Meet The Buzzhopper – Jane Wilson, Milano

Ciao Jane, tell us a bit about yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?

I’ve lived in Milano for 22 yrs as an expat, wife and mother and I’m constantly being asked by friends (and friends of friends) on what see and do in Milano. For work, I manage two downtown palazzo apartments for rent so I meet guests from around the world on a daily basis. This enables me to look at Milan from two perspectives – living like a local, as well as seeing Milan through tourists’ eyes. I’m also a hotel consultant/inspector for Alistair Sawaday’s Special Places so I get to visit many charming accomodations in northern Italy. I’m constantly telling my guests and industry colleagues about buzzhopper places they won’t find in any guidebooks.

So Culture Vulture and Tree Hugger are two of your vibes … what does that mean to you?

I love anything involving nature and anything natural. This ranges from seeking out the great outdoors on my travels to choosing natural, organic products when eating out and shopping. Living and working in Milan can be very hectic so I’m always looking for a new oasis to escape for some peace and tranquility. This can mean strolling through one of Milan’s secret gardens or just wondering quietly through an art gallery and museum – (during off peak hours of course!)

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?

I’m eager to check out Anne Marie Butt’s London tip, Caboose. This ticks all the boxes for me – novelty factor of a train carriage interior, value for money, casual and friendly vibe, and it’s even BYO. It’s exactly the kind of place to gather my friends together for a fun night out. I’ll definitely be booking ahead to come here the time I head to London.

What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time? Use the filter menu to connect with a buzzhopper of a similar age and shared interests as yourself. This is fundamental to finding places that will suit you, and what you’re looking for.

Meet the Buzzhopper – Joanne Fowler, London.

Hi Joanne, welcome to Buzzhopper! Tell us what it’s like to be a Buzzhopper in London?

I am an American journalist and I worked as an editor at People magazine in New York City for many years. I have been in London for three years now and love my life here. On the weekends I like to explore different neighborhoods and restaurants in this gorgeous city with my husband and two daughters. We also love visiting the English countryside or bopping around Europe on weekends.

I first caught the travel bug in high school when I was an exchange student in Sweden. Since then I have been lucky enough to live in Tokyo, Berlin, Brussels, and for a brief period, in Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it’s currently called. I never tire of traveling. As a Buzzhopper I have a chance to connect with like-minded, curious people all around the globe and get an inside glimpse into their world. It’s awesome.

Bubbles and nibbles is one of your Vibes, tell us more?

Bubbles and nibbles is one of my favorite vibes because I love champagne! Life with two children is always busy, so I often find that I don’t have time for a big night out.When meeting friends, a glass of bubbly and a quick bite seem to do the trick.Where I go out in London really depends on my mood. For lunch, I usually seek out restaurants that serve healthy food with an upbeat and cheery vibe like the Wolesley and Molly’s Little Venice. These places serve great salads. In fact, one of top selling dishes at The Wolesley is their chopped chicken salad. I avoid restaurants that are too dark or serve a lot of fried foods. For dinner, I like restaurants with a fun, buzzy vibe like Sketch, House of Ho or Duck & Waffle. I avoid restaurants that are too precious, too formal or too somber!

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper that’s on your must-do list?

I am very intrigued by Maria Ramos’ tip about the Richmond Spa . Richmond is a beautiful part of London and I haven’t explored it very much. Now I have an excuse to do so!

What would you say to people using Buzzhopper for the first time?

London is a massive, sprawling city with a wide variety of neighborhoods. Because Buzzhoppers are spread all over the city, you can find your connection to them via your shared interests and vibes and they offer an insider glimpse into parts of the city you might not normally explore. I suggest you seek out BH’s recommended restaurants, bars or activities in new neighborhoods and map out a whole day around the tips.

Meet the Buzzhopper: Francesca Ciammitti, Rome.

Ciao Francesca. Come’stai? Tell us a bit about yourself and what makes you a buzzhopper?

Good food, a glass of red wine, and a chat with a good friend is all I need to reach the peak of happiness. I love to mingle with the locals everywhere I go, and I always have special tips to share with my globetrotter friends whenever they come to Italy.

My best friends are spread all over the world and I sometimes wonder what would happen if we all converged in one place at the same time. Probably a massive catastrophe!

I’m 100% Italian, but my Abruzzese parents have been moving from place to place ever since I was little – until Rome officially adopted me. I’m a story book editor, development executive and comic book translator. I spent my high school years between Italy, Western Australia and Canada. It sounds more exciting than what it really is, but life can be complicated and boring to explain so I’ll just let you think that my parents were undercover CIA agents.

