$5 Breakfast and coffee – Miss M Café

A chalk wall of art, with inspiration from around the world awaits at Miss M Café, so come here for a breakfast roll, banana bread and coffee for only $5 altogether at Bondi Junction before heading off to the famous Bondi Beach.

Miss M Café sits next to Westfield on Oxford St Street, offering sandwiches, healthy salads and coffee. In fact, they were named ‘Best Café in Sydney’ by The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2013.

Honestly, I cannot believe this deal was $41 and I was saving just over $30. The photos did look amazing online but how about the actual experience?

Thankfully I chose a beautiful and sunny day so the tree outside was glistening in the sunlight, and coffee lovers could sit outside in the little fenced off area.

I actually love the wooden bench that faces out. What a great idea! If I’m just having a coffee myself and wanting a bit of fresh air because I’ve been in the office for the morning, I kind of want a place to sit and soak in the sunshine.

Walking inside, you’ll see a wonderful chalk board displayed menu… except without any prices labelled.

The baguettes, open sandwiches, muffins, and assorted pastries are in the display cabinets. They look pretty amazing and can’t wait to see the breakfast roll for our voucher!

The wall says it all – their coffee is organic fair trade and from Monte Carlo.

It is very decorative and their staff are probably creative junks writing and drawing on the blackboards. Reminds me a little of school. No, not current schools but when we had the good ol dusty chalkboards.

We order our skimmed cappuccinos before sinking down into a large couch. It wasn’t strong at all and tasted watered down/had more milk than coffee. The coffee here sounded so promising with those words of coffee wisdom before!

Our breakfast ‘rolls’ came out not long after. In the description, it says ‘Bacon, Eggs, Spinach, Mushroom and Hollandaise Sauce’. There were 2 rashes of bacon, an egg on top, and a heaps of hollandaise sauce but I’m not too sure if there was much (or if any) spinach and mushroom? I had a bit of tomato in mine though. It was more like an open breakfast on a slice of sourdough.

The slices of banana bread were thin quarter slices. Then again, I was filling up anyway so it was light dessert treat to my brekkie. It was a bit sweet but moist enough.

There was a bit of a problem when trying to book for the weekend. The phone number would always ring out and there wasn’t an answering machine to leave your details. Walk-in on weekdays but for bookings on the weekend, call between 8:30-9am.

Review Rating: =D  =)  =|  =(

Product ($5 breakfast at Miss M Cafe): =)

Ambience: =D

Service: =)

Value: =)

Would I buy another $10 breafast for 2 at Miss M café? $5 for breakfast and coffee is bloody good! The coffee and breakfast roll wasn’t the best but for what you’re paying, it’s a great deal!

Would I donate the money I saved to my charity? The value wasn’t too bad and the place isn’t terrible. It’s actually done up pretty nicely with a nice ambience. $4 would go to charity. I’m not sure I’d pay $10 if I could go elsewhere for a good meal without the coffee.

Highlight: Those tables are nice! It could be a little low or if you’re sitting on a couch you’ll need to lean forward, but it just makes it look arty. Love reading the stuff on the walls and had quick service.

Suggestion of improvement: coffee could be stronger. I’m not a huge fan of milk and can only tolerate it in coffees or teas so that was a bit of a downfall. More spinach and mushroom would’ve been nice but I liked the display of the foods coming out on the wooden boards. I’m not sure if it’s close to being the ‘Best Café in Sydney’ though..

Ends: May 14, 2014

Link: http://experiences.ouffer.com/brekkie-break-in-bondi-junction-only-10-for-two-breakfast-rolls-two-slices-of-banana-bread-and-two-large-coffees-to-dine-in-or-take-away-sink-your?utm_source=rss

Angela Bee

Cake of the day and Coffee – Michel’s Patisserie Eastwood

Treat your sweet tooth with a slice of creamy cheesecake, dangerously deadly chocolate cake, or  Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster cupcake at Eastwood’s Michel’s Patisserie for only $6.90, enjoyed with their fresh coffee roast.

