Monthly Archives: May 2011

Bánh Mì at Xcel Roll, Parramatta

Pork Bánh Mì – $5

Recently at work I got in the lift with two ladies, one of whom was about to partake in her first ever “Pork Roll” (Australianism of bánh mì).

“Everybody gets them.  They must be really good.” she said to her friend. “I just don’t know how I feel about the coriander.”

Oh my friend, if you knew about the pink mystery meat and liver pate, that coriander would be the least of your worries.

If you’re in Parramatta around lunchtime, check out Xcel Roll, the local business district favourite – great selection, fresh viet rolls made on site, amazingly friendly service.

Xcel Roll
52 Macquarie Street
Parramatta 2150
(02) 9891 9180

Xcel Roll on Urbanspoon

Circa, 21 Wentworth St (Take Two)

I apologize if I spam up Twitter about this place — above average food & coffee out West is not always easy to find!

(First – how is everyone?? I’ve been silent here — mostly due to a house move, and I’m currently in exile until the tenant of my new home moves out!  Catching up on all social media is overwhelming when you’re between places livin’ out of a suitcase!)

The owner of Circa is of Turkish background and is slowly expanding the menu to include more exotic items — a slow stretch to help ease this Locale into culinary delight past banana bread & toasties. 
 
One of these menu items is the Baked Eggs with Sucuk & Feta (not pictured, sorry) — a delicious middle eastern breakfast dish of perfectly cooked eggs, tomatoes, herbs, fetta and “sucuk” — a warming, spicy beef sausage, perfect for Autum and Winter mornings.

The Banana Bread w/ Passionfruit Butter is a must-try.  Warm, buttery banana bread, toasted and topped with a delicious lemon and passionfruit reduction.  The reduction is house made by the owner; sticky, sweet and sour with tons of texture and crunch from the little passionfruit seeds.
 Banana Bread w/ Passionfruit Butter — $5 

Circa does fine coffee: I’m always pleased with their espressos or double rissies, and the espresso & milk drinks have a smooth, fruity finish while retaining the sour “pucker” feel of the extraction.  Circa cycles through different single origin grinds, most hailing from South America — just check their menu board on the day.

Cappuccino — $3.5 

Double Ristretto 

People who work outside Parramatta will be happy to know Circa is open for breakfast/brunch on Saturday mornings now.  Stop by to show them some love.


Circa on Urbanspoon