Did I mention that I have a love affair with New York? But who doesn’t?

So “Food you eat not you look at” is one of your Vibes. What does that mean to you?

The best Italian food is very simple. It’s all about fresh ingredients which you can only find in specific areas you are visiting. Every town in Italy will have their specific dialect, dishes and ingredients.

I don’t care if the place is fancy or hip – so long as there’s no neon-lighting in the restaurant – this always makes me nervous, as I feel as I’m about to be vivisected right there on the restaurant table! The only thing I have in my mind when I enter a restaurant is “where’s the beef?” Or seitan, for my vegan friends.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?

Daniel de Filippis’ tip about the Thai restaurant, Isola Puket. I can’t thank him enough for putting this on Buzzhopper.

I love to go out for dinner with friends but I am not a pasta or pizza enthusiast – and God knows this can become quite a serious issue when you live in Italy. In Rome, it can be hard to find good ethnic restaurants that also have decent customer service. This place is a true find.

What’s one piece of advice would you give someone coming to your city for the first time?

Roman social and cultural life is based on word of mouth, more than any other city I know of.

When in Rome, the odds of finding a great place just by randomly walking down the street is probably as low as your first memoir novel becoming an instant bestseller!

ALWAYS ask locals, even if this means you have to stop a stranger in the street. Or ask a shop owner or the barista serving you coffee. You get the idea.

What would you say to someone about using buzzhopper for the first time – or what’s your favourite thing about Buzzhopper

Especially in places like Rome, where it’s very easy to stumble upon tourist traps if you don’t know any locals who can advise you, Buzzhopper can be a life-saving net for the visitor or tourist that otherwise wouldn’t have anyone to ask.

Plus, I really appreciate the fact that Buzzhoppers and users don’t waste their time in writing or reading negative reviews. Customer complaints can be unbelievably hilarious (in a bad way) and pointless.

When I’m bored, I actually enjoy reading crazy negative reviews or sometimes just plain ridiculous reviews. Do you know there are people reviewing ouija boards on Amazon? Seriously, you must check this out! I certainly don’t do this when I’m looking for a nice place to go to. Go to Buzzhopper for that!

Meet the Buzzhopper: Heather Jacobs, Sydney

Hi there Heather- Tell us a bit about yourself and what’s it like being a buzzhopper?

I’m a journalist by trade and adore the beach. I’ve had the travel bug ever since I ran away from home at 16 to go on a Lion’s scholarship to Western Samoa. From that time onwards I’ve been looking for any excuse to get on a plane. Now I’ve got at least 800 more excuses – and thankfully I no longer need to forge my parents’ signature for approval to leave the country. Being a Buzzhopper combines my favourite things in one package (or website). Fabulous destinations, curated insider tips on where to travel, eat, shop and drink from people (who are similar to myself) who treat these things with the reverence they deserve.

Your favourite vibes include rooftop drinks and pamper me, relax me… what do these mean for you?

I’m a sucker for water views and a laid-back beachy vibe, preferably after I’ve been pampered for several hours. My essentials for a great day would start with a beach walk or swim in the morning, yoga, an afternoon of ‘pamper me, relax me’ then meeting lots of good friends for Bellini’s at sunset overlooking a beach, followed by a fabulous meal, drinks at a rooftop bar, dancing if it’s on offer, and hot chips on the way home.

I love planning a trip almost as much as taking it. The hotel is as important as the destination for me and has to be just right. I can spend months searching and choosing the right hotel/s for my holiday. Often I’ll change hotels every three to four days simply because I can’t decide and must try them all out! My favourite hotels are The Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, which is so good that you need to make a great effort to actually leave it and explore Hanoi; and Playa Escondida in Sayulita, Mexico where we had our honeymoon. It’s right on the beach, is walking distance to the shabby-chic surfing village of Sayulita, has yoga, massages, great food and the rooms look like little hobbit houses.

Er, what does your husband think about this hotel-hopping habit of yours?

Oh. Well, he grumbles a bit when he has to pack but then he has a beer and forgets all about the move.

I almost always end up having to buy an extra suitcase at the airport to fit all my shopping as I tend to underestimate how many things I’ve picked up along the way.

And I guess your husband heads to the airport bar for a few beers while you continue your packing at check-in?

