Averry Cafe, Sydney
Inspired by The Little Prince
Located at 339A Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
Neon lights project the famous quote from one of the best books of the 20th century, the Little Prince. Ostensibly styled as a children’s book, The Little Prince touches both adults and children alike with its profound observations on the human condition. The quote regarding one’s devotion to a rose points out the correlation between one’s investment in a particular pursuit and the importance they subsequently place on it.
This quote relates to Averry Café on many levels. The owner has clearly invested incredible amounts of time and energy on the interior design of the café/bar. From pink panther themed decorations, marbled tables to gorgeous table bouquets, the sheer volume of effort invested in the aesthetics is palpable. The effort translates to the significance the owner evidently places on this café/bar… and it is this passion for the café that draws patrons inside.
The warm pink hues also lure patrons in as they stand outside and peer into the enthralling floral oasis. Everything inside is bathed in a hypnotising pink glow from the cakes strategically placed along the counter to the creative cocktail concoctions dressing the bar.
Drool Worthy World was invited to dine at this café/bar on a Thursday evening, along with a group of other influencers. The table was adorned with a beautiful floral display and appetisers arrived almost immediately. We started with a tangy Arugula and Citrus Salad. For $17.00, this salad was replete with rocket, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, pomegranate, beetroot and carrot puree then topped with sesame seeds for that added crunch. Other appetisers included their famous Chicken Wings, which were made from wings that were slightly smaller than average. This helped to enhance the overall crunch of the crispy batter coating the flesh. The size also contributed to the overall addictiveness of these nibbles.
For mains, the size of our dining group meant that we could sample a raft of signature dishes. We started with the Pesto Smoked Salmon Fettuccine. In keeping with the elegant floral theme, the salmon was daintily reconstructed to resemble a pink rose. The fettuccine was cooked el dente, which nicely juxtaposed against the soft flesh of the salmon. My absolute favourite from the night was the Squid Ink King Prawn Risotto. The seafood flavours from the prawn, bonito flakes and the squid ink gave the dish that highly elusive umami flavour, which was equally delicious as it was addictive. The Averry Steak was rather standard of any pub lunch, with the steak served up with the usual grilled vegetables and sweet potato combination.
The desserts were another highlight from the night, as they were presented with the same degree of elegance as the interior aesthetics. The Le Averry is the most popular dessert option and it’s easy to see why from the presentation. Shaped like the rose, the cake tastes like how it looks with the hints of rose water weaving its way inside the light meringue-like strawberry and raspberry dacquoise.
Overall
Situated at the Chinatown end of Sussex Street, Averry Cafe emanates a warm pink glow that intrigues all passerbys that walk down the street. By day, it’s a trendy café serving up the brunch favourites. But… at night, it transforms into a delightful dining destination that’s perfect for romantic dates. If you are unsure what to order, I would recommend the Squid Ink King Prawn Risotto. It’s not as visually palatable as the pesto smoked salmon fettucine, but it makes up for looks in flavour. The strong notes of unami leave the insides of the mouth tingling! For dessert, go with the signature Le Averry and pair it one of Averry Cafe’s signature cocktails. I would recommend the Baby Darling, which is mixed with white rum, pineapple, lemon, plum, elderflower and decorated with the beloved childhood favourite fairy floss.
Overall rating: Yummy in my Tummy
Service: 4/5
Cost: Gourmet Gumbo and guests were invited by Averry Cafe.
