This Haymarket site’s been many things - from the former poultry section of Paddy’s Markets to a fire-ravaged warehouse. Now, it’s home to a temple of dumplings and buns.

“So what kind of food do you like?” Yes, you’re in luck - you've got front row seats to a real live first date. And for the rest of your meal, it's impossible not to have your ears pricked for questions around work, travel, play and family; let alone keep an intelligible, flowing conversation going with your poor dining partner.

A visit to the Oiden 'bowl bar' - a Japanese self-serve restaurant where you fill up your tray with whatever takes your fancy - brings back fond memories of my favourite uni cafeteria in Copenhagen.

Chef O-san is constantly tinkering with his recipes to suit the Australian palate - and his collagen-rich ramen is one of the delicious products of his experimentation.

While visiting Sydney last weekend, Miss T and I found ourselves on the western side of the CBD around lunchtime (or rather, late lunchtime as it was already 2pm). We knew that there was nothing that would satisfy our near-‘hangriness’ better than a big, juicy, burger. However, that’s where we were faced with a difficult decision – Mary’s CBD or Burger Project?