Discover the secrets of Chatswood which is bursting with exotic food, classy fashion boutiques and K-Pop
THIS vibrant, north shore hub is not just about its huge shopping centres. It’s a delicious potpourri of high-end fashion boutiques, exotic foods, eclectic wares and bustling small businesses.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THIS vibrant, north shore hub is not just about its huge shopping centres. It’s a delicious potpourri of high-end fashion boutiques, exotic foods, eclectic wares and bustling small businesses.
Keep it in the family – 1932 Chrysler DeSoto: For those who need an SMS reminder just to get an oil change, this may come as a surprise, but yes, cars can last longer than a flight to Finland. Not only is Rob Landsberry’s 1932 Chrysler De Soto pure proof but also after 82 years, this beloved beauty is practically part of the family. Passed down to a third generation, sadly it fell victim to a garage fire and was sold off. Destined to be reunited with its kin, it was passed through two different owners who has recognised its beautify and restored it to a pristine condition before ultimately returning to its original owners. Fairytale story intact, Rob is always keen to share his story and will certainly be doing so at the StreetFair2014 Classic Car Alley.
Secret Tea Garden: Along Victoria Avenue, you’ll notice an abundance of teashops, each displaying perfect rows of delicate cups and stacked canisters, a beauty that comes through symmetry but doesn’t help in deciding where to go. TenRen’s Tea has found its differentiator: a large lush garden with ample seating in the back.
Before heading to this little oasis, take note of a rather ornate table for six on a slightly elevated platform in the front window. There sits the owner, Kenny Hsu holding court with friends, and honoured guests. Before him is a formal tea setting, presented on a raised, bamboo tray about the size of a game board. To the untrained eye, the slats on top appear aesthetic but are actually quite practical, allowing water overflow to run through and into a drawer underneath. This brief insight into seemingly private yet somewhat domestic affairs somehow reassures patrons that he too is a customer, but just happens to be in prime position for quality control of some wonderfully prepared teas.
K-pop: Love it or hate it, that cowpoke lasso dance by Psy has you bopping in your seat singing the only three lyrics you know, “Hey - sexy lady.” With such a catchy tune and borderline silly dance, it’s quite clear that K-pop, short for Korean Pop, is really about having a good time. And since most of the dancing is choreographed for a group, it’s really about having fun with friends. But rather than constantly rewinding a recorded dance competition to learn the moves, you can now go to classes to formally learn the moves. Jay Shin, Managing Director of K-pop Star in Chatswood says that most of his students are between 17 and 25 but with the rising popularity of this engaging music, the age group has begun to skew a bit higher. “We had a couple come in to learn the moves to “Gangnam Style” so that they could perform it at her father’s birthday. He loved it!”.
So much more than canine companion – Guide Dogs NSW/ACT: Fun but not obnoxious, attentive but not overbearing, loyal but not possessive, Sounds like the perfect partner, and in a way it is. Those are the endearing traits of a Golden Retriever – perfect friend, loving companion and practically synonymous with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. While these canine companions are a vital benefit for the blind, the organisation provides so many more services. In fact, each year over 4000 visually-impaired people are taught invaluable mobility lessons – like hailing a taxi or climbing stairs – by highly qualified instructor’s who not only have to hold a specialised Master’s Degree they must be able to empathise with their pupils by experiencing simulated situation – such as walking blindfolded down The Concourse. There certainly is a lot kindness coming out of that Chatswood office.
Awash with colour – Taiwan cultural festival: You make think pink when it comes to Spring, but after Colourful Taiwan day during the Willoughby Spring Festival, you’ll be seeing everything in the brightest colours imaginable - gemstone dresses in the formal dance groups, lush green vegetables from the market stalls, and of course the royal reds of the participants in the evening’s culminating event – a lantern parade. It’s not all show though as this day is meant to engage and explore like playing the centuries old game of Mah Jong - sometimes (affectionately) called Dominoes with a card game twist. Then there are heaps of activities for the crafty, like a designated area to make your own lantern – which you can then use to light your way home after a full day of learning … and fun.
The fine art of printing: For anyone who has ever uttered the words, “I can make that myself”, only to realise that it isn’t nearly as easy as it looks, but then again, they probably didn’t have the helping hands of a professional keen to share some insights. As part of Willoughby’s Spring Festival visual art offerings, Home Grown: Printmakers, an exhibit featuring vastly different printing techniques and equally diverse styles, local artist Itzick Fisher will host a workshop, bringing along a number of metal plates that he has etched with his designs. He’ll print them on site so participants, with his guidance, will be able to colour them in, take them home and finally able to say, “I made this myself.”
History: Looking at the naming of suburbs around Sydney and there seems to be an abundance of references to regal estates or royalty back in England and Scotland, which is why the naming of Chatswood seems like a but of fun, as it’s derived from the Mayor of Willoughby, Richard Harnett’s wife’s name, Charlotte or as she was affectionately known, “Chattie”. The wooded part is obvious, as prior to residential development of 1876, it was central for timber and farming, but eventually the names were merged to form Chatswood.
When the North Shore Line extended in 1890, populations grew but it wasn’t really till the railway was extended further to Penshurst that Chatswood’s commercial area expanded and it became a destination for specialised services. The opening of the Harbour Bridge in 1932 and influx of automobiles helped to make this originally remote and barren area accessible and enjoyable.
Splashdown! Day of disaster for Aussies in women’s America’s Cup
The women’s America’s Cup dream of an Australian crew is over after just two days of racing, a disastrous touchdown, a broken start penalty and erratic conditions. How it played out.
Council awarded more than $600k in compo battle over park, golf club
A Sydney council has secured a legal win against the NSW Government after disputing the amount of compensation it would receive for land forcibly acquired for a major tunnel project.