[invite] Bianca: I’ve long been a fan of Grandma’s Bakery since they opened their first Sydney store in 2013, their close proximity to the ‘bridesmaid hub’ White Runway meant I dropped in many times to pick up a box or two of cookies. As well as a lunch time pit stop at Grandma’s on the Farm in Collector (perfect for brekky/lunch) on the way to Canberra/Melbourne.
Having closed their original Sydney store on O’Riordan, they now have McEvoy and Grandma’s Roseberry. I’ve done a complete 180* in regards to my eating out in the morning. My new obsession with pancakes has me brunching all over Sydney. And I don’t see it slowing down…
Owner Dana, proudly showed us around the cafe as well as the upstairs function space (which I’ve made a mental note for potential future parties). They get a ginormous tick from me for the very fact they make almost everything in house – down to the dips, cakes, breads, cookies…. you name it. I picked myself up a pack of fresh pita that I sparingly pull out of the freezer when I feel like a hummus kick.
Wanting to get a broad sense of the menu the ladies of FFS and some special guests assembled one Saturday morning for an epic feast. I was most impressed by the Signature House coffee, with my Skim Cappucino $3.50 being full flavoured & robust.
Dana, sensing our quiet hunger, brought out a serving of Grandma’s House Bread- w/ a selection of housemade dips & olives $18.50. I fell in love with the fresh pita bread and with a smokey outer char I could have eaten them by themselves. But the dips were too good to overlook and our universal favourites were the pumpkin hummus & the olive tapenade.
Sweet or savoury pastries, I’ll take them any which way – the Spinach & Ricotta Sambusak had a lovely flaky puff pastry.
I was super eager to get my hands on the Ricotta, Banana and Coconut Frittata -w/double cream & fruit $15.50. Unlike anything I’ve had before and such a genius idea. I’ve had numerous savoury frittata’s but it never occurred to me that a sweet version would work so well. The banana at the centre was a highlight as well as the coconut. I was so enamoured by this dish, I spent the next few days searching for similar recipes. With very little luck mind you, so I’m destined to return.
I’m not the greatest fan of Shakshuka’s, I’d never order one for myself but Ness and Alex are always partial to them. Ness was vibing the Open Fire Eggplant Shakshuka -w/tomato, onion & labneh cheese $17.90. The eggs were perfectly runny and the eggplant, quite subtle. Having been cooked down, there was none of that ‘furriness’. The sauce, well developed and the sharpness of the labneh was appreciated.
Going for one of the classics, the Avocado on Toast -w/labneh cheese, tomatoes & dukkah $14.50. I loved the ‘Grandmas’ twist, with the addition of the crunchy dukkah, the pumpkin hummus served on the side. And the vibrant turmeric bread.
There may have been a slight squeal when Dana mentioned the recent addition to the menu. Ricotta Pancakes – w/yoghurt, fresh fruit, honey blossom sauce, grandma’s nuts & seeds $15.50. I wanted to love these more than I did. The pancakes were tasty but were on the dense side and not at all fluffy (how I like em). The yoghurt fits in thematically but I found it jarringly sour. I liked the sweetness from the fresh berries. And the crunch from the nut clusters & pomegranate seeds. Perhaps needing some refinement, to be a ‘drawcard’ dish. But it has potential.
And really, just for the sake of pure gluttony. The showstopper… The Chocolate Volcano Cake. I could have quite easily eaten the whole thing (if I didn’t have company and I wasn’t in public). But with a modicum of self-respect, I kept it to a few bites and stared longingly. With a super light chocolate cake giving way to reveal a molten caramel sauce.
Pretty as a picture, the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a cute little treat but I struggled with the texture of the cake & the cream. Perhaps having come directly out of a refrigerated cabinet.
It’s always a treat for me to stop in at Grandma’s. I find it hard to stop myself from scooping up their fresh produce and bikkies. I couldn’t help myself and came away with a scone for the ball and chain. Delicious even the next day.
One to file away if you’re in Alexandria/Roseberry.
Bianca
*For Food’s Sake dined as guests but all opinions are our own and independent.
oooh all them layers on that Sambusak