A very belated work Christmas Party lead us to Hazelhurst Cafe,Gymea. It is set amidst a fragrant cottage garden and within the Hazelhurst Gallery which holds art exhibitions and art classes. The Cafe itself looks colourful and feels light & airy ; charmingly decorated with whimsical touches of garden paraphernalia and art related curios.
We were there on a weekday, so not very busy but I can imagine it would be quite hectic on weekends. On the day we visited the service was prompt and friendly, the food inspired and delicious. Best of all reasonably priced with meals ranging from $15-$28. It’s the perfect place to take your mum or grandma for brunch or a girls’ coffee catch up. I imagine, it would also be a good spot for a family with young children, in the outside seating area close to the garden.
Cocktails to start..at Hazelhurst Cafe Gymea
I could not go past a cocktail called Mrs. Bramble, a concoction of Tanqueray Gin,Chambord Liquor, Blackberries and Lemon. Fresh and bracing. Queen Bee Colada was a tad too sweet for my liking with Bacardi, Pineapple,Mango and Honey, but was pronounced delightful by my young workmate. All in all, the popular choice was the Pink Gin & Tonic with Grapefruit and Juniper Berries. When I come back, I’m going to try the Breakfast Collada and the Breakfast Menu.
Lunch at Hazelhurst..
For starters we shared Zucchini Flowers with Truffle Honey. Very nicely done with a gorgeous filling of three cheeses and crispy crust altough, I wasn’t a big fan of truffle honey, but that was just me, everyone else loved it!
The Italian Club/Sub on toasted chewy Ciabatta roll has prosciutto,turkey,egg and pesto mayo with lettuce and tomato. Great combination of flavours and a wonderful light lunch.
Baklava with Pork? Yes it’s a thing. Crispy phyllo pastry filled with slow cooked pork shoulder and served with roasted cherry tomatoes tsatzsiki and shaved fennel with an orange sauce. I was told it was scrumptious.
This silky Smashing Pumpkin Risotto with crispy bacon ,thyme , kale crisp, fetta and a hint of honey. The luscious taste of autumn right there in a bowl. I notice a lot of menu items with honey, the chef must love their honey!
I would have to say the standout dish and one I would happily go back for, was the Naked Sushi. It had all the flavours and textures I crave. Rice with toasted black sesame stirred thru it topped with tobiko, succulent crab/prawns, crispy noodles, pickled ginger and a mouthwatering ginger dressing. It was presented like vibrant abstract artwork ( inspired by a Wassily Kandinsky or a Jackson Pollock perhaps) mimicking the canvases displayed in the gallery next door!
What about desserts?
The dessert option was limited. There was Gelato from Messina served in paper cups with tiny spoons. Other than that, there was a homemade unpretentious Sourdough Brownie which was fudgey rich and was a perfect match to a piccolo latte.
Hazelhurst Cafe Details:
