Sticky
As a sprouting youth obsessed by secret corridors, tunnels and labyrinths, the illusive nature of entry to this here bar really turned me on. One arrives to a back alley door instructing you to notify Michael or Benito of your presence. Post a patient wait, you are warmly greeted by said gentlemen and ushered into the elevator.
The Rum Diaries
It's something pretty special when you walk into a bar, take a seat, and a couple of minutes later the bar owner sits down and talks you through the menu.
Welcome to The Rum Diaries, your new local (yes, even if you live in Surry Hills).
For the past two months owners James, Mark and the gang have been painting, plastering, scouring the Mitchell Road Auction House and importing rum from Paraguay to give Bondi what it so desperately needs - a bar that doesn't smell like palm oil and vom.
Fish market
Once, when we were but young striplings, full of big ideas and insatiable lusts for seafood indulgences, we happened upon a tiny provincial backwater called the Sydney Fish Market.
When there, amongst the stalls hosting armadas of freshly slain crustacheai, we were privy to a battle of epic proportions.
Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab
There's another, unassuming, "Harry's" in town that's (ahem) clawing for your attention. From the moment you're greeted by the neon-lit ‘live seafood' sign, you know there's no turning back. It's everything the name promises... and more.
Owner, Harry Lau, has fisherman friends in high places delivering his famous Queensland mud crabs direct.
Wine and Espresso Bar
Remember when you were first allowed to hold a cup of red cordial? (Two hands please). You felt lucky. Then you were allowed to hold a cup with one hand, and finally you became privileged enough to hold a real glass. Well done you.
However, you probably haven't had any drinking achievements to be proud of for a while, and it's here that the magically large glasses at Wine and Espresso Bar can help to reinstate the privilege.
Mickey's
An Eastern Suburbs institution for the better part of 20 years, Mickey's is the local milk bar you never grew up with as a child of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Catering to every taste under the sun, the menu is an exploration of the culinary world, with Mezze platters, salads, risottos, pastas, mexican, pizzas and gasp.
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