SWEET BELEM - PETERSHAM, SYDNEY

Sweet Belem
35B New Canterbury Rd
Petersham, Sydney

The décor here is reminiscent of what you would find in Portugal. The lovely pictures on the wall depicting different scenes including one of Tram 28 that is famous in Lisbon. The tiled walls inside and the so very cute tiled blue tables add to the atmosphere. There glass displays are so inviting and you can choose from many delicious options that include salted caramel donuts filled with that wondrous custard. Nutella tarts are also an option here.

Sweet Belem Cake Boutique serves Portuguese tarts that are renowned in Sydney for being the best. Having tried them – we can clearly see why! Earlier this year we visited Lisbon Portugal and were very fortunate to try the Portuguese tarts from Pasteis de Belem. Boy oh Boy these ones at Sweet Belem were simply AMAZING too!!!

The Portuguese tarts from Sweet Belem Cake Boutique are as good as those from Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon Portugal. The pastry is crispy and flaky. The yummy inside is creamy and delicious and they're slightly browned on top – just right. The dusting of cinnamon completes it. They truly are mouth-watering and so very light – that you can eat a couple in one sitting. The Portuguese tarts are all handcrafted and are made with pride and passion.

Not only can you enjoy a Portuguese tart but you can also enjoy many other delectable treats.

We tried the waterbread which was so soft and moist  on the inside with a nice crunchy top – although not too crunchy - which gave it a good balance. Some breads can be quite crunchy which can be a bit hard on the teeth – this was not the case here.

We also tried a chocoholic’s dream which was absolutely lovely. It had a gooey type centre with an amazing chocolate top that simply gave it fudge like type of sensation when you ate it. This was pure decadence. Next we tried a baked chocolate tart. Now this really was sensational. The crispness of the top as you bit into it revealing the luxurious velvety centre. The two different textures complimented one another so well. It is not a heavy tart which is what you don’t want and this tart was also a chocoholic’s dream. This place truly is pure heaven.

Also the coffee here is good. Mlady’s half strength Soy cappuccino and Sir’s skim flat white went down a treat with these fabulous treats.

We would like to say a special thank you to Chef Jose Silva for taking time out from his busy schedule to sit and talk to us about the wonderful history of Sweet Belem Cake Boutique, for showing and explaining how these amazing Portuguese tarts are created and for also sharing with us his next vision.

We thought we'd leave you with some pictures of just a few of the delicious treats available at Sweet Belem.

Sir and Mlady dined as guests of Sweet Belem.

MAJESTIC GOURMET GROCERS/MAJESTIC HARVEST RESTAURANT - PETERSHAM, SYDNEY

Majestic Gourmet Grocers
Majestic Harvest Restaurant
49 New Canterbury Rd
Petersham, Sydney

Majestic Gourmet Grocers and Majestic Harvest Restaurant is situated in a heritage listed building in Petersham, that had originally opened way back in the 1920s.

In its past incarnations it was a cinema, a nightclub and even a roller skating rink.

The current owners, Warren Landsman, Carlos Ascencao and Tim & Cheryl Reen have transformed the building to its former glory.

This even includes keeping the art deco exterior and restoring the terrazzo at the building’s entrance.

The visitor is easily transported back to the days of old.

Upon entering the building, you are welcomed by the spectacular colours from the abundance of flowers sprawling through the grand foyer.

The European-style market is complete with its own florist, deli, baker, fishmonger and fresh fruit and vegetables.

It also has a wine bar opening in the near future.

Majestic Harvest Restaurant offers an array of breakfast and lunch items sourced from fresh Australian seasonal produce from Sydney’s markets.

Our food feast today began with us sampling a mandarin, turmeric, ginger and lime juice which was so refreshing and light.

All juices are cold pressed to order in house and the combinations are endless. We also tried an apricot and earl grey tea, also made in house and well worth trying.

First item on the menu was a Salumi Board that included meats, cheese, pickles and slices of freshly baked bread.

It was all really well displayed and great to graze on.

Our next dish was Zucchini flowers with ricotta cheese, pine nuts, basil, burnt butter, muscatel and lemon. The ricotta filling was so creamy and delicate that we found it difficult to stop at two …. At this point, we were served some melt in your mouth yellow fin tuna and salmon sashimi, courtesy of in house fishmongers Victor and Sam (the fish man).

Next up we were served the Salt, Rosemary and Lemon Squid – cooked to perfection.

And then our fishmongers presented us with another sampling, this time it was lightly battered pieces of flathead with a tangy and tasty aioli.

What a start to our feasting!

Wow, all of this and we hadn’t tried the breakfast menu yet. First up with had a dish called The Vege Patch, an earthy and aromatic serving of fresh produce, very wholesome and tasty, consisting of quinoa, chickpea and sweet potato slab with asparagus, field mushrooms, poached egg and truffle salsa verde. And then, The Majestic, the signature breakfast dish – three eggs, Serrano ham, black pudding, baked beans, spinach kale and wholegrain toast. A hearty offering of the perfect breakfast with a difference for the brunch inclined.

Okay, on to lunch now…. yes, seriously, lunch -  it was such a big foodfest!

We had two pasta dishes that were both delicious. Pasta is so good for lunch isn't it?

The first was a tasty Pappardelle with Meatballs in a rich tomato sauce.

The other was a lovely Potato Gnocchi with burnt sage butter and gorgonzola.

We finished off our brunch feast with an absolute favourite of ours - Portuguese tarts.

These were delivered the way we've always dreamed about - fresh from the bakery.

We also had a couple of delicious cups of sticky chai to sip on.

This fragrant and spicy tea goes so well with meals or just as a substitute for a coffee sometimes!

Oh, and let’s not forget the Gourmet milkshake ….. with a rich dark Belgian chocolate ganache, which is coincidentally made in-house. 

Milkshake connoisseurs should take note, this one drink that is not to be missed!

We love our milkshakes and this certainly was a great one.

A stroll through the marketplace and you'll be in gourmet heaven. Everything you need to create your own gourmet feast is available - pears from the fresh produce section, prawns from the seafood counter that is sourced daily from the market, polenta, passata di pomedoro, pasta, pancetta, parma, parmesan, pulses, pickles and freshly baked bread. 

Majestic Harvest Restaurant is currently open for breakfast and lunch, with the menu portraying what is offered in the market stalls there. The ambiance in the restaurant and the vibes from the staff are truly energetic, making this venue an attractive must for gourmet lovers.

Two Contessa's, who are doing reviews for Sir and Mlady Dine Out, dined as guests of Majestic. Big thanks also to Katie Stow of Wasamedia for arranging this visit.