Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills

It's no secret that I love brunch. It's borderline lunch time but you get to have your breakfast fix. Nothing cheers me up quite like it, I must admit. Paramount Coffee Project has been all the rage lately. I see people posting picture after picture of it on Instagram. The place is immaculate.So obviously, I just HAD to check it out.

Routine calls me to start off with a long black. This was undeniably a good cup.

This is a soft shell crab po boy! YES, I had it for breakfast. But no, I didn't finish the entire lot, I did however split it with my friend. I have a soft spot for soft shell crab. It's just dang tasty without the hassle of trying to yank things out of their shells. The batter was crunchy, there was coleslaw in there which I'm never really a fan of. It could've used something with kick, dibs on SRIRACHA! Came with some chips and pickles. The chips were waaay too salty. After one or two, you won't be keen for another, sadly.

The Forrester's, Surry Hills

Lunch or dinner after uni classes is a regular routine for me and my friends. There's this place in Surry Hills called The Forrester's, they serve decent pub food at decent prices, and a good atmosphere too. Also, they have daily specials during lunch time where they just punch down the prices a fair bit.

Crushed Apple Cider- $7

Waiting for the food with a glass of Monteith's Crushed Apple Cider. I'm a big fan of cider, this one is on the sweet side but still a tinge sour and crisp.

Chicken Schnitzel Parmigiana- $12

Suzie Q, Surry Hills

Tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Surry Hills, is Suzie Q. It's a cafe at the same time a shop that sells vinyl records. It's got a super chill vibe, some vintage or what people have coined hipster these days. The staff was ultra friendly, but not to the point that you'd feel awkward though- they're accommodating. It's such a great place to just hangout and have an ultra long conversation with someone you haven't seen in a while.  

See the records on sale? 

I love those vintage touches here and there too!

Queenie's, Surry Hills

Well, you know there's nothing better than a little bit of celebration after an exam. Admittedly, my exam yesterday wasn't my last but I'm still pretty dang relieved. So we trekked the city, shopping and what not on a massively hot day and walked all the wall uphill to Surry Hills just to go to Queenie's.*

The atmosphere was very 80's, I guess. The whole place was heaps chill and reggae music was pumping like there's no tomorrow. 

Jerk cucumber

They gave us some complimentary jerk cucumber to try. Nothing too special- just a some cucumber with a hit of spice.

UHH.. I forgot what it's called &Jamaican Sangria- $10/each 

Well-mixed cocktails make me sooooooo happy- there's nothing quite like it. These ones were phenomenal. They hit the spot. They were so refreshing. Quite the bomb! I could seriously spend a day on the beach, reading a book, working my tan and sipping on these. It would make my day. 

Prawn, Mango, Ginger Bammie- $10

Pulled pork & Pineapple Bammie- $10

Basically, I'd say this is tropical translation of a taco. They're small handfuls that are definitely worth having before having the mains. So fresh and gutsy at the same time.

Gnome, Surry Hills

Brunch at a cafe is always good.

Last Sunday, I had a rather spontaneous brunch with two of my good mates. Generally, it's not very often that we get to hang out cause the stress from university work is sometimes just too much to handle. You should see Surry Hills on a Sunday, every single cafe is packed regardless of how big or small it is. There's a waiting line for every single cafe, and when you're a fair bit pressed for time, it might not be the best choice.

We were eyeing one of my favourites, Four Ate Five but the place was really swarmed with people. There was a small cozy cafe right across the street that seemed pretty good as well. There weren't a whole lot of things on their menu, just pretty much the basics were present. And on SUNDAY, they serve all day brekkie! 

Skim Cap, my thing.

Adara's Green Tea

Saz's Ice Coffee

Coffee and tea to start. When it comes to brunches and the cafe lifestyle sort of thing, you need some good coffee, duh. Sadly, this wasn't quite up to scratch. The coffee lacked that fantastic pungent aroma.

Reuben Hills, Surry Hills

Icebergs!

Bondi that sunny morning!

During a much needed break, my friend Adara and I first headed to Bondi for a swim at Iceberg's. It's such a lovely place and the weather was absolutely terrific. The thing was.. the pool was so chilly even though it was sunny, it was so cold it made my whole body numb. And it hardly went away even after swimming a fair number of laps.

I love how industrial the feel of place is.

After that gruelling swim, we went to Reuben Hills. It's the place to be these days! A lot of people will term the place hipster- it's hip and happening.

Shakespeare Hotel's Epic Cheap Steak.

I've been skipping breakfast to catch up on sleep.

It's really bad.

Midday, I crave steak.

Big fat juicy hearty steak.

My friend Adara is adventurous, and craves just as much as I do.

We headed to Shakespeare for the infamous $12.50 T-bone.

The T-bone comes with a side salad, mash or chippies, and your chosen sauce.

We had a good meal and ended up with full, really stuffed bellies.

It's a classic.

Good pub, good grub.

A tad dodgy looking sign outside. 

Classic.

The beers on tap.

Fantastic Coffee at Le Monde, Surry Hills

I've got quite the crazy schedule this semester. There's 9-7 Wednesdays. I find it totally repulsive especially since my class the next day starts at 9! But anyway, I've got this 2 hour break in between classes, and of course from all the design crit and stress, my friends and I want- more than anything- to slip away and relax. One of my friends, who happens to be a barista suggested this lovely place on Foveaux.

Oh BTW, it's one of the BEST places for coffee in Sydney.

interiors.

There's the special board with all the lovely sounding things on it. 

'

The cococoffee station.

Four Ate Five, Surry Hills

I've had really time-pressed few days this week, plus, hardly any sleep last night. I'm not in the best mood, I was all panicky and all over the place this morning. I feel like all I want is my mother. I sound like a freaking 5 year old now. That is a tad pathetic. But anyway, let's skip to the point- Four Ate Five!

Four Ate Five has been crowned Sydney's Best Cafe by Timeout Magazine. It's a really simple, homy, feel good cafe, nothing showy or pretentious. It's the type of place where I could stay the whole afternoon reading a book, or writing a blog post. I went with my friends, and we just chilled. Which was just fantastic compared to the usual crazy chaotic fast pace that we are in.*

Bills, Surry Hills, Australia

This is BILL.
He's the King of Breakfasts.
I think he's brilliant!

This is one of the places that you ABSOLUTELY MUST GO when you're in Australia. They are famous for their all-day breakfasts! Especially their heavenly eggs and fluffy ricotta pancakes.

Daryl and her hot chocolate!:)

Merchelle and her Chai Latte & Honey!

My hot mug of coffee <3

First off, for drinks, Daryl had the Hot Chocolate with Callebaut. It was a rather different take on the traditional hot chocolate! If I remember correctly, she loved it to bits! Our epic friend Merchelle had the Chai Latte! May I just say that it was oh so good!:) As for me, I had the Bills Own Organic Coffee by Single Origin Roasters! I used to be such a coffee freak! I just had to have one, a skinny one!:) I LOVED IT!:)

Billy Kwong, Surry Hills, Australia

Billy Kwong on Crown Street

Here goes Kylie Kwong, the woman with a telly show on the Discovery Lifestyle Channel, cooking away talking about szechuan pepper and organic produce. I'd initially think that her restaurant would be a lot bigger and it would span a larger variety of food. But it was a quite exclusive, like you'd really have to wait outside her restaurant before 5pm, in time for the opening. The day we went, it was raining and it was quite a burden to wait outside.

Hand-written Specials Menu

Some dishes on the menu are said to vary from day to day since they try to buy locally grown, organic, and biodynamic food! I found it quite interesting and apparently they just use organic produce cause it's more expensive.

It was quite cozy and packed

The waitstaff were really accommodating, and they also explained the specials that were on for the day. We took a fair amount of time making up our minds on what to order since everything looked smashingly good.

Bourke Street Bakery, Surry Hills

As of the moment, I'm in love with bakeries. In comparison to the Philippines, there's so much more variety in bakeries here- they have so much more to offer. They're uncomplicated, inviting, and rustic. Each time I step into a bakery, it feels like I've stepped into a whole different realm. It's peaceful and I could just stay there, reading a book, eating some delectable bread and sipping a hot cuppa.

My friend and I headed to Bourke Street Bakery at the end of an overwhelming day. We decided to trek instead of catching a bus since we've eaten so much that day. It was nearing 5pm which means the stores are on the verge of closing. We brisk walked all the way to Surry Hills just in time to buy some of their treats. I, for one was excited like no other because I've been dying to try this bakery for the longest time! I've just been to chicken to go alone since I might get lost!

I LOVE THIS PLACE, NO QUESTIONS ASKED

The front of the bakery was plastered with the word BOULANGERIE, a French word that translates to bakery. The place was quite small really, and there weren't many people since they were closing in a couple of minutes. Usually, there is quite a queue! The staff that attended to us was quite cheery and nice. I asked him about the bestsellers of the bakery, he said quite a couple of things, I was staring too intently at the bread and pastries that I just caught brulee tart and lamb sausage roll. And so I ordered a Strawberry Vanilla Brulee Tart, Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Curd Tart, Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll, and a Lamb & Harissa Sausage Roll.

Best Brulee Tart Ever

We ate the Strawberry Vanilla BruleeTart right then and there because we couldn't resist. It was love at first bite. It's definitely my favorite among all the tarts that I had. The creme was so silky and smooth, but not runny. There were flecks of vanilla bean in it too. The top shell of glimmering caramelized sugar just gives the tart that extra crunch. My friend commented, he said it was HEAVEN.

Brulee, Mousse, and Lemon Curd

The Raspberry Chocolate Mousse was very dark and full-bodied. I love the fact that they sprinkled chocolate cake crumbs over the top of the tart. The Lemon Curd Tart on the other hand was very sharp and tangy. I was feeling a bit of a pig when I had this. I paired with vanilla ice cream and strawberries- PERFECT HARMONY.

SAUSAGE ROLLS!!

The sausage rolls were fantastic! I adore the Lamb & Harissa Sausage Roll cause it was so fragrant and aromatic! There were heaps of spices plus raisins! It fully exhibited the Moroccan vibe as well! If you ask me, flavor-wise, it resemble the Tunisian Fish Fillet with Rice Pilaf of Cafe Mediterranean Cafe in the Philippines. EPIC. The Pork & Fennel Sausage roll I liked less. The fennel was just too overpowering for me.

The lovely neighborhood, I shall live here on day!

This is my favorite bakery of the moment. It's been named one of the Best in Sydney, and no, it's no overrated. It's really fantastic. I love the location of the bakery as well, it's on a humble street, and the houses are so cute and quaint. I will live there someday. And I'll be going to the organic groceries around the neighborhood and visit the art galleries as well. Oh, too much daydreaming!:)

I can't wait to find time to head to this bakery once again! Probably next week?:)

Bourke Streeet Bakery
633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills
Sydney 2000

Erciyes Turkish Pide

I was supposed to make another batch of cookies today, but there was a whole day of enjoyment in store so it was bye bye cookies.

Today turned out FANTASTIC. Anyway, my dad and I headed to the city and we decided to try this Turkish Takeaway that is rumoured to have the BEST TURKISH PIDE in SYDNEY. He just couldn't resist since he's such a big fan of pides. We walked for I'd say 30 minutes to get to the Turkish Takeaway, Erciyes. It was hot today and I was sweating like a pig. Upon arriving, I felt so relieved to be out of the scorching sun. The place was quaint and inviting. Some Turkish men, I presume, were making kebabs and cooking around.

Okay, so pide is a Turkish dish which involves oval pieces of flatbread that wraps around some fillings. The common fillings are spinach, cheese, garlic, chicken, beef, and pork. They are cooked in an oven for around 10 minutes until brown. It is brushed with oil and served with lemon.

spinach, cheese, garlic & egg pide

Cured meat pide

We ordered a 2 pides, a spinach, cheese, egg & garlic one and a Turkish cured meat with cheese & onion. As soon as I ordered them, a man behind the counter started rolling out 2 pieces of dough and filling them up. The way the man made the pide was amazing, he moved with such precision and skill. After making them, he placed them in the oven and the dreadful wait began. My stomach was rumbling and I couldn't wait to have a taste of these scrumptious flatbreads.

Lovely wilted spinach pide

The pides came out of the oven and my mouth was watering like there was no tomorrow! The man brushed them with oil, chopped them up and packed them with a wedge of lemon! We hurriedly found a place to sit and started digging in. The smell of the pide with the cured meat was remarkable. It reminded me so much of beef jerky! Oh, beef jerky, how I love thou.

Heavily spiced cured meat pide

I tried the spinach one first, it was mind-blowing! The minute I sunk my teeth into the flatbread, it was soooo chewy! OH THAT'S LOVE RIGHT THERE!:) The spinach was insanely good! The cheese was so stretchy, there were long strands of it everywhere! The cured meat pide was tasty as hell but then it would get a bit salty when you've had quite a bit of it! The egg on both pides were moist like sunny side up eggs. And the lemon heightened everything!:) TWO THUMBS UP!

I now share the love of pide with my dad. And now, I shall devour my Green & Black's Ginger Chocolate. It's been staring at me since who knows when!:)

Erciyes Takeaway and Restaurant
409 Cleveland Street
Surry Hills, Sydney