Sydney Food Archives - Page 11 of 37

Sydney Food

La Mama del Gelato Anita, Chippendale

March 11, 2016 / CBD, Chippendale, Sydney, Sydney Food / 1 Comment

Is it possible to ever have too much gelato? I thought not. La Mama del Gelato Anita, also known colloquially as “Anita’s” began in a small Mediterranean kitchen, almost 20 years ago, by Mama Anita. From selling ice cream out of her home with the help of her son, Anita progressed to an ice cream cart, local market, and then her first store. What started out as a little home run business is now an international chain, with stores from New York to Australia.

Mama Anita still gives every new flavour her stamp of approval before it’s sold in stores.

In Australia, Anita’s serves gelato and frozen yogurt. They have a range of classic flavours like pistachio, chocolate and strawberry, but the most popular are imaginative blends like pavlova and Cookieman, a mash up of chocolate, hazelnuts, meringue and biscuit.

If you like fruity gelato, you’ll be happy to hear they are all fat-free and made with 70% fruit with no added sugar or fructose. There is also sugar-free gelato available.

All of the gelato is churned daily on the premise, where they produce around 250 litres a day.

Past the gelato is the unlimited frozen yogurt section. There is one flavour of frozen yogurt available – plain – to which you can add as many of the 54 toppings as you like. You can eat all the toppings off and then go back for more. Options include house made jams, lollies and fresh fruit.

I ordered the Cookieman and Marscarpone with Blueberry (regular size, $8). The serve was pretty big so great value. I loved the Cookieman best. It was actually all of our favourite, which was surprising for Alec, who doesn’t like chocolate ice cream. All the flavours were light and fluffy, and not too sweet (even the chocolate one).

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

La Mama del Gelato Anita
Ground Floor, Central Park, 28 Broadway,
Chippendale, Sydney, NSW
Phone: (02) 8097 8508
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-11pm
Get Directions

Where to Find the Best High Tea in Sydney

March 9, 2016 / CBD, Sydney, Sydney Food / 12 Comments

High tea in Sydney is an elegant affair. Choose from 20 tested high teas, each with its own twist on the traditional British tradition. From high tea with a view in Sydney, to modern high tea, vegan high tea and the best value high tea in Sydney, there is a delicious tea to suit everyone. After careful testing, I present to you a selection of the best high teas in Sydney.

The Best High Tea In Sydney

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay High Tea

Indulge in a luxe high tea at the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay. Choose from the Signature High Tea, Oriental High Tea or Kids’ High Tea. High tea at the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay is an elegant affair. Located upstairs in the Stillery, high tea is served daily between 11am and 4pm.

The Signature High Tea comes with the perfect mix of savoury and sweet, with fresh sandwiches and pastries, warm scones and delicious sweets. The jam is sublime. The Kids’ High Tea features a chocolate pot and strawberries to dip in it.

Get more info on high tea at the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay here.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, 33 Cross Street, Double Bay

Burnt Orange

The perfect spot for afternoon tea on the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. Enjoy delicious square sandwiches, fluffy scones with plenty of jam and cream, with delectable sweet treats such as the salted caramel and chocolate tart at this Mosman, North Shore, cafe. The balcony wrapping around Burnt Orange offers stunning harbour views, so request a prime spot when making your booking. Sit back and enjoy the view at one of the best spots for afternoon tea in Sydney.

Get more info on high tea at Burnt Orange.

Burnt Orange, 1109 Middle Head Rd, Mosman

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Indulge in a delicious high tea at the Four Seasons Sydney. Enjoy the perfect afternoon tea, offered at Mode Kitchen & Bar on the ground floor of the hotel.

The Four Seasons high tea includes a three tiered platter with the perfect bite-sized savoury and sweet delicacies, plus your choice of tea or coffee. Scones are served separately on cute little glass stands with covers.

Get more info on high tea at the Four Seasons.

Mode Kitchen & Bar, Ground Floor, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George Street, Sydney

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

You’ll find fluffy fresh scones with vanilla bean cream, delicious sandwiches and savoury pastries, plus delectable sweets at the Radisson Blu high tea. The tea is topped with a pair of salted caramel swans that you’ll be torn between eating and taking home as a souvenir. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel also offers gluten-free, kids and vegan high tea.

