Enjoy a Laid-back Holiday and Gourmet Delights at Bondi Beach

At Sydney Airport, I was greeted by a BMW and a limousine driver. Our destination was Bondi Beach, beloved by Sydneysiders (as the people of Sydney are called). The drive from the airport to Bondi Beach takes about 30 minutes. It was mid-November, spring in the Southern Hemisphere, but the comfortable climate, reminiscent of early summer, and the fresh green streets made for a pleasant limousine ride towards the beach.

My accommodation at Bondi Beach wasAdina Apartment Hotel, Bondi Beach, just a few minutes' walk from Bondi Beach. All rooms are apartments equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities. In fact, this type of accommodation is very common in Australia. They offer the best environment and facilities for extended stays, allowing you to truly 'live like a local' (though many are available for stays of just one night or more).



Bondi Beach is also highly regarded as a seaside gourmet destination. The latest branch of Bills, famous for its "world's best breakfast," which is popular in Japan,Bills Bondihas opened here. There are also wood-fired pizzerias that are fully booked every day, and dining spots where you can savor exquisite ocean views and seafood. Enjoying the local gourmet spots in the relaxed, laid-back seaside atmosphere is truly special. After indulging in exceptional cuisine, you can choose to burn off those calories with a beach run or a coastal trail walk,Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, or a swim at the public pool with its spectacular views,Bondi Icebergs Club, offering a range of options.




Adina Apartment Hotel, Bondi Beach
https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/adina-apartment-hotels/adina-apartment-hotel-bondi-beach


Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/beaches_and_coast/bondi_to_bronte_coastal_walk


Bondi Icebergs Club
http://icebergs.com.au/

Experience Glamorous Hotel Life and Gastronomy in Sydney's CBD

Another hotel I stayed at was in the heart of the CBD,QT Sydney. This is also a design hotel, and it also utilizes an old building. It features Gothic and Art Deco influences, creating a glamorous atmosphere. I highly recommend this hotel for couples. The surrounding area is Sydney's largest shopping and tourist district, lined with famous department stores, shopping centers, and luxury brands. The location is also superb. Another stylish hotel using a historic building is theHarbour Rocks Hotelin The Rocks, the historic district. This new brand from the French hotel group Accor has a concept of creating spaces with a strong narrative. You can fully immerse yourself in the historical buildings of The Rocks, where Sydney's history is deeply preserved, and the surrounding heritage sites.



A notable new hotel isInterContinental Hotel Sydney Double Bay. Located a 10-minute drive from Sydney's CBD, in the affluent suburb of Double Bay, it opened at the end of 2014. The elegant building, formerly The Ritz-Carlton, has been renovated and reborn as the only international city hotel in Double Bay. The guest-only rooftop pool and bar offer a gorgeous, breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour and Double Bay. Unlike the vibrant CBD, it exudes a resort-like sense of openness and elegance.

Sydney offers world-class gastronomic experiences alongside its hotel offerings. Highlights of this "Gastronomic Australia" journey include Neil Perry'sRockpool, and Peter Gilmore'sQuay, both located here in Sydney. Tetsuya Wakuda'sTetsuya's, helmed by Tetsuya Wakuda, renowned as Australia's most famous chef, is also a must-visit restaurant. It has been ranked in the "World's 50 Best Restaurants" in recent years. In 2015, Chef Wakuda received "The Lifetime Achievement Award."

Furthermore, reflecting Sydney's multicultural nature, you can find authentic Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine. The city also boasts a rich cafe culture, British afternoon tea traditions, and a vibrant pub scene, offering endless culinary delights. To fully appreciate the gastronomic charm of Sydney, a city with one of the world's most beautiful harbors, alongside landmarks like the Opera House, The Rocks, and the Harbour Bridge, a minimum stay of three nights is recommended.



And so, I experienced Australia's culinary prowess firsthand in Sydney, fulfilling the main mission of this trip. While Australia is often associated with a casual lifestyle, beaches, and vast nature, its lifestyle has matured remarkably, with new facilities and trendy spots continuously emerging. Of course, the natural and relaxed Aussie spirit remains. Today's Australia offers a sophisticated enjoyment of food, wine, and hotel life in a relaxed setting.

My recent stay in Sydney, revisiting places from my twenties, brought back many memories. I even lived near Bondi Beach for a while and visited the area. Sadly, my memories had faded, and I couldn't find the house where I lived. However, as I recalled my younger self, I felt a deep sense of how far I had come on this somewhat sentimental journey.

Perhaps it's a blessing to have places that remind you of your past self. Travel, I realize, is about creating memories and evoking emotions. As I savor exquisite cuisine and sip fine wine, I sincerely hope that Australia can become such a place for travelers.

1888 Hotel
http://www.1888hotel.com.au/


QT Sydney
http://www.qtsydney.com.au/


Harbour Rocks Hotel
http://www.harbourrocks.com.au/


InterContinental Hotel Sydney Double Bay
http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/jp/ja/sydney/sydic/hoteldetail


Rockpool
http://www.rockpool.com/


Quay
http://www.quay.com.au/


Tetsuya’s
http://tetsuyas.com/

Recommended Spots in Sydney: A Must-See Guide

5 Recommended Spots in Sydney

Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta


The 32cm pizzas range from A$18 to A$25. My choice was the "Prosciutto" (A$25), generously topped with aged San Daniele prosciutto, arugula, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The "Porchetta" (A$24-), mentioned in the restaurant's name, is a whole roasted suckling pig beloved in Italy and is another specialty. It sells out daily, so it's best to get it early. The "Focaccia con Porchetta" (A$28), served in bread, is also popular. Takeaway is available, so you can enjoy it in your hotel room. Despite being busy, the service is attentive to each table, reflecting the Australian style. Reservations are a must for this popular spot. Once secured, you can truly savor a delightful experience in this wonderful place.

Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta
75-79 Hall Street, Bondi, NSW 2026, Australia
http://daorazio.com/



Bills Bondi


It's packed from opening at 7:30 AM. The must-try dish is Bills' signature "Ricotta Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter" (A$19.50). The fluffy hotcakes are generously topped with honeycomb butter. The blend of ricotta cheese, egg, and milk creates a blissful sweetness that is truly exceptional. Bills fans should definitely experience this happiness in its original setting. Another popular dish is the "Sweet Corn Fritters" (A$21.50). Crispy fritters are made with roasted tomatoes, spinach, and bacon. The crispy texture is exquisite. For an additional A$4, you can add avocado salsa, which adds a refreshing touch and is highly recommended.

For surfers who have enjoyed an early morning session at Bondi, the "Full Aussie" (A$24.50) is a popular choice, offering a generous portion. It includes Bills' famous scrambled eggs made with organic, fresh eggs, sourdough toast, cumin-spiced roasted tomatoes, bacon, miso-glazed mushrooms, and pork and fennel sausage, all served on a plate with impressive presentation.

Bills Bondi
79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
http://www.bills.com.au


North Bondi Fish


Garfish are lightly fried until crispy, then topped with red cabbage slaw and jalapeños. The mild flavor of the garfish is given a twist by the tangy slaw and spicy jalapeños, creating a punchy dish. For classic choices, try the "Charcoal Grilled King Prawns" (A$35), "Snapper" (A$32), or "Barramundi" (A$62).

Seafood calls for wine, and the Australian wine list here is quite extensive, with glasses around A$10 and bottles from A$50-70. I chose the "Thomas ‘Braemore’ Semillon" (glass = A$13) from the Hunter Valley, a renowned wine region in New South Wales, the same state as Sydney. Its crisp and fresh taste perfectly complemented the seafood. They also offer a selection of original cocktails. The service provided by the friendly and enthusiastic young staff is also excellent.

North Bondi Fish
120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi NSW 2026, Australia
http://www.northbondifish.com.au



Nomad


Adjacent to the dining area is a wine cellar offering a comprehensive list of Australian wines. Chef Nathan Sasi's concept is to create original dishes by layering Mediterranean flavors with Australian ingredients, resulting in a dynamic culinary experience. The menu, featuring seasonal ingredients, appears simple at first glance. However, the exquisite balance of spices, herbs, and yogurt creates complex and satisfying flavors that are truly impressive.

From the November menu, I chose the "Sautéed Spring Asparagus" (A$18). The presentation, where you add Jersey butter and paprika to your liking, is delightful. For the main course, I opted for lamb, a personal favorite. The "BBQ Lamb Rump" (A$38) is a hearty dish featuring lamb served with Moroccan eggplant salad and a sheep's cheese sauce. The juicy lamb flavor is perfectly complemented by the ethnic and refreshing sauce. The kaleidoscope of flavors, reminiscent of Australia's diversity, is truly remarkable.

For wine, I chose the 2014 "Pinot Gris" (glass = A$11) from Pfeiffer in Victoria's King Valley, to pair with the unique dishes. As the portions are generous, it's best to come with several people and share various dishes. Alternatively, couples can reserve a spot at the sizzling counter. For groups of three or more, the 8-course "Degustation Menu" (A$65) is also available for sharing.

Nomad
16 Foster Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
http://nomadwine.com.au



Sepia


Dinner is available as either a 5-course menu (A$160) or a 9-course tasting menu (A$190); à la carte is not offered. For a full appreciation of the chef's culinary philosophy, the tasting menu is highly recommended. The wine pairing menu, which complements the dishes, is available for A$120 and A$160, and includes options like sake, which are worth trying.

The menu, which changes based on ingredient availability, simply lists the ingredients and preparation methods. It's honestly difficult to imagine what the dishes will be like when they arrive. Furthermore, the ingredient combinations are extremely unique. Sepia's true strength lies in its distinct culinary world, which effortlessly transcends concepts like Japanese cuisine, fusion, and contemporary. While "Tetsuya's" is a legend that expresses the fusion with Japanese cuisine, Sepia can be described as a next-generation hybrid restaurant.

At the end of dinner, Martin came out to greet us. He then said, "I'd like you to try one more special dessert." What was presented was his signature dessert, named "Japanese Stone." It looked exactly like a dark, black stone found in a Japanese riverbed. The exterior was coated in chocolate. When I gently tapped it with my spoon, it cracked open to reveal a filling flavored with cherry and coconut. The moss and sand were represented by ingredients like matcha, yuzu, and sesame. Martin was deeply affected by the earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011. Wondering what he could do, he decided to create something for Japan. Thus, he conceived this "Japanese Stone." I was deeply moved by the chef's sincere trust and affection for Japan, conveyed through this minimalist yet beautiful dish, not just through its culinary artistry.

Sepia
201 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
http://www.sepiarestaurant.com.au/

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