Growing the empire

Late in 2007, Mr LP took his new fiancée, being me, to the top of a hill in Sydney that I’d never seen before. He thought I might like the Tea Rooms at The Gunners’ Barracks as a possible wedding venue. He was right, of course. The view across the harbour was breathtaking.

It is just as beautiful from the bottom of the hill at Chowder Bay, where we stopped for a coffee at Bacino Bar afterwards to discuss our plans. A short stroll away, past the historical sandstone buildings of the navy base, down the old steps past Ripples restaurant, is Bacino’s little sister kiosk, perched on a rock above the bay at Clifton Gardens.

In summer, with its deck chairs and sun umbrellas fanned out across the rock, it looks like a scene straight out of Positano.


Mr LP and I eventually chose to tie the knot in the Hunter Valley. But in a strange twist of fate, I am now supplying Little Pudding cakes to that very same Bacino and its funky beachside kiosk.

Which means I get to visit this very beautiful corner of Sydney every week :) And occasionally indulge in their damn fine breakfast panini!

I should also mention that Little Pudding goodies can now be found at Biroska Brazil, the charming old-world cafe tucked away inside the Sydney Antique Centre in Surry Hills.

Every time I deliver there I am dazzled by the gorgeous displays and the sheer range of incredible stuff for sale – from 50’s vintage Mad Men dresses, to old signs, tables, glassware, cabinets, crockery, artworks, cushions,... *takes breath*

I haven’t let myself have a decent look around. I’d be in there for days. Search parties would be needed. And that wouldn’t do, because things are a tad busy around here!

And where are these lovely cafs??

• Bacino Bar Chowder Bay – Building 14, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW, Ph: 02 9460 4566
• Bacino Kiosk Clifton Gardens - Clifton Gardens Beach Walkway, Clifton Gardens NSW
• Biroska Brazil - Upstairs inside the Sydney Antique Centre, 531 South Dowling St, Surry Hills NSW

Larissa x