A Sydney Visit

Did you all enjoy a nice long weekend? Mine was filled with a little chance and surprise, some wandering in the rain and an excessive degree of lazing and grazing. You see, I went on a little trip, myself. A trip to Sydney.

As I mentioned in my previous post, my husband, Ben, is currently working in Sydney for three months. Originally I was rather stubborn (who, me?) in proclaiming I would not visit, preferring to save my pennies for the USA leg of our upcoming adventure. That all changed when I found terribly cheap airfares - return for $89, how could I possibly say no? I couldn’t. And so I allowed myself to have a wonderfully long weekend in Sydney with my husband, the rain, my book and a happy, peaceful mind.

Let me share some Sydney snaps with you...

I had a few hours to while away after arriving Thursday afternoon, and so I headed

to Klink. Here I spent a lovely couple of hours sipping on a latte and munching on one of my homemade cookies, unabashedly breaking into the stash I made for the boys and my brother (who drove me to the airport).

These cappuccino cookies are all sugar, all butter, all true cookie goodness. I got the cookie buzz good that afternoon and tore through quite a few pages of my book.

Early evening the boys helped me to surprise Ben at dinner. His sweet astonishment was heartwarming, as was his I-miss-you-so-much-we've-only-been-apart-for-two-weeks-not-even-that-long-get-a-grip-seriously embrace. Magic.

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The next day, while the boys were at work, I walked to Alexandria for breakfast at

The Grounds of Alexandria. I have long heard about this "Grounds" place, having seen many instagram pictures of deliciousness from local ladies and gents, and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Plus, “The Grounds” sounded like the perfect place to spend a few lazy hours after a keen morning walk.

Later on I visited The Book Kitchen for a spot of tea. The mint, lavender and fennel blend took my fancy, and so I sat and sipped while reading Whole Larder Love, a book which I wholly adore.

I then decided that Messina Gelato would be the perfect lunch, and devoured a lovely cone with peach melba and chocolate fondant.

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Saturday morning, Australia Day, we rolled out of bed, sore from a night of dancing and patrón - not in that order - and headed to Everleigh Farmers Market. A market breakfast was in order.

The smell of farm-fresh eggs and bacon sleeping on the grill, smushed (truly, there is no other word to describe this assembly) between a soft white roll with a generous spread of relish is like. no. other. An egg and bacon roll, plus an apple, carrot and ginger juice was just the ticket on this morning.

Ben enjoyed his organic lemonade, 'twas zingy and refreshing. His steak sandwich was scrumptious also.

The rest of the day was spent lazing on the couch sipping restorative tea. And cookies, more cookies. I had also made and brought up these bites for the boys, a nut + seed cookie to balance all that sugar and butter. This time I added a keen amount of espresso powder and cinnamon to the mix. I am, quite clearly, addicted.

Roast lamb for dinner was a delicious obligation on Australia Day.

Cheese, crackers, olives and roasted mushrooms with goats cheese and prosciutto to start. Smoked cheddar...that's all I need to say. I also made some raspberry vanilla lemonade which we proceeded to sip for the next few days.

Then we all tucked into slow-roasted lamb shoulder with Jamie Oliver's perfect roast potatoes, roasted carrots and green beans.

Cookie ice-cream sandwiches for dessert. Cookies. Everywhere.

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Sunday morning prompted another visit to The Grounds, where Ben and I shared trout with cucumber and egg, and ham hock with peas, preserved lemon and parmesan. It was perfection, so very wonderful and wholesome. As a side note, I need the kitchen at The Grounds, all of it. It's huge and white and open and glorious.

Lazing back to Paddington, Ben and I spent a rainy day watching Harry Potter and eating Sonoma Bakery goodies for lunch (love this place). Rainy Sundays are for lazing, movies, bakeries and little more.

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Monday morning I was on my own again, and so I spent another lazy morning at a cafe. We're sensing a theme here, aren't we? Lazing and grazing...Absolutely.

On this morning I visited Bill's for a green juice and brown rice porridge with sweet miso, mango and coconut yoghurt. I'd woken up with a cold and this meal was perfection - wholly nourishing. Followed by a latte and more reading, naturally.

Later on I met two gorgeous ladies, Hannah and Laura, for a gelato date. This drizzly, mild day in January did not cry for chilled midday scoops, nevertheless we fought against instinct and indulged anyway. Persuasion wasn't really necessary though, was it, ladies? I so appreciate you two for coming to meet me in the rain. On this occasion I chose salted coconut with mango and my beloved pistachio, not before trying a few tastes of other superb flavours, of course.

After our date, I walked home in the rain (Laura I should have grabbed that lift!!), got completely saturated, abruptly bought a pair of boots from Country Road, went home, showered and read in bed wearing said boots. It was snug and indulgent and awesome.

Ben came home soon after and we hung out, spending our last night together in Sydney just beingtogether, lazing and grazing.

Heidi xo

Sydney Notes from a Melbourne Girl.

Be sure, I am absolutely not in the loop with Sydney eats. On this visit I frequented some places more than once and found a few new gems. I shall now list my favourites (including those I discovered during a visit last September). These are a tiny portion of what Sydney has to offer and are no doubt solely the popular, tourist spots. Recommendations for future visits are very welcome in the comments.

Sonoma Bakery (I'm still dreaming of that morning bun I didn't get to try...)
Bourke St Bakery 
The Grounds of Alexandria 
The Book Kitchen 
Bill's (though I prefer the food at The Grounds. Bill's is nice and bright, though rather pricey and touristy). 
Reuben Hills I've also been told I should have tried this spot, darn it. I trust this friend and his food brain, so surely it's delicious here.
KlinkChiswick
Sean's Panaroma
Bentley Bar - I have not visited, myself, but my good friend recommended this place and she is exceptional in taste and general fabulousness.
Messina Gelato