You know the feeling…just ordered your go-to brew and can’t decide what to pair with it. Do you go for the banana bread, gooey chocolate brownie or a flaky, buttery croissant?
Whatever your favourite, there are venues all around the country waiting to satisfy sweet or savoury pastry and cake cravings.
Here are five to check out where you’ll always get the treat you desire along with a great cup of Joe:
Middle Eastern Temptations
Authentic food with a Middle Eastern twist is what you’ll find on the menu at A1 Fairfield Bakery on Station Street. On balmy Melbourne days head to the rustic courtyard where well-worn brick, mismatched colourful table settings and trailing greenery await; while indoors is warm and inviting with white subway tiles, recycled timber and cabinets overflowing with all manner of temptations.
Stop in early for pastry temptations such as spinach and halloumi triangles, or a triple cheese pie with feta, halloumi and mozzarella; perhaps wrap your hands around a chilli chicken schnitzel wrap with baby spinach, sweet chilli sauce, cheese and jalapeños, or pick up a slice of beef sujuk pizza with cheese, tomato, capsicum and dried herbs.
Golden Flaky Pies and Sweet Treats
While visiting Victoria’s Goldfields look to refuel and recharge at Parkview Bakery on Tuaggra Street in Maryborough. This rustic bakery and café welcomes locals and visitors with corrugated iron tubs bursting with greenery and a covered alfresco area ideal for lingering over a bite and a brew on balmy days; while indoors, cabinets overflow with all manner of temptations along with shelves groaning with products and gifts to take home.
Perhaps a flaky golden steak pie hits the mark, or corned beef and mustard, while those looking for something a little different can chow down on a smoky chipotle chicken quesadilla with charred corn, or BBQ chicken, roasted peppers and housemade BBQ sauce. Treat your sweet tooth to chocolate and orange jaffa cake, or Black Forest mousse cake.
Take Home a Housemade Quiche
Sophisticated casual dining in a warm, inviting atmosphere is on the menu at Aroma @ Eastwood on Howitt Avenue. This cosy café oozes charm with recycled timber, potted greenery, cushions adorning bench seating and an eclectic mix of decorations and accents.
Drop in for a breakfast of scrambled eggs with chilli, chorizo, spring onion, fresh herbs and Parmesan, served on a toasted croissant; while those looking for a quick and easy weeknight family dinner can grab a housemade quiche Lorraine to heat at home, or chicken and bacon casserole with rice.
Mouth-watering Pastry Choices
For your morning caffeine fix, pay a visit to breezy riverside café, Double Shot New Farm on Oxlade Drive. Meet friends for coffee while sitting outside in balmy weather to soak up the vibrant energy as locals come and go and bike riders make their morning pit-stop for refreshing drinks and a bite to eat.
Be tempted by a mouth-watering array of goods inside the front cabinet, breaky plates like a freshly baked croissant with leg ham, Swiss cheese and tomato, or a flaky pastry tart with softly scrambled eggs and smoked salmon; the lunch crowd enjoys a New York Reuben with Wagyu pastrami, cheese, sauerkraut and dill pickle, on a rye and sunflower bagel.
Homely, Comforting Fare
For a homely, comforting meal and a welcoming atmosphere when visiting Eden, make your way along Imlay Street to discover the Rusty Plough. Find character and charm in the alfresco courtyard, sitting amongst the edible kitchen garden; or opt to dine inside and enjoy the crackle of the corner fireplace, while the rustic deck styled with corrugated iron walls and exposed timber provides an ideal relaxed space to meet friends.
The entire menu changes regularly depending on seasonally available produce, with everything made in-house, offering delicious pastry options such as steak, cheese and bacon, or beef curry pies and sausage rolls; those with heartier appetites delve into crumbed chicken breast, onion, gravy and chips, finishing sweetly with Nan’s jam tarts.
