Best thing about Sydney? Are that the streets are full of swagger without the pompous attitudes. Get to any suburb and you'll instantly know how its people operate. Surry Hills for instance is full of laid back successful creatives with the luxury of taking there work to the park or cafe. Could be a good reason why we're so chilled. Also I love how you can go to a place like Marrickville and have six vietnamese restaurants next to each other that offer the same menu and all be pumping with people. This is a perfect example of why I never stress about business. my mum has always said “there's plenty of business for everyone”. Its true “look to the cookie” - Seinfeld
Worst thing about Sydney? Oxford Street Paddington. Its a shameful view into how unsupportive the big guys are. On weekdays you can fire a gun and not hit anyone. There are rules, don't piss in the wind, don't tug on super man's cap and don’t rent on oxford street.
Favourite secret spot? The Bar at the End of the Wharf. Gosh it’s beautiful in every way. Usually occupied by Cate Blanchett's talented crew this place is a great escape. Its a mix of Old Australia with the original industrial interiors and sweet ocean million dollar views. Both rain and shine complements the menu and easy going vibe.
Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? Camperdown Oval on a sunny day. The dead end street allows for minimal traffic and just the happy noise of people gathering. You can lie in the grass and escape from the the craziness of the city with the sun in your face. Make an order at store espresso before you lay and they’ll bring it over to you while you siesta.
Lobo Plantation | Source
Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie? There is a constant influx of new cafes opening but unfortunately not always good coffee follows. My suggestion for guarantee good coffee fix is The Baron and Three Williams. They both know what you need to get you through the next two hours and pride themselves on doing just that. Not to mention their menus are outstanding. At Three Williams go for the beef Nannie or Kale salad with sweet potato and chicken, trust me. At the baron my gosh the breakfast egg and bacon roll is amazing!!!
Where are Sydney's style spots? Where is the best shopping? Redfern. Wouldn't think it but some of the best stylist and fashion houses have moved in recently in the last couple of years. People around here just don't care what you think when it comes to shopping around here and that's what gives them that street je ne sais quoi. Casual wear with nikes and your hair all done up beauty queen style? They were rolling like this circa 1990 Bondi.
Read more in our This Is My City series here.