One Of The Best TV Moments Ever?

It could just be the amazing choice of song…

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Product Review: Yves Saint Laurent Forever Young

Glycobiology – The Future Of Skincare

I’m not really into science. I had 2 biology classes in year 11 before running straight into the arms of a design class which suited me MUCH better. The science behind the new Yves Saint Laurent skincare range however, is super exciting because it’s so darn cutting edge!

Glycobiology has to do with the structure, metabolism and biological role of glycans found in living beings. Glycans are macromolecules formed by chains of complex sugar. Research has demonstrated that glycans are present in the organism at three levels: in other words on the cell’s surface inside the cell and between the cells.
This particularity gives them three functions concerning the skin: metabolism of the cells, communication between the cells and the structure of the tissues which plays on the aspect of the skin. 
Used in cosmetics and skincare for the first time, glycobiology has become an innovative scientific field which helps better understand and combat visible signs of ageing. Found naturally in the skin, glycans are responsible for the transmission for the youth messages of the cells. With age, the rate and quantity of glycans diminishes, hindering the skin’s regeneration process. The first signs of ageing appear: wrinkles, loss of tone, and dull complexion.

Yves Saint Laurent has created a committee of scientific experts: YSL – SkinScience. These experts come from the various entities of L’Oréal Research and are joined by experts in dermatology and glycol-sciences. Amongst the billions of possibilities, the committee has identified an exclusive complex of 3 glycans which stimulates the skin’s three youth-promoting functions: the glycanactif ™ Backed by the latest discoveries in glycobiology, Yves Saint Laurent has introduced a breakthrough in skincare with Glycanactif™. Designed to work as a true “cellular key” this original complex has been developed to favour the mechanics of regeneration of the skin, therefore helping to unlock the potential for “youthful” skin.

My Glyco Guinea Pigs…

With 3 products to trial I thought it best to trial across 3 different people to see the differentiation of results on different skin types. I got my girlfriend who has dehydrated and slightly congested skin to trial the toner; my Mum with dry and ageing skin to trial the SPF Daily Moisturiser; and I personally trialled the eye serum hoping it would improved my wretched fine lines.

Toner: Forever Youth Liberator Lotion

If you met my girlfriend you would think she knew every skin trick in the book but if you talked to her you would be astonished how very little she knows about skincare. Seriously that gorgeous mug of hers is annoyingly perfect for someone who I once caught using cleansing milk on it as moisturiser… I wish I were kidding. After she received the toner I received the following message;

‘Kel question… Eye cream, toner and lotion, what order do I use them in? Xxx’

* Face palm.

Sigh. Seriously, sometimes I wonder what or if I have taught that girl anything. Anyway after clearing up the general order of a skincare regime she began using the toner morning and night allowing her moisturiser (actually not a lotion my love), to absorb easier and her skin to get an amazing kick of supple skin ingredients. And after seeing her latest fb pics, I can see that the proof is in the pudding with a gorgeously glowing mug of hers beaming at me from each shot. Result!

The ultra-gentle toner (marketed as a lotion) prepares the skin for the efficacy of your moisturiser. It immediately makes the complexion look more transparent, reduces the look of fatigue and leaves the skin feeling smoother, firmer, more toned and revitalised.

RRP $55. Available at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

Face Cream: Forever Youth Liberator SPF 15 Crème

Personally, I can’t stand products with SPF in them. (Skin sin I know.) They revolt me, so I quickly handed this one over to mumma dearest. She gladly obliged and immediately fell in love with the creamy texture. The Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator SPF 15 Crème is a moisturising cream containing SPF protection and Glycanactif™ a patented combination of three glycans, which helps increase youthful activity in skin cells*. With SPF 15, this creme helps protect the skin against daily sun exposure. The Forever Youth Liberator Crème immediately makes the skin look more radiant, softer and more comfortable.

RRP $145. Available at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

Eye Serum: Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream

I DESPISE my fine lines, they are mostly dehydration but there are a few definite age lines that annoy me to no end. This prod was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It absorbed really quickly and appeared to smooth the crepeiness of my eye area. Loved it. The formula is designed to relax the whole eye contour area which is why I saw such great instant results.

RRP $99. Available at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

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Noah Cover of “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO

Seriously! Can you even comprehend how amazing this guy is!!!! I’m in love. That voice makes this guy ridonk amounts of sexy.

 

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Hair Report: Old School & Adorable At Flannel

I’m in ridiculous amounts of love with the dress in the middle. DIVINE.

Captured in a Great Gatsby inspired setting, an intimate stage was set where Jon created a modern take on the roaring 20’s style for the ‘The ‘Neronis’ SS13 collection launch.

“Vintage glamour with sculptured hair that’s edgy and mysterious” says Redken Hair Director Jon Pulitano. His finger wave creation charmingly contrasts the pastel silhouettes featured at the evening soiree.

The finished result was a deep side part tapered in by a polished low bun; elegantly set with a wet look finish.

Check out how Jon and the REDKEN team created the Flannel look. (Which I adore as an FYI.)

1. Section damp hair into three sections. The lower back half of the head then, divide the front section into two sides, ensuring a very low side part.
2. Then to one section at a time, apply a generous amount of Redken Hardwear 16 ($29.95), working through from the roots to the ends for hold and a wet-look finish.
3. Keeping with the side part, take top sections and begin combing the hair forward towards the face.
4. Use your fingers to sculpt and position the hair into waves. Follow this pattern down the side of the face and around the ears.
5. Tie the hair in a low ponytail. Apply a little more Redken Hardwear 16 to the ponytail and then twist the hair into a tight bun. Secure with pins.
6. Spray the entire head with Redken Forceful 23 ($26.95) super strength finishing spray to give extra hold and a high gloss finish.

Voila!

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Hair Report: Sleek & Chic At LIFEwithBIRD

I ADORE LifewithBird. The clothes perfectly harmonize casual chic and high-fashion; the lead designer, Bridget McCall ,is an absolute DOLL, so easy-going and truly loves what she does; and they always put really quirky shows on that show their collections in unique and super cute ways.

MBFWA (Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia) has already showcased inspiring fashion, but it’s the beauty looks that are my true loves *cue clappy hands. Now to be perfectly honest I don’t love this look created for LIFEwithBIRD…

It’s a little bit ‘I just sweated at the gym and combed it back afterwards’ *shudder, but many people and industry peeps SWOONED over the ‘do’ sooooo here’s how it was created (as directed by REDKEN Artist Jon Pulitano);

1. Start by applying Redken Guts 10 volume spray foam ($29.95) all over the hair, for hold and texture.

2. Direct the hair back away from the face and blow dry roughly using your hands, until the product sets.

3. Once the hair is dry, apply Redken Argan-6 Oil ($29.00) to the hair from the top through to the ends for softness and shine.

4. Finish with Redken Quick Dry 18 instant finishing spray ($26.95) to keep the hair back and to tame flyaways.

The result was a tumbled pulled-back look with a semi-matte finish. The modern minimalist style beautifully contrasts the sharp silhouettes featured at the static show ‘The Distance Between’ collection..

Thoughts? Love or loathe?

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Indulge Yourself: Relax, Unwind & Rejuvenate

Many of us have been looking forward to this long weekend for WEEKS! SO LETS RELAX! YES?! Some people like to drink, some like to stuff so much food down their gullets they need to be rolled home, some like to engage in light bondage and special cuddles, and some like to sit zombie-like in front of the TV with one leg slung over the arm rest in a very attractive manner. Now although I enjoy all of these things on occasion, my way to relax and unwind is by immersing myself in water. Unfortunately I am not referring to a secret fitness fanatic hidden away inside me, rather a penchant for long and languishing baths…. ahhh

So I have handpicked a few selections in each ‘must-have’ category and you have choices whether your choosing to save, spend or splurge! Hard works done you cheeky rascals, now all you need to do is make the time. Come Tuesday you’ll be MORE than ready to face the (shorter) working week.

Bubble Bath

Lie back amongst a plethora of fragranced bubbles as all of your worries soak away…

Save: I Love… ‘Blueberry & Smoothie’ Bubble Bath & Shower Cream

Bish, bash, bosh; brace yourself, as this sweet aroma of juicy blueberries and smooth yoghurt explodes into action leaving your senses refreshed and invigorated. Sweet-tooth lovers beware, you may just want to guzzle this delectable bottle of creaminess down your greedy gullets but please don’t as a) you should NEVER waste lovely prodz and b) you could, you know, like die…

Squeeze generously under running water for bubbles galore and emerge from your bath smelling better than a wedding cake topped with macaroons.

