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citybites sleep over TOP TRADING BRISBANE Traders Hotel Brisbane makes sure guests remember their stay in the River City, exclusively offering a Nespresso 'U' coffee machine as part of its 'Staying Connected with U' package. Valid for Friday, Saturday or Sunday overnights booked before May 31. For $298, guests receive the state-of-the-art coffee machine (RRP $299) plus an overnight stay in one of Traders Hotel's revitalised rooms, enjoying crisp bed linen and brilliant views of the city skyline. Adjacent to the lush oasis that is Roma Street Parkland and within walking distance of Suncorp Stadium, Queen Street Mall and South Bank, the hotel is just a stone's throw from some of the city's most vibrant cultural precincts. With the added convenience of early check-in and late check-out, plus a $50 return credit voucher, there has never been a better excuse to really connect with Brisbane. www.shangri-la.com/brisbane/traders eat street French leaning Sydney On Knox Street, among Double Bay's maze of tree-lined streets, is a bakery and cafe-restaurant, Le Pain Quotidien, offering the sophistication of French/Belgian cuisine with a fresh, no-fuss approach. Founder Alain Coumont learned about baking bread as a small child in Belgium, standing on a chair watching his grandmother bake bread every Sunday. You know you've stepped into indulgent territory when the hot chocolate is a jug of mouth-watering soft-as-silk Belgian chocolate, which you pour into a bowl before adding your own serving of hot milk. And if you're a bread aficionado, you can't beat the wide selection baked on the premises, which ranges from rye, spelt and five-grain sourdough loaves to baguettes, croissants and hazelnut and raisin flutes. And while we're speaking French, why not cut to the chase and have a cheese platter (blue, Swiss and aged cheddar served on a wooden board with fruits and nuts) and a charcuterie plate as a shared entree? Le Pain Quotidien also serves hearty soups, a range of tasty salads, classic mains such as chicken breast tartine and typical French snacks such as croque monsieur. The venue is ideal for large groups, as there's a communal table in the centre, and is also great for families with young children, who will no doubt be excited by the dessert selection on offer behind the counter; think fruit tarts and custard, meringues, chocolate brownies and waffles. Le Pain Quotidien also has venues in Bondi Junction and Westfield Sydney. www.lepainquotidien.com.au Fast Fact The term Croque Monsieur is based on the French verb croquer ('to crunch') and the word monsieur ('mister'). It's what we would call a ham and cheese toastie! 7