Being Out and About in Sydney

Another Pub Crawl in Surry Hills

Yes, I love pub crawls. They’re just so fun. And a friend visiting from Vancouver is an excellent excuse for a pub crawl. I chose Surry Hills for this one, just because there are a lot of bars there that are so different and interesting.

I wanted to take my friend to Tio’s but it was closed. And so was Bar H. Apparently they open around 5 or 6pm. Boo. But at least we got to see this awesome wall along the way.

We walked up to The Clock Hotel which was sure to be open on a Friday afternoon. Since it wasn’t packed, we got to sit by the terrace and watch the life pass by on Crown Street. I had a mint julep and my friend had a Little Creatures pale ale.

Then we were both hungry and I took her to The Carrington for excellent pub food. We ordered a sobrasada (chorizo paste) and honey toast, a calamari slider and salt cod fritters. We also had a paella onigiri with fried calamari which wasn’t in the picture as it arrived later. The single mother was only $6 as it was happy hour so naturally we ordered that to go with our meal. It’s a yummy drink made from red wine, Southern Comfort, nutmeg, sugar and topped with ginger beer.

And because Surry Hills also has funky stores, check out my cute and floral skull ring that I just bought from Holy Kitsch!

Anyway, we then moved on to Tokonoma because I wanted my friend to try their sake. I was craving for their whiskey with ice cream cocktail but there was no ice cream and so I settled for their beri shu sochu. It’s slightly sweet and tangy and a no brainer choice.

And last, we went to Pizza e Birra. For us it was desert, for my two other friends who joined us at Tokonoma, it was dinner. Food there is pretty good from what I remember before. I liked this really funky lamp. And don’t worry, we shared a bottle of wine here so this was still part of our pub crawl.

And there you go.

On a side note, I find myself suddenly missing The Carrington… Must go back here soon. Not necessarily for a pub crawl, I just want to eat there!

Extremely late lunch at my current local. (Taken with Instagram at The Greengate Hotel)

Hinky Dinks, this 1950’s style bar in Darlinghurst. Loved the whole set up and thought the cocktails were decent. The bar staff though, weren’t that friendly. One in particular was a bit aloof… Must be that hipster vibe. (Taken with instagram)

Mayday Madness at The Starship

I believe in always doing something new, so when my friend told me about a boat party with some dj that was sponsored by the Chinese Laundry, I said I was up for it. Why not, right? The boat turned out to be the sleek and black called The Starship.

We started on the top deck, enjoying the gorgeous sunny day.

Then headed down to the main dance floor just as James Zabiela started his set.

He was, I have to say, pretty amazing. I am not at all familiar with his music but I really liked his set. This is my first time to dance to breakbeat music! And can I mention that he is pretty cute?

The last few songs of his set? Mind blowing. Just mind blowing. He uses this sort of iPad device to amp up his set. I may not be explaining myself well here. But anyway, if there’s a chance to see him, go! He’s not going to play your usual house music that most djs play.

I’m grateful to the Chinese Laundry for organizing such a fun event.

www.starshipsydney.com.au/

http://jameszabiela.com/

Mayday madness at the Starship with James Zabiela. He was pretty awesome! (Taken with instagram)

121 BC, Holt Street, Surry Hills

Yes, here’s another little wine bar that I love. It’s so small that the staff bump into each other behind the bar. But it is cosy as it’s just one long table that goes around the bar. The kitchen is small as well but the food is really good. I loved their buffalo mozzarella with pumpkins and corn.

And this is how it looks as you walk in. I loved the lamp!

We managed to get seats by the bar (not like there were many seats to choose from, we were lucky to get seats actually) and this was our view. All their wines are from Italy. I loved the Veneto, which was a fruity red and just made me smile while I was drinking it.

I’m very keen to go back here and indulge myself with more great wine and yummy food! I wouldn’t recommend a big group though. You’d never get in. It’s just not possible to seat so many people inside! Oh and go early to avoid waiting!

Btw, If you want to know a bit of trivia, 121 BC is supposedly when the first great wine harvest occurred.

http://www.121bc.com.au/

Loving the whiskey cocktails at Baxter Inn! To the left is a whiskey sour that is sweet in the middle. To the right is a whiskey smash. Both drinks were sweet and well balanced. Anyway, happy Anzac day folks! (Taken with instagram)

One of my favorite bars in the Darlinghurst/Surry Hills area. Good cocktails and nice laid back setting. It does get packed on a weekend though. (Taken with Instagram at Low 302)

Well hello there…. And no, that isn’t a naked man in my picture, he’s only half naked. And he’s actually a topless waiter we hired for my friend’s hen’s night at the Sapphire Lounge. I’d been here before and we had topless waiters in our party as well. It was such a good idea, I decided to do the same when it was my turn to be organizer. The guys, aside from being gorgeous and hot, are also quite charming. Not at all sleazy unlike if you went to a studs afloat cruise or something like that.

I love pub food. Paddo Arms is my favorite as of the moment. On top left is spiced crab on grilled bread and on the right is sardines covered in oats. Bottom is a chicken club sandwich. All three were so good! (Taken with instagram)