Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
We have lived in Vaucluse for 6 years but before that we lived nearby in Bellevue Hill. We absolutely love the diversity of the area, the restaurants and cafes, the stunning beaches and walks, the relaxed lifestyle around the East and also having our friends close by. We feel so fortunate to live in the East. I went to school at Sydney Girls’ High, so many of my school friends are now raising their kids in the area too, and it’s so lovely to continue those childhood connections, especially with the next generation.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Homely, Friendly, Relaxed – you can holiday in your own area here!
How many children?
2 boys, 8 and 11
Favourite Park:
We love Christison Park which is just around the corner from us. The views over the harbour and the ocean are breathtaking and it’s the perfect place for exercise and relaxed Sunday runs around the park.
Favourite Beach:
Redleaf is great – it’s perfect for a picnic or evening swim. The boys love meeting their friends down there and jumping off the boardwalk for a swim. The coffee there is great too.
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
All the cafes around the East are so wonderful and family-friendly. Our favourite is definitely the Boathouse in Rose Bay – the café downstairs is fantastic! Being right on the water, it’s the fastest way to relax and start the weekend off right, after a manic week of work and school.
Favourite Coffee Spot:
The Boathouse is also our favourite coffee spot. If we don’t have time to sit and enjoy a meal, we’ll pull up for a takeaway or grab a coffee from the Boathouse whilst the boys scoot along the Rose Bay promenade.
Favourite date night place:
We have a few regulars –
- Metisse in Potts Point – it’s not only perfect for a date night but also for work dinners and client entertainment. The staff there are so warm and welcoming and the Chef is a long-time friend of the family.
- The Boathouse, obviously – a table for two on the deck in the fresh air is perfection! The staff are great and go out of their way to make sure everything is perfect.
- Acqua e Farina, also in Potts Point – for the best hand cut pasta we’ve ever had the pleasure of eating! The Head Chef is young, passionate and so ridiculously talented. We are in awe of what she has created and love to support her business, especially as the pasta is next level.
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to ?
Whilst in lockdown over the last couple of years, we have mostly been going places on foot, so we haven’t had much of a chance to explore the beaches around Clovelly, Coogee and Bronte. Now that the restrictions have lifted and the 5km radius has lifted, we will definitely venture out more often and spend more time checking out the new restaurants which have opened in the area.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
The traffic!!! We need to time school drop offs and picks ups perfectly, otherwise it’s the end of the world!
Favourite Local Shop:
For groceries, I go to Parisi’s and the IGA in Rose Bay. Parisi’s is great for picking up fruit platters and the like for having people over. We also love Parisi’s because they stock some of our favourite things, which you can’t find anywhere else. They also stock our Lord & Lion conserves, spice blends and sauces.
Often, I like to pick up some homewares and gifts from By Kim in Rose Bay. It’s a great spot for picking up design-focused and environmentally-focused items which look great in the home and people love receiving. I can’t ever walk in there without coming home with something really stunning. I was thrilled when Kelly, who owns By Kim, asked if they could stock our Lord & Lion Spice Boxes. Lord and Lion, Spices
We also love Berkelouw Books in Rose Bay – all the books I need are there – I love having such a great bookstore just a few minutes away. It’s also great for picking up birthday gifts for the boys’ school mates.
Favourite wet weather location:
Definitely home cuddled up on the couch with the boys watching a movie.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Grabbing our favourite sushi from our local Japanese restaurant (which just so happens to be around the corner), Washoku, and heading up to Hornby Lighthouse for a twilight picnic. 
Work or SAHM?
I work as a lawyer at Sparke Helmore Lawyers and own and run my business Lord & Lion. I am of Sri Lankan Heritage and so spices course through our veins! Lord & Lion produces the Spice Boxes, spices blends, sauces and conserves.
How did you surviving Sydney’s Lockdown?
Very honestly, I threw myself hard into the business and so was entirely engrossed with that. Of course, neighbourhood walks when permitted and zoom video calls to chat with friends all over the world was the only way to feel connected when we couldn’t see each other.
Motherly advice?
Listen to your children. Mine have been telling me that I don’t spend enough time with them where I am truly present. They ask if they can watch a movie with me where I am not also doing something else, like working on my laptop or answering client emails. I have started to be more mindful of that and keep my technology use during designated times to a minimum.
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