Tuesday, March 6, 2012
























Bondi Beautiful

Sydney literally sings in summer, violet coloured jacarandas were in bloom, dotted across suburban streets like an ‘all Australian’ impressionist painting. Balmy evenings coax people outdoors and into restaurants and bars, which are bulging at the seams and spewing out onto the streets. Beaches are filled with holiday makers and locals tanning their Bondi perfect bodies. Summer in Sydney is a definite i to dot on ones bucket list, yet one that eluded us this season!
A favourite Beach, Bondi Beach in summer is always abuzz with tourists swarming to this beach side suburb like bees to honey.
The cliché’s are everywhere, sun kissed blonde grommies patrol the beaches searching for the ultimate wave, skate boarders and hipster dressed kids cruise on fixed gear bicycles. Bondi is a melting pot of cultures, where life bubbles 24/7. For the locals this time of year is heralded as one that is either loved or despised, Bondi is a party town in summer and if you choose not to embrace this culture, then it’s a fight for survival.
A food spot that will leave you busting out of your super skinny jeans, is Bondi Beach Burrito Company,252 Campbell Parade, sits opposite the North Bondi Life Saving Club. This eclectic restaurant is a mix of colour and kitschy décor and a popular Mexican eating spot for local’s if you’re aching for a super sized and tasty burrito and jug of sangria. If Mexican ain't your thing then cruise down to the seven ways (roundabout), where the famous, Murray will make your day at Organic Republic, Shop 98 , 100 Glenayr Av. Serving freshly baked sourdough bread's, fruit spelt scones and deliciously buttery pastries. Just a short stroll and two doors up sits a cosy BYO Italian eatery, called La Piadina and serves only that ‘La Piadina’, 106 Glenayr Avenue. With everything from the pizza or ‘la Piadina’ dough to the toppings, freshly made or sliced right in front of your eyes, this place literally sings Italy! Owned and operated by brother’s, fresh out of Milan.
Moving onwards and around the corner is the sweet Brown Sugar Restaurant, 106 Curlewis St, offers a tasty selection of pastas, mains and the famous fish pie is one not to miss.
If your eager for an after dinner aperitif, then head up to the Shop wine bar, 78 Curlewis St. A rare ‘hole in the wall’ cocktail/wine bar. Serving delicious sandwiches, cheese plates and salads, and the mirrored wine menu on the wall never fails to satisfy. The owner has since opened The Corner House, 28 Bondi Rd. A ‘quintessential’ Bondi dining experience and famed for its Melbourne style convivial vibe, ironic that it was once a stop for the Bondi Tram!
If your style is to go a little more glam then head down Bondi rd towards the beach and stop off at the famous Bondi Icebergs, an iconic Bondi restaurant. Relax with a cocktail and a bowl of polenta chips in the cocktail/ wine bar. Indulgent? Yes, but without hurting the hip pocket.
Head north for dinner, to North Bondi Italian, which is Icebergs sister restaurant and the home to some of Bondi’s uber cool and glamorous locals. The food is Italian, of course and the inability to book means it is best to turn up early for a drink and put your name on the waiting list. If either of these dining spots fails to satisfy then jump across the road to Sean’s Panorama, 270 Campbell Parade, a beautiful menu filled with fresh and seasonal ingredients hand picked from Sean’s country farm. The home made nougat is an Achilles heal of mine and Sean's Panorama restaurant is a spot not to miss if you have the time.
If you’re feeling weary from all the eating and drinking then pop into the Swiss Grand, Campbell parade or Ravesis, Campbell Parade for luxury beach side accommodation that encapsulates Bondi.
Whether you love it or hate it Bondi is a true diamond in the rough and one Sydney spot not to miss.


loved summer x


ps hello autumn

No comments: