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Sutherland

The Teahouse Camellia Gardens; Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Sutherland, Sydney

February 26, 2014 / Caringbah, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Secreted away in Sutherland is The Teahouse Camellia Gardens. Follow winding roads and walk through beautiful gardens to find your way to the Teahouse, a tiny oasis of gentile calm in the Shire, where you can wisle away an afternoon elegantly, drinking tea, nibbling scones and looking over the lush gardens below. Or, if you have a small child, briefly enjoy this experience, and then use the playground next to the teahouse to wear them out.

Bookings on weekends are advised as the Teahouse is a popular spot for parties and baby showers. We arrived without a booking and did have to wait a while for our table. The Teahouse is laidback, with service a bit on the erratic side. We had arrived on a busy day, which may explain the service (I like to give the benefit of the doubt!).

As a popular family destination, the Teahouse features a large kids’ menu, with breakfast options (such as the Scrambled Eggs & Toast, $6.50), lunh options (including cooked “meal deals” for $10.90, or sandwiches from $4), and snacks and beverages, like kiddie shakes ($3.50). Since Missy E is a picky eater, we ordered her the shake, a juice popper (we were using sugar to combat jetlag at this point), and a bowl of Beer-Battered Chips ($5.50).

The rest of our party ordered various items from the lunch menu. Unfortunately, since it was such a busy day, many of the items were sold out, including the only vegetarian option. The staff were happy enough to make me a salad sandwich however (as long as it was on their only remaining bread, foccaccia). Other dishes ordered included: Crisp Beer-Battered Flathead Fish & Chips served with Salad & Tartare Sauce ($18.50), Salt and Pepper Calamari with a Papaya, Green Mango, Cucumber Ribbons, Bean Shoots, Mint & Coriander Salad topped with the Teahouse dressing & Lime Aioli ($18.50),and the Teahouse BLT, with Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayonnaise served on Thick Cut Toast & Chips ($14.50).

While it was a bit of a wait to get the table, and we were warned that the meals might be slow, they actually arrived very quickly. The chips were crisp and cooked all the way through (yum!), the sandwiches served with fresh produce. It was a solid meal — nothing outstanding, but nothing bad either.

Desserts were another matter — and to be expected from a teahouse. The scones ($4) and mini pavlovas ($8.50) were absoutely spectactular. We would absolutely come again just for afternoon tea.

After indulging on scones and pavlova, buy a bag of duckfood for 60c from the teahouse, and wander through the gardens to feed the feathered inhabitants. They’re well-used to visitors and are not overly concerned about the smallest of new friends, especially when they come bearing food.

Last Bite: The Teahouse is a delightful way to spend an afternoon with kids.

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

The Teahouse Camellia Gardens
President Ave,
Caringbah South NSW 2229
Phone: 02 9540 2018
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
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Anna’s Shop Around the Corner, Kid-Friendly Cafes, Cronulla, Sutherland Shire, NSW

December 6, 2013 / Cronulla, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

If you have always wanted a café where as soon as you walk in you can relax and the staff address you by name then look no further than Anna’s Shop Around the Corner. A bit of a Cronulla institution, and recent winner of the Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards for Best Café 2013, Anna’s Shop Around the Corner is a great kid-friendly café.

Anna’s Shop Around the Corner - #kid-friendly #cafe - #Cronulla, #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com — Anna’s Shop Around the Corner – Interior. Photo by Katia Barker

The décor is homely and informal, with walls of second hand (and some new) books for you to read whilst you dine, and sold at discount if you can’t bare to put yours down. Although dining with kids means you will most likely be choosing from the extensive kids book section to keep your little people entertained.

It was just myself, Jenson and Isla today so being outnumbered with children to parent ratio lunch could have ended abruptly, but pleasantly I was able to finish my tasty BLT Wrap ($7.50) and Small Coffee ($3.00). Jenson meandered through his Blueberry Bagel with Ricotta & Honey ($5.00) and Kids Banana Milkshake ($2.50) however we ended up packing half to take away with us.

Little elements like a marshmallow and a few smarties with the kids drinks show the owners really care and are welcoming to children, and there is plenty of kids artwork proudly displayed throughout the café which is a nice touch.

