The Carter Sydney, CBD Sydney (24 Feb 2017)

16 O'Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.facebook.com/thecartersydney/
https://www.instagram.com/thecarter_syd/

New bar in town

“The Carter is a art deco heritage listed venue located in the heart of Sydney's CBD with 3 bars and 2 restaurants over 3 levels. Formerly home to BANK OF NSW & now the carter with a middle eastern menu suited for our main bar and a american soul food menu in the basement.”

I remember when this used to be the Bavarian Bier Cafe and after that was Swine & Co. Now The Carter has emerged. Let's hope it can make this heritage venue work with its extensive use of gold coloured scaffolding that makes it look like a construction site come night club come pole dancing studio. There's ample seating around the bar and cosier sections upstairs on your way to the toilets which are noticeably small and squishy in comparison to the vast bar space. Tried the cocktail 'Thief in the Night' - Thyme & Citrus Infused Absolut La Poire, Littet Blanc Aperitif, Citrus ($23). It's a pricey one and the citrus flavour is pretty intense for me with nothing in the mix to balance so wasn't quite to my liking and wouldn't order again. I'm thinking I should have stuck to my usual negroni although I do like the sound of the Pistachio Espresso Martini so might hit that one up next time. Complimentary prawn crackers were distributed around the tables at the time which were well appreciated. Freshly fried and seasoned they were a real treat. Hopefully they'll keep providing these for patrons. A good way to keep them thirsty to order more drinks me thinks. Service was friendly and it's hard not to love the grand high ceiling in this place. The Middle Eastern menu looks good and seems reasonably priced as well for a casual feed.

The York Street Eatery, CBD Sydney (27 Feb 2017)

65 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.instagram.com/theyorkstreet_eatery/

Double Roasters coffee fix

This place used to be Luna Cafe which had some pretty cool wall art and served a decent banh mi and beef pho. New owners and menu now although still serving Double Roasters coffee. Cappuccino ($3.50) had nice flavour and strength and was very enjoyable. Service was friendly. Decor about the same except for the whiter walls. No table water was served which is always nicer if they do. The $9 opening special limited time Asian lunch specials sound like a pretty good deal although prices seem to be $9.95 to $10.95 so not sure why it says $9. Some seating inside which is handy.

Coffee Express, Bondi Junction Station (24 Feb 2017)

Platform 1-2, Bondi Junction Train Station, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Coffee run to work

This is the only coffee shop I can think of in Sydney which is actually on the train platform. Handy for a coffee fix to work although timing is everything so you don't miss your train after ordering. My Cappuccino ($3.50) was nice with good strength of flavour and plenty of froth on top. They managed to make the coffee in under 2 minutes so probably allow at least this much time if there's a couple of other customers waiting for their orders. Not sure what coffee they're using. Staff pretty friendly. A few classic pastries available including iced donuts to go with your coffee.

Little Vietnamese Food Restaurant, Wynyard, CBD Sydney (21 Feb 2017)

15 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.instagram.com/littlevietnamesefood/
https://www.facebook.com/Little-Vietnamese-Food-222075581305074/

Vietnamese lunch game strong

Tried the Beef Pho ($11.90 regular size) which had well flavoured broth and certainly one of the better ones in the CBD. Two types of beef seemed to be served cooked rather than rare though. Hoisin sauce and chilli is added standard so be sure to order without if you don't want. The ample amount of chilli served has a decent kick and will leave your lips with a tingling hum which builds intensity to achieve a nose drip reaction amongst the faint hearted like myself. There's a fair amount of communal seating which fills up quickly due to being so popular and becomes quite neighbourly when you're sitting so close to others. No toilet available which is unusual I thought for such a decent sized sit down eatery as always thought this would be compulsory? If dining in they'l provide table service of your dishes when they call out your number. Definitely wanting to try more of the menu now like those spring rolls and grilled pork belly. Menu prices seem pretty reasonable as well.