TAKE YOUR TIME

OLAFUR ELIASSON / 10 DECEMBER 2009 - 10 APRIL 2010


Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney
140 George St. The Rocks
www.mca.com.au

BEACH HOUSE

Oh dude, what a band. Devotion took my heart and with Teen Dream on the horizon this is in the top 5 things to look forward to this summer. The new single Norway is breathtaking and super future. Whether you are taking a bath, eating some baked ricotta cheesecake or lying in bed with your lover - they suit every mood. Victoria Legrand has perfect control over her voice, and musically her and Alex Scally break boundaries. This shit makes you want to buy a beach house, or at least put an advert in the Vice personals saying you're looking for an elegant partner who lives on the beach. Oh Beach House.

Guest blogger - Morris

OH BOY CHARLTON

Waking up at 6am and wandering down to the Andrew Boy Charlton pool has never felt so good. For just $5.50 we have been cleansing our mind body and soul with a few laps in the refreshing salt water. With the weather warming up what better way to start the day.


1C Mrs. Macquaries Rd. The Domain
(02) 9358 6686

ON CLOUD NINE

Are you fucking serious!?
Maison Martin Margiela is off his own hook.

GREEN DREAM

With a mere $170 to spend we braved Bunnings and turned my balcony into a mini garden retreat. Lavender, mint and other plants that are hard for me to kill now freshen up my small outdoor area and have brought me a little closer to nature in the inner city again. We even potted them ourselves into good looking ceramic potts, giving Jamie Durie a run for his money.

Bunnings Warehouse
Cnr Bourke Rd. & Gardeners Rd. Mascot
02) 9330 3800

CLAMBAKE

The annual 'Clambake' party was a blast. We arrived early after a few too many cocktails so you can safely say we were... sloshed. Lady Jane is a lovely little nudist beach near Camp Cove so when the dance floor got pumping the willies came out in full swing to join in the fun! The music kept us dancing until 5am when we sadly scurried back to dry land with our heads full of fond memories and our hair full of sand.

LUCKY ME

Photo by Como

So, I'm not usually a beer drinker (cider's my game) but on Friday night while stuffing my face with chicken and coriander dumplings, pork bun's, braised eggplant, smashed cucumber salad, hand-stretched fried noodles and pork and chive dumplings I was really enjoying swigging on this cute little Buddah beer bottle.

My friend bought the 'Lucky' beer at the corner bottle shop for 20 bucks for six laughing, round-bellied Buddah's. They went perfectly with the delicious and incredibly cheap feast we enjoyed at Dumpling And Noodle House. This place is amazing. It's best with a large group so you can try as many dishes as possible.

After devouring all of our food it only cost $55 for 5 full people! We recommend the cucumber salad, it's so refreshing for a hot summer night but you cant go past the noodles, peek through a window to the kitchen and you can see them getting freshly sliced and hand-stretched! Food like this makes me exited to live in such a multicultural place.

Thanks Chinatown for enlightening me!

Dumping and Noodle House
Chinatown, Shop 7/8 Quay St. Haymarket
(02) 9281 9051

LOVE SUPREME

All you need to know is the Big Brother is where it's at. One of the best pizzas we have had in Sydney to date. This pizza made of potato, gorgonzola and onions is just the right amount of fat, carbs and downright delicious. Start with a few arrancini balls, end with a few too many glasses of wine and you are set. Don't bother with the zucchini flowers and the salads are average. Eating in is fine, although Love Supreme is always full and the service is hit and miss. Delivered to your apartment for free and shared with friends is just as good if not better.

180 Oxford St. Paddington
(02) 9331 1779

GO!

So last night we swapped the "excitement" of Sydney night life for some quality time with our new favourite free to air channel, GO!


It was kind of amazing.
http://go.ninemsn.com.au

BOYS AND THEIR TOYS

When I think Hi-Fi I think nerdy boys with too much time on their hands. That was until I met my new Bose 3-2-1 system. It is heaven. Although I don't like to pump the bass the surround sound is perfect to fill my apartment on a sunny morning while cooking or simply lounging around. It even looks sleek and nice which is a major bonus. I'm lucky I was given this as a present but it is my new favourite toy all the same! What will be next to exert my manhood (or womanhood) I wonder - a Porsche, a motorbike or a fast boat?

BOX FRESH

Thursday mornings are now a little more exciting than normal. For $50 we get a new delivery almost as good as a little net-a-porter surprise. It includes the freshest fruit and vegetables we have ever tasted and is brought right to our door step. The box comes from the wholesalers that supply to local Sydney supermarkets that charge too much and store it for months before we get it. Boxes range from $20-$50 but we have chosen the $50 one (technically two) to share.

This morning it included everything from rockmelon to baby capsicums, dil, carrots, french beans, grapefruits, avocados, strawberries, turnips, rocket, to mint for our cocktails. You would be silly to buy your fruit and vegetables any other way. They are happy to fax or email you order forms as well if you prefer to know what you are getting and are super friendly and helpful.