Last Bite: Anna’s Shop Around the Corner is a welcoming kid-friendly café serving tasty food and great coffee. Munro Park is right outside and Anna’s Shop Around the Corner will package up your food for picnic style dining if you prefer – bonus!

Highchairs: No
Stroller storage: Yes
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: No, but kids won’t starve

Anna’s Shop Around the Corner
Shop 6, 138 Cronulla Street, Cronulla, NSW, 2230
Phone: (02) 9527 7090
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:00am-6:00pm
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Hospitality Establishment, Kid-Friendly Cafes, Caringbah, Sutherland Shire, NSW

December 1, 2013 / Caringbah, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

On a chilly Saturday morning we had a craving for bacon and eggs without much fuss so we decided to head to Hospitality Est. in Caringbah to fulfil our needs. The spacious interior and welcoming staff are the first impressions you get when entering this kid-friendly café. Tables are well laid out, there is a play corner with books, colouring and assorted toys, plus a big comfy lounge to house plenty of children if sitting still at your table isn’t happening.

We made sure we arrived in time for brunch, so the breakfast menu was still available and took our picks from the menu. I chose the Breakfast Panini ($10.50), Ross the Standard Bacon & Eggs ($11.50) and pleasingly Jenson was also well catered for with the ‘Little Est. Menu’ Ham & Cheese Melt ($3). This kid-friendly café has put some thought in to caring for the little ones, with a clever play on their name for the menu and all options under $6. Large coffees warmed up the adults ($4) and the signature milkshake order was not going to be missed. At $2.50 for a small size, this is the most affordable milkshake for kids I have found to date.

Hospitality Est. - #kid-friendly #restaurants - #Caringbah, #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com — Breakfast Panini ($10.50)

Jenson loves reading, so he selected a book and surprisingly waited quite patiently for our food to arrive. (Although he did nearly take out the waitress running back to our table when he realised his milkshake arrived). Little things like bringing the milkshake out first are the things which really add to a kid-friendly experience.

Hospitality Est. pleasantly surprised us. As soon as you enter you feel like you can relax, and turning up with a big group, or with several spirited children, would not be a problem. It can also accommodate several strollers, just what every family or parents’ group is after in a kid-friendly café!

Last Bite: Hospitality Est. serves good quality, no fuss food for breakfast and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Food arrives fast, which is important when dining with little people. We’ll be back soon to try out the lunch menu!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes
Easy access: Yes, although restrooms are located down a small flight of stairs
Change tables: No
Kids’ menu: Yes

The Hospitality Establishment
47 President Avenue, Caringbah, NSW, 2229
Phone: (02) 8521 7501
Price: $-$$
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 8:30am-4pm
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Baked Patisserie: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Kirrawee, Sutherland Shire, NSW

November 21, 2013 / Kirrawee, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

There was an ulterior motive when we decided to visit Baked Patisserie for morning tea and it centred on the rumours of magnificent cronuts and macarons to rival the king of macaron – Adriano Zumbo! As a plus, this tucked-away patisserie appeals to kids with a range of sweet delights from an evolving menu.

Being in the industrial side of Kirrawee, Baked Patisserie doesn’t really fit with its surroundings. However they are building up quite a cult following and why wouldn’t they with mouth-watering treats, such as the Raspberry & Vanilla Cronut ($5), Macarons ($2.50) and a reasonable $4.00 for a large coffee.

Jenson didn’t care about which flavour macaron he wanted, he went for the brightest possible colour (green) – which I believe was Pistachio and was devoured with a nod of approval. I savoured my cronut without thinking that J would soon turn his eyes to the remaining half on my plate, and in his usual negotiating style asked that we share the rest as sharing is a nice thing to do. I can’t fault his approach!

Baked Patisserie certainly caters for the little people with a small train set set up alongside one wall to play with, a high chair for the littler ones, which is a good thing, as you want to savour the quality coffee on offer. These little additions, along with the friendly service, make this cafe very kid-friendly.

For the less sweet-tooth inclined, there are gourmet rolls ($7) and a pie warmer for more substantial offerings. (The Moroccan Pie stood out for me which sounded delicious). Another time perhaps!