Of course. He loves travelling and hates flying so he has to be bribed with beers every step of the way.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?

Sydney buzzhopper Anouska’s tip for Playa Takeria in Darlinghurst. What a find! The food is amazing and the décor is really fun. I liked it so much that I went back two nights in a row after I discovered it. I got married in Mexico (although we never got around to making it legal … but that’s another story) so all things Mexican have a special place in my heart. This place captures a certain vibe that’s missing in so many Mexican restaurants in Sydney – I even asked the owner Ricardo if I could have my upcoming Mexican-themed wedding fiesta there (yes, we’re definitely going to make it legal this time; just hold the tequila). He was happy to oblige but sadly the venue is a little too small for a wedding reception.

What would you say to someone about using buzzhopper for the first time?

Choose your city and pick your favourite interests, vibes and tags in the Buzzhopper search tool and see who, and what tips come up. That’s your starting point to find exactly what you’re looking for.

What’s the best discovery you’ve made in the past year you can share with Buzzhopper?

Catalina’s in Rose Bay is my all time favourite Sydney restaurant and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of my home. (Editor’s note – I think Heather might have moved to Rose Bay simply to be within reach of Catalina’s). I’ve recently signed up to their Locals’ Deal – their loyalty program – which now entices and enables me to go there a lot more often. These local ‘special offers’ range from $20 mains on weeknights in winter, a free cocktail or dessert and a free birthday meal! But I must add that I go for the ‘special offer’ but we always splurge on the wine so it never turns out to be budget night out after all! Nevertheless, it’s always a lovely evening. Start with the Sydney rock oysters; move on to the lobster pasta; and then finish with Pavlova for desert. Heaven!

Meet the Buzzhopper: Nicolò Grechi, Milano

Here we are – finally – in Italy! And what better timing than to have our “Meet the Buzzhopper” with Milano Resident Nicolò Grechi than during the city’s world famous Salone del Mobile? If you’re in Milano right now you’d do well to check out Nicolo “Fashionista” Grechi’s tips, and if not… well, read along for your next jaunt to Italy’s fashion capital perhaps to partake in the Expo opening soon.

Off we go!

Tell us a bit about yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?
I’m a twenty-something year old fashion design student studying to be a coutourier in the fashion epicenter of the world. I’ve been fortunate to travel quite extensively all my life and my travels have made me innately curious about anything new and different. My life philosophy is ‘go for it.’ I’m always up for the next spontaneous experience and adventure – in travel, eating, drinking – anything really. And I’m always sharing my discoveries and places with my network and friends so Buzzhopping comes to me naturally.
As – not so subtly – hinted in this intro to this chat, you have Fashionista as a Vibe. Tell us a bit about that!
Well, fashion has been a very big part of my life since I was very young – I’ve been sketching dresses and shoes since I was five years old! I eat, sleep and breathe fashion so there’s always a bit of ‘fashionista’ everywhere I go, and in everything I do. What I mean by “Fashionista” is a sense of creativity. Sometimes it can be a ‘place to be seen’ but above all I always seek out a sense of uniqueness and individuality in all of my Buzzhopper places. I love shopping and my friends often take me shopping as their personal style consultant. I admit I have on occasion, also been called a Fashion Nazi – for my sheer determination and persuasiveness in making my friends wear clothes and accessories I believe looks best on them. But I’m always right. Really!

What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
Many friends say I’m a pain in the ass when it comes to choosing a place to go out. I prefer to refer to myself as ‘specific and selective!’ Regardless of price, I’m looking for quality and that touch of ‘difference’ in a place (whether it’s the food, drink or decor) – no normal, average places please! From trendy bars and clubs to cosy family run trattorias, there’s always a specific reason I return to a place and I’ll always think to myself– ‘I MUST bring my friends here’.
What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far (that you’ve used yourself and wouldn’t have discovered otherwise)
Buzzhopper Founder Melinda’s lobster linguine place in Milano. Even though I’m not a huge pasta fan I could eat this entire dish of lobster linguine alone – it’s really that good! However, a month ago I found out I’m gluten intolerant ruling out pasta and pizza, and to my surprise this place offers gluten-free dishes which is very uncommon in Italy. It’s called “pasta di riso senza glutine” (Editor’s note: gluten-free rice pasta for the Italian language challenged) and quite importantly is just as delicious as the real thing. The reason they offer gluten-free is because ‘la mamma’ is also intolerant so she ensures her sons (three of whom cook in the kitchen) always have some pasta dishes for her to taste on the menu, good boys! She suggested I order her favourite – pasta con gamberetti e fiori di zucca (pasta with shrimps and zucchini flowers) and it was to die for.

Lobster Linguine at Trattoria dei Raimondo

This is also a great place to come in a big group (as we always seem to), because you can share abundant plates of pasta and other dishes. The family vibe adds a nice homely touch and they’re always welcoming and friendly. And don’t forget la mamma’s homemade panna cotta to finish. A hot tip is to ensure you reserve a panna cotta as soon as you arrive as they’re often all gone by the time we get to dessert.

What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time?’  
Buzzhopper is perfect for planning an upcoming trip – whether you’re visiting a city for the first time or returning back again, you can look around on profiles and search to see which Buzzhoppers fit your interests and vibes – and you can pick out places/things to do in advance and something that’s really important whether you need to make reservations ahead of time. Snooping on someone else’s ready–made “collections” is also really useful for travel planning, it lays out peoples favourite activities in some otherwise big and overwhelming cities.
I also think it’s a great way to meet or connect with new and interesting people around the world and grow your network. If you like the sound of their profile and their places, you can connect and maybe even meet them one day. So if you like my Buzzhopper places or think that we’ll get along after you read my profile, don’t be shy – say ‘hi’!

Nominate a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
Samantha Marshall who’s already been nominated by Jana Sanchez in last week’s “Meet the Buzzhopper” gets my vote. She has some great tips I want to check out on my next trip to New York!

And that’s all folks! Make sure you check out Nicolò’s profile for great things to do in Milano!

Meet the Buzzhopper: Ant O’Neill, London

This week, we stayed in London for “Meet the Buzzhopper” following Gabriele’s nomination of man of mystery – and hyper prolific Buzzhopper – Ant! It’s really worth browsing his scores of tips for a chuckle and to check out his illustrations! Ant is also one of our Resident Artists and we’ll soon be uploading his London cityscape to the London tips page.

Off we go:

A bit about you Ant!
From my native Scotland untimely ripped, I’m a cartoonist, artist and (debatably) musician living in London. I’ve been lucky enough to do a fair bit of travelling, with the result being that in each new country I make new friends, try new cuisines… then come back to London craving said cuisines, so I go out looking for them. Then, those friends – by now heartily sick of their native food – come to London to visit and seek out new taste experiences, and guess whose shoulders that falls on? So I now have a hodgepodge collection of bars, restaurants and tourist attractions that can be seen and enjoyed without wading through a bunch of screaming unruly school kids on a class trip.

You have ‘in a wineglass of my own” as a Vibe, so what kind of places do you enjoy?
Wine Bars hold me in thrall, dying breed that they are. There’s a kind of faded glamour about them, as long as you define glamour as mid-‘80s Athena posters of that bird in the tennis costume scratching her arse / travel posters for countries that don’t exist anymore / wax-encrusted Chianti flasks. But invariably, you’re in the hands of experts. The likes of the Albertine in Shepherds Bush or Shampers in Kingly court – these are places that sell fantastic wines, many of which you’ll never have tried or seen before, and have friendly geniuses behind the bar to guide you through them. Plus, they’re the sort of places where you easily fall into conversation with whoever’s at the next table or stool.

What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
This is a bugger of a question because it’s so hard to define. Take Gordon’s Wine Bar, for example. It’s hard to class it as a secret given that it’s always packed, and getting a table involves missile-crisis negotiating. But every visit feels like a special occasion, whether it’s from snaring a good seat and laying into the cheeseboard, or just sitting back with a glass of Oloroso and admiring the candelight. There’s nowhere else in the world like it. Or when you’re queuing up outside Meat Liquor and they trot out with a tray of fried pickles to keep you going – you know you’re onto a gem. But at the other end of the scale, even a maligned chain like JD Wetherspoon can throw up surprises, such as serving up haggis, neaps & tatties in the week before Burns Night for a fiver, with a drink included. It’s easy to sneer but this is quality stuff – McSweens’ haggis, no less – at a bargain price.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far, perhaps one that you’ve used yourself and wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
Hah, Taqueria by Jana Sanchez (editor’s note: Taqueria is definitely a great spot!) Don’t get me wrong, I love Tex-Mex in all its inauthentic glory and yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve gone out to Lakeside for a fix of Taco Bell. Although I should be. But this- this is the real deal, proper Mexican, freshly made with quality ingredients, executed with a degree of expertise that would have the likes of Wahaca shuffling in the corner, looking at their shoes and mumbling “Don’t know, sir.”

What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time?
I think it’s important to recognise that the travel bug doesn’t have to end when you fetch up at a destination. I’ve known people who have jaunted all the way from Wagga Wagga, and then never ventured more than a kilometre from Earls Court Station. It doesn’t help that London in particular can be a bit tribal; you might need physical threats and sodium pentothal to convince a Stoke Newington resident to go to a soft launch in Clapham. But perseverance is usually rewarded (and don’t be ashamed to blag if your name isn’t on that list, chances are it was thrown together ten minutes ago by a disgruntled workie). Go with your gut instinct. Buzzhoppers are a savvy bunch, and they are sharing their most jealously-guarded secrets with you. Get in there before everyone else does.

Who do you nominate for the next “Meet the Buzzhopper?”
Let’s kick the focus back over the the Big Apple – I’m looking at you, Jana Sanchez.

Thanks Ant! If you’d like to know more about Ant and read up on some of his illustrated tips, head over to his profile.

Happy Buzzhopping!

Meet the Buzzhopper: Gabriele, London

Gabriele Verzier, London — Gabriele, London

Here we are for the belated weekly appointment with “Meet the Buzzhopper!” Last week Ana Mackay-Sim, New York City, nominated Gabriele in London, so off we go!

Hey Gabriele, tell us a bit about yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?
I came to London to study and enjoy the big city life back in 2012. Since then, I have made the city my home, from east to west. I have to admit that, in a week, I spend more time out for drinks and meals than I would ever spend in the gym in a month but I love walking around as much as possible, to discover places off the beaten path. I’m a musician who works in communications and dabbles in fashion, always out looking for special things in my restaurants, bar or dance-floor excursions. I’m constantly on the hunt for new places to discover and share with my close friends. I like bringing people from different backgrounds together and location is key in the process – it being for dinner and drinks or club action. That’s probably what makes me a Buzzhopper. I’m always moving about in London to enjoy different environments and meet new people.

You have selected Cheap & Cheerful as a Buzzhopper Vibe, so what kind of places do you enjoy?
I enjoy places that have a unique, authentic atmosphere that comes straight from the crowd they attract. I believe the best experiences come from the people around you, not your spending power. Authenticity is key in creating a good vibe, and that’s something you can only achieve when the management tailors the experience for an audience – and its pockets.

Be it a bar or restaurant, I love liveliness, good affordable service and people who are out to have a good time.

What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
It’s a Buzzhopper place when it offers me something out of the ordinary, it being the location, the audience or its service – from an exceptionally good cocktail and music, to great food and fun faces. It needs to be a place I can trust when it comes to stepping in at any chosen time and knowing it will not disappoint me or friends from London and abroad.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?
Kua ‘Aina – I took Ant O’Neil’s advice and went there for dinner with my girlfriend. The staffs Hawaiian shirts, the deco and music give it a very fun and cosy vibe. The avocado and bacon burger is delicious and I can only recommend pairing it with the sweet potato fries and a fresh Hawaiian Longboard lager. A fun little Hula break in central London. Having passed through and eaten in Carnaby often, it was a good surprise of the beaten shopping path.

What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time?
Whether you are looking up your own city or a travel destination, you can use Buzzhopper Vibes to zero into Buzzhoppers that share your lifestyle, and consequently provide tips that suit you best. Otherwise just browse and explore the Tip feed and see what strikes your fancy. I find I can almost always find out which Buzzhoppers are good for me by reading a couple of their tips.

Nominate a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
I think we’ll stay in London… Ant O’Neil!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Meet the Buzzhopper, check-out Gabriele’s profile, Tips and Collections here!

Meet the Buzzhopper: Ana Mackay-Sim, New York City

Welcome back to our weekly “Meet the Buzzhopper!” As per Agatha Bolla’s nomination last week, we’ll be featuring Ana Mackay-Sim from New York.

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

Hello Ana, tell us a bit about yourself! What makes you a Buzzhopper?
I live a fast-paced life in the big city, but I’m really focused on staying healthy, both at home and when I’m traveling. I seek out places to eat and socialize that will nourish my mind, body and soul. I’m a runner and triathlete and I’ve made NYC an athletic playground – New York is an amazing place to explore by bike and on foot! You can even swim in the Hudson if you dare!

