what a surprise. I have travelled to the vineyards for years and this was the first time we stopped to eat here. The food is really good- fresh and generous. The dining area is lovely and there is a sunny courtyard. The food is either pub/bistro or more restaurant based- We opted for the pub meals and had cutlets and burgers and a pot pie. The taste was great, and did i mention the value? the only irritating thing is getting to the carpark at the back requires a u-turn if you are travelling toward the vineyards.

Approximate cost: $15

being inherently lazy, rather than walk the 50 ms to the bottle shop or drive 5 mins i decided to buy online. This is ridiculously easy and if you know what you want easier still. I ordered 2 boxes and they were delivered in about 3 days. I was kept informed at all times and received texts when the wine order was placed, sent to the store, in transit and delivered. I had to call the help line when things seemed lost (actually my error) , and they were incredible helpful. The delivery fee was acceptable and the convenience paramount. Also, there were specials online. Def the way to go- easier than lugging boxes of wine home.

This is a nice sandwich, coffee, salad outlet in the marrickville metro food court. There is usually a queue for coffee which is always a good sign. The food is pretty good for food court fare- good turkish bread sandwhiches with interesting fillings- roast vege, chicken and rocket etc etc , and good wraps and a good salad choice. I visit here on the odd occasion however one thing that got up my nose was being called 'dear' and 'love' about 5 times in one transaction by the male servers younger than me.

Approximate cost: $7

i consider myself an afficionado of the vietnamese style fresh bread roll and this one is pretty good. Its fresh and clean and the rolls are really full and tasty. Its run by a nice couple and they are quick and efficient and very nice. For a salad roll at $3 its a hard act to beat in newtown and its the only one of its type down the syd uni end of king st. I've tried the pies also, which are all $3 but they are not good. The pastry is thick and stodgy, so best avoided in my opinion. Go the rolls though.

Approximate cost: $3-5

these guys came in as home restoration services after i had damage from a burst pipe. They are great, really professional. Importantly, they are reliable, come when they say they will, on time, efficient and know their stuff. I would not hesitate to get them again.

my bathroom exploded and i have spent the last 2 months running from place to place trying to find affordable bathroom bits that look ok. Highgrove is a 'chain' store with outlets nationally. they stock good quality, affordable attractive things for the renovator- vanities, toilet suites, showers, baths and so on. there is a good selection and best of all, you can view things on line. importantly , they will bargain, hold things until you need them and the delivery fee is good. my 900 glass topped vanity was

the new roll bar adds and extra dimension to this no fuss, chap and cheerful suburban bakery. This place is cheap- really cheap. and good for fresh white squishy, high GI but good to eat bread and rolls. The salad rolls are big and filled like vietnamese rolls for only $3 and made while you wait. But, while the bread is good, and i also like to cheap sugary palmieres, the custard tarts and slices are cheap but average and the pies?, not for me.

This is a small asian bakery on marrickville road that offers the standard buns and slightly inflated price compared to chinatown, ashfield, parramatta and hurstville etc. Its ok...at a pinch, but really, if you have the opportunity to go elsewhere for the same thing, then go. The buns are ok, acceptable but not the freshest or cheapest or the best variety. the service ranges from ok to surley, depending on whether you get grandma or not. I've tried this place a few times but have recently given up and gone for something else.

Approximate cost: $2-3

The frozen yoghurt wars are heating up in newtown. At my last count there were 5 places to satisfy any fro-yo craving. Mooberry has tried to diversify a little and offers smoothies as well as flavoured yoghurt with various toppings. There are fruit and flavoured smoothies on offer and i tried the choc mint. It was $6.50 which is on the upper side of the smoothie thang. So. reasonable size and nice but nothing to write home about. Ive had the fro-yo, which was pretty good but fairly similar to everywhere else. Overall, good, but not out of the norm.

Approximate cost: $6

lunch time at the succulent cafe was very pleasant. Its out of the main byron drag, so you avoid the boring byron backpackers and tedious rainbow tie dye repetitiveness. Its fairly simple fare done well. Sandwhiches, salads and so on are lovely and done very well. Good bread, excellent fillings and all delivered by friendly staff. Bangalow ham with rocket, feta and onion chutney was a light lunch, but 1t $14.90 seemed a little steep. the coffee was good though and came really really fast. maybe again if i was lingering. Oh, and lots of butter- if you dont usually have butter on sambos beware!

Approximate cost: $15