Where: Caffe Cherry Beans, 62/80 Rowe Street, Sydney,
NSW 2122
Coffee Bean: some kind of Arabica bean.
Miserable, rainy weather cast a gloom over us
when we met at Eastwood Station for our next cup of coffee. Having lived here
for two years, Julia was familiar with Caffe Cherry Beans from previous visits.
 |
| Caffe Cherry Beans |
Caffe Cherry Beans is on the ‘Korean side’ of
Eastwood, at the entrance of a small recently built shopping plaza containing
ALDI. Despite this, Cherry Beans retains a dim and warm ‘café-like’ atmosphere.
Rough wooden panels and black walls, lit by low-hanging orange lights create
that relaxing space ideal for solitary luncheons or afternoon tea breaks with
coffee and a light snack. Cherry Beans has free Wi-Fi: just ask for the
password, it’s a great place to catch up on some work while you eat.
Cherry Beans has classic café food options,
with a variety of breakfast items, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta and
desserts. Drinks are about the same, with some Asian touches like green tea
latte or frappe, and occasional specialties like seasonal drinks and drip
coffee.
 |
| Latte |
Erin ordered a cappuccino ($3.50) and a plate
of pancakes ($14.90).
Julia went with a latte and a slice of New
York cheesecake. Yes, they have really good cheesecakes – creamy and soft. If
you’re in the mood for a snack, I highly recommend them.
Coffees come out quickly, and with a cute little
sugared shortbread resting on the spoon. The latte art was really something. The
cappuccino was, in particular, beautifully done: the chocolate had blended with
the silky milk on the surface. They could have been a smidgen hotter,
especially given the chilly and overcast weather. On the other hand, the taste
was mild but sweet, quite pleasant to the palette. The acidity of the coffee
was well-balanced with the milk, such that it did not overpower the drink and
become bitter. Overall, not outstanding coffees, but nice enough and well done.
 |
| Pancakes |
Likewise, the pancakes are skillfully
presented with a variety of sides. Caramelized bananas, fresh strawberries, ice
cream, chocolate syrup and topped with chestnut cream. The pancakes themselves
are fluffy and moist. Yet, beware: pancakes at Cherry Beans are definitely more
a dessert than a breakfast food! It was hard to discern the taste of the
buttery pancakes over the sweetness of the inescapable sides and toppings,
especially that chestnut cream. The ice cream is at least contained in a little
pot to the side. The rest is simply heaped on top, meaning you can’t really
pick and choose what you want. The strawberries at least provided a little
tartness to go some way in combatting the overwhelming sweetness.
If you’re after breakfast food, something
savory with eggs or toast would probably be a safer option.
Caffe Cherry Beans is not exceptional or
brilliant. You wouldn’t go out of your way to go to Cherry Beans. But if happen
upon one of its many stores scattered throughout Sydney, know that they do
decent coffee and good food at reasonable prices. Staff are happy for you to
sit and linger, making Cherry Beans a good place to study or read the paper.
For a local café, what more can you ask for?
Yays
- Good food – try the cheesecake
- Good atmosphere, despite the fact it’s in a shopping centre
- Coffees come with a cute little biscuit
- Great latte art
Nays
- Coffees could be served better: a little stronger and hotter
- Pancakes are too much of a good thing
Overall Experience
75% -- Distinction!
No comments:
Post a Comment