The French House Waterloo NSW

The gilt edge mirrors, chandeliers from another age and the very Euro feel of its Baroque interiors were what captivated us to come in.  It reminds me of plush curtained windows in drawing rooms while the heavy snow piled outside.....hey but the weather was more tropical with the sunny intensity of what can only be in Australia, even if I am told it is already autumn here.

The displays are magnificent, with quiches, pastries,  cakes, tarts, sandwiches, wraps, bread loaves  - delicate and bold creations sitting beside each other and looking pretty.

 I love the ambiance here, though it can be a bit shaded and dark for some others.  I am captivated by the thoughts of sitting on those unmatched cushioned chairs listening and talking to close friends, or just chilling out on what life has to offer, or merely to sit and relax with people we are comfortable enough to not put up with pretensions one may see in other parts of the Big Smoke.

I thoroughly enjoyed my two layered vanilla and custard Mille-Feuille, to me  the Creme Patisserrie was light yet full of taste and texture.   Never mind the sprinkling of icing sugar at the top.  I love this creation perhaps partly because it is not just a chunk of cake but offers different and delicate sensations when I bite in to it, yum.

The coffee is Campos but on this occasion I had the mocha, perhaps in  a vain attempt to transverse both worlds on a day when I already had my high intake of caffienated stuff.   My companions did not speak much about their Chai lattes or hot chocolate - I would have to pursue them further on their impressions.   I had been warned before hand of varying customer service levels here, but we found it was good for us though.  Maybe it depends on who was around working when one drops by -  but I am not sure.

I will not have done justice, to say more at this juncture, about the French House on this quick drop by, but I look forward to at least having the croissants and baguettes on a next more leisurely encounter there.  Again my scouts have asked me to look out for the absence of dryness, freshness of the dough or pastry and the clever use of dressings or garnish in my future judgements - all very handy.

I am not a fan of tarts, but some customers  have gone for their strawberry or Ricota chocolate tartlets, when I did look around then sitting in what I reckoned was a leisurely experience.

On balance, the French House can be considered for a brunch or breakfast session in a more sophisticated surrounding, instead of the usual new fangled post industrial or rustic farmhouse look that seems to permeate the designs and lay out many of the new wave of cafes and restaurants in the greater Sydney area.  Each person must manage his or her expectations versus reality in the foodie world, but also take into account factors beyond the details of food and drink, to evaluate a holistic experience.  The French House does live up to its image as something French in the end - despite Campos being there....



The French House is located at 1G Danks Street Waterloo NSW, at the corner with Philip Street.
Opening hours are from 730am to 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 730am to 5pm from Fridays to Sundays.

Contact +61 2 8399 2770





 

Lettuce B. Frank Wholefoods Cafe - Wollongong NSW

Breakfast laced with Dukkah flavours with roast tomatoes, poached egg and sourdough.

Perhaps this is the Sydney Cornersmith of the Illawarra, or leading to this?  Many of the varied cafes, delis and wholesale providers in this region are on a journey, some half way, others in an eclectic mix between the casual, popular and seriously organic.  Several stand out in their creations put on the table for retail customers, others have niches in baking and more.

Let us be frank - the location of their Wollongong city centre cafe is strategic but can be a bit inconvenient for those driving from the suburbs, southern Sydney or passing through to the South Coast of New South Wales.  Once you manage to get there, it can be a lovely experience, with a casual home feel, many youngsters lounging around, produce and products lovingly displayed and even a view at the verandah to the railway tracks below.  You are then further drawn inside the cafe by no artificiality, no manufactured processing, less gluten, no added sugars and al naturale.

Salads can be much a personalised matter, but it is in the combinations.  You can have your  Nashi pear, walnuts, basil, rocket, snow pea sprouts  and sun dried tomatoes sitting on your kitchen counter - but how does one ensure the right bite, flavours and health combos?  There is a kind of Mediterranean influence in the LBF salad options, with Kalamatta olives thrown in good measure or with tomato Bocconcini  and basil.

An Aussie adopted favourite is the Lasagne, here totally vegetarian or beef -  and the other is the butter chicken with rice.    There is also a traditional Greek salad (the Horiatiki with key ingredients like Feta, onions, tomato and olives)  in addition to seasonal gourmet salad offerings.

What I personally find outstanding are:

 The coconut with Quinoa and pumpkin scones.   The outcomes transcend cultures and are an interesting twist on the Aussie journey to being more multi-cultural and cosmopolitan.

Friands and Paleo banana loaves with fruit bits.

Miniature Brioche and artisan bread with classic Australian fillings like ham, lettuce, egg and BLT.

Choice is definitely a feature at LBF for those who are more careful about their food, but with less variety than Cornersmith in Marrickville, inner Sydney, which is rather a leader in organic pickling and preserve making as well. 

