Nosh & Beverage

It is a rainy, wintry Saturday afternoon at 2pm in Woolloomooloo and I'm hungry! Strolling down to Cowper Wharf, thinking it would be quiet, freezing and too late for lunch, I am pleasantly surprised! The wharf is bustling with folks, but has a very relaxing ambience. Best of all, the wharf is filled with outdoor heaters that actually work! Score! It seems a waste to come to Woolloomoolo and not sit out on the wharf.

Having already been to China Doll and wanting to try something new (and in the entertainment card), we venture next door to Manta Seafood Restaurant that is also quite busy. The staff are friendly and attentive - and getting an outside table straight away with menus was easy peasy!

Guest blogger VJ is back in action as the beau and her take a trip to Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach... thanks for the insight into the Northern Beaches VJ ! Read on...

Who knew such treasures existed on extensively traversed roads...

On a sunny weekend in winter, my boyfriend and I took a trip up Barrenjoey Rd and locked in a 2 night stay at Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach. Little did we know the enriching experience we were in for at this beach-side oasis. Decorated in an eclectic fusion of farmyard frolic meets beach vintage, with the occasional smattering of African influenced tribal statuettes, this little guesthouse will engage the sights, sounds and taste buds in each tantalising bite.

It's the first day of the new year! The new financial year, that is! Why not go for a lazy late brunch (that might as well be lunch) on a crisp day in winter and go west (life is peaceful there - said the Pet Shop Boys) and explore some off street hole in the walls?

Enter Circa Espresso in Parramatta, the recently renovated garage-turned-cafe which is attracting a lot of attention on this quiet street behind Parramatta station. Its eccentric furniture and fittings such as milk crates used as chairs, flasks as water bottles and graffiti on the walls tread on the right side of eccentric rather than bordering on cliche or try hard (as Bev says). In this case the warmness of the staff and the back to back MJ hits on the stereo has won me over.