Danks Street Not “dank & dirty”

It’s now a hub of culture and design – with interior designers, antique dealers, art galleries, home-ware outlets, and some of Sydney’s most gastronomically delightful restaurants and bistros.

“It’s like a little Europe on my doorstep,” says local resident and actor Steve Ryan. “I love it, especially on a Saturday morning,” says local Rene Nicks.

“I like the fact that although the area is built up, you don’t feel like you are in living in an urban jungle. Danks Street is so darn cool especially for shopping and eating,” says Zaab, internationally known record producer and resident.

Start on the Bourke Street side, with coffee and a top-notch breakfast at Browns on Bourke, ’cause then you can pop over the road to Valiant Furniture. Speak to John on the clearance level to pick up quality design modern furniture at sometimes bargain factory prices.

Up and to the left you find Gallery Gondwana. It displays contemporary indigenous art. Through a diverse exhibition program they showcase both established and emerging artists. The gallery takes pride in the long lasting friendships it has developed throughout the years with those artists and their communities.

The street is resonating with a life that seems totally incongruous for the area. All buses from Danks Street can take you to, and from, the CBD. Green Square train station is a mere stroll away.

Next to Salvage Antiques and opposite Abode Bazaar, there’s the perfect pit stop for lunch and that’s The Danks Street Depot. It was established by head chef and food author, Jared Ingersoll, and Melanie Starr, both famous for the simplicity of their work.

The organic roast chicken and sweet corn sandwich or Spaghetti Strascinato married with a cold riesling work well in the sunshine. The new European tapas menu in the evening is one heavenly Hispanic experience.

“We work really closely with growers and farmers to ensure that we use the best and freshest ingredients,” says Ingersoll.

When shopping is done and the credit card is almost maxed for the day, save some room for Strangers with Candy, over on Kepos Street, a 2-minute walk away. Created by Justin Wells, try the West Australian Snapper drenched with a coconut lime custard, followed by the warm chocolate fudge cake with citris and toffee sauce and fresh cream.

The setting is cosy with port wine walls and waxy bottled candles. There’s a real sense of “all that is fresh and home made” radiating from the country style kitchen. Best to book in advance!

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/