burning koala

Found this site via Meta, I think.

Anyway, I moved back to the US about a year ago after having lived in Sydney for around seven years. I even worked in Chatswood at one point! Here are a couple of suggestions: (1) Have dinner at Piar Indian Restaurant in Crows Nest – it’s about halfway between Chastwood and the city centre, but the north shore train line doesn’t stop there, so it’s easiest to take a taxi from Chatswood or the city. Be sure to try the Mahkani (“butter”) chicken. It’s a BYO mid-priced place. Best indian you’ll eat. (2) While in the area, have dessert at Bravo Trattoria. Many flavors, handmade on site, delightful! (3) Grab a Milo chocolate bar and give it a go. Like no other candy bar you’ll get in the US.

BTW, I used the online shopping with Coles a few times and they’re pretty good. Certainly saved hauling a ton of groceries onto the train and uphill to our place when you needed to buy a bunch of stuff.

Have fun while you’re there – it’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, even if they don’t serve proper cream for coffee. =) Cheers!

If you’ll bring me some Chocolate Chilli Tim Tams, I’ll prepare for you a fine array of hot sauces to take back! Actually, any and all Tim Tams are welcome.

American expat in Australia checking in with some tips for you:

- Try Byron Bay brand salsa and chips. The salsas taste more like the real thing, and the hot is actually hot unlike the bigger Australian brands. It might be tough to find…check Supabarn if you’re near one, I think they have locations in Sydney.

- Dr Pepper. It *is* available, because I used to buy it at the Student Union at the ANU. If you can’t find any, order from http://www.usafoods.com.au (a good source for all that stuff from home you just can’t live without). This includes grape jelly. They’re based in Melbourne but there might be a similar thing in Sydney since there’s a big US consulate there and it’s a large city.

- Did you mean the chipotle Tabasco? I saw some at my local Supabarn…try there. If you can’t get any I can post some to you. Masterfoods (IIRC) just came out with a seasoning blend with chipotle that I saw at Woolie’s (Woolworth’s) last week.

- Rocket is secretly arugula. Romaine is cos lettuce sometimes. You get used to it.

- The bread doesn’t go bad as fast if you’re in a drier part of the country, I guess. Baker’s Delight do a nice soft white bread (look for the ‘white block’). They are a big chain so undoubtedly you’ll have one nearby. Do try the ‘cheesymite’ scroll for a gentle introduction to Vegemite. If you ask they’ll heat it up for you. Pide is best eaten at Turkish restaurants with the assortment of dips they give you, and is also tops for sandwiches.

- Finally, try Asian markets for some of your American favorites. I know it sounds crazy, but mine has Butterfingers, Reese’s, root beer, and grape soda. I suspect this is due to Philipino influence but can’t say for sure. I’ll ask my Phillipino neighbours later.

- Don’t know if you watch TV, but you can catch Daily Show, Iron Chef, and South Park on the SBS. I find this very comforting.

Chicken crisps and meat pies are actually yummy, so don’t be scared!