V is for Very Good Food

So firstly, I apologies for the hiatus but boy has life been crazy! So big news is I have finally plucked up the courage to step outside of the East and while I have broken up with Bondi (we're still friends), I have started somewhat of a love affair with Sydney's eclectic Inner West and tonight was no exception. Tonight I 'discovered' (although I use the word lightly, there wasn't an empty table to be seen so call ahead!) Portafino on Norton Street in Leichhardt. Yum. This is seriously good Italian food... From figs for entree, a perfect duck ravioli for main to the banoffee pie that quiet honestly rocked my world I thoroughly enjoyed an evening with friends at the unpretentious local haunt. Check out the menu and get yourself a reservation at www.portofinonortonst.com.au

U is for Uncovering New Talent

So I got myself down to Slide Lounge last night to check out Monday Night Live, a regular open mic night that offers some real bang for your buck.

Firstly, the dinner and supper at a reasonable price turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, and at only $15 more than a standard ticket was way better value than a Monday night steak at the local pub. But it’s the entertainment accompanying your meal that’s truly inspiring and there is nothing cheap about the talent on show at Slide.

Last night we were treated to some of the best open mic Sydney has to offer all kept running smoothly by the lounge’s charming hosts and with guest appearances by the delightful Michael Falzone and Danni Da Ros offering a taste ahead of their upcoming shows, it was a fantastic evening.

Of course if you don’t want to take my word for it get yourself to Oxford Street to see what the fuss is all about. Tickets to Monday Night Live and all of Slide Lounge’s shows are available at http://slide.com.au/.

T is for a Technicolour Sydney

If you're spending your long weekend in Sydney be sure to take advantage of all the free entertainment our beautiful city has to offer. Firstly, this weekend is your last chance to get into Circular Quay and check out Vivid Sydney. With even better technology and more interactive options than ever before, paired with a variety of concerts on at the Opera House, you really should spend at least one evening exploring this harbourside event this weekend.  Everything you need to know about Vivid Sydney's lights, music and other concepts can be found on the festival's website.

Also this weekend is Darling Harbour's annual Jazz and Blues Festival. Across the long weekend local artists such as James Morrison, Mojo Juju and from the UK, Trevor Watts and Veryan Weston, will perform in Darling Harbour and best of all - it's free! Actually, over 40 artists will perform on three stages in Darling Harbour across the three days and nights this weekend so it's definitely worth a visit. I definitely recommend catching public transport into the city and jump on the Darling Harbour website to plan your day so you don't miss out on your favourite artists. Bios, programs and loads more event information can also be found on the Darling Harbour website.

Finally, the Sydney Film Festival kicked off last week and provides a great opportunity to check out some excellent flicks and, while not free, they are at very reasonable prices and in some really cool venues. Check out the Sydney Film Festival website for a complete list of sessions, venues and ticket prices.

S is for a Sensory Experience

If your looking for a unique food and wine experience in the city this week, make a reservation for pop-up bar THE BLOCKS at pier 2/3 Walsh Bay. THE BLOCKS, sponsored by Penfolds and Studio Toogood is a complete sensory experience where you can use your senses of smell, touch and sight to determine the matching food and wine that you are instinctively drawn too. THE BLOCKS is a wine bar, tapas restaurant and art installation all in one and while some may take it all a bit more seriously than others - Yes, I had a giggle when allocated my 'nose' guide - this is one pop-up you should be sure not to miss. 

THE BLOCKS will be open for two more days (Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th this week). I suggest booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

R is for Really Good Food

Sydney-siders such as myself were dismayed when Tetsuya Wakuda’s restaurant fell from its place as one of the world’s top 50 best restaurants. And, although still in the top 100, holding on at a very respectable number 58 on the list, this consistent SMH Good Food Guide winner has also found itself minus a coveted chef’s hat in 2011 and 2012.

Are the judges being a touch harsh on this inspired French-Japanese fusion experience? The people of Sydney don’t seem to think so as in 2011 Tetsuya’s won the SMH Good Food Guide People's Choice Award. I decided to settle my mind once and for all and find out for myself, it was the right thing to do (I’m good like that).

