in memoriam

We mourn the demise of one of our favourite restaurants . . .

Certo Restaurant & Bar

village people

These past few weeks, Malc & I have been extremely busy at work, coming home late at night and going to work very early in the morning. However, it was just not work that has been occupying us, we have also bought a new home . . . which is just 2 buildings away from our current rented apartment.

So, given that we are now going to be long term residents, we have been checking out Pyrmont village life. Pyrmont is actually near the CBD and can be accessed from the heart of the city via a pedestrial bridge over Darling Harbour. Our new home is just a couple of blocks behind the Novotel, the building on the rightmost side of the photo.

Pyrmont though, has an active village life. Yesterday Malc & I went to the monthly producers' market held every 1st Saturday of the month. There were stalls selling organic vegetables, specialty breads, cheeses, smoked meat, etc. Also, we have checked out the local providore, Simon Johnson (181 Harris Street, Pyrmont ph (02) 9552 2522). This store is quite famous with foodies for the continental food it stocks particularly handmade pasta in all shapes and sizes, bottled sauces, cheeses and cooking accessories.

We have also signed up at the Pyrmont community centre and, for $60 a quarter we can use the centre's gym - a steal in Sydney! Malc has also taken advantage of the centre's book exchange program.

Another 'new' discovery is Cafe XXII (22 Union Square, Pyrmont ph (02) 9552 3093), right in the heart of Pyrmont Village. Malc & I would pass by this cafe during our walks and would look through the window and decide it was a bit too 'upmarket.' The past three weekends though, we have been going there for our usual weekend brunch, and to our surprise, the place was quite laid back. This weekend, I had the Union Square breakfast of organic bacon, organic tomatoes, organic eggs and home-made crusty bread and Malc had fruit salad (didn't check if it was organic) and organic coffee. The food, was well prepared and we were thoroughly satisfied. And judging from their lunch and dinner crowds, this restaurant seems to be doing quite well.