As the weather gets warmer, Spring is the perfect time for a weekend getaway from Sydney to Canberra. While the three-hour trip down the Federal Highway in Autumn is aflame with burnished leaves, Spring is a natural respite for screen-weary eyes — alight with tiny flowers emerging from brilliant green and punctuated by bursts of yellow wattle. Beat the trafficWe decide the easiest trip is to take an early mark on a Friday at 2pm, and head down before the Friday night peak hour starts clogging the major arteries out of Sydney. As soon as the poplars overlooking Lake George...
Hotel review: Mantra on Northbourne – a new-found favourite is our home amongst the pollies
A great location, wonderful staff and a load of space to kick back in. This Mantra (on Northbourne) is one you'll want to repeat for sound sleep and easy getaways.
Modern Chinese dining, Suzie Q lights up Chapel Street with Feed me menus, cocktails and more
Sultry, striking, and sexy, Suzie Q, the exceptionally daring newcomer, boasting modern Chinese food, has boldly arrived on the gregarious end of Chapel Street. Not even a few of months in, she’s already proudly marked her territory. Rocking up for dinner, I’ve barely stepped foot in the door, and I’m already getting a boisterously fun vibe. With an 80’s retro fit out, glowing dimly lit red interior, I feel like I’m seated at the centre of a red-light district. Outlandish red velvety carpet floor, a DJ blaring loud music and an epically massive bar, it’s a bit reminiscent of a...
Joji Sydney – The best new rooftop bar in Sydney. Japanese menu from an award winning chef, city skyline view, comfy booths and Djs till 2am!
The arrival “Hey darl… Where is this place, I can’t find it?”. I imagine this is how many-an-evening could start with one or more of your dining party getting a bit lost. Earlier, I went into the wrong building, with the wrong lifts, on the wrong floor till a stranger came to my rescue. There are things that Google can never do. Simply the achievement of finding this space means that a drink on arrival is my first priority. The entrance to Joji is via a small curved laneway adjacent to the corner of the Cartier building. ‘Joji’ is projected...
Hotel Review – Eco Lodge at Peninsula Hot Springs. The ultimate relaxation, rejuvenation and culinary delight
It’s not every day I get to fine dine in bathers and a bath robe. Before having a night away from the hustle of Melbourne to head to Peninsula Hot Springs (PHS) brand new Eco Lodge accommodation, I called ahead to find out what to pack, and in particular, what is appropriate attire for ‘the restaurant’. Ready to throw in my high heels, a fancy dress and a bag full of make up for ‘date night’, on the phone I was politely told ‘you don’t need anything, just sandals to wear around the baths.’ ‘So, we have dinner in our...
A Taste of the Mediterranean at Ouzo, Darlinghurst
As much of the country ventured to Europe this summer, those who stayed behind had the chance to savour the flavours of the Mediterranean right here at home. For anyone enamoured with the cuisines of Greece, Spain, France, and Italy, Ouzo offers an exquisite escape, serving a refined take on Mediterranean dining in the heart of Darlinghurst. The restaurant’s aesthetic mirrors its culinary ethos: clean, modern, and understatedly elegant. With sharp lines and a subtle polish, the venue exudes sophistication without veering into pretentiousness—a hallmark of Darlinghurst’s dining scene. We opted for the Premium Set Menu ($99 per person), a...
Calling All Chocolate Lovers: Whittaker’s & Icebergs Launch a New Summer Chocolate Menu in Bondi!
Struggle to resist a chocolate dessert? You'll love this new limited-edition menu!
Dining at the distillery: brunch at Buckle, Artarmon
Leafy… leisurely… lovely… we’re breakfasting at Buckle, Artamon’s newest café and distillery. Set in a vast semi-outdoor industrial-esque space filled with greenery, it’s a light and relaxing venue with a great traditional Australian café menu. We chose the corn fritters which come with avocado and a zingy capsicum relish, and a bacon and egg roll which we pimp up to towering splendour with an added hash brown. Drinks are iced coffee and iced chocolate, both rich and generous with the ice cream. The lunch menu (daily from 12 noon) also looks delicious – the Buckle wagyu cheeseburger is highly recommended...
Win a trip for 2 to Mexico with Hecho En Mexico
Until the end of the month, the Melbourne institution (landing in Sydney in 2025 – also open in Adelaide and Cairns) is celebrating its 11 year birthday by giving you the chance to win a return trip for two to Mexico! Not only this mega prize, but many more to keep the fiesta vibe alive all November long! Check out the massive prizes on offer: Grand Prize: Return Trip for Two to Mexico City – One lucky customer will win a dream return trip for two to Mexico City, valued at $10,000. This unforgettable experience includes six nights’ accommodation. Mitchelton...
Hello, Li’l Darlin: Surry Hills favourite crosses the bridge to set up new sister site in Crows Nest
It’s all in the family: sophisticated service with an outstanding tapas and pizza menu makes this new bar a local favourite along Sydney’s cool new metro line