Last Bite: Baked Patisserie is a place you are going to be adding to your regular café repertoire especially when your sweet tooth is calling and the kids are needing distraction. The constantly evolving menu also means there will be something new each time you visit.

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller Storage: Yes
Easy Access: Yes, one step inside
Change Tables: No
Kids Menu: Cakes and treats for all ages!

Baked Patisserie
1/10 Marshall Road,
Kirrawee, NSW, 2232
Phone: 0415 232 557
Prices: $
Hours: Mon–Fri 6am-3pm, Sat 6am-1pm
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The Weir Café: Kid-Friendly Cafe, Audley, Sutherland Shire

September 29, 2013 / Audley, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Living on the doorstep of one of Sydney’s amazing National Parks is a gift we don’t take advantage of enough, and with a recently updated kid-friendly café set in the most beautiful natural settings this is definitely something we will start doing more often. The Weir Café is a lively eating spot for Shire locals and tourists with table space at a premium on a sunny Spring day. Fortunately we arrived early enough to secure a table on the edge of the park and went about reviewing the breakfast (brunch) menu.

The Weir Café in its beautiful setting. Photo by Katia Barker

Bacon was on order for both Ross & I, with Ross choosing the Bacon & Egg Sandwich ($12.50) with a side of Chorizo Sausage ($4.50) and I opted for the BLAT ($15.00). Jenson nibbled his way through Raisin Toast ($5.90) with his drink of choice Banana Milkshake ($3.70), and with two coffees ($3.70 each) we were set.

Jenson was not in the mood to sit quietly or patiently this morning, so I took him for a wander around the park whilst Ross entertained our little lady (who ate her food, plus some of my brunch, and half of Jenson’s toast). The park area is fantastic for picnics and groups were setting up for parties and D.I.Y lunches. The Weir Café also offers picnic hampers if you are wanting to spoil yourself and let someone else do the hard work.

Jenson at Play. Photo by Ross Barker

The food arrived promptly and we tucked in. My BLAT was generous and tasty with a sneaky kick of garlic aioli, and Ross devoured his Bacon & Egg sandwich with a nod of approval. We agreed that both meals were good value and would definitely order again. Whilst there is no specific kids’ menu for breakfast you can order individual items to cater for smaller appetites, and there is a small kids’ menu for lunch (all $10.00 each).

BLAT ($15.00). Photo by Katia Barker

Bacon & Egg Sandwich ($12.50) with Chorizo ($4.50). Photo by Katia Barker

Feeding frenzy with the kids, Isla demanding more! Photo by Katia Barker

It would have been nice to sit back and order a second coffee and take in the scenery however the little people had other ideas and so we packed up once the last bite was gone and spent time exploring nature instead. Fortunately there was no waiting around for the servers at The Weir Café as you order and pay at the same time which is a good move when the little people say “let’s go!”.

Special times with the family. Photo by Ross Barker

Last Bite: The Weir Café is a unique, kid-friendly café set in a stunning location that is well worth the extra effort to take a trip and visit. Although you pay an $11.00 entry fee to the National Park there is enough to do for a whole days’ worth of fun, including hiring a canoe, kayak or paddle boat or various bush walks. Don’t forget to pack the scooter / bike / frizbee!

Highchairs: Yes
Stroller Storage: Yes
Easy Access: Yes
Change Tables: No
Kids Menu: Yes

The Weir Cafe
Lady Carrington Drive,
Audley, NSW
Phone: 02 9542 6222
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am – 7pm
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Post Box Café: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Yowie Bay, Sutherland Shire

September 23, 2013 / Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food, Yowie Bay / 0 comment

Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Yowie Bay, Post Box Café is somewhat of an institution with locals and for good reason. The food is delicious, the coffee is one of the best found in the Sutherland Shire and the staff welcome everyone with a smile – especially those with kids!

