[REVIEW] The Paddock Bakery

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….so we began our lunch date at the park (refer back to the opening paragraph). A four minute drive from The Paddock Bakery it was the ideal place for a quick run around and a guaranteed appetite enhancer.

We rocked up on a Tuesday and it was busy. This is clearly a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike. However, we managed to bag ourselves a pretty perfect spot outside under the shade of a tree and with enough space to park the pram. Once we got ourselves settled I gathered rather quickly that I had to order and pay at the counter. Not such an easy task when you’re solo parenting with two under two. When I flagged this with one of the waitresses she was more than happy to throw the rule book out of the window. As well as taking my order at the table she also put my payment through so that once we were finished I could make a quick exit should I encounter any last minute toddler tantrums.

After our sweaty sesh at the park it was juice and iced coffee all round. And of course Valentina decided she wanted the coffee (my much needed, much earned, much deserved coffee). Luckily we were able to come to a happy agreement and if I gave her my straw I could keep my coffee. Looking at the photos above she clearly thought she got the better end of the deal. So as I knocked back my caffeine hit she gulped down her Pink Passion juice of watermelon, strawberry and passionfruit. Everyone’s a winner.

“Ladies who LUNCH.”

Now time to fill those hungry tummies. I couldn’t go past the dippy eggs for Valentina. Not only was it a sure fire child friendly meal, it’s one of the dishes the restaurant is most well known for. Valentina loved dipping her sticky fingers into all the different compartments and discovering all the yummy flavours including bacon bits, avocado and labne. It also came rather adorably presented in an egg carton which is a great way to reuse the old boxes.

My meal choice was made in a slight moment of panic as Valentina was getting close to hitting breaking point already. I needed to get that order in ASAP and with purple toast being the most interesting name on the menu that was my decision made. I can’t recall even reading the description. Luckily it was absolutely delicious. A thick layer of roasted beetroot and za’atar puree topped with goats milk feta and honey roasted walnuts. I loved the pop of sweetness from the walnuts and the intense hit of fresh rosemary. As per usual Siddy decided she wanted to eat at exactly the same time as our food arrived. Thankfully, after a quick slice and dice, I was able to cradle Siddy in one hand whilst guzzling down this delicacy with the other. Another balancing act that I’m certain most mamas are highly well trained in.

I knew it was about time to leave when Valentina began undressing herself and smooshing avocado all over her body. It was however at this point that Siddy decided she wanted to go for round number two. Therefore, my only option was to let Valentina continue her all natural body mask as it was probably the only way I’d squeeze in two minutes of feeding time before the novelty of it wore off.

My purple toast was pretty bloody filling but I couldn’t leave without trying some of their freshly baked treats, so I bought myself a little goodie bag to take home and enjoy later with a cup of tea. In fact, I’m devouring them both right now as I write this post. I asked which were their most popular and I was directed towards the cookies and donuts. I happily obliged. The waitress recommended the espresso martini donut but knowing that Valentina would more than likely want to share in the sugary scrumptiousness I wasn’t sure that would be completely responsible parenting so I opted for the creme brûlée flavour alongside the Reeces peanut butter cookie. The donut was good but holy moly that cookie was on another level. Easily one of the best cookies I’ve ever had and an absolute must for all die hard peanut butter fans.

Loved my lunch date with my two little ladies. It had it’s obvious challenges and there were moments when I thought to myself, why the bloody hell did I think this was a good idea. Then I’d look over at Valentina’s red stained juice lips and avocado smeared nipples and I’d look down at Siddy’s little adoring milk drunk smile and realise, that’s why.

Mini Appetite Rating

Pros:

• The waitress was very accommodating and took our order at the table instead of making me line up to order at the counter with two kids in tow.

• Plenty of highchairs and indoor seating for those uncomfortably hot days.

• There is a dedicated car park so if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot then it means no long treks from a far away street park.

• Baby change table facilities located in the disabled toilet.

Cons:

• There’s no specific children/small meals so you need to either share with your little ones or order adult sized portions and hope they’ve got an appetite.

Website: www.paddockbakery.com

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What I'm Wearing
Shirt: Glassons

What Valentina’s Wearing
Overalls: Bonds // Hairband: Kmart // Sneakers: Target