You have “Buzzing but not Busy” as a Buzzhopper Vibe, what does that mean?
I’m a fan of bars and restaurants that have genuinely great food and drinks that aren’t full to bursting; places where you can have a real conversation. I like to be able to make a reservation too – nothing sets my nerves on edge more than those fateful words “one (or two!) hour wait.”
Amen to that!

Moving on, what kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
My restaurant picks always offer quality food with ample choices for those with allergies – I have issues with gluten and dairy, so I sympathise! My bar picks offer either inventive cocktails – interesting takes on ingredients you’d often see in a salad – or quintessentially New York experiences. I go for authenticity over pretension – I’m Aussie after all – so you’ll find an atmosphere that’s cool, but never cold.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far? One perhaps that you’ve used yourself and wouldn’t have discovered otherwise?
The Nielsen Park tip in Sydney by fellow Aussie Heather Jacobs. I actually gave this tip to a colleague of mine who visited there recently. It’s a perfect ‘beach’ for those intimidated by Sydney’s gnarly surf and not-so-friendly marine life – and great for families with kids!

What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time?
Looking for Buzzhoppers that enjoy “Bubbles and Nibbles” and “Food you eat, not look at?” No probs! You can select as many Buzzhopper Vibes and Place Tags as you like from the matching menu on the left. Just remember Vibes refer to a Buzzhopper’s lifestyle, while Tags describe the specific tips – such as Brunch, Dinner or Drinks. By mixing and matching the two you can find great spots from Buzzhoppers that share your lifestyle.

Nominate a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
Let’s go across the pond to Gabriele Verzier in London town!

That’s all for this week’s Meet the Buzzhopper, thanks for tuning in! Check out Ana’s profile and tips here, and make sure to drop her a comment if you enjoyed one – or more! – of her tips.

We’re heading to London next week to meet Gabriele, so watch this space and happy buzzhopping!

Meet the Buzzhopper:Agatha Bolla, Sydney

Welcome to our weekly “Meet the Buzzhopper” – well, it’s going to be weekly, but this is the very first one! – starring Agatha Bolla today from Sydney!
Without further ado here’s our little chat!

So Agatha, tell us a bit about yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?
I love meeting new people and I adore travelling, plus I’m a big foodie, and I think that’s one of the main things that makes me a Buzzhopper. I’m not afraid to try new things in my city and on the outskirts as well- I mean what’s the worse that can happen, right? I’m always out and about in Sydney, discovering new things that are happening.

You have Cheap & Cheerful as a Vibe, what does that mean?
I enjoy places that aren’t too pretentious, and have food with real flavour. The atmosphere should be casual and if you can make the hat trick… cheap too! I’ll take the authentic tasty & cheap dumplings in a not too jazzed up venue over the “of the moment” dumpling bar any day.

What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
When there’s a good mix of people, atmosphere and something which makes the venue unique – whether it’s an interesting cocktail I haven’t tried before, a standout noodle dish or a venue with a secret passageway. It needs to be a place I wouldn’t want to miss if I was travelling, and a recommendation I’d give to a friend visiting Sydney.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise?
Bondi’s Best by fellow Sydney Buzzhopper Heather Jacobs— the name really says it all, they are indeed the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, and I don’t say BEST often. The fish is perfectly battered and the chips are thick cut with the perfect amount of seasoning & love. They have a wide selection of fish, the salmon being popular amongst the locals and they offer fresh sushi too! It’s really a bit of a Bondi mecca. We loved getting take away at their original North Bondi location and walking over to the grassy knoll and finding a shady tree there to devour our fish and chips picnic-style overlooking Bondi beach. They just also opened a full service restaurant in Hall Street, Bondi– which also serves their signature fish and chips, sushi, oysters and other fresh seafood for take away.

What would you say to people discovering Buzzhopper for the first time?
If you have a specific travel destination in mind, search by Buzzhopper – Vibes and Interests especially will help you get matched with someone like you – City & Tags in the Buzzhopper matching menu (the grey left-side one) it narrows down the tips and you are sure to have a great time on your trip. If you like the results, save them as a Channel for easy reference in the future.

Nominate a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
Ana Mackay Sim you’re next!

That’s all for our first “Meet the Buzzhopper”, we hope you enjoyed meeting Agatha. Make sure you check out her profile and tips on Buzzhopper! We’ll be taking you to New York City next week with Ana Mackay Sim, until then, happy buzzhopping!

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