Speakeasy Bar Bondi

Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta

The name might suggest prohibition, but their philosophy is bohemian: fabulous red lighting, nude art and intimate space with food to be shared. It looks like the kind of place you’d come for a nightcap, but I recommend you make a night of it. The food is a fusion of tapas and mezze plates; go for theChicken Liver Pate ($12) with sourdough bread. It’s Moroccan flavour balances well with the sweet and sour onions on the side. The Mushroom Medley ($11) is soaked in Middle Eastern spices mixed with crunchy pine nuts. I can’t put my finger on the cheese – “Spanish sheep milk cheese” I am informed. The attention to detail is delicately inspired. The Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta ($11) is another level of bruschetta – the tomatoes, capsicum, capers and onions are char-grilled and marinated. With mozzarella imported from Italy, it will transport you to many places in one bite. The Beef Skewers ($15/2) are tender and also treated to Middle Eastern spices – making them a nice accompaniment to the mushrooms. We mop up the remains of every dish with bread, creating our own medleys; only to find out I should’ve saved room for the Chocolate Brownie ($11) with salted caramel. It’d be a crime not to fit it…

Chocolate brownie with salted caramel 

Speakeasy Bar Bondi
83 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach
Ph: (02) 9130 2020 speakeasybar.thebeats.com.au

Swallow Coffee Traders, Rockdale

Cafe owners in Rockdale are faced with a bitter pill to swallow – it’s brightly coloured, visible from the train, and tastes like the best coffee in town. At 24 years old, Angus Nicol, the boy wonder of the café world, has opened a unique cafe with partner Jess Hol. Age has no barrier on palates; they serve up dishes with wisdom and flair beyond even their combined years. The Corn Fritters ($10) with avocado, sweet roasted capsicum salsa are delightfully fluffy, the conglomeration of sweet and savoury make it the perfect breakfast dish. Their ever-changing menu is a regular’s dream but has me worried I’ll never get to try the Barbequed Peach ($9) with ricotta, pear and vanilla jam on rye which sounds to me like a picture of summer. Proving that the ‘burbs aren’t a coffee wasteland, the Single Origin coffee beans and innovative ‘naked portafilter’ (or “crotchless” as the barista calls it), pours out perfect crema. Nothing is compromised; they even use Country Valley milk. I couldn’t resist a freshly made Passionfruit Slice ($2.20) its creamy filling screamed for more coffee – just to check the last one wasn’t a fluke. Don’t take my word for it, go and discover for yourself.

Corn Fritters

Swallow Coffee Traders
1/7 Tramway Arcade, Rockdale
Ph: (0414) 924 685
Cafe $