CAFE REVIEW
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday February 2, 2010
Address Zenja, Bakehouse Quarter, 1/5 George Street, North Strathfield, 9746 9334Sunday breakfast at Zenja is busy but not frenetic. Clean-cut students, dreadlocked types and polo-shirted professionals fill shady outdoor tables and spots by the vast front window. It feels open and airy, in contrast to its cramped inner-city cousins.Zenja is in the former Arnott's factory precinct, not far from Parramatta Road and the M4, but it feels sheltered from the traffic in a breezy spot along a leafy cobblestone strip.The spacious design is equal parts rustic industrial and contemporary comfort, with exposed brick walls, white furniture and cushy benches.The all-day breakfast and lunch menu has a few flourishes, such as fried chilli eggs, plus tempting cakes, gelato and loose-leaf Tea Tonic organic brews.My chocolate milkshake is gloriously frothy ($6.50) and the carrot, orange, apple and coriander juice ($6.50) is surprisingly subtle. There is nothing fancy about our Vittoria cappuccino and espresso ($3.50 each) but both taste rich and strong.The servings don't scrimp and service is swift, though on a previous visit the kitchen was straining from the lunchtime crowds. It's a good perch for the early birds.
© 2010 Sydney Morning Herald
Share This