Michel’s Patisserie not only caters for individuals, groups and functions so try a sample from a selection of cakes along with great coffee to see what you’ll like for your next birthday cake and possibly ordering some fun cupcakes for the kids’ or work party.

The staff was really friendly and even let us choose whichever cake we wanted!

The most popular is the cheesecake so I decided to go for the mango cheesecake according to staff. The upper layer of mango jello was a nice compliment to the creamy cheesecake. It was extremely sweet but it did have small bits of mango in it.

My friend got the kiddish Cookie Monster cupcake. Looks best for the photos! Loved the chocolate sprinkles as eyes and mini oreo as the mouth. However, the cupcake itself was quite disappointing because it was dry- but who cares, right? It’s the creativity that counts!

Coffee was good and the baristas do a fine job every time I come in.

I do prefer the outdoors area when it’s nice and sunny. But who knows these days with Sydney weather…

Indoors is spacious and even with a full house it doesn’t get too crowded.

Eastwood’s store is a two bar area with a savory side if these cakes get too much!

Come along either to indulge in a sugar-high experience or pretend to be a kid again, eating the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the Cookie Monster!

Review Rating: =D  =)  =|  =(

Product (Cake and Coffee special at Michel’s Patisserie Eastwood): =)

Ambience: =)

Service: =)

Value: =)

Would I come to Michel’s Patisserie Eastwood for cake and coffee every day? It’s nice to treat yourself every so often but being slightly health conscious these days, I would have to pass. Maybe once in a while, or even if I share with a friend I wouldn’t mind.

Would I pay full price for the Cake and Coffee special at Michel’s Patisserie Eastwood? I’m not too sure about the cakes because they were really sweet and the cupcake was just dry. If I had a Sesame Street party, or a kids themed party then I totally would for the occasion.

Highlight: That Cookie Monster cupcake looked so good! It wasn’t particularly the taste that mattered, but the presentation was immaculate!

Suggestion of Improvement: probably make the cupcakes taste as good as it looks? It was quite dry and I didn’t really eat the bottom because it wasn’t worth its calories. The top was amazing though?!

Ends: never, but check in-store.
Link: http://michelseastwood.com/

Angela Bee

Student Specials – The Vogue Cafe

If pot plants hanging from the ceiling, smoothies in jars covered in chocolate and 1920s inspired vintage ‘welcome’ signs are your liking, and if you are a student,  walk the extra 5 minutes from uni to receive : $7 coffee and cake, $12 sandwich and smoothie, and $15 burger, chips and can of drink, or 20% off for any student club/society until May 31, 2014.

The Vogue Cafe on Level 2 at Macquarie Centre has both a relaxing and friendly vibes amongst a bit of creativity… in other words, take a break and enjoy cheap good food and coffee while you’re still a student.  #studentspecials #iwishistillwasastudent

Present your student card and the voucher at the end of this blog post to receive:

1. Cake and coffee $7

Never go wrong with a muffin. The size is as big as 2 fists and prove to be in a meal itself. This blueberry muffin was as delicious as it looks in the picture.
Tastes home made, moist inside out, with whole blueberries throughout.

2. Sandwich and smoothie $12

Sandwich is absolutely insanely sandwiched with chicken and avocado. I would’ve liked his if it was grilled or toasted to give it that extra crispy texture instead oft he two slices of plain bread.
Lightly peppered, mouthfuls of heaven but average presentation.

Smoothie, as always, was just beautiful. A bit thick but the extra nuts and mint compliment the drink really well, especially on a hot day like today!! This was the ‘manberry’, a mix of strawberry and banana.

3. Burgers, chips and can of drink $15

Bite into the crunchiest chips you will ever taste. Let me dissect one chip- thin, mega oily but extreme crispy on the outside, and soft mushy potato inside, lightly seasoned with intense herbs and salt. I have never tasted anything so good. On the other hand, the steak burger wasn’t as meaty as expected but the thick layer of caramelised onions spread onto the lower slice of the panini was the highlight.
Piping hot herbed crunchy chips, standard steak burger, enough for you to be in a food coma.

4. Any student club and/or society with 10 people or more 20% off

There is room inside and out for groups. Enjoy the decorations, greeted by friendly staff and order whatever your mouth waters towards.

Free wifi available.

Review Rating: =D  =)  =|  =(

Deal (student specials at The Vogue Cafe): =)

Ambience: =D

Service: =)

Value: =D

Would I go to The Vogue Cafe and grab a student special every week? Yes, I would come once a week or so, but other cafés such as The Shingle Inn also do $6.90 cake and coffee specials, but to be honest, I’ve asked a fair amount of students about this deal and the prices aren’t too appealing.. even if it’s $6 for cafe and coffee, or $10 for sandwich and smoothie, and even $12 for a burger would attract more customers. That has been my general consensus. Thoughts?

Would I pay full price for the student specials at The Vogue Cafe? For the cake and muffin, I think it’s totally worth it. The sandwich and smoothie at normal price would be worth it as well if only the bread was slightly toasted. Even a sprinkle of cheese on the top would be fancy. I’m not too sure about the burger because even though those chips were gobsmackingly amazing, the patty was a bit of a downer. Having said that the portion size altogether was pretty substantial for a girl.

Highlight: jarred smoothies. I cannot get enough of these smoothies. The top of the jars are covered in chocolate. Mine had shredded coconut and my friend’s had muesli. It’s just pure goodness in a jar. I wish it was never ending.

Suggestion if improvement: what I would like to see is probably a thicker piece of meat on the steak? Also when ordering, having the waitresses ask if I wanted multigrain bread or possibly having my sandwich toasted would’ve been more ideal for those who like it in their special ways.

Ends: May 31, 2014
Voucher: The Vogue Cafe student special vouchers

Angela Bee

For price comparisons and previous blog: https://thewalkingadvertisement.wordpress.com/2014/01/23/the-vogue-cafe-student-specials/

Please note that The Vogue Cafe has re-opened as of October 2014. Same location and french-inspired cafe pictures below. 

It’s a bit noisy as it is right next to a car park but it’s charming and lovely!

Shingle Inn Opening – Macquarie Centre

Gold ballooning ‘FREE coffee with slice of cake’ promotion was at Shingle Inn, Macquarie Shopping Centre today.

Oh hang on. Rewind. How much are their cakes usually? Around $6.80-$7.90.

I wouldn’t say this is one cheap deal because I normally even hesitate to spend $3 on a coffee and only restrict myself to only 2 coffees a week and ONLY if I’m catching up with friends. Yes, I’m quite disciplined like that so even paying even $4 for a Strawberry and Pistachio Cheesecake is a huge step for me.

Working at Macquarie Centre means that I see shop assistants go and get their early morning coffee before each day’s opening. It’s the same for business workers, tradies, and even high school and uni students!

There have been 2 identified as good competitors: The Coffee Club and Chantilly’s -but how does Shingle Inn compare?

The huge lamps glowing directly on each table inject precious light to this small café. There isn’t really a ‘wow’ factor here except the red and white intricately patterned chairs at its front as seen in my previous blog.

Walking in, there seemed to be a small crowd around the counter. I counted 7 staff and a fully stocked window display. Good to know they had plenty of staff up and running. And on the plus side, I heard other customers asking about the contents of their sandwiches, salads and other items on the menu and the person on the register seemed to have learnt the menu well.

Cakes included (L -> R, top to bottom) carrot gateau, choc mud cake, flourless choc torte, orange and almond cake, lemon meringue pie, New York cheesecake, tiramisu, French vanilla slice, mince tarts, strawberry and pistachio cheesecake, charlotte royal, baci gateau, and lemon cheesecake.

It was so overwhelming I had to go back to my manager and ask to see if she wanted to change her mind!

I ended up getting the Strawberry and Pistachio Cheesecake with my usual skimmed cappuccino. My manager had the Chocolate Mud Cake and cappuccino.

