It’s now a hub of culture and design – with interior
designers, antique dealers, art galleries, home-ware outlets, and some of Sydney’s most gastronomically
delightful restaurants and bistros.
“It’s like a little Europe
on my doorstep,” says local resident and actor Steve Ryan. “I love it,
especially on a Saturday morning,” says local Rene Nicks.
“I like the fact that although the area is built up, you
don’t feel like you are in living in an urban jungle. Danks Street is so darn cool especially
for shopping and eating,” says Zaab, internationally known record producer and
resident.
Start on the Bourke
Street side, with coffee and a top-notch breakfast
at Browns on Bourke, ’cause then you can pop over the road to Valiant
Furniture. Speak to John on the
clearance level to pick up quality design modern furniture at sometimes bargain
factory prices.
Up and to the left you find Gallery Gondwana. It displays
contemporary indigenous art. Through a diverse exhibition program they showcase
both established and emerging artists. The gallery takes pride in the long
lasting friendships it has developed throughout the years with those artists
and their communities.
The street is resonating with a life that seems totally
incongruous for the area. All buses from Danks Street can take you to, and from,
the CBD. Green Square
train station is a mere stroll away.
Next to Salvage Antiques and opposite Abode Bazaar,
there’s the perfect pit stop for lunch and that’s The Danks Street Depot. It
was established by head chef and food author, Jared Ingersoll, and Melanie
Starr, both famous for the simplicity of their work.
The organic roast chicken and sweet corn sandwich or
Spaghetti Strascinato married with a cold riesling work well in the sunshine. The
new European tapas menu in the evening is one heavenly Hispanic experience.
“We work really closely with growers and farmers to ensure
that we use the best and freshest ingredients,” says Ingersoll.
When shopping is done and the credit card is almost maxed
for the day, save some room for Strangers with Candy, over on Kepos Street, a
2-minute walk away. Created by Justin Wells, try the West Australian Snapper drenched
with a coconut lime custard, followed by the warm chocolate fudge cake with
citris and toffee sauce and fresh cream.
The setting is cosy with port wine walls and waxy bottled
candles. There’s a real sense of “all that is fresh and home made” radiating from
the country style kitchen. Best to book in advance!
Source: South Sydney
Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/