PlanetEye

This tiny, insignificant corner joint may not catch the eye of the everyday passers by, but for those in the know, this is the success story of a micro-coffee roaster.

It's a mixed crowd of people, from businessmen to students to medical doctors and university lectures, but no one feel out of place in this welcoming cafe.  The place is small, so don't expect to have spacious leg room to sit and read your books. Coffee lovers come here for a quick espresso shot, or to hover over the tall standing tables for a bit of gossip while sipping some of the aromatic coffees in town.

The wooden decor perfectly match the thick creamy aroma of the coffee in the air, and the constant whizzing of the coffee machine accompanies every conversation. The happy staff when not busy creating their wonders will be happy to talk to you about the origin of coffee as well as their specialty blends, and if you like it, you'll be able to buy the beans to take home and try at brewing yourself.

Just for now, to get in with all the USA election hype: try the Obama Blend. According to their description, the blend has "great depth of character, strong, and eloquent" and is an excellent drink for "going forward". Only time will tell if the coffee will live up to the real deal, or the other-way round!

Campos Coffee
193 Missenden Rd
Newtown NSW 2042
02 9516 3361
www.camposcoffee.com 

New on the Sydney dining scene, The Medusa Greek Taverna restaurant boasts authentic but creative Greek cuisine, which almost seem like a contradiction as creativity generally dissolves any authenticity in a cuisine. However the restaurant's chef Gregori Akridas seems to have found the right balance, and his menu is full of Greek flavours that is authentic with creative combinations.

The entrees list a selection of cold plates of dips and salads and vine leaf rolls that will induce anyone's appetite before the main course. From fetta and spinach dip to grilled prawns served with pea puree, you can taste the flavour of Greece on your fingertips. Even the Kavelli - a warm woodfired bread, seem to taste better than any bought from a bakery or grocery store.

The mains are full of hearty meats such as the tender slow grilled lamb, beef fillets and roasted chicken. A good selection of seafood is also on the menu as well as a vegetarian musaka for the vegetarians among the diners. The menu is well thought of and the staff are equipped with enough knowledge to recommend the best matching wine for the table.

Baklava is pretty much the only dessert served in the restaurant however being in the heart of the city, it's not hard to just walk a few blocks to find a cake store or ice cream bar for that after meal sweetness.

Medusa Greek Taverna
2 Market St
Sydney 200
02 9267 0799
www.medusagreektaverna.com.au

The Vibe website wants to show it all - the bright and cheerful colours used for the decor and the funky matters on the materials used for sheets and the pillows, however the Vibe Hotel in North Sydney is unfortunately just a very standard hotel with a bed with a somewhat old television set that is on the brink of falling apart and a bathroom with more of a sprinkler system than a shower.

At least, some rooms have water views, which may redeem itself just a little.

The disappointment started with the reception. There wasn't the professional, warm and welcoming smile, but rather matter of factly service. Questions were answered without a smile, and none of the reception staff feel like they wanted to be there.

Don't get me wrong, the hotel does have ok facilities outside its rooms. There is a pool and a great restaurant and bar, and broadband internet access, but one wonders if those who tried to book it for cheaper online ended up with their backend rooms that needs major update.

It is indeed a shame. For a hotel so conveniently located with such great potential on the water edge, it can do, a lot more. 

Vibe Hotel North Sydney
88 Alfred Street
Milsons Point
Sydney NSW 2061
p: +61 2 9955 1111

www.vibehotels.com.au 

There are harbour cruises, then there are Harbour Cruises. While taking in all the sights around the harbour, why not also learn a little bit about the first Australians and their stories with the Tribal Warrior's Aboriginal cultural cruise?

Depart Tuesday to Saturdays from the eastern pontoon of Circular Quay, the Tribal Warriors cruise will take you along all the major structures such as the Opera House and the harbour bridge, as well as stopping at various locations important to Sydney's Aboriginese community. The boat itself is a former pearling lugger and following the railing you'll find Aboriginal carvings of snakes, hunters, boats and boomerangs.

