In The Annex — Restaurant in Sydney

I live just around the corner so it's comforting to know that on a Saturday morning I only need to take a short stroll to 'The Annex' (as we now call it) for a decent caffeine hit. It's often so busy (and rightly so) that I rarely get to take a seat inside, but take that as a good sign that this place is the bomb. The cafe has been on a hot streak of Good Food awards and rightly so.

The breakfast burrito is an eggy, avocadoey, salsa-ey bundle of deliciousness and absolutely perfect for when your hangover levels are upwards of seedy.

You can't go past the kale and egg roll (add bacon, you know you want to!) with a house made chilli chutney which is to-die-for. If you're prone to making a mess might be best to eat this one in private but if you can't wait, order in and let that sexy chutney drip all over your fingers because it tastes just as good licking it off your hands.

If there's one thing guaranteed, whatever lands on the table is bound to be beautiful. Even the bacon, eggs and toast is stylishly decorated by pickled greens, delicate slices of radish, and locally foraged nasturtium.

Umami Coffee is what's in your cup, and you can purchase some to take home if you're keen. A range of delicious and fragrant teas by Tea Totaler, originating from nearby Newtown, are also an...

In the Annex is just a short drive or a short bike ride from Surry Hills. It is located on Ross Street which seems to be hub of Forest Lodge. Coming from Surry Hills, this street seems to be quite scarce of nice cafes and restaurants. Hence, In the Annex must be a nice and welcomed addition to this street.

The coffee was acceptable but I am sure by now you know that I still find Sydney’s offering of milk base coffee a little underwhelming.

One of the interesting things about In the Annex is its beautiful plating. I ordered the confit duck with roasted brussel sprouts, torn brioche and a beautiful poached egg that worked as a sauce. This sort of plating is usually seen in fine dining restaurants. Quite sporadic and like a work of art. But what about the taste? It is nice but not mind blowing. I was more impressed with the look than the taste. At $16, I thought it was not value for money. Still hungry after. Do not order if you are feeling hungry and want to be fed well.

Mister order the cheeks, bubble and squeak ($18). Beautifully plated but the cheeks needed more seasoning. Maybe we should have ordered the kale and egg roll that is topped with aioli and chilli relish ($7.50) or the breaky burrito of scrambled eggs, rice and beans, gaucamole and...

On this busy road right behind a bus stop is the entrance to this unassuming cafe. However the space is a lot larger then meets the eye with seating inside & on a higher level. As you walk in you are tempted by the delectable looking warm house baked muffins, scones and pretzel (savoury) croissants. The menu is interesting with lots of items that can be made vegan. There are influences from Asia to Mexico. I chose the sticky braisef eggplant bowl with scrambled eggs, sesame, coriander and chilli. Its so flavoursome and the eggplant melting in your mouth and paired surprisingly well with eggs. A humble dish that traditionally may be eaten rice is here made into a paleo version with eggs for protein. Then there is the quasadilla - well tossted thin and crispy tortillas encasing a slightly cheesy, well cooked bean mixture served with jalapeno & sour cream on the side for you to add at your own will. You can have this with the traditional guac or edamole - made from edamame beans which is lighter, less rich & more protein rich. A lovely selection of real tea & a great coffee together with relaxed friendly service made it an...