REVIEWS (of everything and anything)
Music: Pink - Feel Good Time

Yeah writing out my reviews of some of the places I've been to and things I did in Sydney in the past couple of weeks. This would remind me of why my bank account is thinning so rapidly and I guess such reviews might ensure that I do not the same mistakes again.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS
You might like it (if your weird)
Go when all else fails. NOT BAD
You had better do/buy/eat/watch this! SOON
Oh my gawd! STOP reading and DO IT ALREADY!


1. Vertigo @ COHI BAR (Harbourside)
This cocktail comprising of watermelon juice, blueberries, citrus vodka, frangelico and generous slices of lime is UGLY, physically. BUT it is one of the most yummy drink I've ever had. Casual chic settings plus great view of Darling Harbour, I'm giving it 4 out of 5 trolls. Price: $12 a pop.


2. Sushi Glebe
I hate Japanese eateries run by Koreans. It's not authentic and oh so pathetic. Please stick to what you are best with. Imagine being served Japanese food on a ceramic plate ... yikes



3. Don Don (Oxford St)
Wholesome Japanese food (lotsa starch and carbs), authentic taste and reasonable prices. They also don't charge for their green teas, unlike Ippon Sushi at Chinatown. But tables can be hard to get on weekends.


4. Frank Pizza on Parramatta Road (Camperdown)
Unbelievably cheap prices for authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, gelatos and coffee. Getting there is abit of hassle if you don't have a car though. Note: most of the customers are hippy-bohemians or older Italians. A different side of Sydney to see.


5. Sek Sek @ Chinatown
A Chinese establishment serving Western food such as Fillet Mignon and Oyster Kilpatrick. Food is so-so but quite high in MSG and lard, me reckon. Prices are high compared to the rest of Chinatown though.


6. Blue Star Hair Design @ Kingsford
Cheats.

7. Cube Cafe on George St
This place was formerly known as Alexandria and was re-opened half a year ago. I went to this place with Kel, Tris, DC and Mark, where I had the famous China Gunpowder tea .....except it is not really the real stuff. Horribly posh inside and prices are reasonable but generally very poor services. Furthermore, huge markdown for the false advertising. Another Cheat.


8. SMILE Travel Agency (876 Anzac Parade)
This Indonesian establishment wins hands-down for their extremely cheap tickets. A Sydney-Singapore flight is almost $150 cheaper than Flight Center and is even $100 cheaper than that quoted on SIA website. The staffs are also very efficient and friendly.


9. K Mix on Pitt Street
A relatively new-comer in the Sydney Karaoke scene. I think it is one of the best around for its high-tech computer panel song selection. All their songs are stored in the computer so there is no waiting time in between songs and neither will there be times where you can't get a new song because every other person has ordered it. This also makes song selection easier since you can browse by dialect, country or singer. It is also very cheap; $10 per person for a 2 hour session. It also allows BYO drinks and smoking... nice.


10. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Official Site


Directed by Dai Sijie, based on his international best seller of the same name. It tells of the story of 2 'bourgeois' city kids being sent to the countryside for re-education during the Cultural Revolution of 1970s. One of the 2 guy, Ma, was the main character in 'Lan Yu'. However, I think the other guy Lao is cuter. The 2 guys, however, ended up re-educating the villagers especially the Little Seamstress, who would listen spellbound as they relate stories from great Western novelists such as Balzac. It is an amazing experience watching this film, lotsa ironies and wit ... imagine the 2 city kids trying to fill tooth with the help of a sewing machine...it's hilarious. At the same time, there is no denying the emotion that this touching film has evoked. I'm giving it 4 trolls.


"The poignant lyricism that runs through the film transforms this story about love and culture into a cinematic poem" HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Intensely emotional and beguiling" Edingburgh International Film Festival

11. The Crimes of Padre Amaro Official Site


Showcasing HOT MEXICAN new comer Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien) ..GASP!!!! Father Amaro (Bernal) is a new priest that has been assigned to his parish in a rural town. In the beginning of the film, Amaro is a righteous young man who helps the downtrodden. Then, we slowly see in shock as the Father cave in to the temptations of sex, lies and treachery. It is almost with disbelief that I see how low someone could go. Anyway, the film has become the most successful film in Mexican history and was nominated an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Riveting and entertaining if u are into scandals and such LOL.


12. Sumalee (324 King St, under Bank Hotel)
This Thai eatery at Newtown is sooooooooo to-die-for. Yes, Sydney may be overrun with Thai food but u have to try this place. Icy-cool concepts such as communal dining, open-air but private settings and self-order can be found in this new restaurant. Patrons are mostly gay Thais with their white bfs, Newtown hippies and also some Thai drags (i think). Most importantly, the food is sooo good that it makes me wish I was in BKK again. My favorites: Crispy BBQed squid with sweet chilli sauce and also their Duck Salad. HEAVENLY. Dont get the satay though. Price is mid to high though, more than 20ish for an entry level dish.


13. Kuleto's (157 King St)
This is where we went after dinner at Sumalee, and I can tell you they are very famous for their cocktails. Pricey but oh-so-sinfully delicious. Try their Toblerone cocktail. Atmosphere is non existential and it was sooo ful that we had to stand to sip our drinks the whole time... HORROR!