The following directory of gourmet outlets will provide a sample of what Sydney has to offer.  We are adding all the time, so keep coming back for updates.  Don’t expect to find every shop front here – this is not a blanket guide.  We’ve wandered the streets looking for not only the best, but the most interesting, the most helpful and the unique – those that we feel are extraordinary.  That being so, they are purely our personal preference and are displayed in no particular order.   As we’ve said before, we are always more than happy to add to the directory if it’s outstanding, so drop us a line at:  seekgoeat@hotmail.com   if you’ve found a source that you believe is worthy of inclusion.  Everyone benefits from information…..

The Shop:

P & R Raineri , Delicatessen

The Location:

97 Great North Road

Five Dock  NSW  2154

 What can you find there:

A very authentic Italian delicatessen owned and run by Peter Raineri and family. Filled to the brim with imported and homemade pasta – dried and frozen, house packaged  lentils -red, green and puy, dried beans and split peas, and a great range of nuts all at very competitive prices.  Behind the deli counter is a mind-boggling array of notable cheeses, cured meats, Italian and Spanish prosciutto, imported Jamon and all the salamis you could wish for.

Don’t be shy to ask for a taste, though the family/staff will most likely beat you to it.

Shelf foods include imported biscuits, tinned legumes, tuna, and the mandatory vast array of tomatoes.

You can find imported pasta flours, arborio and carnaroli rice. Look on the wall behind the counter for an outstanding range of olive oils and vinegars of all  genres.

The back of the shop hosts a unique traditional Italian style supermercato complete with soaps, washing powder right down to Di Garanzia, the Italian style carbonating effervescent granules.  The window of the shop provides a platform for an assortment of breads – loaves, rolls, crunchy, soft and flour dusted. 

Don’t miss out on:

Unfiltered olive oil from Sicily – OMG

A chunk of their Reggiano Parmesan, Peccorino with peppercorns or authentic Asiago.

Peter’s own marinated octopus.

Notes:

Raineri’s also stocks gluten free pasta.  Recently arrived porcini mushrooms in rustic wooden minature crates.

What’s nearby:

Along the Great North Road strip are some very interesting butchers.  Worth a look.

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The Shop:

Victor Churchill – Fine Family Butcher

The Location:

132 Queen Street

Woollahra  NSW  2025

What can you find there:

From the unique “sausage” door handle through to the amazing mosaic style marble floor, and floor to ceiling glass butchering room, through to the Himalayan Salt Brick wall in the “Ageing Room”, this  boutique butchery cleverly treats the eyes before meat ever comes into the equation.  Among the many design awards this den of carnivorial pleasure  has received, the most recent –  the 2010 Interior Design, Best of Year Awards in New York, has ensured that it is now firmly on the must see list of many tourists (including Oprah on her Dec 2010 visit to Australia).  Unlike any other butchery, Victor Churchill treats and displays meat elegantly to perfection. The exclusive salt brick wall helps the meats in the climate controlled ageing room to dry, as well as  imparting a salty flavour to the meat.

The produce is displayed flawlessly in refrigerated wall cabinets – beware, any hard core carnivore could be sent into a frenzy!     A wide range of wagu beef in varying degrees of mouth watering tenderness sit aside each other on “the top shelf”.  You may find first quality veal cutlets, organic duck and chicken or farmed white rabbit in the company of delicately trimmed lamb shanks or thick and robust beef cheeks.   His range of interesting smallgoods such as house made terrines, fresh and smoked parisenne sausage, wagu bresiola, bacon, black pudding and silky smooth pates are displayed in one of the orderly refrigerated cabinets.  Vying for attention are the rich individual quiches and the odd sweet delight – perhaps chocolate mousse or crème brulee may be the offerings of the day. Towards the back of the shop, you may find some plump chickens or a tender leg of lamb being expertly cooked on the rotisserie.

Don’t miss out on:

You can’t go wrong with anything here.

Notes: 

Grab a brochure or go on line to see what classes are being held.  There’s a wide variety of butchering, charcuterie, French inspired cooking classes as well as cooking for the kids.   http://www.victorchurchill.com

What’s nearby:

Pop into Bills (Bill Grangers restaurant) for brekkie or lunch. 

Queens Court

118 Queen St Woollahra  NSW  2025  

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The Shop:

CoCo on the Mews

The Location:

Myahgah Mews Mosman

Rear 565 Military Rd Mosman 2088

also at:  Shop 3a – 9b, Broughton St (cnr Bligh), Kirribilli  2061

What can you find there:

Specializing  in fine organic chocolate with a high cocoa content &  cocoa butter, the decadent treats you can expect here are astounding.  One of two shops owned by Rebecca Knights–Kerswell,  both quality and art are brought together to pleasure both the palate and the eye.  Made inhouse by their own “artisan chocolatiers” and carefully controlled by Rebecca, the fruits of their labour are matched only by the distinctive interior design of the shop.  Stop here for a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a sample of what’s on offer today.  Fabulous gift ideas if you can bear to give them away.   Magic in your mouth! 

Don’t miss out on:

The dark chilli chocolate is smooth, warming and decadent and oh so good.

Notes:

Tasting evenings are available as is the “Chocolate School” which is organized twice a month.  The new Choc School is opening in August 2011.  Go to the web site for more details.  www.cocochocolate.com.au

Coco supports organic farming, ethical trading and non GM ingredients.

What’s nearby:

_________________________________________________________________________The The Shop:

Accoutrement

The Location:

611 Military Road

Mosman NSW 2088

What can you find there:

What can’t you find here!  Think Peters of Kensington meets Simon Johnson.   An exclusive collection of pantry items, imported and local oils, preserves, salts, unusual and obscure but very interesting cooks delights.  Cake decorating supplies as well as fresh home made muffins and brownies etc to take home too.  Follow through to the next part of the store for a selection of cookware that would bring the Manu out in anyone –  knives to die for, chopping boards,  mortar and pestles…you name it, it’s here.  Perhaps you need some fashionable tongs, bright, statement-making melamine or a basic baking sheet.  You’ve come to the right place.

Don’t miss out on:

Anything – No blinking

Notes:

Cooking classes are held here all year long with some very well known chefs out front.  Check out the web site for more information or pick up a booking brochure in shop.  www.accoutrement.com.au           Also offering a knife sharpening service .  Drop in Monday before 3pm – pick up after 12pm the next day.                     What’s nearby:

____________________________________________________________________________The The Shop:

Formaggio Orcello

The Location:    

Shop 16, 425 Bourke Street,

Surry Hills   NSW

What can you find there:

A charming, country feel store filled to the brim with more cheese than you could imagine. Pampered cheeses – infact if you were a cheese, you’d want to live here. Sheep, goat, buffalo and cow cheeses in all of the expected forms abound behind a vast glass counter.  Accompaniments from fruit pastes, jams, mustard fruits, grissini through to preserved and cured meats, truffle honeys and organic olive oils

Don’t miss out on:

Incredible 2ft long spaghetti in 1 kg bags – just for fun.

Notes:

Formaggio Ocello also set up stalls at North Sydney Markets, Pyrmont Markets and Fox Studio Markets.

What’s nearby:

Bourke St Bakery

Try the lamb and harissa sausage roll, the raspberry brulee tart, or anything on display – guaranteed to please.

Across the road from Bourke St Bakery is The Book Kitchen if you want a sit down meal and a browse through a cook book or two.

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The Shop:

Bay Tree

 The Location:

40 Queen Street

Woollahra  NSW

What can you find there:

An incredible shop in an architecturally magnificent building  filled with cook’s essentials – cake tins, moulds, knives, tools, a variety of copper pots, quirky crockery, tea towels and giftware.  You can find friand and muffin cases, plain white crockery and fun, funky coloured tableware as well as a small select library of cook books tucked away in a corner.   Bar ware – wine funnels, stoppers, openers and stoppers, ice buckets and all that you might desire to dress your table.  Bay Tree has a bridal registry and who wouldn’t love a gift chosen from their selection.  An interesting range of cake decorating equipment and embellishments.

Don’t miss out on:

Wild funky tea pot cosies and the beautiful, beautiful French cheese knives.

What’s nearby:

Bistro Moncur at the Woollahra Hotel – elegant dining lunch or dinner. 116 Queen St,  Woollahra

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The Shop:

Simon Johnson, Purveyor of Quality Foods

The Location:

Several:

Queen Street , Woollahra,  NSW, 2025

181 Harris Street, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009

Shop 6, 100 Edinburgh Rd,  Castlecrag,  NSW, 2068

24 Ralph St, Alexandria  NSW,  2015

What you can find there:

A mogul amongst providores, Simon Johnson established his business for the pleasure of foodies in 1992.  Keeping his finger on the pulse of what’s new and in most cases, introducing it to the public as well as remaining visual in his stores is something that we are both grateful and appreciative for.  Devoted to quality, there is little you could dream of that isn’t available in his many shops, from Bottarga, to ancient vinegar from Italy, Argun  oil from the depths of the amazon, pastas, rices, Ortiz anchovies, Dutchy products, Valhrona chocolates and cocoa, pastes, olives, capers, passata, jams, teas, coffees, celtic sea salt, miniature pastry shells, grissini, mushroom products including truffles and truffle products, flours, seasonings through to a vast choice of cheeses kept in the purpose built, climate controlled fromagerie as well as homewares and a collection of Textura merchandise.

Don’t miss out on:

Vinaigre de cidre auw algues eschalotes et a la fleur de sel (a seaweed based vinegar to die for) and when in shop, enjoy a cuppa of your choice with compliments of Simon Johnson.

Notes:

Cheese tastings are encouraged in the cheese room so don’t be shy.  Staff are enthusiastic and know their products.  If in doubt  –  ask.     www.simonjohnson.com.au

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The Shop:

Confiseur & Co / The Little French Patisserie

The Location:

840 Military Road, Mosman 2088

 

What can you find there: Well done Pierre – as far as we’re concerned you could give a certain Balmain baker a run for his money. Apart from the small but quality display of decadent French cakes and pastries, you’ll discover absolute ecstasy when you sample the macarons here. The Orange Semolina Cake – dense textured orange almond cake with orange syrup is a real conversation stopper! Perhaps the vivid cerise  Fraise Pistache Cake – strawberry mousse, coconut daquoise and pistachio mousse delicately set with two tone macarons and a lacey brooch of chocolate is more your style? Who can go passed the Tarte au Citron – complex lemon, tangy curd encased in short buttery pastry.  Close your eyes and be transported to a small lane somewhere in Paris.

Don’t miss out on:

 Almond croissants, quiches large and small, typical breads and flaky pies and sausage rolls – interesting flavours.     

Notes:

 

What’s nearby:

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The Shop:

Haberfield Bakery

 

The Location:

153 Ramsay Road

Haberfield  NSW  2045

 

What can you find there:

A traditional Italian bakery with a pretty impressive following.   The always popular ciabatta and their delicious focaccia are well worth paying a visit for.  Find there, light and crisp croissants, traditional Italian breads and pastries and the good old Aussie pie.  Make sure you pick up a focaccia – oily and smudged with tomato paste.   It’s a real treat in the sandwich press with provolone, mortadella, crumbed eggplant and tomato!

 

 

Don’t miss out on:

Take a peek through the window and admire the display.  Ducks, alligators and flower wreaths made out of bread – corny but cute.  

 

Notes: 

From 10am you may encounter a queue so be early if you can.

www.cassinitibakery.com.au

 

 

What’s nearby:

Pasticceria Papa .  Hop in for a coffee and panini, slice of pizza or delectable cake.  Better still take home one of the house specialties, their ricotta cake.

145 Ramsay Street

Haberfield   NSW   2045

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The Shop:

IGA Lamonica

 

 The Location

155 Ramsay Street

Haberfield  NSW  2045

 

What can you find there:

Don’t be put off that this is just another supermarket.  Once inside, you’ll realise that this is a much much more.  The smell, atmosphere as well as your ears will have you believing that you are in Italy somewhere.  Pasta of every description spills out of its designated isle and will probably be found mid shop and displayed to magnetically draw you towards it.  The delicatessen overflows with the best cheeses, salamis, prosciuttos, hams and small goods, some recognizable and others, well, you’ll just have to ask! The butcher supplies top grade meat – Italian specialties of course.  A wonderful range of fresh vegetables, authentic Italian sauces, canned vongole, oils, Italian flour, polenta, rice and all that you’d expect from a supermarket – in Italy.

 

Don’t miss out on:

torrone (nougat), Italian sausages with fennel.

 

Notes: 

Often goat is available in the butcher section. 

What’s nearby:

Drop into  Dolcissimo 96 -98 Ramsay Street, Haberfield  NSW  2045, for a coffee and cake, gelato or a meal or if you’re around in the evening, you can’t go passed   La Disfida, 109 Ramsay Rd, Haberfield for outstanding pizza.

 

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The Shop:

Norton Street Grocer

 

The Location:

Norton Street Plaza

Norton Street 

Leichhardt   NSW   2040

 

What can you find there:

A magnificent range of super fresh fruit and veggies envelops you as you walk in.  Unusual fruits, hard to find, good quality vegetables are all on the list.  Perhaps it will be zucchini flowers in season, tiny champignons or tomatoes that taste like…tomatoes.  A  brilliant range of Italian and Continental goods from biscuits to jarred sauces, tinned tomatoes, Arborio and carnaroli rice, authentic Italian flours for pizza and biscuit making, herbs, spices, teas, coffee beans and grinds as well as soft drinks.  The refrigerated department supplies pre prepared meals, gnocchi, ravioli and cannelloni to grab and go, as well as a range of smoked and pickled fish, fresh prepackaged banana leaves and vine leaves, dairy essentials – fromage frai, crème fraiche and mascarpone to name a few.  The deli (get a number) is always crowded which speaks volumes about its reputation.  One end displays an array of pre cooked meals – arancini, lasagna or perhaps risotto to take home and reheat.  The remainder of the deli offers a wide variety of cheeses including the mandatory parmesans and provolones but also French classics, blues and some fruited but overall some very interesting, ever changing varieties.  Mascapone filled figs, olives of many varieties and of course the cured meats, hams, salamis, proscuitto are all top notch.   Add a loaf of crusty bread to your order and you’re set.

An excellent assortment of vinegars and oils both local and imported offer plenty to choose from.  There’s a great range of Duerr’s condiments, Herman’s sauces and marinades, Beerenberg jams, Maille mustards and Spoonfed Foods “Snag Jam”,     “ Ham Jam”, “Garlic Jam”, “Hot Jam” and “Lamb Jam”.  Goldyna tartare and seafood cocktail sauces and their delicious Coriander Lime & Chilli Mayo, gelatin leaves, titanium and gold, Tridosha Salts of the Sea, Maldon Salt and Himalyan Pink Salt are all available.  Keep an eye out as you exit for some unique imported chocolate treats.

 

Don’t miss out on:

Verjuice, flat chilli pancetta, and for the health conscious, the quinoa and amaranth breakfast sprinkle.

 

Notes: 

Often San Pellegrino water is on sale by the case here.  Check it out at the front of the store.  

What’s nearby:

Across the road at Belli Bar is where you need to go for a coffee at least, one of the remarkable Italian style pastries or a light meal.

The steak sandwich may the best you’ve ever had!   But so might the prawns with fettucini.  Or the tuna salad.  ………….So worth a visit.

80 Norton Street

Leichhardt  NSW  2040

 

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The Shop:

Farinhas Deli

The Location:

417Great North Road,  Abbotsford,  NSW  2046

What can you find there:

Although it seems out of the way, this is a treasure.  Beaut fresh fruit and vegies and an extensive range of pastas sit beneath a unique curtain of recipe printed tea towels. Plenty of jams – Duerrs, Beerenberg and Walshs extensive range, sit together with interesting lesser known brands.  Clean and inviting, this store offers  you extra large jars of Marco Polo olives and preserves at very reasonable prices.  Fridge treasures include smoked mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella and bocconcini but also genuine Italian butter for the homesick or those who can’t afford the airfare but yearn to have a taste of Italia.  Pyramids of tinned tomatoes lay opposite a jam-packed refrigerated cabinet of cheeses and cured meats and salamis.  The usual Italian flours, semolina and rice, plenty of spices and herbs and organic grains share the shelves with some exclusive oil oils and vinegars.

Don’t miss out on:

Red Quinoa (which is quite hard to find).  Cases of tomatoes cheap cheap cheap and 1kg bags of ground almonds ($10.99) when we visited.

Notes:

3 different sizes of paellas from $29.99 and bone fide ravioli moulds with the mandatory mini rolling pin!

What’s nearby:

Just on the other side of the road, pop into Trovatino Café,   268 Great North Road,  Wareemba  NSW  2046 for a lovely meal, pick up some fruit or veg at the back of the shop, watch them making gelato and on the way out grab a box of cakes or pastries for later on.

