Ma…Makaron!

Hi readers!

// trying to concentrate on blogging while watching the new season of Gleeee! //

I’ve been queuing my photos to blog in an orderly, non-repetitive (e.g. breakfast after breakfast) manner, and finally up to macarons! I mean makaron’s with a ‘k’!

I have been recommended MakMakaron some blog posts ago by a reader; as he quoted, “better than Zumbo and Le Renaissance”. The sound of ‘better’, had me interested. I found MakMakaron on facebook/twitter and have been waiting for a chance to pick up some MakMakarons where they stocked at… such as Baffi & Mo! (During breakfast, one lovely day~)

I felt a tad greedy when I told the lady at the cashier ‘Can I please have one of each flavour?’, but in the back of my mind I knew it’d be worth it. The flavours available (unfortunately not all from their collection )….

• Mocha
• Vanilla
• Peppermint and chocolate
• Black sesame
• Raspberry and cardamon-scented white chocolate ‘rice-pudding’

Do any of these flavours interest you??…

If you’re a new reader; you may be unfamiliar with the way I consume macaron’s;

To lessen the guilt, and be able to try more flavours… I tend to divide each flavour of macaron up into 5 pieces to between my 3 sisters, my boyfriend and I to share/try… we would play a guessing game, and give a vote what our favourite flavour was.

Curious yet?

Firstly, I’d like to confess to my sisters {who may be reading this post}, that I shared half the peppermint and chocolate macaron with the boyfriend and myself! .. so they didn’t get to try it …

What I realized was; I’m not usually a fan of having an entire macaron to myself, because it may be to sweet or I can pass with just a taster, but this time was different. I ate half the macaron and honestly wanted to finish the whole thing (if it wasn’t for the boyfriend ). What can I say? I really loved the texture of the macaron; it wasn’t too hard or too soft, it was just right, and the best bit about these macarons is that it’s not too sweet; hence I’d gladly finish it to myself. *Not forgetting to mention, it was my first peppermint/choc chip macaron*

The sweet factor brings me to another point; it was a delight munching away on these, even though I only had 1/5 of the other flavours… I really loved the ganache or whatever filling was in each one of them. I have to say, usually the fillings in macarons taste more artificial than the original flavour… for example, more sugary sweet, but these were ‘true to their flavour’, if you get what I mean.

I particularly enjoyed the Raspberry and cardamon-scented white chocolate ‘rice-pudding’ macaron most because I tasted bits of raspberry rather than pure ganache. As it name suggests, it does pack a punch!

The other one I also found interesting was the black sesame; I love it when Western recipes take influence from Asian flavours, and also the fact that I love black sesame, earns another point!

Personally, I found Baffi & Mo selling it for $3 is a little pricey; well understandable since they are only stockists… but I guess its okay if you were curious to try! I’m craving some more MakMakarons now by the end of this post… although I could order directly from Makmakaron, I’m eagerly waiting for the next outing where I could order a batch of ‘makarons’ without the guilt! and be able to share the lovely flavours at the same time!

As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed these macarons and can definitely add them to my list of favourite macaron chefs! (If you have any more to suggest, comment away!) I urge you to try get your hands on some too if you’re a macaron lover like me!

Sweet weekend ahead to you all!

Baffi & Mo, Redfern

Located along one of the busy streets of Redfern, Baffi & Mo could be easily missed if you’re driving and least expecting an awesome cafe to catch your eye… that’s the case with me. I had heard of Baffi & Mo before and never looked into where it was until my friend took me one Saturday morning for brunch.Then it hit me, I’ve always driven along that street and never noticed it!

Not saying that it doesn’t stand out, the building itself with big glass windows peering into the cafe itself, with Vintage wallpapers and a large communal table.

It was my second visit to the cafe by now (and this time brought my dslr with the 50mm 1.4 attached!), this time it was another breakfast getaway between the boyfriend and I.

Second time round, I noticed several more details in the cafe, the old sofa, old tables, old chairs (which you sit on of course). I love it when cafes go just a bit further with details! The place itself just reminds me of Charlie Chaplin, the other ‘Mo’s‘. (Hence Baffi & Mo )

large communal table

Even this sugar holder itself is a lovely vintage addition! (old sofa in the background)

Stargazer lilies are one of my favourite flowers! It’s such a happy flower in-my-opinion, and I was happy that there was one especially on our table

A shot of latte to start the day…

I, myself indulged a pot of chai tea with honey.

Sauteed mushrooms, eggs, ricotta and basil on sonoma miche bread, topped with hollaindaise sauce.

Mushrooms were juicy, accompanied with the light tangy-ness of the hollaindase sauce, and the eggs were cooked to perfection. It easily fulfilled my tummy’s needs.

The boyfriend had scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast. I have to say, they do a pretty good job with eggs!

An inexpensive breakfast getaway, that will keep you, your tummy and your wallet happy!

If you’re going for the first time, avoid going on Weekend mornings unless you are prepared to wait in queue! I went during the weekend for my first time, second time it was during the week, it was less crowded and yes a great breakfast/brunch location or just for a cuppa-tea!

I’d gladly go for for third time just to review the other delights on their menu!

Baffi & Mo
94 Redfern Street, Redfern
(t) 8065 329

Saint Germain Patisserie, Redfern

Lately I’ve realized, at least once a week for the past month, a small portion of my diet had consisted of macarons. Okay, it may not sound that much but… realistically macarons aren’t your affordable, everyday cookie. I wish it is.

The sight of macarons to me, is just as irresistible as spotting a must-have fashion accessory… except they only last with every bite.

It has been well over a month or so since I heard of this Redfern gem, what caught my attention? Great tasting macarons at $1.50 each! … a small saving is a big saving when it comes to macarons!

So I made a detour to Redfern while on the way home from the CBD. Without checking Google Maps – live view, I expected it to be situated along the main strip of cafes and shops of Redfern, I was wrong. The boyfriend was in the driver seat, while he was trying to bypass the afternoon peak traffic in the area.. it took us a while till we realized where it was.. although on the corner of a narrow street amongst appartments, it was hard to distinguish with the lack of shop signage. We had to take a step into recognize that yes, it is a French Patisserie. You will be immediately delighted by the display of cakes and patisseries – but I was there for 1 reason, Macarons.

It was later in the day, so I imagined there weren’t as many macarons left… First of all you wouldn’t expect the same standards as Adriano Zumbo (millions of flavours to choose from)..

Back to front; Left; Raspberry, Mango, Strawberry
Right; Almond, Milk chocolate (ganache), Passionfruit

When purchasing these, I had no idea what flavours they were, and just asked one of each. To lighten my guilt back home, I  usually divide macarons into bite sized pieces between my sisters and have a session of ‘Guess the flavour’ and of course our own Judging Panel (lol).

My favourites? Rasberry, Mango!

I’ve never tried Mango macaron before, so it was a delight.. Overall, the flavours and textures aren’t as extraordinary as.. the ones from say.. Le Renaissance and Lindt Cafe (my common Macaron-go-to’s).. but it is great for the price, $1.50!

Will I go back? Of course -

I heard that their pastries are yummo! Like… Brie & Tomato croissants, savoury crepes.. etc.etc. So I will definitely have to try it out myself

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St. Germain Patissierrie

88 Rosehill Street,corner of Gibbons street, Redfern.
Tel: 61+ (02) 9319 7161