American style cafes and restaurants in Sydney

If you are looking for an American themed dining experience in Sydney, you actually have quite a few options to pick from. From American style diners to Southern California bars, there is bound to be something from this list for you.

1. So Cal, Sydney

Southern California is famous for its Mexican food and you can experience it too in Neutral Bay at So Cal Sydney. They are a share-style street food bar that features all your Latin American favourites. Lets great straight to the tacos, you can select from grilled fish, crumbed prawn, soft shell crab, house-smoked pork or mushroom and there is a large selection of share dishes to pair it with. You will also find quesadillas if that is more your thing and to top it off churros for dessert! They also host Taco Tuesday, Happy Hour and a Bottomless Rose Lunch.

2. Surly’s, Darlinghurst

Surly’s is everyone’s favourite all-american tavern and offers an authentic taste of Nashville. On the menu you will find fried chicken, brisket, wings, burgers, fries and more, they do consider themselves ‘home of the brisket’. If you attend on a Thursday, you will be able to get 1kg of wings and a schooner for $20! They also have the Ultimate BBQ Platter that serves four people for $120 or your own individual platter for $50.

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3. Delicious Desserts, Windsor

If you are ever craving the Dole Pineapple Soft-serve from Hawaii or Disneyland, you can also find it out in Windsor, about 60kms from the Sydney CBD. They also have many other flavours to pick from and they have a ‘Friends’ themed seating area with the famous couch! You can also get some popular American candies here too as well as merchandise.

4. Karen’s Diner, Sydney

If you love a good American-style burgers then Karen’s Diner is the place for you. The menu consists of chicken wings, burgers and signature cocktails. This isn’t you usual American diner when it comes too the service though. It is an interactive experience, you can complain all you want to the staff and they will give it right back to you (just like your typical Karen). You also get a free drink if your name is Karen!

5. Bernies Diner, Moss Vale

Now this one requires a bit of a road trip, however it is worth it! The diner looks like your typical art deco american diner from the 1950’s, which is great for your Instagram pics! On the menu you will find burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, sundaes, shakes and hot drinks. You will also find donuts which is a must on any American inspired menu!

Let us know if you decide to try any of the american inspired cafes and restaurants mentioned above!

Have you seen our latest blog on our top recommendations for pancakes in Sydney?

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Top 5 doughnut places in Sydney that deliver

Since lockdown has started, we have felt more of an urge to indulge in the finer things in life… dessert, more specifically doughnuts. Now the doughnuts from your local grocery store are decent but probably not the best, so we went on a quest to find the best doughnut places in Sydney that deliver. Find our list below!

If worse comes to worse and you can’t find a place that delivers to you, you can always make your own right? Here are some moulds and a recipe book 😉

1. Grumpy Donuts

Grumpy Donuts are based in Camperdown and have all your classic donut flavours. You’ll find your vanilla glaze, the famous strawberry or chocolate ‘Somer Himpson’, maple, salted caramel and banana and a few others. Their individual donuts cost between $5-6 each or you can get a 6 pack for $32. If you don’t feel like a full one, they also sell the holes of the doughnuts with cinnamon! And lastly vegan doughnuts are also available.

2. Rude Boy Doughnuts

Located in Surry Hills you will find Rude Boy Doughnuts, they do both pick up and delivery. We love the sound of their ‘Filled Boy’ doughnuts where you can select from 8 different options to fill your doughnut with. This includes grape jelly, cherry and strawberry jam, raspberry jam, vanilla custard, chocolate ganache, lemon curd or salted coconut caramel. All these options make it such a hard decision but we love it!

3. Down For Donuts Sydney

Down for Donuts Sydney are located in Guildford West and deliver Sydney-wide or you can pick up if you are nearby. Most of their doughnuts are not your usual round shape, however they look delicious and well worth a try. Some of their flavours include milo, Lotus Biscoff, jam, custard and Nutella. They also have DIY kits to decorate your own doughnuts, perfect for the kids!

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4. Drip Donuts

Drip Donuts can be found in Camden, Newtown and Sydney, they offer both pick up and delivery and they sometimes pick locations with high order numbers to do drop offs. They have some amazing flavours including Snickers, triple malt and passionfruit. We love the idea of the cinnamon doughnut nuggets too, which looks like it is the doughnut holes.

5. Shortstop Coffee & Donuts

Shortstop Coffee and Donuts are based in Darling Square and Barangaroo and you can pre-order for delivery to your door. They have some really interesting flavours including earl grey and rose cake, triple matcha cake, Australian honey and sea salt and many more. Most of their doughnuts are around the $5 mark and they have a box of 12 for $64.

Do you have any other doughnut delivery services that deserve a mention? If you do, leave their name in the comments below.

Have you seen our latest blog on Kerbside Creamery?

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Can you recycle cling wrap?

You would be surprised how often people search, ‘can you recycle cling wrap?’. Yes is it plastic, however, due to it being a soft plastic it cannot be sorted at a recycling facility. It sits in landfill for yeas while it ever so slowly breaks down. We often think about the negative impact we have had using cling wraps and sandwich bags until recently when Compostic reached out to us. They have a new range of cling wraps and sandwich bags that are better for the environment.

Now Compostic isn’t recyclable either, but is it compostable and should break down within 12-24 weeks. For those that do not have a compost – good news also, the Compostic products decompose quicker than regular plastic at your commercial rubbish landfill.

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They are also freezer safe, microwave safe and worm bin safe so basically they’re safe in every situation. There is also no cutter in the cling wrap box, but do not worry – they have all been pre-cut to the size of a dinner plate so there is no waste.

We also love the green packaging, it reminds you that you are doing something better for the environment and you can easily distinguish it from regular cling wrap and bags.

The only down side we have experienced after a few uses is that is does tear more easily then regular cling wrap but if you are careful it should not be a problem. We think this small issue does not out way the good you are doing for the environment.

Let us know if you have tried these products or if you know of any other similar brands.

Have you seen our latest blog on bars outside Sydney’s CBD?

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Bars outside Sydney’s CBD

Now that we have arrived in Winter, we like to avoid venturing out too far in the night. The cold just isn’t worth the trip into Sydney’s CBD to visit the bars in there. We’ve done a bit of research to assist you staying warm and found bars all over the suburbs. Maybe your next bar trip will be just round the corner?

1. Hendriks, Crows Nest

Hendriks, located in Crows Nest is a small bar with a huge wine list (100 bottles to choose from). For those on the lower north shore, if you can’t find a wine you enjoy here – we can’t help you haha! We have heard the highlight of this bar isn’t the wine list though, but instead it is their Jaffles. They are giant and come in flavours including mushroom, cheese, beef, chicken and even a Nutella one for dessert!

2. Una Mas, Coogee

If you enjoy tapas and wine, Una Mas at Coogee is the place for you. It is inside Coogee Pavilion, right off the famous beach. You’ll find some unique Spanish and Australian dishes here plus an array of cocktails and affordable wines. We are eyeing off the octopus with fermented chilli (which we can’t find a picture of but it sounds good on the menu)!

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3. Sake Restaurant and Bar, Manly

If looking over the water and eating Japanese food is your style, this is the place for you. For those on the Northern Beaches – if you thought the 100 bottle wine list previously mentioned was a lot, it has been outdone by Sake with a list of 150 bottles! They also have $10 spritzes during certain hours on weekdays.

4. Pickled Bear, Bella Vista

The Pickled Bear, located in Sydney’s Hills District, is the perfect local bar if you like cheese boards and meat. There are some great cocktails on this menu, we are having trouble deciding which one we could pick. We do know what we would choose to eat though – The Charcuterie Plate! We would recommend you book an inside table to stay extra warm haha.

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5. Mr Watkins, Penrith

And lastly, we have Penrith who host Mr Watkins Bar. You’ll find hotdogs and a great wine list ready for you 6 days a week. They also have trivia night one day per week (currently on Tuesdays). With Penrith being about 40kms from Sydney’s CBD this means you can save so much time on transport and spend more time being warm!

We hope you have found a new local bar to visit during these colder months!

Have you seen our latest blog on the new US diner in Marrickville?

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Sydney’s restaurants in the Crown

Over the past few years, if you’ve driven into Sydney’s CBD, you have definitely seen the construction of the Crown Tower. Now that they are open for business, there are 11 new restaurants and bars you can try, all in the heart of the city.

1. Nobu

If you know your international dining, Nobu is a big deal and has even had praise in the Michelin Guide. This is fine dining at its best, with world-class wines, local produce and Japanese tradition. To top it off, you have beautiful views from straight out over Sydney Harbour in a stylishly designed restaurant.

Photography – Crown Sydney

2. Epicurean

One of the Crown’s all day dining options is Epicurean. This restaurant’s menu features dishes from across the globe with many varying cuisines to select from. The menu here will change as Australia’s seasonal produce goes through the year. And we have heard there is a decent dessert bar to complete your dining experience.

