Zeitgeist Coffee, Martin Place, CBD Sydney (27 Sept 2016)

Corner of Pitt Street And Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
http://zeitgeistgroup.com.au

Plant-based coffee hit

“This kiosk is where you will find specialty coffee from our brother roaster in bondi - www.coffeebondibeach.com.au - and an array of zeitgeist treats and mylks.”

Previously Brooklands Coffee Co. these guys have rebranded and offering good coffee and a limited range of healthy plant-based eats. Cappuccino with Almond & Macadamia Mylk ($4.50, I think) is good. I learn the macadamia mylk is the secret to adding more creaminess to a more watery almond mylk. It's still not as creamy our cows milk but the result goes well with their Coffee Bondi Beach blend. Next time I'm getting the coffee + raw brownie deal for $5. Apparently their raw brownie is very good as mentioned by a regular customer when I was waiting for my coffee.

Maximus Cafe, GPO Grand, CBD Sydney (29 Sept 2016)

GPO Grand, 1 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.gpogrand.com/maximus-espresso-cafe-sydney-cbd

International Coffee Day

Maximus Cafe is well positioned to take advantage of the grandeur of GPO Grand. It also made for a suitable spot to celebrate International Coffee Day with the lovely @saint_anderson_cafe and @the.eatventures. Cappuccino ($4.80) had a nice strong flavour and smoothness. Perhaps a bit pricey but if you get it as a takeaway its much cheaper, actually less than $3.50. Found out if you choose to sit down you need to order something so keep in mind if you're catching up with friends as everyone will have to order something if you're wanting to sit down. Thanks @saint_anderson_cafe for taking a photo of me with my coffee. There's simple sandwiches available and they make a pretty good affogato for $6.50 which I've had before.

Markt: Schnitzel, Martin Place, CBD Sydney (28 Sept 2016)

Shop 2, 52 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.instagram.com/marktschnitzel_

Schnitzel game strong

A foodie tip from a Mr Anderson brings me to check out this schnitzel eatery. Brekky Schnitty - schnitzel, eggs, bacon, homemade bbq sauce wrap + water ($10) is cooked to order and comes with free range eggs, tasty rindless bacon, very good schnitzel that's tender and moist with nice crumbing served in a nice soft thin wrap. I didn't really need the water so a cheaper option without bottled water would be preferable. Housemade BBQ sauce is tasty and goes well with the rest of ingredients. Quite a large wrap so will definitely fill you up till lunch. There's a decent amount of seating inside which is good as I find the foodcourt can get a bit challenging to find a table during lunch time. Hoping to try more of the menu including the hot chips which are served in a European style cone. Plenty of different housemade sauces available from the free sauce bar to pour over them as well. I spotted they also do a housemade vegan schnitzel with chickpeas, corn, fresh mint and spices. Banana Boom on Oxford St used to be my favourite chicken schnitzel fix but unfortunately closed so these guys could be my next favourite in town.

Bouche on Bridge, CBD Sydney (23 Sept 2016)

6 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://boucheonbridge.com
https://www.instagram.com/boucheonbridge/

Approachable fine dining

“We wanted to bring together our fine dining food and service experience in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Basically, somewhere we’d want to go for lunch, dinner or a drink and not just for a special occasion.” — Executive Chef, Harry Stockdale-Powell

First things first when I see oysters on the menu. Must order of course. Oyster, blood orange, wakame ($4 each) sounded pretty good. It's hard to beat natural oysters shucked to order but these are a well thought out alternative with some of the natural brine still joining in on the flavour mix. A Simon Favourite that I'd happily order again. Would love to see natural oysters as an option though for the full oyster lovers experience. Chicken parfait, mulberries, chicken skin ($16, compliments of the chef) had a choux pastry filled with smooth and light aerated chicken parfait. Crispy chicken skin was wafer thin and addictive with the tasty housemade mulberry jam. That chicken skin would make a very nice little bar snack spiced up with some chilli salt I reckon.

Pink snapper, smoked white beans, sicilian olives ($34) was nicely cooked with a crisp skin. Lovely flavour combo and found out those yellow spheres are olive oil caviar which add a nice little pop texture. Cos, basil, macadamia, goats cheese ($12, compliments of the chef) is a substantial serving suitable to share between 2-3 people. Very nice pesto dressing that's something a bit different to the usual. Crisp fresh leaves, plenty of grated cheese love, a good one to share as a side salad. Before heading off the kitchen wanted me to quickly try the Onetik Bleu des Basques with aerated white chocolate and crisp bread (compliments of the chef). Lovely cheese just on its own but seems to work with the light and delicate white chocolate. Me thinks cheese and chocolate lovers will rejoice.

Service was professional and friendly. No one seemed to be dragging the chain with this switched on team. Love the high ceiling and table settings looked good. Apparently there's a large cocktail/wine bar downstairs open from around 4 pm I think they said. A word of warning on the very nice toilets. Make sure you lock that door on the way in because if someone opens it you will have a nice view of the dining room and they'll have a nice view of you. So except people to be trying to get in when it's occupied. If you're after the best seats in the house perched high upstairs then check out the chefs table, which is more like a kitchen counter, for up to six people with full view of the kitchen and the dining room behind you. You will probably feel like you're on show as well though but I love the idea of a free masterclass and watching the kitchen theatre.