Strawberry Cheesecake $6.80: Unlike the cupcakes we had yesterday which tasted of mix, this is incredibly delicious! The cream cheese filling is quite creamy and the glazed strawberry topped with pistachios gives it that raw nutty edge but I wished there was a bit more perhaps in the cheesecake itself? But my mum absolutely LOVES it.

Chocolate Mud Cake $6.90: According to the manager I work with, she said that it was light and fluffy and not too sweet. I’m not sure if that describes a real choc mud cake..? In my head I picture a dense and moist chocolate thick cake with intense chocolate icing. Some like it hot, some like it cold, so it might be the case here for those who are opting for a lighter option.

Coffees: both my manager and I agreed that it wasn’t the best coffee but it wasn’t too bad either. I must say, I’ve had better but at the same time this is only their first day of trade. Might give it another punch later. It normally costs $3.70- dearer than a standard cup of coffee.

While I was there a lady came in and asked if there were any ‘senior discounts’. She was right in a sense that there are a ton of cafes in the Centre and she could easily get a cheaper coffee. However, if you aren’t fussed this place isn’t too bad to sit down, read the newspaper or a book and enjoy a cup (or bowl!) of cuppa.

Rating Review: =D  =)  =|  =(

Product (cake and coffee): =)

Ambience: =)

Service: =D

Value: =(

Would I buy another cake and coffee special? Don’t think so.. it is quite a bit of money and I can easier buy a whole apple pie from Woolies for $4.71 (I did that today for tomorrow’s Annual High School Christmas Party)

Would I spend $10+ on the cake and coffee? Probably not unless I’m catching up with a good friend and we are either in a very good or very sad mood to eat and drink our happiness or sorrows away.

Highlight: Those chairs outside really make Shingle Inn look fancy and chic. All staff were nice and friendly too!

Suggestion of Improvement: Have a better (or less expensive) opening special? Cake may have been more than what a customer wants to spend. Just a reminder that there are students (Epping Boys, Ryde Secondary, Riverside Girls, Macquarie University, Robert Menzies College) around and they are worthy target markets. Another thing is that everything is quite dear on the menu.. Both my manager and I couldn’t seem to answer both those questions… but then again, I am cheap (and that’s why I blog about freebies).

Angela Bee

Shingle Inn Macquarie Shopping Centre

Est 1936, the ‘Decadent, Delicious, Deserved’ Shingle Inn cafes have opened their doors to enrich its customers with its delicate desserts and delightful bowls coffee.

Since 2009, Macquarie Shopping Centre is currently undergoing a $390 million world class redevelopment. With over 130 new specialty stores opening, Shingle Inn is a new worthy competitor that is located on Level 1, opposite the photo shop and next to the onsie shop.

Today and tomorrow they are giving away free cupcakes as small samples to entice shoppers, particularly those with a sweet tooth! Sorry, the picture below has squished icing.

From tomorrow and for the next possibly 3 days, they will be giving a free cup of coffee for each cake slice purchased. Unfortunately I couldn’t get the cake menu from the new owners of the franchise who were keen to have a chat with me before its official opening.

Those classy red patterned chairs behind the reflective separation barrier gives it that chic and elegant vibe, acting as a teaser before they take down the new ‘opening soon’ wall.

Stay tuned as tomorrow I try out their cakes and determine if their ‘secret’ beans are worth telling anyone. Oh, and by the way, the owner did say that the he only chooses  good looking baristas who know their beans.. maybe that’s he’s secret to new success!

Keep watching this space for more opening specials and tomorrow’s coffee rating review..

Rating Review: =D  =)  =|  =(

Product (Cupcakes): =(

Ambience: =)

Service: =)

Value: =|

Would I grab another free cupcake? No, it tastes like cake mix. I took one bite and gave the rest to my mum.

Would I spend $$ on the cake slice to get a free coffee? Probably not that I ate the cupcake. You can really tell if one is home made or not!

Highlight: the ambiance for sure. Nice dim and some what romantic setting.

Suggestion of Improvement: Please don’t use cake mix from now on? Maybe make them yourself or just outsource because my mum’s cupcakes are yum!

Angela Bee