Little Darling Diner— A French Inspired Patisserie.

One of Balmain’s top eatery, Little Darling Diner. If you ever want to go to Rozelle’s Saturday markets, then you certainly have to visit this place. At least just for tea, that is good enough.   Breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner were all catered for—- each have different menu. It had been known for its  gourmet high tea selections of delicacies and patisseries.

Bonus: the comfy sofa chairs that you can sink into and enjoy your tea and bites, together with your favourite people.

Little Darling Diner is widely spaced with two levels in total (so, they definitely expect big crowds!). 

Their furnitures are picked especially to fit the parisian theme and enhancing the french-home-kinda-feel.

Grilled Schiacciata bread with mussels

Escargot with garlic butter and grilled sour dough

Tuna Fillet with wasabi avocado and tomato confit

Duck confit, roast fennel, duck fat potatoes, watercress salad

 The FOOD

• Grilled Schiacciata bread with mussels— Probably a wise choice for sharing but not worth a second try individually.
• Escargot with garlic butter and grilled sour dough—Number 1 scored appetiser!!!!
• Tuna Fillet with wasabi avocado and tomato confit—First of all, it does not look like a tuna fillet (looks like beef steak, I swear). Okay, so the idea of combining cooked tuna with wasabi sounds pretty interesting yea?
• Duck confit, roast fennel, duck fat potatoes, watercress salad—Best duck breasts I had ever tasted so far in Sydney! With the combination of the sour citrus and sweet sauce, it is just perfecto~
• Mini Tarts (chocolate, strawberry and lemon meringue)— The tarts have a special crusts that taste different from other tarts that I had tried. They are good but not as fantastic as bourke street’s. But still, it’s incomparable as it is unique in its own way.

The PRICE
It might be a tad too expensive for some of you. For example, the duck confit  and tuna is about $20++ for each dish. 6 Escargots were about $10. However, as a big foodie, I dont mind paying a little bit more for good food in my tum tum! HAHA! What about you? 😀

The AMBIANCE
Cosy chairs, wooden floors, french-styled wall decos….I love everything French!!!

 

 

 

Little Darling Diner 

485A Darling Street Balmain, NSW 2041
(02) 9810 5255
dine@littledarlingdiner.com.au

Trading Hours
Breakfast and Lunch: 7am- 4pm
Dinner: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6pm-10pm

http://littledarlingdiner.com.au/

Happiest 5K Ever— Color Me, Color Run! #theswissecolorrun2014

HAPPY MESS indeed.

The Swisse Color Run has been ongoing internationally for a period of 4 years. Since March 2011, it has been created as an awareness to promote health, joy and fun. But now, they had expanded into fund raising!! So, Run for a cause!!
Read more on: http://thecolorrun.com/about/

YAY~! This year, Sydney’s color run had almost a total of 20k runners, raising a total of $123K AUD! Good job!!

PRE-EVENT.— Package Pick up at Wynyard Park.

It was a gloomy and rainy weather that Saturday morning.
We were all praying so hard for a Sunny weather on the actual event date, which it was! Thank God. (:

Merchandise Booths were set up as well. There were so many colorful, adorbs products such as neon-colored sunglasses, tutu skirts, socks… All the stuffs made-ready to kick start an awesome and colorful day ahead~ EXCITING MUCH

ACTUAL EVENT DAY.— Centennial Park

I only took a 2 hour nap before the day of the event because I was so worried that I couldn’t get my ass off my bed!
Prepared and went out at 7.30am++.

Color run organisers were kind enough to provide free public transport for us to the destination. It is funny how you can some really creative people that made themselves really bright and colorful! From colorful long socks, tattoos on face and arms, to even WIGS. HAHA!

Meet my brazilian peeps~ Liza, Fernando, Hellen.
#Perksofbeinganinternationalstudent #friendsfromallovertheworld
Oh ya, did I not mention that Gopro cams were everywhere that day~ I am so tempted to get one too! 

And Our team is named ‘Life in TechniColor’. Kuddos~ 

Even though it was pretty cold that morning, but I am pretty sure this unicorn is sweating more than shivering inside. The sun was super hot and glaring! 

The race course included 7 zones in total. They are positioned accordingly:

-Pretty in Pink
– Free Sun Tan with Orange
– Welcome to Blue Smurf Village
– Purple that never rhymes with anything
– Snow Foam
– More Green Grassy color ahead
– Bubbles all over

Oh, we took a break after purple zone to camwhore!!

What’s color run without #colorselfie !

YES~ WE MADE IT TO THE END!!

These three man were just too cute! Thumbs up for their enthusiasm and the well coordinated sunglass and tutu skirt colours!!

AFTER PARTY

It was so fun!! It almost felt like Zoukout in the day!!

The music was so damn good! I could just dance all day~~ and the color throws look so fantastic !

One of the best day of my life in Sydney.—24 August 2014.
Party for a cause! Party for health! Party for dance! Party for music! 

 

Like what you see? Hurry sign up for the next color run in Feb 2015 then!! What are you waiting for!!

Pancakes on the Rocks— It is just a SLAB on your plate.

Pancakes on the Rocks has been heard and spread widely across Sydney and even other states of Aussie as one of the must-try pancakes.
Having heard all about it, along with the positive comments and reviews written for this place, I told myself that I have to give it a try. (huge disappointment!)

Overrated, Cliché and overcrowded.

The massive long queue for this place is just due to (I reckon), the overuse of compliments that many tourists had given. Fluffy pancakes? I don’t think so. It’s more of pancakes that is overloaded with sweet syrups and fruits, charged at a price that is seemingly affordable but not worth. Okay, enuff said. Correct me if I am rong, but maybe ‘Ribs on the Rocks’ will be better named?  Yea, I might consider giving them a second chance and try their ribs because it looks so damn delish! 

The Interior/ AMBIANCE— Cowboy and Mexico-style concept, designed with the choice of brown and wooden furnitures and tints.

The FOOD

Tabriz– at the left side of this image

Farmers Brunch

Potato Au Gratin

The savory dishes are just ‘plain-sick’ after like 3 mouthful of them. Maybe its more suitable for dessert menu instead of lunch/brunch/dinner. I’ve tasted pancakes 100 times better than this place. But of course, I am not changing your perceptions and perspective if you really love it, so be it. This is just an honest critique from me :).

Coco Berry

Tips: Their food are good for sharing! If you know what I mean. 

 

 

Pancakes on the Rocks

DARLING HARBOUR
227 & 229-230 Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour
Phone: 02 9280 3791

Trading Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 7:00am – 11:00pm
Friday / Saturday : 7:00am – Midnight

http://www.pancakesontherocks.com.au/

Luxe<3 Newtown— A Cosy Cottage filled with Love.

Fresh Food, along with friendly staffs, Luxe has expanded from a small bakery to a cafe in Newtown! Here, you can anticipate for delicious all-day breakfast, fresh salads, a warm cup of coffee and various artisan pastries.

 

The interior of the cafe has been designed in a way that it resembles a small cottage, with the brilliant idea of a black painted wall that is filled with chalks of artistic scribbles from that big red heart to drink menus.  

As you can see, the space is rather limited and the tables are mostly for sharing. Concept -wise, it is basically made like a canteen? But of course, a much more comfy one. 

I had been to this cafe once that is like two years ago. So, this time is my second visit and my purpose is to dig into their salmon meals that I remembered it was so good that I almost salivate to death! I KEED.
Oh, and good news for the non-meat lovers/ vegetarians, this cafe is definitely a choice for you! 

Eggs Royale with smoked salmon.

Ricotta with fresh tomatoes and avocado, with toasted bread.

The FOOD

• Eggs Royale with smoked salmon: Too Good to be TRUE. From the fancy name given as ‘Royale’, it is of no difference to the usual eggs benedict that you can have from other cafes. But what made this meal stand out is the fact that their toasted bread… MMMMMmmmm. The crisp is just simply heaven. So, the hint here is, their toasted/ baked goods are DELISH~ Be sure to order them! 
• Ricotta with fresh tomatoes and avocado: the highlight of this meal is their not too cheesy ricotta. Other toppings are just there to make the whole plate looks more colourful and appealing. If you are a meat lover, you will probably dislike this one. It probably looks like a plate of ‘something you can just slice and make at home’. However, as I just said, the toasted bread is a must have, so with that and Ricotta, its not that boring afterall. 

The PRICE
Well, I would not comment much about this section because it is fairly affordable? Depends on what’s your order like. But for just a cup of coffee, I would say you can just go for it (as their heart-shaped paper cup will put a smile on your face).

The AMBIANCE
What’s not to love about this amazing cottage? Unique, fancy and quiet. Brunch and chill yo~ It’s a cottage filled with love! And I love how they market their products with heart shapes everywhere. Spicing up the atmosphere suitable for all valentine~

 

 

LUXE, Newtown.-‘A cafe that is as colourful, fresh and new as the town.’
http://luxesydney.com.au/locations/

Monday to Friday 7 to 4 ·
Saturday and Sunday 8 to 4
195 Missenden Road
Newtown NSW 2065

Bourke Street Bakery—Sydney’s Legendary Tarts and Pies.

Bourke Street Bakery, named literally after the street name, this legendary bakery, produces a variety of delicacies that are definitely worth revisiting. (RECOMMENDED PICKS: TARTS, especially— Strawberry Meringue Tart, Ginger Brulee tart, Chocolate tart)

Found in 2004 by two superb bakers, this bakery became the hit in Sydney rapidly and certainly, expect a wait of at least 15 minutes just to buy one of their pastry due to the large crowd and queue formed by people all around. Without Fail! Friday brunch picks: Chicken, tomato and pea pie, hot chocolate, lemon curd tart, flat white, lamb and potato pie and ginger brulee tart (left to right). Pain au Raisin and chocolate tart. I love how Aussie people are major dog lovers because I get to see different breeds all the time! So ADORBS~ *screams* >.< This Dachshund is so cute, I can’t even! Look at that short legs and long bod~ Bourke Street Bakery is the best place to have breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea, or just get a take away (at least a TART)! That ‘dreading’ long queue is rewarding! Located at a seemingly serene corner of Devonshire and Bourke Street, such soothing and peaceful ambiance…. your coffee or tea has never tasted that pleasant before. Bourke Street Bakery 633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills T: 9699 1011 7am-6pm Monday  to Friday 7am-5pm Saturday and Sunday FYI [ http://bourkestreetbakery.com.au/ ]

Adriano Zumbo Patisserie—Macarons Fever.

Macarons, a french confection that is meringue-based, have been ranked as one of the top dessert choice world wide.
Having said that,  many cafes/bistro/bakery had attempted to make these colourful and lovely-looking sweet. Even Mcdonalds have their own macarons!

Besides Ladurée (paris), there are many good competitors that sells macarons at much more affordable prices.
For example: in Singapore— TWG tea, housed with  a variety of macarons that are of unique tea-based flavour.

So, in Australia there is…..

Discover Sydney’s best Macarons—- ADRIANO ZUMBO
Zumbo, shot to fame from reality TV show, Masterchef, is now a country-wide known chef for his exotic sweet creations. Exotic, as in literally crazy, unimaginable and unexpected flavoured macarons, or to be exact, ZUMBARONS

PRETTY MACARONS— IRRESISTIBLE~

Wide Selection of exquisitely designed cakes and tarts…

Lemon meringue tart~

From left to right: Hazelnut Praline, Lime and Mandarin, Choc pop, Salted Butter Caramel, Malted milkshake and Toasted marshmallow.

My favourite—- MALTED MILKSHAKE! Trust me, its the best among all!

Zumbo provides tutorial classes as well! Learn how a bake perfect macarons and  marvelous desserts and pastries! Read more on: http://adrianozumbo.com/

Adriano Zumbo
Shop 1, Cafe Court
The Star 80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009

 Opening Hours – Patisserie Monday | 11am – 10pm Tuesday to Thursday | 11am – 11pm Friday & Saturday | 11am – Midnight Sunday | 11am – 9pm

 

Baffi and Mo Espresso.—Eggs Affair: Poached or Baked?

Redfern, known to be a rather ‘dodgy’ area, it is such a surprise that there is an existence of  this small, but classic and vintage kind-of feel cafe.

Baffi and Mo Espresso, easily recognised with their ‘moustache’ logo, makes the cafe outlook more quirky I suppose? Maybe ‘Mo’ means moustache? I wonder…

Oh well~ not the main point here. So, have a look at the Interior,

I can say, what I love most about this cafe, not just the food but this holy-messy layout of the counter that gives the vibe of classic and vintage. I mean, of course most cafes have counters that might be similar to this. But till, I just love this particular one!!

And the CAKES, ERMAGERD!

Good choice of wallpaper too!

An antique pot of sugar!

Coffee anyone?

Aerial View of our Awesome Egg-gie Brunch!Side View 

Baked Eggs with sobrasada, roasted tomato, roasted capsicum, mozarella and grilled bread

Potato hash stack with smoked ham, topped with coleslaw, poached egg and asparagus

Corn and pea fritters with grilled haloumi and oven roasted tomato sauce

The FOOD

• Baked Eggs with sobrasada, roasted tomato, roasted capsicum, mozarella and grilled bread: MMMmmm.. Doesn’t the name itself makes you salivate? This is one hell of Eggs OVERLOAD. I think there is about 4-5 eggs in the pan! Literally. If you love eggs, you will definitely fall in love instantly. The tomato sauce that they blend with….YUMs.  And I can say this is probably one of their specialty?! It goes so well with the grilled bread.
• Potato hash stack with smoked ham, topped with coleslaw, poached egg and asparagus: This is one interesting dish. It is similar to Kakiage (A japanese tempura veggie dish). Exact same texture and taste, except that they uses sliced potatoes and coleslaw with a poached egg on top. Poached egg was cooked os perfectly that the egg yolks drizzles out…. =P
• Corn and pea fritters with grilled haloumi and oven roasted tomato sauce: Probably not one of the best dish on our table, but still, FANTASTIC. Healthy choice I would say. Its just a typical corn fritters with peas. However, the combination with grilled haloumi is a brilliant idea tho. Without it, I don’t think it will be as fantastic.

The PRICE
Regular cafe with regular pricing. But, the portion served was indeed huge. So, it’s good if you come in groups so that you can share. For all the three dishes we had, I only paid $13+? That’s a pretty  good deal, I suppose. Well, for me that is.

The AMBIANCE
Summed up with the word: ‘ Classic and Vintage’. ME LIKE!! Although, it is small and maybe squeezy if you are to come in a big group, but there is still a choice of chilling outdoors instead! So, all good!

 

Baffi and Mo Espresso 
94 Redfern St.
Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
+61 2 8065 3294

FYI: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baffi-Mo-Espresso/131871963528671

BREWTOWN.— The Art of Coffee Culture.

Well known for their cronuts, Brewtown is yet another beautifully designed coffeehouse that is usually lined up with long trains of people waiting to have a taste of their signature dishes.

The Interior

The cafe has installed a brew bar for patrons to sit and enjoy their meal while watching the friendly baristas working behind the espresso machine, blending the perfect latte/mocha/capuccino/flat white, etc.

Brewtown is built with two floors as they have a collaboration with O’Connell Street Merchants— where browsing of  unique household goods, designer apparels and even getting an affogato ice cream as dessert after brunch is made possible! 

Flat White.—the happiest moment when having a cup of coffee is getting to enjoy the piece of art seen on the milkfoam from bird’s eye view.

Elvis burger. ground beef, savory cronut, canadian bacon, gruyere and mayo served with chips and relish

Meatball, tomato, basil sauce and mozzarella baguette

Beetroot cured ocean trout, avocado smash, rye sour dough toast, dill, persian feta & beetroot relish. 

Brewtown Newtown
6-8 O’Connell Street
Newtown 2042
Official website,  http://brewtownnewtown.com/

For more detailed reviews on Brewtown, Check out this person’s blog: http://heneedsfood.com/2013/12/brewtown-newtown

P.S. Sorry, but I am just too lazy to write my usual ‘theFOOD, thePRICE and theAMBIANCE’ critique part! But overall, this cafe is worth second visit!

Le Paris-Go—-By the coastline.

Le Paris-Go, yet another open air concept cafe.– Favourite!
A buzzing cafe that is situated in the heart of Bondi Beach, serving a gourmet range of brunch menus and freshly brewed coffee!

Well, to be honest, I had been visiting Bondi for quite a few times. Besides knowing that Bondi is best known for their Fish and Chips, Gelatos and even Ben and Jerry’s, the thought of visiting a cafe had never came across my mind.

I end up getting to try this daunting cafe—-all thanks to my lovely friend’s cousin who had came to visit. That was our meeting point.

The Interior.

Another mouth-watering BRUNCH~

THE FOOD

• Egg Omelete with Toast: A pretty outstanding PICK from the brunch menu! The egg omelete has a distinctive taste that its so good that it does not taste like any other ordinary egg omelete. omelete that is stuff-ed with tomatoes, kernels and melted Cheese!!! The cheese is the GODLY part! 
• Eggs Benedict with Ham: Well, as much as I love eggs benedict, this ain’t the best eggs benedict I’ve tried though. It is just Norm. Ordinary. Simple. Nothing Impressive. 

THE AMBIANCE
Even though I’ve said a thousand times… Open air concept + wooden furnitures, that’s what makes a cafe, A CAFE. Get it?! Being able to dine by the beach, enjoying the limitless amount of Sea Breeze~ Ahh… Now, that’s Life.

THE PRICE
Like all cafes, this is no exception. The price of an eggs benedict cost about AUD$16.  So, I am sure you guys are smart enough to judge the cost of other dish on their menu. Well, regardless, for all cafes and brunch menu, the most important part is their food served are orgasmic!

Le Paris-Go
38 Hall Street, Bondi
2026 N.S.W Australia 

 

 

 

My Sweet Memory—- Cakes, Latte and even Stationery!

Everyone knows well enough that in Aussie, shops do not open till late. When dark falls, the city are usually referred to as ‘Ghost town’–Silence, that’s it. The only thing you can hear is probably the sound of wind.

Well, having been living in this new city- Sydney for about 3 months or so, it is not the case like a ‘ghost town’, but rather, a busy and vibrant city even till late. And yes, this specific DESSERT cafe that I am about to recommend, opens till midnight! Now, this is a huge plus point. You can have something sweet after a sumptuous dinner and not worry that: ‘There are  prolly no desserts anywhere to be found after 8pm.’

The Sweet Memory— an asian or rather, a KOREAN cafe that entitles you to fine quality coffee, a wide range of appetizing CAKES, and also an area of retail sections on adorable stationery. I mean, if you know korea well enough, you’ll prolly know how cute and unique their stationery are. 

The Interior

Just look at the delicious selection of cakes! And trust me, one slice of  is so DAMN HUGE!

If you are craving for something savory, they serve a a range of sandwiches, quiches and pies too. Many choices just to suit your daily cravings. Isn’t that great? 🙂

 
The chandelier lighting—- one of the impressive interior design that makes me fell in love with this place. Just look at that marvelous creation of using potted plants, wired stars and lights hanging together! 

 

The FOOD
Even though I only tried just one type of their cake, it pretty much sums up my review that ‘ I WILL COME BACK HERE’!! And for those that are fans of matcha/ greentea, give their greentea ice blended a go! It’s their signature beverages. Of course, if you are feeling cold, you can always have the hot green tea latte that I tried. Taste equally awesome! 

 The AMBIANCE
You can never go wrong with the choice of wooden furniture! My sweet memory is able to provide a comfy and soothing ambiance. Classic and lifestyle aspects were delivered, whereby they separate their business into two components: DESSERT and STATIONARY.

The PRICE
Good value for that slice of cake.— approx. $7? You can just share it with your friend. The coffee and green tea latte is average pricing. Norm. So, still good to come and give this place a try!

 

My Sweet Memory (M2)
Town Hall
95 Bathurst St. Sydney NSW 2000

For more information, check out the website. http://mysweetmemory.com.au/
Many outlets available, so more choices catered! ^^