Hyde Park Barracks Cafe, Sydney

It feels like as if you are tourist when you stepped inside the Hyde Park Barracks. However, I am here for the cafe as it is close to where I work. Sadly, I am going back to work after brunch on a weekend! :( Before my battle, I think I should reward myself for some nice food.

Jasmine Tip

They have a wide range of beverages selection. It took me awhile whether to go for tea or coffee. At the end I have gone for a green tea, jasmine tip.  

French Toast 

The french toast (golden French toast with Camp maple syrup, mascapone and strawberries)  is pefectly balanced. It is not too sweet. 

Savoury Ricotta Hot Cakes

Savoury ricotta hot cakes with smoked salmon and drill creme friache took around 20 minutes to make. The wait is all worth it... it is so divine!!

It is a nice start of the day... now I have to go back to my "battlefield". :(


Hyde Park Barracks Cafe
Queens Square
Hyde Park Barracks 
(02) 9222 1815

Black Star Pastry, Newtown

I have tried a fair few of Black Star Pastry sweet stuff. This time I am here for savoury, lamb shank, red wine and vegetable pie. I have heard a lot about it and would like to try it myself. The filling is juicy and moist. The lamb shank filling is cooked with red wine and enhance the favour. The pastry is crisp and fluffy. 

Lamb Shank, Red Wine and Vegetable Pie

To finish off with a cup of cappuccino. What's more to ask for?

Cappuccino

We have also tried their sandwiches and other sweet stuffs.

Chicken Sandwich

Custard Flan

Almond Knot

Black Star Pastry

277 Australia Street

Newtown NSW

(02) 9557 8656

Chez Shibata, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

I saw all these lovely cake photos from Ms Miffy's album and has been asking her to bring me to these cake shop when I am in Hong Kong. She brought me to Chez Shibata. This is a Japanese patisserie and chocolatier.

Coeur des Bois

We have ordered their signature dish Coeur des Bois. It is a heart shaped raspberry mousse cake and inside there is a surprise filling of raspberry.

Mont Blanc

We have also tried Mont Blanc. This is a chestnut cake with layers of chocolate in a cup. It is hard to find chestnut cake in Sydney. 

La Venus

The last one we have tried for the day is La Venus. This is a rich dark chocolate cake. I cant miss out to try their chocolate. :)

Chez Shibata

Elements

Shop 2003 

1 Austin Road

Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong

Sunflower Cafe, Ultimo

After my trip to Taiwan, I always want to find a Taiwanese restaurant in Sydney to satisfy my craving.

Beef Noodle Soup

The beef is tender and the soup is rich. It will better if the beef is in chunky style. 

Pork Chop

Noodle Soup (Pork Chop on the Side)

Another favourite of mine is the pork chip noodle soup. They serve the pork chop on the side which made it still crispy. Love it!

Pan Fried Dumpling

The pan fried dumplings are narrow and thin. It is not similar to the Chinese style. It is really crispy which is to my liking! 


I am sure I will come back here for my Taiwanese food craving. :D

Sunflower Cafe

Ground level

147 Broadway

Ultimo NSW

(02) 9211 5298

Cafe Ish, Surry Hills - Photos Post

How great it is for you to wake up late and still be able to have breakfast? Yes, I said late breakfast! Cafe Ish has all day breakfast every Saturday and Sunday. 

Wattle Maccacino

I started off with their specialty coffee wattle maccacino. 

Croc in The Rock

Croc in The Rock

The Croc in the Rock as the suggested, everything is stuffed inside the toast. 

Crab Omelette

Crab Omelette

Finally another must try dish, Crab Omelette.

Book Kitchen, Surry Hills - Photos Post

It was a sad day today. I have to farewell my good friend who is leaving Sydney for good. To ease the saddness, I have to find a nice place to eat! Here are the food that ate...

Puff Pastry Tart, Herb Stuffed Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Cauliflower Puree, Peas and Truffled Pecorino

Corn Fritters, Crab Meat, Avocado Salsa, Tomato, Poached Egg, Salad Leaves

Scramble Eggs with Smoked Ham Hock, Spinach, Persian Feta and Asparagus on Sourdough Toast

I also ordered a handcut chips as side. It is more like a handcut wedges!

Handcut Chips with Hand Whipped Aioli

The Book Kitchen

255 Devonshire Street

Surry Hills NSW

(02) 9310 1003

Tara Tea Room, The Rocks

I was busy shopping at The Rocks Market and started to feel a bit tired. I think I will need to find a place to sit down and relax. I saw this heritage terrace with a sign saying "scones out of the oven". The clock on the sign is striking now and this is it! :) 

You have to walk pass a long hallway toward the end and found this cosy tea room behind an Irish gift shop. Settling at a table and scanning through their menu. It is either Devonshire Tea or a Tasting Basket for 2. There are a lot of teas to choose from and they have a variety of coffees too.

Tasting Basket for Two

I picked the tasting basket as it has 5 scones in the basket. Their scones are fluffy and soft with crusty outer. Their homemade jam is great compliment to these scones. I love it.

