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

Linus, my Surry Hills brunch buddy visited Cowbell 808 a couple of weeks back. We decided on this venue as we have been eyeing the famous Ricotta Hotcakes and Bacon Icecream (yes, bacon!!). The cafe is situated on Bourke Street, close to Bourke Street Bakery (and yes, we  couldn't resist visiting the bakery after brunch to grab some tarts!).

The cafe wasn't too busy on that weekday but we chose to sit on one of the few tables outside on the footpath to absorb some vitamin D. So, of course we ordered the 'Fat Stacked Ricotta Hotcakes' ($18) which was oozing out marscapone. You can choose to have it served with espresso syrup or maple syrup but we decided to try both. It was our whole day's meal in one; we weren't sure if we were having breakfast, brunch or dessert. The hotcakes were light and fluffy but I was disappointed with the bacon ice cream. There were minuscule bits of bacon mixed in the scoop of ice cream but other than that it was outshone by the sweetness. Also, definitely go with the maple syrup if you are not a big coffee fan!


We also ordered the Cowbell 808 burger ($18) to share which included a ground beef patty, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onion served between a sesame seed bun and with a few spiced onion rings on the side. The burger wasn't too bad but again I wasn't blown away with the dish.


Overall, it was a nice little establishment but I wasn't overawe with our food choices. They had a few other interesting items on the menu such as Lamb Toastie and Grilled Eggplant Roll as well as the usual breakfast favourites such as baked eggs and bircher muesli but Cowbell 808 hasn't left me longing to come back.



Cowbell 808 
Address: 616 Bourke Street Surry Hills 2010
Phone: 9698 5044
Opening times: 7 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday.  8 am-3pm Saturday and Sunday
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Cowbell808

I think I have a new favourite brunch place! Walking along the quiet main road of Balmain I was drawn into Bar Contessa by its modern yet rustic style décor.


At the first glance of the menu, I wanted to order everything, which is when I knew I would already love Bar Contessa.  I was drooling as the waiters were bringing out other diners' meals such as big juicy cheese burgers with thick cut chips, huge chicken tortillas and large bowls of creamy cauliflower soup and sourdough bread.


The menu featured an all day breakfast menu (awesome!) and a variety of lunch menu items.

The past few times I have ordered fritters at previous café I wasn't entirely impressed but for some strange reason I feel drawn to order them everytime. However, when the House Make Corn  Cakes ($18.50) came out my eyes widened, the serving was massive. I couldn't wait to dig in! The corn fritters were topped with fresh guacamole, rocket, tomato salsa and generous serving of  chorizo sausage. Instead of the chorizo there was also a choice of hickory smoked bacon, Tasmanian smoked salmon or sauteéd field mushrooms.


My date ordered the Spicy Italian Meatball Melt ($14.50)  from the lunch menu. The meatballs are also house made and was served on toasted sourdough with fresh basil, provolone cheese, fresh rocket, chilli and shaved italian parmesan. The meatballs were flavoursome and juicy with a good hit of spice which was no overpowering and who doesn't love melted cheese?

It was definitely love at first sight with the small buzzing cafe. I can't wait to come back and my other brunch favourites such as The Ultimate Cheeseburger and Brioche French Toast.





Bar Contessa
Address: 71b Darling Street Balmain 2041
Phone: 9555 7399
Website: http://www.barcontessa.com.au/

I'm back with a new healthy recipe! This is the perfect recipe for people who are looking for budget and on the go meals. The patties are high protein and low GI and can be eaten on their own, with a side of vegies or on a bed of salad. The patties can be made in advance and reheated in an oven or microwave.