BMZ

The big green "O" is found amongst a popular cafe row on Crown Street. It is worth observing the sidewalk flow to see how this place sets itself apart with a enthusiastic set of regulars. The chef is working some magic here with hearty, spicy meals that so happen to be free from the bad stuff. I've been enjoying the soups this winter which are substantial. I also like the range of salads and take-away options at the front counter and some grocery items as well. Keep reading »

Serious stationary voyeurs find this shop tucked humbly into South Dowling Street near the arts school. The store has a nice vintage vibe. The owner, Jo, has amassed a treasure chest of papers, prints, ribbons, and clips.  The handmade letterpress envelopes are my new favourite gift.  Jo also does a range of made-to-order invitations and paper design.

The proprietors of Edgecliff Laundrette get the job done well, for a decent price, and on time. Also, they have generous opening hours so you don’t feel like your clothes languish away in drycleaners’ captivity. For environmental reasons I wish they didn’t return things in plastic bags, but that’s really an issue with the industry at large. Alternatives anyone?

While strolling down Crown Street it's worth a peek into CSF. They feature contemporary designers with a specialty in fabrics. The mix is broad without being unwieldy. It's the unlikely pairings they suggest that I appreciate most. And, if you are searching for a gift for someone who has everything, the guys here have always been a wellspring of ideas.

Yoga is a lot about balance and this studio gets it right. They are a short walk from Central and the studio space is large but seems intimate. It's a heated studio but not stifling. They offer many different types of classes and levels: vinyasa yoga, meditation, yoga teacher training, workshops and retreats. I'm especially a fan of classes by Nicole and Andrew. The owners Philip and Nicole also have a growing community of top international teachers they invite to their studio in Sydney. Keep reading »

When one of the weekly chores becomes an outing, you know that there is some good customer service happening. Thomas Dux is one of those places where you get hungry just strolling the aisles. You can suddenly and irrationally become an audacious menu planner, inspired by the ideas and lured by the fancy condiments. The prices are highly variable with some basics not any more expensive than other alternatives while other products seem to carry a heavy lux-dux tax. Given the friendly counter service, the beautiful fresh produce, and the manageable size, I'm a fan of T. Dux. Keep reading »

My weekly delivery of fresh fruit and veg from Lettuce Deliver makes me smile. The company manages to pack a box full of seasonal produce from local farmers every week and bring it to my door for $40. The box also comes with a weekly letter with updates on farmers, weather, and folksy tips about how to get the most flavour from the assortment. They also differentiate between the various types of organic certifications – a minefield to be sure – though frankly I order the produce not for its certification but because it does taste better than the stuff on offer at Coles or Woolies. Keep reading »

If you are lucky and it's not busy, the people in the shop take the time to help you find apps, teach you about wi-fi and other tips for downloading, and are nice. They have a good iPhone plan that includes a free phone.  BUT if you go with the iPhone plan, you may want to opt for insurance because if it gets lost of stolen you are buying a brand new full-priced handset with no discounts.

I like my bank. Call me crazy, but Westpac works for me. I like that Gail Kelly is at the forefront. I believe she stands for folks like me. They have good rates, good mortgage packages, and you can often get them on the phone. It's not bad. Props to Westpac.

You cannot avoid the Flying Kangaroo when taking to the air to reach some parts of Australia. And, that’s not all bad. Qantas tries to improve its service to passengers through upgraded entertainment systems, Marc Newsom designs, and cuisine that features good Aussie food and wines. However, they still operate like an old style airline and charge a premium. I’ve enjoyed their trans-Pacific service, but confess that I look forward to sampling in-flight services on new competitors on these routes. And I wouldn't mind if they offered some better fare deals...