RRP $11.50. Available at MYER, David Jones and selected independent stockists.

Spend: L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath

Get rid of the old ‘Lavender is for Nanna’ perception and jump on the train to Haute-Provence! Well don’t actually do that unless you have the cash, I havent been there either but I hear it’s quite nice. Anyway the reason behind the above usless rambling is that this divine bubble bath is made with the finest quality organic A.O.C lavender essential oils, which actually COME from Haute-Provence where it is grown exclusively for L’Occitane products. This bad boy is a firecracker in the tub and boasts a rich formula that generously foams in the tub and offers all the relaxing benefits of lavender (reduces anxiety, eases stress and promotes a good nights sleep). This newly re-formulated product has only recently hit the shelves so please enjoy the bliss that it brings.

RRP $42. Call 02 8912 3000 for stockists.

Splurge: Molton Brown Intoxicating Davana Blossom Foaming Bath Oil

For the ultimate bathing experience, look no further than this enriching formula by the gems at Molton Brown. A unique formula, this indulgence is infused with an intoxicating blend of Indian davana blossom, conditioning grape-seed, raspberry, blackseed and star flower oils to cleanse the skin and leave it silky soft.
Swoon worthy bathing moment.

RRP $100. Available at David Jones and Molton Brown Emporium store, Queen Victoria Building.

Candles

Set the mood with a flickering candle gloriously wafting sweet trails of relaxation…

Save: 1966 Gardenia & Amber Perfect Spaces Candle

Circa Home Gardenia & Amber Perfect Spaces Candle features a sophisticated blend of violet, freesia, gardenia, China musk, and amber, and is made with soy wax and a lead-free cotton wick. It has been handcrafted in Australia using high-quality fragrances and oils, and contains natural ingredients. I have mine in a bookshelf yet I notice the gorgeous scent as soon as I open my front door each evening, it’s heaven!

RRP $19.95. Available at Bed Bath N’ Table and selected gift and homewares stores nationally.

Spend: Galapagos – Kaffir Lime & Cocoa Butter Triple Scented Candle

Glasshouse Galapagos Kaffir Lime & Cocoa Butter Triple Scented Candle is my all-time faveourite candle. I have a serious addiction to it. Seriously, sometimes I can be found perched somewhere with my nose just shoved in it as I continuously inhale (obviously at this point in time it isn’t lit). Since my Galapagos foray begun I’ve also become obsessed with the soap and hand cream so I am continuously confronted with its delightful odor. (Why does the word odor sound gross even though it’s just another word for fragrance?) Featuring a blend of lemons, verbena and kumquats, the energizing aroma is rejuvenating and will enliven your senses. FAVE CANDLE.

Oh and 80-hour burn time. Damn straight.

RRP $39.95. Available at David Jones, Peter Alexander and selected gift stores nationally.

Splurge: Chameli

This candle screams sensuality with all of its spicy and sultry undertones. The Sundari Chameli is a) a sexy little minx and b) predominately floral, with hints of jasmine and lotus flowers, mixed with lemongrass and cinnamon. Enticing right!?

RRP $69. Available at www.sundari.com.au and www.sundaristore.com.au.

Hair Masks

Coat those locks with one of these hair gems and feel the difference between lank and lush…

Save: Pantene 3 Minute Miracle – Single Ampoule

Despite the flack it’s received over the years, I love Pantene. I don’t give a rats ass that it apparently ‘isn’t very good for your hair’ pft. Pantene 3 Minute Miracle is, to put it simply, amaze. It really does leave your hair looking 100,000,000 times better as it’s enriched with a pro-vitamin formula to repair damaged hair QUICK! You should all try this one if you haven’t already and I mean what have you got to lose? The price of a few measly stamps?

RRP $2.99. Available at all leading retailers.

