54/56 Smith St, Marrickville NSW 2204
http://doubletapcoffee.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/doubletapcoffeemarrickville/
Simple eats done well
This would have to be my new favourite cafe in Marrickville based on my first impressions. Nice fit out, great coffee, very reasonably priced menu with nothing over $12, welcoming friendly service and even the toilet out the back is well presented. Definitely a local gem I wish was closer to home. Love the flavour in my Cappuccino ($3.50) using a house blend with lots of stretchy froth for the win. Avocado on Toast ($8) using Penny Fours sourdough has a good amount of avo, nice flavour and a great sourdough. A little wedge of lemon to squeeze and some extra spiced dukkah could perhaps be a nice addition as well like they did at Parma. The home loan is back on the cards. Homemade cakes are looking good especially the Victoria Sponge with Strawberry Compote & Fresh Cream for a reasonable $6.50. Looking forward to revisiting with the family for their Granola with seasonal poached fruit ($8.50) and Free range ham with Swiss cheese toastie $6.50).
MCA, 149 George Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
http://grazemca.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/grazemca.com.au
https://instagram.com/graze_mca/
Bouillabaisse Lovers Club
I've enjoyed this bouillabaisse a few times now since 2015 and its continued to be my favourite one in Sydney, especially when combined with the lovely view of the Sydney Opera House when no cruise ships are in dock. This time around is a lovely meetup with @suzziethefoodie @see.taste.do @nora.geee @itd_be_rude_not_to and visiting @hungryempire. Chef Simon Fox of Culinary Edge has kindly surprise gifted our lunch. GRAZE Bouillabaisse for two, served Provencal Style-Market fish, blue swimmer crab, black mussels, vongole, split king prawn, split “Moreton Bay” bug, roasted chili aioli & chargrilled garlic bread ($90) has a generous amount of seafood and when combined with the chargrilled garlic bread to mop up the sauce is enough to be a feast for 2 people or when enjoyed with some entrees and dessert I think would quite easily suit 3-4 people to share.
A glass of Andrew Thomas 2017 Semillon, Hunter Valley ($17) goes done well with the seafood. My happy place has been always oysters and the Sydney Rock Oysters from Merimbula with cucumber, eschallots, alto merlot vinegar ($4.5 each) have a nice amount of flavoursome brine retained which I suspect are shucked to order. The micro herbs look nice but I always prefer without and vary the natural with just a light squeeze of lemon. Chilli & Salt Fried Baby Calamari, Pickled melon, baby cucs & chipotle aioli ($22) is tasty and tender with a nice smokey flavour in the chipotle aioli. Great addition of pickled melon and cucumber on the side to refresh the palate and becomes a new Simon Favourite. For the salad lover in me I enjoyed the Ice Berg, Dill & Chardonnay Vinaigrette, Pear & walnut ($12) with a good amount of yummy flavoured dressing and highlights of dill working well. Love a good wedge salad and this one helps to cleanse the palate from the richly flavoured bouillabaisse. A blue cheese ranch dressing option would be great as well but wouldn't be so innocent. Looking forward to the next meetup of the Bouillabaisse Lovers Club.
169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034
https://merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilion
https://www.instagram.com/coogeepavilion/
Kid and Adult Friendly
I love how you can still feel like an adult in this very kid friendly venue. Sydney Rock Oysters ($4 each) from Merimbula are shucked to order and retain some nice flavoured brine. Margherita pizza with tomato and mozzarella ($12.50 kids menu) has a nice soft and tasty base and is demolished by Miss 6 year old. There's plenty of seating and a kids play area that's always filled with loud screams of joy. Handy location right next to the beach. There's free street parking in the area but highly popular on weekends. One of my spiritual homes when I'm on daddy daycare duty and in need of a casual eat with the kids. The free wifi is handy as well.