Get more info on high tea, chocolate high tea and vegan high tea at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, 27 O’Connell St, Sydney

Gatehouse Tea Rooms, Parramatta

Enjoy high tea in the historic Gatehouse, located in beautiful Parramatta Park. Choose from a traditional high tea, savoury high tea or kids high tea. Gluten-free high tea, dairy-free high tea and vegan high tea are available.

Parramatta Park is rich in colonial history. In 2007 the park and Gatehouse building were granted World Heritage Listing by UNESCO.

Built in 1887, the Gatehouse is one of the oldest high tea venues in Australia, and my favourite spot for high tea in Parramatta.

Get more info on the Gatehouse Tea Rooms here.

Gatehouse Tea Rooms, Macquarie St Gatehouse, Parramatta Park, Parramatta

The Cortile, InterContinental Sydney

A classic high tea served with a modern twist. High tea at the InterContinental is served inside the restored 1851 Treasury building, making it the most visually stunning building of all high tea locations. The sweets are tea-themed, such as the Jasmine Gold tea crème brulée.

Get more info on high tea at the InterContinental Sydney.

InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie St, Sydney

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Choose from a classic tea stand or the buffet high tea. Their high tea stands are often themed, such as the Fashion High Tea, or Christmas. The buffet is excellent quality and value at $49pp, and includes an ice cream station, fresh creme brulee, sandwiches, savouries, scones, crepes and platter after platter of sweet treats.

Get more info on high tea and the buffet high tea at Sheraton on the Park.

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, 161 Elizabeth St, Sydney

Gunners’ Barracks

A classic high tea with the best view in Sydney. Ask for a seat on the balcony and watch out for kookaburras who like to swoop down and steal sandwiches. The scones are served fresh and warm, and the staff are outstanding. It’s hard to top this high tea, which is why you’ll need to book well in advance. The Gunners’ Barracks is known as one of the best high teas in Sydney.

Get more info on high tea at the Gunners’ Barracks.

Gunners’ Barracks, Suakin Dr, Mosman

Westin Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Fall down the rabbit hole into a whimsical high tea land where all of the dishes are inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy delicacies such as the The Mad Hatter’s Hat (rich dark chocolate mud cake encased in chocolate icing) and The White Rabbit’s Pocket Watch (purple macaroon with a blueberry cream filling). Without a doubt, this is the most whimsical Sydney high tea!

Westin, Lobby Level, 1 Martin Place Sydney

The Langham Sydney

Dining at the newly renovated Langham is an elegant affair. I enjoyed their Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood for Mother’s day last year, where a sophisticated high tea is served in Wedgwood china specifically designed for The Langham hotel. The environment is opulent and serene, the high tea full of tarts, tasty sandwiches and savouries. Do yourself a favour and book into the excellent Langham spa downstairs for a treatment after your tea is finished. The Langham often does really cute themed kids’ high teas in the school holidays, such as this Barbie one.

Get more info on high tea at The Langham Sydney.

The Langham Hotel, 89-113 Kent Street, Sydney

The Tea Room QVB

Set in the historic Queen Victoria Building, afternoon tea at the QVB is a popular outing. The Tea Room is owned by the same company as the Gunners Barracks, which ensures that both teas are of a high standard. Be sure to arrive hungry as the extremely efficient staff offer extra sandwiches once yours have run out. The Tea Room was my first and one of my all-time favourite high teas in Sydney.

Get more info on high tea at the Tea Room QVB.

The Tea Room QVB, 3, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George St, Sydney

The Tea Cosy

A family owned and operated cafe tucked into the historic Rocks district of Sydney, The Tea Cosy boasts “Scones and tea like Nana used to make”. Choose from a wide variety of teas and scones, which will likely be the best you’ve ever tasted. Scones are served warm and fresh with house-made jams (that are available for purchase).

While the Tea Cosy no longer has their high tea option, it’s worth visiting for a tasting platter that includes delicious finger sandwiches such as egg and cucumber and cream cheese, plus a variety of scones and jam. The tea pot cosies are so cute you’ll be tempted to buy one of them, too. The Tea Cosy is our number one spot to return for a Sydney afternoon tea. In fact, I would go so far as to say the incredible quality of the scones and sandwiches at the Tea Cosy make it the best afternoon tea in Sydney.

Get more info on high tea at The Tea Cosy.

The Tea Cosy, 7 Atherden St, The Rocks NSW

Parliament House of New South Wales

The most exclusive high tea in Sydney, served only on the last Friday of each month, this is also the only high tea in Sydney that you’ll have to pass through a metal detector to gain admission. Dine in the Strangers’ Dining Room that is usually off-limits to the public, overlooking Hyde Park. The bocconcini tartlet with chive coulis was a fave, as were the sandwiches – with a second plate being delivered after the first was finished.

Get more info on high tea at Parliament House.

Parliament House of New South Wales, Parliament of New South Wales, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth High Tea with Christina Re

The Wentworth hotel has partnered with High Tea and Lifestyle designer Cristina Re to create beautiful high teas presented on the designer’s vintage-inspired Signature High Tea collection, adorned in 24 carat gold finishes.

The high teas are often themed in collaboration with Sydney’s art and culture scene – for example, when we dined on previous occasions, we enjoyed their limited edition Sleeping Beauty and Archibald high teas, which were in conjunction with the Australian Ballet and AGNSW. The Wentworth has the best value kids’ high teas around – at $40 they might sound a bit steep, but they are virtually identical to the adult ones so two or three kids could easily share one. The Sofitel Wentworth is home to some of the prettiest high tea in Sydney.

Get more info on one of the themed high teas at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

Try the Traditional or Chocolate High Tea at the Shangri-La Sydney, created by their amazing Executive Pastry Chef, Anna Polyviou. As you’d expect from an innovative pastry chef, the pastries on this high tea stand are the most innovative and delicious you will find anywhere, including her famous carrot cake.

Get more info on high tea at the Shangri-La Sydney.

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, 176 Cumberland St, Sydney

Coco Chocolate

Hard core chocolate lovers will enjoy this sweet-heavy high tea at Coco Chocolate’s studio and school location in Mosman. Sit outdoors and enjoy an informal high tea with a stunning view of the Sydney harbour. As befits a chocolate high tea, treats include a shot of hot chocolate, chocolate pistachio shortbread, florentines, scones with jam & cream, melting moments, flourless orange cakes, chocolate cakes, and, the star of the high tea, a selection of house-made chocolate. Bookings are essential as each tea is made to order.

Get more info on high tea at Coco Chocolate.

Coco Chocolate, Sydney Chocolate School and Coco Chocolate Studio, Past Burnt Orange and HMAS Penguin at Chowder Bay Rd turnoff, Building 21, 1110 Middle Head Road, Mosman

Vaucluse House Tea Rooms

Take a trip back in time and dine at historic Vaucluse House. The sandstone mansion was built in the 1830s and is set in 10 hectares of picture perfect gardens stretching down to the harbour. The high tea features a delicious array of savoury tarts and sandwiches, fresh scones, and sweets that include a sugar-covered donut and delicate fairy-floss. After your tea, wander through the building or meet the farm animals out the back. There is plenty of space to roam in solitude and enjoy the serenity. Bookings essential.

Get more info on high tea at Vaucluse House Tea Rooms.

Vaucluse House Tea Rooms, Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse

Park Hyatt Sydney

Located on the waterfront and delivering a perfect view of Sydney Harbour, high tea at the Park Hyatt is the popular location for a groups such as a bridal showers. The high tea features finger sandwiches and quiche, warm scones with jam and cream, and mini cakes, tartlets and macarons. For larger groups, a private room is available.

Get more info on high tea at the Park Hyatt Sydney.

Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road The Rocks Sydney

High Tea at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Gardens

The only high tea in Sydney set among the flowers! Enjoy a delicate high tea set against largest indoor green wall and surrounded by vibrant flowers. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30-3:30pm, high tea lovers can indulge in finger sandwiches with smoked salmon and roast turkey, gourmet sausage rolls, fetta tartlets and sundried tomato arancini, plus sweet treats including French macaroons, mini cupcakes, chocolate brownies and warm scones with jam and cream. A glass of sparkling wine and a selection of T2 teas are included in the price. There’s also an option to upgrade to unlimited champagne. Cheers to that!

Read more about high tea at the Calyx here.

High Tea at The Calyx, The Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney

Thanks to my high tea taster Havewheelchairwilltravel.net for the pic.

Boronia House

Dine inside a Victorian mansion built in 1885 at Boronia House, situated on Sydney’s North Shore. The Classic High Tea Experience includes a selection of light breads, sophisticated savoury bites, house-made scones with double cream and jam, desserts and cakes, served with a choice of a T2 tea or coffee.

Kids aged 3-12 can enjoy the Little Ladies High Tea, which includes ham and cheese finger sandwich, scone with cream and jam, fairy bread, Remi’s homemade chocolate chip cookie, chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, homemade sweet treat of the day, mini pancake stack with maple syrup and a choice of T2 tea, hot chocolate, iced chocolate, fruit juice, pink lemonade or soft drink.

Boronia House, 624 Military Rd, Mosman

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel

Enjoy traditional high tea in the understated elegance of the Sir Stamford Circular Quay Hotel, located a few steps from the Sydney Opera House and a short walk to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney.

The Sir Stamford high tea is unique in that several variations are offered. Choose from a traditional high tea, deluxe Devonshire tea, children’s high tea or “guilt-free” high tea, served with fresh Vegetable juice & Dilmah Tea Selection. All items on the guilt-free high tea have low saturated fat (no butter, cream) and are low sugar. Gluten-free can also be catered for.

We really enjoyed looking at the curios around the dining room, such as a hand-made model ship. This is a hotel that embraces its history, and a visit is like a trip back in time.

Read more about high tea at Sir Stamford here.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel, 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney

Are there any high teas I’ve missed? Have I included your favourite afternoon tea in Sydney? I’d love to know where to try next!

More things to do in Sydney

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Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Aqua S: Sydney’s Best Ice Cream

March 6, 2016 / CBD, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Let’s begin by saying that Sydney’s ice cream game is strong. Aqua S burst into an already saturated market with its now famous aqua blue Sea Salt Soft Serve. It was an Instagram sensation, sending countless food bloggers to the tiny ice cream store to try their unusual flavoured soft served, and photograph it against the cloud-painted wall inside the shop. A new dessert sensation was born, and Aqua S has been holding its own as a solid dessert spot in Sydney ever since.

Aqua S has weekly flavours such as Pandan, Lychee and Green Apple. Mix them up with the basic Sea Salt for the gorgeoyus coloured twist, and add fairy floss, caramel popcorn or a toasted mashmallow for a truly Instagrammable dessert.

I found the soft serve to be very creamy and rich, and the sea salt flavour to taste more like salted caramel than anything else. There is plenty of seating inside and the store is easily accessible for strollers/wheelchairs.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Aqua S
27/501 George St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8668 5957
Prices: $
Hours: Daily 12pm-10pm
Get Directions

The Sweet Spot Waterloo: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waterloo

March 6, 2016 / Inner South East, Sydney, Sydney Food, Waterloo / 0 comment

The once industrial inner east of Sydney has come a long way. It’s now full of cute little dining spots, including The Sweet Spot, a kid-friendly cafe in Waterloo that is famous for its delicious desserts.

We stumbled upon the patisserie in search of a sweet hit, and continued to return for its savoury dishes.

A regular order for us would be Corn Fritters (roast tomato, avocado, bacon, balsamic reduction, poached eggs & a slice of sourdough, $15) where I swap the bacon for haloumi, kids’ chocolate milkshake, Pancakes ($12) and the Big Breakfast (chorizo, spinach, mushrooms, bacon, roast tomato and 2 eggs, $18).

We found the food very reasonably priced, big portions, and absolutely delicious. We could easily very happily share two meals, but it’s all so delicious we would end up ordering one dish each, then stuffing ourselves to the brim.

While there is nothing particularly kid-friendly about the cafe, we found the open air seating, spaciousness and attitude of the staff to make the patisserie very family-friendly. There is plenty of room for strollers to fit next to tables, and if little ones need to be strolled, there is a long ramp that leads down out of the cafe where babies can be calmed down or walked around until they’re able to return to the cafe. It’s an easy place to escape from other diners if your kids aren’t having a good day out.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

The Sweet Spot Waterloo
Shop 1, 2 Allen Street,
Waterloo NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 9690 0340
Prices: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm Sat&Sun 8am-3:30pm
Get Directions

Marionette on Booth & Gladstone Park: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Balmain

March 6, 2016 / Balmain, Inner West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

This tiny little place, tucked away from busy Darling street, is one of the most kid-friendly cafes in Balmain. While their main game is coffee (check out their website, The Little Marionette for more details about their roasting business), they also have fantastic food and friendly, accomodating staff.

We noticed on our visit that most families were getting their coffee and food to go, and enjoying it in Gladstone Park across the road. We chose to dine in and enjoyed the surprisingly quiet dining area inside.

It’s pretty obvious that families are among the prime visitors to this little cafe from the outside. They have set up a challkboard wall and at any time of day you’ll see either kids creating a masterpiece on the wall and pavement, or evidence of the mini Picasso who had dined there perviously. It’s a genius move really, as parents can order their coffee or food to go while kids are happily occupied.

We ordered an In House Bircher Museli (with yoghurt and honey, small $7), pot of English Breakfast organic tea ($4), Breakfast Sandwich (fried eggs, bacon, spinach, fresh tomato and avocado topped with relish on Turkish toast, $12), a kid’s toasted Cheese Sandwich ($4), Babyccino ($1), flat white ($4).

The babyccino was a hit, with the takeaway cup and marshmallow perched on the straw. My bircher was delicious – very generous serve for a “small” size. Alec said repeatedly how delicious his sandwich was, so I think we have found our new regular cafe in Balmain.

Across the road from Marionette on Booth is Gladstone Park, where you will find large grassed areas under cover of trees, a large playground with climbing structures for kids of a wide age range, basketball courts and bathrooms.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Black Star Pastry and Cafe
1A Booth St,
Balmain NSW 2041
Phone: 0402 434 597
Prices: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Grandma’s Little Bakery: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Alexandria

March 6, 2016 / Alexandria, Inner West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Grandma’s Little Bakery is a kid-friendly cafe in Alexandria, serving up home-style cooking and baking in a cosy, friendly environment. Their concept is “bringing together flavours & loved recipes from real Grandmas & Grandpas from all over the world”, which I found very sweet.

As a result, their menu features dishes like their famous Shakshuka (2 eggs served on a hot pan, olive oil with added ingredients like feta or spinach, served w/ Bread), soups, salads, sandwiches, and an all-day breakfast menu.

This little cafe is a favourite with families because of its little play area inside. While it is really best suitable for toddlers, older kids were having a blast in there too.

We ordered the Unique Ricotta Pancakes (served with yogurt, strawberry & dressing with honey blossom sauce with a touch of nuts & seeds, $12.50), an iced chocolate, $5.50, and a kids’ fresh juice, $4.90.

The food wasn’t the fastest, but we were there on a busy day. We also found the staff to be a bit harried, but again, probably because it was a busy day.

The store part of the cafe features rows upon rows of jams, cookies and baked goods if you feel like taking something home for later.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Grandma’s Little Bakery
42 O’Riordan Street
Alexandria, NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 9690 0069
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-4pm
Get Directions

Eden Coffee: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Zetland

March 6, 2016 / Sydney, Sydney Food, Zetland / 0 comment

Eden Coffee used to be our local brekkie joint when we lived nearby. While their focus is on providing the best coffee possible to diners, they also have fantastic food, friendly staff and a very welcome vibe. If you’re after a kid-friendly cafe in Zetland with great coffee and delicious food, Eden is your best bet.

Despite there being nothing particularly kid-friendly at this cafe, like a kid’s menu or play equipment, it’s still really family-friendly, as evidenced by the many families who brunch here every weekend. Mums regularly park their strollers at the tables both outside and indoors, as the cafe is big and roomy, with an upbeat atmosphere that welcomes tiny and perhaps noisy guests.

We dined at Eden on many, many, many occasions. My regular dish was the Avocado Smash plus Haloumi (smashed avocado on sourdough with roasted tomatoes), or the Eve’s Breakfast (eggs your way, house-made baked beans, sauteed mushrooms and kale, roasted tomatoes on sourdough), while Alec loved the Adam’s Breakfast (eggs your way, spinach, bacon, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, baked beans, on sourdough).

We would regularly order a babyccino, kid’s milkshake or smoothie for Cheese, plus either banana bread or toast.

The staff at Eden are fantastic. There’s nothing like your regular cafe knowing you and your order when you walk in (or perhaps it’s a sign that we are boring and should branch out into other menu items?).

Highly recommend our old local. If you’re in the ‘hood, drop by!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: No.

Eden Coffee
781 Elizabeth St,
Zetland NSW 2017
Phone: (02) 9699 3309
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-4pm
Get Directions

Lemonia: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Annandale, Sydney

March 6, 2016 / Annandale, Inner West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

We were wandering around Annandale recently and came across the adorable Lemonia Cafe right on Booth Road. The cafe has heavy Greek influence, from it’s name (inspired by the greek word Zesty (Ζέστη) which translates in English to “marked by spirited enjoyment”) to the menu. A chalk board inside the cafe proclaims that fresh Greek cakes will be available on Monday afternoons and we are sad that it’s Saturday and not Monday so we could try them.

The menu has lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options. No specific kid menu, but there are plenty of things that kids will eat.

The charming waitress taking our order noticed our preschooler was getting antsy and we had neglected to bring anything to entertain her, and very thoughtfully took her to the back of the cafe to select some toys and a colouring in sheet from a cabinet. On closer inspection, the toys could do with a bit of a bath, but the colouring in sheets and pencils were very welcome!

Our food came quickly and was all spot on. Alec had the Megalo Brekky (your choice of eggs, grilled tomato, confit mushrooms, chorizo, roasted chats, bacon & sourdough $21). His mushrooms in particular were fab, but his whole dish was fresh and full of flavour. I ordered Luxe Artisan Toast (sourdough $6) plus a side of Avocado ($4.5) for Cheese, and the Museli Bowl (natural yogurt with a choice of mixed berry, poached pear confit or fresh strawberries with toasted museli $11) for me.

My muesli dish was just how I like it – mostly natural yogurt and fruit with a small amount of museli.

Next to the cafe is a small shady park that is perfect for kids to run around in, or you can walk to the nearby Orphan School Creek playground a few streets away in Forest Lodge (entry via Wood st).

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes (outside).
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Lemonia Cafe
4-8 Booth Street,
Annandale, Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9552 2425
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 6am-6pm
Get Directions

High Tea At Parliament House: Sydney’s Most Exclusive High Tea

February 27, 2016 / CBD, Sydney, Sydney Food / 1 Comment

On the last Friday of every month, at precisely 3:15pm, excited lovers of cake and tea are admitted into the rarely seen Strangers’ Dining Room at Australia’s first and oldest Parliament House to enjoy their High Tea in the House experience.

It’s a somewhat secret experience at the moment, as so few people are aware of this high tea. When combined with the limited seating option available, this high tea becomes Sydney’s most reclusive, and exclusive, afternoon tea experience.

To get to the Strangers’ Dining Room, overlooking the beautiful Domain park, requires walking through a metal detector and passing by some heavily armed guards. It’s a bit of a surreal way to enter a high tea room, that’s for sure.

With the only dining option for 3:15pm, a small crowd gathered in anticipation of the dining event about to take place.

After checking in with our names, we chose our table – by the window with the best natural light.

The china drew our attention immediately – it’s a special Wedgwood china pattern designed for Parliament House. I was hoping to be able to purchase a tea cup to take home, but sadly they are not available for sale.

There are three options available:
Traditional High Tea served with tea and coffee – $42 per person
Hope Estate Pinot Chardonnay NV Sparkling High Tea – $44 per person
Lerida Estate Lake George Brut Rose Sparkling High Tea – $52 per person

The High Tea in the House was created by Executive Chef David Learmonth and his team of expert chefs. While not every component was made in-house, every ingredient on the menu was sourced from NSW.

Scone tier
Lemonade scones with strawberry gel and cream

Savoury tier
Bocconcini tartlet with chive coulis
Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese crepe roulade
Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches

Sweet tier
Milk chocolate aero squares
Flamed lemon meringue pie
Macarons
Mini cupcakes
Opera cake

I was somewhat perplexed when the tea stand arrived with the one type of sandwich, the salmon scroll and the bocconcini tarts after I had told them I was vegetarian, as usually I am given an alternative to meat. After confirming that this was the regular platter and there was no vegetarian option I was grateful that there happened to be two vege savouries for me to eat. After we devoured the savoury plate, another was brought over, which I loved. The hot weather had put me off eating too much sickly sweet stuff and I was craving savouries. I do appreciate when extra sandwiches are offered at all high teas, actually, as well as additional tea.

