In Episode 13 of Sense in the City Sydney, Ruby meets up with ‘flute superstar’ Jane Rutter. Jane is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Music and an expert in the French Flute School. She’s recently been knighted by France for her contribution to the arts. Jane has appeared on the same bill as Pavarotti, Peter Cousens, Tina Arena and The Manhattan Transfer, to name a few.  Today she’s at the Concourse concert hall in Chatswood where her Live at Lunch concert series takes place. She tells Ruby about it and talks about the transcendent power of music and her love of Sydney –  by day and by night.

Bookmarks & Shownotes

• 01:49 – Ruby’s interview with Jane in Issimo Magazine
• 02:30 – La Chapelle is mentioned in the Sense in the City Paris travel guidebook and The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Paris
• 09:00 – Jean Paul Rampal
• 09:50 – The Concourse Chatswood
• 10:40 – Sardis restaurant, New York
• 12:10 – Don Burrows
• 15:00 – The Balmoral Beach Bathers’ Pavilion
• 15:15 – Taronga Zoo
• 15:25 – The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic sights of Sydney and almost every guest mentions it. Including Christa Hughes
• 1620 – Palm Beach – Infamous as the location for the long-running Australian series ‘Home and Away’ and more recently the Australian film named… Palm Beach with Sam Neil, Brian Brown and Greta Scacchi.
• 17:00 – Bush Tucker Tour of the Sydney Royal Botanical Garden.
• 17:40 – Meraki in Oxford Street

Music

This episode features the following music.

• Mozart flute Concerto D major K314 3rd movement: Allegro. Jane Rutter- flute, Richard Bonynge- conductor, The Sydney Bach Orchestra ©
• Dido’s Lament by Purcell, live at La Sainte Chapelle, Paris performed by Jane Rutter & Giles Harle © Jane Rutter
• Yaloo! A Valediction Forbidding Mourning by Jane Rutter -flute © Jane Rutter
• Galop le Cancan by Jacques Offenbach Jane Rutter – piccolo, David Mibus – piano (arranged by Jane Rutter all rights © Jane Rutter) Courtesy ABC Classic: AU/ NZ), Jane Rutter: all other territories.
• Kuku Yalanji Rainforest Meditation by Jane Rutter – flute © Jane Rutter
• Trio Sonata in G Major by Bach Jane Rutter – Flute, David Braccini – Violin, Giles Harle – harpsichord

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Jake Ferguson is an archeologist and a cultural educator for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.  As a proud Bidjigal-Dharawal, Wailwan, Biripi and Bundjalung man, his work involves strengthening Australia’s connection with First Nation knowledge and culture. In this episode Ruby takes his Bush Tucker tour then sits down with him to discuss the Botanic Gardens, how plants have been used for shelter, food and medicine, and the importance of indigenous knowledge for sustainability. Then she gets his tips on the best Sydney experiences.

Show Notes & Links

• 02:18 - The Botanical Gardens are situated in 'Farm Cove' right next to the Opera House. Where the early English settlers endeavoured to establish farms like the ones back home.
• 06:35 - Aboriginal history is recorded through places. Stories, dances and art about places like Woolloomooloo, which was once a place of initiation for men. 
• 07:47 - Markets are held in La Perouse, named after a French explorer who you can learn more about in Episode 1. 
• 09:10 - Tribal Warrior Tours include cruises and walking tours of Redfern. 
• 12:58 - Moreton Bay Chestnut or black bean, is native to Australia. The seeds contain castanospermine which are considered potential agents for the treatment of HIV, hepatitis C, sclerosis, cancer, or diabetes. 
• 16:38 - The Australian Museum is located in William Street in Sydney.
• 20:06 - Bush in Redfern uses pest animals on the menu as well as bush-tucker ingredients. 
• 20:39 - Davidson Plums are also native to Australia and are a rich source of Vitamin C. 

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In this episode of Sense in the City Sydney, Ruby chats to chef/ restauranteur/ entertainer Marc Kuzma at his award wining French restaurant Claire’s Kitchen. They discuss the history and the program for the upstairs cabaret room, Le Salon, why French born Marc fell in love with Sydney and how he serendipitously became a chef. They reminisce about his famous drag queen alter ego Claire de Lune, what the perfect 24 hours in Sydney could entail, and discuss what dishes are especially delicious on the menu at Claire’s, including the cheese soufflé — he’s made over 60 000 of them!