Tetsuya’s is tucked away on Kent Street, protected from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city. I was surprised at first by the simplicity of the restaurant as I entered, but this was quickly quelled as I was seated by one of the windows with an unspoiled view of the tranquil Japanese garden around which the dining area is set.

Before I get to the cuisine, let me just say, Tetsuya’s is an experience like few other dining experiences on offer in Australia. Reminiscent of fine dining somewhere such as Dubai, the service is second to none, leaving you relaxed and feeling completely and utterly spoiled. My waiter presented me with an option to simply dine with a run through beforehand or to choose to travel on a gastronomic journey with each dish and wine explained in detail as I made my way through all ten courses, well eleven for those who cannot resist champagne and oysters to cleanse the palate.

The courses ranged from comfortable, such as the breast of duck with eggplant and almond, to daring - certainly my first time trying a savoury custard with sea urchin - although each of which was perfectly executed in presentation and flavour. The attention to detail was evident yet the complexity was not overwhelming in that even the most unique dishes were made easy for any diner to enjoy. Of course the pièce de résistance and my favourite on the night, was the signature confit of petuna ocean trout with shaved fennel and unpasteurised ocean trout caviar. The fish is cooked in a way that allows it to simply melt in your mouth and delicate combination of flavours make this dish a winner in my book and left me more than satisfied. Even after seeing the bill at the end of the evening I felt that this was a degustation worth every cent of the $210 price tag.

For those who appreciate a nice drop, the matching wines and a carefully selected sake (at an extra $95) are in perfectly harmony with each dish, with my only complaint being that the several wines made exclusively for the restaurant leave you wishing you could get your hands on a bottle to take home!

Tetsuya’s is most definitely worth a visit. At the end of my evening, stuffed and I’ll admit a little tipsy, I could clearly see why Tetsuya’s is a favourite of Sydney foodies and in my mind still the Sydney restaurant to dine if you are seeking world class service and a menu that will leave you longing for more.

To make a reservation or view a sample menu visit the Tetsuya’s website. 

If you would like to discover more of the world’s top 100 restaurants visit the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants website.

Q is for Quintessential Sydney

The summer weather has finally arrived in Sydney! The sun is shining and there are plenty of outdoor events on so you can get out and enjoy all that Sydney has to offer.

If you are in or around the city this weekend, drop into Sydney Cellar Door at Hyde Park South. Part of the NSW Wine Week, this event is a great opportunity to try wines from 90 exhibitors while enjoying some cool tunes in the park. Entry is free to look around but if you would like to sample to goods you will need to buy a tasting package, there are a couple to choose from depending if you want to try a little or a lot. Sydney Cellar Door is on from 11am to 6pm, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th and all the details are available on the NSW Wine Festival website. Salute!

P is for the Pretty Pictures

Direct from the Musée National Picasso in Paris, some of the most interesting works of art by the man himself are currently on display at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. Some of Pablo Picasso’s finest pieces of art are currently yours for the viewing. Entry for an adult is $25 ($15 for Art Gallery of NSW members) and the exhibition is running up until 25 March 2012. 

Tickets are available at Ticketek and more information is on the Art Gallery of NSW website. As always I recommend you make the sustainable choice to catch public transport. However, if you do decide to take the car, there is limited car parking near the gallery so I would suggest you park at the Domain Car Park which offers reasonably priced parking close by.

Outside of Sydney some of Australia’s other cities are also being spoiled with the Matisse exhibition on at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane until 4 March 2012 and the Renaissance exhibition, including work by Raphael, Botticelli and more now on at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra until 9 April 2012.

Check out the Queensland Art Gallery website or the National Gallery of Australia website for more details on these great exhibitions.

O is for OpenAir Cinema

I know that the weather in Sydney has not been terribly predictable over the past month but we are assured it will pick up after Christmas and just in time for the annual St George OpenAir Cinema. This outdoor movie experience at Mrs Macquarie’s Point is not to be missed and tickets go on sale to the public 9am tomorrow! Tickets have a history of selling out super fast so jump online today to choose your session and be armed with your credit card tomorrow at 9am so you don’t miss out.