Early bird specials are an option for those early morning commuters at LBF.    There is outside seating but then you may have to put up with the passing traffic.   The staff are easy going but bring your orders quick, often helping customers out as to where they prefer to be seated.  Many lunchers are casually dressed.  This part of town does not have cafes as in a hub, except for the nearby Sandy Goodwich.

Lettuce B. Frank is located at 337 Princess Highway beside the road bridge over the tracks of the Wollongong main rail station, at the southern end of Wollongong city centre near its main hospital.
Opening hours are from from 6am to 4pm every weekday and from 7am to 2pm on weekends.
Contact +61 2 4228 5288
Vehicle parking can be a challenge on busy days and it may be best to take the train or the free Gong Shuttle which does drop by a nearby bus stop. Do choose the correct route taken by this shuttle as there are two loops, one to the south (which takes you to Lettuce B. Frank) and another side of Wollongong CBD.
At time of writing, LBF Wholefoods is being planned for schools, universities and canteens.




 

Il Nido Trattoria Pizzeria Revisited - Balgownie NSW

"Oh yes, there are so many diners now."   It seems the evening had built to a crescendo of aromas, flavours and guests.  The level of chatter was hitting the ceiling.

Outside, on a narrow paved foot path, there was a long table laid out, with white and red check cloth, as if this was in the middle of an olive grove.  Okay, I begun to finally get it - this was a family gathering, a community hub and a place to relax with many people.  No standing around  like cocktail hour in Aussie joints, with customers holding their precious half empty glass, I noticed  - the Italian tradition is to be seated,  and I mean seated close to each other.  The conversation is important, the listening look is critical and the wine is important.   The Giulani family photos are lovingly still on the wall.

The servings are wholesome, cooked well and welcome.  Wine is BYO but there is a good in-house selection of craft beer, Peroni on tap and imported beer as well as Aussie stubbies of VB, James Boags and Tooheys.   Il Nido for many years is well known for its liquors, port, Bourbons, rum and digestives and the tradition is still continued after being embedded by Adriano's parents.

There are three important menus - seasonal, black board and takeaway.  Oh yes, it is still best to phone in for your take away orders and then come at your leisure.

On our most recent visit,  there was a unnerving concentration of people walking in and huddling around the inside of the front entrance  - were they waiting for their take aways, or hoping for an unbooked table, or just undecided what to do next?   I recognised  a person from the past but this chap turned his face away once he recognised me, even under the dim reddish light - how sad, it is his baggage.  

The gradually darkening outside soon became solid night fall.   The headlights of turning and parking cars could be seen through the windows.  The chatter continued.  Breads alternated with wines, pizzas, beers, cured meats and mains.  Village life still flourishes.

Risotto, Ragu, cheeses and antipasto are staples, as from the old country, but now served in an upbeat contemporary style.

I recognise Adriano, busy inside the open but long deep kitchen as usual - and also one of his long time staff, a young man with spectacles and serious about his work.  They are both easy to talk to. My pork belly should be shared by three but I have it all by myself, a tad rich.  A mate has the veal, which was not top notch this evening due to supply variations, but we thought it is good for the staff to know.   The bespectacled young man takes this in his stride and I am impressed.

Il Nido Tratorria Pizzeria is located at Shop 1 of 154 Balgownie Road in Balgownie Village NSW, up the slope from the Balgownie Collegians and adjacent to the Bally Pub across the roadway.
Opening hours are from 530pm till late every evening except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Contact +61 2 4284 8664

Costa Azzura Revisited - Fairy Meadow NSW

The penne with prawns turned out to be appetising and full of flavoured sauce.  Thin shaves of Parmesan topped the act.    A fresh grind of black pepper lifted the game from an already well done offering.  It was not overly rich with the tomato based sauce - just right!  Serving was not over loading but good enough to saviour as a starter.

As a friend  remarked on Facebook, "Now, that is what I call a real pizza!"

A serve of salad that has it all in my mind - salty, sour, savoury and Unami.  The sun dried tomatoes were luscious, the Fetta was solid and the greens soaked in the dressing.   And the salty temptations on top.....

Three wafer like layers balanced like a flowering bloom that has been garnished with love.   Each of us took a layer each.  The result  - light, crispy and full of various sensations.  An excellent way to tease the palate at the end of a three course  meal -  it mellows the heart, it lightens any burdens and pleases the mind.

We had a Toblerone cheesecake slice when the Tiramisu was no longer available from the kitchen pantry.  And what  a good alternative choice.  The strawberry on top off set the light creaminess.  The wafer was a visual focus point.  I loved the nutty feel and taste in the main body of the cake.   When shared amongst the three of us, it was not gluttony but a pleasure.