Notes & Bookmarks

Ruby is performing at Le Salon in her cabaret Promenade à Paris with Chris Cody, Daniella Barda and Mark Szeto on January 25, 2023, book link here. For all shows and dinner reservations check www.claireskitchen.com.au

• 00:43 – Episode 1 Chris Cody‘s Sydney including a walk along Maroubra Beach.
• 01:00 – Promenade à Paris Cabaret
• 03:20 – Marc’s alter ego is Claire de Lune
• 10:30 – Sydney’s Oxford Street is known for it’s nightclubs and LGBT friendly venues.
• 11:55 – Marc’s top things to see and do in Sydney in 24 Hours includes The Bridge Climb, Sydney Tower (Centrepoint) and the Opera House for a show.
• 13:28 – Marc’s sense of Sydney includes the sight of the sun on the harbour, the smell of eucalyptus and the sound of music and shows at the Opera House.
• 16:25 – In 2023, Sydney will host World Pride. Pride in Sydney will include shows at Claire’s Kitchen
• 18:07 – Marc’s top recommendation at Claire’s Kitchen is the Cheese soufflé and the Tasmanian grass-fed beef (Steak TarTare)

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In episode 10 of Sense in the City Sydney, Ruby meets up with travel writer, author and academic Roslyn Jolly. They enjoy lunch under a large umbrella in the rain on the terrace of a cool, converted incinerator in the lower north shore. They discuss Roslyn’s favourite writers and texts on Sydney, her perfect day in town (with lots of walking!), and her love of the city’s harbour, beaches and bushland.

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• 1:06 The Incinerator - https://theincinerator.com.au/
• 9:10 The Cambridge Companion to Prose
• 12:15 Syril Bedford
• 13:40 Christina Stead
• 16:00 Joseph Conrad ‘Lord Jim’
• 17:00 Robert Lewis Stevenson, ‘The Wrecker’
• 18:00 The Domaine 
• 18:30 Ruth Park, ‘The Harp in the South’ and ‘Playing Beatie Bow’
• 21:00 The QVB (Queen Victoria Building) 
• 22:00 The Strand Arcade 

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Ruby pops into the French Consulate in Sydney to chat with the wonderful Karine Mauris- the French Cultural Attaché for the Embassy of France in Australia and the Artistic Director of the Alliance Française French Film Festival Australia.
Karine tells us about some of the must-see films playing at the festival then discusses her favourite sights, sounds, smells, tastes, sensations and experiences of Sydney. She’s surprised even herself by changing her coffee/croissants breakfast in Montmartre with 7:30am morning swims in Bondi followed by turmeric lattes and smashed avocado on toast as she becomes a typical Sydneysider!

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What do the Emerald City and the City of Light have in common? 

In episode 9 of Sense in the City Sydney, Ruby pops into the French Consulate in Sydney to chat with the wonderful Karine Mauris- the French Cultural Attaché for the Embassy of France in Australia and the Artistic Director of the Alliance Française French Film Festival Australia. Karine tells us about some of the must-see films playing at the festival then discusses her favourite sights, sounds, smells, tastes, sensations and experiences of Sydney. She’s surprised even herself by changing her coffee/croissants breakfast in Montmartre with 7:30am morning swims in Bondi followed by turmeric lattes and smashed avocado on toast as she becomes a typical Sydneysider! Enjoy the episode. 

Episode Links... 

• 2:50 Bondi Beach, perhaps Sydney's most famous makes an appearance in several SITC episodes. 
• 3:45 The Alliance Française Film Festival - The largest festival of French films in the world. 
• 4:47 Lost Illusions - An all-star cast dazzles in the spectacular and exhilarating new film by Xavier Giannoli (Marguerite, The Singer), an adaptation of Balzac’s classic novel about a young idealist who learns that anything can be bought and sold.
• 5:34 La Traviata - La Traviata, My Brothers and I, tells the story of 14-year-old Nour (Maël Rouin-Berrandou), growing up in a housing project in the South of France, with his older brothers, who take turns caring for their ailing mother, who is in a coma.
• 5:58 The Young Lovers - The fabulous Fanny Ardant, Melvil Poupaud and Cécile de France beguile in The Young Lovers, Carine Tardieu’s eagerly anticipated follow up to Just to Be Sure, a modern and emotionally-nuanced romantic dramedy of a woman who embarks on a relationship with a much younger man, and the implications her choices have on those around her.
• 6:45 Other recommended films include - Happening, Peaceful, Mali Twist...
• 12:17 First impressions... "Full of light" 
• 13:28 Wiley’s Baths in Coogee (a couple of beaches south of Bondi) is a dynamic tidal pool environment. It's also a 'living pool' with marine life, a natural rock bottom, octopus, fish, sea urchins, and more! 
• 13:39 Surry Hills is an inner city suburb of Sydney with a colourful history, currently hosting the some of the Biennale of Sydney. 
• 15:00 Parts of Sydney, l

