Groundbake - Cronulla NSW

Vegetarian pie.

The chicken pie with fennel and spinach had been sold out, so I settled for the option with mushrooms.  It a tad salty to me at the beginning but then the spread evened out. Nice chicken breast meat though and a good crust.   The size was just right for my needs.

I liked the veg pie better.  It has a spicy Mediterranean flavour and textured ingredients.  A nice change from a potato and carrot variety. A contrast to meat pies, although I hang on to my lamb and pork varieties when I am on the run. I was tempted to get a sourdough but ruled out on that eventually.  The Groundbake opens early and is  worth visiting when you are on the beach.I will have to check it out again for other than pies.....

My chicken and mushroom pie.

Groundbake is a t 8 Surf Road, Cronulla NSW.
Opening hours are from 6am to 5pm every week day and from 6am to 3pm on weekends.
Contact + 61 2 9527 2253




 

The Urban on Lantana - Engadine NSW

I had a most delicious Eggs Benedict with avocado slices recently.  The usual combinations with ham or smoked salmon were there but this was the first time I could combine poached eggs with something more flora. 

 The Mayo was not over the top but more like subtle under, which I did not mind, when compared with some other places.  It was an easy morning though and the Urban is rather in the residential heartland of Engadine, a southerly suburb of greater Sydney.  I have heard this place was dishing up interesting items for brunch and even if located away from the business hub, it does have its charm, like a hide away on the edge of a forest.

Toby's Estate blends go with the cuppa.  The friendly staff suggested why not start with a cuppa.    I was captivated by the decor and look of the main counter, with unusual designs and colourful clutter.  Vehicle parking is street side and not hard. 

The variety on the menu appeals to all ages, with fair emphasis on salads, burgers and things for kids.   They do offer recipes and mixed which we may not bother to do so at home, and yet the Urban provides a homely feel for the customers and a variety that we can work through on various visits.  It is also open every day.

There were more than a few families that mid morning at the Urban.  Located at the western side of the Shire (aka Sutherland) , the Urban gives me the impression of  cosiness, that customers feel much at home and its unpolished wooden interiors make this a refuge from the world out there.  The bush is nearby, part of the Royal National Park.

I have been told the sandwiches and sliders are worth trying.   My top choice is the ham sandwich, laden with caramelised onion, home made beet root relish and mixed lettuce on sourdough, a sort of upgraded version of the suburban takeaway fav.  

Bondi Chai, peanut butter, Mozerella stocks, Dukkah eggs, wedges flavoured by Aioli.  Three gluten free options for dessert - orange and almond cake, date and honey loaf plus lemon and sugar crepes.   Kids can have pancakes with maple syrup and cream - yummy.  

There are burgers with lamb, beef and chicken. The Urban Burger has pineapple, bacon and grilled capsicum, amongst other things, with its Angus Beef.   The steak sandwich is a celebration of both Aussie and Mediterranean - with Scotch fillet, char grilled capsicum, mixed lettuce, caramelised onion, Feta with a balsamic glaze, all served on a QSB toast.

My impressions of the Urban on Lantana:
Ambiance: 3 out of 5
Customer Engagement: 3.5 out of 5
Culinary Delight: 3.5 out of 5
X Factor:  2.5  out of 5
Overall:  3.5 out of 5


Recommended menu choices:
Quinoa soy bean toast with spread;
The Urban brownie, served with Nutella and ice cream;
The Vegie Urban, with Rosti, Houlami, mushrooms, spinach, avocado, relish and two eggs in any style on deli rye bread; and
Slow cooked beef wraps garnished by rocket, beetroot and Aioli and served with steak cut chips.






The Urban on Lantana is located at Shop1, 51-53  Lantana Road, Engadine NSW.

Opening Hours are from 630am to 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays; from 630am to 430pm on Fridays;  from730am to 3pm on weekends.
Occasionally their Facebook page does announce themed night openings for dinner time.
Contact +61 411 310 385


 

Garrele Street Kitchen - Cronulla NSW

My poached tiger prawns, with fennel, citrus, avocado, shallots and chilli.

A refreshing clean look with pastel coloured floor boards. Sited at a buzzing foodie hub in South Cronulla Beach, the Gerrale Street Kitchen comes up with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.   Greeted at the entrance,  customers are led to their seats, which can be in an inner chamber for groups, bar like tables for four and along the long but well designed counter for independent on the run singles. 

The restaurant runs deep inside, reminds me of a summery locale and the beach was within walking distance.   The menu has touches of California, Mediterranean, modern Australian.   The place was abuzz with yummy Mummies, day trippers and youngsters that moment.  

Favourites of mine that jumped out of the menu were Zucchini and corn fritters for breakfast; the French Canadian toast with pecan crumble (!!!!), smoked bacon, banana slices, maple syrup and Mascarpone, all carefully balanced on a Brioche French toast; the fig and goats Feta salad, adorned with orange, pomegranate and pistachio; the flamed corn fed chicken thighs for lunch, accompanied by Miso infused Vinaigrette, coriander, charred corn and smoked almonds on a salad base of brown rice.

And yes, there are pizzas - with seven clear choices that celebrate iconic Italian stuff like Mozarella cheese, Prosciutto, San Marzano tomatoes, anchovies, basil, hot or mild Salami sausage rinds and olive oil flavours.

Waffles, fritters and pancakes are what  the gentler gender loves here.  Carefully chosen ingredients like Yuzu, curd, Goji berries and quinoa add to enhance taste and presentation. 

Honey roasted sweet potatoes are my weakness, to me they are better than wedges. Influenced by Greek cooking preferences, they are warm and  assuring on a  cool winter's evening.   

I absolutely was blown over by my poached tiger prawns with avocado smash. They were delicately designed into an elegant horizontal row, standing out with a fresh and yummy countenance.  One bite and I knew this was the light meal I wanted that moment.  The flavours combined well, I figured this was fine dining and the texture of seafood against the contrast of healthy green mush was superb. The sensations of light chilli, citrus juice and fennel remained embedded in the prawns as you bite into them.

Above photo, I noticed the preparation of a chicken salad, it was pretty and yummy looking, although meant for another table.  The individual parts that made the whole were seriously placed and arranged, with gusto by the preparer.  

Blokes should take up the three cut beef burger, with Provolone cheese from near Naples, bacon, hand cut potato chips, the compulsory lettuce and tomato slices garnished with onions and pickled cucumber.   All drizzled with Mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.  Heavenly !

And as you go out, satisfied after the meal, the staff with a smile ask if you were happy with the meal. 

My impressions of the Gerrele Street Kitchen:
Ambiance: 3 out of 5
Customer Engagement: 4 out of 5
Culinary Delight: 4 out of 5
X Factor:  3 out of 5
Overall:  3.5 out of 5


Recommended menu choices:
Corn fed chicken thighs;
French Canadian toast;
Three cut beef burger and 
Poached tiger prawns.





The Garrele Street Kitchen is located at 19-21 Gerrale Street, Cronulla NSW.
Opening hours are from 7am to midnight every day.
Contact +61 2 9523 4111