The toothless concierge

Note on 10/13: Internet access was expensive and unnecessary for a chunk of our trip so we opted not to connect to post blog entries. We did still write some, though - over the next day or two as we recover I'll try to upload them.

After a harrowing shuttle ride from the Sydney airport (no thanks to the disgruntled, racist curmudgeon that posed as a driver) we arrived at our hotel, the Sebel Pier One. The views from here are breathtaking - it looks out across the harbour and is about 100m from the bridge.

We've rapidly learned that unless you're at an absolutely top-tier establishment, service in Australia pales in comparison to that in a comparable American establishment. One possible reason for this is the lack of a tipping culture: gratuity is included in just about everything, and unless someone has a passion for service there's little reason for them to go out of their way to help you.

The Sebel's concierge is the poster-boy for bad service. We had passed a burger place on the way in, no more than a couple minute's walk from the hotel on the main drag, George Street. When we asked the poor lad (whom I refer to as such because he was missing several of his front teeth) if it was any good, he shrugged and said "Where's that?"

It's great to be in Sydney, though. The weather is not cooperating but on our first evening we stumbled upon this amazing place named Sailors Thai (again, no thanks to the concierge, who's best restaurant recommendation was a nearby pub). It's a fine restaurant that has a more casual annex with a smaller menu served at a single communal table. I had possibly the best shrimp summer rolls ever made, smothered in sweet chili sauce.

So, we're definitely looking forward to better food here. It happens to be "Good Food and Drink" month in Sydney, which means tons of restaurants are offering special meals, cocktails, pairings, and even high tea. Score!