The Costa Azzura Italian Restaurant is located at 71 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow NSW.
Opening hours are from 5pm every evening except Mondays.
Contact + 61 2  4285 4520

The Blackwood Pantry - Cronulla NSW

All systems go at the barista bar.

Chef Rob Lechowicz comes with pedigree to the Blackwood Pantry, in Sydney's iconic shire - Sutherland - and great Aussie beach hub, Cronulla.   Call it lifestyle, name it personal achievement, for Rob is part of a three person team behind this delightful easy going village gathering point with a buzz and culinary adventure.  Rob, together with Paul Pisani and Daniel Sorridimi, has collaborated on a menu with careful harmonised ingredients that bring out their best in taste and culinary outcomes, as well proving an optimal and practical selection of alcohol offerings, teas and coffee blends.

Brewtown Newtown lost Sam Cornish to man the exacting barista quality at Blackwood Pantry - and it shows.  Roasted beans are sourced from Artificer, Reuben Hills and Edition, so there is no lack of lack of choice. 

Chef Rob was the Executive Sous Chef at the Greenhouse in London and the Premier Chef-de-Partie at the Chateau Cordeillan Bages in Pauillac - both are establishments blessed with two Michelin stars.  On the day of visit, Rob can be seen focused intense at his passion behind the open kitchen counter, a vibe that spreads to his hard working staff, who maintain a friendly interactive despite a busy afternoon.  They do not insist on a customer ordering at the counter as many other cafes do.  When they ask how everything is, it is not perfunctory but with an effort to know how and why, in a natural way.

It did not take long to be served after deciding and ordering. 

The menu pricing is attractive.  Kids can have their crispy chicken and chips, plus even Paddle Pops! Or an interesting fruit salad.   Not for them, though, the cocktail on a pineapple, lychee, coconut and mint Slushee.  French toast comes with white choc....and wait, there is also ginger and poached Sichuan peaches.

One of the best things I settled for, not wanting anything too strong at this time of the day, was to ask for the salted caramel milkshake, with an awesome idea of having honeyed pop corn on this  - it did awake the child within me.  The young lady who brought this amazing creation to me was as delightfully astounded by the milkshake as me.

A signature dish, the Buddha Bowl is popular with the fairer gender. Toasted almonds, lemon squirts and a buttermilk dressing are sprinkled over the essentials of Quinoa and kale, strengthened by roasted cauliflower and pickled red cabbage.  I am not sure of this myself, although I acknowledge the good resulting texture  - perhaps it is just too green fro my taste.   

I prefer the Morning Glory (not the stir fried veg as common in Vietnam) which has a solid base of Tandoori roasted sweet potato and chorizo slices to hold up kale, a soft boiled egg, avocado and pickled red onions, before being dressed by goat's cheese.   Yum, heavenly and healthy...

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Miss Piggy when served, above and when devoured by me, below - one of the most tasty crackling pork belly, in generous portions as well, accompanied by dollops of goats cheese, Chimichurri  sauce, rocket and roasted  peach slices.   All served on a toasted Ciabatta.  The green sauce from Argentina goes well with grilled meats as many ranchers and ranchers at heart will tell you.

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Roasted rib eye is given an Asian theme, with pomegranate, Thai basil, Spanish onions and eggplant.   Lamb shoulder is Dukkah glazed and given a garnish of lime, basil, grape, zucchini and green apple.  These softens the character of the meat whilst also providing more balance on the taste. 

 Looming prawns are served with tomatoes.  The ever present eggs is given a poached treatment Turkish style accompanied by Paprika, mushrooms and yoghurt, a delicate combination for those who want to have light but yummy.

Daily delights at the front counter - but there are also salads, cured stuff and perhaps less sugary stuff.

In the variety of teas,  apart from standards like Masala Chai, Jasmine and Egyptian Rose, there is a curiously named "Inhale, Exhale" option that contains the rather interesting combination of  flavours of fennel seeds, peppermint, lemon myrtle and nettle leaf.   So Byron Bay, perhaps?

 A jug of Sangria laced with peaches, mint and strawberry sensations, golden ale, Peronas, Poker Face label reds and whites, cider  - these are the easy options for a drink before the eat.  The Blackwood pantry reinforces the increasing trend in Aussie set ups for combining a more vigorous licensed bar instead of just captivating with the food.

On tap is the Newtowner from Young Henry's summer ale  - a must have.

Honeyed pop corn are lavishly topped over my salted caramel shake - wah wah!

I cannot wait to get back when I can!

The Blackwood Pantry is located at 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla NSW.  Not far from Woolworths and a block away from South Cronulla Beach.

Opening hours are from 630am to 4pm for weekdays (closed on Mondays) and from 7am to 4pm on weekends.
Contact +612 9544 4857
Bookings are not available, come as you are.