Monthly Archives: March 2017

Book Review: The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant

Posted on 29 March 2017 by andyq

The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant by Mavis Gallant My rating: 3 of 5 stars A university lecturer named Francine Prose praised Mavis Gallant’s short stories effusively, yet precisely, in this article in the New Yorker. http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-t… This article, among … Continue reading →

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Coffee in Sydney: Bread & Fill, Circular Quay

Posted on 28 March 2017 by andyq

Hmm. Coffee at 11am on a Saturday. In search of a little fuel in between the Max Dupain-inspired exhibit at the State Library and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Three people behind the counter but not enough staff: the cashier … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Happy D’s, Redfern

Posted on 26 March 2017 by andyq

Hilarious. My kingdom for a wine glass with a dumpling illustration on it! Happy D’s is a very happy place with a long, fake, ironic fishtank, a kick-arse neon sign and a good selection of drinks (wine, beer, sake and … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Snag Stand, Westfield, CBD

Posted on 25 March 2017 by andyq

I’m trying to eat less meat these days. It’s good to do so for the environment and for my health. But sausages are a weakness. I’ve wanted to try the Snag Stand many a time, but flashier fare has called … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Grand Duk, CBD

Posted on 24 March 2017 by andyq

Does this look like a restaurant to you? I think that’s definitely part of the charm of this breakfast and lunch eatery in the CBD right in the middle of Grosvernor Place across George Street from the cool new Ernst … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer

Posted on 23 March 2017 by andyq

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen My rating: 5 of 5 stars I told two friends that I was reading a book about a Vietnamese spy living in America after the Vietnamese war and that it was really funny, and … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: The Paddington

Posted on 21 March 2017 by andyq

Hey, I’m not even going to note in the title that the Paddington is in Paddington, but I was surprised to learn that Merivale took over not only this pub, the Paddington, and started a restaurant, Fred’s, with a hot … Continue reading →

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Pearson College’s The Nostalgia Project

Posted on 21 March 2017 by andyq

For two years, I went to a tiny international college in Vancouver Island on a bay at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The idea of the United World Colleges, as Pearson College was one of I think six at … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Merchants of Ultimo, Broadway

Posted on 20 March 2017 by andyq

It’s really impressive. They turned a non-descript corner of Broadway Mall into a hipster chic dining area. As designed by George Michael (yes, seriously), and modelled after NYC’s Eataly, it’s a perfectly designed little food experience with a barista, a … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Neptune Palace, Circular Quay

Posted on 16 March 2017 by andyq

Neptune Palace has been around forever. At least it seems that way to me. Every once in a while, I’d stop in and use an Entertainment Guide coupon, usually as a quick meal before an event at the Opera House. … Continue reading →

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