Sparrow Cafe

Welcome to bland city: population Burger Special. At least I ordered the chicken and avo sambo which was largely average, but I felt so bad for Bdub and his “tasty beef and pork patty” with extra thick slices of beetroot and tomato, we wound up sharing.

Food sads are the worst kind of sads.

Quite simply the core reason for visiting Crows Nest. Whatever restaurant or cafe you’re visiting, leave without dessert and stroll down to Sparrow. The gelato is superb. If you are lucky, they’ll be hosting one of their unusual specialties, such as gin and tonic sorbet, coconut, ginger and chili ice cream or Mexicali chocolate. Even if they only have the more standard fare in stock, you’re in for a treat.

The portions are generous which, given the quality, is most welcome, if threatening to the waistline. The staff are friendly and witty, being more than willing to let you try numerous taste tests before deciding on which one best suits your fancy. They will even compliment you if the two flavours you order complement each other.

Beyond the ice cream (which is the reason to visit), they also offer a wide range of coffee, cakes, pastries and more savoury options, all of which have been delicious when I’ve strayed from the gelato lined path. They might not be my go to place for good coffee in Crows Nest, but they run it a close second.

Always worth a visit, especially with kids in tow. Grab a blanket from the conveniently placed unit by the ice-cream bar and sit out on the grass in the sun. If the kids polish off the gelato before you do, they can run the sugar off and/or, if you’re less lucky, get wet in the nearby water feature.

Oh my, the gelato here is so good. Why go East and wait in line for Messina when you can go here?

Flavours I have dreams about:
– Salted caramel
– Coconut pandan

Strange but surprisingly pleasant flavours:
– Banana vegemite
– Balsamic vinegar and strawberry

While service is fast, there a few tables. It is nice to get food and sit on the grass, but to be honest, I find I can easily get much better food in same area and eat that right outside.
On the three occasions I’ve attempted to dine there:
1. I couldn’t find anything on the menu that tempted me that day (happens a lot)
2. ordered a sandwhich, which was ok, but for the price, was well below par; my friend had a slice of quiche and while, again nice, over priced and the base was soggy.
3. I met a friend there, who had already been served a sandwich and as soon as I arrived she asked me, did i think this was ok? and no- the meat on the sandwich smelt very questionable to me. she returned it (staff we very polite and quickly gave her a refund, but didn’t check the other sandwiches in the display)

And we haven’t been back since.

‘Pass me the Sensodyne’, I yelled. ‘I’m a goin’ in!’

Contrary to popular opinion winter solstice is the perfect time to thrust oneself into the dark night in search of icy treats. My son left with a classic raspberry gelato the size of his head. His choice was far easier than mine. I deliberated long and eventually plumped for an Apple Pie piccolo before justifying my wussy portion size by stating ‘I don’t want to ruin dinner’. Well guess what I did ruin dinner. In fact I ruined sleep that night too. My mouth talked to me in the still of night. ‘Go’. It said. I know where it wanted me to go and still does. Until all have been tried all 30 flavours I shall not rest. Think of me…