I immediately added PCP onto my list of places to try after drooling over Philsosophyy's instagram snaps. Since I was already in the CBD to do some retail therapy and damage to my bank account, I thought I would make a pitt stop over to this new Surry Hills comrade for a bite.

My brunch bestie ordered the "Crab Po Boy w/ soft shell crab, house slaw, ranch dressing and milk bun ($18). We were impressed with the massive size of the crispy deep fried crab sandwiched between the toasted fluffly milk burger bun. The crab was perfectly cooked, being crunchy but succulent at the same time and the heaviness was balanced out with the fresh slaw and the ranch sauce.



I was trying to be somewhat 'healthy' and opted for the lighter option on the menu, "Chopped Chicken Salad w/ poached chicken, cress, grapes, walnuts and buffalo mozzarella ($16)". The salad was refreshing and the grapes and dressing added a unique sweetness and the walnuts gave it a good crunch. I could've done without the buffalo mozzarella as it didn't add any extra flavour (maybe it was more of a texture thing?) and more of the poached chicken.

Disregarding my "being healthy" comment above, I couldn't resist ordering the "French Toasted Brioche Bread ($12)" as well.  It looked too amazing too pass up. The brioche was topped with banana custard, blueberries, chocolate dirt and pistachios. I was slightly disappointed with this dish, although the brioche was nicely toasted,  I felt the overall dish lacked sweetness and the flavours weren't distinguishable.



Paramount Coffee Project
Address: 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Phone: 0410 311 494
Opening times: 7AM-4PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/theparamountcoffeeproject

This is going to to be a quick one as our lunch at Bills was spontaneous and the photos I have are from my iPhone.

I have actually been meaning to go to Bills for sometime but never got the chance. We were going to pop by the Wollahra branch as we spent the morning at Bondi Beach. Lucky I called ahead and found out it has closed down, so next option was Darlinghurst. It was fairly quiet and peaceful that afternoon and had a very mellow and relaxed vibe.



I already had an idea of what the items were on the menu as I have been eyeing everyone's snaps on Urbanspoon. The items I was tossing up between were the 'Sweet Corn Fritters', 'Brown Fried Rice' or 'Ricotta Hotcakes'. I wish I could've ordered them all!


I decided on the "Crab, Chorizo and House Kim Chee Fried Brown Rice" ($21) and I was not disappointed. I loved their twist on the traditionally Asian dish. It tasted fresh and full of flavour with a hint of chilli and who doesn't love crab and chorizo?

The yellow noodle (tapeworm a nother friend called) on the side was actually egg which was in awe about but it didn't really add to the dish in terms of taste. I also think I prefer regular kim chee to their house kim chee as it lacked flavour and spiciness.

My other dining companions had the "Full Aussie Breakfast w/ scrambled organic eggs, sourdough toast, bacon, roast, tomato, swiss mushrooms and pork and fennel sausage ($24.50)" and "Salt and Pepper Calamari w/ lime aiolic, fennel and green bean salad ($21.50)"




Bills Darlinghurst 
Address: 433 Liverpool St Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9360 9631
Opening times: 7.30AM-3PM Monday-Saturday, 8.30AM-3PM Sunday.
Website: http://www.bills.com.au/

Bills Surry Hills 
Address: 359 Crown St Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9360 4762
Opening times: 7AM-10PM Monday-Sunday. Lunch menu starting from 12PM and Dinner starting from 5PM

My favourite would definitely be the "Pulled pork burger w/ Chur bbq sauce, red slaw and fennel mayo". I loved the flavour of the sauce and mayo which complimented the tender succulent pork.


Of course you also have to a have a side of fries with any burger so we ordered Chips w/ chilli salt ($5) to share. I would probably get the sweet potato fries next time though as the chips were nothing special.


Chur Burger has definitely made it onto my list of favourite burger establishments. Everyone should make time to try Chur burger whether for a social gathering  or stop by on a lunch break (they also have a takeaway option for those on the go). I wouldn't say it was value for money as the burgers are on the smaller side but from what I tried, their menu  packs in a variety of different flavours and the soft brioche bun certainly makes a difference as well. There is also a dinner menu available offering larger burgers ($20 served with 1 side) and assorted range of bar type snacks which definitely will have me coming back to try!


 

Chur Burger
Address: 8 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Phone: 9212 3602
Opening times: Mon 11:30AM - 5pm, Tues - Sat 11:30AM - 10PM,  Sunday Closed
Website: http://churburger.com.au/

Here comes another Surry Hills brunch blog! Devon Cafe is located on Devonshire St not very far away from Central Station. We were seated at the back patio area which gave off a very relaxing  summertime ambience.

However, the first emotion we had when we sat down at Devon Cafe  and looked at the menu, was devastation. The two items we came especially to try,  the "Little Lost Bread" and "The Ultimate Toastie" weren't available after 11.30am on the lunch menu! Unfortunately truffle season is over so The Ultimate Toastie is no longer on the menu.

Moving on, instead I chose to order the lunch special "Slow Roasted Lamb served with garlic confit, roasted capsicum, wild rocket, fontal cheese on sourdough" ($15).  I quite like the toasted sandwich; the lamb was tender and soft, and worked well with flavoursome fillings and sandwiched in between the buttery crunch slices of sourdough.


Fi ordered the "Cured Salmon sandwich special served with feta and betroot mousse and pickled betroot ($14)". The sandwich was fresh and light, the mousse gave it an interesting texture and colour but overall it may have overpowered the subtlety of the cured salmon.


Linus also ordered one of the other lunch specials that day; Mushroom soup with truffle oil and chives ($10). Although it had a rich flavour and was nice and creamy we all couldn't help notice the appearance and kind of resembled cement.



All the dishes being served at Devon Cafe looked very fresh and most of their dishes had some unique components  which you don't normally see at most brunch places. The servings were a bit on the small size as we were still hungry afterwards (we headed over to Chur burger afterwards).   However, I would definitely come back again. I loved the atmosphere of the cafe and the staff were very friendly. I'll be sure to come  before 11.30am to catch their breakfast menu especially to have the Little Lost Bread.





Devon Cafe
Address: 76 Devonshire St Surry Hills
Phone: 9211 8777
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Devoncafe