Sweet Street Bakery, Parramatta (formerly Short Sweet Bakery)
The latest excitement in the land of Parramatta is Sweet Street Bakery. Part of the local council’s initiative to revamp the area and turn it into more of a foodie destination, the pop-up of Sweet Street brings the shabby chic look from the likes of Surry Hills to an unlikely location beside a strip of discount shops on Church Street.
Incentives such as subsidised rent means world class chefs such as Leanne Beck (of Sweet Infinity fame) are lured to set up exciting new ventures here that otherwise would’ve stayed in the Eastern Suburbs or the city CBD.
While many restaurants and cafes pay hundreds of thousands to create this charming rustic ambience, Leanne seems to have pulled it off rather effortlessly. She proudly talks of her frugal approach, pointing out bits and pieces that were sourced from Gumtree.
The result is a refreshing hangout spot and amazingly delicious baked treats at impressively affordable price points.
One offer are croissants ($4) in chocolate, almond or plain. There’s a 9″ flourless chocolate cake for $40, the lightest and most fragrant lime cheesecake ($5) you will ever taste, and farm fresh apples and oranges for juicing!
Lemon meringue tarts, strawberry & custard tarts and blueberry & custard tarts are a steal for just $3 each. Vanilla custard eclairs are $5.50 – a little dearer to reflect the effort required to produce them.
There are also marshmallow logs coated in coconut for just $3! Ah, the options!
The baked goods on offer just keep rolling on – apple pie for $5 per slice, plum & frangipane tart for $35 whole or $4.50 per slice, strawberry friands for $4…
Leanne is also bringing back the old fashioned tea cake! These banana tea-cakes are a great addition to any afternoon tea at just $12 each!
We also try the housemade vanilla bean pannacotta lamington ($4.50 each) which seems to be all the rage at the moment but I’m reserving my judgement ’til I’ve had the one at Flour & Stone so stay tuned!
If you can look beyond the enchanting display of sweets, Sweet Street also make some mean sausage rolls and pies ($5 each). I sample the chicken and corn pie; the pastry is beautiful and flaky and the meat is chunky and wholesome.
Only a few months old, this French-inspired patisserie’s future is promising! There are even plans for it to expand into a hands-on cooking school!
Sweet Street Bakery
Shop 17, 162-172 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW
Web: sweetstreetbakery.com.au
JENIUS dined as a guest of Sweet Street Bakery
Jennifer Lam (Jenius)
