UAG Dines Out

THE CAMEL CAFE 263 Townsend Street, Sydney The Camel Cafe, facing Townsend Street My dear friends, this was a very different dining experience for the six members of the UAG that met for our April outing.  Why you ask?  Because this small restaurant gave us so much more than just an excellent meal - we relaxed, we ate, we talked, we laughed, and we promised ourselves that next time we are trying the Hookah pipes (grape, double apple, watermelon and peach flavours!). The first thing that you notice when you enter this restaurant is that it doesn't look like a restaurant.  There are comfy leather chairs, glass-topped coffee tables, lovely mesmerizing music,  wonderful aromas, and no sign of a either a cash register or a kitchen. Meet your server, Moemen. Yes, I was sitting next to him so that we could get his picture,  but I didn't tell him that I would be cropping myself out of the photo. Members of UAG are never photographed. You are loo...

TRIO 380 Esplanade Sydney This is a lovely restaurant, located on the first floor of the Cambridge Suites.  The restaurant is on the side of the hotel, overlooking the harbour. Although it was my first time there, several of the others had already dined at Trio and were, quite frankly, anxious to return.  There were a few new members at the table, so we were able to select quite a few items from the menu. Salads and Appetizers : There were two appetizers ordered: 1.  You can see the Half Caesar Salad to the left, which got excellent reviews. 2. The second appetizer disappeared so fast that we didn't get a photo.  There should be a photo here of the Kettle Chips, salt & vinegar, with a wonderful dipping sauce. Heaven, can you say Heaven? Dinners : This is the half-sized Fish 'n Chips that I ordered and I have to tell you that my mouth is watering just telling you about it.  So Good! And the portion size (keep in mind this was ...

ZANA'S DINER 416 George Street Sydney This is a very busy time of the year and so only three of us were able to meet this evening for dinner at Zana's Diner on George Street, just a few doors up from the corner of George and Prince Streets.  Because it was so dark at 5:00 pm, I took an interior photo for you. Decorated for Christmas! There were people at most of the tables and people coming in for their take-out orders, so this is a quick shot.  We were very lucky to be waited on by Zana herself and her chef, Heather, both of whom called us all Sweetheart, which was nice. Here's what we ordered: Shish Kabob Plate with lettuce and tomato I had the Shish Kabob Plate and yes, that's real fresh-cut fries, grilled onions and peppers with squares of beef that melted on the first bite. Tasty!  That's bar-b-que sauce in the white container.  And do you know what else was nice?  Zana kept filling my mug with hot tea...gotta love that. Two fatyres ...

View from across the street THE EMBERS Corner of Bentinck and Prince Streets, Sydney Entrance to the restaurant Anne C's meal - notice all the items arrive in their own dishes. This is the pulled pork dish. This is the beef brisket with mac'n cheese. Six of us spent a very enjoyable time at this new restaurant in downtown Sydney.  As you can see, it is located in the back of the old Crowell's Building, with the entrance on Prince Street. It's a bit different - let me tell you why.  Can you see people lined up to the left in the picture above? Well, when you go in this door, you immediately line up to order your food and to pay the bill. Then you go and sit down and your meal is delivered to your table. The line-up is the longest part as the food is delivered very quickly once you have ordered.  Unfortunately, the line-up is also for take-out orders, but we're hoping they change that. I made this larger so you can read the menu ...

Dock Y'ur Dory Port Morien, CB On the main street of Port Morien The restaurant as seen from the main street One of the views from the outside deck - beautiful Port Morien  Bay Five of us arrived at Dock Y'ur Dory restaurant for dinner; we had made reservations as the restaurant was closing for the season on the 29th. Even more fun was that the gift shop (both floors) had an end-of-the-season sale, so we all spent time exploring.  I've had several delicious meals here, but I had never tried the lasagna, so that was my choice. It was so tasty! It arrived with crusty garlic toast and Greek salad, all of which was delicious. I chose the blueberry shortcake for dessert - it was served with vanilla ice cream on the side. Just a lovely meal and such fun! Anne M.

The Olive Tree Victoria Road, Sydney Our first outing took us to The Olive Tree, which advertises itself as a pizzeria bistro.  For those of us who remembered going to the Italian Village at this same location, this restaurant was quite a surprise.  Front Entrance Snazzy front of building And delicious! Four of us arrived for dinner and we each ordered something a little different. We all shared Tapa -Olive Tree-O, which has a selection of dips with warm Greek pitas. I then ordered a Tapa Lamb Kebab, which was just wonderful - such flavour! For dessert, I had my all-time favourite, baklava with ice cream. Do you know what I also noticed? The take-out area of this restaurant was busy the entire time we were there; another sign that the Olive Tree has an excellent reputation. Would I recommend it? Indeed! Anne M.