Sydney Eat Street: 10 things to try in Emu Plains
ON the Nepean River’s west bank at the foot of the Blueys, this outlying suburb is well worth exploring for historic landmarks and plethora of dining options.
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ON the Nepean River’s west bank at the foot of the Blueys, this outlying suburb is well worth exploring for historic landmarks and plethora of dining options.
Take a tour of the suburb’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street.
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CAFE AT LEWERS
FINDING an enviable spot along the Nepean River in the mid-1950s, artisans Margo and Gerald Lewers intended to simply build a home with a studio. Forerunners of Australia’s modern art movement would gather for spirited conversations and debate as Margo delighted them all with her superb cooking. Now, the outlandish parties have given way to a casual outdoor cafe that serves delicious and clever dishes such as the persian hotcakes with rosewater ricotta, and the prosciutto with yellow peaches salad. With a friendly environment cultivated by co-owners Ben Dorrell and Penny Cleary and impressive meals by chef Steve Grant, Margo’s creativity and hospitality lives on in Emu Plains. — Penrith Regional Gallery, 86 River Rd
ZOKOKO
THERE may have been a bit of divine intervention when it came to Michelle Morgan finding her path to artisan chocolates by way of the cacao-filled hills above an animal sanctuary she’d visited in Bolivia. Using traditional methods, formal teachings from a chocolate technology school and vintage equipment, Zokoko has since gone on to win numerous accolades, including a gold medal for their Goddess Milk Chocolate Bar at the International Chocolate Salon and Artisan awards. “It’s amazing how much different chocolate tastes when you take time to savour it,” Ms Morgan said. — Unit 3/84-90 Old Bathurst Rd
MORGAN’S COFFEE
A PASSION for quality coffee is what often drives boutique cafe owners to source their beans from independent farmers around the world. But for Morgan’s Coffee owner Dean Morgan, knowing where the beans come from isn’t enough. To him, truly sourcing great product means going to the farms, observing the land, meeting the growers and often times working with them on how best to access the market. Back at his roasting facilities, he’s just as meticulous, continually testing and tasting the beans to ensure the best quality. And when you order a cup from the cafe next door, your first sip is testament that it’s well worth the effort. — Unit 3/84-10 Old Bathurst Rd
SAVVY CAKES BY LENA
WHEN Lena McKechnie went to order a birthday cake for her December baby, she came up short, so out of necessity she made one herself. Turns out she’s pretty good at it and, eight years on, she’s still making speciality cakes but added to her offering with cupcakes ranging from classic chocolate to the curious ones with Coca-Cola. However, Ms McKechnie notes that it’s her traditional vanilla sugar cookies with their whimsical milk and fairy bread designs that have become a fan favourite. — www.savvycakes.com.au
O’DONOGHUE’S IRISH PUB
THINGS have changed a bit since this pub, formerly known as The Orient Hotel, first opened in 1886. Gone are the days of “pub grub” since executive chef Colin Cachia added dishes such as a lamb and haloumi salad, grilled salmon and a stacked beef burger to a menu that also includes the classics such as schnitzels and steaks. — 99 Great Western Hwy
When in Emu Plains, you must try ...
San choy bow
Generous servings of seasoned mince cupped in crisp fresh lettuce leaves. An entree but big enough for a main. — Lucky Dragon, Shop 5, 101 Great Western Hwy
Cake and coffee
This comfy cafe is the perfect place to re-energise with a coffee and something sweet such as the cheesecake. — Chatter Box Cafe, Shop 28, Lennox Shopping Centre, 5-9 Water St
Spicy Dog
At this ranch-themed eatery, the spicy dog with chilli con carne and jalapenos is a firm favourite with regulars. — Tornados Bar & Grill, 2/91 Great Western Hwy
Gourmet pizza
Try the sumatra pizza with a satay-sauce base, king prawns, snow peas, cashew nuts and coconut flakes. — Sopranos Pizza and Pasta, 95 Great Western Hwy
Bamboo chicken
Good things come in small packages and that includes those wrapped in bamboo leaves. Inside are tender pieces of marinated chicken pieces that work perfectly on a serving of coconut rice. — Ping Kun Thai, 42 Great Western Hwy
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‘I like big buns’: Wacky burgers with a difference
Parramatta’s very own Eat Street is as exciting and diverse as the city itself. Take BL Burgers for example, which brought its premium burgers — including the Blame Canada, Blame Indian and Mac Daddy burgers — to western Sydney.