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.

Sweet Stuff at BGF Bake Off

Mardi Gras may be over, but Oxford Street’s fun and fabulous spirit is on show again with this weekend’s BGF Bake Off. The annual event brings together some of the most flamboyant, and tastiest, baked goods in the city. This year sees the introduction of a new category for fete baking. Think all those retro recipes like chocolate crackles, coconut ice, toffees, and other favourites. The competition’s sure to be fierce, but Ready Steady Cook’s Peter Everett and Janelle Bloom and drag legend...

May 12th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Martinis at The Observatory Hotel

Forget schooners of beer or glasses of chardy. The Observatory Hotel is toasting another alcoholic beverage with its new Martini Club and regularly martini nights every Thursday. The club entitles members to a complimentary canapé platter with your first martini on Thursdays, and invites to special Martini Club events during the year. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on the hotel’s accommodation and meals at the award-winning Galileo Restaurant. To apply for membership just ask for an application...

May 11th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Eat In or Take Away Italian Treats at Fourth Village Providore

Fourth Village Providore is part restaurant, part traditional Italian market. This new concept store is run by the Quattroville family. Their restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas, mouth-watering pastas, and light meals like house-cured beef carpaccio and traditional Italian salads. You can do your best to replicate the dishes by picking up some goodies in the market. It features a wide selection of local and international cheeses, homemade condiments, and olive oil made from olives grown on...

May 10th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Mothers’ Day at Belgenny Farm

Belgenny Farm is opening its doors to celebrate Mothers’ Day. The historic farm was built by convicts in Camden in 1805. Agricultural pioneers John and Elizabeth Macarthur used the farm for Merino wool production, wheat and grape growing, dairy, and horticulture. Their work became a model for this country’s proud agricultural traditions. Today Belgenny Farm is a major educational centre managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Belgenny Farm Trust. It’s generally only...

May 9th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: Bondi Icebergs

Most of us are spending our spare time rugged up in front of the heater, slippers on our feet and a cup of hot tea at the ready. But not the Bondi Icebergs. Since 1929 these brave souls have been bravely diving into icy waters of Bondi Pool. Fitness during winter is a noble goal, but I can’t imagine having the guts to try it, can you? Image source: Suburbanbloke @ Flickr

May 8th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney’s Hotels Amongst World’s Best

The tourism industry might be struggling in the face of the global recession, but Sydney’s hotels are still recognised as some of the world’s best. International travel website Expedia says there are four times as many Aussie hotels in the top 1000 favourites list this year compared to previous years. “The fact that Australian hotels have more than quadrupled their presence on this year’s Insiders Select list confirms our belief that Australia offers world-class accommodation,”...

May 7th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Sublime Seafood at Sepia

Seafood giant George Costi, the head of De Costi Seafoods, has opened a brand new restaurant in Sydney. It’s called Sepia, and you might imagine there’s plenty of the sea’s greatest jewels on offer. The menu includes an array of tempting marine fodder, such as spanner crab and buckwheat risotto, confit of ocean trout with braised chestnut mushrooms, and oysters by the dozen. Chef Martin Benn is a student of the acclaimed Tetsuya Wakuda, so as you’d expect, he knows his stuff. He also...

May 6th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Free Indigenous Films at Sydney Opera House

If you’re like me, you probably see more foreign films than Australian indigenous films. Sure, Ten Canoes made us big but those high-profile flicks tend to be the exception rather than the rule. But the Message Sticks Indigenous Film Festival looks to change all that by bringing indigenous movies to the masses. The program will features seven world premieres of seven short films by seven new Australian directors. Amongst the talented newcomers are acclaimed actresses Deborah Mailman and Leah Purcell. To...

May 5th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

North Sydney Markets on This Saturday

It may not get the attention of some of the larger markets around the city, but if you want to avoid the crowds North Sydney Markets are worth a look. They’re held on the second Saturday of every month, which means they’re coming around again this weekend. The markets regularly host more than 120 stalls with arts and crafts, plants, clothes, jewellery, books, antiques, homemade treats, fresh produce, massage treatments, and more. Hot food stalls boast gourmet fare for a quick snack or a gourmet...

May 4th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Foodie Festival in Kings Cross

Kings Cross will become a food lovers’ paradise tomorrow when the city’s food and wine festival hits town. This year the emphasis is on flavour, quality, and inspiration. On hand to inspire you are the festival’s ambassador Maeve O’Meara, Harunobu Inukai (Blanc Haru), Angelo Italiano (Mezzaluna), and Ngoc Ha (Q Vietnamese). You’ll also find wines from Sir James Hardy and Constellation Wines Australia, top grub from the Gazebo Wine Garden and Sugarmill Hotel, and cold beers from Byron Bay...

