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.

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.

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.

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.

H is for Halloween

What are you getting up to this Halloween? The 31st of October is not traditionally a holiday celebrated in Australia, but more and more we are coming around to the idea of dressing up and getting set to party on the spookiest day of the year. Personally I am choosing between sexy bunny or sexy kitty this year - staying true to the concept of a tight dress and animals ears, but of course! Anyway, I thought I would let you know about Sydney's best party for this year's (close enough to) Halloween weekend.

Magique Halloween Circus, which will be held at Luna Park on Saturday 29th of October, is an adults only dress up party guaranteed to keep the neighbours awake into the early hours of the morning. Magique Halloween Circus will feature incredible entertainment including trapeze, fire twirlers, illusion shows, pole dancers, hypnotists, jugglers and more. Check out the trailer or visit the Magique Halloween Circus website for more information, but remember, if you want to be there on the night be sure to get in quick because tickets are selling out fast.

G is for Gardens

So even though the weather has been unusually cool, it is still springtime and a perfect time for stepping out and discovering some of the beautiful gardens that Sydney has to offer. 

I have mentioned the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney in my earlier posts but if you are after something special why not jump onto the Open Gardens website to see which beautiful gardens are open near you. With a low entry fee and gardening talks Open Gardens offers a gardens enthusiast with a cheap and unique day out.

This weekend, 8th & 9th of October, there are four gardens open across Sydney at:

Sherwood - 45 Parklands Avenue, Lane Cove

Botanica Lodge - 70 Wattle Tree, Drive, Theresa Park, 

Silky Oaks - 140 Russell Lane, Oakdale

Litchfield Park, 19 Murray St, Jewells 

Each garden has something different to offer so why not see them all for a relaxing way to spend a weekend. Be sure to find out all the details you need and garden opening times on the Open Gardens website. 

F is for Fiesta

Hoping the weather clears up here in Sydney, the sun has been away from my beautiful city for too long!

Either way be sure to make your way into the city this long weekend and to Fiesta in Darling Harbour. Fiesta this year will be the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority's 20th annual Latin festival, and will consist of three days absolutely packed with dance groups, music well into the evenings, food, 14 dance classes which will be held throughout the festival, demonstrations, competitions, and to top it all off - a carnival street parade on Monday! 

Parking is available in the city and Darling Harbour, but like all events in the city I would recommend you take public transport for a stress-free day out.

To check out the action-packed program, learn more about the performers or download an event map visit the Darling Harbour website.

E is for the End of an Era

Today’s post is a tribute to Betty’s soup kitchen, which after more than 15 years has sadly closed its doors. Betty’s has been an Oxford Street institution for so long and fed many a hungry Sydney-sider over the years. A sign of the times and a reminder to us all to get out and visit our small businesses and restaurants, these local haunts have so much to offer and really need our support to stay in business so I set a challenge to everyone reading this to visit your favourite hangout this week and support Sydney’s small businesses.

C is for Chinatown

Sydney has by far the best Chinatown in the country. Dixon Street is guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds with a huge range of restaurants to choose from and plenty of places to pick up a dumpling on the run.

Be sure to check out Market City and Paddy’s Markets with everything from Bananas to Boomerangs for sale at a great price and to recover pay a visit to the Chinese Garden in Darling Harbour a stunning Chinese sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Better yet, why not plan your day in the city to align with the Expo of Chinese Tea from the 14th to the 16th of October at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

For more details on upcoming events in Sydney’s Chinatown visit http://www.chinatown.com.au/eng/.

Awakening

Ok.. So I have been hibernating. I have bitten off a little more then I can chew with three uni subjects this semester and in combination with a full-time job and some volunteering I have had precious little time for frolicking in my beautiful city. But it is spring now, the Sydney Fringe Festival is coming up, only a month until daylight savings (and counting!), and the weather is warming up nicely - it is time to kiss and make up with Sydney.

And what better way then by celebrating spring via a series of 'alphabaSydney' posts!! An A-Z of all the fun things to get up to in Sydney in spring time! Hooray!

So watch this space, 'cause the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing and Bambi is back!

Escape in the Cty

Although amazing for the most part, sometimes living in a city like Sydney I feel the urge to escape the madness. To find a quiet place where I can be outdoors but just forget where I am for a little while.

There are a few gems still left where you can clear your head, read outdoors in peace or escape the hustle and bustle. My favourite city escapes in the city are by far Royal National Park, Vaucluse House, Parsley Bay and Nielsen Park.

Unlike the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park is still within Sydney. The are some beautiful bush walks, secret beaches and waterfalls to be discovered. You can walk through the rain forest, sandstone or bush and the air is so fresh you can completely forget you are so close to home.

For closer to home still there are a couple of spots in the eastern suburbs that are so peaceful it is amazing they have stayed this way. Not so good for drivers as parking is very limited but Parsley Bay is so secluded there is almost it can be a little eerie! But perfect for those who want to hide with a book and forget the city for awhile.

Vaucluse House and the beautiful gardens that surround are incredibly peaceful and allow you to take in some history at the same time. There are tearooms if you feel like a quite afternoon catching up with friends or there are often smaller scale events such as jazz in the gardens which make for such a nice evening so keep an eye on the Historic Houses Trust website to plan your visit.

Finally if you need to escape with the family in tow, why not visit Nielsen Park. This little harbour beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic and those who are prepared to make a short walk will rewarded with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour. There is also a little cafe here but it would pay to check out the Nielsen Park website before your visit to see opening times, etc.

