Ask a Local is a new series where we ask clued-up insiders to share their top tips for the place they call home – as told here to Noo Saro-Wiwa.
Contemporary artist Gabrielle Penfold first made a name for herself on Instagram, where her still life paintings attracted a devoted set of followers who love her ability to bring everyday objects to life in scenes that depict simpler pleasures.
Using oil paint, clay, and bright yet earthy tones, the Australian’s simple motifs draw on the natural world and the breezy, summery simplicity of the outdoors, as inspired by her hometown Sydney.
Artist Gabrielle Penfold's favourite places in Sydney
Here, Gab describes how she spends her perfect weekend in the Emerald City, making use of the summer sunshine to swim in the ocean pools, take sunset strolls along the bay, browse second-hand thrift stores, sample imaginative gelatos, and admire Aboriginal artworks.
Street food and cool restaurants
For Gabrielle, the weekend gets going with a stop at VN Street food. It’s her go-to place after a long day in her studio at her parents’ house or on her way to the studio for lunch. She’ll hang out with a mate who’s also got flexible working hours. “I go for a lychee freeze,” she says. “It’s like a frozen coconut slushie. It’s got herbs and refreshing mint, and it cuts through the saltiness of the Vietnamese feu. It’s as authentic as a Vietnamese street restaurant.” Another favourite of Gabrielle’s is the bun cha – noodles and pork meatballs that have been grilled over a charcoal wood fire and drenched in a sweet-salty broth.
VN is one of many food joints on Illawarra Road, Gabrielle’s favourite street in the west of the city, where her parents live. “Growing up here, it wasn’t cool. I used to get teased, but now it’s gentrified and full of fantastic Vietnamese restaurants.” The area is also home to the Marrickville Hotel where Gabrielle likes to sip craft beers and cocktails in its traditional small-bar atmosphere.
When in the city centre, Gabrielle likes taking waterside walks in Potts Point and heading down to the harbour in upmarket Elizabeth Bay to enjoy the sunset. The food scene here covers the spectrum, from high-end to cheap. “If I want to go for a posh dinner to celebrate a friend’s birthday, I go to Fratelli Paradiso, an Italian place run by two brothers, Gio and Rico. Their daily pasta specials are delicious, especially the scampi pasta. My favourite dessert is the Campari and blood orange sorbet. I’ve interrogated them on how to make it, but they won’t tell me!” For after-dinner drinks, Gabrielle heads to nearby Vermuteria, a new aperitif wine bar and deli that does a mean vermouth accompanied by a ‘gilda’ cocktail stick skewer of white anchovy, olives and pickles.
Ocean swims
On Saturdays, like many Sydneysiders, Gabrielle relishes a feel-good ocean swim in the morning in the city’s ocean tidal pools. “My favourite is Wylie’s Baths,” she says. “The canteen does avocado on toast and great coffee. I look at the ocean and ‘rug up’ if it’s cold.” Bronte Pool is particularly special. “It’s built into the south side of the cliff, and there’s all this beautiful sandstone behind it and tranquil sapphire water. In the morning the orangeness of the sun's rays hit the sandstone, and it’s a golden little pocket. It’s so beautiful, you can’t believe it. I love studying the swimmers’ movements.”
Second-hand shopping
For shopping, Gabrielle likes William St in the Paddington area where contemporary lifestyle brand Lucy Folk sells an array of items such as pearl diver bracelets and artisanal ceramics. “She’s a dear friend, and she’s so clever in what she does. Everything is so thoughtful and different.” Fella is the go-to place for excellent swimwear, Gabrielle says, and there are a few great second-hand stores. “I try to buy second-hand when I can. I often find something special in De Nuovo.”
For a pitstop between boutique-hopping, Gabrielle goes to 10 William on the same street for standout snacks like pretzels and bottarga (fish roe dip) before switching to a more rough and ready vibe at the Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the local team at an Australian Football League game. “It’s a great atmosphere, so much fun… go Swans!”
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Bakeries and galleries
Being a croissant fiend, Gabrielle gets her hit in the beachside suburb of Bronte where Iggy's Bread runs a weekend croissant and pastry pop-up. “They’re notorious for opening when they feel like it. They make a fantastic, buttery pain au chocolat. I also like their feta and cheese twist.”
For creative inspiration, she visits the Art Gallery of New South Wales, whose new Yiribana gallery showcases work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists such as Sharyn Egan. It’s my favourite gallery in Australia. I love painting colours, and the colour palette there is fantastic.”
Afterwards, Gabrielle might grab lunch at Sean's, a restaurant on the north end of Bondi Beach. “Sean, the owner, has decorated the place with fantastical shells on the ceiling and wall sconces made out of scallop shells. It’s quirky and eccentric. The seasonal menu is based on produce from his farm. It’s a true celebration of modern Australian food, and it’s BYO, so you can take a bottle of bubbly. My friends like to have celebratory meals there. His art collection is really beautiful as well.”
From there, Gabrielle takes digestive walks to the southern end of the beach to a fantastic gelato shop called Mapo. “My favourite flavour is the Pepe Saya butter sea-salt caramel.” A perfectly sweet ending to her Sydney weekend.