31 days: seven

When it came to date night with two of my dearest friends, I knew I had to find somewhere really special. A few months before, I had been taken to a fantastic place tucked away on Sydney's Clarence Street for a working lunch by the lovely Brent & Laurie at Designer Rice. And what a find it was. I knew I had to bring Sam and Hank here for a bit of indulgence. 

So to Arras we went. We were welcomed by slick design, quiet ambience and a very hospitable maitre d' called Michael. And so we spent the next 4 hours eating the most incredible food and enjoying beautiful wine - and laughing raucously, as we often do. We tucked into amuse bouche that looked like works of art and a starter of savoury porridge, chestnuts and almond cheese - yes, almond cheese. Amazing. Chicken, bones and stones - braised poussin, celtuce, black garlic, pear, followed by very swanky rhubarb 'crumble' with pears, lemon, hazelnut, caramel. 

And if that wasn't enough, once desert was chosen and ordered, we were surprised with 'pre-desert'. After desert, complimentary petit fours were brought out on the most extravagant bright orange tasting platter you've ever seen. Willy Wonka would be so very jealous. Just before we thought we would burst, Michael unveiled a special sweet congratulatory treat, written in chocolate, to celebrate Sam & Hank's recent engagement. We were over the moon when we were invited to personally thank Adam, the lovely Head Chef, in the kitchen (especially Sam, being a passionate and talented chef). 

It was such a brilliant night, and oh my goodness, Arras is just amazing. If you haven't gone yet, go. Yes, a little indulgent, but the quality of food and unique experience far outweighs the price tag.

31 days: six

I remember my very first experience of Sydney CBD. I was deeply impressed and fell in love with the big wide streets (so much space), the cleanliness of the streets (everything seemed to sparkle), the new but somewhat stately architecture and the well heeled office workers. It was clear that I was 'fresh off the boat' from London and used to the rubbish lined streets and raw edginess of the city I lived in for 5 years. But nonetheless, 6 years on from stepping off the boat (read: plane), Sydney still has all those qualities for me and is still such a joy to wander around - particularly when you're not running from bus stop to sushi train to shoe shop to bus stop on a crammed lunch break, and have time to soak up all the shiny, grand city goodness.

I feel very lucky that on one of my last days in Sydney, I was able to see it with the wide eyed appreciation of someone sill in love with the place while preparing to shortly board that plane that brought me here 6 years earlier.

31 days: five

Manly has oodles of places to eat, drink and generally have a good time but one of my favourites is Il Gondoliere on Whistler Street. Authentic, tiny, always bustling, with red checked plastic table cloths, BYO and the best fettuccine amatriciana I've ever had, this little spot is a local gem. Pete and I had a fab night of catching up, movie watching and getting our italian on. Definitely the highlight of the day.

31 days: four

Catching up with old friends has got to be one of the top feel good things to do. Bavarian Bier Cafe in Manly. Two good friends. Huge tankards of beer and good food (goulash - amazing). Great conversations. Brilliant night full of giggles and distracting the lovely waitress Monica from her work (in a nice way, she laughed with...at...us).