(02) 9332 3111

MESSINA MAKE MY HEART MELT

I've made it no secret before that I feel as if Messina gelato can substitute a fully balanced diet. One (or maybe three) flavours for each of the five food groups and you're good to go. As the weather is warming up Messina is where it's at.

To pick just one favourite flavour would be impossible, and we haven't even started on the thickshakes and gelato cakes. But, in saying that, the poached figs in massala is particularly fresh and tasty. It is obvious when you pop your Messina cherry that they take great pride in making the gelato in the most raw and natural form - free of preservatives and flavourings.

Messina
Shop 1/241 Victoria St. Darlinghurst
(02) 8354 1223

SANTA WE'VE BEEN VERY GOOD GIRLS

PLUSH PEAR CIDER

We like to mix things up a bit, and lately have become addicted to pear cider. Just the right amount of fruity fun.

Our pick - Weston's organic from Camperdown cellar in Darlinghurst.


Camperdown Cellar
233 Victoria St. Darlinghurst
(02) 9380 6133

POMANDER BALLS

Perfect for christmas time.
Turn some fruit into deliciously spicy-sweet scents for your house.

NIELSEN PARK

Perfect for exploring caves, reading books in the shade, drinking milkshakes or swimming as you watch the boats go by.

Greycliffe Ave. Vaucluse

LUSH SUMMER SALAD

Our favorite thing for dinner as of late is an easy salmon and tzatziki salad. You can whip it up in no time. Here's how.

For tzatziki
3 tablespoons of reduced fat greek yoghurt
1 clove of garlic
1/2 lebanese cucumber
The juice of half a squeezed lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Dice the cucumber, crush the garlic and combine with the yoghurt, lemon, salt and pepper.

Then chuck some fancy lettuce on a plate along with cherry tomatoes, capsicum and spanish onion finely sliced. Top with shredded smoked salmon, baby capers and the fresh made tzatziki.......voila!

Not exactly front page Gourmet Traveller worthy but easy for those completely or partially domestically disabled and sick of mi goreng.

NORTHNORTHWEST

Hopefully soon the website will be up and running. Here is a preview of some photos our friend Jefske took.

Available at Incu stores. More styles coming.
www.incuclothing.com

DON DON

In case you haven't already heard, Don Don is amazing. Super cheap, extremely cute, fast and delicious. We had 4 hand rolls and some really fresh salmon sashimi. We left full and happy for only 17.50!

80 Oxford St. Darlinghurst
(02) 9331 3544

THE FINGER WAVE

Living for this.

ROCOCO LOCO

Let's face it - sometimes you can't just say it, you need flowers to. It is a beautiful way to admit you are wrong, say thanks or simply appreciate someone.

After getting delivered a Rococo arrangement for my birthday this year I have come to realise that your choice of flowers also says a lot. Visit them on Liverpool street to find a bunch almost too good to give away.

Be prepared to pay a bit more ($50+ for something substantial), but also be prepared to see the look on someones face when you hand over the best flowers they have received in a while.

Order online www.rococoflowers.com.au, or visit in person:
Unit 2/303a Liverpool St. Darlinghurst
(02) 93576688

STATE LIBRARY OF NSW

One of our favourite places to escape for the day! With over five million items to lose yourself in you could be there forever. It's free, it's quiet and it's refreshing on a day when you need a bit of soulful solitude. Hey, if it's good enough for Abbey...



Open Mon-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-5pm; Weekends 10am-5pm

Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9273 1414

BANANA MANIA

Banana smoothies are the bomb. Here is my recipe, so healthy and delicious! You'll be guzzling it down just like me in no time.

1 large frozen banana
1 small handfull of ice
1 tablespoon of low fat yogurt
1 cup Bonsoy soy milk
heaps of cinnamon
and a little honey to taste.

Blend it all up and top with cinnamon to garnish. A great summer breakfast!

YUM!

THE GOODS

This morning we are feeling "Hangover Helpers" from The Goods - a mixture of fresh orange juice, banana and magical wheatgrass. Is it worth the $9.50? I guess only time will tell. Organic power juice fixes everything right?


The Goods Organic
253 Crown St. Darlinghurst
(02) 9357 6690

ORSON & AMAZING

So today I met Lynda. My new design consultant. At the ripe age of 21 I feel like it is time for me to start nesting. Goodbye university style apartment with mish-mashed furniture accentuated by feature pieces such as long necks and empty champagne bottles. Hello my new bachelorette pad! My Darlinghurst basement I am hoping will be transformed into a space that feels like a Soho loft.


I am interested in how I am going to manage mixing higher priced pieces with trinkets we find and source from various auctions and antique warehouses throughout Sydney.This is a project I am very excited about and we will be keeping you posted through the process.

Orson & Blake
483 Riley St. Surry Hills
(02) 8399 2525

NORTH BONDI BLISS

North Bondi isn't exactly a hidden treasure, and is definitely nothing new. Although - it's a great spot to lay out on the rocks in front of the boats, away from all the pasty white backpackers. Bring your dog, friends, mangoes and newspapers, and get away from the main beach madness. Week days are best for a seaside picnic because Summer weekends in Bondi are pretty much unbearable. Jeep optional, however our preferred mode of transportation. When we get to know you a little better we will start sharing our more amazing secret spots you never knew existed.

