Dear Sainte Éloise, Wine + Kitchen, Potts Point (2 June 2017)

5/29 Orwell Street, Potts Point NSW 2011
http://www.dearsainteeloise.com
https://www.instagram.com/dearsainteeloise/

New wine bar in Potts Point

Waterman's Lobster Co is out and the team from Love Tilly Devine have now opened a cosy little wine bar called Dear Sainte Eloise. Sydney Rock Oysters from Wapengo Lake ($4) come with an interesting fermented horseradish which works well in moderation. Oysters are shucked to order with noticeable brine. Would have loved a slice of lemon as well to mix things up on the palate. The lovely sommelier Jasmin Natterer recommended the Envinate, 2014 'Taganan' Vinos Atlanticos Blanco, Canary Islands, Spain to stand up to the richness of flavours and I agree. Thanks for the suggestion and complimentary glass which seems to be only available by the bottle. Smoked mussels on toast ($14) comes on a highly charred bread for extra flavour and those plump mussels so good with the tasty broth that's best mopped up with some extra Bread ($4). Burrata with charred bread and mint ($20) is a generous amount of burrata which I think can be shared between two. I found the extra bread helpful in finishing. Background music is well chosen, decor is nice, seating neighbourly and cosy, and service was friendly and helpful. The passion for good wine is evident. The limited menu will certainly tempt a small group to want to order everything to try.

La Boulangerie, Maroubra (10 Sept 2016)

Shop 7, Pacific Square, 737 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
https://www.laboulangerie.com.au

A slice of France in Maroubra

Good spot to pick up a sweet treat. This time around just got a French baguette ($4.50). It's rather thin and has a nice crust and makes for a suitable bread for a simple lunch at home. Staff are friendly and there's free parking underneath Pacific Square.

Bake Bar, Organic Artisan Bakery, Double Bay (26 Aug 2016)

15 Kiaora Lane, Double Bay NSW 2028
http://bakebar.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/bakebarbakery

Afternoon tea & coffee stop

There's a few of these Bake Bars around town and this one is well located for a coffee and cake hit in Double Bay. Order and pay at the counter. These's a decent array of cakes to choose from and sourdough bread to purchase. The Spelt Carrot Cupcake ($5) was pretty moist with a yummy icing. Washed down with a Mocha ($3.60) which was OK but I've had better. Service was pretty friendly and efficient. Plenty of seating near the quiet lane to chillax.

Sonoma Café, Paddington (26 Aug 2016)

241 Glenmore Road, Paddington NSW 2021
http://www.sonoma.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/sonomabakingco/

Sourdough cravings in Paddo

“In a loaf of Sonoma sourdough there's freshly-milled flour, filtered water, sourdough starter and sea salt. In the people who bake it there's passion and integrity. Together, it’s a simple recipe for enduring quality.”

There's always so many temptations when you step into a Sonoma Baking Company cafe. Their sourdough is famous and the pastries such evil temptresses. This visit is just a quick lunch eat and the Pastrami beef, sauerkraut and manchego sandwich ($14) caught my eye on display ready for toasting. Pretty yummy with a classic combo of flavours that work well. Service was friendly but a couple of hospitality basics needed to be improved such as clearing previous dirty glasses and plates from our table and providing napkins with your meal without asking would have made the experience more professional. Apart from that the decor is nice and the quality of products always seems to please.

Iggy's Bread, Bronte (24 July 2016)

131 Macpherson Street, Bronte NSW 2024
http://www.iggysbread.com/down-under
https://www.instagram.com/iggysbread_downunder/

Artisan bakery HQ in Bronte

I've often heard about the famous Iggy's that's been considered by many as making some of the best sourdough bread you can find in Sydney. Was great to stumble across their main bakery while having a walk around Bronte. It's also great to see them stocking a few quality artisan products from the likes of Miellerie Honey, Alto Olive Oil, Pic's Peanut Butter, Pasta Emilia, Jam Lady Jam, Meredith Dairy and Artisana Organics.