Circa Espresso, Parramatta

I know so little about Parramatta. Besides the food court in westfields and a few decent asian eateries littered around the area, Parramatta to me isn't exactly the most bubbling hub of foodie centric delights. However, searching around, you can't help but be drawn in to Circa  with its easing going yet upbeat nature, even if it is over a computer screen so a real visit was going to happen sooner or later.

Cappucino 3.5

I didn't have a coffee, fearful that I would just crash in the midst of a crucial scene in TDKR later on that night. My friend tells me it's aromatic and a bit bitter but we were both fascinated by the little coffee art. The little things in life.

Baked eggs with sujak, danish fetta, tomato & chilli 14

Judging from other blogs, their baked eggs has to be by far one of their most popular dishes. Or pans should I say. Tomatoes, fetta and sujak sausage give it big robust flavours and the smell is intoxicating. 

Portobello Mushrooms in a sourdough with hummus and rocket salad 12

The mushrooms were cooked superbly, big and meaty but balanced brilliantly with with a nutty hummus and an acidic salad. The sourdough was a little disappointing as it eventually gets drenched in the juices and just gets all tough and cardboardy. The previously replaced brioche may have faired a lot better.

Banana bread with house made passion fruit butter 6

I wasn't here for the bread but luminous yellow passionfruit butter caught my eye. Viscous, tart and sweet, it goes really well with the banana bread.

Circa is the ultimate care free day, long slow brunch, talk endlessly whilst losing yourself sort of place and you'd be hard pressed finding any other place like it around the area. Cue Bruno Mar's The lazy song. Their menu changes daily so you'll never get bored. It's little wonder, despite being hidden away from the main street, from breakfast till lunch that the crowds never die down even on a gloomy rainy day.



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Max Brenner

Tutti Frutti Waffles for Two

What is it?
Max Brenner is a chocolate cafe. Not a HUGE fan of chocolate like I am? They also serve icy shakes, coffee, tea and a variety of desserts.

Where is it?

There are quite a number of Max Brenner cafes scattered around Sydney - believe me, I've been to most of them. If you're in the city centre then head to Pitt Street. There's a cosy Max Brenner on the lower ground floor of David Jones. Can't find a seat there? Just walk across to Westfields and there's a more spacious cafe on level 6. This one is opened until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays too! If you've been sight-seeing around Circular Quay and The Rocks, walk down George Street and you'll find a Max Brenner on the corner of George Street and Margaret Street. Treat yourself to a coffee or hot chocolate after an adventurous day :)

What is there to do?

1. Dessert time!
2. Relax with a coffee, tea or a hot chocolate.
3. Try some of Max's desserts. The waffles are the best!
4. Buy a box of pralines or choose from the many gift options for your friend ;)

Max Brenner Giftcard

When is it opened?
Opened 7 days a week.


Lower Ground Floor, David Jones, Elizabeth Street.
Monday-Wednesday 9.30am to 6.30pm
Thursday-Friday 9.30am to 8.30pm
Saturday 9.00am to 6.30pm
Sunday 10.00am to 6.30pm

Level 6, Westfield Shopping Centre, Corner of Pitt St Mall & Market Street.

Sunday-Thursday 9.00am to 10.30pm

Friday-Saturday 9.00am to 12am

Metcentre, 273 George Street NSW 2000.

Monday-Thursday 7.30am to 11.00pm

Friday 7.30am to 12am

Saturday 9.00am to 12am

Sunday 9.00am to 11.00pm

How do I get there?
The nearest station is Town Hall for Max Brenner's in David Jones or Westfields. Wynyard is nearest to the Metcentre. 


Recommendations?
Yummy: Tutti Frutti Waffles and the Thick Italian Hot Chocolate. I order this almost every single time.
Not so yummy: I didn't enjoy the Chocolate Souffle. Who knows. Maybe I am just not a fan of souffle.

Tutti Frutti Waffles & Thick Italian Milk Chocolate

Chocolate Souffle

What I Have Tried...

• Italian Thick Chocolate (Milk) ($6.00) YUM!

• Italian Thick Chocolate (Dark) ($6.00) 
YUM!

• Chocolate With Crunchy Waffle Balls ($6.00)

• Cookieshake ($7.60)

• White Shake ($7.60) (Chocolate is obviously the cafe's speciality. I don't know why you would want to order a fruit shake... but I was feeling adventurous :P)

• Choc-Banana Pizza ($17.00)

• Chocolate Souffle ($10.00)

• Tutti-Frutti Waffle one/two ($14.00/$18.50) 
YUM!

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