Spend: De Lorenzo Essential Treatments Equilibrium

Everyone who knows the slightest bit about beauty (AKA knows the difference between dry shampoo and baby powder) has some sort of an understanding on the effectiveness of rosehip oil. In effect, it is one of the greatest things ever. Besides Caramel Space Sticks apparently. The organic rosehip oil formulated in this masque, along with oat peptides, and vitamins A & C, give your locks the deep treatment they deserve.

RRP $29.95. www.delorenzo.com.au.

Splurge: Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask

Moroccanoil literally saved my hair. Seriously. A serial offender in low hair care maintenance, I am a walking ad for split ends and damaged hair in general. Until I coat my mug with this bad boy. That’s right people, this rich, creamy treatment formulated with proteins repairs my damaged hair ridiculously while providing an intense moisture boost. The technical jargon boasts that this mask penetrates deep into the hair shaft to help restore elasticity and rebuild damage caused by chemical and other environmental damage, and you know what? I believe em!

Quick Tip: For intense and immediate results, apply after shampooing and leave on overnight. Caution: Please put towel on pillow and tossers OR turners need not apply. To much effort for all that extra washing.

RRP $49.95. Call 1300 437 436 for your nearest stockist.

Face Mask

Treat your parched face by massaging one of these into your attention seeking pores…

Save: The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask

This is the answer to any gal suffering from enlarged pores, acne or oily skin. I am one of them. Clay masks are uber effective at drawing impurities from deep in the skin while removing excess oil and bacteria. This treatment mask has algae extracts, natural ionic clay action, and is enriched with minerals (magnesium, iron and calcium). To use, apply to clean, dry skin once or twice a week. Leave to dry for up to ten minutes, then remove, with a sponge and clean water.

RRP $26.95. Available at he Body Shop retail stores or online at www.thebodyshop.com.au.

Spend: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Look closely in the mirror. Now push your cheek fat up towards your eyes. See that crepe paper effect? That’s dehydration bitches and there’s a super quick and easy fix. This is the moisture-boosting mask used and recommended by beauty editors all over the world. And they know their shit. It DEEPLY hydrates the skin, just like a professional facial, leaving skin radiant and crystal clear. Many brides-to-be or vain (raising hand) girls in general use this before their ‘big day’ (or night out), as it gives an instantly flawless and bright complexion as the perfect makeup base. LOVE.

RRP $28/$140 Single/6 Pack. Available at selected David Jones and Myer store.

Splurge: La Prairie Cellular 3 Minute Peel

For instant gratification AKA vanity seeking in the mirror, you CAN’T look further than this magicians mask. Seriously, after application it looks like someone has waved a magic wand over your mug wiping out all the fine lines. The 3-Minute Peel works to re-invent the skins surface, helping to reveal a youthful firmness and a radiant and flawless finish (which it does to dramatic effect). The fast-acting formula is filled with concentrated exfoliants to help speed up cell renewal, and helps to shrink the appearance of pores, improve elasticity, hydrate skin and protect against moisture loss. Go on, spoil your face.

Quick Tip: Recommended to be used only once a week so this jar should last you yonks.

RRP $300. Available at selected David Jones and beauty salons nationally.

Cream

Slather your (probably prune-like) body with a luxe moisturising cream in an exquisite aroma. This will nourish your skin and smell simply delectable to all those around you as they catch whiffs of your subtly scented (AND silky smooth) skin…

Save: MOR Dolce Hand & Body Lotion in Pomegranate

I’m not usually a huge fan of lotions as they aren’t rich enough for me. When I say slather I MEAN slather, like, you really need to work that cream into your skin. However, this lotion is just unbeatable for price and perfume alone, I’m pretty smitten. The formula features a fragrance of violet, jasmine, pomegranate, sweet raspberry, black currant and sweet musk. It includes castor seed oil leaving skin soft to touch and smelling sweet. Presented in a handy pump, the product is not tested on animals and is made in Australia.

RRP $15. Exclusive to Target.

Spend: L’Occitane Shea Limited Edition Ultra Rich Body Cream ‘Desert Rose’

One thing that really annoys me about L’Occitane is the constant stream of ‘limited edition’ products or continuous ‘discontinued’ product lines. GRRRRR. I DESPISE loving something that won’t be around for long! SO, this is a perfect example. An exceptional body cream and a tortuously delicious scent. I applied this before bed last week and every time I rolled around I got a whiff of myself. One word – YUM. The 25% PURE shea butter prod envelopes skin in comfort and softness and there just isn’t enough words to describe how much I love it. Tip: Buy a few, you can currently get 2 for $50 so stock up while the bloody things are in stock.

