Kindly Yours

Light crispy texture when you bit into the crust, and yet the fillings remind one of cold sleepy mornings brightened by aromatic ham and tropical sweet pineapple bits. Each evening (except Mondays), Adrian makes up to 45 of such pizzas in varying sizes and gets them piping hot to customers, regular and take away, in the charming restaurant that is his nest - Il Nido in Balgownie Village, NSW, five minutes walk from my house. His warmly made creations are appetising - I could not stop eating them on a cool May night I decided to treat myself with my mates, after working hard at the office. The Sapore Il Mare, true treasures from the sea, in the uplifting saucy gravy, not overwhlemed by tomato but enhanced by the spices, texture and al dente fettucine. My fav pasta dish from Il Nido, Balgownie. Australiana fillings on Adrian's pizza. Adrian says he is blessed by the warmth of the pizza oven in winter and gets to shed sweat and pounds in the heat of summer. Father Guliioopened Il Nido...

Sugar-cane juice, anytime welcome in the humid countries of South-east Asia and the Caribbean, offers a little presence in a tucked away food court between Sussex and Dixon Streets. The ubiquitous Asian food outlet, with pictures, trolleys and more. Glutinous rice dumplings steamed with wrapped bamboo leaves, a traditional must for the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated by most communities in East Asia, in honour and memory of a wronged public official in China's past. Simple but tasty snacks - the deep fried wantons from Southern Chinese roots. Another cooked food stall that caught my eye and which I plan to try tasting at my next visit to Sydney's Chinatown.

Morning has awakened, with glistening surfaces where man-made structures try to meet the sky, but where shadows also loom in the gaps and hidden valleys. Old and new on a quiet Sunday morning along George Street, where a spunky Darell Lea store provides a much needed contrast to its younger neighbours. Not all is tall and monotony - there is pattern and style - spot the trees, gabled roofs and art deco as well. A typical high rise that emulates the brick of suburbia and accentuates the fact that one can create something out in the air - and make money too.                                     The variety of Sydney city facades captured in one massive glass reflection - with the famous Australian blue sky. The blue and white of the panoramic buildings that surround and...

Literally a church atop an underground train station, St Andrews was conse crated in 1868 and is strategically located near the Town Hall section of Sydney CBD . It was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 and continues to be in the centre of lively activities, surrounded by swirling crowds of shoppers, office workers, lunch goers and tourists. It maintains a Chapter House, school and choir, with significant building restoration undertaken in 1999 and 2000. Images taken on Sunday, 9 May 2010.

The Spanish Quarter along Liverpool Street, CBD South Chrysanthemum blooms in a crowded city profile           Never lack of time for a refreshing dip into the water, to then watch and stare, as the world goes by. Effort, talent and market exposure - an enterprising band buskers at teh corner of George and Liverpool Streets on a weeknight.            Past Arncliffe on the Princes Highway, heading south past semi-industrial blocks in the city's south. And mankind tries to shape his vision and will on the Earth.

Above is the final product, accompanied by three different types of South Indian curries - chicken, vegetarian and lamb with potatoes. The murtabak - crispy bread with fillings of minced lamb and aromatic onion - is a meal by itself. All this for under AUD11. The fillings are placed ready to be wrapped up once the fresh dough translates into a delectable bite of roti. Utensils of the murtabak maker. Swirling the dough on to the hot plate - the very first step of making murtabak. Images taken at the Mirchi Indian Cuisine Cafe, Sydney CBD World Square.

A home setting - stirfried vegetables with mushrooms and more, typical food of Chinses immigrants around the world. Susan and Boo Ann's delectable chili concoctions and combinations, to garnish the main dishes and tickle the palate.  That home grown chili is hot. Crackling roast pork, suitable for snacks but best served with rice on a winter's night. This particular serving has a special ingredient - we have to ask Boo Ann. Hainan-inspired chicken flavoured rice. Bean curd squares with minced pork - easy to digest and good for any age.