Walking down Redfern Street a couple of weekends ago I was tempted to cross the road by the smell of a sausage sizzle.

107 Projects is a new art space in Redfern Street with 7 founding members. Jamie is one of the group who consist of Jamie (studying to be a teacher), artists and local business owners who have an artistic background.

Two weeks ago was the grand opening and the 10 private studios were open to the public to see what is going on and to meet the artists. There is a theatre performance space which on the day had a magician performing to a large crowd.

There will be a new exhibition every 3 weeks. In the foyer was a funky bridal (I think that was what is was) display

and an assemblage of shoes

hanging clouds

 

all up an excellent initiative for local artists. Well worth keeping an eye on for upcoming classes and exhibitions.

www.107projects.org

No Photo
This happened before I started this blog but I have decided it is worth telling the story as it shows how interesting it is to live here in Redfern and that it is not the scary place some think it to be.
On a late summer evening about 11.30pm I left a party at a friend's place - her name is Lovely, because she is - in Redfern....East (they do see themselves a little special you know) and I was walking  to my home in  Regular Redfern or maybe I should call it simply Downtown Redfern.

The night was balmy and I was wearing my favourite white loose fitted linen pants and a light white loose top. The rule I learned many years ago when walking alone at night is to always walk with your keys in your hand with the largest one protruding between the index and middle fingers to be used as a weapon if needed. The idea is to shove the key up the aggressor's nose which should give you enough time to escape. Good theory I have always thought.

Anyway, I was walking up Redfern Street, properly armed as it were, and as I approached the Tudor Hall pub I noticed a guy standing outside - the street was deserted, no cars, no police in sight. OK here we go, I thought. Do Not Make Eye Contact, Walk in a Positive Manner, Make Sure the KEY is in Position, Get your Running Shoes Ready.

As I approached the guy moved to block my path and said that I was a vision of pale beauty coming along the street. Would I mind if he kissed my hand in appreciation of my beauty. WTF, can't remember the last time someone had asked me that, so I graciously offered my hand which was duly kissed.
He then doffed his Akubra hat and asked if a small hug would be out of order - what could I say to that? So, I received a hug.
Go in peace lovely lady he said.
And off I went home, with a smile on my face.
Perceived danger, eventuating only in a lovely moment.
That's what I experienced in Downtown Redfern.

Spoiled for choice.

After spending the day in the office and with the sun shining, I thought the time was right for checking out the many cafes in the main drag in Redfern Street.

My first stop was at the Crepe & Coffee Co. (actually in Regent Street) where most people leaving the train station would pass by.

Brad is the owner and with a new baby is proof that men can do two things at once (although he  did have someone else holding the baby while I was there).

Specialising in crepes, Brad also has a weekly stall at Eveleigh Markets which shows that his quality of product is good as the Markets are very particular as to who operates there. Open 7 days a week, I would say his hands are full

Moving along Regent Street is the Appetite Cafe owned by Lym

a funky little cafe which I have been to a number of times - the coffee is good and the service friendly. Lym has been there for 5 years and is open 7 days from 6am to 6pm - the hours are so long in this business.

Now, along Redfern Street to Coffee Tea and Me. Now this place pumps 7 days a week, rain hail or shine people are sitting out on mismatched chairs and boxes. The shop used to be a barbers' and is simply a small hole in the wall. The coffee is very good and they start the day with a range of bagels with between 7-9 fillings and the usual muffins, all freshly made. By the time I was there, not too much left in the display counter.

Joanna is the Manager and the cafe has been open since April - talk about making your mark on the street. Totally unassuming from the outside, it still pulls the punters in. This photo was taken at 3pm - normally there is anywhere up to 20 people queuing for their caffeine hit.

Across the road is Baffi & Mo a very stylish cafe owned and run by Regina and Roy. They bought the business 2 years ago and Regina bakes the cakes - her gluten free chocolate cake is fast becoming a favourite, and mine is the flourless orange cake. Their chef Hardy, did his apprenticeship at Tetsuyas and before Baffi was at Watermark. Seeking a more humane work load they are fortunate to have him at the stove.

Open 7 days from 7-3pm and serving all day breakfast they bring a stylish place to Redfern.

Just love the walllpaper.

Regina was concerned she didn't look after a long day - I don't agree.

They have 2 fabulous zinc tables, mismatched chairs and a couple of leather couches. It is a bright and comfortable place to pass the time. Roy gave me a yum muffin to take home which will be my breakfast tomorrow morning while I do the SMH crossword. Heaven.

