Lauren Katulka: Lauren is a happily married freelance writer living on the New South Wales Central Coast, about an hour from Sydney. When she's not enjoying the big smoke's restaurants or live music venues she loves to experiment with new recipes, watch indie films, and cuddle her Devon Rex cat Gizmo.

Tasty Late Night Treats at Blu Water Grill, Hornsby

Shopping malls are rarely home to fine restaurants, so Blu Water Grill at the base of Hornsby Westfield is a bit of a find. My husband and I stopped by after a movie, and were pleasantly surprised with what we found. We arrived at around 9:30 pm, the time when most people were tucking into coffee and cake rather than dinner. However the friendly waitstaff were more than happy to serve us whatever took our fancy. For me it was the fritto misto, an overflowing basket of lightly fried whitebait, calamari,...

September 14th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Authentic Italian in Newtown at Rosalina Restaurant

For an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further than Rosalina Italian Restaurant in Newtown. I say experience, because that’s what dining there truly is. It starts when you enter the restaurant when you’re approached your host Roberto and shown a seat. Roberto is all you imagine an Italian restaurateur to be. He’s warm and generous, and more than a little bit cheeky. He lingers to chat just long enough to make you feel cared for. The menu is just as generous, with so many options...

September 1st, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Adrenalin Activities in Queensland – Extreme Sports in Australia’s Sunshine State

Queensland is known as Australia’s adventure playground, with many activities designed to get the most from the state’s weather, famously called “beautiful one day, perfect the next.” From the oceans of the Great Barrier Reef to the beaches of the Gold Coast, there’s no excuse for boredom when vacationing in the Sunshine State. The Great Barrier Reef is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and the best way to see it is to jump right in. Tourist...

August 28th, 2010 | adventure | Read More

Travelodge Wynyard – A Little Bit of Mystery in Sydney

I’ve always been curious about those mystery hotels offered by website’s like Wotif.com, but also a bit nervous. As a control freak, the idea of spending money on a hotel, sight unseen, was just a little daunting. But recently I decided to take the plunge, and I’m so glad that I did. We don’t know a lot about these hotels, but they’re not entirely mysterious. We’re told of each one’s star rating, and general area, such as the CBD. We also know of the configuration of the beds, so...

August 19th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Taronga Zoo Still the Most Popular Experience in Zoo

There are few things I enjoy more than a day at Taronga Zoo, so I was thrilled to hear the wildlife park has taken out the title of most popular Sydney experience for the fourth consecutive year. A giraffe at Taronga Zoo, Sydney “This result proves that people are interested in our work for wildlife and that conservation is fascinating and exciting. It also makes us uniquely positioned to educate and inspire the community about conservation issues and hopefully positively influence their attitudes...

August 16th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney’s Government House | Historic Architecture Open to the Public

Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs will relish a trip to Government House. This beautiful mansion was built between 1837 and 1845 for the Governor of New South Wales. But today you don’t have to be a VIP to step inside. At the time it was built, Government House was considered the most sophisticated Gothic Revival building in the colony. And it’s not hard to see why. The ground floor contains the dining room, drawing room, and ballroom. It’s not hard to imagine the hub of activity this...

August 12th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Get Sketchy with Sydney Anti-Art Class

If you’re after an alternative to stuffy art classes, get along to an anti-art experience with Dr Sketchy. The unique night out sees the worlds of art and burlesque collide, and you know that when they do sparks are going to fly! You don’t have to worry about being quiet either; the class is highly interactive, and plenty of fun with the burlesque models and circus acts treating sketchers to performances. Dr Sketchy’s art classes were originally conceived in New York, and are now found all...

August 11th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Tapas Restaurant Firefly Lodge Opens in Lane Cove Market Square

The recent opening of Lane Cove Market Square has brought with it the promising new restaurant Firefly Lodge. This eatery is modern but not pretentious, with plenty of tasty meals which put the emphasis on fun and friendship. Share plates are big business here, although it can be difficult to part with some of the yummiest dishes. Duck and Shallot pancakes, crispy pork belly, and veal, pork, and garlic meatballs are some of the tempting tapas options, but I also love the sound of the homemade gnocchi...

August 9th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Dining Gets Arty at Annandale’s Gallery Cafe

Culture vultures and foodies can happily come together at the Gallery Café. This rustic eatery in Annandale delivers both in abundance, making it a favourite amongst locals. Almost every square inch of wall space over the two levels is adorned with works from some of Sydney hottest young artists. And the best part is, if you see something you like you can take it home. Everything displayed here is for sale. It’s quickly earning a reputation for serving up some of the best breakfasts in the inner...

August 7th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney’s IMAX Theatre: The Real Big Screen

The Imax Theatre in Sydney Think you’ve seen movies on the big screen? Unless you’ve been to the IMAX, you’ve seen nothing. Sydney’s IMAX cinema screen is the world’s largest, standing a massive eight stories high. It booms out an impressive 15,000 watts of digital surround sound, making you feel like you’re in the thick of the action. IMAX shows a variety of 2D and 3D films, so there’s something to suit all ages and interests. Currently you can choose from the blockbusters Inception...

