From sinful desserts to award-winning pies, Penrith’s foodie trail is packed with tasty delights
THERE’S something for everyone in the wide variety of dishes on offer in Penrith, with plenty to please the most fastidious of foodies out west
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THERE’S something for everyone in the wide variety of dishes on offer in Penrith, with plenty to please the most fastidious of foodies out west
HENRI MARC
THEY don’t advertise and there’s no sign on the door but considering the quiet and unassuming nature of Sophia and Aaron Bernecki of Henri Marc, that’s fine as the pair let the food and coffee speak for itself.
And there’s no mincing words as the sinful caramel toast is otherwise known as “#SayWhat?!?”
Having worked as chefs in Sydney, they could have set up shop anywhere, but chose to head out west to be closer to Sophia’s family (including their nephew Henri Marc).
Rather than continue to visit the city for their cafe fix, they created a place that served the coffee they preferred (Reuben Hills Coffee) and the food they liked. Though considering how gorgeous the dishes are, like the ruby coloured figs and beetroot on sourdough toast, it’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 438 High Street (behind the chemist)
HAPPY INN CHINESE RESTAURANT
ONCE the third and fourth generations of The Happy Inn’s original diners start coming in for dinner, that’s a good indication things are being done right. To Vincent Wong, the restaurant’s owner, that “right” thing has always been determined by his customers.
Mr Wong delivers a memorable meal, which usually involves something off the menu like his renowned pork belly.
As much as he’d like to be able to serve it regularly, the cut he uses – one done in a precise Chinese way that curves along the bone to get just the right amount of fat for flavour – is only good for one day. 401-403 High St
PASTICCERIA DOLCE MIA
IF Dolce Mia doesn’t have the variation of cannoli you’re after, odds are it doesn’t exist. At any given time, they’ll have at least 10 different flavours on hand and that goes up to 40 around Christmas.
“Lemon meringue and Ferrero Rocher are probably the most unusual ones we have,” owner Daniela Forzosi (right) says.
And it’s not just the pastries that are unique; Daniela also adds flair to baked goods such as the traditional gingerbread house, which in her most recent rendition took the form of the Eiffel Tower.
Always mixing things up a bit, Daniela is relocating to a larger shop where she will introduce savoury items and offer pasta-making classes.
LA BAKEHOUSE CAFE — HIGH ST PIES & PASTRIES
Dong Ngu Vuong’s infatuation with meat pies came about thanks to the lunch truck outside the factory where he first worked. So when the opportunity came about for him to open his own shop, making meat pies was the clear way to go.
His pies have gone on to win many awards, including seafood and vegetarian pies, but the pinnacle would have to be his beef pie that won Best Overall Gourmet Pie in the 2009 Great Aussie Meat Pie competition.
While the traditional beef pie remains his bestseller, he continually experiments with new varieties, soliciting the assistance of some regular customers who provide him with honest feedback. 413 High Street
HIGH ST DEPOT
CONSIDERING Tim and Noreen Bryan have impressive culinary credentials that include Aria and Chiswick restaurants, you could assume they’d take the obvious route and open up a high-end establishment, but fortunately for the people of Penrith, these two seem to have found their home on High Street.
Noreen, with her warm and personable nature, is the perfect face of the cafe, while Tim, calm and collected, is happy to work his magic in the kitchen.
1/488 High Street
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