a bite to eat and find yourself overwhelmed by the King Street marathon of cafe’s, bars and restaurants may I recommend Thai-Riffic – standing by its name.

Menu

  DELICIOUS! @ $15 – 20, try the Green Thai Curry.

Beverages

$5 beer – VERY NICE! Try the Buddha Beer. Wine from $20 a bottle.

Service

I think he was new…

Personality?

Comfortable, funky, modern, relaxed

Also Read…

• Buddha (peacelovehealing.wordpress.com)