August 5th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

MUMU Grill in Crows Nest, Sydney’s Only Sustainable Steakhouse

Lately I’ve been on a bit of an ethical eating kick. I’m far too much of a meat lover to ever consider becoming a vegetarian, but I won’t eat anything but free range eggs, chicken, or pork. My latest crusade has been against grain-fed beef. The idea of cows eating grain just goes against nature, so I’m working hard to source out grass-fed cattle. MUMU Grill in Crows Nest is one steakhouse who hears my plea. Its emphasis on sustainable and organic produce is music to my ears. That means the...

August 3rd, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Drive In to the Movies at Royal Randwick Racecourse

I remember fondly heading to the drive in with my parents as a small child. Sure I might have spent more of my time playing on the jungle gym at the side of the field than watching a flick, but I have very fond memories of this family ritual. I think we’ll all agree it’s better than watching something you’ve downloaded on your laptop. Thankfully the folks at Royal Randwick Racecourse have brought back this old-fashioned film experience for the next couple of months. Just drive in and tune your...

August 2nd, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: Marilyn Monroe Made by Coffee Cups

The espresso wasn’t the only thing hot at last weekend’s Aroma Coffee Festival. Organizers took the opportunity to create this stunning sculpture of Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe in The Rocks. Five thousand, two hundred lattes, long blacks, and flat whites were used to create the masterpiece. Isn’t it gorgeous? Marilyn Monroe in coffee at Sydney's Aroma Coffee Festival Now before you worry about the wastage that such a piece of art entails, let me put your mind at ease. The milk was...

July 30th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Artistic Inspiration at Brett Whiteley’s Sydney Studio

Few Sydney artists made the impression on the art world that Brett Whiteley did. More than 15 years after his death his works still resonates with life. This is certainly the case for those housed in The Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. The artist bought the former warehouse in 1985, and converted it into an impressive studio and exhibition space. In 1988 he moved in, and he lived there until he died in 1992. Today it remains just as Brett left it, with unfinished paintings, art equipment, and...

July 29th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Something Fishy at the Sydney Fish Markets

Much more than just a place to buy seafood, the Sydney Fish Market is one of the city’s greatest attractions. The Sydney Fish Market is Australia’s only working fishermen’s market, a colorful and vibrant place which gives visitors and locals the chance to see what goes on before the fish lands on your plate. Schnapper at the Sydney Fish Markets It all starts at around 5:30 am each morning, when restauranteurs and seafood enthusiasts arrive to secure the best fish. 1000 crates, equal to around...

July 28th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Suburb Spotlight: Cabramatta

Travel just an hour out of Sydney’s central business district region and it’s like visiting another world. Cabramatta more closely resembles a South-East Asian location than an Australian town, making it a rewarding stop for foodies and adventurous travellers alike. A lion sculpture guarding Cabramatta's city centre Where: Sydney’s south west How to get there: Take a 60-minute train ride from Circular Quay Stay: There’s really not a lot in the way of accommodation here. You best option...

July 27th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sail Into Sydney International Boat Show

The Sydney International Boat Show is jetting into Sydney Harbour this Thursday. Whether you’re in the market for a new vessel, or you just want to dream about it, this fun festival has plenty to satisfy. This year there are six halls, spanning more than 28, 000 square metres, and more than 270 exhibitors in the Darling Harbour Convention Centre alone. There’ll be more than 800 boats inside, but that’s not all. Teen solo sailor Jessica Watson Step outside and the action continues at the marina...

July 26th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Taste Pancakes And More Around Sydney

Pancake lovers need look to further to satisfy a craving than Pancakes on the Rocks. This fantastic restaurant serves just about every kind of pancake you could think of. There are savoury and sweet varieties, so you can have them for your main meal and dessert! Indulgence at Pancakes on the Rocks While it’s heaven for pancake fans, there are also plenty of other things on the menu including gourmet pizzas, salads, crepes, and ribs. They’ve also got a special kids menu, where all the savoury...

July 24th, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: Bondi Beach Pool

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m very difficult to please. When I’m sweltering under the summer heat, I can’t wait for winter to roll around. Now I’m shivering around my bar heater, I’m longing for that familiar warmth of December. We’ve got some time to wait for that, but pictures like this help us remember just what we love about summer. Watching the ocean lap at the Bondi Pool, you can almost imagine that warmer weather is upon us. I can dream, can’t I? Image source: Rosino...

July 23rd, 2010 | Sydney | Read More

Quest on Dixon Serviced Apartments: A Home Away From Home in Sydney

The Quest on Dixon became a home away from home for my husband and I last weekend. It was the ideal place to bunker down during the Good Food and Wine Show; just a short and pleasant walk to the Convention Centre and the cafes of Darling Harbour. At least it was once I got my bearings. I’m not so familiar with the city’s streets, and I found the simple map on the website didn’t have enough details to get me there. I thought I knew the way, but still needed to make a call to my husband when...

July 21st, 2010 | Sydney | Read More