Coffee in the park (The Little Marionette)

If you love great coffee and you equally enjoy relaxing at the park on a sunny Sydney day, then The Little Marionette is for you! You can order your coffee, grab a rug and head over the road to neighbouring Gladstone Park where the waiters will personally deliver your order to you. Of course if the weather doesn't permit an outdoor experience you can always sit inside the café where a few tables await you. The coffee is top notch, and the salmon and avocado on toast is generously served with a dollop of ricotta and copious amounts of salmon – a great way to start the weekend.

After coffee or brunch you can take in the shopping scene on Darling Street, including two lovely bookstores, homewares and fashion. If you are adventurous on a Saturday or Sunday you can even walk all the way up to the Rozelle Markets, located close to Victoria Road ;-)

What: The Little Marionette
Where: 1A Booth Street, Balmain
When: Monday-Sunday: 6.30am-5.00pm
How: Take the ferry to Balmain East and the 442/444 or 445 bus up to Gladstone Park

Four Frogs Crêperie

Four Frogs, located in leafy Mosman, is the real deal when it comes to authentic French crêpe dining in Sydney! The café opened when four Frenchmen (aka the Four Frogs) decided that the only thing missing from our wonderful city was an authentic French crêperie, and so Four Frogs was born.

Here you will learn the difference between a galette (a savoury crêpe made using buckwheat) and the sweet dessert crêpes that we all know and love. Ask for the nutella and banana one flambée with Grand Marnier...yum! On 14 July, we were even able to savour a crêpe with snails in honour of 'La Fête Nationale' (or Bastille Day to us Aussies). 

This is a great place to come for a casual dining experience with friends or a romantic dinner (just remember to book if you are going on a weekend evening). Oh and another hot tip is to drink cider with your meal, as this is how the French do it!

Santé and bon appétit!

What: Four Frogs Crêperie
Where: 175 Avenue Road, Mosman
When: Monday-Thursday: 7am-5pm, Friday-Saturday: 7am-10pm, Sunday: 7am-5pm
How: Take the ferry to Mosman Bay from Circular Quay, and then stroll up the hill (10 minutes) or catch the bus up to Four Frogs

n.b. You may be rolling, not strolling back down to the ferry, depending on how many crêpes you've eaten ;-)

White Rabbit Gallery

If you're looking for some lovely art and delicious tea of a Sunday afternoon then White Rabbit is for you. This inner city gallery is home to a stunning collection of modern Chinese art, along with a lovely Chinese tea room where asking for a hot water refill is not a problem!

White Rabbit really spare no attention to detail in all they do, as even the restrooms are stocked with lovely Aesop hand wash and moisturiser :) There are also movie screenings of Chinese-related films on Sunday arvos, and no visit is complete without a trip to the charming gift store, where you can pick up fun gifts and gadgets for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

I will definitely be back for White Rabbit's second installation of 2013, opening in September!

What: White Rabbit Gallery & Teahouse
Where: 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale
When: Thursday-Sunday: 10am-6pm
How: A short walk from Central Station

Desayuno in the Hills

Ah...avocado on toast. Such a simple classic, yet Reuben Hills seem to really make it a special treat. On Sunday, mine was served with a caremelised half lime on the side to drizzle on top and plenty of sea salt to sprinkle. This is just one of the many delights on offer at South American/Spanish fusion brunch spot Reuben Hills. I would also recommend the baked eggs which are spiced to delicious perfection and served with either jamon or goats curd.

Of course the coffee is to die for, but for non coffee lovers with a sweet tooth you'd be well advised to try Reuben's salted caramel shake.

Then there is the doggs breakfast for dessert. Order it. That is all I have to say! 

You may have to put your name on a wait list but if it's a sunny Saturday or Sunday this won't seem to matter as you watch the residents of Sydney's trendy Surry Hills stroll on by. 

¡Buen Apetito! 

What: Reuben Hills

Where: 61 Albion St Surry Hills 2010

When: Monday-Saturday: 7am-4pm, Sunday: 8am-4pm

How: A 10-minute stroll from the Eddy Ave exit of Central Station

Le French Touch

Having returned to Sydney a year ago after almost four years spent living in France, I often have a longing to speak and hear the French language, and I was not disappointed when I brunched this morning at Sur Bourke in Darlinghurst. This delightful little café is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, although centrally located a stone's throw away from Taylor Square.

My friend and I enjoyed a delicious meal of sourdough topped with ricotta, smoked salmon and avocado, and although this in itself doesn't seem particularly French the café does serve sweet treats such as canelés – a traditional French dessert from Bordeaux – and macarons (among others).

There are also some really cute touches to the décor including hanging berets and bicycles, and the staff is charming to top it all off!

What: Sur Bourke Espresso Bar

Where: 266 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst

When: Monday-Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday: 8am-4pm, Sunday: 9am-2pm

How: A 15 to 20-minute stroll through Hyde Park from Town Hall Station or a 5-minute walk from Taylor Square

A cocktail with a (stunning) view!

Whenever I have guests in town I love taking them to O Bar, a revolving bar on the 47th floor of the Australia Square building. Now before I hear you say 'a revolving bar, that sounds a bit tacky!', the O Bar is anything but! Sit back and sip on your Pink Caipirinha or Long Lychee and nibble on some Wagyu Beef sliders or edamame beans, whilst you marvel at the delightful city skyline. A hint is to go in summer, just before sunset, and that way you will see day turn to night on lovely Sydney. Cheers to that!

What: O Bar and Dining

Where: Level 47 Australia Square 264 George Street Sydney 2000

When: The Bar is open 7 nights from 5pm until late and Weds to Fri lunch from 12pm

How: A 3-minute walk from Wynyard Train Station or a 7-minute walk from Circular Quay

Secret city garden

Today I want to write about Café Dov in Potts Point, where yesterday I ate yummy corn fritters with egg, smoked salmon, spinach and tomato relish, and all this at 1pm (I do love a good late brunch on the weekend!). I've had the pleasure of eating at this establishment for both brunch and dinner, and each time I have been treated to a scrumptious meal. The ricotta pancakes with strawberries, berry compote and maple syrup also come highly recommended. And for those looking for a little bit of Paris in Sydney, Café Dov even offer the choice of a croque monsieur or a croque madame :)

This delightful café also has another feature: its own fresh produce garden growing various herbs, strawberries, cucumbers and more. I'm loving this new trend of Sydney restaurateurs growing some of their produce to use on their menus and to make their outdoor dining areas more ambient (I also highly recommend The Grounds of Alexandria for another café/garden experience, but I'll save that for another post!). 

What: Café Dov Potts Point

Where: 130 Victoria Street, Potts Point

When: Monday, 7am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-11pm, Sunday, 8am-3pm

How: Around a 5-minute walk from Kings Cross train station