Big Love from Down Under

Having just spent five weeks in Sydney (bliss), I have a few new places that rate a mention :)

Rambutan - Oxford St - this tiki bar has plenty going for it with atmosphere that would make it great as a first date - we ate the restaurant food downstairs and the Thai was absolutely yummy. It did get a bit quieter later on in the night, but the Gaff is not too far away :)

Cafe Bon Ton - Leura High St - a stop on the way back from Bathurst, Chai and Alyssa discovered this cafe which smelled amazing ... and I'd highly recommend their coffee (how good is it in Australia!) as well as the rigatoni

Bathers Pavilion - 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral - that's on the left as you're facing the ocean as I discovered today :) It has a picture-perfect setting over the beach, with some excellent food - we loved the corn soup with organic rice "rilettes" - and the gingermint virgin mocktail was excellent! A great place to catch up with someone over lunch/brunch, especially on a sunny summers day.

Universal - Palmer St btw Liverpool and Burton - wow! I've walked past this place a ton of times over the last few weeks and always wondered what it is - and on the recommendation of Anna Wong (head chef at Neila), we tried it tonight. Christine Manfield is genius - I *loved* the venison on soba and the squid! Basil icecream with peaches and brioche were an innovative and delicious dessert - service was impeccable as well!

Not long left here but I am looking forward to Toko tomorrow night!!