American
Food News – Xmas Books
Yes, beer matching is a thing. Beer Bites [RRP $45] by Christian DeBenedetti and Andrea Slonecker is pitched at the home beer enthusiast, with plenty of beer consumption tips. Trust me when I say: you won’t ask for a pub-chilled schooner glass after reading this book.
Bar Fly: Basement 33
It might give off a karaoke bar vibe from the outside, but descend into the depths of this basement bar and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the hipster-ific pizzeria that awaits you below street level.
LP’s Quality Meats
If there’s a better BBQ Beef Short Rib ($44) in Sydney, I don’t know where to find it. Luke Powell coats his fat, juicy ribs in little more than salt and pepper, and sticks 'em into the wood-fire smoker for nigh on sixteen hours. Yep, they go in at 11pm and come out just in time for dinner the next evening.
The Cross Eyed Dog
While the predictable consequences of Lockout Laws are reaping havoc upon the character of Newtown, a level-by-level revamp is occurring in the original 1832 site of the ‘new town store’ from which the suburb drew its name.
Ribs & Burgers Zetland
Being a Dallas native by origin, I can understand the growing obsession with Texas BBQ here in Australia. One of the links I certainly did draw between this fixture of the American culinary world, and Ribs & Burgers, was the service.
Bar Fly: Rosie Campbell’s
Someone once told me that the key to happiness is to make others happy. Well, they were wrong, because after a visit to this quirky Jamaican hangout, it's pretty clear that the key to happiness involves jerk chicken and alcoholic sunsets served over ice.
Bar Fly: Miss Peaches
Stepping into Miss Peaches feels like you've been transported straight to America's Deep South. Think crunchy fried green tomatoes, homemade mac 'n' cheese and crispy fried chicken. Deeeelicious.
Bar Fly: The Soda Factory
Any bar that serves bourbon and Vanilla Cherry Coke floats, mac and cheese spring rolls and is hidden behind a phoney fifties Coke machine door is an instant winner in my books.
QT Canberra
It’s high time someone was brave enough to have some fun with politicians. From Tony Abbott quotes about election campaigns being “budgie smuggler free zones” in the in-room guide; to crazy past'n'present Prime Minister wallpaper; to press pack paparazzi bursting from the lifts; this hotel takes a youthful, pop-art approach to reflecting its location in our nation’s capital.
Food News – Sydney Festival
You’ve only got a few days left to check out the Sydney Festival Village, which wraps up in Hyde Park North on January 25. With free entertainment and an expanded array of food options, it's worth visiting, even if you're not eagerly clutching a show ticket.
