After The Fog
Tuesday May 28th
Woke up to a fog so thick we couldn’t see past our windows. We claimed it to be “the fog that took away the harbour”. Fog outside calls for lounging inside, and that we did. Since it is still Monday night on the East Coast Mike technically had work conference calls, but Monday May 27th was Memorial Day in the States so no call for Mike.
Sydney Harbour Bridge from the Apartment
I heard tall tales about Sausage Rolls and had my heart set on one for lunch. I found La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie in The Rocks. It was a short walk from the apartment north on Kent Street to the most delicious croissant I have ever had, and inside that croissant was tender pork and veal with spices. I didn’t think there could be anything better. Then we spied the Ham and Cheese Croissant. It was so stuffed with ham and cheese and some type of amazing sauce that it was spilling out. After that was quickly inhaled we made our way back to the desserts where there were just too many to choose from. I was going to split off from the group and decided my dessert would be a pint at the next place I stumble upon.
I found the Orient Hotel, a Sydney Landmark since 1844. You gotta love anyplace that has a “public bar”. I ordered up a Pure Blonde Premium and picked a seat by the window so I could view both the activity on the water and in the streets. With such a great location I can see how this place is “The Pub that Rocks The Rocks!” One thing I love about the tables in the bar is that they have little shelves underneath to put your belongings. Genius! Of course as I look around no one is putting there things there, including me. Maybe I could start a trend.
I just love when I’m strolling down George Street and I find the Fortune of War, Since 1828, Licensed to Retail Fermented & Spirituous Liquors, Hotelier License No. 102380, Robert John Keyes. I guess it was or is a hotel and bar. I’m in the bar now and I’m sure you can imagine on Tuesday at 1:49pm I’m the only female in the joint. I certainly don’t care, but they might, and that makes me care even less. It is a cute little place and it is really old. Just the type of place I love. This will be a repeat activity. New Beers Discovered: James Squire Orchard Crush Apple Cider and James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale.
We had dinner in Chinatown at Mamak and it was excellent. We got three different rotis, fried chicken that should make the Colonel nervous, and beef satay. We had so many plates of food we had no room on the table to actually put our eating plates. But don’t worry, we blew threw it all dish by dish and soon there was an empty table again.
We then took our full bellies for a walk to Darling Harbour to see the Vivid Lights.
I branched off to do trivia at Margaritaville. Yes, there is a Margaritaville in Sydney…along with a Hard Rock Cafe. It was quite tricky because the questions were so much more international than I’m used to. I did pretty well at music, sports and tv. I’m sure no one is surprised those are the categories in which I excelled. Mike met up with me and we strolled over to a “pop-up bar” they had temporarily for the Vivid show. Beers in hand we enjoyed the 10 minute light, music and water show. For some reason I am always surprised when I hear US music in OZ – everything from AC/DC to Whitesnake to fun. to Beyonce. We had a night cap at Tokio and caught the last coupla songs from a hip local band. I wish they could have played longer and I wish I wasn’t so tired.
We called it a night and started the brisk walk home.
Mike is taking the day off on Thursday so I’m sure big fun is around the corner!
K. Dana Morris 