Ms G’s

Address: 155 Victoria St, Potts Point

Good morning Vietnam

When the planets are finally aligned some old friends and I are reunited. We head to Ms G's.

This Asian restaurant and bar has quickly built a fine reputation since its opening in December 2010. It is located in a five storey terrace in Potts Point and each floor is filled with quirky decorations and recycled furniture. As there is a no booking policy, and I am the first to arrive, I give my name and the number of guests and wait for my friends.

We head up to the bar located on the third floor. The walls are covered with old classic magazine covers; Hustler, Playboy, Rolling Stone and I think my personal favourite Sweet Cheeks. Hugh Grant's famous Divine Brown mug shot is even on the wall.

I’m intrigued by their "package cocktails" which are served in bubble tea style packaging. I order "Good morning Vietnam" (Shochu, raspberries, lime, palm sugar, Vietnamese mint, soda), it is truly delicious... and potentially dangerous. I had to remember that it was not my usual bubble tea that I order from Easy Way.

When we have all arrived we are taken to our table. The waiter in his army style uniform takes our order on an Etch-a-Sketch. I love it (I should confess I actually have one at home). The food is excellent; their dirty martini's superb... I’m impressed. If you enjoy quiet locations, where you can make a booking and are seated quickly I would advise you to go elsewhere. Ms G’s is fun, quirky, loud and fabulous.

After a number of hours, dishes, wine and cocktails the waiter comes with our selection of dessert, and says "it's better than sex". You will have to come and try to decide for yourself.








Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.merivale.com/#/msgs/msgs

Pocket Bar

Address: 13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst

Another Birthday. Another Bar

A belated birthday celebration was underway and 6 of us head to Pocket Bar; most of the group wanted to walk, but some shoes (or in my case most) aren’t made for walking, so a friend and I leave 15 minutes later and jump into a taxi.

We arrive on the corner of Crown and Burton st, open the wrought iron gates to the sounds of 70's funk and walk into a drinking den that is friendly, casual and effortlessly cool.

After securing our place on the retro couches we head to the glass top counter bar, it showcases random things; matchbooks, cards, and other knickknacks. It also doubles as a book shelf, which if you where inclined, would allow you to read the latest national geographic while sipping a martini. 

While I was waiting for my Rose Petal martini (which I need to highlight is a lot nicer than the one offered at Blu Bar on 36 in the Shangri-La hotel) I saw what I thought was an old typewriter, I instantly wanted to touch it. As I get closer I realise it's actually some form of old-school calculator. It lost its appeal. I still pretended to type on it though.

As I look at the pop art and bric-a-brac, that covers the walls of the bar, I notice that there's a grammatical error in one of the painted speech bubbles. For a second I considered letting one of the staff know. I didn't ... they have probably had it pointed out by other well meaning patrons countless times and I doubt they would care.  

After two excellent gibson martini’s and one of the bars delicious crepes, I call it a night. Pocket Bar is an excellent small bar. Lotus Martini will be back.

Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.pocketsydney.com.au/

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Address: 66 Hunter Street, Sydney

Simply stunning

There was a special occasion, my best friends birthday, and to celebrate I take them to Rockpool Bar and Grill. As I have only ever been to the restaurant, we decide we should arrive an hour before dinner to have a few pre-dinner beverages.

Located in one of the finest art deco buildings in Sydney, right above its sister restaurant Spice Temple, it is simply stunning. High ceilings, marble columns and a small cosy bar located to the side of the strikingly gorgeous dining room. I feel I’m in Manhattan in the 1950’s (I wish I had worn my vintage dress… oh well, next time).

We are seated at a table for two and I commence the night with my autumn cocktail (a dirty martini - for those of you who don't read my reviews religiously).

I can confidently say that the separate white and red wine menus are near the same size of some of my text books, neither of which I have read. I open the cocktail menu and see a list of “House Rules”, I’m intrigued by all 9 of them. My personal favourite:

“Gentlemen, don’t approach ladies; and if you are so lucky to have one approach you, endear her as you would your mother”.

Advice I wish certain gentleman I have previously known had taken.

An hour quickly passes by. We are informed our table on the dress circle is ready. I take myself, my French martini and my gorgeous friend to our table.

The verdict. An absolute must for any self-respecting socialite.






Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.rockpool.com.au/sydney/bar-and-grill/

Orbit Lounge Bar

Address: Level 47, 264 George St, Sydney

Take me for a spin

After spending an excellent day at the races, where I discover that I am far better at picking a truly fabulous frock than I am at picking a fast horse, three of us decide that we should head out, as there is more fun to be had. I wanted to go somewhere that I hadn't been before so one of my friends suggests Orbit Lounge Bar. We call a cab and head into the city.

Orbit is located on the 47^th floor of Australian Square and is a rotating bar offering stunning views of Sydney. The revolving restaurant / bar concept has always seemed a bit of a gimmick to me but as I had never been there before the views and novelty won me over.

I order “The Vesper” as I love James Bond movies and it’s the drink he orders and names after his beautiful co-star in Casino Royal (I live in hope that one day James will name a drink after me). I take my first sip, and I’m quite surprised, it’s not as strong as I thought it would be.

I try two more cocktails. The first, a dirty vodka martini (which I have decided will be my drink for autumn) it’s not as nice as the one from the Victorian Room but still quite good. My final cocktail is an Espresso Martini. My friend was drinking them and it looked nice, and I’m pleased to say it lived up to my expectations…. nice one Orbit.

After 3 cocktails and 2 complete rotations my friends and I part ways and head home, but only after deciding we should go to the races again next weekend.






Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale 

See for yourself: http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/

China Doll

Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo

I'll have a side order of bikini, thank you

My day didn't start too well. I was late for my morning meeting and I also forgotten my heels and had to explain why I was wearing thongs with my glamourous work dress to the gentleman I was meeting with. Now, some of you ladies may be comfortable wearing thongs and your sneakers around the office, but not I. So when I get a break in between meetings I sneak out and head to the shops to buy a new pair.


As I parade back to the office in my new purchase I discover that they could quite possibly be the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I own (and I own a lot). They do look good though. Lucky I did as when I get back I am reminded about lunch at China Doll.


China Doll is very popular and is the third restaurant along the glamorous Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, we are seated outside near the water with prime views of the city. The cocktail selection here is fun and I decide to try " Big trouble in little China Doll" (vodka, watermelon juice with elderflower syrup and a hint of coriander), while the taste is different it doesn't really leave me with a lasting impression.


The service was very slow and not that you want to come to China Doll for a fast experience, but when your positively parched you want your beverage, sooner rather than later.


As I do enjoy the food at China Doll, I have an excellent lunch. However as we sit there a large boat appears with about 20 young guys and 3 ladies wearing nothing but a florescent yellow g-string (or hired help as one of my companions referred to it), and those of you who know Woolloomooloo warf, know it's a dead end. Obviously these guys where wanting to parade themselves with their lady friends for all to see. 


Now I'm not used to being over looked by my male companions, but I can promise you not a single eye was on me, I couldn't help being in awe either. Maybe I should buy the ladies outfit... but then again yellow isn't my colour.








Martini rating: 1 – 5 scale

See for yourself: http://www.chinadoll.com.au/