Bik's Cafe, Botany (3 June 2018)

1120 Botany Rd, Botany NSW 2019
https://www.instagram.com/biks_cafe/

New cafe in the heart of Botany

This place used to be Snow In Summer and the new owners have retained some of the abundant greenery that existed before and are fast becoming a local gem with their friendly and welcoming service. I've been twice and the barista (ex-Botannix Studio Cafe) is doing good job with Single O coffee. Cappuccino ($3.50) using 'Killer Bee' was nice and the Babyccinos are free although if served in a non-breakable cup would make them better. Loved my Soy Chai Latte ($4.50) using Prana Chai with a good hit of flavour just the way I like it. Coco Pops and milk ($4 kids menu) such a childhood favourite and the strawberry on top adds a healthy touch. Dish envy happening with the Tiramisu French Toast ($9 kids menu) which unfortunately isn't on the grown ups menu but definitely should be. Order it for the kids even if they don't want it so you'll get to try it 😉 — so yummy and delicious. Chicken and chips ($6 kids menu) was another dish envy dish and a decent portion with crispy chips and tasty chicken that's sliced and ready for the kids to eat. Great value for the size and quality.

I was happy with the 'Eggs your way' scrambled with Sonoma toast ($9.50) and added avocado with lemon ($3) although would have preferred the avocado to be served out of the skin so it's prepared and ready to put on the toast. Salmon Bowl with crispy skin salmon rested on buckwheat noodles, charred shallots, pickled ginger & cucumber with toasted sesame dressing and crispy onion ($18) was a tasty combo and some crispness achieved on the skin. I think there's potential to cook a bit more medium rather than medium well to retain some extra moistness in the salmon. GF Fritters - pumpkin & zucchini fritters with avocado, coconut labneh & poached eggs ($15) was a tasty dish with a perfectly gooey egg. The chunky pieces of pumpkin give it a bit of veggie meatiness. Backyard Veggie Saksuka - 2 eggs, seasonal vegies, asparagus, marinated feta baked in a case iron hot plate with crispy baguette ($16.50) was also tasty and a good winter warmer. For a good behaviour sugar hit there's Mini cupcakes ($2) to tempt the little ones which I'm sure they'll spot like mine did. There's a fair amount of seating and potential to expand further out the back area. Definitely one of those cafes I wish was closer to home.

Chia Bar Organic Vegetarian Cafe, Maroubra (10 Sept 2016)

331 Maroubra Rd, Maroubra NSW 2035
https://www.facebook.com/ChiaBarMaroubra/
https://www.instagram.com/chiabarmaroubra/

Vegetarian cafe in Maroubra

It's good to see these guys are still doing well as being an organic vegetarian cafe is still quite a niche market I think. Housemade raw cakes are on display, friendly service and a cosy wholistic decor. The Mrs enjoyed her Piccolo with soy milk ($4) using The Little Marionette Coffee. Miss 1 year old managed to handle her Babyccino ($1) that comes in a paper cup and has a lid. The sprinkles is a nice touch on top but visually you can't see them when there's a lid on. A marshmallow on the side would up the love factor. My Chai Latte ($4) was nice although I still crave more flavour. Acai Bowl with granola, seasonal fruit and coconut sprinkle ($15) was nicely presented but there was so much more acai underneath compared to the topping of granola that you're left with a mass of acai to eat on its own. I think a more shallow bowl so the ratio of acai and granola is more even would be preferable. The Coconut 'French' Toast with sourdough soaked in coconut milk, organic, vanilla cashew cream, seasonal fruit, pure maple syrup and coconut sprinkle ($17) is very yummy and a new Simon Favourite. Plenty of maple syrup to pour over and the slices of French toast and soft and spongy. Love the coconut flavour and texture throughout.