• Anton Smolin on Sydney's best restaurants
    Holidays

    Anton Smolin on the Sydney restaurant scene for 2024

    By Anton Smolin

    My name is Anton Smolin, and I love writing about my travels and the places were I stop to find refreshment. Let’s take a look at one of my favourite cities in the world, hometown Sydney.

    Sydney, a city where the sun-kissed shores meet urban sophistication, is a gastronomic playground that beckons food enthusiasts from around the globe. As I navigate the diverse neighborhoods and culinary hubs, the food scene in Sydney unfolds as a vibrant tapestry, woven with flavors that mirror the city’s multicultural identity.

    Sydney Harbour’s favourite entertainment spot: Darling Harbour

    The harborside city is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is unmistakably reflected in its food offerings. From the bustling alleys of Chinatown to the aromatic stalls of Little Italy in Leichhardt, Sydney’s streets echo with the sizzle of woks and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pastries. It’s a sensory journey that promises to transport you to different corners of the world with every culinary adventure.

    One cannot delve into Sydney’s food culture without exploring its thriving seafood scene. The iconic Sydney Fish Market, with its bustling atmosphere and stalls brimming with the day’s catch, is a seafood lover’s paradise. Here, you can indulge in freshly shucked oysters, succulent prawns, and a variety of fish prepared to perfection. The harbor views add an extra layer of magic to the culinary experience, creating a symphony of tastes and sights.

    Venturing into the heart of the city, I found myself immersed in the eclectic offerings of Surry Hills. This trendy neighborhood is a mecca for foodies, with its hip cafes, artisanal bakeries, and innovative dining establishments. From specialty coffee shops crafting the perfect flat white to hidden gems serving up fusion delicacies, Surry Hills is a microcosm of Sydney’s culinary innovation.

    Anton Smolin checks out Newtown

    The vibrant culinary landscape extends to the trendy enclave of Newtown, where quirky cafes and restaurants line the streets. Here, you can embark on a global food journey without leaving the neighborhood. Whether it’s authentic Thai street food, mouthwatering Middle Eastern kebabs, or inventive vegetarian fare, Newtown is a testament to Sydney’s commitment to embracing diverse culinary traditions.

    Sydney’s commitment to fresh and locally sourced produce is evident in its thriving farmers’ markets. The Carriageworks Farmers Market, nestled in the historic precinct of Redfern, is a treasure trove of organic fruits, artisan cheeses, and gourmet delights. It’s a place where farmers, producers, and food enthusiasts converge to celebrate the bounty of the Australian landscape.

    The city’s culinary prowess extends beyond street food and markets to its upscale dining scene. Sydney boasts a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative eateries, where renowned chefs showcase their culinary artistry. The blend of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to pushing culinary boundaries creates an exquisite dining experience that is nothing short of a masterpiece.

    Anton Smolin on Craft Beer

    And let’s not forget the burgeoning craft beer and wine scene that has taken root in Sydney. From trendy microbreweries in the inner suburbs to sprawling vineyards in the nearby regions, Sydney offers a liquid accompaniment to its diverse culinary offerings. Sipping on a glass of New South Wales wine or a locally brewed craft beer enhances the gastronomic journey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

    Sydney’s food scene is a symphony of tastes that resonates with the city’s multicultural soul. From the fresh seafood along the harbor to the global flavors of its diverse neighborhoods, every bite tells a story of a city that celebrates culinary diversity. Sydney, with its sunlit shores and cosmopolitan spirit, invites you to embark on a culinary adventure where each meal is a passport to a world of flavors. Please follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter

    Author

    Anton @ YouTube

    My Websites.

    Anton’ Website
    Anton’s website
  • Lord Howe Island Accommodation
    Holidays

    Get Away to Stunning Lord Howe Island in NSW

    Get away to beautiful Lord Howe Island and stay in luxury NSW accommodation – why go overseas when you have it all on your doorstep?

    Lord Howe Island Accommodation

    If you’re planning a vacation to Lord Howe Island, you’ll need to find some accommodations that suit your needs. You can choose from several options, such as the Arajilla Retreat, Bowker Beach House, or Capella Lodge. In this article, we’ll discuss a few of these options.

    Somerset Apartments Lord Howe Island

    Somerset is perfectly situated between Neds Beach and the Lagoon, on a level area of Lord Howe Island, allowing easy walking and biking to nearby shops, restaurants and the Visitor Centre.

    The accommodation units are nestled in subtropical palm groves alive with splashes of colour from Hawaiian hibiscus and fragrant frangipani flowers. The grounds are well planned, with tracks meandering through the palms and gardens, giving a sense of seclusion and tropical mystery.