Post box - kid-friendly restaurants, Newtown, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com — Isla relaxing in front of Post Box Café. *Photo by Katia Barker.*

On a sunny Sunday morning Jenson, Isla and I took a walk up to Post Box Café (did I mention it was also my local?) to enjoy a lazy morning tea and allow Jenson to let of some steam in their play area. We parked ourselves on the grass area whilst the locals filled up the tables inside and out with a gusto. Parking is a premium and a revolving door of those stopping in to grab and go, and those situated for a long, lazy brunch. We quickly ordered (coffee $3.80 and a passionfruit slice $2.50 for me, banana milkshake $3.00 and cinnamon toast $5.00 for Jenson) and before I had paid our drinks were ready.

Post box cafe - kid-friendly restaurants, Sutherland, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com — Jenson and his signature ‘Banana Milkshake’ $3.00 *Photo by Katia Barker.*

Jenson went about exploring the assorted toys and equipment which are in fair condition – (read – all are a little broken but still entertaining nevertheless) whilst Isla made her way over to the water bowl supplied for our four-legged friends and proceeded to tip it out before I could catch her. Being a sunny morning we weren’t in a rush to disappear, however Isla made it known when enough was enough and I called a reluctant Jenson back so we could meander back home.

Post Box Café does not slow down during the week, and bookings are recommended for lunch and all day on weekends, otherwise ordering take-away and sitting on the grassy verge is pleasant. Kids are also catered for in wet weather, with colouring in books, magazines and textas also supplied. The menu is full of appetising options for both kids and adults and they offer daily specials if you are after something a little different to standard café fare.

Last Bite: Post Box Café is a fun, kid-friendly café who have put thought in to catering to the little ones. A gem of Yowie Bay that the local’s treasure and those out of suburb wish was on their front door. If you haven’t checked this one out yet put it on your must-visit list!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes, outside there is plenty of room, indoors could be tight
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes, the menu is great for young and old(er)

Post Box Café
46a Attunga Rd, Yowie Bay, NSW, 2228
Phone: 02 9531 5659
Price: $-$$
Hours: Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm (approximately)
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Flowercino: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Caringbah, Sutherland Shire, Sydney

September 7, 2013 / Caringbah, Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

The combination of a florist and café, Flowercino is a perfect mix for a stunning little café in the heart of Sutherland Shire. With added quirky elements such as the hanging display of pots and pans, and the veggie garden out back there is something for even the most discerning little foodie to enjoy.

Flowercino- kid-friendly restaurants, Caringbah, NSW- via brunchwithmybaby.com — Jenson exploring the garden area at Flowercino. *Photo by Katia Barker*

Arriving on a warm morning we were still in time for the breakfast menu which offers both sweet and savoury options. We quickly claimed the shadiest table out in the garden before making our selections. The locals seemed to have made residence at the shop front, giving the café a buzzing vibe, whereas the back garden is the place to be for visitors with children, or those needing a little extra space (or prefer the pleasant view over to Castlenau Park).

After we placed our order Jenson went about exploring the herb gardens, mismatched garden furniture and chalk board for budding artists to create their masterpieces whilst waiting for the food to arrive. I ordered the Turkish with bacon, egg, tomato & avocado ($9.50) whilst Ross went for the specialty of Turkish with Za’atar, baked eggs, spinach, smoked ham and tomato ($12.50) and personally I think I won as my meal was delicious, very generous and excellent value. Jenson insisted on having a sandwich before we left home so didn’t order a meal, although there are plenty of child-friendly options from toast, muesli, sweet breads and bacon and eggs to choose from. Instead a mini milkshake ($3.00) and tea-cup biscuit ($4.00) were his selections.

Drinks are served in take-away friendly cups for customers who are sitting in the garden, perhaps for safety – however a brilliant decision in case you need to make a quick exit to prevent or manage a mini meltdown. Thankfully both Jenson and Isla were well behaved and Ross and I managed to finish our drinks (banana smoothie $5.90 and iced coffee $4.50) without a mad dash.

A promise of a play at Castlenau Park afterwards was suffice for Jenson to maintain his composure throughout brunch although he did prefer standing on his chair rather than sitting, well you win some you lose some!

Last Bite: Flowercino is a quaint kid-friendly café offering great value food and service, welcoming to families with delightful staff, tucked away in suburban Caringbah. The added bonus of being located near an excellent park also helps appease active little people!

