Valentine's Day in Sydney: Haigh's Chocolates, Mills & Boon, Guide Dogs & Free Hugs (14 Feb 2012)

193-195 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.strandarcade.com.au

Free love is all around

I've often been accused of being so cheap I'd attend the opening of an envelope so when I found out The Strand Arcade was giving away free Kikki.K greeting cards and Haigh's Chocolates it was a no brainer. Especially if the ladies from Breakfast with Audrey were also going to write the card for me — how lazy can one be. After scoring my card and chocolate I spotted a Cupid across the road near the Apple store on George Street. Being too early for Mardi Gras he certainly stood out from the crowd giving away Mills & Boon novels with his two lady assistants. A freebie scored again! Heading back to work through Martin Place the Guide Dogs were on show. Free love for all just by looking at the puppies — they were so cute. Occupy Sydney seem to still be holding on to their camp outside the Lindt Chocolate Cafe with their own Valentine's message although I'm not sure if the guy proudly showing off his t-shirt saying 'Dip me in honey and throw me to the lesbians' will score him some extra love. At the end of the day it was time to head to Cotton Duck via Hyde Park for a Valentine's Day dinner. Along the way there were FREE HUGS offered by Khodor and Crystal — I wonder how many people they put a friendly smile on that day. Lots of couples sitting on the park benches exchanging gifts and gazing into each others eyes. Cupid was certainly at play today.

Breakfast with Audrey on hand to help write your Valentine's card

Free Haigh's Chocolate

Card and chocolate done

The Strand Arcade spreading the love

Card writing service

Photobooth

All you need is Love

Lovely fun decor

Kikki.K window display

Haigh's Chocolates popular today

Mills & Boon cupid — that wasn't his bike by the way

How many people bought red roses today?

Guide Dog puppies on show — too cute!

Occupy Sydney — all class?

Sharing the love

View Larger Map

Sweet Infinity: Rump Steak Pie, Strand Arcade, Sydney (19 May 2010)

Shop 18, Strand Arcade
193-195 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.sweetinfinity.com.au

Meaty Meat Pie

If you're looking for a pie that has decent chunks of real meat in a thinnish yet tasty pastry casing then this one might be for you. Not listed on the TimeOut Sydney's very short listing of Sydney's Best Cheap Pies but perhaps they didn't know about it or it's maybe a bit on the pricey side to be considered? I was actually after the Duck Pie which they seldom seem to make and it's eluded me once again on my visit. I probably like my meaty chunks in pies a bit finer so it's a bit easier to eat and a touch more gravy filling with some tasty herb action going wouldn't go astray to add some extra taste but I can tell they haven't skimped on the meat.

Other visits to Sweet Infinity:

• 19 May 2010 - Rump Steak Pie

• 7 May 2010 - Fruit Tart, Lemon Meringue, Brownie

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Big chunks of meat, Quite filling, No extra charge for tomato sauce

CONS: Maybe a bit too meaty and could possibly do with some extra herbs for taste, A little on the pricey side, No immediate seating available

MUST TRY: Searching for the elusive duck pie or trying their sausage roll next time

—

Rump steak pie $6.50 (including tomato sauce)

View Larger Map

Sweet Infinity: New shop replaces The Olive, Strand Arcade, Sydney (7 May 2010)

Shop 18, Strand Arcade
193-195 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.sweetinfinity.com.au

Sweet location

Having only opened about 2 weeks ago this second store of Sweet Infinity is already becoming very popular. Sadly though it's replaced the equally popular The Olive Italian Food Bar which made excellent sandwiches — if anyone finds out where they have gone please let me know as I loved their fried zucchini! Sweet Infinity's original bakery shop at 53 Riley Street Woolloomooloo is still there but I'm glad there's now one closer in the city to pick up some afternoon sugar treats. A poster inside notifies customers they'll be closed from 15 June till 6 July for renovations so watch out for a brand new look — there's some proposed interior designs on the store wall to check out.

If you're in need of a decent sugar hit then grab yourself a smooth tasting Brownie ($4) which has great depth in chocolate flavour. The larger sized Lemon Meringue Tart ($7) and Fruit Tart ($7) have beautifully thin pastry which goes well with the toppings. I couldn't resist trying the figs in the fruit tart which looked so good. The lemon meringue had a nice crunchy shell. It looks like Central Baking Depot and Bacco Pasticceria have some new competition in town but the more choices the better I say.

Other visits to Sweet Infinity:

• 19 May 2010 - Rump Steak Pie

• 7 May 2010 - Fruit Tart, Lemon Meringue, Brownie

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Centrally located in the city, Quality cakes and pastries

CONS: Possibly will get crowded when busy. Will be closed for renovations. Premium pricing for some items.

MUST TRY: Brownie

—

Fruit Tart $7

Lemon Meringue Tart $7

Brownie $4

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Window display

Takeaway box — logo not quite stamped properly

Shop front — The Strand Arcade, Ground Floor

Original shop bakery — 53 Riley Street Woolloomooloo


View Larger Map

The Olive Italian Food Bar, Sydney (14 July 2009)

CLOSED APRIL 2010

Shop 18, Strand Arcade

193-195 Pitt Street Mall, Sydney NSW 2000

Super Sized Salad Sandwich

OK, this is possibly the biggest salad sandwich in Sydney if not Australia? I always thought the salad in the Tempeh Burger from Hole In The Wall was very generous but it now pales in comparison to this monster muncher. I've previously enjoyed the No. 2 Chicken Schnitzel which is also very generous in size but thought I'd try the fried zucchini with some salad for something different and a bit lighter. Little did I know you get a mountain of salad — I couldn't believe my eyes when I watched it being made. I thought where's my bowl and fork while trying to eat it. I really love the fried zucchini they make here. Choose your time wisely when visiting because it gets very popular and I've often seen long lines queuing outside the door.

Other big sandwich shops:

• Big Bite on Pitt - Pitt Street, 6 Oct 2009

• Olive Italian Food Bar - Strand Arcade, 14 July 2009

• North's Complete Sandwich - Bridge Street, 14 Jan 2009

• Little Vienna - MLC Centre Pitt Street, 12 Jan 2009

Fried Zucchini, Salad, Swiss Cheese, Mayonnaise on Turkish Bread $8.70

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Menu board

Shop front

View Larger Map