James Curd: Moving from Chicago to Adelaide was a massive cultural shock. I love the freedom it gives me to focus on my music and not be beat down by the daily grind…

Adelaide has great weather, healthcare, schools and almost no traffic. It’s safe and the people are friendly. It’s a great place to raise my daughter and spend time with my wife. Unfortunately when it comes to inspiration. I’m usually reminiscing while I’m in the studio or headed to the airport.  With that all being said you can still find great places to eat, drink and hear some of your favourite international DJ’s in the most intimate setting.

Best places to eat….

Gaucho’s on Gouger street

It’s a great Argentinian steakhouse and has been a staple in my rotation since I first toured in Australia and played in Adelaide. They have one of the best sauces I’ve ever had on a steak.

Gondola Gondola on Peel Street.

The owner Annie has put everything on the line to give Adelaide one of it’s best places to eat. It has a variety of South-East Asian street food. I’ve tried almost everything but I’m a creature of habit and always get the Ga Pan Dan which is chargrilled chicken with coconut and some crazy amazing sauce. It’s usually where I bring friends in town to DJ for dinner before their show.

Low & Slow on Commercial Road in Port Adelaide.

This is the closest BBQ from Chicago that I can get here. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the city but when I’m craving BBQ it’s worth it. The pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Mac’N’ Cheese and Tater Tots fill the void.

Jasmin on Hindmarsh Square

This is my wife and I’s favourite restaurant. We always pick this place when we are celebrating. It’s the best Indian food I’ve ever eaten and I was not surprised when Marco Pierre White visited Adelaide and he said the same thing. It’s located below ground level and has a warm, friendly, but refined environment. The wine list is the cherry on top!

*I’m still holding out hope for Adelaide to open up a good burger place and a good Mexican place because none of of the current restaurants would be in business if they were in Chicago.

Places to grab a drink.

2KW on King William Street

2KW is a rooftop bar and restaurant that has the best view of the city. They are open everyday of the week (rare in Adelaide) and usually go late. The staff are all nice and make great cocktails.  They embrace diversity when it comes to welcoming their visitors as well giving the DJ’s total freedom in what they play. It’s easy to head up there for 1 drink to catch the sunset, but lose track of time and leave at closing time.

Mayfair on Hindley Street

The Hennessy Bar on the top of the Mayfair hotel is another rooftop spot. It has a warm hotel bar feel and is a good option even on cold nights. The fit out is luxurious and has a bunch of nooks and crannies for you and your friends to take over. The DJ’s have free reign of what they play and while most other hotel bars are owned by some corporation, you can find the owners of The Mayfair having a drink along side the customers as well as a dance.

La Buvette on Gresham Street

They did a great job of capturing the feeling of a French bar. It has the best selection of French wine and most of the staff are French. Hidden down a side street it offers an easy, welcoming place to have a drink with no fuss. They also have the most charismatic door man greeting you on the way in and lending a helping hand on the way out.

Hains & Co on Gilbert Place

Hains is the spot where drink makers go to drink. It’s become the home base of Adelaide hospitality community. It’s a safe place for all of them to come and have a big night for themselves. I always enjoy rolling by there and seeing familiar faces with big ass smiles.

Sunny’s Pizza on Solomon Street

I’ve only been here one time but I’ve been meaning to get back. It’s set up is really easy and versatile. One minute it’s full of tables and people eating pizza nek minute there is a full dance floor. They are alway collaborating with guest chefs or other restaurants. They also have guest DJ’s or official after parties. Definitely worth checking out and the pizza is good too!

Best places to hit the dance floor.

Sugar on Rundle Street

Sugar is number one on the list for me because it puts on the most consistent shows with artist I like. My buddy Driller who owns the place is really passionate about house & techo. He is also passionate about Adelaide and turning it into a city that is on the map when it comes to DJ’s visiting Australia. It’s a place you can see Theo Parrish or Moodyman play in probably the most intimate setting in the world. That says a lot about Driller and a little about Adelaide.

Lotus Lounge on Morphette

Lotus is owned by Bretski who is a die hard house head with a side of fancy cocktails. It’s Adelaide’s living room club and they have had some great house/house parties there with the likes of Derrick Carter, Chez Damier, Louie Vega and more.  Bretski is at the top of his game when it comes to the lost art of being a host. I like going into Lotus knowing that I’ll see him there and I know all of the other customers feel the same. You would think it would be bad for business for him to be so generous and give out so many drinks on the house, but the nice people of Adelaide return the favour, and that’s the way it should be!

Fat Controller on North Terrace

Fat Controller is the best big club in Adelaide. They have the most current artist rolling through. The crew that run it are really creative and have a lot of hustle. Entry fee is reasonable, drinks are cheap, staff are nice. It’s the closest thing you can get to a big warehouse party in town. They feature both bands and Dj’s. Fat’s have the most international clubbing vibe you will get in Adelaide.

Other fun stuff….

Wine!

Visit some of the winery’s in South Australia. Both Mclaren Vale and the Barossa Valley have beautiful estates and amazing wine. You can set up a tour and hit a few cellar doors and eat at some of them too.

Deep sea fishing.

Charter a boat and catch a wide variety of fish from tuna to shark. You can do half or full days. I’ve always had fun and besides catching fish I’ve spotted seals and dolphins.

Hold a koala

Cleland Wildlife Park has a ton of Australian native animals. You can feed a kangaroo or hold a koala.

Skateboard

Victoria Square right in the heart of the city is an insane skate spot. It’s like the Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco from the 90’s.

Hike

Mount Lofty is a pretty cool hike. You pass by waterfalls as you make your way to the top. Once you get to the top there is a tremendous view in all directions for miles.

Chicago’s James Curd & Fuzzy Cufflinxxx return this summer with a four track EP, entitled ‘Balloon Talk’ on Sense Traxx, including remixes from Junior Sanchez and Made By Pete – AUDIO: