Sydney Dining/Design Top Stars??!!

From the Architectural Digest magazine three days ago, they have this headline: "8 High-Design Restaurants in Sydney" with these highlights: "Long famous for its natural surroundings, cosmopolitan edge, and icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney has recently developed a reputation as a foodie haven. Australian and international chefs are making the most of the region’s bounty, using esoteric local ingredients and a farm-to-table approach to dining—and they’re not afraid to push the envelope. The same goes for design, with restaurants running the gamut from classic style to hip and edgy. Places like Bennelong—located in the sails of the Sydney Opera House—set the stage for a memorable meal, while others, like Henry Deane, offer up refined design to go with gorgeous views of the harbor. Automata, a hip new spot, proves that the formerly gritty Chippendale neighborhood is becoming more upscale, while the Boathouse at Shelley Beach exemplifies casual coastal style. These eight restaurants—both newcomers and Sydney stalwarts—highlight the best design currently on display in this city down under."

In addition to Bennelong, Henry Deane, Automata and the Boathouse at Shelley Beach being highlighted, they also cite Bills Bondi, Mr. Wong, Est. and Acme. Any who have dined at these locations and/or who have reactions that if these locations merit this attention and praise?

Full story at:

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/sydney-restaurants

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 157,482 views for this posting.

Here is more on Sydney from the Architectural Digest magazine earlier this week. This high-end magazine has this headline: "Sydney’s 9 Most Stylish Hotels".

Here are a few of their story highlights: "Sydney may have been established as a convict settlement, but these days it’s Australia’s largest and most glamorous metropolis. With an alluring combination of laid-back beaches, a glittering coastline, historic clout, and plenty of contemporary development, the capital of New South Wales is a must-see destination. Travelers planning a trip to Sydney have no shortage of stylish accommodations, ranging from quirky boutique hotels like QT Sydney to five-star properties like the Langham. Want to stay in the city’s business and shopping district? Book a room at the sleek Establishment Hotel in the CBD. Prefer to explore Sydney’s up-and-coming inner neighborhoods like Chippendale? The industrial-chic Old Clare Hotel is right for you. If you love to surf, stay at the QT Bondi, the newest hotel in mellow Bondi Beach. "

Among the nine "chic" hotels in Sydney that this magazine cited, they also gave details and pictures for staying at: Hotel Palisade, Park Hyatt Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour and Ovolo Woolloomooloo.

Reactions, comments from those who have had experiences at any of these Sydney hotel locations?

Full story at:

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/sydney-hotels

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 33,007 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

... Sydney has recently developed a reputation as a foodie haven.

The hotel article is also equally cringeworthy. For example, could the Park Hyatt really be described as "chic"? It is one of Sydney's best and most spectacular hotels, but that is not an adjective that I would associate with it.