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.