Last stop for the day was Tapeo - I have been here many times and intend to go in the evening to sample the tapas menu. You can book which is always a comfort for me, 8084 7237 as I hate waiting - (for anything, really).

The owner is from Israel and his name is Liora. The main cafe opened 18 months ago and 3 months ago he opened up next door with a bakery and another espresso machine. The bread is baked at their place in Botany and is 100% organic.

They are very very lucky to have Ray Kersch baking their gluten free pastries - which I will have to try another time.

Liora worked at Sopra in Dank Street before Tapeo and shows a warmth and enthusiasm for what he is doing. Here he is standing in front of an almost empty bread display counter.

Isak the barista made me an excellent coffee - I put my spoon into it before photographing which ruined it a bit.

Well, there are a couple of other little hole in the wall cafes in side streets, but as they were closed by the time I got there, they will have to wait until next time.

Ish that all there is?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Cafe Ish is a new cafe in Regent Street next door to the Actors Workshop. They felt like a new challenge having been in Surry Hills and from what I have seen they won't have a challenge bringing in customers. On Saturday at lunch people were being turned away because of lack of seating.
I went with my RHBB as I had noticed they had crisp chicken wings, which I just lurve. We ordered the wings with soy & vinegar sauce but they mistakenly gave us the hot sauce. Instead of taking them back, they said to keep them and the correct order would be just a few minutes - no argument from us!
Of the two options we actually preferred the hot sauce option - not the best photo, but they really are lovely and crispy.

Our second choice was the mini crab omelette - if that's what they call mini, can't imagine how big the normal is. Anyway, it was actually soft shell crab which I used to love but having seen them in the raw just cannot eat them now. Sometimes it is best not to see things before they hit the plate. Blood sausage is one....tripe...bull's testicles... the list could go on.

Anyway, moving right along, we were chatting with the couple who shared our table and they each had burgers which looked pretty good. A nice crisp topped bun and not too gross a size so it would fit into most people's mouths, if you know what I mean. They also had the milkshakes which apparently Cafe Ish are well-known for and gave them top marks.

Now, the couple who shared out table were very nice but as they live in Redfern..EAST I had to remember that they are a station above me as I live in plain Redfern. And now of course there is Redfern Heights to consider. Maybe I am really living in a valley.

The End of an Era
Poppy who owns Black Lace is packing up and going to live overseas for a year. After being at the shop for so long she feels the need for a break. Maybe come back and open another store; who knows.
That is not good news, but there is a silver lining. Summer stock is still to come in and will be available until October. Everything will be reduced immediately so you should go in and grab a bargain.
My RHBB nabbed a beautiful beaded caftan and another BB a cerise jacket - me, a great black jersey long sleeved t-shirt and matching pull on casual pants (all for $68).
I will be keeping a lookout for something unusual for summer.
While in the shop last week, people were coming in expressing their disappointment at the imminent closure - it's good to see someone who has contributed to the life of Redfern being so appreciated.

Pumping at Redfern Heights
Yes, there is a Redfern Heights - how salubrious is that - sounds much better than Redfern East.
I was told about the Heights today which is where the petrol station is - 10 Botany Road, Redfern Heights.
Anyway, this is about my favourite petrol station - who would have thought I would even want to write about one. But let me tell you; this is like an old-fashioned petrol station (even if they don't pump the petrol for you) - independently owned by Mary and Eric for 35 years they offer service with a smile.
Mary started there when 27 years old (and a slim size 8) - she may not be a size 8 anymore, but   I am sure her smile hasn't changed.
Without fail, whenever I go there I leave with a smile thanks to Mary

Whenever I buy petrol I also buy a snake - today I was not charged and then Mary offered me another one - not being a greedy person I politely declined. 
As I didn't have my camera with me at the time, I returned to take her photo and she offered me another snake (I feel like the snake woman) which I did accept with thanks as that was not being greedy I think.
Support your local independent.

Let me tell you about these shops
I have recently visited 4 different shops in Redfern which have all been in operation for a minimum of 21 years. I struggle to think of many shops being owned and run by the same person for that length of time.
First up is Black Lace in Redfern Street. Poppy Doumanis has been here for 40 years and was one of the first in Redfern to take down the shutters - and good on her. I love the shop, personal service, and Poppy is always ready for a chat and is really helpful with her advice as to whether "do I look fat in this?" Poppy indents the clothes so there is a constantly moving array of gear at very reasonable prices. The photo of me in my profile is a George dress I bought last year for $90 - can't argue with that.