Teapot with Tea Cosy

I have also ordered a variety of loose leaf tea and herbal fusion. I love how they "dress up" their teapot to serve. Each one has a tea cosy and their colour represent a different type of tea which ordered.

It is a good choice to wind down shopping at the market earlier. :p

Tara Tea Room

33 George Street

The Rocks NSW

(02) 9247 3233

Bird Cow Fish, Surry Hills

I walked pass Bird Cow Fish a few times already but never had a chance to dine there. Finally today I woke up early to have brunch there.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Confit of Duck Salad

Since it is a hot day, I didn't have a lot of dishes. I am sure I will go back for more!

Bird Cow Fish

Shop 4 & 5

500 Crown Street

Surry Hills NSW

(02) 9380 4489

Olio, St Leonards

What's attractive me about this cafe is their coffee... Kopi Luwak. This coffee is made of coffee berries which have been eaten by Asian Palm Civet, then pass through its digestive system. Hence I called it "cat poo" coffee... hahahaha...

Since I am having an early dinner close by, so I can try out this long waited coffee. :D However, the cafe closes at 9pm, we have to rush in before it closes. Lucky that the waiter let us in. 


We quickly settle ourselves and order our drinks. 

Brochure at the Cafe explaining what's Kopi Luwak

When the waiter passes me the coffee, the aroma goes through my nose. It smells so good!!! The waiter explains to me how I should taste it. There is a sparkling water with lime & ginger to raise my palate. It also comes with a petite four with a hint of ginger. 

 Kopi Luwak

After my sparkling water, my first sip of it reminded me as if I am drinking herbal tea. It is so strong. I have a bite to the brown sugar provided. The second sip I can taste it. It is silky smooth and without the bitterness. I really enjoy it!!! Now need to plan for my weekend brunch. :D




Olio
Shop 1, The Forum
St Leonards Station
Sydney NSW 2065

Luxe Espresso, Newtown

We always go to the coffee shop next door and notice this cafe Luxe Espresso and would like to try this out one day. Since the weather wasn't good for cycling, we changed our plan to have brunch to this long waited cafe. :)

There are two communal tables and a few smaller tables. We were seated at the communal table to fit us all. :)

I have to quickly order a cup coffee to give myself a wake up boost. Although the coffee is not as good as the one I had next door, but it has done its job! Nice!

 Chicken (Sorry forgot what I've ordered)

Since the cafe is packed with customers, our food has taken its time to come. Finally our sandwiches has arrived. I quickly dig into it. Of course it's after being photo taken! :D

Wagyu Sandwiches

My friend ordered Wagyu Sandwiches which she found it's like corned silverside? :p

Scramble Eggs with Sourdough. Extra sausage and mushroom

My other friend has ordered the scramble eggs with sourdough with extra sausage and mushroom. 

Banana Bread

With our sweet tooth, we shared the banana bread. The waitress recommended us without toasting it. It is the nicest banana bread I ever had! It is not feel as oily and heavy as others. I am sure I will go back for more. 

Before I go, I have got myself a few of the sourdough and rye bread! :)


Luxe Espresso
195 Missenden Road
Newtown NSW  

Azuma Patisserie, Sydney (2)

After a long working day over the weekend, I would like to treat myself with something nice. As I walked passed Regent Place, I instantly thought of Azuma Patisserie.

Looking at their cake displaying cabinet. My eye is searching which one should I pick?? Since I haven't seen a chestnut tart somewhere else before, so this is my order! Although they didn't made with chestnut cream only, they stuffed with whipped cream, but didn't feel it is too creamy. I have also tried hoji cha (焙じ茶). Hoji cha is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal. The roasting process gives it a caramelised flavour. It also lower the amount of caffeine in the tea.

Chestnut Tart & Hoji Cha

I saw a couple others who have ordered the green tea latte... I guess this will be on my list when I visit next! :)

Azuma Patisserie

Ground Floor, Regent Place Shopping

501 George Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Bourke Street Bakery, Alexandria

Drove past Bourke Street Bakery, Alexandria a lot time and never have a chance to go and try there food. 

 Ginger Burlee Tart

My friend has been highly recommended their Ginger Burlee Tart. Finally today I tried it!!

It is so delicious... the crusty top and the silky smooth burlee with a hint of ginger taste! When you have your first bite, you cant stop!! :)

Bourke Street Bakery

474 Gardeners Road

Alexandria NSW

(02) 8339 1001 

Black Star Pastry, Newtown

It's half past three and the traffic is pretty bad on King Street. Is there any pastry for me?? Saw I spot near the Newtown station and quickly parked my car there. Rushing my way to Black Star Pastry. Still saw people sitting outside the shop sipping their coffee, so the shop must still open... yeah! Now the difficult part, what shall I get... there are so many things I want to try and my stomach is just enough for small treat! After browsing through the display, my eyes were on the strawberry crumble and chocolate eclair.

 Chocolate Eclair; Strawberry Crumble

While I am waiting for my coffee, the chocolate eclair was the hotties... everyone is going to get one! It must good!! :) As you can see the chocolate filling is so runny and smooth... what a divine. 