3. TWR

TWR stands for The Waiting Room and is your typical hotel bar. If you’re looking for cocktails, spirits or a vintage champagne this is the place for you. For those of you who work in the CBD, this would be the perfect location to unwind and socialise after a long day in the office. They also have a small food menu here as well, including oysters and club sandwiches.

Photography – Crown Sydney

4. a’Mare Restaurant

Another Crown restaurant in Sydney is a’Mare. Another changing menu (don’t get too hooked on your favourite dish) includes seasonal Italian produce and simple ingredients that showcases a time when food was ‘simply delicious’. This will be your new go to traditional Italian restaurant.

5. Woodcut

Of course the Crown were also going to include a Modern Australian dining experience. The name Woodcut comes from the traditional methods of cooking and simply cooked dishes. They claim that this is an experience that cannot be replicated and will be a one of a kind dining experience for visitors.

Photography – Crown Sydney

6. Silks Restaurant

Included in their range of restaurants is Silks, a Chinese fine dining experience. At lunch time, you’ll be able to enjoy the Yum Cha menu and for dinner, they offer an à la carte menu. The restaurant is designed to look like a Chinese mansion with stunning views over the city. Some of the images of the dim sims here look amazing – we haven’t seen anything like it.

7. CIRQ

If you’re after panoramic views of Sydney, this is the terrace bar you must come to. On floor 26, you will find indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy a drink with a stunning view. Similar to the other bar, you will find fine wines and cocktails with a native twist. There is also a food menu here, with tapas style dishes to share.

Photography – Crown Sydney

8. The Tea House

If you’re looking for a cocktail bar, you will find The Tea House amongst the Crown restaurants in Sydney. Here you will find bespoke cocktails and the best the globe has to offer in champagne. The food menu includes sweet and savoury Asian dishes for you to enjoy. The decor in this cocktail bar is amazing and really gives you that luxury feel.

9. Youshii’s Omakase

Now we are getting really fancy. This is a 10 seat private dining experience in Nobu. Youshii is known as one of the leading sushi masters in Australia. You’ll also get to watch him craft the food right in front of you. With fresh seafood and a sushi master in charge this will be a one of a kind experience – especially for a sushi enthusiast.

10. 88 Noodle

If you love hot pot and Chinese, 88 Noodle is calling your name. You will find traditional dishes from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia on this menu and plenty of noodles. 88 Noodle has an open kitchen so you can view the chef in his element and watch as you order comes to life. I can imagine the smell in here would be amazing.

Photography – Crown Sydney

11. Il Caffé

With the boarders shut in Australia, if you are missing all the traditional cafes you would usually find in Italy, this will be the place for you. The menu includes a range of breakfast and lunch classics – all fresh and full of flavour. They also have homemade gelato which you will definitely find us at during the warmer months. This is also more of a casual experience compared to all the Crown restaurants we listed above and perfect for the family.

If you’re not a wine or champagne expert, it might be wise to do some reading up on what’s what before you enter these restaurants which may have an overwhelming selection to pick from. We would recommend The Essential Guide to Wine.

Have you seen our latest blog on the best restaurants in Airlie Beach?

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Mother’s Day High Tea 2021

We’ve found in previous years, We’ve needed to organise and book our Mother’s Day well in advance otherwise we end up getting a bad table or miss out completely. So, to help you out, we have created a list of our top high tea spots for Mother’s Day.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay

If you’re wanting to stay central to the Sydney CBD, Stir Stamford at Circular Quay is the place to be. They have already put their Mother’s Day 2021 high tea event online, so you can book in and get the best seats sorted now.

Sunday 9 May 2021 
11.00 am – 2.00 pm or 12.00 noon – 3.00 pm
$89 per person 
$55 per child (5 – 12 years) 

What will you find on the menu? Traditional scones with jam and cream, sandwiches, sweet and savoury items. You can check out the whole menu on their website, but we think we would look most forward to the ‘Chicken Avocado Lemon & Tarragon on Brioche’ and the ‘Assorted French Macarons’.

Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath

You can’t beat the views at the Hydro Majestic as you look over the Megalong Valley. This place has so much history and is a beautiful location to spend Mother’s Day enjoying your high tea with mum.

Sunday May 9 2021
Their website currently doesn’t have any information available for Mother’s Day, other than it’s coming soon. When we have gone in previous years, for Mother’s day, they usually only have the Luxurious High Tea that’s $89 per person.

Their Wintergarden offers a premium afternoon high tea with a flute of French Champagne. Hopefully by the time you read this, they will have uploaded some more information on their website for Mother’s Day.

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Crowne Plaza, Terrigal Pacific

If the beach is more your style then the Crowne Plaza at Terrigal Beach would be your best bet. You can enjoy a high tea with your mum and take in the beautiful ocean views. Their Mother’s Day high tea is online already as well, and you are able to book in now.

Sunday 9 May 2021
1.00pm – 3.00pm
$72.00 per adult
$35.00 per child (3- 12 years)

Your high tea will be served on a traditional tower and come with a range of delicacies and delights. The price also includes beverages including sparkling wine, wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee. You can find their full menu on their website, but we would be most looking forward to the ‘Chicken and Leek Pie’ or the ‘Pecan and Palm Treacle Cheesecake’.

Tocal Homestead, Paterson

Are you thinking a road trip may be more what you are after, Tocal Homestead is about 2 hours from Sydney, near Newcastle. This venue is stunning and won’t disappoint, especially if you love nature.

Sunday 9 May 2021
There isn’t any prices online for Tocal Homestead, but there is a phone number to contact if you are interested.

The high-tea is being organise by then on-site caterers and will be a decadent and substantial high tea to create a memorable occasion. Their service includes an array of savoury morsels, sweet treats and fresh scones, your choice of tea and also bar service, which is available on request.

The Langham, Millers Point

For a classy English experience, you can’t go past The Langham in Millers Point. They have an afternoon tea with Wedgewood experience. It is known as the birthplace of the traditional afternoon tea – from their London flagship location.

Sunday May 9 2021
They haven’t put their Mother’s Day event up yet, but usually their pricing is:
$98 with a glass of Sparkling
$113 with a glass of Champagne
$49 for under 12

This would be one of our favourite high tea experiences. The staff here are lovely and they have a tea we have not been able to find anywhere else, the Irish Whisky. Hopefully they also upload some more information to their website shortly – so keep your eye out for that.

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We hope you can enjoy your Mother’s Day with whom you decide to celebrate it with. Have you bought your mum a present yet? We’ve been eyeing off these bath bombs, and there is enough for us to steal some from mum haha!

Have you seen our latest blog on a morning in Berry NSW?

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If you’re allergic to everything, here are the best places to dine in Sydney

Allergies and intolerances in food seem to be a growing concern especially among our youth. While there isn’t much you can do about fixing the problem you can certainly avoid consuming what makes us sick. Here is where we would eat out throughout the day, if we had some of the most common allergies/intolerances.

Breakfast

Youeni – You’ll be able to find Youeni in Surry Hills near the CBD or Castle Hill in the North West. Youeni has been around for many years and is definitely a place we should all visit, whether we are allergic to everything or not. The meals are super fresh and healthy and they also cater for vegan, keto and high protein diets. Their menu seems to be easy to modify and no dirty looks seem to come your way when you need to change something for your health!

Lunch

Belmonte Italian – You’ll find this place in the Sydney North West suburb of Baulkham Hills. This place reminds us of our grandma’s home cooked meals and it has such a lovely vibe about the place – the staff are great. We’ve watched this place more recently become very vegan friendly, with the option to change menu items easily if needed. Of course, being Italian, they also have all your gluten-free needs solved as well. As mentioned, the staff here are lovely and if you had any special requirements (that they haven’t already sorted out for you on the menu) I’m sure they will happily sort it out.

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Dinner

Mark & Vinnys – You’ll find these guys in Surry Hills – they’ve been around for quite a few years now. You’ll probably recognise them from their bright coloured pastas and extensive vegan options on the menu. If spaghetti and spritz is your sort of thing, this is the perfect place. Their menu is super clear to let you know whether items are vegan or not, and of course, you can swap to gluten-free pasta. The cocktails are divine here too!

Dessert

Nutie Donuts – Doughnuts are our sweet spot, so an allergy/intolerance-free version of them is a must. You’ll find Nutie Donuts in the inner west suburb of Balmain. When your sweet tooth starts kicking in, you’ll be able to find gluten-free and dairy-free options ready to go. I’d recommend the famous cinnamon donut but there are so many delicious options to choose from.

And lastly, there is always the option to just stay in and be safe with your own cooking. If you’re struggling to to find some good recipes for your allergy/intolerance, we’d recommend The Allergy-Free Cookbook.

We hope this blog helped you out. It looks like more and more places starting to factor in allergy and intolerances into their menus but we still have a long way to go! Let us know if you go to any of the above places or if you have any other recommendations.

If you’re wanting to understand more about allergies, there’s a great book about it called Allergy Epidemic, where they discuss the practical side of dealing with serious allergies and how you stay safe!

Have you seen our latest blog on our visit to Italian Street Kitchen?

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