Sydney Life

Someone once told me that you know you are truly great friends with someone if you can enjoy each other’s silence. While this may be true, I find that I am truly great friends with someone if we share a passion for food! My friend Camilla and I love icecream; my friend Bec and I will traverse Sydney for the best banana bread and my friend Kash and I are the unofficial (and self-appointed) Presidents of the Ogalo’s Fan Club.

Being at uni has only exposed me to new friends, and thus, new food. One of my favourite things to do at uni, to take a break from studying, is to explore the eat streets of Sydney and have some fab food! And since Brendon has regaled you with tales of his UAI chart busters (and also because my dream job is to write for Gourmet Traveller) here is my guide to the best food in and around campus.

BEST THAI – Thai Times 9, King St Newtown
At just $6.50 for any lunchtime meal, this is a favourite amongst my mates.

BEST SUSHI – Sushi-Ya, Parramatta Rd, Camperdown
One word: yum. Gary, the owner, is always suggesting new varieties to me, but I can’t go past the fresh salmon and vegetable rolls.

BEST BAKERY – Sonoma Bakehouse, Glebe Point Road, Glebe
I am a huge fan of sourdough bread, and since I discovered this little treasure my joy has not ceased. Plus, it’s opposite Foley Park, so you can hang out there whilst sipping your coffee and munching on your freshly baked sourdough toast!!

BEST SANDWICHES – Little Devil’s Bakery, Parramatta Rd, Broadway
I don’t know what they put in these sandwiches, but by God, they are good! Unfortunately, once you have finished eating, all you want to do is go back for more! My friends and I sometimes grab a roll, and head across to Victoria Park to relax after the morning’s lectures.

BEST STEAK – Landsdowne Hotel, cnr City Rd and Parramatta Rd, Camperdown
Thursdays are incomplete without the requisite $5 steak from the good old Landsdowne. With the best mushroom sauce in the world, this is not to be missed.

BEST PIZZA – Ice’n’Slice, King St Newtown
This little gem is a favourite because not only does it serve great pizza, it also serves home-made gelato. Worth the trek.

BEST SWEET TREATS – Jean-Marc’s Petit Patisserie
There are certain people in my life to whom I owe eternal thanks. There are the obvious candidates: parents, teachers etc. Then there is my friend Matt, who introduced me to Jean-Marc, who is Sydney’s Willy Wonka of baked goods. Chocolate torte tatin, almond croissants, beignets (New Orleans doughnuts) and my personal favourite, pistachio and raspberry puddings. No need to go to heaven – it’s a quick jaunt to Jean-Marc’s!

BEST BREKKIE – Manning House, Level 2, Manning Rd (on campus)
After a big night hitting the books (or the town) a hearty breakfast is a must. For just $5 the lovely Manning staff provide you with the most important meal of the day: bacon, eggs, tomato, sausages, toast, baked beans and a cup of tea or coffee! Double thumbs up!