From ‘Murder Mall’ to Modern Marvel

For the three decades I’ve lived in this area, my local shopping centre in Surry Hills was affectionately, or perhaps ironically, known as the “Murder Mall.” I, however, preferred to call it the “Methadone Mall.”

But as gentrification swept through the neighborhood, so too did an upscale makeover for our mall. Now, it boasts a Harris Farm, new upmarket restaurants, and a massive Coles, shedding its old, grungier vibe.

I found myself heading back there for lunch today with former colleagues, a cherished annual tradition. Our destination was Olympus, a Greek restaurant that has generated considerable buzz over the past year. Everyone I’d spoken to raved about it, so I suggested it for our special catch-up.

As we settled in, the conversation naturally turned to our lives, our careers, and, hilariously, our impending or recently passed 60th birthdays. I playfully asked, “So, what pills are we all on?” This led to a lighthearted, yet surprisingly bonding, discussion about our current medications. Even our fittest friend, we discovered, is now on a few prescriptions! It was a lovely, relatable moment with colleagues I’d worked very closely with for years.

Olympus certainly lived up to its hype. The space itself is striking, designed to accommodate 240 people without feeling crowded. Unlike many modern restaurants that cram in too many tables, Olympus offers ample room, allowing for easy conversation without needing to shout. A truly unique feature is the large tree in the center of the dining area and an overhead opening window. While it was closed due to winter, this million-dollar window, as our waiter informed us, floods the space with natural light, making it easy to read menus – a welcome change from dimly lit establishments.

We sampled several dishes, all excellent. Here are a few of them.

It was a genuinely great meal, and surprisingly affordable given the quality. Only two of us opted for a glass of wine each, so the bill wasn’t astronomical – a far cry from the indulgent, office-ditching lunches of the 80s! But it’s also not a cheap meal, either. I’d highly recommend Olympus, though be prepared for a higher-end experience if you choose to truly indulge.

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Beyond the Mall: Bingo, ABBA, and Back to Reality

Also this week, I enjoyed a different kind of outing, attending “Bingay” at the Beresford Hotel.” This fun event was a fundraiser for the AIDS Council of New South Wales, set to a fantastic ABBA soundtrack. One of the drag kings even channeled an ABBA member in their costume, adding to the entertainment. It was a joy to reconnect with friends who’d attended previous events and meet new people, making for a truly enjoyable evening.

Aside from these outings, it’s been a week of settling back into work and life in Sydney after my break in Lismore. I had a funny moment this morning when a colleague asked about my weekend plans, and I realized I couldn’t instantly answer. I’m back to that stage where plans get added to the diary and sometimes completely forgotten until they’re upon me! Such is life right now.