Cafe>The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria

Address: Building 7A, 2 Huntley St

Alexandria NSW 2015

Phone: (02) 9699 2225

Hours: 

Mon - Fri 7:00am - 4:00pm

Sat - Sun 7:30am - 4:00pm

Breakfast served before 11:30 am 
Lunch served from 12pm onwards

Menu: Everything from Mediterranean to Australian inspired meals to freshly baked breads, cakes and tarts as well as jams and coffee beans to take home! (It is a restaurant, café, bakery and coffee roasting facility after all!)

Main Entrance to "The Grounds of Alexandria

Gorgeous Garden and Communal Tables at "The Grounds"

Atmosphere: What I love most about this place is the fact that it is literally like being in two places at once! Positioned in the busy, grey streets of Alexandria, you would think that it was just another factory building fading into the bland backdrop of brick walls – but what once was an old pie factory (Remember Four’N’Twenty pies!?) has now been transformed into anything but boring and grey! Beyond the bricks is a bright delight of food and flowers with a farm-like flair waiting to be discovered. Once you set foot onto “The Grounds” you will immediately feel like you have been teleported to a mini-town under the Tuscan sun.

On one side is the barnyard fit with a communal tables, a playground, farm and florist with beautifully blooming flowers and ferns cascading over, under and around every corner – creating a relaxing green dream under a rustic roof.

Country-Chic Style Seating Area 

Then there is other side, where the food is served, the bread is baked and the coffee is brewed as the homely, vintage, country-like theme extends throughout the interior of the café/restaurant/wonderland.

Service: Kind, professional but sometimes seem aloof – as if they are counting down the hours until their shift ends (Not sure why, if I worked there I would make up reasons to stay later and sleep under stars amongst the garden beds!)

Price: $6 - $19 for a gourmet reasonably sized meal

               $4 - $8 for drinks both eat-in and takeaway

TJ’s Rating: The reason I keep coming back to this place is not just because I want to try literally everything on the menu but because “The Grounds” is not just a place “to eat and to drink” but it is truly an experience of escapism. It’s not somewhere you go just to have a quick coffee and bite to eat – one, because by the time you’ve found parking twenty minutes has disappeared and two because once you have been seated you may have had to wait another half hour!

But people don’t usually mind the wait as you’re presented with a buzzer and are free to get lost in the garden, sip on a locally roasted latte and curl up next to Kevin until your buzzer goes off!

Our three dishes on a romantic table of flowers and tin-bucket cutlery

Did I mention they have a famous pig called Kevin? They have a famous pig called Kevin! Kevin Bacon to be exact. (I’m not even joking, haha!) Along with Bradley the Sheep and his farm animal friends that caused headlines after being stolen from the farm and just recently returned to their rightful owners of “The Grounds”. Kevin Bacon is always the star of the show as crowds of children and a paparazzo of parents surround the stall, clutching camera phones and ready to snap the latest pics of Kevin and the kids!

Kevin Bacon chilling by his Cubby House

I have to admit I also felt like a serial photographer as I whipped out my iPhone as soon as our perfectly presented plates were served. I came here with two of my food-loving friends on a random weekday for breakfast and we were lucky enough to find parking and be seated within minutes (Sorry, Kevin!).

My friends were feeling fruity so they ordered the Bircher Berry Trifle ($12) and the Seasonal Fruit Salad ($14) with freshly squeezed Orange Juice each ($6.50).

I wanted to try something new and different from the breakfast menu so the “Sweet Pea Falafel” ($17) seemed to tick all the boxes! I also had an Orange Juice ($6.50) as I didn’t want to seem too adventurous for a Tuesday morning.

"Bircher Berry Trifle"

The presentation of the trifle was by far the most impressive out of all the dishes as a glass cup of bircher oats, almonds, coconut and sunflower seeds layered lavishly amongst vanilla yoghurt, summer berries and rhubarb compote. And the taste was equally lavishing and filling!

"Seasonal Fruit Salad"

The fruit salad was served on a board with a shot of vanilla bean yoghurt and side of honeycomb. The presentation was simple and stylish, the fruit was fresh and delicious but the yoghurt was so light, creamy and full of flavour that you just. Wanted. More! (Next time we’ll order an extra five shots of yoghurt on the side.)

"Sweet Pea Falafel" and Orange Juice in a Jar

And then there was my “Sweet Pea Falafel” that was well worth the phone photography before it was devoured. Three sweet little falafels sat comfortably next to two poached eggs drizzled with house made mint yoghurt and an heirloom tomato and herb salad. It all looked so pretty and tasted, well, pretty awesome too! So what to eat first? The falafel or the egg? The two combined created a crunchy yet soft and tasty mix of flavours but it was the mint yoghurt that added that boost of refreshment.

Each juice was served in a cute mason jar with ice and a straw. Again, so refreshing and so cute! (I have never described a beverage as cute before so that’s a first!)

Overall, “The Grounds” is seriously one of my favourite places to go for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Don’t get me started on dessert – if I wasn’t so full from breakfast I would have gladly devoured one of the many slices of heaven!

Cakes, Pies, Tarts, Repeat! :D

There are literally rows upon rows of desserts to chose from that I wouldn’t be surprised if you came here solely for the lemon meringue pie, berry ricotta cheesecake or super-stacked strawberry tart glossing with sugar glaze! (Yum. Seriously. I will be back really soon.)

For an adventure that makes you feel like you are far from Alexandria, or Sydney for that matter, go to “The Grounds”! It will take you on an experience that is tasteful to all the senses and keep you coming back to eat, drink and take photos of the scenery as well as the sensational food. It’s no surprise that valet parking will soon be available at this super-popular, super-cool, super-sheike little barnyard town! (I’m pretty sure it will have it’s own postcode next!)

P.S. Say hi to Kevin for me!

Xxx TJ 

Cafe>Bread & Circus Wholefoods Canteen

Bread & Circus Wholefoods Canteen

Address: 21 Fountain St, 
Alexandria, NSW, 2015

Phone: (02) 9698 2939

Hours: Open 7 Days!
Mon - Sun 7:00am - 4:00pm

 
Menu: Organic, MSG Free, Wheat-free Breakfast and Brunch - Oh and every kind of tea imaginable!

Atmosphere: This place is located along a busy street in Alexandria and in the middle of industrial buildings and factory outlets. Despite its location, it is an easy find for locals and visitors alike – with lines of people queuing in for a table or a take-away Organic Lemongrass and Ginger Soy Chai Tea (*phew* did you get all that!?) The atmosphere is a “juggle” of trendy, busy and hippy with a homely, European feel. Oh and the music ranges from Britney to JT to ABBA!

Service:  Staff are very happy and friendly but too busy to “clown around” and establish a conversation

Price: $7 - $27 for a delicious and healthy snack or meal

TJ’s Rating: This place reminds me a little bit of “The Grounds” with its buzzing atmosphere and European influence but also has a unique vibe unlike anywhere I have been. The crowd ranges from young trendy groups of friends and families to couples stopping for lunch after their morning run.

 I came here with one of my girlfriends who ordered the “fruit plate with seasonal fruit and biodynamic yoghurt” ($15) with a “pink pine” watermelon, pineapple and mint cold pressed juice in a little glass ($6).

I had the “parmesan not-so-scrambled biodynamic eggs with real truffle oil, under shaved parmesan served with avocado, tomato, baby spinach fresh herbs and sourdough” ($18) – although it is a mouthful to say – it was a worth the words and the price, a truly perfect breaky! Although the “fresh herbs” aka coriander garnish was “not-so-scrumpitous” for me as I can’t stand even the slightest taste of it! I sipped on “the ranga” cold pressed juice, which was a blend of orange and watermelon juice. It was refreshing but definitely not worth $8 for a tall glass. I had never ordered a “ranga” in my life so that was also a first! 

Overall the food, the presentation and atmosphere is truly delightful but not somewhere to go if you’re not willing to wait for a seat. I would recommend the “not-so-scrambled eggs” as it is filling, the bread it hot and fluffy and the whole dish just works! As I looked around, everyone else seemed to be ordering it as well! 

We finished off with “Himalayan English Breakfast Tea” which did not disappoint but from first glace looked like something from my High School Science class (milk was served in glass beaker!? Weird.) 

With over 2,400 likes on Facebook , a menu that is “uploaded” online everyday and a range of biodynamic, organic, MSG free, wheat-free, super-duper healthy food, how could you not “like” this circus of food and fun!

Cafe> Café Bella Dee

Café Bella Dee

Egg-White Omelette served with Toasted Sour Dough Bread

Address: 36 Tuffy Ave

Sans Souci NSW 2219

Phone: (02) 9583 9016

Hours: 

Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 3:30pm

Sat- Sun: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Menu: Classic Breakfast and Café Style Brunch

Atmosphere: Situated on a secluded corner of Sans Souci, this award winning café is where all the locals are able to take a trip to Paris without leaving their suburb! The French Provincial themed décor will make you feel like you are ready to mingle with Monet, as the black and white striped walls and Parisian printed pillows add comfort and couture to this cute little café. Despite its petit size, this place serves up a spacious outdoor seating area for any summer’s day. Even the suburb, “Sans Souci” is French for “without care” or in Aussie terms “no worries”, so it is no wonder the atmosphere is nothing but laid-back and relaxed.

Service: Polite, Easy-going and Conversational

Price: $8 - $18 for a Medium-sized Meal

Café Bella Dee: Parisian Inspired Menu

TJ’s Rating: I keep coming back to this place, not just for my love of all things French but because the menu has a range of meals for my sweet tooth as well as for the days where I want to be “healthy” (which is once every decade for me!). You will be saying “bon appétit” to the Little-Pan Breakfast, Egg-White Omelette and last but not least the French Toast topped with vanilla cream, fresh berry compote, maple syrup and icing sugar. Oh and don’t get me started on the Macarons – they are melt-in-your-mouth Magnifique! I must admit, I did expect a larger serving of omelette but overall nothing else has disappointed me – oh wait, I wish they were open for dinner too! This is the perfect place for a first date or an intimate catch up with close friends! Je t’aime Bella Dee!

Cafe > Café Neptune

Image: www.dimmi.com.au/restaurant/cafe-neptune

Café Neptune

Address: 87 The Grande Parade,
Brighton Le Sands NSW 2216

Phone: (02) 9567 8590

Hours: 8:30am – 11:30pm 

Menu: Big Breakfasts, Gourmet Sandwiches, Cafe Style Lunch and Dinner

Atmosphere:  Café Neptune is one of the many chaotic cafes across the road from the beach in Brighton Le Sands. You will be surrounded by young families, couples and large groups of friends who have made Café Neptune their favourite local place to meet, greet and eat!

Service: Friendly, Approachable and Timely

Breakfast:$6.50-$17.90
Entrees: $13.90-$18.90
Mains: $18.90-$29.90

TJ’s Rating: My friends enjoyed a perfectly cooked penne boscaiola and a succulent souvlaki plate. I devoured a beautiful Barramundi topped with tangy avocado salsa, bok choy and king prawns on a bed of mashed potato! Even the entrée was exquisite - one of the best bruschetta plates I have had in a while and being Italian, I am pretty hard to please in this area!

Cafe > Sidnees Cafe

Image: http://thefoodlogblog.blogspot.com.au/

Sidnees Cafe

Address: 53 Burwood Rd, Burwood NSW 2134
Phone: (02) 9715 7466

Hours: 8:30 am–12:30 am

Menu: Cafe style food and Hubbly Bubbly (Argyle)

Atmosphere:  Located on the main strip of Burwood, it is the most popular cafe on the street. The outdoor seating area is where all the action happens but if you’re looking for some quiet time then head straight inside for a comfortable but deserted experience.

Service: Friendly but forgetful at times

Mains: $9.90-$30.90

Dessert: $6.90-$15.90
Argyle: $28 - $30

TJ’s Rating: Sidnees Cafe is always loud and crowded with groups of guys wearing hoodies and Everlast attire. Sightings of over-tanning and cake faces also come in packs of two or three. This is the place to go for a mean steak, Moroccan tea and a mint flavoured smoke!