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 The Shop:

Paesanella

The Location:

88 Ramsay Road,  Haberfield,  NSW  2045

What can you find there:

Easy to walk by but please stop!  Amongst the quality selection of traditional Italian cheeses from this local cheese manufacturer you will find ricotta both fresh and baked, stracchino, boconcini and mascarpone.  The dome of “Mascapone Reale” with its’ centre of  blue cheese coated in mascapone and scattered with plump walnuts is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.    Mascarpone stuffed dates, apricots and figs and a  homemade cheesecake are displayed beautifully.  Yalla yoghurts, a selection of Ben and Jerry ice creams and homemade tiramisu add to the interest in the shop.  A small assortment of prepackaged cured meats sit independently to the rear with a carefully chosen array of artisan olive oils and aged basalmic vinegars flanking one wall.  Some Maggie Beer products also make an appearance.

 

Don’t miss out on:

Mascapone blue stuffed apricots, sharp, sweet, tangy.Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Notes:

 

What’s nearby:

If all of this Italian foodie talk is making you romantic – pop across the road to “Marry me Abroad”.   A wedding breakfast in Tuscany sounds nice………….

www.marrymeabroad.com

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The Shop:

A C Butchery

 

The Location:

174 Marion Street, Leichhardt  NSW  2040 , also at 22 Plumber Street, Rose Bay Nth,  NSW  2030 , and the poultry division at 55 Norton St, Leichhardt (Norton St Plaza)

 

What can you find there:

Friendly helpful service for a start!  The Marion Street store is a little gem tucked away unassumingly among residences and a sprinkling of other small retailers.  Unpretentious perhaps from the outside, once through the door you are faced with many problems….a cave of carnivorial treasures from which to choose.  So much to see, it’s probably best if you go in with an idea of what you want or you’ll be filling your basket like Aladin did his pockets!  Marinated suckling pig portions (phew – ‘cause our ovens aren’t big enough for the whole beast), thick, thick cut yearling cutlets displayed like jewels, beef cheeks (good to know because they can be hard to find), beautiful plump lamb loins, rich layered pork belly cut to suit your requirements and on the day we were there, 22 different kinds of sausages.  A range of Wagyu cuts are on offer and of course all of the old favourites, t- bones, rump, veal and lamb cutlets etc etc – everything you’d expect from a butcher but quality +++

To the rear of the shop find deboned and marinated quail tightly blanketed in prosciutto or if you prefer, pick up a 6 pack of the unadorned ones and treat them as you please. Ducks and chickens all fresh and atop the counter a cane basket filled to the brim with eggs to be purchased individually.  Fresh duck and quail eggs are also available.  Although limited, the amount and variety of cheeses offered is quite adequate.   Essentially a narrow shop, there’s still plenty of room for a very generous display of condiments, a great range of vinegars, verjuice, oils and salts, marinades and jams.

 

Don’t miss out on:

Their tiny medallions of veal wrapped in prosciutto.

 

Notes:

For all things poultry don’t miss the shop at Norton St Plaza.  They do some very interesting things – it’s worth a visit.

 

What’s nearby:

If you have the urge for something refreshing and a little bit naughty, nip across the road to ‘Glace’ for ice cream and sorbet. 27 Marion St, Leichhardt

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The Shop:

Richmond Fruit Market and Deli

The Location:

Park Arcade, Richmond

What can you find there:

Richmond Fruit Market and Deli – the jewel of the Hawkesbury.  This is a complete one stop shop. If you’re on the hunt for gourmet specialties, whether you live locally or fancy a trip to this beautiful part of the Sydney basin, this is the place to go.  Apart from the outstanding fruit and vegetable produce lovingly displayed at this family owned store, there is not a square inch that isn’t crammed with incredible fare.  Under the fruit and veggie laden counters you’ll find bottled drinks, fruity or fizzy, mineral waters, sparkling and still, olive oils by the can, lots of packaged dried pastas, jars of pickled vegetables, sauerkraut and peppers, tubs of olives, condiments,

lentils and split peas, dried beans – borlotti, lima, black eyed, broad and kidney, crushed wheat, polenta, popping corn, pearl barley, asian sauces, wild and jasmine rices, ground almonds and a variety of nuts, vinegars and lots of continental  packaged products

such as Roschti and dumplings. Edging your way passed the large freezer cabinet full of Mario’s Pastizzi, peek inside and you should find some frozen porcini mushrooms – now that’s a big bonus.  The refrigerated cabinet

overflows with some unique products such as clotted and Devon cream imported from England, a great range of Barambah dairy products including Quark (and that can be quite difficult to find), Birch and Waite mayonnaises (mmmmm), imported butter and tubs of ricotta to name just a few items. An interesting range of fish products including smoked salmon portions, sliced smoked salmon, dried salt cod and  pickled herrings which sit nearby delicious smoked duck breast, garlicky smoked sausage and some single serve quiches and prepackaged meals.  Amid the angled shelves at the front of the deli counter, paradise awaits as you weave through the profusion of gourmet goodies.    Pukara Estates superb range of flavoured olive oils – garlic, herb, lemon, truffle, lime, chilli, wasabi and the premium and premium robust are all available as is their beautiful mayo range.  Lakesland Olive Oils also not be missed and are close by.  An extensive range of jams and sauces by Walsh’s, Beerenberg, Duerr’s, Granny’s Secret  Bonne Maman and Red Kelly’s, creamy dressings by Market Choice, premium dried fruits – all the usuals but we also spied dried black currants and some super plump muscatels.  An excellent range of gluten free products are available for those

who require them.  Imported treats such as chestnut puree and chestnut cream, Italian faro pie filling, the Dolcela range of puddings (we use them to make trifle – otherwise known as blanc mange), leaf gelatin, vanilla beans and extract,  biscuits – pfeffernuisse, amaretti ,cannoli and waffles.  Not the only brand sold here, but we were very pleased to see Jasper coffee – beans and ground on the shelf.   The delicatessen is outstanding and if you live local and don’t want to venture to the city, this deli carries as much variety as other cheese shops and deli’s we’ve covered.  The cheeses are too numerous to

mention in their entirety but be assured the range is extensive. Imported and Australian, hard, soft, blue, cow, sheep, goat, you name it – it’s more than likely here.  If not, they’ll source it for you. Sample to your heart’s content –  the staff here are very knowledgeable and will go out of their way to assist you.  The smallgoods section is also exceptional – fresh , wide ranging and of fine quality.  Salami, prosciutto,

jamon, hams galore, sandwich meats through to bacon, chorizos,  pate and sausages.

Don’t miss out on:

Fruit and Veg – interesting range of potatoes, purple congo, cashmere gold, dutch creams and kifpler,

heirloom tomatoes and purple carrots.

Deli – Check out the dome of chocolate with almond halva  (sublime), Maffra Wensleydale cheese, Prenzel manuka smoked salt. Olives galore.

Notes:

Enter from Windsor Road and follow Park Mall to the end or enter from the carpark at the rear.

What’s nearby:

Patchys Coffee Shop, 223Windsor Rd if you need a quick bite or a coffee.  Otherwise – venture up to Kurrajong and relax with an outstanding meal at Sassafras Creek Café and Restaurant  – 83 Old Bells Line of Road.

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The Shop:

Passion of Tahiti Vanilla

 

The Location:

www.passionoftahiti.com

 

What can you find there:

The majority, in fact 99% of all vanilla sold, is known as Bourbon vanilla.  The other 1%  is Tahitian vanilla – and that uniqueness is what sets these products apart.  Treated differently to Bourbon vanilla and with specific positive attributes, Tahitian vanilla is regarded as a superior product. Certified 100% naturally grown and completely naturally processed, the Passion of Tahiti Vanilla products offer an extraordinarily delicate flavour, outstanding fragrance, purity and exceptional quality. The basic products available through Passion of Tahiti are vanilla extract, vanilla beans and vanilla powder.  At the moment these products are only available on line by visiting www.passionoftahiti.com or email Craig at craig@passionoftahiti.com   Craig, owner and importer of Passion of Tahiti vanilla products, is a chef by trade but has sold up his restaurant and has immersed himself in this new business, such is his belief, passion and enthusiasm for his products.  And although Seek Go Eat would always prefer you to visit the shop front, on this occasion, we have no choice but to recommend purchasing these remarkable goods on line.

Preparation is everything and despite considering not bringing the trolley along (we aren’t going to buy much), we still pop it in the back of the car just in case.

Starting from the hunt for a parking space, joining the well mannered but congested queue, you know this is going to be hectic.  Despite getting there early, we still find ourselves on the roof of the multi level car park.  As we pat ourselves on the back for nabbing a park right next to the stairwell, we remember that we have a trolley to carry down – but that doesn’t matter – we aren’t going to buy much.

Descending the stairs we very quickly find that we have arrived in the back streets of Hanoi and are now bustling with the locals, smelling exotic aromas, listening to unfamiliar vernacular and are engrossed in a visual explosion of Asia. Short of a couple of hundred buzzing motor scooters ducking and diving between the traffic, we really could be there!

For us, this is the hardest directory of all as there is so much we are unfamiliar with, written characters that mean absolutely nothing and products, vegetables and various animal “things” we have never seen before.

Everything Asian is available in Cabramatta from heavily laden stalls

groaning with foreign tropical fruits, sensual fragrant herbs, sheaths of fresh moist vegetables, glistening fish markets, supermarkets with all you

could possibly need for authentic Asian recipes, extraordinary butcher shops displaying pale pork, lean beef, chicken cuts, as well as various offal and specialty minced products.  You’ll find authentic cooking implements at bargain prices piled high on shelves everywhere you look.  Woks, cleavers, steamers, teapots, strainers, pots, bowls, charming asian designed crockery and wigwams for your gooses bridle spill onto the floor or hang from hooks from the ceiling.

The OK Supermarket offers aisle after aisle of ingredients to excite and

inspire . If you’re looking to impress,  try the large rice crackers with black sesame seeds ( microwave ).   Also,

visit TT Markets for

even more inspiration.  Walls of dried mushrooms, jars and cans of sauces galore, frozen products such as prawn rolls, dim sims and gyozas, dozens of

different kinds of rice and dried noodles, vinegars (we bought coconut vinegar and black vinegar), colourful tapioca pearls, , vacuum sealed Chinese sausage, duck and quail eggs,  teas galore(we picked up some Lotus tea) and a million grocery items that, to us, were uninterpretable.

BBQ meat is a specialty in Cabramatta and we highly recommend Tan Hong Phat BBQ at shop 6/48 Park Lane for the most  succulent melt in the mouth crispy skin pork, glazed pork knuckles, the best duck and chicken (if you’re brave there are unrecognisable bbq’d offal portions too).  Stop for a while to watch the intense BBQ method in the kitchen next door where you’ll see the rocket shaped         “ flame” ovens  holding whole pigs which are basted and roasted in a unique process.

Pop into Tan Hoan Cau Hot Bread and Cake  if only to watch the little custard cakes cook. An amazing machine something like an

automated gem iron produces mouthful sized hotcakes, flips them over and presents them puffed up and filled with custard. Light and delicious with a texture similar to poffertjes (little Dutch pancakes),  these treats are best eaten warm.

For a quick snack, stop at Masterchef Dimsim & Food Co., on Freedom Place, and try the chicken pie,  pork pie or crispy fried pork bun. There’s a take away menu as long as your arm. Buy a fruit shake (or avocado shake) from BKK International Food Centre and you’ve got a quick cheap lunch and all the entertainment you can handle ‘people watching’ in Freedom Plaza.  If you have the time, indulge yourself at the bubble tea bar or create an asian style parfait with fruits, slivers of coconut or pandan jelly and tapioca.

Look out for the festivals held throughout the year including the Asian Seafood Festival in December,  Chinese New Year, the Drum

and Hot Chilli Festival in June and the Moon Festival in September.
Moon Festival is celebrated when the moon shines brightest at the vernal equinox, around 21st, and is one of Sydney’s largest Asian multicultural festivals.

Cabramatta is a maze of alleyways and arcades, a wonderland of exotic produce and a treasure to be sure.  Store holders are generous,  friendly,  helpful and a wealth of knowledge so don’t be afraid to ask about anything you are not familiar with (and that was 75% of what we saw).

After the hustle and bustle of market shopping you can always visit Kuan

Yin Buddhist Temple for some peace and reflection, but for us, we just slowly made our way back, up the stairwell to the roof and to our car with not only an overflowing  trolley (remember – we weren’t going to buy much) but armfuls as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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