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage:Yes, plenty of room in the garden, inside the shop might be a squeeze.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No, but plenty of easy options to choose from

Flowercino
487a Port Hacking Road
Caringbah, NSW 2229
Phone: 02 9531 7435
Price: $-$$
Hours:
Mon-Thur: 5:30am-5:30pm, Fri 5:30am-6pm, Sat 5:30am-4pm, Sun 6am-2pm
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Arthur’s By The River: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Woronora, Sutherland

June 24, 2013 / Sutherland, Sydney, Sydney Food, Woronora / 0 comment

Finding a kid-friendly restaurant around the Sutherland Shire takes some hunting, but Arthur’s By the River —a bright and welcoming restaurant—ticks all the boxes of catering towards the little people while making adults feel a little bit special as well. With trepidation, I made a booking for the family at Arthur’s By the River for a “nice” family lunch. I say nice, although I was planning for something more along the lines of quick and minus the calamity. Jenson, three-and-a-half, is most known for his famous line, “I don’t like lunch”, and Isla, six months, earned herself the nickname “rattlesnake” in the nursery at the hospital at no more than two days old. I nervously put my hand up to review this family-friendly restaurant with my hubby, Ross.

Formally called Lemon Squeezy, Arthur’s By the River describes itself as providing great food, good wine, excellent service with fabulous company and it does not disappoint. With stunning views across the Woronora River (although the day we went was rather gloomy), and a dedicated area just for kids to play, our lunch resulted in tasty food, a few laughs and full bellies for all (including the boy who turns his nose up at any formal meal setting!). Another fun touch is that each table has a little game or pack of cards to entertain yourselves with should conversations be lacking (note our Connect Four remained unplayed, however).

Whilst we waited for our food Jenson took himself to the play area and served up morning tea for us all, travelling between our table and the play area with various toys. It wasn’t too busy so we weren’t concerned about this, however, as it got busier later with more children, we would have ensured he kept the toys in their rightful place.

Arthur's By the River - kid-friendly restaurants - Woronora, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, via brunchwithmybaby.com — Jenson serving up morning tea. *Photo by Katia Barker*

The a la carte menu is simple with items such as quiche, three cheese lasagne and chicken curry, and is supplemented with extensive blackboard specials, ensuring there is something for everyone. I chose a staple favourite Chicken Schnitzel Toastie, with Ross nominating the Lamb Skewers. Jenson has his selection from the small, but adequate children’s menu—Fish & Chips with the necessary red sauce (tomato ketchup). Ross and I treated ourselves to a beverage from their beer and wine list, adding a grown up element to our lunch. The food arrived quickly with our waitress and host, Debbie, delivering the meals with smiles and a nothing-is-too-hard attitude. Debbie went out of her way to make Jenson welcome and engaged him in conversation which made him feel very special, and Isla slurped down some pureed apple and peach whilst we devoured our meals. Ross claimed the freshly baked garlic pita was the hero of his meal and the chips we all had on our plates were divine, crispy and perfectly salted. It’s lucky we all had chips with our meals as I’m sure there would have been thieving fingers travelling across the table for sampling purposes.

Arthur’s By the River also offers event hire, children’s parties, value dinner nights for families and, surprisingly, takeaway picnics to allow you to set up outside and dine by the river, which we will definitely be back to do when the weather warms up.

Overall I would consider this lunch outing a success, Jenson was well behaved (mostly) and ate his lunch with some encouragement, and Isla did not serenade the other diners with her falsetto screaming, phew! Our confidence in venturing out for more dining experiences is growing!

Last Bite: Arthur’s By the River is a unique kid-friendly restaurant tucked away in Woronora in the Sutherland Shire. With a simple yet satisfying menu and stunning location, this gem is well worth the visit over the bridge to the “Shire”. Why not make a day of it and hire a boat or canoe and paddle your breakfast or lunch off around the river?

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes, if you carry your stroller upstairs there is plenty of space within the restaurant.
Easy access: No, a flight of stairs to enter the restaurant.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes, simple but all the standard favourites.

Arthur’s By the River
Level 1, 2 Prices Cct
Woronora, NSW 2232
Phone: (02) 9545 6557
Prices: $$
Hours: Wed-Fri 7am-4pm and 5:30am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm and 5:30-9pm
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