A Love Hate Thing

Lobo Plantation.

A little underground Cuban oasis. Dressed as elaborately as the time and setting, this joint is almost like a beautiful badass mirage. Tucked right in the heart of the CBD (and in such close proximity to its neighbouring cousins, Baxter Inn, Grandmas...), this young Havana escape is added into the mix. Just when I thought Clarence street couldn't get any better. 

Love. Cocktails. On Point. Some of my favourites are the Nuclear Daiquiri and Jamaican Julep. This is also the joint where I've had the best Mojito. Although overall, the food isn't impressive enough to hold you breath for, a special shout out is warranted for the three dishes that is just outstanding-- Baked Cheese balls, Tamales and the amazing Black Bean Stew (YES. CHICKEN.) Oh and the Banana Chips (Gadaaymm)! And as we like it, all wrapped up in tropical button up shirts with bow ties and floral ties as finishing touches, the some of the friendliest and finest mixologists are definitely amazing at what they do. 

Here's my cocktails list I'd like to share with y'all : Jamaican Julep, Pre Elixir, Millionaire, Mojito, Meassage In A Bottle, South East Side and my (not on the menu) personally recommended love, The Nuclear Daiquiri. 

However, this place could really amp it up by delivering ace customer service-- specifically to the ones on the floor. I mean, when I ask for 'your recommendation' I'm after a personal answer not a recitation of the menu. This is where we develop a relationship. Don't waste the opportunity. Also, YES, congratulations on the five stars on Timeout Sydney! But a bunch of star rating shouldn't trigger any sort of cockiness so much as to start telling your customers (who most likely spend a couple of hundreds of dollars) to 'get the fuck out' when it's passed the licensed time. I'm pretty sure a simple 'Hey guys, the bars closed. Sorry to see you go but we've passed the licensed time! Hope you all had a great night! Until next time.' To the (not so) gentleman who told everyon to fuck off on Saturday night, you need to educate yourself, take either a Hospitality or People Skills Course or something. Better yet, take some pointers from the bar staff. Prior to this encounter, I've held a little love for Lobo and it has been quite a high personal recommendation of mine to my friends and those who have sought for my advice. Today, I sit here wondering and second guessing myself-- a place I don't like being in. 

Though, besides that little hump, I do love this place. That sexy bathroom, a bar filled with experienced and lovely bar tenders that will create a drink to blow your mind is what makes this world go round. I mean, despite the slightly mismatched choice of music, I come back again and again and again wanting more of those beautiful poison mixes. This is a Cuban rum bar joint. Let it be heard! Change your music (if you need suggestions, hit me up, I've got the perfect playlist), bring Havana to Sydney and get your groove on. This place has so much potential and a little tweak here and there wouldn't hurt.

Oh how I love you and I love you and I hate you and I love you.

Of course, you must check this Carribean pocket out for yourself. (Serious Voice) Thinking of a Friday gig? Unless you love the breath of fresh air and the cry of the city's sirens, get in there early. 5pm early. Let me know what you think!

Last Saturday With Mr Jones

Excelsior Jones, Canterbury

What a nice way to spend a raining Saturday. 

This little abyss is smack bang on the corner of one of the craziest roundabout/intersection in the quiet streets of Ashbury. Greeted by an awesome waitress with a sick Basquiat hair, she also took our order the way no other have done before- she sat next to us. Made us feel so at home. As she congratulated us with our food for three for two, our coffee and chai came short after :) Great coffee and if you normally like your chai with a little bit of honey, their brew is already on the sweet side. Although I found it rather unnatural to not add honey, it tasted amazingly without it! We missed out on the breakfast menu, so didn't try the granola, but the highly recommended mushroom on toast was on site, with cheeseburger and  Pork hash we were ready to own this joint. The Cheeseburger had sweet potato on the side which was awesome! The Pork Hash was so nice and the Mushroom on toast was definitely the best I've ever had. Besides the fact that I wish the music was a little bit louder, this joint had a chilled vibe with a relaxed non-pretentious Ashfield-Canterbury people (just hungry people) 

One thing Id like to point out was that I wish the music was a little bit louder :) 

Here's a picture, a keep sake. See you there !! x 

ZOOLOGIE HUNT

I'm currently digging this jacket at the moment. Its the new Hunter Jacket from Zoologie in olive. Besides having a perfect contour the length is also on point. But what I love most about it is the mixture of textures and materials. Predominantly cotton, it also has a woolen hood lining a smooth corduroy top panel and an awesome rope around the hood. It's great and Zoologie knows it. Retailing for $349.95 at the Capsule Store this one is a keeper.

Frankie's Pizza, Sydney

Rock and roll, and pizza!

I love going to joints right on the CBD. It gives the corporate city of Sydney more of a character. And this one is not an exception. It's pretty cool. I like the fact that it's got a restaurant vibe as you walk in and behind the second set of swing doors, is almost like a rock and roll arcade. Good vibes and good tunes. Though it can get pretty packed even during the 'quiet' days of the week. And who ever is controlling the sound system, please settle on a volume to run throughout the night. There is no need to blast it - people end up shouting on top of each other and the whole room eventually becomes this massive sound mess like its trivia or bingo night or something. Apart from that, pizzas are good. Drinks on tap are different which is always a plus- one does not always wish to be having the same yeasty beverage.

3.5/5

Good stuff. See y'all there!

LIKE: AWKWARDVILLE BUT BEST MOCHA

Barmuda, Newtown

Finally got to try this gem everyone has been buzzing about on a nice sunny Sunday morning for brunch with my best friend. The talk of the town is that this place is great. Tucked away on the cute Australia Street (one of my favourite streets in Newtown. FYI!) this place was radiating with life. Before I get into the part where I think this place is great, lets knock a few bumps first. Sunday brunches is everything but quiet-- and I understand that there will be elbow bumpings, order swapping, coffee burning, seat disappearing and worse comes to worse order forgetting incidents (This is death when you're really hungry) but I have accommodated for these and I think I'm pretty lenient when it comes to cafe service. But attitude from waiters, that shit ain't cool. If I don't take it from anyone else, I certainly wont have it from someone about to serve me one of my favorite meals of the day.

Two hungry birds with gleaming smiles of excitement, we reach Australia street. The place was packed (good sign)! So we hesitated the usual bulldozer style set up shop wherever you feel like entrance and courteously waited outside instead. The waitress saw - ignored - waited for a minute- spotted an empty table for two- waited for another minute- waitress saw- nothing. Awkward. What do you do? WE awkwardly (almost rudely) go inside past everyone hypnotised with their awesomely looking aliments, towards the table AND had to actually point out the obvious to this girl - We need a table for two. There's one available right here! Can we sit down...? Immediately ordered a mocha and the usual SFW. I will have to point out, I don't mind coffee delays. I understand that there will be a 10-15 maybe sometimes 20 minute delay on the coffee during busy hours but 30? Come on thats pushing it a little don't you think? If you run a joint where people had to wait that fkn long for their "coffee to start of with", that's fucked. Get another barista for fuck sake. Funny thing is the WAIT wasn't the issue, as I called for service to ensure that our coffee was on the way and not forgotten, we were met with more awkward bullshit -

Me: Hey we ordered a while back, a mocha and... (interupted by waiter dude)
Waiter dude: (in the most stoned way)  You diiiiid!!?, did youuuu?
Me: (taken aback) yeah, just wondering if all is well and that its on the way.
Waiter dude: Yeeeaaa were just really busy right nowwww. Its just a little lonnnnger than exxpeccted.
Me: Oh cool. thanks :)
Me and my friend: (what the f? hahaha? awkward?)

My friend went to Planet Newtown - Bacon, bread, eggs, sausages, mushrooms and tomato; while I opted for the Monster Steak Sandwich- scotch fillet, rocket and aioli. Where my order came without the steak.... (Awkward.).

The coffees came after the food - which is totally the norm in Awkwardville. Still anticipating for the coffees - my heart felt the slowly approaching steps as the waiter places the cups down on our table. Coffee was great but across the table is where shit got real. There we were, frozen in amazement - this jaw dropping, mouth watering, sexual orgasm defying, groan producing gift from chocolate heaven in front of us. My friend is so cool and she let me have the first sip, and ITS FUCKING GOOD. And just like that, all the weird encounters and complaints before this moment dissipated into thin air. Like magic. So good and so worth it. BEST MOCHA. THERE IS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE ON THE FKN RIM! I don't know how shit can top this shit off !! Compliments to the sweet barista - he says he calls it the Chocolate Volcanic Explosion.


Oh, explosion it was indeed ;-p

K.DOT

Posted today,
Written on: 21/12/2012

Hands down the best rapper this generation has ever produced. A story teller. Every line in his verse, every verse in a track and every track in his albums, have managed to capture hearts. At first I thought it must be great music, but last night I saw why. The delicate artistry behind each cypher, experimented on the reckless youth, whilst propelling a certain kind of wisdom. This 24 year old rapper from Compton, is anything but young and naive. Topped with his powers of entertaining, HE'S GOT IT. And last night, The Enmore Theatre exploded.

Kendrick Lamar was entertainment in its purest form - 'This is not a concert. This is a mother fucking party!' With this statement, he brought the whole theatre in a journey through the wild and dangerous city of Compton, the power of money, drugs and corruption, the decline and rise of the world and culture, his and every man's hunt for the self, inspiration and peace. All of these, whilst keeping the value of family and god sacred. Like many rappers alike, Kendrick also embodies the attitude, rage, aggression and energy needed to survive in this industry. But what makes him an exemplar from the rest, lies in his humility. And with this, he was able to capture his people - the young, confused, aggressive and energetic youth. His music spoke to you.

There is no question that Kendrick Lamar is oozing with talent. The amazingly doped up crowd moshed like it was the last day of existence as he ripped through his lines. This 24 year old is not just a mere rapper, he is a maestro. The Houdini. The Tutankhamen of Hiphop.

Looking forward to more K.Dot masterpieces. I am yet to see someone positively affected by fame and money. But here's a toast - To good music.

TACOS TEQUILA JOINT

La Cholita, Northbridge WA

It caught me at Tacos and then at Tequila. We just had to try it out. And the verdict? Definitely one of Perth's gems. Great atmosphere, good music, ammmmazing food and a wall full of none other than my main man, Tequila (from all over the world) - FKYES. Friendly bartenders and waiters. It does get very busy and waiting time do exist considering that the place don't do bookings, which is both good and bad. Definitely a must see and experience joint. Were from Sydney, we love this place. Going back for more, baby.

Here are some snapshots, but it can really only give you so much. Go for yourself gangsters.

TGOA

This one topped it off. The dopest thing I've seen in Sydney, I must say. Sick joint. Closest to awesome. It's a cafe, restaurant, garden, farm, bar, warehouse, coffee roaster, play ground, village. Too good. PS. Super long wait for the restaurant, but I guess the space outside make up for it :)

Sick.

Best toilet signage.

78 OXFORD STREET

The Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore. 

My absolute favourite. What made me fall in love? Easy.

Beautifully made All Press coffee, THE most amazing chicken pesto salad I have ever had in my life (I wake up somedays thinking about it), floors and walls of books, it's located in one of my favourite streets in Sydney. How can I not love this place? Ampersand is my home away from home. I get homesick when I see it for a period of time. I think everyone deserves to find a place (besides home) where they can fully relax, think, write, read, drink, talk, socialise, draw - do what you do. This is my place of complete solitary enjoyment... Where's yours?

SALVADOR

There comes a time that when you've anticipated for something for so long the fire dims and eventually dies. This was not the case on our (Me and Cathy) visit to Salvador Coffee in Darlinghurst. After more than a month of planning and contemplation, the rush of excitement and then a wave of disappointment, the time has finally come. We are here. Kings Lane. Number 32. Setting the scene was the familiar Burton St (more lively at night, I noticed) and a very interesting stone wall structure almost bordering the heart of where great things happen. Just down from Tap Gallery and to your right.

First thing that comes to mind is the simplicity of the place. There's nothing to hide here. Custom made timber tables and chairs made to best cater for coffee tastings, also called "cupping" and of course, to the man behind the coffee magic. Though simple, the attention to detail was just as crucial. Since coffee is complicated enough, "I wanted something simple." Illuminated by natural light, this two storey coffee emporium/ chill out cafe has more to offer than what you see. While coffee roasting takes places upstairs - bask in the glory of the roasting sounds and the view of a monstrous but amazing machinery - you, with your awesome cup of coffee begin an interesting journey.

Check it out.

The night before

was the long awaited Cake Wines Pinot Launch. This is a great deal because an amazing local artist, Kevin Tran has been chosen to feature one of his artworks on their label. It was a temperate autumn night outside, but a volcanic steam engulfed the interior of the China Heights Gallery. Me and this gallery, we go waaaaaay back. It's been a home to various warehouse sales, a setting for an interview and numerous art exhibits. However, this evening, just as Cake Wines launches their pinot range, it was jam packed with characters from various worlds united with a common interest - the curiosity in the new wine range, friends and family gathered in support for the talented artists involved and let's not forget, free fuckin booze! Besides the oven-like heat - the temperature reached a level where everyone was reciting the chorus to Nelly's Hot in Here. Not to mention in perfect harmony!! Ok enough about the temperature. The night was fantastic. The wines exceeded an expectation (That's always GOOD!) The turn out was great, an overall successful evening.

And to reiterate, congratulations to an amazing, talented and humble artist that has now become a friend, Kevin Tran. Thank you for gracing Sydney with such an eye for detail and creativity and for never ceasing to prove the importance of hard work in such a competitive industry. Great stuff.

For the unfortunate ones who weren't graced with amazingness the night before, here are some pictures for  a short and sweet vicarious journey :) You know, I got cho' back.

http://cakewines.com/

Gene.

Music never have the same effect to a person nor does it sound the same for two (or more) people. And sometimes, money and career is not all that matters. Let me introduce you to the one and only, Gene.

In a room filled with even the utmost random of things, Gene never fail in flooding the room with romance and class. Having come from a city reverberating the sounds of soul, r&b and slow-jam, and from the influences of his family, life, love and friends, his approach to music is to keep it tight and sweet. Starting early in front of a karaoke machine, this young sweetheart lifted his audience with nothing but honest entertainment.

The biggest of all surprises come from the smallest of all packages. Persevering through highschool, this self taught musician aim to touch hearts on a small scale. Though it doesn't end just yet. Recording for the first time back in 2007 and a number of collaborations and gigs following that until 2010, Gene is praised on his remarkable musical talent in the company of friends and families at weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Currently assembling a masterpiece, there is not a hint of slowing down from this absolute entertainer.

Belief is the key. Influences help you to learn new things and set goals.

"My advice is to keep doing what you love doing.. if it's your dream to follow a career in performing arts, then you should follow it. Never let peoples negative words affect you as everyone has the potential... Remember to keep practicing, keep your head up and good luck!"

Top three countries to travel: 

Hawaii

Britain (Just to watch topgear! )

hometown, Philippines.

Most recommended Tattoo parlour:

The Tattoo Asylum located in Old Mt Druitt. Ask for the tattooist Ysrael!

You can find out more about Gene @ youtube.com/bustapwet

Warning: The contents of this link may cause a certain sensation commonly known as 'stomach butterflies'. If by any chance a song may relate to you, a teary response may also occur.