$32 Please call 02 8912 3000 for stockists.

Splurge: Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Body Cream

Lilies are my fave flower. (Useless information for you all for the day.) And one would assume that this prod smells like lilies…WELL it doesn’t! That said it is still as pretty as this glorious Saturday. With extracts of peony, white magnolia and elderflower, this conditioning body cream glides on easily leaving skin soft and scented. Contains a rich blend of shea butter (YES) and rosehip and evening primrose oils (WINNING) rich in fatty acids. Grapeseed, jojoba and wheat germ oils moisturise dry skin.

RRP $44. Avaialble at selected pharmacies and department stores nationwide.

Top Five Book Suggestions…

A bath would just be a bath without something to occupy us right? After all, women are the queens of muti-tasking! So make it a GREAT bath by flicking through one of these (recently read so I can vouch for them) awesome books…

1. The Hunger Games. By Suzanne Collins. Go on, you secretly want to jump on the bandwagon admit it! Generally there is hype about something for a reason so please don’t listen to the haters.
2. Fifty Shades Of Grey. By E L James. Soooooooo this book is pretty intense. The sex I should say anyway. But all in all it’s pure indulgent trash. Just think of a long-winded ‘mills & boon’ and you have the basic idea of this in-demand novel, with a few added doses of angry sex and major themes of dominance/submission. Why you should read it? Some parts are pretty darn hot. Like the first elevator ‘incident’…. WOWZA.
3. The Patchwork Marriage. By Jane Green. If you haven’t read a Jane Green novel before you probably should. Like ASAP really as she’s pretty amazeballs. Now, although this book wasn’t her best (personal fave being Bookends or The Other Woman), it was still a mighty fine chick-lit read with strong lessons interwoven into the ‘patchwork’ of the storyline. Perfect bath read.
4. The Younger Man. By Zoe Foster. Zoe has done it again and her writing just seems to get better and better! This is light-hearted reading at it’s best with some seriously funny one-liners interjected. I actually LOL-ed a few to many times much to the annoyance of anyone arround me. The only thing I didn’t like (and please if anyone else felt the same speak up) was a touch of dislike towards the central character. I found her to be a bit of a winge and, quite frankly, a self-indulgent bitch at times. But Marcus? Wow. You can woo me anytime babe.
5. The Fault In Our Stars. By John Green. This book was beyond moving with its subject matters primary narration bring that of death as she (and those around her in her cancer support group) are dying. Beautifully written, I was captivated by this gorgeous story of life and death and all the silly inconsequential things in between. Trust me, after reading this you’ll think twice before complaining about having stretch marks in your 20′s. At least you made it to your 20′s! This is DEFINITELY my top pick from the 5. Read it now please.

Enjoy xx

Good Friday + My Mum = Crazy

Happy Easter!
Warmest Regards,
Dinkypie

It’s only recently that I’ve fully become to appreciate the extent of my Mothers inherent craziness. This has come to light as I discuss old family Easter traditions with friends and colleagues.

Good Friday – The day that for religious people, symbolises the death of Jesus and for non-religious people, symbolises a damn fine time.

Growing up, Good Friday symbolised a day where strict food guidelines (enforced by my nutcase of a mother) were adhered to by my sibling and I, unless we wanted to deal with the wrath that was our mothers screeching as she bellowed that we were getting NO easter eggs. She would then hide the ones already purchased before consuming them after we had all gone to bed I’m guessing.

So the strict food guidelines ruled that we were to eat NOTHING but fish and (wait for it) Hot Cross Buns.

Seriously.

No veggies. No fruit. No nothing. Except fish and buns.

Wow.

So I write this while shovelling down leftover noodles and smugly think of my father currently consuming yet another bloody hot cross bun for the fifth time today, as they really aren’t that filling and who really wants to eat fish for breakfast (or at all in my opinion).

Does your family have any weird traditions?

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The Day I Was Whacked In The Face By A Dildo

LOL at the guy behind me. Nice fringe my friend...