COME TO YOUR SENSES

We are just in love with Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette. It smells like a whole fig orchard squeezed it into a beautiful little bottle. Classic is always best.

DIN TAI FUNG

The best dumplings in town!

Always a wait for a table but definitely worth it...




653 George St
Haymarket
(02) 9264 6010

THE FALCONER

Anyone who can brave the junkies and filth of Oxford St. Darlinghurst, as opposed to it's spoilt over-privileged step sibling Oxford St. Paddington, and create a space you actually don't mind deserves a bit of street cred. Furthermore, to make the space just the right cosy with booths where all you want to do is curl up with your glass of red and lemon meringue pie is even better.

On a personal note, on my instances there I have found breakfasts much more rewarding than their heavy dinner mains, however if you are after something in between there is a good wine selection and tasting plates to share. As long as they keep playing 'old' records and providing a haven this side of Taylor Square we'll keep coming, and we suggest you do too.

31 Oxford St. Darlinghurst
(02) 9267 8434

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO GETTING LARA STONE'S BODY BY THIS SUMMER

1. Cut your Fitness First card in half - unless you enjoy feeling like a rat in a wheel. Plus, the only reason I joined in the first place was for the pilates and yoga classes and they are TERRIBLE. Too many people, too much irritation, definitely not the place to find your inner zen.

2. Leave your car in the garage and jump on your bike. Your legs and the environment will thank you. If you need some inspiration BMX bandits is always a good starter. No wonder Nicole Kidman became such a big star.

3. Get outdoors. The best things in life are free and the way I clear my head every single morning is by jogging through the botanical gardens, down to the harbour, around Mrs. Macquaries chair, NSW art gallery and across The Domain. It is on these picture perfect mornings I am reminded why I live in Sydney and have not yet ditched it for the depths of Paris or New York.


4. Yes, most good exercise is free but how many times have you exerted yourself so much you have almost cried? This is where my personal trainer Darren comes in. If you are serious about your LS physique you need this man in your life. Another one of my indulgences I probably can't afford but I believe is worth every cent, is a 30 minute session with the punisher in Moore Park once a week. $35 for half an hour of non stop pain - what are you waiting for? He is waiting by the phone holding a pair of boxing gloves and a whip - 0424 427 758.

5. So by now you are probably looking at least a little fierce and you will have guys falling over themselves just to buy you a drink. Although I do endorse healthy eating I also recommend drinking which instigates dancing all night long WHICH RESULTS IN YOU ACHIEVING YOUR LS BODY.

PADDINGTON

The perfect place to eat my delicious 'Alimentari' tuna salad with green's, olives, mixed antipasto, boccincini and cherry tomatoes is the Paddington Reservoir. The coffee is great at Alimentari too (exept they dont have honey!) and the sweet treats look to-die-for. The only testing thing is trying to make it up William street without peeking into Poepke (credit card heaven).

I like to take my lunch down to the Reservoir to sun myself and do some reading. It has beautiful acoustics down there and
the combination of grand archways, rusty steel, beautiful hardwood beam's, fern's and grasses really do it for me. I even made a furry friend today.

Paddington Alimentari
2 Hopetoun street
(02) 9358 2142

Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Cnr Oxford Street and Oatley Road

MAKE ME OVER

All you need to know is that if it is hair colour you are after, Damian at Valonz/Renya Xydis is a god. He has somehow on numerous accounts almost given me a false sense of confidence that with my fresh do I can strut onto the catwalks of Paris and blend right in. If you knew me you would know that this is far from the truth.

Now being a student you would probably question how I afford such services. The answer is I probably can't, but to me, a good colour is worth every cent. The amount of times I have skimped and then felt crap for the next six weeks until I go back again is ridiculous. I will never ever cheat on Damian because if I did I would always go crawling back. And the amazing thing is he has even told me he will work to my budget.

Renya Xydis city (02) 9264888

IN MY POCKET

What can we say? Sexy staff, delicious desserts and cocktails that make you go mmm. Our pick - the negroni, the bramble or the mandarin margarita.

Just be wary of the rare Ed Hardy guy drilling you about whether you are going to workout after your nutella and strawberry crepe. The answer is NO just in case you were wondering.

Nestled in on the corner of Crown and Burton.

WHAT I THINK ABOUT GOING TO GORDON'S BAY

It's pretty... pretty awkward. It's a breeding ground for love triangles, and has brought on the realisation that Sydney is sometimes just too small (or maybe just the selection of men). On a mission to find a new beach.

LATE NIGHT SWIMS AND GINS

The latest addition to our Summer itinerary is the Liverpool St. pool club. Way hotter than the Ivy, and I'm not just talking temperature. I mean, where else could you get hit on by two Koreans called Chun and Jun bearing gifts of Oranges.

Okay, maybe I am getting a little bit off topic but moral of the story is you don't need to pay $15 for a vodka soda to have fun in the sun with your friends. One bottle of gin+tonic+a packet of crackers+a few dips+the golden key to the Park Apartments pool is all you need.