King’s Cross was world renowned as a hotbed of passion, violence, intellect, art and mischief for decades. It’s currently undergoing a rebrand – great coffee and small bars are popping up, nestled side by side with the historic strip joints and greasy spoons. Case in point: Dulcie’s.
Bringing a touch of class back to the strip, Dulcie’s is the brain child of Brandon Martignago. With a strong hospitality and theatre direction background, he has perfectly paired boho chic with a dash of modern glamour to this basement bar.
You’ll find the neon red Dulcie’s sign sandwiched between a tattoo parlour and a betting shop within metres of King’s Cross station. Naturally, the intimate space was originally a strip joint, even appearing in the Underbelly series – if the mirrors didn’t give it away, the heritage neon Stripperama signs in the bathrooms certainly would!
From the red velvet stools at the bar to the many cosy nooks perfect for sharing gossipy secrets or dangerous liaisons, Brandon has lovingly recreated an old style cocktail parlour that gives you a slice of bohemian life.
The drinks list is proudly Australian and the team’s encyclopedic knowledge of what’s hot on the spirit scene comes to the fore in creative cocktails that each pay homage to local characters. The go-to is the Darling Juanita, which is the perfect cool cocktail for hot nights with gin, cucumber juice, basil and citrus. The Martinez is an incredibly moreish concoction of McHenry dry gin, sweet vermouth and orange bitters – just the right balance of sweet, dry and bitter. The Bold and Unforgettable is a powerful mix of Poltergeist gin and Causes and Cures semi-dry vermouth dressed with rosemary. One was delicious, two would be delightful, three would be downright dangerous!
The cocktails and ambience steal the show, but there’s also a select Australian wine and beer list along with a nibbles platter to soak up the tipples. Keep an eye out for regular performance nights in keeping with the bohemian roots of Kings Cross, think readings, piano performances, sultry singers and burlesque nights (have to make the most of those mirrors!).
Dulcie’s playfully masters rekindling a bohemian era that gives a nod to the Cross’ infamous past infused with a modern Australian spin. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-intimate drink and tete-a-tete. Put on your red lipstick, leave your phone at home and take yourself back to a more mischievous time.
Dulcie’s
https://www.dulcieskingscross.com.au/
44B Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
Opening Times:
Tues-Sun 5pm till late
If you haven’t had a Sydney staycation, make it a 2019 New Years resolution. It’s like tasting Gelato Messina – once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. Simply because you are worth it.
If you haven’t discovered the narrow lanes that are Kensington street, the hawker food areas of Spice Alley, wine tasting rooms, White Rabbit galleries or shopping at Central Park, then Chippendale is putting on an artful show you’ve been missing. A wander down to Brickfields Bakery means we you can take home a stash of freshly baked sourdough. If chilling is more your thing, our guilty pleasure is Palace Central Sydney – newly renovated having taken over the top floor of Central Park. Head to the Prosecco Bar where you can enjoy sweeping garden views. Platinum provides the full VIP experience, simply add a bit of Freddie Mercury Bohemian Rhapsody and you have the perfect afternoon. 
The best things about staycations are that at the end of a day of adventure, wining and dining, there’s no fight for a taxi or a long journey home. It’s simply the touch of the button and you’re headed to no noisy neighbours, no humming aircon, just glorious 1000 count bed linen, peace, quiet and mmmm what’s for breakfast?
Ahhh New Year’s Eve. That magical night when we get to put on our best sparkly outfit (or get a new one), glam up, and get ready to send off 2018 in style. But where to go? We’ve scoured Sydney for the best parties, dinners and fun ways to celebrate.
Champagne lovers should make a beeline for the Sofitel Darling Harbour’s fabulous Champagne bar. Start with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Nature, then move onto the 2009 Louis Roederer Philipe Starck Brut Nature, exclusive to Sofitel (we have tried and its delicious!). Six courses then follow, yours to enjoy alongside floor to ceiling windows, the perfect vantage point for Darling Harbour celebrations. 
Inside the boutique Harbour Rocks Hotel, Tayim only opens its doors mid-December. Head Chef Ran Kimelfeld (former Head Chef, Nour) combines modern and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The go to ticket is the ‘Dinner and Fireworks’ package. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, followed by a six-course menu with four premium matching wines. The scoop is these guests will be invited to experience fireworks on the rooftop of the hotel’s Harbour View Suit with Champagne to toast. Woo! 
Overlooking Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, these glass window offer some of the best views around town. Margaritas on arrival, followed by a shared set menu including Totopos with red & green salsas, chicken tostadas frijoles and roast chicken in yellow mole complete the winning formula.
Want to ring in the New Year over the other side of the bridge? The manly Wharf Hotel knows how to throw a party. This year the music kicks off at 6pm with big names like Tim Boffa, Somatik, Kid Kenobi and Plump DJs keeping the night pumping. Settle in for a solid session – drinks, eats, dancing. Done.
The name says it all. Not really. The name doesn’t explain that if you’re after some of Redfern’s best eats, and a killer cocktail, this is the spot for you. Make a beeline for this refined venue just far enough away from the city to enjoy the vibe without the wild crowds. this fun, friendly inner city hotspot. They’ll be open as usual, serving up a brand new menu (the beef tartare already has plenty of fans) and keeping the party pumping into the early hours with DJ Cassette and Aaron Achurch. 