From 9am tomorrow you can purchase your tickets on the OpenAir Cinema website, where you can also find information on all the movies and everything you will need to know about the event.

N is Stuff to do for Next to Nothing

So Sydney is not the most expensive city in the world, I mean it’s no Paris or London when it comes to the price of a coffee, but on an Aussie scale it can be pretty darn pricey. So here are a few suggestions for things to do and what to keep an eye on if you are looking for some entertainment that doesn’t include a $50 breakfast or $170 concert tickets.

One of my favourite bonuses for under 30’s who are looking for a little culture and cheap way to truly experience iconic Sydney is the cheap Opera House tickets available to under 30’s – it’s true! See selected Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare Company performances for as little as $35 for those yet to hit the big three-oh. More information and details about current performances is available at the Sydney Opera House website.

Also jump on to the City of Sydney website because you are sure almost each week to find a new and exciting event happening in Sydney city with many of these being absolutely free. The Darling Harbour and The Rocks websites are also a good place to check if you're on the lookout for free entertainment with plenty going on in these precincts, particularly over the warmer months. While you are  in Darling Harbour and The Rocks be sure to stop and watch the street performers who are happy with a small donation in return for a 30 minute show or be in awe of the magnificent cruise boats that regularly dwarf Circular Quay.

One last suggestion and a personal favourite is the Manly ferry trip, a perfect day out from the city, a return ticket costs a little over $13. Soak up the Sydney sun on the harbour and enjoy an ice cream on the beach at your destination.

M is for Making your Stay in Sydney a Safe One

The other day one of my Twitter followers wrote to me saying they are really looking forward to their visit to Sydney but are a bit worried about staying safe. I thought this was a valid point and deserved a decent response, so here are my pointers for staying safe in Sydney.

Firstly I would like to say Sydney is not a dangerous city. I have been to well over a hundred cities throughout my travels and Sydney is by far one of the places I feel most comfortable. However, you may have noticed Sydney has a pretty bad rep in the Australian media. My response to this is don't always believe everything the media portrays, often isolated incidents are splashed across the news making Sydney look positively scary. Sure there are 'dodgy spots' like every other city but stick to the 'tourist trail' and you will be sure to stay safe and have a great time.

For backpackers, the three main spots to stay (although not the only locations) are the CBD, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. My pick of the three for safety, and if you are a little nervous about travelling, is Bondi Beach. Bondi is full of backpackers and other tourists, and the night life doesn't tend to get as rowdy as the city or Kings Cross.

When you are in Sydney, some things to watch out for during your stay are:

• Avoid wandering around Kings Cross or the CBD on your own after 10pm at night. Aussies are lovely in the day time but are not the best at holding their drink, so it's best to be in a group if you're out late at night and if you do see an altercation in the street stay out of the action!
• Some people have experienced pick-pockets in the city so keep your bag zipped up, particularly in and around Paddy's Markets in Haymarket.
• Stay away from the dodgy spots. You will quickly hear that some Sydney suburbs are not really tourist destinations, if you don't want any trouble it's best to avoid these areas.
• Watch out for snakes and spiders, not only when you are visiting the beautiful national parks in and around Sydney but even in the city as these creepy crawlys can quickly spoil a good holiday. If you see anything that looks nasty it probably is and if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
• Be sure to protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and cover up). The Aussie sun is far tougher than that of any European sea-side location and will leave you very sunburnt if you are not careful.
• Lastly, always swim between the flags. Some Sydney beaches have strong rips (including Bondi) and the flags will let you know where it is safe to swim. It will also help our big, strong Aussie lifesavers to help you out if you do need it.

If you ever do get into trouble the emergency number in Australia (fire, police and ambulance) is 000.

In saying all of this the Sydney crime rate is lower than many other cities around the world, but like travelling anywhere do your research, use your commonsense and don't do anything you wouldn't do at home to ensure you have not only a fun, but a safe trip to Sydney.