What a lovely book shop! I could spend hours here, and the staff let me too. This is a bookshop where you can feel free to read a whole chapter without fear of being asked 'are you buying or just looking ?'. Art, Architecture, popular culture, classics, craft all feature strongly. A good place to go looking for a birthday gift.

Approximate cost: $25.

Last time I went to this pub I discovered what all the fuss was about. Upstairs is a dingy bistro with an eclectic array of fringed lampshades, velvet armchairs and love-worn coffee tables. It's a great place to catch up for a quiet jug of Coopers. The menu of 20 meals for $10 and under ensure you can last the distance. The quality seems a little variable, but then, so are the meals at home. This is a true 'local'.

Approximate cost: $10

Title offers the cream of the crop. I get the impression the shop has grown from a collection that burst the seams of someone's home. Each and every title is hand-picked. Vinyl and Arthouse DVDs feature strongly, along with a lot of albums that are hard to get elsewhere. Just window-shopping here is a very special treat.

Approximate cost: $30.

Quality brand name shoes are flogged here at vastly reduced prices. Of these, Rockport is a favourite brand because they have air-cushioned soles and come in dressy as well as sporty styles. I've bough dreamily comfortable shoes here for between $30-100... ones that would be up to $300 in the city stores.

Approximate cost: $50.

Look out for this theatre because it's a tucked away gem. Be transported into another world as you enter the Addison Road complex (Also home to markets and Reverse Garbage). Tickets are never too pricey for shows here and the quality of performance is never lacking. It's an authentic and laid-back experience visiting this venue. I've seen a few really memorable shows here.

Approximate cost: $20.

This is not your average fabric shop. Years or industry experience and superior taste result in a range of top quality dress, costume and craft fabrics that's hard to beat. To this, add $1 reels of sewing cotton and a massive range of end-of-roll bargains. People I know travel for miles to come to the Remnant Warehouse because the service is friendly, the price is right and you can always find what you're after there.

Approximate cost: $5.

Become a member for the best ticket prices (a free ticket is included with membership, which is only $10-15). Not only does this cinema have a fantastic selection of Arthouse and mainstream flicks, they also have the best choc-tops in town. Rhubarb is a rare and favourite flavour for me. Or maybe wine or beer is your preference...? You can get it all here without paying extra for 'Gold Class' status. All other cinemas pale by comparison.

Approximate cost: $11.

I love Redfern Fruit Market! Whether I'm there for a full shop or just to pick up a few things I am always impressed by the price and quality. Kitty and her family are so friendly. They always have great music playing, from a huge variety of genres. The flowers are very cheap too, and usually very fresh. The best thing is trying something different each time, like Daikon radish or black bean with sardines in a jar. Kitty will always help with suggested preparation methods. Items like Tabasco and noodles are much cheaper here than in the supermarket.

Approximate cost: $1.

This is a first class business and well worth the investment if a REALLY impressive cake is what you're after. I'm really pleased to see their popularity grow through their involvement in the Royal Easter Show and MasterChef. The cake they made for me was the absolute centrepiece at my wedding and memorable for all our guests. The design team really worked with us to create a design that combined our input and personalities with practical considerations.

Approximate cost: $600

Thai Pothong was introduced to me by my brother, who is a chef. I wouldn't have investigated this restaurant myself, as the prices are half as much again compared to other local Thai restaurants. However, I was very pleasantly surprised and would definitely recommend it to others. I discovered top quality food, service and presentation. The atmosphere is also great. Make sure you ask for the wait-staff's suggested dishes and try something new. Thai Pothong is worth that bit extra for a special dinner date when you want everything to be perfect and relaxed.

Approximate cost: $20.