Cruising among the busiest harbour in Australia, where water taxis and the local ferries speed past, and helicopters hovering somewhere in the background, you are still guaranteed a good time. Along the journey not only will be you mesmerised by the beautiful scenery, you'll also be entertained by stories and many little facts about Sydney that even the residents may not know about, things like which plants makes the best "killing sticks" and a quick introduction to the didgeridoo.

Simply being on the cruise also means you are helping out with the local Aboriginal communities too, as the boat is owned and used by the Tribal Warrior Association, an Aboriginal owned and operated local charity. 

The Tribal Warrior Aboriginal cultural cruise
$55 adult; $45 children (1 3/4 hour journey time)
www.tribalwarrior.org

There is a saying that if an Asian restaurant does not have slippery floors and a slightly dirty kitchen, then it's not authentic and perhaps not even nice. However, The Malaya seems to turn the tables on this rule. Located on the waterfront of King St Wharf, Sydney's newest restaurant and entertainment precinct, The Malaya had to live up to both the real estate cost and the status of those restaurants surrounding it.

The modern decor may fool you that this might be just one of the modernised Asian cuisines, but a glace around you'll see satisfied clients hovering over plate after plate of Kapitan curry, Ayam perchik, laksas and sambals. Then, there is that smell, the smell of the flavours to come, leaving you eager for your meal.

Recommendations: Kapitan Prawns, Ayam Perchik, Barbecued fish fillet with sambal and their skewered satay sticks. It can get a little spicy, but surprisingly even for a infrequent spice eater like me, I do find myself enjoying the meal as the spices don't overpower the original flavours of the dish at all.

Unfortunately, the restaurant does not cater for vegetarians and gluten free very well, so call in advance to ask for special menu assistance should you require special dietary requirements.

The Malaya
39 Lime Street
King Street Wharf
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 1170
www.themalaya.com.au

 

Officially opened in 1991 having converted an old methodist church into the modern art gallery today, the Annandale Galleries continues to be one of the top modern and cultural art exhibition rooms in Sydney. Locally, they are known for their support of the Australian in Aboriginal communities of Maningrida and Yirrkala in North East Arnhemland and their art work, however the gallery also specialise in European modern masters such as Matisse, Miro and Chagall, as well as tribal arts from around the world.

The open space gallery is no match to the mainstream art galleries for size and reputation, however it is surprisingly interesting to visit Annandale Galleries for its frequent exhibition on minority artists as well as art from less focused places in the world.

The current exhibition AMBRYM - The Art of Vanuatu, on now until the 23 August, displays a collection of full body masks and art work of the traditional Vanuatu festival dancers and spirit figures tamtam drums ceremonial masks & black palm sculptures. Some of the art woks so old, it cannot be dated.

Upcoming exhibitions include new painting of Shirley Kaneda, Japanese born US artist whose art works can be previewed on the gallery website.

Annandale is also know for its cafes and rock music culture, and has regular bus services to the city centre.

Annandale Galleries
110 Trafalgar Street
Annandale  NSW 2038
ph: (02) 9552 1699

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00 pm
www.annandalegalleries.com.au

This 1892 mansion has passed many hands in history, having belonged to a wealthy merchant, it was a boy's home, then a children's court before the Trickett family took over and created a luxury bed and breakfast in one of Sydney's most exciting suburbs - Glebe.

Right across from many great restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping, Tricketts offers its own style of boutique accommodation. Well sized and decorated guest rooms are warm and welcoming, and the guest lounge, with its barrel ceiling ballroom, leather chesterfield lounges and a baby grand piano, is the most well received guest room in Sydney.

The best thing about Tricketts, is that it doesn't feel like a hotel, but a home away from home. Touches of heritage scatter around the mansion with Trickett family's collection of antiques and collectables from around the world: from Persian rugs, artworks to crystals, all add to the ambiance of the overall feel.

The property has only seven ensuite rooms and one self-contained apartment so advanced booking is essential to secure a couple of nights in this beautiful home. Glebe is also a great location to be in, near enough for regular bus services to the city centre, but far enough to be away from the chaotic Sydney crowds when you want a quiet night in.

Tricketts Luxury Bed & Breakfast
270 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe NSW 2037
Ph: (02) 9552 1141

www.tricketts.com.au