68 Hampden Rd, Artarmon NSW 2064
Afternoon pick me up
One of the many cafes in the area for a coffee and cake fix. Cappuccino ($3.50) using Campos Coffee was quite good and the Strawberry & Pistachio Mousse ($7.30) is apparently housemade like many of their other cakes on display. Was quite nice although the strawberry on top looked a little tired and I generally prefer when served without the green stem still attached. Decor and surrounds pleasant and free street parking in the area. Service OK but there's room to be more welcoming and friendly.
182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
https://www.thepacificclub.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/thepacificclubbondibeach/
Bondi's new bistro looking good
It's always a promising sign for me when oysters are served shucked to order with all their natural brine. Oysters ($4.50) from Pambula are well presented and achieve my happy place. I also tried the 'The Nut Cracker' cocktail with Macadamia oil washed Tanqueray, Herbs de Provence Vermouth, lemon myrtle ($19). Quite nice, a bit different, a bit unusual. Would love to see more Aussie artisan gins on their menu besides the usual suspects since the food menu and chef seem to be focussing on native ingredients as a theme. Decor is looking great including the opalescent toilet floor tiles and the fiery coals in the kitchen makes for a wonderful centrepiece. Service friendly and a menu that deserves a revisit I think. Especially anything that's cooked on those coals.
7 Ross Smith Ave, Mascot NSW 2020
https://www.krispykreme.com.au/
Donut life at Krispy Kreme
Watching Krispy Kreme donuts being made is quite mesmerising and a definite kid pleaser as they peer through the kitchen window. If you're not careful in this place there's some serious calorie loading to be found. Visiting with the kids we all chose our own donut temptation. Miss 3 year old got the The Simpson ($3.25) because she loves pink. I got the Choc Iced Sprinkles ($3.25) because it's one of my favourite combos and Miss 6 year old chose the Original Glazed ($2.85) which I also love. Everything seems to be provided in takeaway boxes here, even if you're dining in. Some reusable dine in plates would be a more sustainable solution although I noticed the general clean up of tables seemed non-existent which did make the place feel a little dirty. There's free parking outside and a drive thru available. I noticed on the packaging the first glazed doughnut made down under was in 2003.
