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.
Level 3, Myer Sydney City, Westfield
436 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.instagram.com/vicongeorge/
Comfy cafe oasis on Level 3
A spontaneous visit after seeing a post by @see.taste.do brings me to this nice comfy cafe chillaxing spot next to the menwear fashion. A few tempting house made cakes and desserts on display. Strawberry Tiramisu ($7.50) has nice flavour and something a bit different to enjoy with the good Cappuccino ($4) using Coffee Galleria. The tiramisu has a slightly firmed up texture from the refrigeration storage display that doesn't do it justice and I'm suspecting would be even better when just made out of the kitchen. There's plenty of seating and service was friendly. Well-located for those in need a break from their shopping or those who don't like shopping and are waiting for someone that does.
23-29 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
https://www.matineecoffee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/matineecoffee/
Marrickville's new retro diner
Where else in Sydney can you get a Chocolate Hemp Brownie aka Space Cake — legally? Charles Cameron, formerly of Brewtown Newtown has done a fine job with creating this contemporary looking version of a retro diner in Marrickville. Love the fitout, high ceiling and plenty of natural light matched with some down-to-earth friendly service. Arriving just after 3 meant the kitchen had already closed so I'll definitely have to return to try the menu.
From the display of housemade goodies the generous slice of Dark Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cake ($7) was very yummy and managed to satisfy both my brother and I for an afternoon tea fix. If I wasn't told it was vegan I would have never of guessed it. Cappuccino ($4) was nice using a custom house blend by Collective Roasting Solutions which was supposed to reference the flavours of a Neapolitan ice-cream. This probably would have come down to suggestive thinking for my untuned palate. The Chai Masala will definitely be on my wishlist for next time as I'm always on the lookout for a good one in Sydney and that French Toast with chocolate hazelnut brioche and orange buttermilk ricotta is calling my name to enjoy its calories.
