The Diver Cafe, Coogee (3 Oct 2016)

250 Arden Street, Coogee NSW 2034
http://thedivercafe.com
https://twitter.com/thedivercafe
https://www.instagram.com/thedivercafe/

New cafe in Coogee

“We’ve also made sure there is something for everyone: whether you eat everything, you’re paleo, vegetarian, sugar free, dairy free, nut free or gluten free. We even offer the widest variety of milk in Coogee to enjoy with your coffee, tea, smoothies or granola – full fat cow, lite cow, skinny cow, coconut, soy and almond milk.”

This cafe used to be The Square Peg which I never got a chance to visit but I remember it was always busy. It's now The Diver Cafe which still seems popular amongst the locals. I really enjoyed my Cappuccino ($3.50) using The Little Marionette coffee. Nice smoothness and flavour. Hot Chocolate ($3.50) for Miss 4 year old is very much enjoyed served with a marshmallow and in a paper cup with a lid. Miss 1 year old has her usual Babyccino ($1) which also comes with a marshmallow. The paper cup is much appreciated and even though it's served as mostly milk it has a lid just in case its accidentally spilt. Banana bread ($5) is toasted and served with butter. Very tasty and enjoyed. A few stools inside but most of the seating is outside taking advantage of the distant ocean views. Friendly service and good coffee makes this a bit of a local gem. Hope to try more of the menu when I get a chance. The House Made Crumpets with caramelised banana, honey butter + crumbled walnuts ($16) is calling my name.

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.

Textbook Boulangerie-Patisserie, Alexandria (10 Sept 2016)

274 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015
http://www.textbookpatisserie.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/textbookpatisserie/

Pretty cakes look so tempting

I've finally had a chance to visit this famous patisserie. So many pretty looking cakes on display it's hard to choose. Lemon Meringue with Raspberry Compote - lemon curd, raspberry compote, swiss meringue, vanilla sablé breton ($8.50 dine in, label says $7.50 so I assume that's a takeaway price?) looks wonderful. I find the pastry base more cake like than tart like if that makes sense so it's a different style to the delicate thin shortbread pastry I'm used to. The meringue around the outside is delicious. The lemon curd seems quite firm from the gelatine so not as soft as others I've had and a different style. Cappuccino ($3.50) uses The Little Marionette coffee and is rather nice and helps to cut through the sugary delight. Babyccino ($1) comes in a paper cup as preferred but is all milk rather than froth so attention required when passing on to a 1 year old in not making a huge mess if spilt. One had a spoon and the other didn't so some attention to detail required. Love the spacious area and there's a fair amount of seating including outside at the back near a sunny courtyard.