    Somerset Apartments is the ideal Lord Howe accommodation location for visitors wanting to explore and discover the natural attractions that have made Lord Howe Island famous

    Bowker Beach House

    Nestled in a tropical forest and on a quiet beach, Bowker Beach House is a beautiful bolthole for two. The interior and outdoor spaces are beautifully appointed and fully equipped, and the property also has its own beach-side deck for soaking up the sun. A Bose sound system and a DVD player make your stay even more comfortable.

    This luxurious two-bedroom beach house offers spacious outdoor areas and two resort hammocks. The climate in Lord Howe is mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from 28 degrees in summer to just 13 degrees in winter. The island is easily accessible from Sydney and Brisbane, with flights taking about two hours to reach.

    Capella Lodge

    Set in a picturesque bay, Capella Lodge is one of the few luxury resorts on Lord Howe Island. It offers guests a pristine environment and a high standard of personal service. It has nine contemporary suites that blend elegant design with natural surroundings. Most suites come with private decks and plunge spas.

    The resort is modern, yet cosy, with beach-chic furniture and art. The cuisine uses island-grown produce and fresh line-caught fish, and the spa offers a menu with local ingredients and Australian-made Li’Tya spa products. Guests can indulge in a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments at the Capella Spa, with treatments that use local seafood, foraged herbs and plants.

    The luxury retreat of Capella Lodge boasts sweeping views of the ocean and its twin peaks. The elegant interiors feature island-themed artwork and kentia-palm-fringed decks. Dining at the Capella Restaurant highlights the bounty of local seafood. Guests may also indulge in kayaking and glass bottom boat tours.

    Lidgbird Pavilion suite

    The Lidgbird Pavilion suite is a stylish yet intimate retreat with a wraparound balcony on the top floor and a separate living room on the ground floor. The suite also features an outdoor rain shower and an alfresco bathtub. You’ll have all the luxury you need to recharge and relax in this island retreat.

    This luxurious suite has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the island’s beautiful landscape. The view is simply breathtaking from this suite, which boasts views of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird. The Lidgbird Pavilion suite also has a private plunge pool.

    The Pavilion at Mount Gower is an exclusive nine-suite complex. It features a 125-square-metre suite that can accommodate three people with the addition of a daybed. This suite offers high ceilings and a king-sized bed with views of the lagoon and mountains. Other suites include a Lagoon Loft with a king-size bed and a deck with a hot tub. The Catalina Suite has two bedrooms and two decks, including a Jacuzzi.

    Arajilla Retreat

    Arajilla Retreat is a luxurious resort nestled in the sheltered northern end of the lagoon on Lord Howe Island. It offers a friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Its location is convenient for the town centre, Old Settlement Beach and a range of hiking and biking trails. The resort also features a renowned restaurant and spa.

    The resort offers king-sized rooms with ensuite bathrooms. They also feature a kitchenette and a balcony or terrace. Rooms feature ceiling fans, IDD telephones, hair dryers, and a DVD library. Arajilla Retreat also offers mountain bikes, backpacks, and complimentary beach towels.

    Kim’s Lookout

    Kim’s Lookout is the highest point on Lord Howe Island and is perfect for those who want to experience the island’s best views. The walk up to the lookout takes less than two hours and allows for time to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. It also provides breathtaking views of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower.

    The Kims Lookout trail starts at Old Settlement Beach and climbs through the trees to the lookout. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is fairly steep. The views from the top are spectacular and definitely worth the hike.

    Find out more from the Lord Howe Island visitors centre

    SPONSORED: Get away to Lord Howe Island

  • Aussie Holidays in NSW
    Holidays

    Australian holidays are the best way to relax and enjoy yourself

    Australian holidays are the best way to relax and enjoy yourself in the time of Covid. If you have always wanted to take a break from the routine life, then you can easily spend your Australian holidays in NSW holiday homes. This part of Australia is blessed with many picturesque landscapes. The weather is pleasant all year round and the beaches are world famous. This is also one of the safest holiday destinations for tourists.

    The ideal Australian holiday will include spending time in Australia’s beautiful country locations such as Sydney, Bathurst, Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains. There are endless options to explore when you choose to stay in holiday rentals in Sydney. These are the most popular places to go for sightseeing. You can get up close and personal with the animals and birds of Australia’s wonderful flora and fauna. Or, enjoy a peaceful sojourn by the seaside.

    When you want to get out of the city and into the natural beauty of rural Australia, then you should consider staying in holiday homes in Southern Highlands. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains from your holiday rental homes. You will find no less amenities and services when you stay in these houses. To ensure that you have a great holiday experience, be sure to check out various holiday rentals in Sydney and other major cities such as Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane before your actual trip.

    Check out the beautiful choices for an Aussie beach getaway at VillaGetAways

    the author

    Watch: Top 5 Luxury Accommodation Options in Byron Bay, Australia (Villas, Resorts, Hotels, Retreats & More)