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In Episode 8 Ruby strolls from Manly to Shelly Beach with Fiona Noonan.  Fiona is a holistic health coach, yoga teacher, meditation facilitator and self-care advocate. They talk about Fiona’s love for the northern beaches with morning swims and meditation 'sits’. She tells us about her journey from enduring an eating disorder as a teenager to her currently work in well-being, helping others to look after the mind, body and soul. She shares her perfect Sydney day itinerary then leads a short, refreshing meditation. 

Transcript & Show Notes

1:40 Manly Surf Club
4:15 Cabbage Tree Bay
6:05 Episode 4 with Christa Hughes
13:00 The Sit
15:00 Fiona’s classes online
19:30 The Boathouse
21:00 Fairlight Beach
22:00 Kundalini Manly Yoga
23:00 Palm Beach
23:45 Hugos
28:00 Fiona’s guided meditation

Fiona’s projects:

• Several retreats focused around cleansing, wellbeing and self-care
• Continued work facilitating meditation groups - beach sessions at curl curl beach Sat mornings
• Online coaching and run self-care workshops throughout the year
  www.consciousyou.net Instagram 

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Paula Terry’s Sydney 

In episode 7 of Sense in the City Sydney, songstress Paula Terry shares her favourite places to eat, drink, sing and be merry in King’s Cross, Pott’s Point and Woolloomooloo. 

I met singer Paula Terry at a great little jazz gig in Pott’s Point in 2017 where we both got up to perform a number. She immediately struck me as being a vibrant, authentic, cool and fun performer and person who I’d like to get to know. Over the past few years we’ve caught up occasionally, always with music, laughter and good conversation. 

I went to see Paula with Brazilian guitarist Victor Jesus in Episode 6 (Sounds of Sydney  https://senseinthe.city/syd-6-sounds-of-sydney/  ) at Sienna Marina in Woolloomooloo and so enjoyed her versatile and effervescent  performance that I thought she deserved her own episode.

So, in  Episode 7, we meet in the charming back room of Melo’s Italian restaurant in Pott’s Point. I learn a little more about her interesting life and she shares stories about Pott’s Point, King’s Cross, Woolloomooloo and her impressions of Sydney when returning from working as a singer in Japan. 

Enjoy the episode. 

1:05  Melo’s Italian, Pott’s Point  https://melositalian.com.au/ 

1:30 Sienna Marina Italian Restaurant in Woolloomooloo where Paula often sings with guitarist Victor Jesus 730-930pm on Saturday nights  https://siennamarina.com.au/ 

7:40 Melo’s Menu https://melositalian.com.au/new-menu/ 

13:37 Pott’s Point Hotel (Monday night jam session on Level 1) https://www.pottspointhotel.com.au/events/jazz-jamz 

15:25 The Bell’s Hotel, Woolloomooloo https://www.thebellshotel.com.au/ 

16:00 The Frisco Hotel, Woolloomooloo 

16:23 China Doll  https://chinadoll.com.au/ 

17:02 The Old Fitzroy https://oddculture.group/venue/the-old-fitzroy-hotel/ 

18:32 Darlinghurst Theatre/  Eternity Playhouse  https://www.darlinghursttheatre.com/ 

19:45 Guitarist Victor Jesus https://www.instagram.com/victorsydgt/ 

20:20 Dulcie’s King Cross  https://dulcieskingscross.com.au/ 

20:30 The Piccolo Bar King’s Cross https://www.piccolobarkingscross.com.au/ 

www.paulaterry.com 

https://www.instagram.com/paulatmusician/ 

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Ruby Boukabou opens her ears as she walks through Sydney. 

