Hot Spots
Annalise Braakensiek’s favourite Sydney hangouts
Annalise and a friend.
Annalise is always resolutely upbeat and not even the fact that she is hobbling around on crutches as a result of one too many icecapades on Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice , can keep her from enjoying Sydney with her husband, Danny Goldberg.
Bills restaurants: I like all of them but particularly the original in Darlinghurst. My favourite meal is the salmon with buckwheat noodles and since we’re old friends, he also cooks up special dishes for me.
Will & Toby’s: It’s lovely to head out to this new place in Manly for a Sunday brunch and some drinks.
Icebergs Dining Room : Since I’m a Bondi girl I love to go to Icebergs, I love the chargrilled barramundi and salad. My husband and I go there for all of our romantic dates.
My Place: I love cooking for all those I hold near and dear and have many signature dishes including a low fat Laksa.
Ichiban-Boshi: One of the best and cheapest eateries in Bondi Junction. They make a Raman vegetable stock, they call the Annalise special. - LORIN BLUMENTHAL.
Tali Shines ’s Hot Spots in St Barts in the French West Indies.
This is a girl who lives her products and right now she has the best collection of cosmetics and toiletries inspired by the world’s most exotic places.
Getting there: Brave the small plane and tiny runway and catch a flight from St Jean or St Marteen. You can also purchase a speed ferry ticket from both those places.
Getting around: Hire a jeep. The scenic routes are breath taking. Just fasten your seat-belt and prepare to be thrilled by the hairpin bends around the cliff faces.
Dining out: The Rock at Eden Rock - the eatery in one of the world’s super-scenic hotels. Try the tuna sashimi with avocado sorbet or the seared scallps with warm potatoes.
Have a Drink at: Relax, or ask for a Pina Colada at Le Lafayette Club.
Best time of the Year: Christmas to New Year - that’s the St Barts season.
Faces: Paris Hilton, Uma Thurman, Puff Daddy, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin - they’re all big on St Barts.
The look: Beaded kaftan over bikini, thongs, cowboy hat and large beaded necklace. Wear flat Jimmy Choo sandals and a Missoni mini dress by night. Soft sprayed hair, glossed lips, golden fake-tanned skin.
- Lorin Blumenthal.
Ros’s Celebrity Spotting
- Catalina - For international celebrity spotting when the weather is perfect, head to Catalina at Rose Bay. The food is consistently good but the vibe of the place will probably encourage you to blow the budget. The best tables on a sunny day for lunch are out on the terrace or at the windows.
- Otto at Woolloomoolo - it’s not so much about the food here as the scene and who is strolling up and down the walkway - Friday lunchtime is traditionally the best time to see Sydney at its craziest but do sit outside.
- Machiavelli in the city - best for power brokers, media and captains of industry. Thanks to the new work ethic - no one lingers after about 2.30
- North Bondi Italian - Right on the beach at North Bondi - it’s also jam packed later in the week The prices are more reasonable than Icebergs Dining Room at the other end of the beach which is more of a big, special occasion restaurant but still celeb friendly.
- The Raw Bar - Sushi joint at North Bondi which attracts lots of local actors, fashion designers and visiting celebs but the best time is in the evening.
PR Maven’s New York Picks
Australian-born, New York based fashion publicist, Rose Swarbrick (pictured: left) has some totally now places in New York that she recommends are worth a visit:
Hot new restaurant: Buddakan (same owner as Marimoto - AMAZING interior and food) in Chelsea
Trusty staple: Soho House in Meatpacking. Great for drinks, dinner or both!
Fun Afterwork drinks: Dos Caminos in Soho. Very upmarket Mexican - great outdoor area and killer margaritas
Best Bar any night of the week: Bembe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Best Brunch: Public in Nolita
Best shopping street: Wooster St in Soho.