Next up is Redfern Fruit Market with Kitty at the helm.
Now this is a fruit/veg shop with a difference - music playing, crowded with the widest variety of the usual stuff, and loads of all the fabulous Asian herbs and exotica, enough to make any Asian dish. I just discovered the other day - god I must be blind - that in the low shelves under the fruit displays are dozens of dry-food items ranging from arborio rice, Chinese vinegars and sauces, various rices almost anything you need.
As well, snack foods are made daily, vegetable pancakes, vegetable spring rolls, mango pancake. Fresh fruit juices made to order. AND flowers - my goodness, how much Kitty has put into this small space. Always smiling, with spiky short hair, kohled eyes, black top she is not your average greengrocer. Drop in and see what I mean. 193 Regent Street, Redfern.
Don't know what happened, but have lost the photo of Kitty - bugger! I am going to take another photo and post it on another time as she is worth looking at.

Next up is my local hardware store owned by Joseph who has been here 42 years. How easy it is to just walk down the street to buy the odd hardware piece without having to get in the car and drive to Bunnings. I do have Josephs photo. Ambours Hardware 93a Redfern Street, Redfern.

Last on the list is Rogers Shoe Repairs - now Roger has been here since 1959 and is currently involved in the shoe repairs for The Great Gatsby. He works for the Belvoir Theatre and Opera Australia - so that must say something. He has worked on the stage shows Zhivago, Burn the Floor, Oliver, Tap Dogs as well as the film Wolverine. So with six degrees of separation I am connected to some very famous people. His son Nathan now works with his dad and he has a nice smile. No photos of either of them as they are shy but this is of me waiting for my shoe to be fixed. And someone wrote a poem about Roger as they must think he is pretty good.

I met a Pig.
On Sunday I met up with friends at the Norfolk Hotel (about which I cannot write as it is in Surry Hills, not Redfern) - on my way home around 6pm walking down Redfern Street to my place, I met a woman walking her pig - I think his name was Alfred. He looked very smart with a bright blue coat and red scarf. He was camera shy and wouldn't show his face, but I snapped him as best as I could.

More on our night at Souths

I finally have the night view of the Rabbitohs oval which looks quite magical. The intense jade green of the grass looked beautiful. I do think the balcony at Souths will be the place to be when the weather warms up.
The band on the night of the launch of Simmers Bistro was pretty good, with the lead singer appearing to have a pretty good time.

On August 4th, Souths will be holding a Greek Taverna Nite with live music (hopefully the band above) plus dancing. Should be fun.
Anyway, we left on our way for some Chinese wearing our fabulous new hats and with our gift bag - such style on the streets of Redfern!

After turning up at Souths on Chalmers last week, one week early for the launch of the new Simmers Bistro, my red-haired Blog Buddy (RHBB) and I managed to get the date right and at 6pm on Tuesday night we arrived in the same outfits as the previous week (I did not wash mine, RHBB may have, but I didn't think it necessary) - and this time we were at the right place at the right time, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

We were greeted by Sarah who will be front of house at the new

bistro, bright and charming she should be just right for the job.

We were served some yummy food and the duck was a standout.

I loved one of the waiters, young, enthusiastic and happy in the job.

We stood out on the balcony and across the road the team was training under floodlights and the bright green of the turf visible between the two buildings looked quite magical. My photo did not work because of the street and flood lights unfortunately.. 

I think the balcony will prove to be a perfect place in warmer weather to sit out and watch the activity on the street and across the oval.

We left after about an hour and decided to go for some Chinese at the Wah Fung in Regent Street. This place is a favourite with the local, cabbies and now me. 

We had a HUGE bowl of short soup, really well flavoured. 

To follow I thought it would be good to have a bit of a naff dish of Sweet and Sour Pork - but how good was that! That is the thing, something which originally tastes good is then transformed into something pretty yuck and then it loses cred in the flavour stakes. Well, after a previous visit, my favourite dishes there are now Duck san choy bow, Short soup, Fried rice and Sweet & Sour pork. I need to point out that I consider myself a bit of an expert on Chinese food and here I am extolling the above dishes - oh well, there you go - so much for being precious about food.

I know that much of what I have written so are has involved food, but that is to change - life is not just about eating (oh really, who said that?) and I want to show more about this amazing place - more will be coming about the small funky shops and businesses, the people and what is going on behind closed doors.

