Satriale's Sandwich Deli, Kensington (16 Oct 2016)

146 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033
http://www.satriales.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/satrialesdeli/
https://www.instagram.com/satrialesdeli/

The wait is worth the cheese

If I was to give one bit of advice for this place it would be make sure you set up all the chairs and tables before opening the door. Otherwise it looks like you're closed and you shouldn't expect customers to pull down their own chairs from the table. So on to the sandwiches. Be prepared to wait for these to be made as they do take a bit of pride in stacking everything just so. We were the only customers at 10.15 am and they took about 12-15 mins to make. I'd hate to think how long you'll have to wait if there was a small crowd of customers. '4 cheese toasted' with mozzarella, provolone, swiss, tasty ($7) comes with an abundance cheese oozing out of the buttered crisp toasted bread. One of the best cheese toasties you'll find in Sydney for this reasonable price. Go for the white bread for this one so you can taste the cheese best. You probably won't want to share. The New Yorker - pastrami (or roast beef), cheddar, tomato, pickles, American mustard ($10) is not as cheesy but still very tasty and works well on the light rye bread. Service was friendly and perhaps a bit overly relaxed although they'd definitely need a couple of extra hands to run more efficiently. When there was only one person working we had to wait for the sandwich making for another customer to finish before they could attend to us to pay. I think the display of cured meats and salad toppings could look a bit neater and cleaner to be more presentable. Would I have again, most definitely. I think the Sopresso Salami with Provolone Toasted is calling my name for my next visit.

Favoloso: Cafe Deli Store, Bronte (2 Oct 2016)

43-45 Belgrave St, Bronte NSW 2024
http://www.favoloso.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/favolosocafedelistore/

Kid friendly cafe in Bronte

“Welcome to FAVOLOSO - a sicilian inspired cafe & alimentari with authentic take home meals and a great neighbourhood vibe in true Italian style.”

My first time visit to this cafe with a local gem vibe. Great looking products in the store area, freshly baked goods on display and a menu that aims to please everyone. Babyccino ($1.50) is served as all froth in a paper cup and a pretty marshmallow on the side. These guys know how to please. If they handed out colouring pencils and sheets would bring the experience to the next level. Baby Hot Chocolate ($2) is served just warm to Miss 4 year old so she won't burn herself. My Chai Latte ($4) is quite nice with a pleasant and enjoyable flavour. Scrambled eggs and toast ($11.50) is cooked well with free range eggs. Iggy's bread is legendary. Would have loved a bit of butter served on the side though. Service was friendly and there's a fair amount of seating inside and out. Free street parking in the area if you're lucky enough to find some.

Salt Meats Cheese: Food warehouse, Alexandria (18 Mar 2013)

41 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015

http://www.saltmeatscheese.com.au

Around the world in Alexandria

If you persevere with circling the industrial block of Alexandria looking for a miracle car spot and find one you'll be rewarded at Salt Meats Cheese with an extensive sized warehouse of local and international products to tempt you and your wallet. Thankfully prices seem reasonable for the quality and variety and for me it felt like stumbling across a food heaven I didn't want to leave behind. I picked up some Truffle Pecorino ($11) from the cool room which later went very nicely grated over some pasta with pesto sauce for dinner. Tomo ($12) was a strong smelling and flavoured soft cheese that was worth trying with sliced baguette. In The Lab I noticed Bell peppers stuffed with baby bocconcini ($7) were the order of the day. Still with a slight crunch made them enjoyable tasty bites suitable for a homemade antipasto. A tub of Pitted queen green olives marinated ($5) hit the spot. Just the right amount of herb flavour and salt from the plump olives after you've drained the oil their marinating in. I look forward to my next visit and picking up some of those prawn dumplings I noticed in the freezer section and perhaps a bag of Quacachips. I've also got my eye on the Hands Lane Jam, Maya Sunny Honey, Flavoured Salts and Cured Meats if my wallet can stretch that far.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Lots of gourmet products, Prices seem reasonable at first glance, Nice wide aisles and well organised shelves with clearly marked prices, Friendly staff

CONS: Parking in the area can be a nightmare, Hard to visit without buying something, Doesn't seem to stock fresh fruit and vegetables

MUST TRY: Truffle Pecorino grated over your favourite pasta

VERDICT: So many tempting food products makes it a great one stop shop sort most of your speciality gourmet needs

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Truffle pecorino ($11, 220g) — strong flavour best grated over perhaps pasta

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Toma ($12, 200g) — strong flavour and aroma for those who like lots of flavour

Bell peppers stuffed with baby bocconcini ($7, 300g) — bell peppers have a nice crunch to them and a slight chilli warmth

Pitted queen green olives marinated ($5, 300g) — nice plump size and lots of flavour
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

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