Contrabando, Macquarie St, CBD Sydney (5 April 2018)

131 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.contrabando.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/contrabandosydney/

For the love of tacos

The much loved Contrabando of formerly Bent St has now reopened on Macquarie St where Aesops Greek Restaurant used to be. A first look at the fitout is looking good on the front end while renovations still to come for the back end aka toilets. To celebrate their new lease of life they're making their famous $3 Taco Tuesday a daily special for this week and next. I've picked the standard Crispy Fish and new comers of Crisp Pork Belly and Crisp Pumpkin. For only $3 I think it's a bargain for the flavour and size and makes for an quick and tasty lunch option. Service is friendly and swift on the floor just like the team over at The Wolf Bar. There's plenty of seating which will surely fill up quickly for lunches once word gets out that these guys are back in business. Chef Peter Varvaressos now has a new happy place in his brand new open kitchen. Next stop will probably be their popular Express Set Menu Lunch which is usually just $20 or hitting their tempting food truck menu of loaded fries, crispy chicken skins, cheeseburger chimichangas, ocean trout ceviche and duck nachos.

The Kiosk, Sydney Hospital, Macquarie St, Sydney (19 Aug 2016)

8 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/SHSEH/history/volunteers.asp

Volunteers in the wall

I've lived in Sydney for 45 years and this would be the first time I've ever walked into this shop even though I've passed by 1000s of times. Seems like it's been around for decades. Prices are cheap and the menu limited and basic for a quick bite or snack. Balfour's Beta Bake Large Sausage Roll ($3.50) with Tomato Sauce ($0.20) is pretty large. Reminds me of my primary school days when I ate sausage rolls and meat pies for lunch. Interesting and weird to see 'water' is listed as the main ingredient on the back. Not quite sure how that works? There's no seating for the hole in the wall but the courtyard inside the Sydney Hospital is quite nice just around the corner. Proceeds are donated to the Sydney Hospital which is such a nice idea.

Cappapino's: Cafe, CBD Sydney (15 Sept 2016)

139 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Cheap eats on Macquarie St

Such a reasonably priced menu at this basic cafe. Beef burger with chips ($7.90) is cheap for a quick bite to eat. Very soft bun, thin patty and a decent amount of crispy hot chips. I reckon a bit of melted cheese would do wonders for the burger for only $1 extra and a bacon or egg will also only add $1 to pimp it up. Service is responsive and keeps the place fairly clean. Nice outlook towards the Royal Botanic Garden across the road.