Home Sweet Sydney

Missing Sydney traffic is not something I expected to experience when I went to Canberra for the weekend. So, while it took me by surprise, I guess this means I really can call Sydney home now that ‘home’ is no longer where my heart is. What once seemed a beautiful comfortable place to watch my life flitter before my eyes now seems slow and incredibly ordinary - I no longer feel right if I can’t get a kebab at 3am, and a good one at that.

I pondered what it is that makes Sydney so captivating amidst all the hustle and bustle. Then I think of when an STA driver will stop two metres after the stop to let me on or when someone lets me turn into the peak hour traffic on George Street, or a work friend sharing the location of their latest favourite yum cha - often a 30 minute drive but so worth it. What I love about Sydney is that it isn't comfortable, it is a challenge, yet so often I see the locals of Sydney helping each other out to conquer this urban jungle. Maybe on my trip down south I picked up some rose coloured glasses but I know one thing for sure, the pace isn’t slow, the people are amazing and I rarely find myself bored in Sydney.

Now, if you were wondering where that tasty late night kebab is hiding they are at Hey Hey Kebabs, Parramatta Road, Auburn. Sure it's a trek out west but they are the best kebabs in Sydney.

A Foodies Paradise

I discovered Pasta Emilia at The Rocks Markets a few years back and fell in love with their delectable truffle cream pasta sauce - seriously it is to die for! In fact, team Pasta Emilia’s fresh made pasta with any of their beautiful pasta sauces – inspired by the Italian city of Emilia – and you will be sure to impress your family, guests and yourself as you can create an instant meal worthy of gossip amongst friends.

Better yet they also offer cooking classes so you can have a go at recreating Pasta Emilia’s epicurean paradise yourself.

Keep an eye out for them at local markets. If you cannot wait, Pasta Emilia’s boutique store is located at 129 Macpherson Street in Bronte, for opening hours, contact details or to register your interest for cooking classes, visit their website at http://www.emilia.com.au/.

The Two Best Views from the Bridge

So we all know that the highlight of any cash-flash tourist's visit to Sydney is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. The combination of height, a touch of adrenaline, the best view of Sydney Harbour that $198-$298 can buy, and the awesome happy snaps to take back home make for a must-not-miss for visitors to Sydney. The bridge climb is well worth the payment and if you have the money to burn it ensures an unforgettable experience not only for tourists but also for locals wanting to know what all the fuss is about. 

In saying this, there is another option which should not be dismissed to quickly. It is not the same as the bridge climb experience but at only $11 entry there is an incredible view of the harbour to be seen from the top if the southern Harbour Bridge pylon. Truly a budget way to get an million dollar view.

Information for both experiences can be found on their websites at Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and Pylon Lookout.

Horse Riding Close to Home

With school holidays fast approaching I thought I would look into an activity that is fun for the whole family. So I have checked out three options for horse riding close to Sydney over the past couple of weeks: Malabar Riding School, Glenworth Valley Hording and Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.

Malabar and Centennial Parklands both offer horse riding close to Sydney CBD and are well equipped to cater for adults and children as young as three years. Malabar includes helmet hire in the $65 fee for a one hour trail ride which will take you along the scenic east coast of Sydney and provide a stunning backdrop for a family day out. Centennial Parklands has five different riding schools in the one complex so you will be sure to find a ride and budget that suits you. The pace is somewhat slow at both locations but is a great activity to ease school holiday boredom.

Glenworth Valley is located about an hour and a half from the Sydney CBD and provides a different experience altogether. There are still pony rides for toddlers, although it is the adults and older children who will really enjoy the horse riding here. $75 will get you a two hour ride but helmet hire is an essential extra at $5 per helmet. The trail rides are through vast bushland and provide a unique experience for city-dwellers. The riding is at a faster pace at Glenworth Valley and for those who ride regularly there is an option for independent ‘free-riding’. Watch the weather carefully though as payment is required in advance with a 48 hour cancellation policy.

State of Origin (as if we have to ask!)

Every year the divide between the cane toads and the cockroaches grows deeper (if only for three nights) as Queensland and New South Wales fight for the title of dominent state and in the meantime provide a show of strength and sportsmanship for the boys and a good old perve for the girls.

Tomorrow night round two of this year's battle will be held at ANZ Stadium in Sydney with thousands of screaming fans cheering on the Blues as Sydney hopes to witness a win on home turf. Tickets are available from Ticketek if you want to come along or you can join in the fun from home with a live broadcast on Channel 9 from 7:30pm EST. Go Blues!

Rain, Rain....

Welcome to my first post for my new blog, the subject of which is very dear to my heart, my home town - Sydney. Living in Sydney or just popping in for a visit, Loving Sydney will keep you up to date with what's on and what can't be missed each week in Sydney...

This glorious long weekend in Sydney-town has also been a decidedly wet one with the much awaited Jazz Festival in Darling Harbour more of a rain dance then a weekend of soul.. Still did get out to check out Vivid Sydney in Circular Quay and was seriously impressed! The lights were above and beyond this year with amazing effects and pyrotechnics to boot. 

While out on the town enjoying all that the City of Sydney's lighting show has to offer I stumbled upon a restaurant I had been meaning to taste out for years.... The Italian Village restaurant did not disappoint.. I had a really delightful meal with an air dried beef entree and a to-die-for cannelloni for a main. Of course being run by Dockside Group - who brought Sydney other such gems as Ice Cube and Star Room - I expected no less. The service was excellent and it was surprisingly affordable for two courses and coffee. I definitely recommend you check out Italian Village's latest specials (such as a $29 lunch - love)!

I hope you enjoyed my first post and if you are out this weekend in Sydney I hope you are having a blast despite the precipitation.