Two to tango, Ello C to reign

Ello C aka Charles Elloso, a self explanatory stage name arising from a corroboration of previous aliases and simplicity. You may know him more formally as the next bad ass rapper that is set to rock your world. Scared yet, well don't be. He may be producing some of the meanest rap lyrics in town and yes, he may be such a bad ass in videos but this down to earth, talented and humble genius is one to strengthen hearts. With a stage delivery filled with passion that is seen and heard in his music, there is also no doubt he is one to look out for !

Deriving a style from hip-hop's most influential, 2Pac, Biggie and Bone Thugs N Harmony, kick starting his ability to announced words with speed, rhyme and rhythm in Men in Black by Will Smith and The Real Slim Shady by Eminem and working towards the drive to produce original lyrics to these existing masterpieces arose a much loved hobby of 'freestyling'. From here, the ball continued to roll.

But it's not all sunshine and daisies for this young wanderer. Coming from a not so appreciative community overseas to a more open and music loving Sydney, Ello C has seen most of the knots and crosses of it all. 'Life is not worth living if you’re scared to follow your dreams! Yes people are gonna disagree with your opinions, yes they’re gonna talk smack and find ways to make you feel low but that’s the world for ya..' There is a distinct difference between those who speak of reality like it is and those who hate and this 22 year old is not the latter. Sending his love in the form of music, he reiterates the importance of perseverance and hard work. Goal setting, self control and loved ones are some of the most important aspects of not losing yourself to the industry.

'Don’t worry bout it let em shovel your shit later when you’ve made it !'

When I first met with Ello, I can see why his intentions and personality can be easily mistaken - Straight faced with a serious vibe. I mean what do you do? But this guy is the epitome of the common adage, "don't judge the book by it's cover". In the same reflection of his music, his personality and humor is one that you wont forget. True musician and character. 

Where to next? The night is young and for this young rapper bursting with one of the rawest energies I've seen and having no care about the pressures of society for what it wants him to be, the vast horizon is the only limit.

'Watch out for the second installment of my mixtape series, No Name Fame  Vol. 2'

 Favourite shoes?

. Asics (JOKES)
. Vans, Nike and Converse .

Favourite beer?
CORONA BRAZZ !

** All pictures courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/#!/ellocmusic

From this point, you should be sitting there wondering where to go next. And it shouldn't be a long and thoughtful decision, my friends - Check out and subscribe to ElloC27tv   and befriend him at ELLOMUSIC

Come on. Have a fucking listen. Adios! :D

114 TERRY ST

THE LAB, ROZELLE

After months of anticipation, the wishing well, and a bucket full of empty plans and promises, on a perfect Saturday morning, we just had to wing it ! We finally visited the Zumbo Lab! First word that came to mind was - SMALL. But it was a good kinda small. The 'cute' type of small. I completely loved it!! Although the breakfast menu was nothing too special not to mention the mediocre coffee the barista whipped up for me, all this was trivial. Because The Zumbo Lab was made to make the best tasting macaroons you will ever taste in your life (while in Australia. I'm sure the French have there very own jizz they add to it).

The best thing about this place is that the audience is presented with the ins and out of the kitchen. Almost like a chocolate factory, beyond the transparent glass are the minions that help make these macaroons, cakes and pastries come to life. It is bound to evoke the Charlie in every one of us ! AHHH! Now for a girl who is not too keen on getting her desserts, this place gave me a little tickle : )

That excitement was enough to convince me to purchase a half dozen varied flavours of macaroons for me and the fam. Why only six, you ask. Well it's because that was ALL I seriously could afford. Yes, my last few dollars on macaroons. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT !! Toasted marshmallows, peach and smarties were only a few that I could remember. Hmmmm..

Have you been? How was your experience? What flavours did you get and tell me what I am missing out on!

If you haven't yet, CHECK IT OUT!
NOT EVEN KIDDING!

Set and Sail Away !!

Great music stems from the ability of the instruments to come together in a magical ensemble so beautiful that it can communicate a simple universal statement and at the same time leaving a doorway of ambiguity to the listener.

As The Boat Song plays in the background one cannot help but feel the energy embedded within the twitter of the violin, the clangy beats from the drums and the sweet melodic rush of vocals. This is just a minuscule example of the exceptional talent behind Sydney's up-and-coming musical treasure, Set Sail. After weeks of playing hit and run, this trio has been a hard one to catch. Walking the streets of Sydney, they celebrate life, people and music with their reverberating sounds of raw quirky pop week after week. And they seem to be far from taking a break!

M: What is your genre?

J: Ah...m.. I’m not too sure. What do you think?

M: (millions of things in mind) I’m not really a fan of music categories because there’s too much ambiguity so I just settle for describing it... If I had to place a word for you music, it’ll be…. Timber. (smiles)

J: Timber. I like that.

Set Sail has been delivering sounds from Mumford and Sons, Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson, to name a few, with exceptional energy. But their personality, humour, and spirit are illuminated in their originals. As mentioned, on one end, you’ve got The Boat Song, which has the power of transforming anyone’s frown upside down. Then you’ve got the heart melting, Salt n Pepper. And after getting to know these amazing fellas, there is no doubt that their new goods (EP and album) will be worth the anticipation.

Let me introduce you to the family: Joshua on the drums, Josiah on the violin and the lovely Brandon on the guitar and main vocals. Three personalities, infinite inspirations, one music. This magic is delivered to you in full throttle. Don't believe me? Have a knack at them one awesome day down at Pitt St mall or the QVB intersection and hear for yourselves. Though make sure you do all that BEFORE the end of April.

Three things Josh loves about drums: DW, 13”9, Sex

Brandon’s Beers: Blue Moon, Tangerine Ale

Courtesy of John Sison

Come May and they will be touring. Here's a short (not in order) plot: Beginning in Melbourne towards Tokyo. They make their way around South East Asia to Europe and its East, Russia, Germany, Spain, France and others. No doubt you will catch them in London. Let the streets of New York roar! There will be more continents and cities involved. It was just too much to handle over breakfast so I'll spare you guys the overwhelming rush of excitement and just leave it to spontaneity, surprise and anticipation! All the excitement will be documented by their fantastic film crew. It is almost like you are personally on tour with them. The best thing about it is that there are a lot of details and ideas in mind but nothing set on stone!

A cauldron of music, energy, adrenalin, friends and amazing listeners - what more can you ask for?

Working on the production and release of their EP and preparing for their upcoming badass tour, it will be a busy year. With an exhilarating drive to pursue their collective passion for music, adventure and spontaneity, these laid back guys are nowhere close to lazy! Watch out for this trio as their boat is sure to wash up at your nearest shore.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/setsailmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/setsailmusic
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/setsailmusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/setsailtv
 

Picture from: Set Sail

All aboard. Listen. Set your sails and let the wind take its course.

Lastly, 

M: Muffin or Cupcake ??

Josh: Muffin

Brandon: Muffin

: )

GRANNY PANTS NO LONGER

It has been a universal decorum that a well refined homosapien like me be in possession of a 'places to see around the city' list. Although I cannot produce this magical list for your interest and convenience, allow me to introduce you to... my grand ma. As one strolls down the calming yet crazy alley of Clarence Street it is with no surprise that this cocktails galore may be one of the things you will ignore miss. I say miss because it is a hidden treasure land though when you look closely, this is not the place that can be easily forgotten let alone ignored.

Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Grandma's. The sexy as bar found in the basement of heaven disguised as a building. I won't sugar coat this baby or even go in depth of how amazing this place is, because it is simply something you must find out and visit for yourself. They have great novelty cocktails and at the same time never falling short of those classic cocktails. You name it, they will deliver something amazing up their sleeves.

Some recomendations: 

Try the house punch. It is definitely worth it. Food is always good. Get yourself and your wallet ready and just go crazy with cocktails.