great places down under

[erro]

Having been an ex-pat for 10 yrs (recently returned to the US), I have traversed through several places that are well and truly off the beaten path. Many travel to Australia but few hardy souls dare to travel to the places I have not only visited, but also lived. So this is my humble offering for those who might be heading down under. There’s a place called Bon Amici, located in an out of the way place called Toowoomba, in Queensland Australia.

It is not the cuisine that sets this place apart from the surrounding establishments, but the fact that it is a great place to hang out and hear some live local musical talent, while enjoying a pretty decent cup of coffee in a cozy and relaxing establishment. And if one does feel a bit peckish then there is a reputable selection of local Aussie fare as well as a mixture of more exotic dishes (thank goodness for immigration and multiculturalism).

The coffee is actually really good here, and anyone who has dared to venture into this region of Queensland, and places farther north, will certainly attest to the fact that this can be a rare feat indeed. It is a place that can serve you an instant coffee with frothed up milk spooned on top and call it a cappuccino, (yes, I was actually served with such a concoction once when I ordered a cappuccino and it was the only time that I walked away from a cup of coffee).

But Bon Amici, however, is different and it has a unique bohemian feel to go along with the great coffee. It is one of the few places in the western part of Queensland where the baristas actually know how to work the machines and the atmosphere of the place provides a warm and inviting experience. It is a very comfortable and relaxed venue, that couldn’t hold probably more than about 30 to 40 people max. It is also a great place to hang out at on a Sunday afternoon and hear some live jazz / blues bands that are both local and from the surrounding area.

Bon Amici also has a running open mic night every second Tuesday night as well as live original music every Friday night. So for all you musically gifted individuals, should you feel the muse upon you, you would be more than welcomed to step up to the stage -if it's original they’ll oblige you. Or if you are just looking for a place to hang out with a good cup of coffee (or something a bit stronger) and hear some new music just walk on in.

So for all you world travelers out there, and adventures that like to trek an unworn path, when you happen to find yourself in that part of the world stop in and check it out. I don’t think that you will be disappointed.

[NWoBHM]

I liked any number of the fish restuarants around Circle Harbour in Sydney.

[erro]

(07-04-2010 07:56 AM)NWoBHM Wrote:  I liked any number of the fish restuarants around Circle Harbour in Sydney.

Ah yes, very true. One thing I do miss about the place is it's fine seafood and especially the coral trout. Even the humble fish and chips is fabulous.

[NWoBHM]

Quote:Ah yes, very true. One thing I do miss about the place is it's fine seafood and especially the coral trout. Even the humble fish and chips is fabulous.

My wife and two daughters had Lobster and champagne at one of the restuarants there. God, but they have expensive tastes my family!!