Top 10 Hot Spots: Sydney, Australia

Posted on August 11, 2012 by bradajohnson

Prosciutto-wrapped figs at Watts on Crown (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

It’s been a wild year for restaurants in Sydney. Some of the city’s best and trendiest—Ad Lib, Berowra Waters Inn, Bird Cow Fish, Aperitif, Cotton Duck, Etch, Manly Pavilion, Smiths on Bayswater, Montpellier Public House, the list goes on—have abruptly shuttered. The critically acclaimed rising star Becasse filed for bankruptcy in June, but for now it’s still standing. The much-hyped, molecular-infused Gastro Park just emerged from a short hiatus. But despite all the upheaval, the dining mood in Sydney is far from glum. In fact it’s quite cheery, mostly because the slew of new restaurants moving in to fill the gaps are more casual—and much more sensibly priced—than those that have shuttered. Here are 10 of the hottest restaurants in Sydney this winter (our summer). Continue reading →

Freycinet, Tasmania: Where to Stay, High and Low

Posted on July 30, 2012 by bradajohnson

Saffire resort in Freycinet, Tasmania, Australia (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

Halfway up the eastern coast of Tasmania, Australia, you’ll find the breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula—a protected national park that dips southeastward into the cold Tasman Sea, forming spectacular bays on either side. Fronting the wild Tasman Sea, you’ll find the legendary Wineglass Bay, renowned for its beaches, the best of which are accessible only by foot. On the island side, there’s the vast Great Oyster Bay, one of Tasmania’s most treasured troves of seafood: Pacific oysters, Angasi oysters, mussels (as big as chihuahuas!), rock lobsters, scallops, abalone, calamari, squid and sea urchins, plus flathead, bream, tuna, mullet, flounder, blue-eye trevalla… It’s a nature lover’s paradise and seafood lover’s dream.

Here are two great options for accommodations (each with terrific cuisine) overlooking Great Oyster Bay (which encompasses the smaller Coles Bay and Honeymoon Bay). Continue reading →

Photo(s) of the Week: Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

Posted on July 10, 2012 by bradajohnson

Stairs to the beach on the Tasman Sea side of the road connecting North and South Bruny Island. (photo by Brad A Johnson)

This is Bruny Island in Tasmania. Gorgeous, isn’t it? Bruny is an island just off the southern tip of Tasmania, accessible only by ferry. The island is divided into North Bruny Island and South Bruny Island, connected by a sliver of land barely wide enough for a road. On one side of the road is the Tasman Sea. On the other side of the road is the Great Bay. At some point, this road connecting north and south will most certainly wash away. More photos after the jump. Continue reading →

Squatting in Australia: What’s Up With The Stools?

Posted on July 6, 2012 by bradajohnson

Tiny plastic stools at Chin Chin in Melbourne (photo by Brad A Johnson)

Hey Australia, what’s up with all those tiny stools? Got something against real chairs?

Here’s a trend I couldn’t help but notice in Australia: tiny stools instead of chairs for the alfresco dining areas at bars and restaurants across the country. I’ve frequently squated on these sorts of stools in Southeast Asia, in dark alleyways and on crowded city sidewalks, where streetfood was being served by plucky owners who couldn’t afford a real brick-and-mortar shop. In cases such as that, the stools made perfect sense. But in rich, modern Australia, these little less-than-knee-high stools are being used in trendy, swanky and often very expensive restaurants and bars in chic, upmarket neighborhoods—inside and out! Continue reading →

Before & After: Andaluz Tapas Bar, Perth, Australia

Posted on June 24, 2012 by bradajohnson

Before: Sardines at Andaluz in Perth, Australia (Photo by Brad A Johnson)

You’re looking at some incredible pan-fried sardines from Andaluz, a sexy little tapas bar in Perth, Australia. This is such a simple, rustic and immensely satisfying dish. This is the “before” shot. And here’s the “after”… Continue reading →

Video of the Month: Australia!

Posted on June 24, 2012 by bradajohnson

I’m in the midst of a four-week tour of Australia, so this gorgeous new ad from Tourism Australia seemed appropriate. The cinematography is stunning. And check out the Asian couple in the ad. I think it’s the same couple that appeared in the Spain tourism ads last year—hilarious, those two really get around. It’s really hard to tell; their cameo is so brief.

Continue reading →

BRAD A. JOHNSON

the blog

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