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.

On a rainy day in Redfern what better place to be than the Patagonian Toothfish restaurant. The name is enough to entice you.


We were there for lunch on a quiet Saturday, but at night the best table is in front of the fire - perfect for a cold winter night.


On warmer days or nights there is outdoor seating under cover where you can watch the passers by.

The restaurant is small and intimate. Hong Kong born, Mauritian raised owner Steven specialises in light curries and tapas which have been influenced by French Mauritian flavours.

We ate garlicky mushrooms

Salt & pepper soft shell crab

Mauritian chicken curry

Mauritian mustard seed fish curry starring King salmon, surprisingly a white fish, perfect for a curry.

Off to the Woolpack for a refreshing glass of wine

I moved to Redfern a year ago and found it to be so different to my initial impression. Ten years ago, I would not have ventured into certain areas and would not have felt safe walking the streets at night – but I do now.

What we have here is a fabulous change occurring, not gentrification but the buzzy feeling of an exciting, energy filled hub of the city.

The shutters are coming off the shops (goodbye Beirut) and the sun can shine in.

Great time to be here – lots of things to share with you

A sunny day in Redfern Park