My eyes were also on a larger cake inside another display cabinet... strawberry, rose, watermelon cake... a watermelon cake??? It's sound interesting. I guess I have to come back for this one day!!!

Black Star Pastry

277 Australia Street

Newtown NSW 2042

Phone (02) 9557 8656

Campos Coffee, Newtown

You haven't tried an affogato until you try one at Campos Coffee Newtown. The entrance of this coffee shop can be easily missed. If Missy C didn't suggest to go here for a coffee, I will miss out such a wonderful cup of beverage or dessert or whatever you wanna call it! :)

Affogato

They have their ice-cream frozen in the cup before adding the coffee. The bitterness from the coffee and the sweetness from the vanilla ice-cream balances out. It is really nice and for sure this is not just the only one! :)

Mocha

They also serve other type of coffee. One of my favourite mocha. :) You can also buy their coffee home. However, one bad thing about this place is that their opening hours is a bit short. ;)


Campos Coffee
193 Missenden Road, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone 02 9516 3361
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am - 4pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm.

Azuma Patisserie, Sydney

After the Sugar Hit last month, Miss J and I would like to try Azuma Patisserie for their other desserts. Today Miss J was craving for cake and I had a tiring week, so we decided to go there for desserts!

Miss J ordered the mix green tea yoghurt ice cream and Azuma blended green tea. I have ordered a green tea mousse cake and also Azuma blended green tea. They have a deal for both cake and hot drink for $9.50.

The green tea yoghurt ice cream has a bit of sour taste, but it is not a strong one. It also comes with diced strawberry and cereal. My green tea mousse cake is a layers cake. It has a layer of red bean and the bottom layer is a strong chocolate base. May be the chocolate is so strong which covered the green tea taste.

The Azuma blended green tea is a genmaicha (brown rice tea). It is a good compliment to my cake. However, at the end, the tea has become bitter.

Forgot to take my camera, no photo available, may be next time! :p

Azuma Patisserie
Ground Floor, Regent Place Shopping, 501 George Street, Sydney NSW

A Good Way to Start the Day

One of a good way to start my day is to have a nice breakfast at a beachside cafe. I went to a cafe at Coogee Beach to start my great day... walking to and from Coogee to Bondi and back!!! Didn't quene up for long, our table is ready. Strangely I didn't order a coffee but a mixed berry frappe. :p The scramble egg on toast is just too good. The eggs aren't too soft and it's creamy. :) They uses free range eggs and comes with roasted tomatoes.

Scramble Eggs on Sourdough Toast with Roasted Tomato

Sausage and Scramble Eggs with Roasted Tomato and Sourdough Toast

How would you start your day?


Barzura
62 Carr Street, Coogee NSW
Phone (02) 9665 5546
Open 7 days, 7am to 11pm
Note: 10% surcharge applies on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Brunch inside an Art Gallery at Envy Cafe & Gallery, Summer Hill

This is another one which I can finally say "I have tried it!". It was sometimes ago we were suppose to meet up at this little cafe, but our group has expanded from a couple of people to 15-20 odd people. We have to changed our plan as this cafe cannot accommodate such a large group at that time. This time we have been so specific to limit ourselves with only a SMALL group. So here I come Envy Cafe & Gallery!!! ;)

We arrived here nice an early to ensure we will get a table. This cafe was right next to a Council carpark (2 hours free parking). When I was parking my car, I saw a ranger checking up on car registration and taking photos of the car which may be over the parking limit. So in the back of my mind... I have to make sure that I will finish within the 2 hours!!!

One of my friend has arrived and got ourselves a table indoor. It was like an Art Gallery where the walls are full of paintings as well as on the floor. We read through the menu thoroughly and making sure we dont miss out on anything interest! :) Then we realised that there are Blackboard Special.

A waitress came to take our orders for drinks, while we were still deciding what to have. We were looking around what's everyone else having.

It didnt take long for our drinks to arrive and we are ready to order our food! We planned to have different food for each one of us, so that we can all have a chance to shoot the food!!

Mixed Berries Frappe

First the Woodfired Toast with roast tomato, goat's cheese, basil and olive tapenade arrives. I was thinking should I get this, as there is goat's cheese in it... not sure if the taste is really strong? When I put the toast in my mouth... yes I can taste the goat... but not as strong as I thought. It was acceptable and the combination of all is very nice! :)

Woodfired Toasts

The "Today Special", Ham Benedict arrives. Combining the egg york and hollandaise sauce, the whole thing is just like melt in your mouth. It was so devine!

Ham Benedict

The Toasted ciabatta with scramble eggs, smoked salmon, rocket and dill creme frachie is just so big and tasty!!!

Toasted ciabbatta

The good old BLT is the last to arrive. The Turkish bread was just toasted just right! The lettuce and bacon was so cripsy.

BLT

Oh... what a way to start a good sunny winter weekend!


Envy Cafe & Gallery
109 Smith Street, Summer Hill NSW
Phone: (02) 9797 1668
Opening hours: Weekdays 6:30am - 6:00pm; Saturday 6:30am - 5.00pm; Sunday 7.00am - 4.00pm