A little treat!

treat |trēt|

do or have something that gives one great pleasure

To have it or not to have it?!! It is almost essential to treat yourself on a weekly basis. Not daily otherwise it's not a treat but weekly is acceptable in our books! We thought we'd shared our favourite treat spot is Sydney town!

1. Blackstar Pastry in Newtown- don't let the shop front turn you off, instead be bold and treat yourself to a delicious seasonal danish (mango in summer-yes!) or a rectangular pumpkin muffin, pair it with a Little Marionette coffee! Divine...

www.blackstarpastry.com.au

2. Paticceria Papa in Haberfield- when a shop is buzzing and full you know there's something going on. No different at this lovely Italian Patisserie. They are world famous for their Ricotta cheesecake. It is everything you've ever dreamed of in a cheesecake- the pastry is buttery and soft, the filling is light yet rich, it's creamy yet fresh, and to finish it of it's topped with lots of icing sugar and a lattice sprinkle of cinnamon- in a word unforgettable!

www.pasticceriapapa.com.au

3. Patissons Patisserie in St. Ives, Chatswood, Mosman etc- with five shops around Sydney there is no excuse not to visit them. Everything on display shouts "eat me!!" but our personal favourite are the vanilla and pistachio cupcakes (yes we can hear you say "cupcake??") The cake is light and fluffy, the icing is luscious and generously flavoured with real vanilla beans and the pistachios are toasted and moreish. It becomes the perfect treat when you try it with their signature blend coffee.

www.patissonspatisserie.com.au

4. Dolcini in Putney- a breezy cafe loved by locals. Try their Italian style coffee blend with one of their freshly baked muffins, Nutella or mixed berries are very popular. Also if you feel like indulging ask for the ricotta doughnut- almost heavenly.

1/90 Charles St, Putney NSW 2112 Phone: (02) 9808 4111 ‎
5. Pablo&Rustys (Gordon or Epping)- everyone knows their coffee is to die for but for a quick brekky treat try their raisin turkish toast. You will want to have it everyday!- it has all the qualities of turkish bread (airy and soft when fresh and gooey and crisp when toasted) but don't be put off by its purpleness- this should reassure you this loaf has been deliciously studded with lots of juicy raisins!www.pabloandrustys.com.au
6. Bitton in Alexandria- they are famous for all their gourmet deli products such as the strawberry and vanilla jam (which you should buy anyway since you've paid them a visit!) and delicious marinades. But we love them for their lemon meringue tart. Now- we know you have heard all about stale, stodgy, thick sable and inedible lemon tarts. Bitton's lemon tart will convert you. Their shortcrust is thinly rolled and perfectly cooked, the curd is lemony sweet and the meringue is gooey and lip licking! www.bittongourmet.com.au
7. Pie in the Sky 1296 Pacific Hwy -it overlooks the Hawesbury River and they are obviously famous for their pies- the bikies can testify! But do try their rhubarb pie or indulge in a blueberry one. Nothing beats tucking into something delicious whilst enjoying a sweet view!
8. Seasweet in Parramatta- no one does sweets like the middle Eastern/Mediterranean so please be bold and take the trip to this Aladdin's cave. It is full of delicious baclava, our mouths waterat the thought! From cashew wheels to the lovely small rolls they vary from country to country but they are all highly addictive! We don't really know if it's the crispy filo, or may be the honey, rosewater and the many nuts- whatever the choice this is a favourite!www.seasweet.com.au
9. Max Brenner in Manly, St. Ives etc- for the ultimate chocolate treat try the Belgian waffles dribbled with the best Venezuelan chocolate and accompanied by ruby red strawberries. A true chocolaty treat!www.maxbrenner.com.au
10. Chocolateria San Churro in Chatswood- try the popular Spanish churro. It's a deep fried doughnut-like-pastry which is extruded into finger shapes and generously sprinkled with castor sugar. And because its delicious crispiness is not enough try dipping it into rich molten chocolate. Decadent!www.sanchurro.com.au
So why not treat yourself today?

Brekky spots we love around Sydney!

Sydney is full of incredible foodie spots! We are all about health and balance that's why brekky treats are included in this whole foodlove concept!

Out for brekky or brunch:

• The Bathers Pavillion in Balmoral Beach- they not only have one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney's north but they are also the home of irresistibly fresh croissants and danishes accompanied by tea or coffee. You can't go past the big breakfast, scrambled eggs on sourdough toast or the blueberry pancakes with Canadian maple syrup. If you prefer traditional and rich go for the Eggs Benedict so so good. Beautiful spot, great service- yummy lunch, dinner or afternoon tea as well! We love the Bathers.

www.batherspavillion.com.au

• Brasserie Bread- you saw them featured at MasterChef. That was for a reason, they bake Sydney's most delicious and best bread. Bummer they are all the way in Botany, but that shouldn't be an excuse! Try the sourdough berry pancakes with honeycomb butter, you will dream about them from then onwards- guaranteed! if you prefer savoury try the croque madam, delicious 'sandwich' made with sliced sourdough and layered with Gruyere cheese and ham, topped with a gooey fried egg...yum. Take away a loaf or two of their sourdough as well as a caramelised garlic bread for lunch- divine.

www.brasseriebread.com.au

• The Chelsea Tea House in Avalon serves delicious organic muesli as well as 'huevos rancheros' which are latin style eggs with beans, tortilla and the lot- savoury and moreish. There are also smoothies like rhubarb and strawberry or honey and banana and toast with butter and preserves. You can't go wrong-they also do delicious lunches.

*they don't have a website but here is the address: 2/48 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon.

• Garfish in Kirribilli- best place for your second breakfast or refuel after the Saturday markets. Try the pear and raspberry bread with praline butter- light but wholesome.

www.garfish.com.au

• Bills at Surry Hills- incredible corn fritters with crispy bacon, fluffy ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter, real hot chocolate and funny enough unforgettable porridge with rhubarb compote- comforting.

www.bills.com.au

• Sea Sweet at Parramatta- for something different. They sell an amazing dish called a 'knefe' which is like a thick slice of warm mozzarella cheese saturated in rosewater syrup sprinkled with crispy semolina, this cheese is served in a brioche-like bun topped with toasted sesame seeds. Absolutely delicious, words don't come close to how satisfied you will feel after trying this Lebanese delicacy!

www.seasweet.com.au