Itacate

When I found Rico’s Tacos, I thought my Mexican drought in Sydney was finally over. And whilst that was definitely the case, I apparently don’t know when quitting while ahead means. After all, if there’s one good Mexican place in Sydney, then there’s bound to be more, right? Like most people with their ear to the ground, I have heard of Tamaleria and Mexican Deli in Dulwich Hill, which until recently, was reputed to be the only authentic Mexican restaurant in Sydney. However I’ve never managed to make it out there, so it was just as well that Rosa Cienfuegos, the matriarch responsible, decided to open Itacate in Redern. Although it’s meant to be a restaurant-ier take than the original,…

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13/10/2021
Just A Bit Special ($20-$35), Mexican, Redfern, Street Food

Lockdown Special no. 2 – Black Star Pastry

In the midst of lockdown, I finally closed the book on 4 years of medical school with a brutal slew of 5 exams over 5 days. Normally this would be a cause to celebrate with several fancy meals with several of my favourite people, but that was unfortunately unable to happen for obvious reasons. But you know what? Things weren’t actually all that bad. In addition to a whole bunch of self-indulgent online shopping, I was also sent piles of goodies from my nearest and dearest, including the All Star Tasting Box ($55) from my family, consisting of the 6 best-selling cakes from the famous Black Star Pastry. They sure know the way to my heart.

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06/10/2021
Bakery, Cheapie Lunch (Under $20), Dessert, Newtown, Sydney CBD

Lockdown Special – Sixpenny General Store

Lockdown has put a serious dampener on the fancy food aspect of my life. Whilst there are plenty of good take-home packs being bandied out by the trendiest spots around town, very few of these places are within a distance that I can travel out to in good conscience. However, I did manage to luck out with the Sixpenny General Store, which is once again open from 9am-3pm on Fridays through to Sundays for all your baked goods needs (and a cheeky bottle of wine as well, if that’s what you’re into).

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11/08/2021
Bakery, Hatted, Just A Bit Special ($20-$35), Stanmore

Jasmin1 Auburn

Over the last few years, Lebanese food has really made its way into my list of favourite comfort eats. The ubiquitousness of it in Sydney, combined with the overall quality of the food, has really cemented my love for falafel and garlic sauce (I was always a fan of grilled meats, so no credit for that one). And one of the oldest, as well as most popular places to get Lebanese food in Sydney would be Jasmin1, which has stood on the corner opposite Auburn station for more than 30 years.

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07/07/2021
Auburn, Cheapie Lunch (Under $20), Lebanese, Middle Eastern

The Tea Cosy

Who doesn’t like high tea? Seriously, is there anything better than spending your afternoon drinking tea over cakes and pastries served on pretty plates, ideally whilst wearing something floral and floaty? But despite the myriad of high-end and extremely fancy places dotted around town, sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned afternoon tea of scones and sandwiches. That’s where The Tea Cosy comes in. The Tea Cosy is located in a very tourist-heavy area in The Rocks, just adjacent to the harbour. Utilising the space adjacent to their building, they’ve set up a lovely garden-styled outdoor area. Combined with the ample number of crocheted throws draped over the chairs, as well as the colourful tea cosies adorning each table (go…

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30/06/2021
Bakery, Cafe, Cheapie Lunch (Under $20), High Tea, The Rocks