Sydneysiders aren’t exactly shy when it comes to sex. In fact I write this while listening to my neighbours participate in what can only be described as extreme S&M, ahh the delight of close-proximity apartment blocks.

That said, there is still a rather oppressing air of disapproval when it comes to an openness in regards to sex, one that came to light this summer as my girlfriends and I realised there was a 20-metre wide birth around our towels at Bondi Beach as people desperately tried to avoid listening in on our ‘bald vs. bush’ discussion. FYI bald totally won. Sex shops in Sydney are still these mortifying places to be caught at down seedy side alleys unless you’re 18 and checking yourself into The Cross for the first time. Most girls I know buy their ‘secret women’s business’ from discreet online stores, much to the annoyance of many of them when, on arrival of expected package, their rabbit has ears big enough to bite. And men? Well let’s just say that I am sure that they all have bookmarked pornhub.com with a pile of special socks and happy tissues in …

Click here to keep reading.

 

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Marquee: The Club That’s Over Before It’s Begun?

Seriously, Go Home Paris... (pic sourced from the daily telegraph)

The prospect of a new club opening is always exciting to Sydneysiders, especially when it promises to change the club scene as it is (overpriced and brimming with an abundance of fist pumping idiots on their coke fuelled benders).

Marquee has been developed as part of The Stars (Sydney’s notorious and media criticized casino) ridiculous 870 million dollar refurbishment and they desperately want people to come and play. So desperate in fact that they have brought over the one person whose face simply reeks of desperation to open said club – Paris Hilton.

A few years ago, Paris was kinda cool. Ok maybe I’m stretching, as she has never exactly been someone I’ve lusted over but as the world’s most infamous party girl, she was the perfect face to open an event or new establishment. Now? Not so much. So here are my oh-so-important thoughts…

Dear Paris,
You are so tired. And you must also be actually quite tired considering you JUST got off a long-haul flight. I guess that’s why you’re a walking ad reading ‘kiddies this is what speed does’.

Please go home before you embarrass The Star further. Seriously, the last thing they need after the past months riddled with controversy is leaked pictures of you come Saturday morning, snorting substance of any flat surface and grinding up on a very uncomfortable Will I Am.

Your old. You’re past your peak. You are certainly welcome to do as you please in the comforts of your own home or a more private establishment, but I’m telling you that no one wants to see a 30-something vag twirling around a pole. Because lets face it, years of you crying for media attention have proved 3 things:

1. You don’t seem to like to wear underwear. That, or you think people want to see your sea monster.
2. You don’t seem to understand that ‘party girls’ (read table dancing, drinking in excess, and being TOTALLY obnoxious) over the age of 29 are just sad. (Really all party girls are pretty lame but whatevs.)
3. You quite possibly have THE worst style in the world and by representing Sydney’s newest club looking like you belong in The Cross, you really are sending a strange message to the people I’m sure The Star is looking to have at Marquee.

Honestly guys could you REALLY not have found anyone cooler? Surely there was SOMEONE else available that would appeal to young and hip people like myself AKA desired clientele.

(And yes I realise that by saying I’m hip and using the word hip in general I am clearly not hip. Whatever, you get my point.)

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Restaurant Review: Steel Bar & Grill

 

From the outset, Steel looks like many of the other edgy and ever so slightly grungy bars in Sydney. Inside, it’s a sleek and urban oasis that offers an extremely sophisticated (read posh *pointy up nose), yet relaxed and unique dining experience. Loud drunken fools and screaming brats be gone, as this is one Sydney hotspot where you can actually have a decent conversation. Slow music with rising tempos plays softly in the background as waiters move silently around before discussing your choices in hushed tones. Bliss. A mouth-watering menu and extensive wine list offer even the fussiest of palettes something to enjoy, while the soft candlelit atmosphere is the perfect anecdote to a hard day at work.

 

 

An interior designers dream (designed by one of Sydneys most notorious designers Michael McCann), every detail is as dramatic and awe inspiring as the next; from the dim array of lighting, to the personal flat screen playing SATC as you refresh in the ladies room.

A must-see for any Sydney foodie who loves relaxed glamour without the Aria price tag and accompanying pretentious twats.

http://www.steelbarandgrill.com/

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