85 Degrees of Sweetness

So picture this. Chilly afternoon (and ironically it’s springtime) and my train from Parramatta station is delayed. With thirty minutes left to go I decide to take a quick stroll through to the shops to pick up something for tea. It’s nearing three o’clock and I hungrily gaze through the windows of a variety of cafe’s and eateries in Westfield. A wonderful array of cakes and pastries await me as I pass by 85 degrees.

This tiny stall is nestled on the corner of the Easy Way drink stand and sports a dazzling display of its little treasures. From Cheesecake to pastry, even Crème Brûlée, all individually sliced or portioned and ready for the hungry passerby.

It was established by a couple of businessmen whom upon entering the tea-room of a five-star hotel, saw an exquisite range of treats on display and decided that such luxuries should be available to all! So with this in mind how could I possibly resist?

The first thing you notice is the strict attention to detail, in that each and every piece is the exact same as the one next to it. And they don’t skimp on the decorative touches. Perfect chocolate curls sit atop inviting sponges, while colourful little fruit tarts sit smartly, shining with the colours of the rainbow.

The Mango Panna Cotta immediately catches my eye. Neatly presented in a white, plastic ramekin, the dessert features vibrant mango gel layer that sits atop creamy vanilla bean custard. Those intricate chocolate shards make another appearance and are balanced with a rosette of cream and a strawberry. The mango is slightly sour but goes well with the dreamy pudding.

The Tiramisu slice on the other hand is rich and fluffy. Evenly layered sponge fingers sit between lashings of an airy cream that is perfectly sweet and balances the richness of the coffee soaked biscuits. The only downside was that the coffee flavour could have been stronger.

A must is their signature Crème Brûlée with golden toffee crust. Or why not order one of their larger cakes for your next party. With so much to choose from I definitely want to return one more. Maybe my train will be delayed the next time I’m in Parramatta?

Locations:

Parramatta - Shop 1142A, Level 1 Westfield Parramatta, 159-175 Church Street, Paramatta, NSW, 2150 (02) 9635 3385

City - 551 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9264 8585

Brendon D'Souza a.k.a. The Smiling Chef