The Grounds of Alexandria

I love Sydney for many reasons - the weather, the people, the crazy number of excellent cafes. Inner west's newest hot spot, The Grounds of Alexandria buzzes with chatter (there's not an empty seat in the house) and wafts of delicious smells swirl around the room from the open kitchen. This place is owned by creative entrepreneur, Ramsey Choker and renowned coffee guru Jack Hanna, so naturally has something of an experimental paradise feel to it. 

While waiting for a table, you can visit the foodie emporium next door, Salt Meats Cheese.

Or you can play with Kevin Bacon, the piggy. He's so cute!!!

Hand made paperdelle with slow braised lamb and peas (My personal favourite).

The Grounds Breakfast Board (hey, we earned it!)

Slow 6 hour smoked Ham Hock.

Outrageously delicious fig and pistachio tart...

and this cheeky little fresh strawberry tart.

Get in early for a table at this popular Alexandria jewel. Do it ahead of time because it can be tricky to get in... but it's well worth the wait.

Building 7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria, 2015
Mon-Fri: 7am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: 7.30am - 4pm

https://www.facebook.com/GroundsRoasters 

Mr Crackles / Gelato Messina

I know a little place in Sydney that you're gonna like. It's called Mr Crackles.

I went for the Crackles Classic and frenchie went for the 12 hour lamb. The lamb roll was good...but the Crackles Classic was definitely the better choice. Perfectly cooked with a great ‘snap’ as you bite into it. The soft, chewy french bread rolls are a serious win too. Viet pork roll – 0 Crackles Classic – 1.

It’s a great place to grab a quick lunch/dinner...but probably not the most elegant choice for a date. 

My favourite snack. The crackling. It's only $5 but honestly worth its weight in gold.

Fancy the best roast pork sandwich in Sydney? Find them in 155 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010.

Mon-Wed 11am-8pm

Thurs 11am-9pm

Fri 11am-3am

Sat noon-3am

Sun noon-9pm

http://www.mrcrackles.com.au/ 

With the hot days we got recently, indulging in gelato is necessary. Just a short stroll from Mr Crackles we ended up at Gelato Messina. There is always a long queue, but sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself...

I love Messina's gelato. It reminded me of the gelato we had when we went to Italy a few years ago.

Gelato? Not a healthy dessert. But let me assure you - this is worth it. Highly recommended by...me! :)

389 Crown Street,
Surry Hills

Sun-Thurs 12pm-11pm
Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm

http://www.gelatomessina.com/ 

Quay

Frenchie took me to Quay, a firm favourite in the Sydney food scene. In 2013, the restaurant was voted no. 48 on the San Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants. 

Located at Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal, with bang-on views from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge.

The food was utterly spectacular! Hang on, and I'll walk you through the menu...

Amuse bouche of soft white carrot puree, edible flowers and caviar (complimentary).

Crispy confit of pig belly, gentle braise of abalone and cuttlefish, handmade silken tofu, japanese mushrooms, chive flowers.

Congee of North Australian mud crab, fresh palm heart and egg yolk emulsion.

Amuse bouche of Truffle consommé (complimentary).

Squab and abalone, rare cultivated greens, fresh jersey milk curd, anchovy and seaweed broth.

Red claw yabbies, garlic scented custard, yabby velvet.

My fav dish - Berkshire pig jowl, maltose crackling, prunes, cauliflower cream, perfumed with pure kernel oil.

Just as you think you've died and gone to heaven, they bring out the desserts.

The amazing raspberry granita and vanilla Snow Egg.

I can safely say that if you haven’t tried their snow egg, you haven’t lived.

Jersey cream, pedro ximenez, salted caramel, prune, confetti.

...and wash it all down with Sunlight Surprise and Harbourview cocktails. 

So for a special occasion where you don't mind spending a few dollars and wish to enjoy some of the best views while dining on the Sydney Harbour, I would recommend Quay. Friday - Sunday evenings are booked out 6 months in advance. Make sure you plan ahead and book early! :)

http://www.quay.com.au/