Author Archives: andyq

Book Review: Simon Fitzmaurice’s It’s Not Yet Dark

Posted on 8 October 2017 by andyq

It’s Not Yet Dark: A Memoir by Simon Fitzmaurice My rating: 4 of 5 stars As a filmmaker, Simon Fitzmaurice knows how to tell a story. His memoir ‘It’s Not Yet Dark’, is written with an engaging narrative and voice … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Mekong, Chippendale

Posted on 7 October 2017 by andyq

Traditionally, a restaurant that had all sorts of different kinds of Asian food was to be looked at with suspicion. Often found in smaller towns where people didn’t really care whether they were eating Yaki Udon or an Egg Foo … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell’s The Disaster Artist

Posted on 7 October 2017 by andyq

The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made by Greg Sestero My rating: 3 of 5 stars A friend brought me to a screening of “The Room”, a terrible movie, this generation’s Rocky Horror … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Rosetta, CBD

Posted on 5 October 2017 by andyq

Rosetta is Neil Perry’s latest. Apparently, there’s one in Melbourne already. It’s fancy  Italian cuisine, near Circular Quay on George Street in a rather gorgeous Harry Seidler building. The setting (and the ample light that comes through the ceiling to … Continue reading →

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Home cooking: Mapo Tofu

Posted on 4 October 2017 by andyq

Mapo Tofu originated from the Sichuan province and has a fairly good origin story: the Village Voice identifies the creator as an old woman with a pock-marked face (from smallpox). Perhaps people decided it would be kinder to call her … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Bar Ume, Surry Hills

Posted on 2 October 2017 by andyq

This is a fun place. While I have to admit that I really did love the old Ume, these are the current trends: casual and easy, and burgers! The burgers are tasty with an Asian twist, and of modest size. … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New Things

Posted on 2 October 2017 by andyq

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Sometimes a story about a book is enough to get me to read the book itself… and a Guardian profile, describing how Faber has decided … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Zushi, Barangaroo

Posted on 30 September 2017 by andyq

I kept hearing of Zushi in Barangaroo and wondered how they’d managed it. Zushi in Surry Hills, just around the corner from me, is perfectly fine Japanese food, with good service, and a busy lunchtime crowd. It’s always been great, … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Papaya Grill Lao Restaurant, Marrickville

Posted on 30 September 2017 by andyq

  Lao food is not easy to come by in Sydney, though the fellow at this restaurant says there are a few places out west. A Thai restaurant on Oxford Street had a special Lao food night ages ago, but … Continue reading →

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Sydney Food Diary: Top Choice Seafood, Rhodes

Posted on 26 September 2017 by andyq

I’m always up for Yum Cha, especially in larger groups when you get to try more dishes. So, off to Rhodes to meet a group of friends, including friends who live nearby and had suggested it. It’s kind of an … Continue reading →

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