Summer in Sydney means Kurumac Cafe, markets and purple Zooper Doopers

What does Sydney mean to you?

Sydney is a melting pot of cultures. I love that you can go from east to west, north to south and there are pockets of communities and really, really good food. I love that we’re surrounded by ocean, but also vast amounts of bushland.

But Sydney cannot cope when it rains, especially the public transport system.

Earliest memory of Sydney?

There are two very vivid memories, both from when I was about five years old. One, a splash in Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park with the extended family, matching colourful onesies and banh mis for lunch. The other, an outing to Sega World at Darling Harbour (RIP) and meeting Sonic the Hedgehog.

When the weather gets hot I …

Contemplate going to the beach and either: a) decide against it and regret it or; b) go and regret it — the fun choice between three buses or looking for a good car spot.

First place you take visitors?

You can’t beat the Manly Ferry, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge trifecta.

Favourite cafe?

This is hard … Kurumac Cafe in Marrickville. I dream about their salmon congee with accompaniments; it’s only available before 11am and very much worth setting an alarm for. They’ve also recently started stocking pastries from Tenacious Bakehouse (get the corn cheese).

Espresso and gianduja babka croissant and pastrami pie (right) at A.P House cafe in Surry Hills.Credit: Steven Siewert

I’m also going to throw another trifecta in there – AP House/Town/Carriageworks market stall. If you know, you know.

Secret spot you escape to?

There’s a nice detour from the traditional Bay Walk that links to Rozelle and Balmain. Great views, and much quieter.

Best summer food?

Anything frozen: Zooper Doopers (the purple ones), the Pavlova flavour from Gelato Messina, the Pistachio from Mapo.

Or my mum’s beef pho with the lot – but it has to be eaten directly in front of the air-con.

I know it’s summer when I smell …

Insect repellent.

My favourite summer song is …

Anything by Carly Rae Jepsen but specifically Cut To The Feeling.

Worst thing about summer?

Rain, public transport with no airflow, sweaty people on public transport.

My closest bolthole is …

Dawn Fraser Baths.

Guilty pleasure?

Trying to cram in all my books in the final few weeks to hit my Good Reads goal.

What aspect of life would you change and what should stay the same?

I can’t believe I’m saying this as someone who typically eats dinner at 5pm, but restaurants need to stay open later and take more walk-ins.

Chicken nuggets from McDonald’s are great, but sometimes you want a spontaneous nice feed after a few drinks with friends. At least most places split the bill now.