Just a small side note - doing this blog is proving to be such fun and has opened the doors to meeting people who are as enthusiastic about Redfern as I am - how lucky I feel to be here at this point in time. If you have any comments please send them to me.

Well, I feel a bit silly really, so much for checking dates on an invitation.
Souths on Chalmers invited me to the launch of the new Simmers bistro, my red-haired BB and I turned up right on time only to find that it is for NEXT week. Oh well, all frocked up so we might as well put our clothes to good use.

Jo mans the front desk at the Rabbitohs head quarters and is
an absolute jewel in the crown for the club. Her enthusiasm and friendliness is impressive and creates a warm welcome. If only more places had people in front like her.
What to do, where to go?? Oh, the problems we face amusing ourselves.
Well, we were on Chalmers so we decided on Eat Here and had a fabulous time. We were early and getting a table was easy - get there too late and you will be left cooling your heels on the footpath (or the bar if that is your fancy).
With our fabulously gorgeous waiter Eddie looking after us 

We chose an excellent wine - my blog buddy knows quite a lot about wine or more than me anyway. Eddies advice was to share our plates of food, what a great idea! We shared a bowl of green olives, Wild Hare Rillettes and Southern Fried Chicken (absolutely yum) with a side order of excellent green beans.

We would have loved to try the Truffle "Mac cheese but all was sounding a bit too rich on top of everything else we had ordered. 

The two women at the neighbouring table ordered the Mac and said it was fabulous.

Eat Here is set up along the lines of a funky American diner which is very relaxing and by the time we were served our entree the place was almost full.

Here is my red-haired BB taking photos - we are always so busy.

As it was still pretty early we wandered down Redfern Street as I wanted to look at a new bar which was due to open on Regent Street - but guess it was already open! Named Arcadia pumping with people having a great time with the fire blazing, great music (Johnny Cash) and an interestingly eclectic crowd it's a fun place to be so of course another glass of wine was in order.

The boys who own the bar are David and Brett, both handsomely hirsute in a hipster way. They ran the old Fitz in Woolloomooloo and their experience shows here

This is Brett

A leafy courtyard out the back will be great in the warmer weather.






We had such a good night who would have thunk it? Next week we'll be at Souths on the right day at the right time!

A week ago my Blog Buddy and I dropped into Eveleigh for the Rage installation - it was very quiet and not many people around, but maybe that was because it was, you guessed it, raining again. With a mass of TV screens, you selected a headset to listen to previous shows. We didn't stay long but it did look pretty impressive.


Today we go to Pitt Street, Redfern.
Developers wanted to tear down beautiful terrace houses at 54 Pitt Street, in order to build a 40 unit apartment building - we have heard this before haven't we? Do you know that in the 1800's developers wanted to turn Centennial Park into a housing development?
Thankfully this was overturned by the City of Sydney with the help of the famous Jack Mundey and Barry Humphries.
Which would you prefer
This 

 or this

Pitt is a pretty, quiet, tree-lined street with attractive terraces dating back to the 1800's. So many ugly buildings have gone up in the past and it is good to see the results of people power which helps to retain the very things which make a street attractive and desirable.
My red-haired BB and I popped into a gorgeous terrace on display before being auctioned - cost in the vicinity of $1M - if only, but this would have cost so much more in Paddington. We were going to buy a joint lottery ticket, but after our wine at lunch, forgot.
I have posted some photos of buildings in the street which I think have a charm

 and then we move down the street to the Pitt Street Diner for lunch. If you don't eat you die, and of course liquids must be maintained for a healthy balance - in this case a lovely crisp white wine (which does contain water by the way).

The owner of the Diner is Darryl and he is doing a great job of making this small restaurant/cafe welcoming and it very much has the feel of "my local". One of the things that darryl impresses me with is his ability to introduce different experiences to attract customers; not just opening the door and waiting for the punters to walk in.
With specials during the week as inexpensive Pasta nights, Christmas in July and theme nights (Rocky Horror for one), it brings the crowds in and we were lucky to get a table inside on a Saturday lunch.
Once again it was raining, (when is it not, of late?) otherwise there is the option of eating outside at the footpath tables.
There is a charming and atmospheric back room which is available for groups which I would love to use one time.


We had chicken and vegetable pot pie

and Moroccan lamb burger

During our lunch we chatted to our neighbours on either side of our small table, and this made the day even more enjoyable

After lunch a walk past other places I want to pu u on my blog, but they will be for another day.