Oscillate Wildly, Newtown -- or -- They grow up so fast

I first visited Oscillate Wildly about three years ago, shortly after Karl Firla took over the kitchen. It was mostly good, though a couple of dishes missed the mark for me. (Gnocchi with coffee grounds on top was a bit too weird at the time.)

I went back a year later to give it another chance. It was very good on the second visit. A little less experimental, or perhaps just having had the benefit of a year's experimentation to get things right.

After visiting Sixpenny in Stanmore a few months ago it was time to go back to Oscillate and see how they compared.

Newtown Burger Grudge Match: Dean's Diner, Newtown

Last month three Newtown Burger Joints -- some called them 'chains' or 'franchises' -- went bunno-a-bunno in a food fight to the death. "But wait," the crowd called. "You forgot someone. The little guy. The local favourite. The place with the arcade game tables and the funny burger names. Go on. Give Dean's a chance."

Detective Chow is listening.

Greek Special: Nostos, Leichhardt and Steki Taverna, Newtown

The Greek Financial situation means a lot of people there are doing it tough. In fact, a lot of countries' economies have been hit hard. Australians are comparatively doing well, but even here people are trying to cut back on spending. Like eating at restaurants.

Unfortunately rent is not getting any cheaper so a lot of restaurants are struggling. I think I should be supporting my favourite restaurants to make sure they stay afloat. Unfortunately I seem to be cursed, with a few places I really like closing (or selling) shortly after my reports were filed.

Still, there are bargains to be had if you want a cheap night out. Here are two:

Wine Library, Woollahra -- or -- Browsing in the Decadent section

This visit to the Wine Library was at the end of March, so you probably can't get the fig salad anymore, but the rest are very compatible with the colder weather coming up.

3 Frakkar, Iceland -- or -- A different landscape

I just signed up for Icelandic language lessons. Here's why.

Following the 'on vacation' post from Germany...

Prior to the visit to Belgium (part 1, part 2)...

There was: