Pure Bronte Pistachio, Bronte Beach

Have stumbled upon a winner, Pure Bronte Pistachio, a newbie on the cafe strip at Bronte beach.

Strange name but dig a little and you find out this cafe is also a gelato bar named in honour of a town called Bronte in Italy that revels in it's biannual pistachio harvest. Low and behold a lovely gelato fridge with flavours such as Blood Orange and Piemontese Hazelnut. On checking their website I found they offer kids in uniform two scoops for the price of one!

Tastefully decorated with fresh bright colours, this cafe has the best views of the beach on the strip. It is totally open to the street front and raised up to a decent height so that passing cars are inconsequential to the view.

But the food and drink is what makes or breaks a place and this cafe is a breath of sea air on a strip of mediocre cafes. We sampled the spelt fruit toast with honey and vanilla spiced ricotta and the bacon and egg roll with home made tomato chutney. Both were great however Paul thought the chutney a little sweet and would have preferred HP sauce....

The menu boasts gluten free options, organic beef and free range chicken. Burgers seem to be a specialty - something to try next time.

The coffee was excellent - a blend called Virtigo (see website for roasting details!). I enjoyed a great iced coffee. First sip was typical smooth espresso and by the end was beautifully enhanced the dollop of home made vanilla gelato.

Stella had a babycino with a difference - the marshmallow came toasted. Great idea but not very sensible putting it on a sharp souvlaki stick!

The cafe has a high chair and plenty of outdoor tables. We sat indoors on the real 'high chairs' to enjoy the view.

I noted the fridge did a nice range of beers for anyone wanting a cool one with their burger; Peroni, Corona, Cascade and Pure Blonde to be exact.

Service was swift and friendly and I noticed the place was constantly being wiped down (perhaps to keep away the flies?!). Full marks for bringing a bottle of water to the table as soon as we sat down.

Will be heading back here soon to sample the Pure Bronte Pistachio.

www.purebrontepistachio.com.au/

285A Crown Street, The Winery & Pieno Cafe

This new complex on Crown Street is an impressive space. You can indulge in a little gourmet food shopping at Thomas Dux Grocer (Stella loved the long ramp) or check out Sam the Butcher's ode to organic meat at his new flagship store.

The Winery by Gazebo is as gorgeous as touted with eclectic decor, a jungle wall, flamingos, cool music and an upstairs salon which would be perfect for a private party. It has a cool outside area which would be great for letting the kids run wild. I recommend sticking to a glass of wine and a bit of cheese though as the food sampled when I went with a big group was not very good.

The Winery does keep child friendly hours opening from 12pm during the week and 3pm on weekends. Not sure if they have high chairs. www.thewinerybygazebo.com.au

We did enjoy a breakfast at Pieno cafe next door where they do have high chairs. Italian inspired cafe fare with breakfast panini with prosciutto and provolone etc Of course I couldn't go past trying the Blueberry Gridle Cakes. They were good but a bit too 'cakey' for me - I prefer hotcakes.

The coffee was excellent; a Melbourne roast called 'Five Senses'. The Babycino needs some work - more suited to a 6 year old; all hot milk in a glass.

Plenty of space for prams and high chairs provided. Open 9am - 5pm.

Parking in this area is tricky but not impossible.

This blog has pics of menu and good pics of Pieno: http://simonfoodfavourites.blogspot.com/2009/09/pieno-breakfast-surry-hills-5-september.html

285A Crown Street Surry Hills

Clodeli, Clovelly

It's taken me a while to write our local up. Perhaps because I take it for granted. Clodeli is an excellent cafe cum deli just down the road from us. We've been calling in for coffee and treats since Stella was just a few days old.

It's buzzy, light and airy, and very child friendly. They have a stack of high chairs and kids and their families are probably 60% of the clientele. There is ample space for prams outside, and inside if it's not too busy.

The Allpress coffee is expertly extracted and the babycinos are spot on with just the right amount of froth and warm milk. If you've had too many shots for the day, I can recommend the chai - it's real, served in a teapot with honey.

The food is thoughtfully prepared and fresh. The breakfast/brunch menu is broad and interesting with dishes such as Greek inspired home baked giant beans and goats curd, buttermilk hotcakes with banana, walnuts and maple syrup, and a breakfast tagine. The lunchtime mezze plate (vegie and meat options) is a generous selection of goodies from the deli.

There is a cake cabinet in which the star attraction is the decadent and addictive chocolate cheesecake brownie.

One wall of Clodeli is dedicated to stocks of gourmet goodies from olive oil and paprika to muesli and Pat and Stick's ice cream. There is a selection of organic babyfood if you're caught short.

Although there is no play area, there are a few books and toy, and paper and pencils are available. The toilet is large and equipped with a good change table.

The staff and owner obviously like children and aren't at all phased by the number of babies and toddlers and their accompanying paraphenalia who pile in every day. Clodeli often looks hectic but you never have to wait long for a table. Parking might be an issue for anyone needing to drive - try our street just opposite.

Clodeli Fine Foods www.clodeli.com

210 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Open seven days til about 5.