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Introduction

Whether you’re flying into Sydney for the first time, returning home from overseas or popping back from a quick domestic trip, the view when circling into Sydney will take your breath away. Every time. So try to get a window seat!

1. Sip, Snack and See the City

Dine at Infinity at Sydney Tower aka Centrepoint. Out to the far east are the city beaches from Bondi to Maroubra (where I went for a stroll down the beach with Chris Cody in episode 1 of Sense in the City)

At 86 km to the west is the Blue Mountains (that artist Esmeralda Raven Aponte mentions in Episode 2 and where perfumer Jocelyn Fullerton from Episode 3 grew up).

For coffee or brunch, there’s always the café at the top of the art deco Museum of Contemporary Art with views of Circular Quay and the Opera House. 

Another perfect place for a drink with a view is Blu Bar on 36 on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La in the Rocks.

2. Climb, or walk across, The Harbour Bridge

If you really want to gaze at the harbour from above and feel like you’ve earned the privilege, you can scale the Harbour Bridge.

3. Coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi, then lunch at Bondi Icebergs

Book a balcony table for lunch at Bondi Icebergs, a famous establishment perched on the south end of the beach. 

4. Take in the harbour on a ferry to Manly then stroll to Shelly Beach.

The Sydney to Manly ferry takes half an hour from Circular Quay and it’s a simple and stunning way to take in the harbour. You’ll soon pass the Opera House that Christa Hughes talks about in Episode 4

5. Walk from Circular Quay to the Art Gallery to East Sydney

Stroll around Circular Quay, past the Opera House. This is another one of my favourite Sydey walks.
The Opera House is of course Australia’s most famous building, and built on a sacred gathering point, ‘Tubowgule’ (meaning where the knowledge waters meet), that the Gadigal clan had used for thousands of years.

Continue through the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens, covering 30 ha. of over 26,000 plants, including gardens dedicated to Roses, palms, ferns, herbs and succulents. 

Then continue to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, an elegant neoclassical structure in The Domain. 

Afterwards walk down to Woolloomooloo for a fancy meal on the pier, a cheap and cheerful pub meal or a famous meat pie from Harry’s Café de Wheels cart … or I quite like to meander back up through a slightly more gritty, local East Sydney for a hearty pasta at the classic Bill and Tony’s Italian restaurant with its dark brick doorways, red and white table cloths and classic Italian film posters on the wall. Cheap, cheerful and tasty!

These are just five ways to enjoy the sights of Sydney while getting amongst it. See you soon…

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In Episode 4, Ruby catches up with the talented and wildly entertaining Sydney singer and performer, Christa Hughes.

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Christa reminisces about accompanying her late father, the jazz pianist, Dick Hughes, at concerts at iconic venues in Sydney and remembers the cicadas, honeysuckle, jazz and chocolate rousses of her childhood. She shares her favourite spots for ocean swims and discusses the best places for live music in Sydney- when open.

Show Notes

In NSW and Sydney, Football refers to Rugby League.(8:42)

Christa's father - Dick Hughes played at the Sydney Opera House during it's construction (10:09). Later he played played Gymnopédies by Erik Satie in the concert hall of the finished building. (10:30)

Christa likes to take advantage of Sydney's swimming spots. Some of her favourites include:

• Shark Bay at Neilson Park. A small, almost hidden beach in an exclusive suburb. (3:30)
• Bondi beach and Ícebergs'ocean pool (19:36)
• Clovelly beach (5:41)
• Bronte beach and bogey hole - a few beaches north of Maroubra, where Ruby met up with Chris Cody (5:58)

Insider tips for Sydney Nightlife from Christa including free music in pubs and more eclectic venues. 

• East Sydney Hotel (22:13), Cnr Crown &, Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
• The Hollywood Hotel (22:36), 2 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
• Shakespeare Hotel (23:51), 200 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
• Camelot Lounge, Marrickville Rd & Railway Parade, 103 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
• Gasoline Pony, 115 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
• Lazybones Lounge, restaurant and bar, 294 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
• Moshpit (Rock'n'Roll), 642A King St, Erskineville NSW 2043

Then there is the El Rocco Room (24:58), 22/154 Brougham St, Potts Point NSW 2011, where you might find Ruby and Christa post-lockdown... grab a piece of pizza next door - or at the bar.

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