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.

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.

J is for Justice

Sydney is full of history and no more so than in the spooky of jails in and around the city... and one of the very easiest to get to in right in the heart of the city. Hyde Park Barracks, which saw around 50,000 convicts come to stay during its operation in the 1800's. Also currently the host of the Convict Sydney exhibition, entry to the Barracks is only $10 and is easily accessible from Martin Place and St James train stations.

Just a hop, skip and a short ferry ride away from Hyde Park Barracks is Cockatoo Island, with UNESCO World Heritage Listed prison buildings and a constant stream of art and other exhibitions, Cockatoo Island should not be overlooked if you are on the lookout for a piece of Sydney's history. Details on how to get there and tour dates/times are all on the Cockatoo Island website and remember to take your lunch money with you as there are no ATMs on site. 

If all this seems a little bit ordinary, why not head north to Maitland where you can play out your own jail break, armed and all at the Maitland Gaol. Battlezone Playlive run laser skirmish at the Maitland Gaol, with twilight sessions for the bravest of the brave, this is a very unique way to experience this historic location! Of course it is still possible, and very worthwhile, to visit the Maitland Gaol at a slower pace by joining in on one of a wide range tours to get a real sense of this historic location. Tour details, activities and a bit of history are all available on the Gaol's website. More information about laser skirmish is available at the Battlezone Playlive website.

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.

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.

D is for Dining

The Crave Sydney International Food Festival is coming up which makes October a great time of year to get out and taste all that Sydney has to offer. Throughout the festival restaurants that are home to some of Sydney's best chefs are offering great deals, keep an eye on the Loving Sydney's Special page as I will do my best to keep these updated or check out the Crave Sydney website for details.

On the 1st to the 2nd of October you can choose to see a wide range of chefs and cuisines in one location at the Festival's World Chef Showcase, a steep $310 for a full day ticket but well worth it for a devoted foodie. If you want to be involved but don't want to part with that much cash however, why not visit the Night Noodle Markets which will be held in Hyde Park North from the 10th to 14th of October and the 17th to 21st of October from 5pm to 9pm. Find out all you will need to know about both events on the Festival's website.

Separately, but still on the subject of incredible dining, I must mention a Surry Hills restaurant I happened upon last weekend. The Nepalese Kitchen at 481 Crown Street offers cheap and delicious Nepalese cuisine in a gorgeous atmosphere. Why not try their signature goat dish, a truly authentic tomato based curry that will leave you wanting for more, and there is plenty more to choose from not in the least including the best momos outside of Kathmandu.

The Nepalese Kitchen is BYO and open from 6pm to 11pm daily. I would recommend booking ahead by calling 02 9319 4264 to avoid disappointment.

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/.

B is for Beaches

If you have been following my posts you would know that I am a huge fan of Sydney's beaches, particularly the those in the Eastern Suburbs such as Bronte, Bondi, Tamarama and Coogee. But really Sydney has so many beaches to choose from with each offering something different. 

Bondi is definitely the place to be seen. Super crowded in summer but perfect on a warm spring day, with markets, surfing lessons, cafes, a huge selection of restaurants and easy public transport and parking. Bondi is my home away from home and by far my favourite beach in Sydney.

Although, if it is a quiet escape you are after, head to Northern Sydney. Along the northern coastline you can choose from Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl, Whale Beach and the beautiful Palm Beach (the location of Australia's Home and Away series). 

South Sydney also offers a few beaches that are well worth a visit with the famous Cronulla Beach and the secluded Wattamolla at Royal National Park.

So as soon as the weather (finally) warms up get acquainted with some of Australia's most beautiful beaches right here in Sydney.

A is for Astronomy

September is a great time for some star gazing... The evenings are getting warmer and before clicking over to daylight savings time the Sydney Observatory is still offering two sessions for star viewing each night.

At $17 an adult and $10 for a child the Observatory is a relatively cheap way to see the stars from the centre of the city and maybe even learn a thing or two. 

For something a little more personal or if you have a group together, the Observatory also offers group visits, birthday parties and even private telescope viewings at a location of your choice. All of the Observatory's offerings can be found on their website at www.sydneyobservatory.com.au or visit them on Facebook.

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.

On Your Bike

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and be kind to the environment. Luckily Sydney’s cycle network is growing and our city is providing more options for greener commuting then ever. But cycling for necessity is not all that Sydney has to offer. Manly Dam, Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains offer terrific mountain bike tracks for all levels, whether you want to take the kids out for some fresh air or are an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill. The Royal National Park’s website provides details on which tracks are suitable for cycling, but to get more help choosing the right track for you check out the TrailFlix website.

If you don’t own your own bicycle, or are just looking for a slower pace, jump onto the City of Sydney cycleways website to find your nearest cycle paths. Bike hire is available at Centennial Park Cycles who offer competitive hourly rates and are located in the heart of Centennial Park, a mecca for Sydney cyclists of all levels.

Finally, if you are after a bicycle tour, pay a visit to Bonza Bike Tours in The Rocks or Manly Bike Tours. Both Bonza Bikes and Manly Bike Tours offer a range of tours at reasonable prices.

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.