May 2nd, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: The Gap, Watson’s Bay

The rugged sandstone coastline of The Gap at Watson’s Bay makes for one dramatic photo. The harsh chiselled stone mimics the white capped seas underneath and the stormy grey conditions of the sky. Autumn may not bring us the clear blue skies and sunshine many associate with Sydney, but in my mind it’s those different dies which make this city so compelling. Image source: Jonathan Gan @ Flickr

May 1st, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Pitt Street Mall Ready for Renovations

One of Sydney’s favourite shopping destinations, Pitt Street Mall, is preparing for a facelift. New features being considered include a water feature, drinking fountains, and a stream of light flowing the length of the mall. We should also see new paving, lighting, public seats, trees, and better access for pedestrians. “More than 60,000 pedestrians use Pitt St Mall everyday making it one of the busiest and one of the most successful retail pedestrian centres in Australia,” the city’s...

April 30th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Darling Harbour’s 21st Birthday Bash

It’s hard for me to remember a time when Sydney didn’t have its entertainment hub, Darling Harbour. This happening district opened 21 years ago, and now it’s celebrating with a massive free party! Head on down to Darling Harbour on Sunday to join in the fun. Highlights including the massive Celebrate! gala concert featuring Australian Idol winner Wes Carr and acclaimed drumming group Taikoz, a world music show in the afternoon, entertainment and activities for the littlies at the children’s...

April 29th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Earn Your Tucker at Rouse Hill House and Farm

Step back in time and experience the charms of yesteryear at the Rouse Hill House and Farm. Guided tours of the historical home are run Wednesdays to Sundays. The home has held six generations since it was build between 1813 and 1818. The Georgian sandstone still houses from than 20, 000 assorted knick knacks and objects from its 200-year history. Of course you can visit any time from midweek onwards, but if you’ve got kids I’d suggest visiting on Saturday mornings. That’s when the house...

April 27th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Laugh Out Loud at Sydney Comedy Festival

In these doom and gloom days of economic crisis, couldn’t we all stand to laugh a little more. Luckily the Sydney Comedy Festival opens tomorrow to inject a little irreverence into our everyday. Over the next three week, Sydney will play host to 300 stand-up shows at 15 different venues. The festival features top international acts like Danny Bhoy, Ross Noble, and Cheech & Chong, and Australian big names Adam Hills, Julia Morris, and The Umbilical Brothers. What’s more, comedy tends to...

April 26th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Universal Acclaim for Universal Restaurant

A night out at Universal is less about filling your tummy and more about an experience. In fact, some say the restaurant “elevates small-plate dining to an art form.” Some say the entire small plate concept is pretentious nonsense, designed to gouge diners and send them home hungry. If you’re one of those people, you might want to give this place a miss and take a trip to your local pub bistro. But if you’re open to an adventure, you just might find the fusion of flavors found here fascinating. Head...

April 25th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Sydney Photo Friday: Sydney War Cemetery

Tomorrow is Anzac Day, a day that’s about much more than cheap drinks and two-up at the local RSL. It’s a day for all Australians to stop and remember those who so bravely gave their lives. This photo of war graves at Sydney War Cemetery reminds me of just how many there were. The harsh reality is that this is just a fraction of the graves of soldiers lost. Whatever you’re doing tomorrow make sure you take a moment to pause and remember. Lest we forget. Image source: Aussiegall...

April 24th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Yayoi Kusama Art Comes to Sydney

If you thought art was just staid works on a wall, prepare to have your perceptions challenged. The Museum of Contemporary Art is showcasing Mirrored Years, an exhibition by modern Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The highlight of the exhibition is this piece, called Fireflies on the Water. Only four people at a time can see the artwork, or perhaps immerse themselves in it is a better turn of phrase. Because this is no mere picture on a wall. The display combines coloured fairy lights, water, and...

April 23rd, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Lest We Forget | Anzac Day 2009

Saturday April 25 is ANZAC Day, the day where all of Australia pauses to remember our soldiers. While the day may commemorate when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, today it’s an opportunity for us to remember all those who bravely went into combat to defend Australia’s freedom. It’s a day which pays tribute to the great ANZAC spirit inside all of us, the courage, endurance, and mateship we all possess. Sydney will pay tribute to the ANZACs...

April 21st, 2009 | Sydney | Read More

Build a Burger at The Counter

The Counter is the latest American fast food outlet to wing its way to Australia. The burger joint specialises in made-to-order hamburgers, so they’re ideal for fussy eaters. The Counter has four proteins, 10 cheeses, 28 toppings, 18 sauces, and three buns to choose from. If all that sounds overwhelming you can always choose a signature dish. And if you’re counting carbs, you can choose to ditch the bun altogether and opt for a burger in a bowl! Personally I’d steer clear if you’re watching...

April 20th, 2009 | Sydney | Read More