Pamela
A very common item on our room service bill
Taste Maker is a food guide from creatives, artists and professional eaters. Follow → Instagram → Previous Guests
Pamela is the intersection of Sarah Ellen and Josh Kempen. Their distinct sound sits somewhere between The Marias, The Strokes, and The XX - modern alt-pop laced with effortless harmonies, shimmering guitar work, and playful, provocative lyricism.
Where do you live most of the year?
In dark rooms with lots of instruments. Oh but we reside in Sydney, Australia.
What do you look for in a restaurant when you walk in?
Dim lighting. Warm lighting. Booths. Comfy booths. Good background music, not too loud. Good Margaritas. You know, the usual.
What is your final meal?
Maybe like 10 courses to make the moment last a little longer. It would have to include a good medium rare steak frites & pasta. Both are a very common item on our room service bill on tour.
3 guests for dinner, dead or alive?
This is always such a tough question (like, what’s your favourite song?). Jennifer Coolidge would be a dream, I’m sure she’d bring a great bottle of wine too. Rick Ruben would be iconic. We listen to his podcast ‘Tetragrammaton’ a fair bit and he seems so open and curious. And lastly, Andy Warhol. We love his book from A to B.
Pamela’s Taste Maker Guide
Breakfast: Panadería Rosetta, Mexico City.
Order: If you like pastries for breakfast, Rosetta in Roma Norte is a slice of heaven. We spent a few weeks in Mexico City songwriting (it’s actually where we wrote our second single, Skin Contact!), and this place was the first stop each day. We tried pretty much everything in the window, so just find something that looks pretty and you won’t be disappointed. We promise.
Coffee: The Hood, Paddington.
Order: The owners will know you by name and make a coffee that actually lights you up in the morning. We both get soy caps but Josh adds honey. Honourable mention to the hojicha latte and we’d strongly recommend that you try any one of their toasted sandwiches… go on, we double dare you.
Aperol Spritz/Sundowner: You didn’t ask but we think it’s an important question. There’s an amazing vibe at Barbetta in Paddington while it’s quiet. And then, not trying to sound fancy, but Bar Pes in Menaggio, Lago di Como has to be mentioned. Once the heat of the day subsides, this is the spot to stare out over the lake to the Italian alps and get a bit tipsy.
Lunch: Doma, Federal
Order: This may be Australia’s best sushi! Hidden away in Federal, a tiny town of no more than three very charming shops. It also happens to be a few minutes from the studio where we have done most of our songwriting recently. After a solid morning in studio, we always head here for lunch and creative brain fuel. Honestly, you could close your eyes and point at the menu because you can’t miss here. The salmon sticks are incredible must haves, and the karaage chicken & cold green noodle salad is the current standout for lunch. Doma will always have a special place in Pamela’s heart.
Special dinner: Olympus Dining, Surry Hills
Order: You can’t ever really go wrong with Greek food. Fava, Patátes, Kefalotyri Saganaki. Order in abundance here and you will leave feeling very satisfied, it’s not exactly a roof terrace in Hydra but it’s Sydney’s next best thing. The whole layout being centred around a tree also makes us feel really happy, you know?
Casual dinner: APPIZZA, Sydney
Order: Get a Cheese Pie Slice and go and sit outside on the square! It’s one of the few great places in Sydney that offer outdoor seating (done well) and its a huge vibe.
Special shoutouts
Washoku hás to be some of the best Sushi in Sydney, if not the best.
We also love Osteria Riva, a little hole in the wall Italian joint that does great pastas.
Paradiso in Potts point is also great!
Hotel Amour in Paris for a cocktail.
Arthur’s Mini Super, Seapoint, Cape Town, South Africa - Think retro grocery store meets sexy as hell wine bar. It is also run by the biggest legends who will make you cry laughing - go for the natural wine.
Manhatten Super Bowl, this place has a special place in our hearts. Bowling and a milkshake, yes please.