Speaking of tea, I chose an English Breakfast loose leaf tea which came in a beautiful silver pot. The handle was burning hot strangely, and the post only held enough water for two very small cups, but it was a really lovely tea.

The scones were excellent, even though they were not super fresh. I really love when scones arrive fresh out of the oven!

The dessert tier defeated me on this day. I enjoyed the lemon merengue tart, the opera cake and the tiny vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting, but I couldn’t eat any more!

On the whole, I enjoyed the high tea, in particular the savoury tier and scones. The desserts were good, but not very creative. I did think that this high tea was excellently priced. At $42pp it’s cheaper than the majority of high teas in Sydney, and in a location you’re likely to never be privileged to step foot in again.

NSW Parliament House
6 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9230 2248
Bookings are recommended and can be made by contacting NSW Parliamentary Catering on 02 9230 2248 or by email to dps.catering@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Get Directions

Sheraton on the Park High Tea Buffet: Sydney’s Best High Teas

February 7, 2016 / CBD, Sydney, Sydney Food / 6 Comments

I’m a regular at the Sheraton for their amazing high tea offerings, but this was the first time that I’ve tried their High Tea Buffet. For the same price as the beautiful tiers that come around, on weekends you can choose the buffet if you so desire.

I’ve been curious about the buffet, but what encouraged me to book it for my dad’s birthday this week was how easy it made dining with people who have various food requirements. My dad can’t eat a variety of ingredients, which can make regular high teas hard. The buffet, however, meant he could pick and choose from a huge variety of food and find plenty of things to eat, with zero hassle.

The buffet had an absolutely mind blowing amount of choice. I was determined to try one of everything (ha!) and failed miserably, which has only increased my desire to return so I can sample more of the dishes I missed out on.

The foyer of the dining area was set up into stations – sandwiches, sweets, quiche and macarons (an interesting pairing!), scones, hot cross buns and crepes, DIY ice cream and cheese, nuts, crackers and creme brulee.

The creme brulee was so fresh that we watched the chef make it at the station and then place it onto the serving platters.

Sandwiches: As a vegetarian, I was only able to eat two of the sandwiches, which was a slight let down for me over the high tea stand, where I would usually get a vegetarian quiche plus three other vegetarian savory options.

I did enjoy the sandwiches though – an egg and cream cheese on fluffy white bread and a wrap with pumpkin and blue cheese.

Quiche: The only quiche available was salmon sadly, so I didn’t try it. I hope next time I go there is a vegetarian quiche on offer.

Sweets: It was impossible to know where to begin. There were so many sweets it hurt to look at them. I really loved the variety offered – everything from chocolate cake pops covered in pistachios to mango and raspberry pudding with white chocolate bubbles, tiny strawberry cheesecakes and deconstructed pavlova. I tried about 9 I think (yikes!), and went home thinking about all the others I didn’t get to. Next time!

Scones: These were fantastic – super fresh and warm, with giant bowls of jam and cream. I had a blueberry scone and found it fluffy and light. Perfect cream, thick fruity jam. So good.

Ice cream: This was cheese’s favourite. Choose from chocolate or vanilla, then add a selection of toppings like chocolate curls, nuts, shortbread pastry crust and chocolate balls.

Tea selection: As part of the basic buffet you are offered a choice of tea or coffee. I chose English Breakfast, which came in a pot that gave me about three full cups of tea. The lovely hostess came around later to offer is a hot water refill, which I appreciated.

I don’t usually order Cheese her own dishes when we have high tea as she just doesn’t eat them, and I was concerned with this being a buffet that it would be an awkward situation. I had nothing to worry about however, as no one minded that she pecked at a few things here and there.

The service at the Sheraton on the Park is fantastic. As soon as we finished with a plate it was whisked away, often without me even noticing, by friendly, smiling staff.

I can’t recommend the Sheraton on the Park High Tea Buffet enough for your next high tea. You’ll probably be like me and want to go back to try everything you missed the first time!