Adrian Zumbo Patisserie
I had an early appointment this morning, so only managed a few bites of a small apple for breakfast as I dashed out the door. When the meeting was over and I was driving home, I remembered a Patisserie I’d been meaning to investigate, so I turned into Darling Street, Rozelle and ducked down a side street, hoping my memory would serve me correctly … and it did – there was Adrian Zumbo Patisserie.
The Adrian Zumbo Patisserie is on a corner behind Darling Street, in an inner west Sydney suburb called Rozelle. Unprepossessing from the outside, it was a yummy nose-tingling aromatic adventure once I stepped inside the door.
In the glass counter I could see perfect rows of beautifully coloured French-inspired macaroons, a veritable rainbow with flavours like: Milk With Tea, Sticky Date Pudding and even Chocolate Coated.
On the counter top were gorgeous little clear boxes filled with a variety of heart-shaped macaroons, tempting me as they sparkled in the morning light. Sam, the Barista, told me they will last for approximately 4 days if kept in the fridge, so not to buy them till ready to give as a gift or eat.
While Sam made me my first Adrian Zumbo latte, I took in the decor – not really a café where one can sit at a table and relax, but there is a bright red counter-top below plate glass windows looking into the kitchen where a multitude of chefs prepared all these yummy delicacies.
A tall baking stand on wheels was propped by the counter tip and was filled with all the well-known French pastries, and then some :-)
I opted for the Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissant) and a plain Croissant, which were served on a little wooden chopping board. When the latte arrived, it was sheer bliss – strong enough, creamy enough, crema perfect, design on top GORGEOUS … and the taste-test proved that this was an excellent latte, made by an excellent Barista – Sam – who obviously loves his job and makes his coffees with all the due care and respect they deserve.
Adrian Zumbo Patisserie: Update February 2012
I’ve been back to Adrian Zumbo Patisserie several times since this first visit, and each visit is less than rewarding. The croissants have been second rate, and very disappointing. No tell-tale crunchiness (which I equate to freshness, although I’m sure these are baked the same day) – there’s something missing – could it be the skilled hands of crafted patissieres? I’m not sure what it is, but on opening the bag on arrival at home and eating the croissants with my own home-made latte, I feel sad and wistful as though I expect too much. But no. This patissiere has a well-known reputation. Something’s not quite right, and the quality of the croissants has been suffering for some time.
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